A Grace-full Life

Thank you and Come On Over

2012-01-24T09:56:00.000-05:00

I really appreciate all my followers here at A Grace-full Life and I am sorry it had to be shut down. However, we are not gone! I have begun a new blog that is along the same vein but with much more focus.

I would really LOVE and APPRECIATE it if you could join me at Spirit, Mind and Body and follow me there as well.
Thanks so much for your support!

shutting down

2012-01-05T16:32:00.002-05:00

A Grace-full Life is shutting down. Probably permanently. It is not going in a direction I am comfortable with, and since I receive so little positive feedback, I figure what's the point?

I need time to refocus.

I have to be honest

2012-01-04T21:30:00.000-05:00

One week ago I had my heart broken. I called a friend to share what I considered to be good news. She answered without realizing she had answered. I know this because I heard her ask her husband to check the caller ID on the other phone because “it isn’t showing up on this one”. When he read off the number (I could hear him plainly), I heard her groan my name and then she proceeded to say some very hurtful (and untrue I might add) things about me and then she said “I wish they (including me) would just leave me alone”. Before she said these things I was yelling into the phone to let her know we were connected, but she must have set the phone down because I heard a lot of background noise and she never knew I was there, hearing every word. Eventually the phone disconnected.

I sat there with many emotions raging, but I must say I was not actually shocked. I knew her to be a woman who gossiped and slandered as easily as she took a breath, but somehow I thought our friendship was different. That it was real. All those times she talked about mothers at the school or in-laws, I figured she just needed to vent and tried to be supportive all the while trying to redirect the conversation to a more positive, or at least neutral, direction. I also knew, from her own proud admission, that she has a history of not being truthful. In fact, she once verbally delighted at the thought that she was a “good liar”. After hearing what I heard, it became obvious that I was not safe from her tongue lashing anymore than the next person.

Now, normally I would not blog about such personal observations of another person. I do not share this in an immature effort to slander her. I want you to understand the source of my pain and conflict.

Within a few minutes of processing what I heard, I knew I had three choices. I could: 1. rant, rave and declare pay back(which I spent a few minutes doing); 2. pout and cry over the betrayal (which I have done a little, okay, more than a little) or 3. forgive and walk away.

Jesus would (and does) forgive for far worse transgressions. Thus, I must do the same.

Here’s my conflict though: forgiveness is easy when it is desired. Meaning, I would find no problem forgiving if she were to approach me with an apology. Yes, she knows that I overheard. During my #1 reaction phase, I phoned her mother and asked her to relay a message for me. I told her mother to tell her I am sorry if I bothered her and that I would not do it again. I meant it. I also told my sister, who mentioned it to her that same night. The selfish-human part of me wanted her to know I over heard.

I understand that we all sometimes say things that we don’t mean as a result of fatigue or feeling overwhelmed at the end of the day. I can easily get OVER what she SAID. What still hurts me is that she knows that I overheard and has not attempted to contact me to talk it over. I am hurt over what has NOT BEEN SAID. Her week-long silence leads me to come to two possible conclusions: either she 1. meant what she said; or 2. finds her pride more important than our friendship.

Either reason leads me to #3 of possible reactions. I forgive but what choice do I have but to walk away? My heart still aches at the loss of a friendship that spanned many years, but if she is unwilling to reconcile what more can I do? Jesus tells us to “turn the other cheek”, but does He say anything about us willingly ASKING to be slapped?

Forgiveness does not mean the transgression is condonable and that we should accept it for what it is.

Furthermore, God tells us that “evil company corrupts good habits” (1Cor. 15:33). Thus, I have to think that while I’ll continue to love and pray for this woman, it is best if we part ways. What good can come from a close relationship with a woman who so easily slanders others and is so slow to apologize?

Jesus knocks and we must open the door to invite Him in. He does not just come barging in.

I must surrender my human emotions to Christ and pray for His guidance, direction and comfort. I also trust He will place people in my life that will encourage and strengthen me in my walk. I also pray that I am a good ambassador for Christ as a woman offering encouragement and words of wisdom to others.

Have you found yourself in a similar situation? How did you respond and what lessons did you learn from it? I’d love to know!

Free Reading Assistance

2012-01-04T11:21:00.001-05:00

Have you tried free reading? www.freereading.net is a FREE resource when teaching a child how to read.

