tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72961600949155901102024-03-14T04:24:55.681-04:00Bandannas and ClothShe is clothed with strength and dignity...
Proverbs 31:25Patty Hatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037503136348728315noreply@blogger.comBlogger158125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7296160094915590110.post-85993396826841659942014-02-26T20:23:00.000-05:002014-02-26T20:23:01.801-05:00Corn CropBack in the fall, I talked with my farmer friend, Arthur Black. I asked him about corn. And planting. I asked specifically what type of corn he grew, because I knew he paid an awful lot for seed. And GMO seed is supposedly very expensive. And so, I was thinking that maybe that was what he was buying and therefore what I was eating.<br />
<br />
Now, the thing about GMO is that it makes a bigger, prettier, bug free crop. But farmers are paying a premium price to grow that seed and the company that produces that seed is making a ton of money and then suing farmers if they save seed from year to year or if their crop cross pollinates in the wind and they didn't pay the company for that other seed in that other field. And I am eating something very pretty that is costing the farmer and that bugs won't touch. <br />
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Hmmm.<br />
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I have this thing about my food. I like it to be natural. I have this funny quirk where I feel that back when plants were rotated and crops were grown using last year's seed harvest and nature seemed to do its rhythm thing and there was a dance between the farmer and nature and the growing process that food was better. Maybe it is silly of me. Maybe I have developed some type of nostalgia for a life I know very little about. But I like knowing about my food. And I like to think that if I harvest seeds from my hobby garden, then certainly the farmer should be able to harvest seed too.<br />
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This whole ethical conundrum I find myself a part of doesn't bother Arthur. He likes the GMO corn because it has its benefits, despite the cost and the company threats. <br />
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He actually has a farmer friend in Columbia, SC that recently paid that company several hundred thousand dollars for breaking the rules somehow. He either saved some extra seed or accidentally caused the wind to cross pollinate right before the company came to town. But either way, it was a big mistake. Not kidding.<br />
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Anyway....GMO corn produces twice as many husks per stalk and takes less water. It is bug resistant since it was genetically mixed with Roundup Ready at its conception in a lab. So while he pays more for seed, he spends less time and money watering and gets twice the yield without the concern about bugs. <br />
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Personally, I don't want to eat the margarine version of corn. Arthur and I have decided to accept our differences.<br />
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Instead, Arthur has even gone so far as to find me a friend of his that is interested in the hippie movement concerning food. He has helped us connect, gotten us set up with a basic growing agreement, helped me think through a co-op of sorts, and offered his farm store as our meeting place. Arthur has been a doll.<br />
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And Jodi is willing to grow me real corn. Not margarine corn. Real, Silver Queen, with a few worms and all.<br />
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I am thrilled!<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">The reason I am telling y'all this is because I am going to let you in on my corn crop. Honestly, I can't afford an entire corn crop without a community. So, for you locals and those close enough to make the drive for the fun of all this, here's the deal:</span></i><br />
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<b>One family/ share requires a $25 down payment by next Friday, March 7th.</b><br />
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<b>That gets you in on the deal and allows my farmer, Jodi to go get seed, etc.</b><br />
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<b>Once the harvest comes in, each family gets one tenth of a quarter acre. (It costs around $1000 to produce an acre of corn.) If I have an odd number of people, I will figure out the math to make it all fair in the end. Each family is required to buy their entire share of the corn crop. The corn crop will cost wholesale, or no more than $4 per dozen. </b><br />
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<b>One share will bring in about 10 to 20 dozen ears of corn. The big range has to do with the weather. </b><br />
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<b>So, each family/ share costs $25 down payment + $4 per dozen = Total ranging from $65 to $105 for the total share.</b><br />
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<b>The corn is to be picked up at Black's. This is <i>not organic corn</i>. For the farmer's peace of mind, he has the right the spray it around once a week. I will get a written agreement from each family outlining our deal so the family and the farmer feel good about this endeavor.</b><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">So, who's in?</span></i><br />
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<br />Patty Hatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037503136348728315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7296160094915590110.post-91145532407222513522013-10-03T21:36:00.000-04:002013-10-03T21:45:00.593-04:00October Dress Project - 2013Let's talk about yesterday. Yesterday was October 1st. Normal day.<br />
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Except that it was October 1st. The first day of the <a href="http://www.curatormagazine.com/talastrauss/the-dress-project/">October Dress Project</a> and I didn't have a dress. And I had promised to participate. Problem.<br />
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Also, I had agreed to let my oldest son go participate in a computer ministry at the church first thing in the morning and had forgotten to warn him. He wants to learn computers, so this would be fine if I had let him know more than five minutes before time to leave.<br />
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<i>Let's back up to three days earlier. I knew I had procrastinated to the last minute to make a dress for this project. So I went ahead and washed my fabric. Only, when I went to get the fabric from the washing machine, it had unraveled quite a bit. And shrunk. For the next three days I alternated between denial (easy given the weekend schedule of soccer) and contemplation about ways to make this work. </i><br />
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<i>I considered going to buy a dress, but that seemed wrong given the whole anti consumerism flavor of the month.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I considered doing Jen Hatmaker's <u>Seven</u> fast for clothing. That required WAY too many decisions.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Jeans?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Nope. Not a dress. I was mentally prepared for a dress.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Dress?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Nope. The ones in my closet are just too old. </i><br />
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So, here we are on day one at 9 am, my son is getting teary and yet unplugging the old computer to prepare to go walk into a church ministry I signed him up for and forgot to tell him about, and I need to get dressed....for the next thirty one days. Paralysis. Family breakdown. I blamed it all on Michael for talking with the head of the computer ministry. Smooth move on my part. We ended up not leaving home, and I ended up sitting in the fetal position in my closet in my pajamas. Key (the eleven year old) came to get me, helped me up off the floor, and told me to let it go. I assured him he was smart enough to learn how to scrub computers by simply watching YouTube. See how supportive I am?<br />
<br />
The above ridiculousness is why I need this month. Focusing has been difficult lately. Homeschool, soccer, church, meat orders, corn planting, food preservation, Historic Brattonsville, pottery classes, boys' club, art club, MNO, etc. I feel pulled in too many directions. Too many choices. Unsettled. Not focused.<br />
<br />
So this month clothing decisions are simplified and I am making a conscious decision to prioritize. I do know homeschool comes first. It is simply our way of life. Homeschool chaos means our whole life is thrown into chaos. So homeschool must be first in line. Period. <br />
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Church, soccer, Historic Brattonsville, and nutrition are all important to us. Lots of times those main events collide. We need to look at that issue.<br />
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Me. I want to work from home and I have been writing for an online news site which doesn't actually pay me after all. I mean they would if I convinced everybody I know to go like me several times a day for the next six months, but otherwise, nope. No pay. I have looked into bidding for jobs, but I am not sure I need to be focusing on that right now. I thought about starting this sewing gig I have wanted to do for years. I watch my friend, <a href="http://www.alliemacdesign.com/">Allie Mac</a>, get her fashion on and feel lots proud for her and a little jealous for me. But if I really am honest with myself, my heart isn't there like it used to be. I love food. Whole food. Healthy food. And the farms they come from. But is that a place to start a career? Clueless. Letting God deal with that one. So this month this is yet one more place that needs me to focus.<br />
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God. Church. Prayer time. Sunday school. All sadly lacking in my daily routine lately.<br />
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Hence my October Dress Project = Focus.<br />
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So.....back to me on the floor of my closet.....Did I ever get dressed?<br />
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I did....eventually. I chose jeans and a white tank top because I own two identical tank tops. The main challenge is not the tank tops. It is wearing the same pair of pants for a month. Did I mention I forgot they don't have any pockets? I was so relieved to make a decision, I forgot that detail.<br />
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Maybe I will make a tunic covered in pockets....and homeschool....we need to get in homeschool...........<br />
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<br />Patty Hatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037503136348728315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7296160094915590110.post-86984499954519956152013-09-14T23:42:00.002-04:002013-09-14T23:54:55.548-04:00One Dress? What?A couple of years ago some women from my church, my old church to be exact, decided to do the whole <a href="http://octoberdressproject.blogspot.com/p/about-and-faqs.html">one dress campaign</a>. I wanted to be involved. But I had just moved away. And I was too crazy busy functioning on my new life in a new place and Way Too Lonely to go about self introspection on my own while my friends did it together. Nope. Just not a possibility. <br />
<br />
Then last year I thought about the whole 1 dress campaign again. <br />
For various reasons.<br />
One is because I want to start a sewing business....in theory. <br />
Really I want to make clothes for me and a girl I do. not. have. <br />
And I want to make clothing for third world boys. <br />
Seriously with the pilowcase dresses saving the world. What about the boys?!?!?<br />
Another because I like challenges. <br />
And, HELLO, most people in the world do. not. have.<b> <i>a walk in closet</i>.</b> full. of. clothes.<br />
Seriously. What would it be like to own one dress?<br />
Hence the "to connect with me" reason. <br />
And to find camaraderie with my old church girlfriends. <br />
And because I like challenges. Did I say that? <br />
Also. No biggie. I want. A. Girl. (Can you tell I have boys?)<br />
<br />
But, alas, I had just started homeschooling and was already on a crazy train and just did not think the idea of wearing the same thing every. day. for. a. whole. month. while. teaching. my. OWN. CHILDREN. was a good idea and so, again, I focused elsewhere.<br />
<br />
So here we are.<br />
<br />
The One Dress Campaign is for the month of October and THIS YEAR I AM READY. I live in a home I am not leaving in the foreseeable future. I have homeschooling down to a science (not really but let's pretend). I have hit a good stride in my hippie phase. I am canning on a regular basis and even know what a scoby is. I. AM. READY.<br />
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Here's the thing. I don't know why I am doing it, except that I feel a desire to connect with God. I think I am fairly simple in my desires and yet the moment I start a budget I feel the need to go buy something. And what that tells me is I am not simple. Humble. Satisfied in my abundant blessings. <br />
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Yes. This year I am ready. It is time. <br />
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Because I am at a place where I am willing to learn a bit about myself in a way that I have never tried before.<br />
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<i><b>Truth?</b></i><br />
<br />
I may not make it.<br />
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I am not promising to go for the whole month. <br />
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What I am promising is that I will try....<br />
and I will struggle....<br />
and I will learn....<br />
and I will share.<br />
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So for those utterly confused at this point, <br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="http://octoberdressproject.blogspot.com/p/about-and-faqs.html">October Dress Project (The Original:))</a></span></span><br />
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P.S. Now to pick the dress. Fifteen days and counting.....<br />
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<br />Patty Hatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037503136348728315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7296160094915590110.post-11098002883094996432013-08-01T09:57:00.000-04:002013-08-01T09:57:20.973-04:00Green BeansFamily Promise is a non profit, ecumenical organization that helps homeless families get out of their cars, off the streets, and into a warm, safe place while they receive a bit of nurturing and guidance. The participating families stay with the program around twelve weeks, where they are then assisted into a permanent residence. Family Promise provides hope. It also provides a unique opportunity for volunteers to connect with people from all over the community and societal ladder in a way which breaks down barriers and builds relationship - food at the family table. <br />
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The other night the latest rotation needed green beans prepared for twenty five people. For a small gathering, the local farms are the perfect source for fresh green beans this time of year. But for a large party, frozen green beans work just as well. Check ingredients to make sure the only one listed is green beans. No chemicals are needed in preserving frozen vegetables.<br />
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<h4>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Green Beans</span></b> (Serves 8 to 10 or one certain family of four that eats them like candy....)</h4>
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2 lbs fresh, snapped beans or one 2 lb bag, frozen<br />
4 cups chicken broth<br />
1/3 cup organic soy sauce (Trader Joe's version is also fine. Organic is for those grabbing some at an area grocer.)<br />
1/4 cup organic raw sugar (May substitute raw honey)<br />
2 Tsp kosher or sea salt<br />
1 Tsp fresh ground pepper<br />
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Place green beans in large pot. Pour in broth and add water to cover beans with liquid. Add additional ingredients. Stir until mixed. Bring to boil. Allow to boil for a couple minutes before simmering. Cook until desired softness, longer for fresh beans. Use slotted spoon to serve. Broth may be saved for future dishes. Rice is yummy cooked using the left over broth instead of water.<br />
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***Ingredients for dish were purchased at BiLo in York. On hand items came from monthly trips to Trader Joe's or from the York BiLo. Walmart may also sell many of these ingredients.***<br />
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<br />Patty Hatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037503136348728315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7296160094915590110.post-79847471967588553242013-07-27T15:25:00.000-04:002013-07-27T15:25:27.444-04:00A brief history of why we eat the way we do.....I have to feed two boys, a husband, myself, and a dog every day. More than once. And as much as I give them, they tend to keep coming back. (Sort of like the alligator that my father in law threw a chicken neck to - to make him go away - it didn't work....)<br />
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Back when Michael and I first got married, we ate very well, though there was not what I would call a movement around what we did. We loved the weird, healthy stuff, like tabouli and couscous. Michael had lived in Japan after college and had gotten used to eating unusual dishes, fresh from wherever. My Dad had made the odd things for me growing up while my Mom taught me how to make the more traditional, practical dishes for day to day family cooking. So Michael and I always ate well, no matter which one of us fixed the food. <br />
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Another element to our food choices has always been that Michael has type 1 diabetes, and his mother read lots and lots of labels and measured lots and lots of food to make sure her baby boy grew up well. So when we got serious, she did too, making sure I knew what Michael needed .... and what he did not need. The Japanese diet he ate while overseas was actually a great one all around. Good for him, yummy for me. We tended to fall back on fish and rice and greens a lot early on. When there have been times in our marriage where his diet has needed adjustments, it has thrown me into a tail spin for at least three weeks. I have to go back to reading labels, which makes grocery trips long ordeals, until I settle into our new routine. Honestly, <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I cannot remember really reading a food label - ever - until I had to cook for Michael.</span><br />
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Early in our marriage our first boy came along. I made his baby food from scratch out of leftovers because it seemed like the thing to do. My friends called me hippie. When our second child came along, I did the same thing. Between both boys, they have eaten exactly one jar of baby food. It was at Jeannie Simmon's house in Aiken. It was organic and orange colored. I do not know why my brain has chosen to use up space remembering this. She had it left over because her kids hated it. Mine didn't know better.<br />
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Shortly after the second child, I developed gastroparesis and I was sick. For a year and a half. Our hippie food gave way to whatever I could boil quickly to get the people fed. End of story.<br />
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When I was finally well, what I could digest had changed dramatically and it did not match Michael's diabetes and that made every meal complicated. We handled it okay for awhile, but it was at this time I began paying closer attention to the details on all those pesky little labels....not the sodium content or the grams of sugar, but the actual ingredients.<br />
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So here we are....six years later..... we eat whole foods, together, and we can all handle them. I digest them. Michael controls sugars with them. The kids eat them. They make sense and they have brought our family back on common ground. <br />
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<br />Patty Hatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037503136348728315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7296160094915590110.post-46916707394186641522013-07-09T13:40:00.000-04:002013-07-09T13:47:50.485-04:00Peach Jam RecipeI am going to make peach jam. I have to make peach jam. I have peaches still frozen from last year in the freezer, freshly picked peaches in the refrigerator, and no chicken broth. I need to cook a chicken so that I can make my own stock. But I don't have room in the freezer to store the stock because I have been collecting and freezing freshly picked fruit like any good foodie hoarder would do living five minutes from a plethora of pick your own farms. <br />
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So to make room for chicken stock, I must make peach jam.<br />
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And because I am not completely staisfied with any recipes I see, I am going to make up my own. <br />
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Two, actually.<br />
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Small batches, maybe. Maybe not.<br />
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These are the ingredients I am going to experiment with in large batch measurements, though I may halve these if I feel eight to ten jars of rosemary compote could be a bit excessive. Foodie hoarders, be proud.<br />
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10 to 11 cups of chopped peaches - The ones in my freezer still have skins, so I am going to use those for this particular batch, but skinning peaches is always a move in the positive direction.<br />
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6 cups organic, raw sugar<br />
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Two liquid packets or one box of liquid pectin - No judging, you whole food organic critics. I like to use my liquid pectin.<br />
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One lemon, juiced and zested<br />
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A good, healthy bunch of fresh rosemary twigs off the little plant on my front porch.<br />
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Cook down everything. Then add the pectin. Boil/ simmer for another fifteen minutes. - I read that you can add up to a half teaspoon of butter to reduce foaming, and I might try it if I remember. Add that before the pectin.<br />
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Put the whole cooked yumminess in your jars, stick a lid and screw on 'em, and boil the jars for fifteen minutes. I am sure the CDC would love it if I boiled them for twenty minutes, but I have never found it to be necessary to go that long.<br />
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For the second batch, I will do everything the same, but I will use half brown sugar, take out the rosemary and lemon and throw in a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a tiny half teaspoon of vanilla. <br />
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Mmm.<br />
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I'll let you know how this goes...<br />
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I am thinking the first recipe for meat and salmon, and the second for breakfast. <br />
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Wish me luck!<br />
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<br />Patty Hatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037503136348728315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7296160094915590110.post-2312630232549857582013-05-16T16:09:00.000-04:002013-05-16T16:10:00.917-04:00The Hatch Homeschool Diaries - Answering questions for the other 96.4% :))We are winding down here at the Hatch household. I am helping the boys complete lots of unfinished projects while looking ahead to next year.<br />
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Next year. And the year after and after and after that....<br />
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<em>You are going to really do it that long?</em></div>
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<em>Homeschool I mean. High school?</em></div>
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<em>Are you <strong>qualified!</strong>?! </em></div>
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<em>( I'll go ahead and get this one out of the way. Yes. Yes, I am qualified. And No. I do not have a degree in Physics.)</em></div>
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Questions. I get lots of questions.<br />
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<em>What time will you be done with your school? </em></div>
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<em>What subjects do you cover?</em></div>
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<em>What curriculum do you use?</em></div>
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<em>How can you handle teaching to two different levels at once?</em></div>
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<em>I could never do that...being with my kids all day.</em></div>
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<em>We don't work well together.</em></div>
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<em>How can you homeschool legally?</em></div>
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<em>Oh, you have a teaching degree...that is why it is OK for you to homeschool.</em></div>
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<em>How do you make sure your kids are socialized?</em></div>
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<em>Don't they miss seeing other people?</em></div>
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<em>Do they get to have many friends?</em></div>
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<em>I would hate having to stay home all day. I need to get out too badly.</em></div>
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<em>I just need My. Time.</em></div>
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<em>Well, I am sure you are doing a good job, but I am talking about the uneducated parents that homeschool. I mean, they are hurting their children.</em></div>
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Some of these questions are innocent enough, but some I feel the need to answer so that I may shed some light from a different perspective.<br />
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The problem in thinking that we do "school at home" is that most people remember having to sit at a desk for hours on end with various monotone teachers lecturing, occasionally throwing in a good one that made one subject come to life, filling out thousands of worksheets, and then doing this act of boredom for many years until one day we are declared graduated. And then taking that memory and relating it to my house and my dining room where I personally subject this system onto my children while never taking them out because "we homeschool". So then, of course it would stand to reason that corporate schooling whether it be public or private would look better. At school you at least had friends that sat in those desks next to you and that you could secretly talk to if you were careful. I mean, you got socialization, unlike that dining room table where it is only your little brother and his smelly farts.<br />
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Pause.<br />
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While some people do run homeschool as though it is school at home, very few of my friends subject their children to such torture. Homeschool at the Hatches and in many homes all across the country is actually taking place alongside the parents, with respect and patience for each other. Out in the open, at the grocery store and the local farms, and the park and the planetarium and the museums and the restaurants and on hiking trails, schooling is happening with groups of happy people of various ages. Conversations are taking place and are not interrupted by a bell or a silent lunch, and kids are collaborating on how to build working soda machine models out of Legos. Right now as I type, this is happening. Baking and gardening and sewing and reenacting and building are all common parts of our months, cycling in and out according to desire, season, or basic need. Learning is infused with life and life with learning. There is no need to separate the two. In fact it is quite natural in pairing those together. All that - instead of a desk and chair and lots of useless, brain numbing worksheets and repetitive book exercises. <br />
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But what about the socialization? The other kids. Their. Age.<br />
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What about it? Is it normal to have to raise your hand and pray some adult says yes when you make the request to go to the bathroom? When your children get into an argument with their best friend and feelings get hurt are you hoping they go to the relationship experts - their other best friend (who you have never even met because you heard about her and don't want her over at your house) in math class in period six? When you go into the office is there an armed guard and metal detectors making sure those mischievous office mates don't try to sneak in knives or drugs for their mid morning breaks? Is everyone in your life within three years of your age, and are all your best friends exactly your age? And are all the older folks in your life completely uncool in their "mom" jeans?<br />
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Seriously. <br />
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My kids' socialization happens through support groups and boys' club and tween group and art class and gardening club and park day and field days and monthly hikes and messaging friends to find out how far they've gotten in Harry Potter and to share a great deal on Legos at Amazon. And then there's church and soccer and sleepovers and neighbors and walks downtown and.....all of that AND they get to eat lunch around the kitchen table or lying on the floor reading, they can go to the bathroom anytime, there are no bullies waiting at their lockers, no metal detectors for the front door. <br />
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That is how we get socialization. <br />
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Real life practice in real life situations. All day. Every day.<br />
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For all the rest, the answer is that they study the same subjects that the public school kids do, but in much different ways. While I am glad that I have an excellent background in education, I have also had to realize that my view of education as a public school teacher actually held us back at first. I kept trying to create that "school at home". I love my kids, and I have always missed them when they were away from me for the day. That would be why I worked at their preschool, picked them up early, and substitute taught at their school before bringing them home. But....I also understand those that struggle to get along with their children. To those parents, I am truly sorry and I get that it is hard. I just ask.... Are you sure that it is your child that is the problem with your relationship? Could it be external factors, such as what they are exposed to at school? Could they need a different learning environment? Could they need you to listen and see them in a new light? Wouldn't it be easier to correct behavior and develop a positive relationship with them at home rather than working with everybody's leftover patience at the end of a day?<br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong. I don't think that everyone should want to homeschool. I get that parents have careers. I will be honest and say that there are days I miss working. There is a restaurant downtown that needs lunch servers and I thought it sounded like fun. But I can't apply for such a job just yet. I do have to make hard decisions about my life in order to continue homeschooling. It is not for everyone, and I do not think we live in a world where the same decision is best for all people. <br />
<br />
But before you tell that odd family that homeschools their kids and lives down the street from you that you could NEVER do what they do, please stop. Take a moment to think about what it is they truly do. And realize, it probably isn't what you imagine. <br />
<br />
Just sayin'.Patty Hatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037503136348728315noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7296160094915590110.post-2882320389388760062013-02-12T20:12:00.000-05:002013-02-12T20:12:08.095-05:00Dear Congress<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">For all of my friends that have not ever homeschooled in SC, here is a quick explanation of how you can do it legally - </span></em></strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<em>1. You can call up your school district and request that they list you as a homeschooler under their supervision. You go to the school and take the standardized tests and as long as your kids stays on grade level, everything is fine. They in turn give you all the textbooks and materials you need to teach the state mandated curriculum in your home. This sounds reasonable on the surface, but some schools are very anti homeschool and can figure out MANY reasons to invade your privacy, rights, etc. Some schools are very supportive of homeschoolers, and in those districts the materials and support could be good for parents interested in homeschool but nervous or overwhelmed with how to begin.</em><br />
<br />
<em>2. The second option available is for those families that still wish to report to a state organization and have many resources available to them, but want a broader choice in curriculum. The organization that runs this group of homeschoolers is called SCAIHS, or South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools. They have their own requirements and testing is included in these requirements, but instead of reporting to a school district, the family reports directly to this association. Many first year families like this option because of the enormous help and resources provided and the ability to test independently from the school district. One main area of concern with SCAIHS is the high pricetag that comes with this option. My family, for example, could easily spend upwards of $600 plus dollars to utilize the opportunities and pay the membership fees. </em><br />
<br />
<em>3. This brings us to the third homeschool option. A family can instead join an independent association that keeps up with the basic paperwork and allows a family to report to the state legally. The family then can choose to homeschool in any fashion or style they so choose, using any (if any) curriculum, and have the most freedom to parent and educate in the manner they feel best fits each child's needs. The drawback is the lack of direction for those that wish to have a plan outlined for them. There is no school district handing you textbooks and giving you the yearly goals all laid out on a nice big chart. The parent has to make decisions. Lots of them. The benefits are that the parent has the ability to make decisions. Lots of them. They get to pick materials and curriculum that best fits each child. The family can explore fascinating topics of interest that frankly, for lack of time or resources or public opinion, are not included in the state's standards. The parents are the ultimate decision makers and have the most rights under the third option. No testing is required. What is required is daily journal entries or lesson plans, progress reports, and attendance documentation. Five subject areas must be covered through sixth grade, seven subject areas in seventh through twelfth. Most of these associations also offer some advice and additional resources that are priced individually. So, if you have a middle or high schooler, and you want transcripts, college advice, and someone helping navigate credit requirements, an extra 50 bucks a year can get you that. If you have a kindergartner, your fee will barely cost more than a lunch date.</em><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">We do the third option. Most homeschoolers do the third option. While I cannot speak for any other family than my own, I will tell you why we chose to homeschool and why we ultimately chose the third option.</span></em></strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
Dear Congress,<br />
<br />
Up until this year my boys went to "real school". But, after a long hard hunt to find the educational plan that would best fit my boys, we realized that nobody, not even the private schools, could really meet their needs. One school would be perfect for one boy, and absolutely terrible for the other one. Or the opposite. One school would be terrible for one boy and great for his brother. Two different schools were considered. But the two schools that could meet their needs were located thirty minutes apart, started and stopped at the same time, and one of them was a private school that would mean me finding a better job to pay that particular kid's way. I was a substitute teacher. Actually, before kids, I was a public school teacher, then a private school teacher, then a tutor, then a preschool teacher, then a substitute teacher. But as of late, I was the substitute. And that job doesn't come close to paying private school tuition, much less solve the car line timing issue. So, we embarked on a new adventure as a family. <br />
<br />
<strong><em>We chose to homeschool. </em></strong><br />
<br />
Quickly I dove into picking what I should teach, how I should be legal, and figuring out what resources would be necessary to educate my boys at home. And, though I am naturally structured but not good at following others' rules, I did initially organize much of my day mimicking the "school at home" method. I called educators and asked what curriculum would be best, I attended a homeschool curriculum sale, and I organized a closet with everything. Being that I had taught back in the day and had just spent the last year substitute teaching, I figured I was prepared. <br />
<br />
Turns out... I was. <br />
<br />
But not because I had already assured doubters of my teaching degree, my openness for advice, and my definite decision to test the boys regularly. Turns out...I was prepared because <strong>I am their mother</strong>. And I care a whole lot more about their education than anyone else, maybe save for my husband. I also very quickly figured out that homeschooling is miserable if forced to be "school at home" and that my boys are, well, boys. My boys learn a whole lot better cuddled up on the couch in the morning and out running around all of the historic battlefields in the afternoon. The Revolutionary War came alive once we visited reenactments and talked with soldiers and held their powder horns and heard their muskets and saw their feet wrapped in rags because there weren't enough shoes for the army back then. Nature focused into great detail once we dissected flowers and pumpkins and pine cones and brought home to our dining room table the sea life that had washed up on the beach. Soil takes on a new dimension once picked through and examined under a microscope. Especially soil from your own backyard. Reading exploded once they could video each other with my phone and act out poems wearing a tricorn hat and pajama bottoms. "School" came alive, and it was far more effective without silent lunch and concern about bullying and sitting still enough in crisscross apple sauce style.<br />
<br />
<em>***Now, it isn't that those things (except the bullying) are bad or ineffective. And it is a privilege to stay home that most simply do not get. But this privilege has saved my boys' education. And I can save this for another time, but those of you looking at me thinking I am just rich and lucky should know there is sacrifice. It may not be your sacrifice, but it isn't all coming up roses either.*** </em><br />
<br />
But, here's the thing. My boys are absorbing information constantly, and they are absorbing it as they are exposed to it. We'll go to the library and I will finally relocate them in the section about space or government or soldiers or fantasy or or or.....And so the books come. We have ended up opening worlds I wasn't initially planning on getting to this year. We no longer match in the least the state standards. But really, I simply do not care. These boys are thinking and researching and living school. I can see every single day that they are learning. I do not need a test to tell me that. And I especially do not need an organization or a state mandated official testing them on information they haven't yet explored to tell me how they are doing. <strong>Again, I am their mother.</strong> So I can see and I care a whole lot more than some test proctor can see or find noteworthy on one given day in May. My kids, frankly, might knock those standardized tests out of the water. Or they may fall flat on their face because they haven't been sitting in that circle time. And it really wouldn't be relevant at all to what makes up their true knowledge. <br />
<br />
So this is why I love the third option. We can bring home those library books and take the time to prance around in tricorn hats and build a million science experiments out of Legos and learn all about phonics from a 1920's book and diagram sentences just because they seem a whole lot like puzzles. With the third option we can do all of these things and more. But a test at the end of the year will not help us. In fact it will end up being a huge imposition. <br />
<br />I started homeschooling to solve the school crisis in my home. I will keep homeschooling because learning is now the filter through most everything we do. There's a word some homeschoolers use - Deschooling. It means the time it takes to let go of the institution of public or private school. Most suggest a month of adjustment for every year spent in school. I thought the whole idea a bit silly, honestly. For Key that would be five months, Kelly one month, me approximately twenty five months. We are finishing up month seven. And I would say now that what they suggest is probably true. It takes awhile for it to sink into your bones that you are free. And you are responsible for the outcome. <br />
<br />
And that is okay.<br />
<br />
In fact, to us, it is now how it should be.<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
Patty HatchPatty Hatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037503136348728315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7296160094915590110.post-72743905233532900562013-01-30T11:43:00.000-05:002013-01-30T11:43:17.582-05:00The Hatch School Diaries - Entry Five<strong><em>Unschooling.</em></strong><br />
<br />
Yep.<br />
<br />
It isn't exactly what you think. And it isn't exactly what I thought or my kids thought either. Not even what I thought it was two weeks ago when we started this whole experiment. <br />
<br />
Of course, experimenting with my children's education is no light hearted thing. Actually it can be panic inducing.<br />
<br />
Seriously.<br />
<br />
For them as well.<br />
<br />
But, since I had my homeschooling breakdown and they followed with their homeschooling breakdown, we had to change things. We had our unschooling week. I learned that my kids are not lazy. They desire to learn all on their own. <br />
<br />
Unschoolers everywhere will tell you that kids are naturally curious and will find their individual desire to learn if you encourage and facilitate and stay out of the way.<br />
<br />
But....even after our week, I could not reconcile letting them do whatever they wanted. all. day. long.<br />
<br />
So we approached week two in our <em><strong>experiment to fix homeschool</strong></em> with a slightly different perspective. <br />
<br />
Let's go back to structure. I would feel best if we went back to structure.<br />
<br />
We can have a meeting where I assign weekly goals and then the kids can have the freedom to accomplish those goals by the end of the week any way they choose. The problem with this approach was that they were overwhelmed by a week's worth of goals staring them down. And when, by day three, they had not completed half the list, my oldest panicked and my youngest gave up. No one completed their goals, and we all felt once again defeated.<br />
<br />
