Felice's Blog

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Gerwitz Family

The Holidays have come and gone and I apologize for my lack of diligence in blogging faithfully! While I may not have penned the words, know that all of you were in my thoughts and prayers. Daily we pray for our friends, our customers, and all of you who have touched our lives throughout the 14 years that Media Angels has been in existence.

I'm sure many of you can relate to the flurry of baking, gift making, parties with family and friends and eating! Right now I never want to see another Christmas cookie again (okay, until next year)! I love to bake and it was fun to take a break from business and schooling and dig in. It has been a wonderful time in the Gerwitz household of creating memories. I recently read someone's post saying, in essence (I can't recall the exact words), "I wish for you this Christmas all that money can not buy." I'm sure that is not original, but it reflects our family's celebration this year.

My "love language", if you've ever read any of the books that deal with this concept, is to give. I'm happiest when doing, giving, and actively creating. This year (due to the economy) my husband lovingly encouraged that my "love language" needed to change. So, we became creative, especially the children. Baking is a way I can bless others and not break the bank. My specialty is cinnamon rolls and our family enjoys giving, and eating them on Christmas morning.

I know with the coming year we face uncertainty more than many of us have known in our lifetime.  Our Creation Study guides have always been geared for K-12 understanding the homeschool household’s budget; buy one book for your entire homeschool lifetime! Seriously, we are to firmly fix our eyes on the Lord and go to HIM daily in prayer. Only in this way will we find comfort and direction. My business has been Christ centered from the start.  I believe the entire Media Angels venture has been lead by Christ. Why else would I spend hours upon hours daily, working a business that by most industry standards appears small in comparison to the publishing giants? Because each book in the Media Angels catalog has been inspired and carefully crafted to bring you and your family knowledge that Christ is the center of our lives and in every subject we teach our children. Media Angels (praise God) is in a very good financial situation. And, it has little to do with my financial (or lack of) background. It has to do with the real CEO of the business. I plan to offer deep discounts on select book in January of 2009 to help families to obtain curriculum in this coming year... as a way of saying thanks for your faith in our business.

I pray the Lord abundantly blesses you and your families in 2009, surpassing everything and anything you could possibly hope for…that money can not buy!

Okay, I really should be proof reading my December newsletter so I can send it out this month...but instead I need to ask a question. Has anyone else been bothered by the over-done Santa Claus is real movie for adults? No matter where I turn another one pops up. The plots are more or less the same. Some poor adult who was hurt by Santa (or someone) in life is given the "hope" that can only be found in finding out Santa is real. Where is the hope in the real "Spirit" of Christmas, the birth of Christ??

I guess the oddest thing to me is that I'm often told that Creation Science is not "real" science...but in Television-Land make believe often crosses over into what people really want to believe. And, that belief is centered on all the wrong things. Let's pray for humanity and those who search for truth, hope and joy...that they will be lead to the Light that is Christ!

This Christmas will be the most wonderful ever. Why? Because we are cutting back drastically on the material giving (with the help of the economy) and I am in awe at how the Lord has provided.  If you've ever read anything about love languages then you will understand when I say mine is "giving". I love to give gifts, bake bread and sweets (it is a stress release...you people who work out in the gym, go for it, I'd rather whip up a batch of cookies or bread!). So, the thought of a lean Christmas did not sit well with me.

So, I went to the Lord and He reminded me that HE was in charge and I was to be obedient. I am in awe of what HE has already done and it is still 20 more days until Christmas!

This blog isn't long enough to recount everything...but I'd like to share just a few instances of the Lord's provisions. First, my son who is 13 is a left-handed baseball player. It is off season but that doesn't keep him from playing. My son loves the game and it does help having a dad who played baseball in college (on a scholarship...yes, I'm proud and I didn't even know him vey well back then). Every time I use my computer I have at least one or more websites opened up to gloves, bats, etc. His dream bat was $300.00! (Yes, that's what I said!) We looked for deals in all of the usual places and the best price we found was for half that amount. Well, today his father found a similar bat at a used sports store in town for a little more than one-fifth of the price! My son is going to be estactic because he knows this year's budget doesn't include expensive bats.

Another instance is for my daughter, Christina. I had already purchased their gifts when I found out she wanted me to purchase "practical" gifts this year. I'm sorry but the thought of two ceiling fans for the kids rooms just didn't appeal to me... but its what she wanted. Even though I had already spent the "budget" I was going to get her the fans. Well, I just learned her friend who is moving is giving her fans! All of this today.