Used in Florida’s schools in 2008-2009, freereading is designed to provide complete reading instruction for grades K-1. A kindergartener who may be a little behind is recommended to begin with Week One. A delayed first grader can skip to Week Twenty-one. The instruction is activity based and requires approximately 30 minutes a day, depending upon the number of students. The activities are designed for an entire class room or just a small group. There are links provided to a PDF of picture cards and/or word cards which you can then print for use.

As an open-source program, freereading’s users are able to add content which may be helpful to other users. There is an entire section for Sharing Lessons and Ideas. If you do not want to follow the preplanned lessons for each week, you can browse the list of activities or content added by other users and create your own curriculum.

I am using it as a supplement of sorts for Beauty’s reading instruction. I find the activities a fun and refreshing alternative to the desk work required by our current curriculum (The Writing Road to Reading). The combined resources make for a complete curriculum that is working for us so far.

Teaching a child with Beauty’s specific challenges requires patience and perseverance, and the understanding that she does not learn some things at the same speed as her peers. Freereading is helping to make the process a lot more relaxing for me, which means it is less stressful for her.

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T01:26:00.001-05:00

I already made my resolution list, which you can read here. I've also made a list of goals for 2012; the usual homemaking kind of stuff. If reading that sort of thing really floats your boat, then check out the page tab above.

Have a blessed and happy new year!

Don’t Let Thomas Get Wet!

2011-12-29T23:18:00.001-05:00

We’ll see.

Is Your Phone Attached To The Side Of Your Head?

2011-12-28T20:05:00.001-05:00

If you even have to think about it for a second, then let me tell you about a series released today in the blog world.

Heather at Raising Mighty Arrows has opened the series with “Put the Phone Down” ….and “be a wife”. She has linked to six other ladies writing about the same theme.

I for one need this reminder. Sometimes we all (well, at least I do) neglect our responsibilities in exchange for a friendly chat on the phone. Calling a friend to share some recent exciting news or for a specific PURPOSE (i.e. prayer request, passing on of important information) is perfectly acceptable. But we need to keep it short. Not only does being on the phone too long cause us to neglect our duties, but it is also the breeding ground for gossip or slander cleverly disguised as “venting” or “being concerned”.

So, after the kids go to bed take a few moments to click the link above and read some helpful and sound reasons as to why we should put down the phone (and other techy distractions).

The Sweet Potato

2011-12-27T08:42:00.000-05:00

I mentioned a few posts ago that one of my resolutions is to eat more whole foods. Thus, I began making a list of foods that we are likely to eat more of which then led me to look into their health benefits.

First on the list is the sweet potato. Here are some health benefits associated with this root vegetable:

*carotenes: gives sweet potatoes their orange color and acts as an antioxidant in humans, actually boosting antioxidants

*good source of vitamins B2, B6, pantothenic acid (B5), C and A

*good source of fiber, manganese, copper and biotin

*unlike the regular potato, sweet potatoes are an approved food for diabetics since they have a lower GI.

So how to prepare the sweet potato for the dinner table? Some people peel, boil and season as one would the regular potato. I usually cut in half vertically and place in a shallow baking dish in the oven until the flesh is soft and mashable Then I add butter and sprinkle cinnamon. We eat them either as a baked potato or mashed potatoes. YUM!

www.allrecipes.com has a variety of recipes to suit your mood, from candied to casseroles to steak fries. We’ll be trying a few!

We’ll Never Make the Tour of Homes

2011-12-26T16:36:00.002-05:00

nor will we ever be featured in Home and Garden and our home will certainly never receive praise from Martha Stewart. But that’s okay.
When you walk into our home, hopefully you’ll see more than just a family who lives on a tight budget. You’ll see that kids do indeed LIVE here. Watch out or you might slip on a stray Hot Wheel. Their toys are not confined to the closets and shelves in their own bedrooms. We live in this home. These walls hear the laughter (and sometimes bickering) of little voices. The floors echo the pitter patter of little feet. Our kitchen table may be disguised as a secret cave, covered by blankets. Our kitchen walls? They may be mistaken for a kindergarten classroom. That is what they are after all. Books, and brightly colored posters abound. This is where little ones learn. And grow. Yes, the wall paper in the hall may have a few strips missing here and there. Little fingers just couldn’t resist the urge to pick and peel the edges. I’ve decided that’s okay. We needed to replace it anyway. Someday. You may discover the kitchen floor is a little sticky when you walk. That’s from where a little one spilled their juice and then tried to clean it up without asking for help or expecting mama to do it. Our furniture is, well, loved. They are functional at best. We live in this home. We learn and love in this home. Constant cleaning and decorating and saying “No don’t touch that” or “don’t mess up your bed” takes away from the precious moments of learning and loving.
One day I may have a designer home. Spotless. Stylish. No unknown funky smells. And pretty walls. But I hope that day takes forever to get here, for it will mean that THESE days…days of learning, discovery, giggles and hugs…would have passed away.

image credit

This post is linking up with Project 52 at

Christmas 2011

2011-12-25T23:37:00.001-05:00

Christmas Eve began at Memama’s house.

Tess and Myree

Uncle Mike

Miss Em and Buck

Trying to sneak a Pepsi

Then on to Mama Jean and Grandaddy’s. Here is Grandaddy fixing his egg/sausage casserole. It’s a tradition.

Aunt Stacey showing off her Christmas sweater. It’s a running joke.

Buck got a new pair of cowboy boots.

He’s so proud of them!

This is what Beauty’s been asking for for months.

Opening their stockings on Christmas morning.

Beauty playing with her playdough dentist kit.

Give them a good cleaning!

Buck loves his big remote controlled truck.

What could it be?

Play time at last!

As usual, God blessed us abundantly and it was a wonderful Christmas.

Her Son Was In a Bag

2011-12-23T20:20:00.001-05:00

That’s what my high school friend Sandra saw when she entered into her son’s school last week. You may have read or heard about it. It’s been on our local news, but it is also gaining national coverage through sources such as Yahoo News ,MSNBC.com and NYDailyNews.com

Her son is autistic and Sandra was called to pick him up for misbehaving. When she arrived, she found him tied up inside a large drawstring bag intended for gym balls. She demanded that he be let out, which of course he was. Immediately. She was told this was not the first time her son was placed inside the bag and set out in the hallway of his intermediate school.

This is the picture Sandra provided on FB to show an example of the bag. This is NOT the actual bag, but a representation. The actual bag, she says, is a little bigger.

The superintendent’s official public response is that it is unlawful for him to issue an official public statement either confirming or denying the allegations, but that they are complying with the ensuing investigation and that the school district strives to treat all students with respect and provide the best education possible.

If I were not home schooling, this would be the district in which Beauty attended elementary school. He is only one year older than she.

With the help of some wonderful people at change.org, she has begun a petition to the board of education to request changes in their policies in the disciplining of special needs children and to request that all staff involved with the special education department be properly trained in autism awareness.

Honestly people, if someone were to enter your home and found you had tied your child up in a bag like the one pictured above, they’d be pulled from your home so quickly your head would spin. As they should. What is not appropriate discipline at home should not be allowed at school. Isn’t that not only common decency, but common sense as well?

I’ve been told that some of these kids need restraining so they don’t hurt themselves or others. No one is saying they should be allowed to go all Kung-Fu on the classroom, but appropriate forms of discipline need to be enforced. Being tied up inside a bag is not an appropriate form of discipline. I understand that sometimes physical restraint is necessary, but again…to be tied up inside a bag? They are not the spoils from a rabbit hunt.

Special needs children are not animals. They are human beings created by God, in the image of God and deserve the same respect as anyone else. Furthermore, they deserve our protection for they so often cannot defend themselves nor even verbally ask for help.

If you would like to read and /or sign the petition please click here.

I am very proud of Sandra for taking a stand and trying to change her world and that of her son and children like him.

Pre-Resolution List

2011-12-22T11:38:00.000-05:00

I always love the new start a new year brings and usually make at least mental resolutions even if I don’t announce them. I usually don’t announce them cause, well, I know ME and the likely hood I won’t keep them. My self-reflection has begun earlier than usual this year and I want to make a few notes about the changes I would like to make.

First of all, it would be pointless for me to even begin if I did not immediately surrender all my intentions and plans to God. So, I do.

Here’s the semi-official list:

More quiet time with God. It seems lately the kids’ eyes pop open the minute my feet hit the floor, so prayer time and devotional usually happens with them chaotically fluttering about.

Incorporate more Whole Foods into our diet. Much more. As the mother of a special needs daughter, one would think I had jumped on that band wagon years ago. I have not, but now have one foot up in the air ready to heave myself onto the wagon of “limited processed foods”. I am not naïve or foolish enough to think we can make a complete transition to no processed foods at all. They seem nearly unavoidable, and let’s face it, sometimes convenience wins the meal-time war. I do want to make the effort to serve more fresh fruits and vegetables, or at least frozen, so we may reap the nutritional benefits. I KNOW that I know that I know that the benefits are many and we’d all FEEL so much better if I just take the time to prepare nutritious well-rounded meals.

Drink More Water. And no, sweet tea is not the same thing. Duh.

Play. Lately my idea of a good time is to be curled up with a book. While that will always be among my favorite pastimes, it is a solitary one that has does not offer the relational and physical benefits that acting silly or DOING something fun provides.

Time-Management. So that my days are more productive and I don’t work myself to death one day a week to make up all of the neglected house work.

Simply. Must. Practice. Self. Discipline. This is a biggie and none of the other goals can be achieved without it. It covers a broad range of areas in which I must control myself: what I think; what I say; how I spend; how I teach; how I train;how I spend my free-time; how I manage household chores. Every facet of my life basically. (Lord, I really need help with this one!)

Have you begun your resolution list? If so, I’d love to know what’s on it!

This Mama Is So Proud

2011-12-21T12:48:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, December 18th, Beauty was in her very first Christmas play. She did not have any lines, but sang in the choir. She could not read the words, but held her choir book proudly and belted out the songs from memory. She did so well!

Those of you who have a child with significant learning challenges can appreciate what I am saying. She stood still, during a scene where she needed to be seated while Luke 2 was read, she sat still. She announced her name at the end during the cast introductions. She was wonderful.

Here she is, to the right and behind the guy with the beard (who happens to be my brother-in-law).

I am so proud of her!

Looks like it may run in the family- during the choir’s concert, Buck ran out of the pew and up on stage and stood next to his sister. He turned to the audience and said “Hidee!” He’s a ham.

A Most Tragic Deception

2011-12-20T22:34:00.001-05:00

A man Hubs knows hung himself on Saturday evening. They had not spoken in years, but it was one of those relationships that do not break. They were not close, but still bound to one another. I cannot give any more details than that.

The young man leaves behind two very young sons and a devastated family. No one saw it coming. His mother found the suicide note just moments too late. What ifs are fueling their grief. My heart breaks for his mother, extended family and of course for the two boys and their mother.

Many emotions swell and toss about when I hear about a suicide. Thankfully I have not experienced if first hand through a loved one of my own and I pray I never do. But we all know someone who knows someone……

Mostly I cry at the tragedy of it all. An eternal soul that is now on the other side, that has reached the point of no return. All hope is gone. No do-overs.

I realize how this sounds. Like I am assuming he was lost. That is not for me to determine. Only God knows the condition of his heart and the circumstances leading to his final decision. It is my sincere hope that he is indeed now at peace.

Still, I have to ask myself “What goes through a person’s mind to lead him to end his life and leave behind a family and two small boys?” What lies had the enemy used to convince him this was the best and only solution?

What caused him to ignore God’s promise, “And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”(Deuteronomy 31:8) and

“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” ⁶ So we may boldly say: “ The LORD is my helper;
I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 31:5) and instead believed there was no hope.

I mentioned before that depression is something I have struggled with for years. There have been days when I felt overwhelmed, when the enemy has whispered to me that “nothing will ever get better” and suggested I drive my car into a tree. But those thoughts are immediately taken captive for Christ and I am reminded of His words in Matthew: “ ²⁸ Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” There is always Hope and Victory in Christ. The cross shines through the shadows and we can live because He lives.

click for image source

¹⁰ The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)

Dear ones, I pray that we all remember this Christmas, and always, to share the Good News to everyone we meet. Let our lights so shine before men that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

A Good Day

2011-12-19T23:35:00.001-05:00

Visiting with Grandma and Papaw

Arrowhead hunting on Papaw’s farm

Beauty enjoyed the fresh air and being outdoors for a change.

This is about as close as Hubs got to seeing a deer this season.

I actually found an arrowhead! Yeah I know it’s a bit rough….

Hubs was not about to be outdone by a GIRL, so he later found this one:

It’s a dandy with only minor tip damage.

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These pictures were not taken today, I just felt like adding them to our online scrapbook.

If we go wading in hip-high swamps, Buck is good to go.

Hubs and his “bucks”.

Have a wonderful week and a Merry Christmas!

Controlling Our Tongue

2011-12-16T23:55:00.000-05:00

Jenny from A Mother's Heritage wrote a guest post at Far Above Rubies concerning how we speak to our children. I came away convicted and thought you might want to check it out too.

Why is Christmas so Special?

2011-12-12T21:35:00.001-05:00

This year I announced I wanted to shake Christmas up a bit and not participate in gift giving every where we went. It was not that I wanted to be a scrooge and withhold gifts from other children, it was that I wanted to teach my OWN children that Christmas is about something much more important than getting presents every time they turned around. And let’s face it, we cannot buy other children presents but tell their parents NOT to buy us anything.

I wanted to teach my children the value of just gathering with family around a meal and enjoy spending time together. I wanted them to learn the joy of thinking of other people, of visiting great-grandparents and giving them a gift to show our love and appreciation for them. Without. Expecting. Anything. In. Return.

When I mentioned this to a few people, I got an old-fashioned chewing out. I was accused of cruelty, greed and selfishness. I was told that children expected gifts at Christmas and to deny them that was taking away something special. “Children need that fantasy and excitement”, I was told.

image credit

Let me explain by adding that we have never taught Santa in our home. Beauty knows who he “is” of course-she DOES live in America and we do let her out of the house on occasion - but we’ve never told her her presents on Christmas day were from Santa or that he delivered them on Christmas Eve. Now you may see why I was accused of “robbing” my “children of the joy of Christmas”. I mean, first no Santa and now no gifts from people she sees but once a year? You get the picture.

While I conceded to keeping with tradition, to keep the peace in the family, I still must shake my head at the craziness of it all.

It is amazing to me how people will fight tooth and nail to uphold a lie to their children, claiming it makes Christmas "special" for their children-when the real reason of Christmas (God coming in the flesh to redeem the world) seems pretty doggone special to me. In fact, there is nothing more special.

When dealing with nonbelievers, I expect such an attitude. But when dealing with self-professing Christians, I am highly disappointed. It saddens me to think that the same people who throw a big stink about saying “Merry Christmas” versus “Happy Holidays” are really no different than the rest of the world when it comes to the ultimate emphasis of the holiday. When presented with two conflicting ideologies of December 25th, which is the one children are going to be more excited about? Everyone loves receiving gifts. Children are no different; and there isn’t necessarily anything wrong that. BUT, no matter how much we talk about the nativity, or participate in Advent or attend services, Santa is the REAL reason children love Christmas. How can a baby born in something called a stable over 2000 years ago compete with a jolly grandfatherly-type who brings them presents while they are asleep? And then eventually, when reaching a certain age, they discover that whole thing was just a big sham. A deception. And one they are willing to pass on to their own children….because why? Because that’s what we do and really, what was the harm? We didn’t grow dysfunctional because we learned the truth. Right?

Well, God tells us to love Him above all things and that He is a jealous God-meaning, He wants our full devotion (remember El Qanna?) Do we really think He is okay with sharing Christmas with a pagan character? How does He feel hearing us say that children need Santa in order for Christmas to be special? We were separated from God by our sin, with NO HOPE of ever redeeming ourselves, so He sent Jesus (Himself in the flesh) to the earth to bridge the gap. He left His kingdom on high to live the life of a man, though sinless and pure, and die a ghastly and painful death as punishment for crimes He did not commit. He bore our sins, and their punishment, Himself because He loved us so much. This is the best news of all time! How can anything be more special than that?

Quite simply, at the mention of Christmas, I want my children’s first thoughts to be of a Baby in a manger, and why He was there. I want them to understand why we DO participate in gift giving among ourselves-to share God’s love and show appreciation for one another in celebration of the birth of the Savior. Our primary focus is to be on Christ, then others; and ourselves shouldn’t even enter the picture beyond what Christ has done for us.

Therefore
Come out from among them
And be separate, says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean,
And I will receive you. 2 Corinthians 6:17

You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; ⁵ you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, ⁶ but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments. Exodus 20:4-6

³⁰ And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. Mark 12:30

⁵ But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.
⁶ All we like sheep have gone astray;
We have turned, every one, to his own way;
And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:5-6

¹⁰ Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. ¹¹ For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
¹⁴“ Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men! Luke 2:10-13

¹⁷ Now when they had seen Him, they made widely^[d] known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. ¹⁸ And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. ¹⁹ But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰ Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them. Luke 2:17-20 ( Sounds like a pretty exciting and special time for the shepherds, huh?)

But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. Galatians 4:4-5

Again, I ask, What can be more exciting and special than THAT?!

Soli Deo Gloria and Maranatha!

Merry Christmas!

My Autism Team

2011-12-07T21:31:00.000-05:00

If you have a child on the autism spectrum, you may have already joined My Autism Teamdczz, a social forum for parents, caregivers and professionals of autistic children. If not, let me suggest you register!

Beauty has been seen by two separate panels of specialists and they both diagnosed her with MR and assured me she was not autistic. However, a school psychologist told me children with MR often exhibit autistic characteristics. I joined up with My Autism Team, revealing Beauty’s official diagnosis as non-autistic, but they welcomed me with open arms anyway. Beauty’s tendency toward autistic behavior is so strong, that I was given the impression that many of my new friends think she has been misdiagnosed. I do too, at least partially misdiagnosed. I can not deny the MR diagnosis. I am her mother as well as her primary teacher. I can not argue with the fact that we have spent the last four years on basically the same material (and it isn’t from lack of trying, or neglect). However, she also has several “smaller” diagnoses in addition to the MR: expressive/receptive language disorder, poor muscle tone and ADHD. Personally, I think she falls under the spectrum as well. The similarities are too great and too consistent. We were told Beauty’s eye contact and overall friendliness are too strong to “qualify” her as autistic, but I’ve learned there are many children on the spectrum with excellent eye contact and are very friendly.

It makes no real difference to me what the experts say; what her diagnosis is. She is who she is. I am just thankful for this resource of parents with similar struggles. It helps me remember I am not alone and also provides me with the support I need as a mom of a very special little girl.

If you have a special needs child and are needing that extra support or a venue in which you can voice your frustrations and cheers among people who KNOW what you are going through, then I suggest you visit My Autism Team and sign up now. It’s free, but the support/encouragement it offers is PRICELESS.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T08:19:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope yours is filled with joy, contentment, family and an appreciation for all that is good.

I am thankful for many things this year, of course. Grace. Love. Family. Home. Food. Clothing. Hub’s job. Wants fulfilled as well as Needs.

I am deeply grateful for the country in which I was born, raised and continue to live. Sure, the moral decline of our nation broadens each day; but we still live in the greatest nation on Earth. I also live in a wonderful state. I have the freedom to worship God and raise my children in the Lord without fear of death or imprisonment. As a woman I have equal rights and freedoms as man. I am able to home school my children with no involvement or interference from the government.

God bless America and God bless you this special day.

Pre-holiday Pictures

2011-11-13T21:32:00.001-05:00

What did I do?

The kids and Mama Jean (my mom)

Dancin’ with Chuck E. Cheese

2011-11-05T22:36:00.001-04:00

My mom and dad treated Beauty with a trip to Chuck E. Cheese today as an early birthday present. Eastwood, my sis Stacey and I went as well.

As usual, Beauty had to be right up in the middle of the dancing.

She is so precious!

We also played some games.

I think the adults played more games than the kids!

My dad.

My dad…again!

Stacey

Notice they spelled Beauty’s name wrong? I decided to let it pass.

We had a great time!

Thanks!

2011-10-26T15:39:00.001-04:00

I want to thank Schooling in the Sun for nominating me for the Versatile Blogger Award!

Check out her fun blog!

When can being jealous be good?

2011-10-26T15:31:00.001-04:00

When we think of jealousy we often associate it with coveting and envy. Since God tells us not to covet, we assume jealousy as a bad human emotion. When displayed in the form of covetousness or envy, jealousy is a harmful, unproductive and unnecessary emotion of the flesh. But did you know there is a “good” form of jealousy?

One of the many names of God is El Qanna, the Jealous God. God first refers to himself this way in Exodus 20:5- you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God

El Qanna refers to a “marriage” relationship between Yahweh and His people. This symbolism makes it easy to understand how God can be jealous. Think about it. Do you want to share your husband’s affections and devotion with anyone or anything else? My guess is no. I know I sure don’t! The marriage covenant is holy and unlike any other relationship we will ever enter into. Just like we don’t want our husbands to be intimate with another woman, God does not want our loyalties, attention and praise to be directed toward anyone/thing but Him.

I like to think of it as a form of being protective. He is willing to “fight” for us, even to the point of death on the cross and once we are His (reconciled through the blood of Jesus), He will not let us go and is “jealous” of anything that may try and woo us away.

We should exercise this same form of jealousy towards guarding the Truth in our homes. We should remain diligent to not allow anything profane to leak into our homes, where we strive to raise our children in Truth and to the glory of God.

Yoga, Hinduism and the western world

2011-10-18T23:55:00.001-04:00

The following is part of the Guarding Our Stewardship Series:

O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge— ²¹ by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith. 1Timothy 6:20, 21

Did you know we can contribute a huge percentage of today’s “new age” philosophies to Hinduism? