Not together, 'cause I think that would be gross. I canned 7 quarts of beans, 5 quarts of tomato puree and 10 pints of salsa today. So that's what I have been doing!
Sorry the postings have been short lately. I have been very busy. It seems that when I get a second away from canning something, I am drowning in laundry or housework, or sick. It has been non-stop the last few weeks. There is a light at the end of the tunnel though! My husband has requested that I make and can him some tomato soup. When I get that done, I will probably can another batch of tomato puree and then I am DONE with tomatoes. WooHoo!!!!!! The beans are still trickling in, but as long as I can keep the boys picking and breaking then that isn't too bad. We are wanting to can some beef stew, veggie soup and chili but that can wait until later. I am beginning to feel relieved!
I am knitting hats for the family for winter. That is my current project. I have gobs of fabric in the bedroom though to be made up into jumpers for me and quilts for the boys. So that is what is in the works around here. I am eagerly looking forward to cold "stay shut up in the house" kinda weather. I hear that the winter is supposed to be unusually cold..........I haven't decided if that is good or bad yet. I definately don't want a repeat of the ice storm from last year.
Enough rambling! It is late and I have to get to bed. If you need an article to kick yourself in the pants regarding work, check out Candy's latest post.
Have a great night!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
HOAC Colonial America Lapbook Review
Online Kids Creation Science Class
Felice Gerwitz will be teaching a kids Creation Science class online, every Monday beginning Sept. 22 through Oct. 28. If you would be interested in having your children attend you can go HERE for more information.
HERE is the fall line-up for Cindy Rushton's Talk-A-Latte series.
I would love to have the boys take part in the online class but with our FL trip upcoming, I just don't see it happening. That doesn't mean that you need to miss out though!
HERE is the fall line-up for Cindy Rushton's Talk-A-Latte series.
I would love to have the boys take part in the online class but with our FL trip upcoming, I just don't see it happening. That doesn't mean that you need to miss out though!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
It's Raining, It's Pouring, The Old Man is Snoring!
Literally :)
Dh and the older boys are still in bed, but the baby and I have been up since 6:30 (which isn't really early, but I am still trying to get over this terrible cold) and boy has it been raining! I got up sometime in the night and closed down the windows and really haven't had a chance to open them back up again. Our satelite signal has been lost most of the morning and my poor little Sadie (who absolutely despises rain and wet grass) won't go outside for her morning yard tromp. I hope it quits raining soon, I don't know how big her bladder is! She will go in the rain, but she really, really dislikes it!
Yesterday we picked the garden clean again and I spent the whole day canning stuff. I canned the 5 half-pints of catsup that I made the day before, 11 quarts green beans and cooked/canned 5 quarts of spaghetti sauce. If there is enough tomatoes again at one time before the "season" is over I will try to make one more batch of spaghetti sauce. I really need 2 more, but the tomatoes are slowing down so I don't really see that happening. And I will make more salsa, which requires fewer tomatoes at a time. I figure I can get at least a few more batches of that.
School is going good. We have 22 days under our belts. I divide the year into 6 "quarters" so we only complete 30 days a quarter. #1 is almost finished! Yeah!!!!! I have been tweaking as we go, but overall I am very satisfied with the way things are working out. We must work really hard to be done with everything but reading before lunch, but the boys are getting the hang of it and have quit most of the complaining.
I was going to blog yesterday about Sept. 11, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I don't know about you, but it seems like yesterday. I know that I have blogged about it before so I just didn't this year. I think for the most part, I have dealt with the lingering emotional issues caused by Sept. 11 for me. I can see God's hand so perfectly in my life since that time.
I suppose that I had better go round up the older boys and get school started. I think we will do our reading snuggled on the couch rather than at the table today.
Enjoy your weekend!
Dh and the older boys are still in bed, but the baby and I have been up since 6:30 (which isn't really early, but I am still trying to get over this terrible cold) and boy has it been raining! I got up sometime in the night and closed down the windows and really haven't had a chance to open them back up again. Our satelite signal has been lost most of the morning and my poor little Sadie (who absolutely despises rain and wet grass) won't go outside for her morning yard tromp. I hope it quits raining soon, I don't know how big her bladder is! She will go in the rain, but she really, really dislikes it!
Yesterday we picked the garden clean again and I spent the whole day canning stuff. I canned the 5 half-pints of catsup that I made the day before, 11 quarts green beans and cooked/canned 5 quarts of spaghetti sauce. If there is enough tomatoes again at one time before the "season" is over I will try to make one more batch of spaghetti sauce. I really need 2 more, but the tomatoes are slowing down so I don't really see that happening. And I will make more salsa, which requires fewer tomatoes at a time. I figure I can get at least a few more batches of that.
School is going good. We have 22 days under our belts. I divide the year into 6 "quarters" so we only complete 30 days a quarter. #1 is almost finished! Yeah!!!!! I have been tweaking as we go, but overall I am very satisfied with the way things are working out. We must work really hard to be done with everything but reading before lunch, but the boys are getting the hang of it and have quit most of the complaining.
I was going to blog yesterday about Sept. 11, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I don't know about you, but it seems like yesterday. I know that I have blogged about it before so I just didn't this year. I think for the most part, I have dealt with the lingering emotional issues caused by Sept. 11 for me. I can see God's hand so perfectly in my life since that time.
I suppose that I had better go round up the older boys and get school started. I think we will do our reading snuggled on the couch rather than at the table today.
Enjoy your weekend!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
HOT
Salsa, that is :)
We have stayed busy canning and freezing the bounty from our garden. Over the weekend, while I was sick, we froze 24 bags of sweet corn and canned 13 quarts green beans and 5 pints pizza sauce. Yesterday, I cooked up a new salsa recipe. Boy, is it HOT! But really, really good. It only made 5 pints and we have already eaten 1. I will definately need to make some more of that. Today I am trying my hand at catsup. My mom always made it when I was growing up so I am confident that it will turn out.
I am using my crock-pot for doing most of the cooking down of the tomatoes for everything. I don't know why I didn't think of that before! I let the pizza sauce cook all night long and ended up with a fantastically thick sauce. I love it! Poor crock-pot is barely getting washed before it is being loaded up with tomatoes again :) I need to get started on spaghetti sauce soon. I won't be able to use the crock-pot for that unless I go get my mom's. So, I guess I will need to think that through.
I did a lot of housework today. Decluttered the desk some, but it still needs work. Straightened up the school stuff. Dh and I have agreed on a solution to some of the school work clutter. We are going to buy another pantry cabinet and a skinny bookshelf to put in the kitchen. The top of the pantry will be used for pantry stuff and the bottom will hold the boy's current book "drawers". The skinny bookshelf will hold all those books that find themselves living on the table, chairs, countertops, floor and barstools. There are many, and they reproduce while I am sleeping.....I swear they do! I doubt we will get the purchasing and installation done before we leave for FL but we have a plan.....with us that is the main part of the problem.
I still need to fold one load of laundry and finish the catsup. I hope I am not up late canning. Oh well, I have a 7-day library book that I need to read so I guess I can work on that while things are simmering...........Why, oh why do I check out 7-day library books?????
Have a great day!
We have stayed busy canning and freezing the bounty from our garden. Over the weekend, while I was sick, we froze 24 bags of sweet corn and canned 13 quarts green beans and 5 pints pizza sauce. Yesterday, I cooked up a new salsa recipe. Boy, is it HOT! But really, really good. It only made 5 pints and we have already eaten 1. I will definately need to make some more of that. Today I am trying my hand at catsup. My mom always made it when I was growing up so I am confident that it will turn out.
I am using my crock-pot for doing most of the cooking down of the tomatoes for everything. I don't know why I didn't think of that before! I let the pizza sauce cook all night long and ended up with a fantastically thick sauce. I love it! Poor crock-pot is barely getting washed before it is being loaded up with tomatoes again :) I need to get started on spaghetti sauce soon. I won't be able to use the crock-pot for that unless I go get my mom's. So, I guess I will need to think that through.
I did a lot of housework today. Decluttered the desk some, but it still needs work. Straightened up the school stuff. Dh and I have agreed on a solution to some of the school work clutter. We are going to buy another pantry cabinet and a skinny bookshelf to put in the kitchen. The top of the pantry will be used for pantry stuff and the bottom will hold the boy's current book "drawers". The skinny bookshelf will hold all those books that find themselves living on the table, chairs, countertops, floor and barstools. There are many, and they reproduce while I am sleeping.....I swear they do! I doubt we will get the purchasing and installation done before we leave for FL but we have a plan.....with us that is the main part of the problem.
I still need to fold one load of laundry and finish the catsup. I hope I am not up late canning. Oh well, I have a 7-day library book that I need to read so I guess I can work on that while things are simmering...........Why, oh why do I check out 7-day library books?????
Have a great day!
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Fall Talk-A-Latte Line-up
Cindy Rushton's fall Talk-A-Latte season is getting ready to start with a big BANG! I am so excited to see so many wonderful seminars coming up.
September 12-13–A Simple Journey to Debt Free Living
October 10-11–Training Sons…Training Daughters
November 7-8–Let’s Make a Memory
December 12-13–A Crash Course on Spiritual Warfare!
PLUS! Our first students class! Creation Science Class with Felice Gerwitz
As you can see, the classes are starting SOON! You don't want to miss any of these great seminars, but I absolutely know how finances are.....we are still saving for that trip to Orlando! Anyway, I would recommend A Simple Journey to Debt Free Living, if I had to pick only one. You can register for it HERE. If you are like me and can't wait to get ALL of these fabulous seminars into your IPod, then click HERE for a ticket to the whole series of seminars.
These seminars are GREAT! I am still listening to the seminars from the Ultimate Homeschool Expo! The way that these seminars are set up, you can listen LIVE from your computer - in your own house, in your pjs if you want. There is a member site, where Cindy posts loads of great goodies (ebooks, articles and bonus audios) that are only available to those who have a ticket. All the links to the speakers and any free gifts that they are giving away are there also. Then, you can download the audios into your Ipod (mp3 player) and listen away to your heart's content. The BEST part is that EVERYTHING stays on the website, forever, and you can access it at any time that you need/want it. It is the conference that just keeps on giving! I have been blessed beyond measure by these seminars and know that you will be too.
The money that I spend on these seminars is worth every dime - and the price doesn't even come close to their beginning value - not to mention the loads of freebies that you always get with the membership site. Everytime I plug in my IPod I am blessed again by the wisdom and encouragement of other homeschool moms. They are right there with me, sharing my struggles and burdens as we walk this road together. All the topics are relevant, timely and God uses them to encourage me in so many different ways. I encourage you to give them a try and see how God uses these wonderful seminars to bless your life!
September 12-13–A Simple Journey to Debt Free Living
October 10-11–Training Sons…Training Daughters
November 7-8–Let’s Make a Memory
December 12-13–A Crash Course on Spiritual Warfare!
PLUS! Our first students class! Creation Science Class with Felice Gerwitz
As you can see, the classes are starting SOON! You don't want to miss any of these great seminars, but I absolutely know how finances are.....we are still saving for that trip to Orlando! Anyway, I would recommend A Simple Journey to Debt Free Living, if I had to pick only one. You can register for it HERE. If you are like me and can't wait to get ALL of these fabulous seminars into your IPod, then click HERE for a ticket to the whole series of seminars.
These seminars are GREAT! I am still listening to the seminars from the Ultimate Homeschool Expo! The way that these seminars are set up, you can listen LIVE from your computer - in your own house, in your pjs if you want. There is a member site, where Cindy posts loads of great goodies (ebooks, articles and bonus audios) that are only available to those who have a ticket. All the links to the speakers and any free gifts that they are giving away are there also. Then, you can download the audios into your Ipod (mp3 player) and listen away to your heart's content. The BEST part is that EVERYTHING stays on the website, forever, and you can access it at any time that you need/want it. It is the conference that just keeps on giving! I have been blessed beyond measure by these seminars and know that you will be too.
The money that I spend on these seminars is worth every dime - and the price doesn't even come close to their beginning value - not to mention the loads of freebies that you always get with the membership site. Everytime I plug in my IPod I am blessed again by the wisdom and encouragement of other homeschool moms. They are right there with me, sharing my struggles and burdens as we walk this road together. All the topics are relevant, timely and God uses them to encourage me in so many different ways. I encourage you to give them a try and see how God uses these wonderful seminars to bless your life!
Friday, September 05, 2008
Sick
What started out as the sniffles has turned into a full blown cold/flu thing. Bear is sick and I feel terrible. I hope to pick up with blogging again next week. Have a good weekend!
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Kindergarten Curriculum
As promised, here are my curriculum suggestions for Kindergarten :)
First of all, I want to encourage all new homeschooling moms to take a deep breath. And another. Now, your children will not be deprived in any way if you snuggle on the couch everyday and read fantastic books together. That is all you have to do. I know that is VERY hard to swallow. I know. I was the frantic-first-time-homeschool mom. Ask my oldest son. I was a drill sargeant. We did flashcards for 5 mins., reading practice for 10 minutes, math worksheet, then counting practice and then more flashcards.....on and on. You get the idea? He hated school. With my 2nd son, I was already homeschooling the older one and just didn't have the time to spend 2 hours drilling flashcards (and by then I knew it wouldn't work anyway!). So Greg got 2 worksheets every day; one phonics and one math. We would spend 5 minutes with Alphaphonics and then he would be included in Lee's history, science and literature....ALL of which were basic read alouds and coloring pages. He loves school. So, take it from me......reading is all you really need to do.
However, if you feel compelled to DO something, take a look at my preschool suggestions. Most of them still apply here. We use Alphaphonics to teach reading so if your child is interested, then I would suggest that. I also used Modern Curriculum Press's Kindergarten math book with the older boys, one page a day. I don't know if I will get that technical the next time, but it was a good value and worked as a "gentle" beginning for math. We use Math-U-See for math after that, so we will probably look into the primer for kindergaten.
Other suggestions:
Five in a Row (we didn't use this, but I really like the looks of it)
Sonlight K
My Father's World K
***As a thought, all of the above are basically focused around reading GREAT children's books aloud to your children. You can save a BUNCH of money by just getting great books from the library and reading them, over and over, to your children. Read the books, discuss the books, live the books. Throw in some children's history and science books if it makes you happy. Sit on the couch or lay on the floor (or better yet, a blanket in the yard) and read together. Don't forget to let everyone (even the big ones!) look at the pictures. I would also suggest that you read "bigger" books to your children. When Lee was 5, we read the whole Little House on the Prairie series during bedtime. Take a look at Madeline, House on Pooh Corner and Charlotte's Web as well.
Don't forget Bible. If you are still using a Bible storybook, you should continue with that but throw in at least one day a week of reading passage from the Bible. We use KJV and my children haven't ever had any problem understanding it. I firmly believe that children become accustomed to what they are exposed to. I would also encourage you to sing hymns with your children. We own several children's praise music CDs that are fantastic and really get God's word into their little hearts. If you aren't memorizing scripture together as a family yet, now is the time to start. HERE are some verses to start with if you are stumped.
Simply Charlotte Mason is a wonderful site dedicated to helping parents educate their children via Charlotte Mason's method. To read more you can go HERE. Cindy Rusthon also has some fantastic articles about learning through "living books" HERE.
Spend this year as you did last year. Learn the habits of reading and living together day by day. Share your life with your children and explore the world together. Enjoy your children! This year will be gone so fast that you will wonder where it went.
First of all, I want to encourage all new homeschooling moms to take a deep breath. And another. Now, your children will not be deprived in any way if you snuggle on the couch everyday and read fantastic books together. That is all you have to do. I know that is VERY hard to swallow. I know. I was the frantic-first-time-homeschool mom. Ask my oldest son. I was a drill sargeant. We did flashcards for 5 mins., reading practice for 10 minutes, math worksheet, then counting practice and then more flashcards.....on and on. You get the idea? He hated school. With my 2nd son, I was already homeschooling the older one and just didn't have the time to spend 2 hours drilling flashcards (and by then I knew it wouldn't work anyway!). So Greg got 2 worksheets every day; one phonics and one math. We would spend 5 minutes with Alphaphonics and then he would be included in Lee's history, science and literature....ALL of which were basic read alouds and coloring pages. He loves school. So, take it from me......reading is all you really need to do.
However, if you feel compelled to DO something, take a look at my preschool suggestions. Most of them still apply here. We use Alphaphonics to teach reading so if your child is interested, then I would suggest that. I also used Modern Curriculum Press's Kindergarten math book with the older boys, one page a day. I don't know if I will get that technical the next time, but it was a good value and worked as a "gentle" beginning for math. We use Math-U-See for math after that, so we will probably look into the primer for kindergaten.
Other suggestions:
Five in a Row (we didn't use this, but I really like the looks of it)
Sonlight K
My Father's World K
***As a thought, all of the above are basically focused around reading GREAT children's books aloud to your children. You can save a BUNCH of money by just getting great books from the library and reading them, over and over, to your children. Read the books, discuss the books, live the books. Throw in some children's history and science books if it makes you happy. Sit on the couch or lay on the floor (or better yet, a blanket in the yard) and read together. Don't forget to let everyone (even the big ones!) look at the pictures. I would also suggest that you read "bigger" books to your children. When Lee was 5, we read the whole Little House on the Prairie series during bedtime. Take a look at Madeline, House on Pooh Corner and Charlotte's Web as well.
Don't forget Bible. If you are still using a Bible storybook, you should continue with that but throw in at least one day a week of reading passage from the Bible. We use KJV and my children haven't ever had any problem understanding it. I firmly believe that children become accustomed to what they are exposed to. I would also encourage you to sing hymns with your children. We own several children's praise music CDs that are fantastic and really get God's word into their little hearts. If you aren't memorizing scripture together as a family yet, now is the time to start. HERE are some verses to start with if you are stumped.
Simply Charlotte Mason is a wonderful site dedicated to helping parents educate their children via Charlotte Mason's method. To read more you can go HERE. Cindy Rusthon also has some fantastic articles about learning through "living books" HERE.
Spend this year as you did last year. Learn the habits of reading and living together day by day. Share your life with your children and explore the world together. Enjoy your children! This year will be gone so fast that you will wonder where it went.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
God's Bountiful Harvest
It truly is God's harvest this year. After the flood we were so afraid that we would end up with nothing but God saw fit to provide us with a wonderful harvest this year.
So far we have:
7 pints Sweet Dill pickles
7 pints Bread and Butter pickles
6 pints Lime pickles
6 bags shredded zucchini (freezer)
2 bags chopped sweet peppers (freezer)
12 bags sweet corn (freezer)
12 quarts green beans
7 cantalope
***And*** We have been eating very, very well :) Okra is fabulously yummy :)
The beans were finished just a little while ago. It was my first excursion with a pressure canner. My mom came to supervise and it went well. I did the 2nd batch myself :) I also have pizza sauce in the crock pot for the night and will can it tomorrow. We also have more corn to process tomorrow. Our beans and tomatoes are really just starting to produce now. I imagine that I will be VERY busy for the next few weeks.
Thank you for your wonderful provisions God!
So far we have:
7 pints Sweet Dill pickles
7 pints Bread and Butter pickles
6 pints Lime pickles
6 bags shredded zucchini (freezer)
2 bags chopped sweet peppers (freezer)
12 bags sweet corn (freezer)
12 quarts green beans
7 cantalope
***And*** We have been eating very, very well :) Okra is fabulously yummy :)
The beans were finished just a little while ago. It was my first excursion with a pressure canner. My mom came to supervise and it went well. I did the 2nd batch myself :) I also have pizza sauce in the crock pot for the night and will can it tomorrow. We also have more corn to process tomorrow. Our beans and tomatoes are really just starting to produce now. I imagine that I will be VERY busy for the next few weeks.
Thank you for your wonderful provisions God!
Monday, September 01, 2008
Renewed Priorities
I have been sharing my struggles in my sin areas, laziness and anger. This evening while reading God's word God spoke to me TWICE! You can bet that I listened!
Judges 10:10
And the children of Israel cried unto the Lord, saying, We have sinned against thee, both because we have forsaken our God and also served Baalim.
Judges 10:15-16
And the children of Israel said unto the Lord, We have sinned: do thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee; deliver us only, we pray thee, this day. And they put away the strange gods from among them and served the Lord: and His soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.
Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 1:29-31
For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord: They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
Proverbs 1:33
But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.
Lord, I cry out to You today because I am a sinner. Only by Jesus am I worthy to come before you. Please have mercy on me.
I rededicate myself to You tonight, Lord. All my goals, actions and thoughts are going to be funneled into learning about You and teaching my precious children about You.
I feel that God has called me to this. I have never really felt like a Bible scholar. I have "application problems". I learned this evening (although I probably already knew) that if God gives a command and I ignore it (or conveniently forget it) that I am sinning. I know that the Lord is mighty and just. I want to be for Him, not against Him. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Judges 10:10
And the children of Israel cried unto the Lord, saying, We have sinned against thee, both because we have forsaken our God and also served Baalim.
Judges 10:15-16
And the children of Israel said unto the Lord, We have sinned: do thou unto us whatsoever seemeth good unto thee; deliver us only, we pray thee, this day. And they put away the strange gods from among them and served the Lord: and His soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.
Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 1:29-31
For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord: They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
Proverbs 1:33
But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.
Lord, I cry out to You today because I am a sinner. Only by Jesus am I worthy to come before you. Please have mercy on me.
I rededicate myself to You tonight, Lord. All my goals, actions and thoughts are going to be funneled into learning about You and teaching my precious children about You.
I feel that God has called me to this. I have never really felt like a Bible scholar. I have "application problems". I learned this evening (although I probably already knew) that if God gives a command and I ignore it (or conveniently forget it) that I am sinning. I know that the Lord is mighty and just. I want to be for Him, not against Him. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
THIS WEEK ONLY
This week only you can purchase Cindy Rushton's Organized Mom Super Set for half price! This is a fabulous resource and an incredible value, at $49.95. Click HERE for the special price. It is not at this price on the website....you must use this link.
Included in this set are:
Homeschooling the Easy Way Vol. 1
Let's Get Organized
Make Your Own Brain in a Binder
The Ultimate Mommy Menu Planner
Getting Back to God's Design for the Godly Home
Homeschooling the Easy Way Vol. 2
Christ-Centered Christmas
PLUS:
6 of Cindy's audio workshops
AND
2 of Matthew's audio workshops
AND
Organization 911: Help for the Messy Mom Seminar Set
AND
Let's Get Organized for the New School Year Seminar Set (Cindy's newest seminar)
This set is normally $99. You are getting this for HALF price! If you are looking for a little help in the organization department, then this set is what you are looking forward. Remember to use THIS link.....the website does not reflect this special "friends only" price.
Please share how this set has encouraged you!
Enjoy!
Included in this set are:
Homeschooling the Easy Way Vol. 1
Let's Get Organized
Make Your Own Brain in a Binder
The Ultimate Mommy Menu Planner
Getting Back to God's Design for the Godly Home
Homeschooling the Easy Way Vol. 2
Christ-Centered Christmas
PLUS:
6 of Cindy's audio workshops
AND
2 of Matthew's audio workshops
AND
Organization 911: Help for the Messy Mom Seminar Set
AND
Let's Get Organized for the New School Year Seminar Set (Cindy's newest seminar)
This set is normally $99. You are getting this for HALF price! If you are looking for a little help in the organization department, then this set is what you are looking forward. Remember to use THIS link.....the website does not reflect this special "friends only" price.
Please share how this set has encouraged you!
Enjoy!
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Helmet Liners for the Troops
If you would be interested in knitting helmet liners, scarves or neck gators for our troops please go HERE. I think that this is a worthwhile use of our knitting time, girls (and guys!), and I know that our troops will appreciate it!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Thursday
Ya know how some days you should just stay in bed? This is one of those days!
During the 3:30 a.m. "I wanna be up and snuggle with mommy" Little Bear stuck his finger in my eye. I did manage to go back to sleep with him on the couch, but when I awoke it really, really hurt! It is all bloodshot and watery and hurts quite a bit. The watery eyes make my nose run and I have been through 2 boxes of kleenex all ready. I sure hope that it doesn't hurt tomorrow!
Lee has soccer practice tonight. I had the boys do their "independent" school work so that I didn't have to try to read too much. They are outside doing yard work with dad. We had pork steaks, sweet corn and zucchini for lunch. I have meatballs in the crock pot now for spaghetti and meatballs.
Yesterday, the boys and I walked/biked 4 miles to visit my Great-Aunt Marge. She lives straight across the section (miles as the crow flies), but with the fields still in we had to walk around.....2 miles each way. I was soooo tired last night. I know that if I keep it up eventually it won't be such a big deal, but it just isn't happening quick enough. Little Bear and I walk while the boys practice, so we get 1 hour on Tuesday (Greg's practice) and 1.5 hours on Thursday (Lee's practice). If we don't walk then Bear tries to play :)
Well, staring at the computer is hurting my eyes so I am getting off here. I will try to post something more interesting tomorrow!
During the 3:30 a.m. "I wanna be up and snuggle with mommy" Little Bear stuck his finger in my eye. I did manage to go back to sleep with him on the couch, but when I awoke it really, really hurt! It is all bloodshot and watery and hurts quite a bit. The watery eyes make my nose run and I have been through 2 boxes of kleenex all ready. I sure hope that it doesn't hurt tomorrow!
Lee has soccer practice tonight. I had the boys do their "independent" school work so that I didn't have to try to read too much. They are outside doing yard work with dad. We had pork steaks, sweet corn and zucchini for lunch. I have meatballs in the crock pot now for spaghetti and meatballs.
Yesterday, the boys and I walked/biked 4 miles to visit my Great-Aunt Marge. She lives straight across the section (miles as the crow flies), but with the fields still in we had to walk around.....2 miles each way. I was soooo tired last night. I know that if I keep it up eventually it won't be such a big deal, but it just isn't happening quick enough. Little Bear and I walk while the boys practice, so we get 1 hour on Tuesday (Greg's practice) and 1.5 hours on Thursday (Lee's practice). If we don't walk then Bear tries to play :)
Well, staring at the computer is hurting my eyes so I am getting off here. I will try to post something more interesting tomorrow!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
What Kind of Woman Are You?
I was journaling on Aug. 21st (I always date my journals so I know) but was interrupted. I still haven't got back to it, but my journal is open to my spot on my desk so I have seen it often since.
Proverbs 21:9
It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.
If that doesn't make you stop and think, then nothing will! How does my family feel about living with me? Am I the brawlilng woman, yelling and starting fights at whim? What does my attitude and tongue say about me?
Today, I have to say that I failed miserably. Greg, Bear and I got home from Greg's soccer practice and everyone was hunger. The baby was screaming and the older 2 were nowhere to be found. I was so frustrated and yelled at them in anger to come help me. Then I made several snide comments to the effect of "having to do everything all by myself". How did that make my children feel? What kind of example was I setting for my children regarding appropriate behavior/attitudes/speech?
Thank you Lord for convicting me in this area! I am learning so much and being humbled by how much farther I have to go.
I am thankful that Jesus has so much mercy on me!
Proverbs 21:9
It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.
If that doesn't make you stop and think, then nothing will! How does my family feel about living with me? Am I the brawlilng woman, yelling and starting fights at whim? What does my attitude and tongue say about me?
Today, I have to say that I failed miserably. Greg, Bear and I got home from Greg's soccer practice and everyone was hunger. The baby was screaming and the older 2 were nowhere to be found. I was so frustrated and yelled at them in anger to come help me. Then I made several snide comments to the effect of "having to do everything all by myself". How did that make my children feel? What kind of example was I setting for my children regarding appropriate behavior/attitudes/speech?
Thank you Lord for convicting me in this area! I am learning so much and being humbled by how much farther I have to go.
I am thankful that Jesus has so much mercy on me!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Great post
This is an invite to visit my friend Crystal's blog to see how she is implementing character growth in her homeschool this year. Crystal has been a tremendous influence in how I raise my children. Her children are precious and if you spend any time at all with her family you will see how well they all interact with each other.
Family time in Lexington, KY
I am writing to all of you this beautiful morning from the Radisson in Lexington, KY. We have been here all weekend for a taekwondo tournament. Competition went well, but we are disappointed to learn that dh won't be able to compete anymore due to some rule the American Taekwondo Association has regarding black belts being required to judge. My dh believes that his place is to be supporting his children, not being forced to "voluntarily" spend the day judging other children. I know that our region is short on judges, but you would think that they could hire some with the money that we hand over to them everytime we turn around. Anyway, I am off my soapbox now!
Norman placed 1st in weapons and 3rd in sparring. Leland did great and placed 4th in forms and sparrring. Gregory also did great, placing 3rd in sparring and 4th in forms. I am proud of all my boys.
After competition we went to Gatti Town, a place similar to Chuck E Cheese. I think that this place was better though, as the restaurant part was separate from the arcade. I sat in a booth listening to the UHSE 08 on my Ipod while the boys and dad went to the arcade for 3 hours. I would have had a nervous breakdown after 30 minutes! But they all seemed to enjoy it so it was worth it. I was greatly blessed by the seminars I was able to listen to while we were there, so it was a win-win situation!
We will be traveling home later today. It has been a wonderful, fun weekend for the most part. I am so thankful for my wonderful family!
Norman placed 1st in weapons and 3rd in sparring. Leland did great and placed 4th in forms and sparrring. Gregory also did great, placing 3rd in sparring and 4th in forms. I am proud of all my boys.
After competition we went to Gatti Town, a place similar to Chuck E Cheese. I think that this place was better though, as the restaurant part was separate from the arcade. I sat in a booth listening to the UHSE 08 on my Ipod while the boys and dad went to the arcade for 3 hours. I would have had a nervous breakdown after 30 minutes! But they all seemed to enjoy it so it was worth it. I was greatly blessed by the seminars I was able to listen to while we were there, so it was a win-win situation!
We will be traveling home later today. It has been a wonderful, fun weekend for the most part. I am so thankful for my wonderful family!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Good, Better, Best
Goal progress: I haven't watched any TV here today, just a few minutes at mom's. I was on the internet for about 30 minutes earlier today and have logged back on tonight to update this blog. I seem to have accomplished more and the house seems more peaceful. I didn't even turn the radio on!
Verses for Today
I Corinthians 10:13, 21-23, 31
(v. 13) There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
(v. 21-23) Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he? All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.
(v. 31) Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
TV and internet may not be evil, but were they the best use of my time? God can be glorified on TV and the internet, but was I glorifying God with what I was watching on TV or reading on the internet?
Today, I was tempted to randomly surf the internet but a dryer buzz or a fussy baby reminded me that maybe I had a better use for my time. I asked God to help me better manage my time and He answered in a very tangible way. God is faithful when we ask to draw closer to Him.
Tonight, with the house quiet, I was able to enjoy a chapter from a study in a nice warm tub. God granted me time now to reflect on the word He gave me this morning. God is good!
I ask God to continue to direct my paths so that whatever I do, I will glorify God.
Verses for Today
I Corinthians 10:13, 21-23, 31
(v. 13) There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
(v. 21-23) Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he? All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.
(v. 31) Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
TV and internet may not be evil, but were they the best use of my time? God can be glorified on TV and the internet, but was I glorifying God with what I was watching on TV or reading on the internet?
Today, I was tempted to randomly surf the internet but a dryer buzz or a fussy baby reminded me that maybe I had a better use for my time. I asked God to help me better manage my time and He answered in a very tangible way. God is faithful when we ask to draw closer to Him.
Tonight, with the house quiet, I was able to enjoy a chapter from a study in a nice warm tub. God granted me time now to reflect on the word He gave me this morning. God is good!
I ask God to continue to direct my paths so that whatever I do, I will glorify God.
Laziness and Anger
My heart has recently been burdened by two very serious character flaws that I have. One is the anger that I hold in my heart and the other is laziness. As a goal for myself this school year, I have decided to fight the anger in my heart, actions, and life and to overcome my tendency towards laziness. These are BIG goals! To tackle both of them at one time would be impossible if I was doing it myself, but my God is BIGGER than my character flaws!
There are 6 steps that I have purposed to take to reach my goal. I will review these goals/steps on January 1st, 2009 and see what God would have me to do then.
1. read at least 1 verse a day regarding either anger or laziness
2. copy verse in my bible journal and post on blog (accountability)
3. write down every instance of anger, pray and ask forgiveness from God and the person I lashed out at
4. limit TV to Saturdays
5. limit internet to 15 minutes 2 times a day during the week and 1 hour on Sunday
6. make scripture memory a priority
For scripture memory I will be using verses from The Joy of Womanhood Study by Susan D. Zakula. This study is available at Keepers of the Faith. I will also be memorizing verses from James with the boys and anything else that the Lord lays on my heart.
I will try to post updates about my journey at least weekly. I wish that I could guarantee that I would post more frequently than that, but God may have other plans for my days! I look forward to letting Him direct my paths!
There are 6 steps that I have purposed to take to reach my goal. I will review these goals/steps on January 1st, 2009 and see what God would have me to do then.
1. read at least 1 verse a day regarding either anger or laziness
2. copy verse in my bible journal and post on blog (accountability)
3. write down every instance of anger, pray and ask forgiveness from God and the person I lashed out at
4. limit TV to Saturdays
5. limit internet to 15 minutes 2 times a day during the week and 1 hour on Sunday
6. make scripture memory a priority
For scripture memory I will be using verses from The Joy of Womanhood Study by Susan D. Zakula. This study is available at Keepers of the Faith. I will also be memorizing verses from James with the boys and anything else that the Lord lays on my heart.
I will try to post updates about my journey at least weekly. I wish that I could guarantee that I would post more frequently than that, but God may have other plans for my days! I look forward to letting Him direct my paths!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Busy
Busy-ness seems to come in spurts around here!
I am feeling like I am on my feet all day as soon as they hit the ground in the morning. School is going well, although we are all still getting used to the routine again. Bear has a cold, so he is miserable.
We have taekwondo pretesting tomorrow (only for me, nobody else is ready). I NEED to go to Aldi's tomorrow and get some stuff. I have been ordering from our local food co-op and that is such a blessing, but we have managed to run out of stuff like mayonnaise and salt (dh picked up the salt though). Hopefully we will be able to do that tomorrow. Our local town-wide garage sales start Friday and my husband has agreed to get up early and come with me. I am hoping to score some great deals!
Leland needs clothes, again. It is a blessing that he is finally growing (smile) but he seems to be doing it all at once. I bought him some jeans at Kohls in January and he has already outgrown them. Greg is happy though, because he is the next size down and he loved those camo cords that Lee picked out :) And both of the older boys need shoes. So we are going to be doing some shopping here in the near future.
I have another post planned on curriculum choices for kindergarten and 1st grade. I plan on doing the series through 3rd or 4th grade. I don't want to give recommendations on things that I haven't used and loved through the first 2 boys. I only want to recommend the very best to you!
I am hoping to get to do some knitting and sewing in the next few weeks. Lots of do and no time to do it.
Have a happy week!
I am feeling like I am on my feet all day as soon as they hit the ground in the morning. School is going well, although we are all still getting used to the routine again. Bear has a cold, so he is miserable.
We have taekwondo pretesting tomorrow (only for me, nobody else is ready). I NEED to go to Aldi's tomorrow and get some stuff. I have been ordering from our local food co-op and that is such a blessing, but we have managed to run out of stuff like mayonnaise and salt (dh picked up the salt though). Hopefully we will be able to do that tomorrow. Our local town-wide garage sales start Friday and my husband has agreed to get up early and come with me. I am hoping to score some great deals!
Leland needs clothes, again. It is a blessing that he is finally growing (smile) but he seems to be doing it all at once. I bought him some jeans at Kohls in January and he has already outgrown them. Greg is happy though, because he is the next size down and he loved those camo cords that Lee picked out :) And both of the older boys need shoes. So we are going to be doing some shopping here in the near future.
I have another post planned on curriculum choices for kindergarten and 1st grade. I plan on doing the series through 3rd or 4th grade. I don't want to give recommendations on things that I haven't used and loved through the first 2 boys. I only want to recommend the very best to you!
I am hoping to get to do some knitting and sewing in the next few weeks. Lots of do and no time to do it.
Have a happy week!
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