Our family has been blessed and we have lived a comfortable life. With a husband in the construction industry in Florida, this year has been the most lean, ever. Yet, I'm filled with a "joy that surpasses all understanding" that this year our focus is CHRIST more than in years past. We have an Advent wreath and each night we light a candle as we count down the days until HIS birth. We pray and read a Scripture verse and meditate upon the joy that the LOVE of God brings.

I am also learning silence (for one whose middle name should have been "Verbose" that is a hard one!). In the silence we can truly hear God. In a houseful of people it is sometimes hard to hear above the din, but I am making the best of the moments snatched to pray, seek HIS will for my life and learn, as always that obedience is so much more fulfilling!

Have any of you tried social networking? Keeping up with friends and family with an online forum sounds like a wonderful thing. It is...in theory! I have been using social networks as a way to connect with business associates as well. This is really something that can eat away a huge amount of time, if I let it. I usually keep it to 15-30 minutes per day. Post a quick "what I'm doing" (do people really care)... and then read or check out some of the latest posts, add more contacts and join some groups.

I have found that LinkedIn is the best one for business, FaceBook for friends, family and business, and Twitter...I'm still not so sure I understand that one yet! And if all of that sounds confusing, you can post on all your sites at once using a cool software by the name of Ping.fm.

Having said all of this I have to say that I've made some really interesting "friends"... so, if you are on any of the above networks, send me a note and I'll connect! Do computers really save us time?

What a wonderful week! We have had dinners at different locations and it was a time of reconnecting, laughing, great conversations, and of course eating. Thanksgiving Day was my turn to host an event. On that day everyone was in town.

Our family began the day by attending Church to give thanks and then home for a day of feasting. I had the help of my wonderful father (a chef and past restaurant owner) and we had much of our meal prepared the day ahead. The tables were set and the guests began to arrive around noon. Appetizers at 1:00 and the meal was served around 3:00. We were dually celebrating. The greatest feat was granting my mother-in-law's wish...that a photograph would be taken of the enitre family. It was quite a challenge to get so many people into one picture, but we did it! The picture was taken outdoors, on our deck. The little, little ones stopped wiggling long enough to get a few good shots. I haven't seen the photos yet, other than on the camera viewfinder, but I'm hoping to get one via email soon.

I pray no matter how big or how small your celebration was it was a happy one. The big rush will be on for the next event, Christmas. No early shopping here...we are going to a baby shower luncheon today for Christina. Having a large family does have advantages!

I feel like I picked up my head and it's Thanksgiving time...just around the corner! What happened to the month of November? There will be a time of great festivities around the Gerwitz home. First, we will celebrate with Christina as a friend is hosting a baby shower for her this Saturday. (She will be having a boy after two little girls!!) Then, the aunts and cousins will be flying or driving to Ft. Myers for a reunion on Thanksgiving week. Each of my husband's 4 sisters will host a dinner at "their" place... Sanibel and Bonita Beach...as they are staying at various places (some together). What fun that will be. The Friday after Thanksgiving my neice and another sister-in-law is hosting a "family baby shower" for Christina, since they won't be here to celebrate this Saturday.

Even with the hard economic times we will praise God and be thankful. Being in the construction industry we have watched as many of our friends in the same or sister-industries...real estate, mortgage brokers, etc. are having to regroup and close shop. Some have lost homes or on the verge of loosing homes. Many have lost jobs. We have been in business for over 25 years and our seriously assessing our situation.

I think through all of this the Lord has been holding us in the palm of His hand. If I have learned anthing it is not to fear. I believe that fear can be gripping and counter-productive. It keeps us from thinking clearly and focusing on the negative. Yes, we are cutting back and this will be a time of foucsing on what is truly important. Friends, family and the joy that comes from praising God in the midst of adversity!

I had a great time with JoJo Tabares on her show, Grace Talk Soup. I was interviewed with a group of ladies for her upcoming Say What You Mean Convention. Communication is such an important part of our lives and JoJo "serves up" a portion on her live call in talk show. Best of all if you miss the event you can download the audio to listen to at a later date. If you want to hear some faith inspired interviews, join her on Thursday's at 11:00 EST or listen HERE

Sometimes I feel like I'm on a mission for God! I can't just read something and say..."Oh, that's too bad, people really shouldn't do that!" No...that's not how the Lord made me. In my younger years I use to get really upset and angry. Now, instead of anger, I  ask the Lord, "What do you want me to do?" Many times I know I'm just to pray.

Other times I get an idea, like this one. A contest for children to combat an anti-God slogan, soon to grace the sides of a bus in London. "There's probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life."  Well, I believe there is a God and I want to challenge young people to come up with a bumper sticker slogan that is original and something that will catch on...something that will tell the world we should praise God...from our homes, from our churches, from the proverbial roof tops or even the bumper of our cars! Our Lord is mighty, wonderful, all powerful, knowing, loving and cares about each one of us. God cares even for atheists.

Let's pray for those who contributed donations (they raised about seven-times more than they expected) to this London bus campaign to proclaim to the world that God does not exist. After all...we know better! Lord have mercy on all those who have eyes, but can not see, and ears but do not hear. Praise God for the gift of faith. Encourage your children to enter the contest, let others know. Through the power of emails, blogs and other resources we can pass the word on. Won't you help me? Our kids need to know that it is important to stand-up against something that is bad...and do something! Let the best contestant's slogan win. (Contest begins Nov. 11- Dec. 11, 2008 see sidebar for details.)

The people have spoken and the majority of the electorial votes have been counted. To say I am disappointed does not effectively describe my sentiments. I know that the leader of our country, our world, is in fact God, The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit. While I know this in my heart, my head is having a hard time coping with the news. The way I have dealt with this is by turning off the television and avoiding the internet news sites. Instead I have decided to reflect and pray. I am praying for wisdom and understanding. I am praying for fortitude. I am praying for strength. We Christians need to stand, unite, and be heard. We must be ready to do battle as the need arises. We must be willing to hear the Lord's gentle, still voice and be ready to serve. As for me and my house? We will continue to serve the Lord. We pray the Lord's blessings to all of you...and from the Gerwitz household, we send your family a hug.

Today is a day of fasting and prayer in the Gerwitz household. We are trusting in God in whatever he chooses for us. Of course I am praying that a pro-life candidate will be elected. Today is also the day that Jesse Whitlock called to tell me he is leaving immediately for Marine basic training in South Carolina! (He is Jill's youngest son). Please keep him in your prayers as this will be a tough time for him. Okay, so that sums it up...prayers all day...and trust. Isn't that what it's all about?

My children tease me by saying "You can take a teacher out of the classroom, but you can't take the teacher out of my Mom!" And, they are correct...I find "education" everywhere. A simple trip to the supermarket can have us looking for foods that have a space theme... "Milky Way Bars," etc. Riding in the car? How about naming every noun you see, or the ABC game (taking turns naming store names and signs, and my favorite the state game. Here in Florida the winter months bring the flurry of winter visitors from up North with license plates from all over. So we keep a map of all 50-states and the children place marks on the states viewed and tally them once a month. I'm in the process of putting some of these games in e-book format and would love to have your input. If you have a fun learning game that doesn't take much preparation, let me know. Or if there is a particular subject-game you'd like to see, I'd love to know. You may email me at felice@mediaangels.com or email me just to say hi! I've got to run, kids want to play "big-step-little-step." More details to come!

One of the best things about homeschooling is the friendships I've made with other parents who have turned out to be more than peers but truly friends for life. The same thing has happened to me in the homeschool publisher-author world. I've met so many people and made friendships, some only through correspondence. One such friend is Laurie Bluedorn of Trivium Pursuit. I met her many years ago and used her curriculum with my oldest children and will use it with my younger ones. It is my pleasure to offer you a special from her! Click here for more information, but this offer expires Oct. 17-19 so act now!

I am enjoying myself and I only pray that the children like the online class as well. Other than some minor technical issues (like the Internet connection going down ten minutes before class started) and having to switch to a remote connection... I think the class went well. This is a new forum for me. An audio presentation in a chat room, live! Only the administrators have the ability to talk but the children keep up with a lively chat.

One of the most amazing things to me is where people are listening from, and at what sacrifice! We have children from Alaska (I believe it is 6:00 in the morning there!), Saudi Arabia, as well as all over the USA!

The next topic will be on the problem with Darwin's theory and other false concepts. My own children are listening in and keeping me on my toes. After the first two classes I told my youngest son not to IM me any more...it was too distracting! Although, what mother can resist a private IM that says, "I love you!" 

Today was the second presentation in the line-up of Creation classes for kids. I don't know about the children, but I had a great time. During the first class (Days of Creation) I wasn't sure what to expect, whether teaching via an internet chat-room with audio would be as dynamic as a "real" hands-on workshop. But, armed with my powerpoint slides and a headphone and mircrophone, I was determined to do my best. Not only did the first hour speed by, but before I realized the time we had been online for 2.5 hours! I didn't hear any of the children complaining...well, it helps when they can hear me and I can't hear them! Judging from the number of students still in the room when we ended not many had left and it was still full. Today I taught the children about Noah's ark, The Flood, and fossils. This class is unique because not only do we go through the Scriptures but we study what science...both Creation and Evolution teach about the events. The children learn not only the Creationist's perspective but also what Evolutionists teach about the fossil record. These classes have increased my faith! I invite all of you to teach your children about the wonders of God's awesome creation and I guarantee your life won't be the same!

I have a friend who says her pet peeve is people who call "learning fun". She claims that learning is work. Well, it is...but can't we have fun while we are working toward learning?

I obviously think this is possible or I wouldn't have written the first book, Media Angels, Inc. published, Teaching Science and Having FUN! This book is currently in its 5th edition so I can say that other people also think this is a viable alternative, or the book wouldn't still sell. The great thing about resources is that you can pull them from the shelf when you need them and I have pulled this book out countless times. (Yes, I know I wrote the book, but I can't remember the email or website of a favorite science resource...or book name!)

Teaching Science can become rote if we only use a textbook. We do, on occassion use a text but our reference of choice is a computer and the internet. While this can take time to narrow down good sites, once you have your tried and true websites the work is easy.

I want to share a friend's blog, JoJo Tabares. Beginning on September 15, 2008 she is hosting fun teaching ideas on her site Communication FUNdamentals  this will include countelss ideas, tips and places to go. If you have a fun idea, you can even submit it to JoJo and it may appear on her site. 

I want to remind you the countdown is on to get your ticket for the upcoming Creation Online Classes. For only $29.95 your entire family can enjoy the 6-classes. Many free downloads and door prizes at each event. For more information click on the online classes button. This will be the only class for 2008 so you won't want to miss out. 

Being organized goes against my nature. My mother-in-law is a wonderfully organized woman. She has laundry days, cleaning and dusting days and baking days. I use to joke if I had to get out of bed knowing that it was "cleaning day" I'd rather stay in bed. But, after homeschooling since 1986 and starting my own publishing business in 1994, something had to happen or my life would be chaos.

I found that I can't live without lists. If I have it written down, even if I don't look at if often, it seems more real to me and I know it needs to get done. Of course if you lose the list (yes, I've done this more times than I care to mention), then you've defeated your purpose. This year that's what happened when I purchased an organzier book. I use to keep things in the calendar portion of my cell phone. I loved it! I didn't lose my phone and I could easily thumb through my schedule and double bookings were a thing of the past. But, I wanted to see everything on paper (like two months at once) and I liked the idea of having a daily to-do list in one place. Well, after consistently loosing the planner I had to reevaluate this idea.

Now, I try to keep my planner in one of two places when I'm through using it. Tweaking a plan or schedule is a way of life around here. I have recently added a page on this website for organization. Without it I wouldn't be able to complete schooling, keep up with the normal day-to-day household chores and run a business.

Which reminds me, I need to work on the class I will be teaching on Monday, to parents and students, LIVE! If you haven't downloaded the conference information, do so now. There will be a ONE DAY book special for this event. If you listen to the live audio presentation, you will receive a special gift. 

It will be a fun class filled with lively chat, information about the upcoming classes I will be teaching every Monday for 6 weeks, and best of all you will receive a free 72-page student book for free with your paid class sign-up. 

These events while fun to plan and execute do take time. That is why knowing how to keep your home organized does take a bit of planning, but take it easy and soon you too will have great pleasure in knowing you can check another thing off your list! 

Labor Day has been spent watching the paths of the hurricanes flanking the coasts of Florida on either side, (I'm happy to report that several weeks ago Tropical Storm Faye dropped lots of rain but little wind), smelling the delectable scents wafing from the kitchen downstairs, (my Italian father, a cook, lives with us...he's 77 but takes care of us more than we take care of him), and working. After all, isn't that what "labor day" is all about! I've been finishing the posts for the upcoming Creation Science seminar and letting everyone know about the FREE event that will take place on September 8th. For details click on the online classes link and tell all your friends.