So this week, we had a meeting. And this time I listened. To them. Not my internal conversation in my head. I asked what out of each week they liked, and I gave them each a chance to explain. They both prefer structure, but different types of structure. They both loved having a say in what they got to study and exploring things that interested them. Each of them wants daily goals, and each wants a say in those goals. Key's main concern was that he was behind, and he felt he needs to focus on ELA. He's working on diagramming sentences this year, and he wants to refocus on that. Kelly really wants to conquer reading. Not because of Dr. Seuss, but because he is terrified he will become an adult and not be able to read instruction manuals. Seriously! He wants to read, not for stories though he does love those too, but so that he can learn on his own. So that he can build a robot out of our recycle bin without being dependent on me to be available to him. He wants to design several structures, but he needs to know how to build other simpler structures first. He wants to read the instruction manuals. Not kidding. But until yesterday, I didn't know that about him. Now I have a clue into his motivation. Into both boys' motivation. Key loves writing. And Key loves structure - craves it actually - so of course he would be desiring to diagram sentences. Kelly loves building and has trouble with verbal cues, so of course a written manual would be a big help to him. Makes total sense now that I know.<br />
<br />
I am slowly getting it. This <strong><em>is</em></strong> unschooling. Not the no structure chaos I envisioned. <br />
<br />
It is listening. And asking. And guiding. And stepping back. And observing. <br />
<br />
And listening some more.<br />
<br />
What's funny is that we have friends already doing this method. And because their kids learn differently than my kids, my kids think that their friends aren't doing anything. Meanwhile, their friends are constantly explaining new things to my kids, and mine are looking at me like - How did they know that? <br />
<br />
Ahh. Gotta love humans! So open minded. With ourselves.<br />
Patty Hatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037503136348728315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7296160094915590110.post-70636546805633560562013-01-30T10:53:00.000-05:002013-01-30T10:53:42.706-05:00The Hatch School Diaries - Entry FourUnschooling. Yep. Unschooling.<br />
<br />
When we first started this whole homeschooling journey I thought unschooling sounded a bit too hippy. My inner dialogue sounded a lot like....<br />
<br />
"Let the children lead the learning. You've lost your mind. Seriously.<br />
<br />
All they'll do all day is play on their Nook or watch you tube videos. <br />
<br />
Or play the Wii. <br />
<br />
Unschooling. You've truly lost your mind."<br />
<br />
And up until Christmas we shot ourselves out of a cannon and finished a reasonable amount of math and history for an entire school year in a mere four months. That's while also keeping up with our reading, language arts, and science. And travel soccer. And church. And.....And.....<br />
<br />
How awesome are we?!?<br />
<br />
Yep. So Christmas has come. And gone. School is back in. And we are incredibly unmotivated.<br />
<br />
Over the past four months I pushed way too hard at first and then eased off to what felt acceptable. It was that first two months that we accomplished way more than necessary before I realized it was too much. And I relaxed. Now, I am questioning the schedule. Why do we need to get three point four math lessons in each week until April? If we finish early, what do we do next? Start next year early, and keep up the crazy?<br />
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What would happen if I let them explore? Not laze about....but pursue interests.<br />
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They jumped at it. Of course. <br />
<br />
And so the unschooling experiment is started. I have given them this week to try it. <br />
<br />
Here's the funny thing. Today, I had way more stuff to get done than time, and the youngest cried. That we didn't make time enough to watch about Alexander the Great and he has to wait until tomorrow. That he didn't get to learn more. That caused tears. Seriously. Can you imagine? Patty Hatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037503136348728315noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7296160094915590110.post-90315979813060555662012-12-10T18:41:00.001-05:002012-12-10T18:41:12.370-05:00Hatch School Diaries - Entry ThreeThis morning it struck me that my favorite time of our homeschool day is the very beginning. I procrastinate getting started every morning. Need just one more cup of coffee. Look through my plans. Curl up under the quilt with the dog. And finally realize we simply MUST get school started if we are to count it for a day. So we gather on the couch.<br />
<br />
And we pray.<br />
<br />
At first we all went around saying things off the top of our heads. The boys eventually ended up fighting over who got to go first because they tended to have the same prayers, but neither wanted to appear to be copying. Now we say one thanksgiving, one plea for forgiveness, and one prayer. So this morning, I was struck that despite all the hemming and hawing over starting our day, it really is one of the best parts of homeschool. Today went as follows:<br />
<br />
Patty - <br />
<br />
Thanksgiving - A beautiful tree, home, and always for my family (I was looking at the tree all lit up just as we were starting.)<br />
Forgiveness - Impatience and a lack of grace extended towards others<br />
Prayer - Reminders of Christ's presence, guidance, and His love for those in need<br />
<br />
Key -<br />
<br />
Thanksgiving - Family and food (This prompted a talk about how a Liberian family we know of told our church that they eat when they have food; not when they are hungry. We tried to imagine.)<br />
Forgiveness - Being disobedient and disrespectful<br />
Prayer - The military, Sadie our dog, and for a good day<br />
<br />
Kelly - <br />
<br />
Thanksgiving - Family, our dog Sadie, our tree (Kelly's favorite holiday by far is Christmas. I cannot emphasize how much this kid loves all things Christmas.)<br />
Forgiveness - Being mean to Key<br />
Prayer - For the Liberian priest's family, and those going through bad lives, you know, those in darkness, Mom?<br />
<br />
Last week we talked about Rwanda during prayer time. It is the one point in the day when we take that pause to think outside ourselves, and we are grateful, and I would not have this if we weren't homeschooling. Because of our prayer time each morning, I know my children's hearts like I have never known them before. As much as we talked and I tried before homeschooling, being with my boys day in and day out changes things in a way I did not begin to picture. I am truly grateful for this time with them. <br />
<br />
Oh, and we always end the prayer time with the Lord's Prayer. (Vocabulary lesson for the day - why we say trespasses and why Presbyterians say debts. We've been attending a Presbyterian Church. Stepping out of our box.)Patty Hatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037503136348728315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7296160094915590110.post-58353402625063790242012-10-24T12:03:00.000-04:002012-10-24T12:03:29.317-04:00MammogramsYesterday I got up early, well, for me anyway, and went to the center where they squish your breasts and take pictures. This being my first time and all, I was understandably nervous. But once I got there, had the courage to drive over and walk through those glass doors, I was greeted by women. That got it. That knew this was my first time, and showed me kindness and grace. And the nurse, she told me she knew what it was like to be me, because she had been in my spot. Had gotten this same test done. Had gotten the results that said come back. Knew how I felt. Her test had turned out fine in the end. But her sister, well now, she had been battling cancer spreading for eleven years now. When the sister first found out, she prayed to see her daughter graduate. Now that daughter is twenty six and getting ready to graduate. For good. So the sister is nervous about the answered prayer that has been honored all these eleven years. Is it all, this fight, going to end? I told my nurse that God answers so much more abundantly than what we even know to ask for. Who knows the days on Earth or hairs on her sister's head? And she said yes. <br />
<br />
The sister has survived with this cancer ridden body for so long because of experimental testing and drugs. She has been the guinea pig for any study they accept her to. Her reason? If they can learn something from her own struggles, it might help her daughter one day. So she keeps signing up and she keeps pressing on. I ask my nurse if her sister has had quality in those eleven years? And she said yes.<br />
<br />
The weight has come and gone and come and gone. Along with the hair. But most of the time, yes, it has been good. Not easy. Worth it.<br />
<br />
I got back in my car and I started driving home, and suddenly tears sprang up, and I couldn't figure out why. Until I thought back and I realized how many women have died being the help for the next woman to fight the fight. Never before had it struck me so intimately how much these women sacrifice so that I can have the better chance, the better treatment, the better quality drugs. So to all those that fight in any form - not just for second base:) - thank you. Truly.Patty Hatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037503136348728315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7296160094915590110.post-17321972617157137562012-09-18T19:06:00.002-04:002012-09-18T19:06:48.995-04:00Hatch School Diaries - Entry TwoMy laundry had overtaken the hallway, so it just gets even dirtier as the temporary backdoor floor mat. The bed is unmade and the clock reads 6:29......pm. My dining room is school central, hence any entertaining is done in the kitchen until further notice or college acceptance. I have hung exactly one picture in my whole house and three windows are still uncovered for all peeping toms interested. <br />
<br />
I absolutely love homeschool. Love it. I keep asking Key if he is getting more out of school now, and then I look at him waiting for what has a correct answer. He figured that trick out early, so he always says that why yes, homeschool is much more indepth in its learning. I have no idea what the true answer is, but I do know that we feel productive, and so far this is what we have accomplished:<br />
<br />
In 28 days we have.......<br />
<br />
Kelly - <br />
Learned to read simple books<br />
Gets the hang of word families with short vowel sounds. <br />
Finished twenty pages of phonics <br />
Read seven books in whole on his own<br />
Completed box one of The Bob Books<br />
Made 40 or 50 word flashcards which he practices several times a week <br />
Copied page after page of words, sentences, dates, and favorites stories <br />
Currently copying his reader b/c Key copied the Declaration of Independence (Kelly cannot be outdone)<br />
Finished fifty math lessons<br />
Made flashcards for addition facts through his twos<br />
Listened to lots of history books<br />
Listened to Johnny Tremain on CD<br />
Illustrated 11 out of the 13 episodes of The Revolution on Netflix<br />
Dictated four pages of knowledge about the colonists<br />
Labeled our map of the 13 colonies<br />
Dated the first half of our timeline for the Rev. War<br />
Helped make Johnny cakes<br />
Designed a farm out of building blocks<br />
Visited Brattonsville<br />
Visited Augusta's Rev. War sites, including George Walton's house<br />
Designed and created a boat out of recycled materials<br />
And that's off the top of my head.<br />
<br />
Key -<br />
Read Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien<br />
Read Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes<br />
Read Indian Captive by I can't remember<br />
Completed two of the three book reports<br />
Tested out of or completed 45 math lessons<br />
Practiced math facts<br />
Played on Khan Academy<br />
Copied the Declaration of Independence<br />
Learned how to diagram subjects, predicates, predicate nominatives, and articles<br />
Written a blog entry on his knowledge of colonial life<br />
Taken notes for 11 of the 13 episodes of The Revolution on Netflix<br />
Listened to lots of history books<br />
Read lots of history books<br />
Described events for the first half of our timeline for the Rev. War<br />
Visited Brattonsville<br />
Visited Augusta's Rev. War sites, including George Walton's house<br />
Designed and created a boat out of recycled materials<br />
And that's also just off the top of my head.<br />
<br />
But what's even bigger than all that stuff I listed, is that at the heart of this adventure, we are getting to know each other. I know so much more about their learning styles, what makes them click, how beautifully they are becoming young men, what frightens them, what their desires are, what they pray about, who they have become and how much I hadn't noticed until now. I am finding also how much I do not know about so many things, and I am learning with excitement and anticipation about math and science and history. Our world is fascinating and until now I had not taken the time to truly explore it. And wow!<br />
<br />
What is hardest is letting go of public school and all its trappings. Its standards and its resources and its schedule and its order. Those things feel safe, but outside that safety is this experience that our family is living into. Today we looked through their yearbook from last year. I miss those kids and those people. But I don't miss that day. The one that starts early and frantic and stressful and involves me turning the boys over to others and exhaustion by Thursday afternoon. So letting go is my theme. And it is harder than just the physical act of walking away. I am, in essence, deschooling my brain. <br />
<br />
But homeschooling/ unschooling/ schooling is turning out to be one of God's greatest blessings to me so far. We'll reevaluate come those long cold days of February:)....<br />
Patty Hatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037503136348728315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7296160094915590110.post-72548050867057394702012-08-27T19:05:00.001-04:002012-08-27T19:05:50.482-04:00Hatch School Diaries - First entry<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>For those of you that said you wished you could be a fly on the wall of my house when I announced our decision to homeschool....</em></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">The Hatch School Diaries</span></div>
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We have logged thirteen days, (we need 180 each year) and none have been exactly the same, but generally, for those curious, a homeschool day so far goes as follows:<br />
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9am - We begin. Breakfast has been eaten, beds made, teeth brushed. I have had at least one cup of coffee and possibly taken a walk. Possibly.<br />
<br />
We meet at the dining room table and start with prayers. All of us take turns offering up our praises and requests, then we recite the Lord's Prayer or I say a simple prayer to get us moving. (I had to put a stop to the daily request for more Legos. That was my little Kelly's constant heart's desire.)<br />
<br />
After prayers, math is first; This just felt natural to all of us. At 10 o'clock we take a short break, then move into language and reading. That carries us until noonish. Break. I make lunch and they go run around outside, do their soccer drills, or play legos.<br />
<br />
By 1pm we are sitting in the living room where we listen to a book on cd that Key is reading. It relates to our history unit, so Kelly gets information from listening as well. Then on to history, which is currently colonial times and the Revolutionary War. They have assignments to do and I assist with each as needed. Around three we tie things up and turn our house back into a dining room and living room. I have a closet, a big wooden tray, a stack of books, and a portable bin to help us attempt at containing clutter. <br />
<br />
I collected my school lessons from a variety of places - stores, used book sales, friends, and online. I have found tons of great resources are free on the computer once I get to digging. The library has become a staple for us at least once a week. I chose various curriculum from advice of friends, teachers, and veteran homeschoolers. Some of it I like; some of it is getting scrapped as soon as I find a better alternative. <br />
<br />
For the social aspect and special interest classes, we have lots of options. There are two support groups here in town and four total in my county alone. I haven't researched them to tell you details, but some do play dates, field trips, etc. Some do weekly teaching co-ops and prayer groups. We will pick one eventually. The boys both play soccer and are out at the fields four or five days a week. We have neighbors with children, and we have friends from school last year that have made a point of coming over to visit. For music and art, those will be incorporated into their education as we get more comfortable. So far they have been listening to Bach during math, and will read about him this week. I also have planned crafts for both of them, but for truly educational art, we will probably do more further into fall. <br />
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Also, you'll notice I have left out science. No worries. I decided to try concentrating on either history or science, but not both at the same time. So first a history unit, then a science unit. The two overlap at times and we will certainly let that happen naturally. For the year we have four units for each subject ahead of us, and the Revolutionary War unit has proven fascinating. Next up will be a unit focusing on biology.<br />
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If you ask the boys, they are happy - really, and while I am a bit overwhelmed with all to be done, I love having the time with my children. I know not everyone has this opportunity, and I am grateful a million times a day for mine. <br />
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And p.s. - It is wonderful, but we are not perfect. Things go differently than planned all the time. Today we made Johnny Cakes for afternoon snacks, and I just about set off all the smoke alarms.</div>
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<em><strong>Any more questions? Ask away! I'll try to answer all that I can.</strong></em></div>
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Patty Hatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037503136348728315noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7296160094915590110.post-49658580033753878282012-08-07T10:17:00.000-04:002012-08-07T10:17:01.014-04:00Worshipping AirWe moved. To the most precious town this side of heaven. Sorry, I know that's cheesy, but we are still the newbies and are completely enamored with the growing season and the farms and the food and the people here. My new favorite person is this little old lady with dentures that I met at church last Sunday that told me if I sat next to her at the potluck, she promised I wouldn't leave wonderin'. Town is a five minute walk and farm country is a one minute drive in the opposite direction. We are the third to last house before the sidewalk ends, so either way, you get to go somewhere. And it really is beautiful here. Green. Trees. Flowers. Interesting historic homes with porches. Southern homes. Old trucks. New trucks. Lots of trucks. Churches. One two doors down and across the street and one on the other side of the neighbors on the right. And land. Land in every direction, just about. You could call it God's country, could easily hear Him breathing there.<br />
<br />
So...Yesterday I was driving home in my newly repaired vehicle through a not so attractive part of a city near us. We go to the city for big stuff and for things like a CarMax car warranty. So when we hit it, the edge of the city, and we kept driving in, my oldest leaned forward. <br />
<br />
And he said. <br />
<br />
Mom, we don't fit <em>here</em>. And it is, I don't know. Just. I don't fit.<br />
<br />
And what he meant was that the place was run down and ugly and tumbling and had weeds all over but no trees and lots of empty strips of stores ran together and it just looked like a place of little hope.<br />
<br />
Made me appreciate our new home and big yard and the tree lined sidewalk into town. A place where my boys can roam and wrestle with the neighbor's dogs and swing on ropes hanging from trees. A place that for us, offers new hope after a long hard haul.<br />
<br />
And then, I thought of a dinner we went to once where I had to explain God to a group of Hindu women. And they told me about the Catholics in India that were surely more serious than me. They worshipped nothing. No statue or picture of their God. They worshipped air.<br />
<br />
Air.<br />
<br />
And I thought, God, He floats even in a place looking like little to no hope. In places where a picture or a statue or a fancy replica would not belong.<br />
<br />
May not be my version of heaven. My pretty new house with my quiet corner and grass growing in the proper places. My place to breathe Him in.<br />
<br />
But God, well, He still floats there. Just on the edge of the city.<br />
<br />
Just like He floats near me.<br />
<br />
(And He floats in India too.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Patty Hatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037503136348728315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7296160094915590110.post-27652335427945392412012-07-23T10:21:00.000-04:002012-07-23T10:21:05.059-04:00Settling in York - hopefullyHelen of Troy and Joey of Friends (Troy and Joey) are cutting through the side of my current residence. I can feel the vibrations of the saw on my feet as I sit inside my hopefully permanent home. And oh, how I pray this is it. We really like it here. No more moving from house to house, touring the potential of places but not seeing it all into actual reality. We want to get to stay to use this house. Fit into it. Pare down our things. Make it simple, uncluttered (except for the boys' rooms), beautiful. Our new beginning in this old city. <br />
<br />
This house sits in downtown York. Besides moving home to be near Mom and Dad, York is the best place on Earth. At least, for me it is. We can walk everywhere if we want, or we can drive and get there faster. A trip across town? Five minutes. Fifteen walking. Restaurants (a chicken BLT pita slathered in ranch dressing to die for), a theatre, flowers, gifts, outdoor store, antiques, churches, etc., all just down the street. A very pretty street, at that.<br />
<br />
And how could I not mention Walmart, one of only two choices for groceries? Walmart? Why yes please. Boys got their haircut there just yesterday while we talked to the sweetest young couple that had come into the city from Hickory Grove, a place too small for its own stoplight, much less its own Walmart. When we left, I saw them walking around the store still holding hands. Ahh, you have to love Walmart and young love. (I would like to find a local barber in support of small business, but Miss Ann at the Smartstyles captured my boys' attention, so we may be going to Walmart for awhile longer.)<br />
<br />
And the people. Oh, so welcoming. So kind. So willing to let us make York our home. We haven't found that everywhere. Feeling accepted so early on truly is a blessing not all towns give. Our neighbors? Two Texas ladies with British accents in the big yellow house on the left and a family with their three youngest out of twelve still living at home on the right. The ones on the right cut our grass and feed our kids almost every day. I'm going to have to go back to Walmart soon to restock their juice box fridge they leave open on their porch. (I told my boys not to go up there without permission, but Miss Debbie told them to have all they want, so you can guess who they keep listening to.) <br />
<br />
So, back to you, Helen of Troy and Joey of Friends, please do a good job on that side of my house so that we (being Michael) can actually buy it once and for all. Like I have said already, I really like it here.Patty Hatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037503136348728315noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7296160094915590110.post-24303890537867069312012-06-24T11:34:00.002-04:002012-06-24T11:34:31.911-04:00Our life since the move....First...<br />
<br />
1. Eden Terrace house, aka rental home - Needs WAY too much work to make it a reasonable investment. So a BIG no. <br />
<br />
Must find a new home....<br />
<br />
2. Bethelfields new build neighborhood - Cannot find lot that will fit house that fits our needs. Fizzles out.<br />
<br />
3. Hunter's Place foreclosure - Shifty real estate agents on both sides kills the deal.<br />
<br />
Hired new real estate agents and tried again. Still shiftiness from other side, so no go.<br />
<br />
4. Millcreek Falls new build - Dishonest sales agent that price gouges. No deal.<br />
<br />
5. Peaceful Creek foreclosure - Bank unwilling to negotiate. Nope.<br />
<br />
6. River Hills foreclosure - Beautiful, but again, bank unwilling to negotiate. Finished.<br />
<br />
7. River Hills estate sale - Good deal, but horrible inspection, and two closings costs for a renovation loan. Over budget. Gone.<br />
<br />
8. Peaceful Creek foreclosure take two - Price fell, so put in our offer. Again. Bidding war. Denied. No accepted. Too much running us around. Nadda.<br />
<br />
9. Lynwood Dr. Judge's house - Owner financing that really just meant we pay down their mortgage until they get back on their feet, then they sell the house at a premium. Bad financial conditions. No.<br />
<br />
10. Current deal, the Congress St. house - Postponed closing and move date four times, bad inspection, shady real estate agent/ seller/ contractor try to cover up problems, caught in lies, new contractor, more inspections, and a last minute prayer. If repaired correctly, it is to finally be our new house.<br />
<br />
Searching for a home has taken over a year and lots of money. Lots of inspections. <br />
<br />
Silver lining = I know this county better than the average citizen, and I've seen the insides of all those homes people wonder about.<br />
<br />
Very tired.<br />
<br />
Whole family emotionally drained.<br />
<br />
Plus.....<br />
<br />
School = Wrong educational choice for us, but good teachers, and we all made friends. Mixed bag of tears and blessings.<br />
<br />
Starting homeschool this August as result.<br />
<br />
Next...<br />
<br />
Soccer Club one = Disaster. Emotionally exhausting, bad training, unhappy and miserable child. Must switch to...<br />
<br />
Soccer Club two = Successful spring season. Good new friends. Team falls apart for next year, so...<br />
<br />
Soccer Club three = Potential fit. Time will tell.<br />
<br />
Then...<br />
<br />
Church One = Differing views on lots of things.<br />
<br />
Keep searching...<br />
<br />
Church two and Church three = Nice services, but still on a search. Long drive and out of our community. Too difficult to participate.<br />
<br />
Church four = Again, far away, but possibly worth it. And....nope. Too far from future home. No ability to participate.<br />
<br />
Church search stopped until we find a home = No church for quite a while. Lots of sleeping in, but lots of struggling with prayer and faith.<br />
<br />
Finally...<br />
<br />
Michael's job = SUCCESS!! Thank you Jesus! At least we got one thing right first time around! Of course this is our third town from job changes, so maybe third time's a charm is a better statement for this one.<br />
<br />
Now...<br />
<br />
Supposed to move this coming Saturday, but the repairs are to be finished a mere two hours before closing on Friday, so we could easily end up in a short term storage and corporate housing complex while we continue our quest for a home. <br />
<br />
Please...<br />
<br />
Prayers would be much appreciated.<br />
<br />
**The above year is the reason this blog is on life support.**Patty Hatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037503136348728315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7296160094915590110.post-13590102227291872492012-05-31T10:24:00.003-04:002012-05-31T10:24:54.962-04:00To the teachersThis is to all the folks out there that I didn't talk to before school ended and to all those I did.<br />
<br />
Thank you. <br />
<br />
My children thank you too. <br />
<br />
It's hard being new, and you made it just a bit better for the boys. You made our mornings tear free. And that's big. You made the idea of school ending a little bitter sweet. You made them smile each day for 185 days. <br />
<br />
You loved them.<br />
<br />
You taught them.<br />
<br />
And for that, again, thank you.<br />
<br />
And to all the others that make a school run, a big thank you to y'all as well. For every note they carried to the office and were greeted warmly, thank you. For making paperwork easy, THANK YOU! For caring about the kiddos enough to learn their names - all 700 of them - thank you. <br />
<br />
And to Gordon and Chad, my kids never knew keeping care of a place could be so cool until they met you. All of us mommas should be shouting thank you for that lesson right there. Thank you for every bag of trash you carried and every high five you gave and every laugh you drew out of those little ones. They love you. They truly do.<br />
<br />
So, to all, again, thank you.Patty Hatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037503136348728315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7296160094915590110.post-72559390985694279282012-03-17T09:43:00.000-04:002012-03-17T09:43:41.376-04:00Days 20-21: Miracles, Miracles everywhereDo you believe in miracles? Have you ever heard God's voice? Has there ever been a moment when the unexpected practically drops you to your knees in wonder and gratefulness?<br />
<br />
I love days like that.<br />
<br />
It used to be, these things happened, but I must have brushed them off as coincidence and luck. I think I am just becoming less blind in my older age. Thicker glasses. More awareness of my inability to truly control a darn thing. Enough stuff that I've survived to have an acute awareness of my need for community. Mainly of my need for Christ. And my desire to be good friends with Him. It's the friendship that makes Him easier to hear. <br />
<br />
So...Two days ago, on the same day I found out about sweet teacher, my husband had to take our old car to the shop. For a new transmission.<br />
<br />
We have been saving up to buy a house, and had just put an offer on house number five. Houses one thru four fell through. So point being, as we are waiting to hear about buying said house, our car starts begging for some attention. This would not be the month or season we want to have to pay attention to old car.<br />
<br />
Well...Between the car and the house, I called good friend to ask what God might be thinking? Had he, perhaps, let her know and just not told me? She didn't have a clue either, but she also told me about sweet teacher.<br />
<br />
And that just ruins my day a little bit more...I mean seriously? Why? <br />
<br />
I love <a href="http://bandannasandcloth.blogspot.com/2012/03/day-19-sweet-teacher.html">sweet teacher</a>, as you know.<br />
<br />
And....wait....heres the good stuff.<br />
<br />
God finally decides I have waited long enough. No more torturing me with my own pit of wallowing self pity and doubt. (And, yes, I know I made that pit all by myself...)<br />
<br />
Husband calls. The car shop decided to hook up old car to the computer, found a transmission leak, fixed it, and filled up the fluids. For free. But only if we come back in a week so they can check it again to make sure we are safe.<br />
<br />
Real estate agent calls three hours later. We got house number five. No counter offer. Just - we got it. <br />
<br />
Twenty four hours later, friend texts. Sweet teacher is sitting up and eating. Going to make a full recovery. Doctor is still in awe, because he has never known another in his whole career to survive the rare stroke sweet teacher endured. Never.<br />
<br />
So, Praise Jesus. Praise God. Praise the Spirit.<br />
<br />
I really do love miracles. <br />
<br />
And... my thicker glasses are pretty cool too.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<strong><em>Matthew 13:16</em></strong></div>
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<br /></div>
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<strong><em>But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear.</em></strong></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Patty Hatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037503136348728315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7296160094915590110.post-77315440586292693802012-03-15T11:39:00.000-04:002012-03-15T12:22:04.879-04:00Day 19: Sweet TeacherDust to dust, and between the dustings, we are to be Jesus to each other. I wrote something similar last year at Lent, and that has stuck with me, turning round and round in my head, and popping back to the forefront from time to time. <br />
<br />
This morning I found out that a sweet, vibrant, young teacher in my boys' school suffered two strokes yesterday that may indeed take her life. She is being held here with life support for the moment. She is much younger than me and single, her whole life supposedly ahead of her.<br />
<br />
Yet we cannot know God's plans. We cannot know our time. And we cannot separate ourselves from death, try as we might. If I wanted to, I could ask about sweet teacher's family genetic history or health issues that could differentiate me from her. Show why she might die that I live to see today.<br />
<br />
But I would be fooling myself.<br />
<br />
There is no difference from me to her. From you to me. The one certainty of life is death. In this we are not separate, but together.<br />
<br />
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Yesterday I heard the question posed that usurps all other questions. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em>What do others think you feel for them? </em></strong></div>
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<strong><em>a. They know I love them.</em></strong></div>
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<strong><em>b. They think I care about them.</em></strong></div>
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<strong><em>c. They think I do not care.</em></strong></div>
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<strong><em>d. They think I hate them.</em></strong></div>
<br />
The only correct answer is <strong><em>a</em></strong>. It is the only one that truly shows our neighbors, our family, our friends, and even our enemies, Jesus.<br />
<br />
If I am honest with myself, there are probably more people in the <strong><em>b</em></strong>, <strong><em>c</em></strong>, and even <strong><em>d</em></strong> category than are in the <strong><em>a</em></strong> category. And it makes me pause to wonder what I have been doing between these dustings of mine.<br />
<br />
So, it stands to question, that between sweet teacher's dustings, was I ever Jesus for her? Even for a moment?<br />
<br />
I pray today for her. For her family. I pray her world is filled with <strong><em>a</em></strong>'s, and I pray that wherever she journeys, she knows it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em>And this is His command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. Those who obey his commands live in him and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.</em></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em>I John 3:23-24</em></strong></div>
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<br /></div>Patty Hatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037503136348728315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7296160094915590110.post-25632472880907157802012-03-08T08:22:00.000-05:002012-03-08T08:22:07.937-05:00Day 12: Hymn - Give Thanks<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>Give Thanks</em></strong></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<strong><em>by Henry Smith</em></strong></div>
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Give thanks with a grateful heart, </div>
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give thanks to the Holy One,</div>
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give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Give thanks with a grateful heart,</div>
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give thanks to the Holy One,</div>
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give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son.</div>
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<br /></div>
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And now,</div>
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let the weak say "I am strong."</div>
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Let the the poor say "I am rich"</div>
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because of what the Lord has dome for us.</div>
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<br /></div>
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And now,</div>
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let the weak say "I am strong."</div>
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Let the poor say "I am rich"</div>
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because of what the Lord has done for us.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Give thanks.</div>
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Give thanks.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Give thanks.</div>Patty Hatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037503136348728315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7296160094915590110.post-5230830046968306662012-03-06T12:21:00.002-05:002012-03-06T12:21:34.768-05:00Day 11: Laying on of handsSunday we went to church.<br />
<br />
We heard a sermon.<br />
<br />
We prayed.<br />
<br />
We took communion.<br />
<br />
And then.<br />
<br />
My favorite part of the service comes right after communion. Everybody is singing praise music and the priest stands front and center. He holds this little vial of what appears to be lip balm. It's really an ointment he rubs on the forehead of a person wanting healing or prayer - <em>not actually lip balm</em>. He doesn't say a thing. Doesn't have to. No altar call. No nothing. Just standing there, people flock to the front and lay hands on each other and gather in a mass, heads bowed, all praying for each other.<br />
<br />
I play the role of spectator each week, being that I think if I stood up to walk down front I would be way too self concious that everybody in the room would be staring at me wondering what is wrong that I would need healing. It is what I wonder about everybody already up at the front. Of course, I am not noticing their panty lines or whether their shoes match like I am so concerned that they would notice with me. So, every week I sit and watch and pray. Usually I get teary eyed because it is such a touching scene, and there is always some sweet child up there with his hands on an older person's back. Seeing those little fingers reaching up out of that mass of people always gets me. Just does, and I can't help it.<br />
<br />
So there I am, spectating like usual, and I feel a little hand. Right on my shoulder. I look over, and there is my little Kelly being Jesus to me. He can tell without words that I love the healing and that I am not about to walk up front no matter what. And so, he lays hands on me right where I am. Right there in our seats. I ask Kelly if he wants me to pray with him, and he just nods yes.<br />
<br />
And so we did, Kelly laying hands on me and me praying for him. <br />
<br />
Sweetest thing of my whole darn day...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<em><strong>Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. </strong></em></div>
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<br /></div>
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<strong><em>Acts 13:3</em></strong></div>
<br />
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Patty Hatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037503136348728315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7296160094915590110.post-31988252725985782992012-03-03T18:16:00.000-05:002012-03-03T18:16:29.866-05:00Days 7 - 10Dear friends,<br />
<br />
When I committed to write every day, I thought it would be like last time. Difficult, but doable. Highly motivating in my reconnection with God. <br />
<br />
Instead, it has been sporadic and difficult and a bit short of doable. And on days, such as today, when I have the time and inclination and access to my computer (my main hurdle this week), I feel nothing useful to share.<br />
<br />
But I have felt God around me. And I have seen Him all week in others.<br />
<br />
Wednesday I found out that the bible teacher is planning to teach one more year while he plans to move to Azeria. I think that's the place. It is in the middle east. Of the continent, not the U.S. Moving to the middle eastern U.S. wouldn't be cause for concern. But the middle east next to Iran and a bunch of other muslim countries that don't particularly like us a whole lot? Much more need for prayer and preparation. He and his wife and his infant daughter will be going as missionaries. I find that particular life choice to be quite daring, and I have realized that while I can pray and collect stuff and send care packages and dollar bills, I am not a drop everything and go kind of gal. Luckily, the Lord has use for all of us.<br />
<br />
Thursday I had the pleasure of helping friends work out differences before they started solving issues with fists. And, being I was teaching third grade, I had the surprise of being told that one child was explaining S.E.X. to the other children in the class. One boy was upset at such a word, and while he admitted he wasn't sure what that word meant, he wanted me to make the others stop talking about it. Apparently one girl's parents had decided to have "the talk" with her, and she felt inclined to share her newfound knowledge with the rest of the third grade during lunch.<br />
<br />
Friday I got to join the fifth grade once again, and since I have been with these students a few times, we really did have a fun day together. They are at that awkward stage where they are preparing to grow up soon, and they roll their eyes at me while asking me to pray for their pet dog that has a cold the next. I love fifth grade.<br />
<br />
And all throughout this week, my husband and I have tried, in vain, to buy a house, and my kids have had endless soccer lessons. None of us has been home, and I think the kids have worn the same t shirt for three days now.<br />
<br />
But we're happy. We have prayed together. We are leaving our future in Christ's hands. And we get to go to church tomorrow for the first time in four or five weeks.<br />
<br />
So, there's an update on Lent. I pray in all of your daily journeys, Christ is meeting you. <br />
<br />
Love and blessings,<br />
<br />
PattyPatty Hatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037503136348728315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7296160094915590110.post-78152251649547177932012-02-28T11:56:00.000-05:002012-02-28T11:59:37.503-05:00Day 6: BulliesI have been too angry to write. Hence, the real truth for the sporadic Lenten writings thus far.<br />
<br />
The thing I gave up for Lent last year has all but consumed my Lent this year.<br />
<br />
And all the anger started on Ash Wednesday.<br />
<br />
I have felt very much attacked by Satan.<br />
<br />
So, today, I chose to read from my devotional bible in the hopes that I could find something to give me perspective on bullies. Because it is bullies in various forms that have stoked my anger. Bullying that is completely unjust and unfair and yet still allowed to continue that has caused me to fester with indignation.<br />
<br />
Therefore, today, finally, I needed to know. <br />
<br />
<strong>How does God deal with bullies?</strong><br />
<br />
<em>Please, God, tell me you can't stand bullies.</em><br />
<br />
And this is what I found:<br />
<br />
<strong>Nahum - Just the whole darn book</strong><br />
<br />
I could summarize it here for you, but it really is such a good read. And humbling too. Makes me take stock that I can put my trust in Him. Makes me realize how long I have taken to turn to Him in all of this...<br />
<br />
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<em><strong>Nahum 1:3 </strong></em></div>
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<br /></div>
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<em><strong>The Lord is slow to anger and great in power;</strong></em></div>
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<em><strong>the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished.</strong></em></div>
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<em><strong>His way is in the whirlwind and the storm,</strong></em></div>
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<em><strong>and clouds are the dust of his feet.</strong></em></div>
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You really need to get out your bible and read the rest.</div>
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It's good stuff, I tell you.</div>
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<br /></div>Patty Hatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037503136348728315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7296160094915590110.post-50409748289067204772012-02-27T21:39:00.002-05:002012-02-27T21:39:55.787-05:00Day 5It is Monday night, and I have writer's block. So, tonight, I just pray for each of us, that we sleep well in God's hands and wake to do His work.<br />
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Amen.<br />
<br />Patty Hatchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10037503136348728315noreply@blogger.com0