Frankly, the tune of the seminar series took a serious turn, like the hurricanes, when I read on one of my subscriptions to a national science newsletter that once again evolution is fact. I don't mind the word "theory" or even "hypothesis" (a working theory), but when blatant statements are made saying that "of course we know" (and it is implied that IF we don't, then it means we are uneducated), it makes me upset.

I'll save the details of the 5 secrets evolutionists don't want your kids to know for the September class, but for now know that I am furiously working away so that I can empower our children to recognize the difference between a fact and a "guess". 

My family has found me and I'm off for a walk (they bike and run circles around me) before dinner. After I eat there is no way I'd be able to walk! I hope you enjoy a special dinner with your family and keep safe. Let's all join in prayer for those hit by the devastating storm.

Day 2

I couldn't write to you on the first day of school. We had so much "fun" I was wiped out! That along with trying to get the website ready for the upcoming class I'll be teaching online was more than even this multi-tasking mom could handle. The first day we handed out new school supplies and went over our new and improved schedule.

Every year I change things up a bit. This year there was a dramatic change. We are including art and music almost every day. They weren’t as delighted I thought, but they were excited after spending time on both the last few days. We also instituted the “permission-to-speak” rule. One day, this past summer when bickering had reached an all time high I prayed for direction. After sending children to various corners of the house to cool down until appropriate punishments could be meted out, an inspiration came to me. Since they felt that talking was a “right” and they were using it incorrectly, I decided that no one was allowed to talk to me or each other unless they asked for permission. The punishment would be severe if they broke this rule. After the shock registered, and the punishments were handed out (of course they forgot to ask for permission, often at first), the beauty of the silence was a thing to behold! They calmly asked for permission to speak and when they did it was well thought out and wonder-of-wonders, kind!

This has been reinstituted for this coming school year, and so far it has worked beautifully. This goes entirely against my nature. I am a disciplinarian but a sporadic one. My teaching techniques were taught in the 70’s an era of the open classroom, coloring without lines and children having great self-esteem. Well, these theoretical concepts didn’t work in my home. I’ve taught my children to think for themselves and sometimes it is in thinking that selfish behaviors crop up. Having to ask for permission to speak allows them to think before they speak and so far, it has been the great beginning of a new year.

Okay so it’s always summer in southwest Florida. But we marked our last day of “summer” before the new school year by heading to Ft. Myers, Beach for dinner. After eating pizza we walked along the boardwalk and then decided it was time for ice-cream cones before we walked along the beach waiting for the sunset. Anne, my ten-year old described the water was "chocolate milk” color and the small crest on the waves were the “whip cream.” The tropical depression, Faye, had churned up the waters so the normally pristine sand was dotted with seaweed clumps and the odd left-over from beach goers. Yet, we enjoyed the walk nonetheless. Sometimes marking an end and looking forward to a new beginning is as important to us as it is to the children. So, we looked forward to the new school year. After all, Ft. Myers Beach is only 20 minutes from our house! 

I'm just getting started with blogging. I usually feel I'm ahead of the curve when it comes to technology, but for some reason blogging wasn't one of those things I wanted to tackle.

I began writing about 10 years before I published anything. That is, unless you take into consideration all those entertaining letters to friends and families, letters to the editors for the local newspaper, newsletter editor of just about any organization I joined. Not to mention years of working with children and making up stories to entertain.

When I finally began writing for publicaiton it worked out backwards. I was asked to speak at a major convention and then I decided to write a book. In 1994, Teaching Science and Having Fun! (Media Angels, Inc.) was the book that launched my writing career and the inspiration to start my own publishing company.

Mother's Day 2008

As a homeschool parent, I'm excited about beginning the new school year, but I have to admit I was in denial several weeks ago. You see, I've homeschooled children since 1986 and was a school teacher for a brief time in the "real" world. So, you could say I've spent more than half of my life with children that were not my own as well as nuturing, then schooling my own. I began homeschooling Neal and Christina in 1986. Then in my "Elizabethan years" (a story for another time) I had 3 more children...Nicholas, Anne, and Michael...who will keep me schooling for many years to come.

I hope to share with you throughout the year. I will warn you, I'm very honest and if it's a bad day I'll share that as well. Hopefully, this will serve as notice to my children to be on guard and to plan on having a "great" year! Otherwise some of their antics may serve as information on this blog!

Hugs,

Felice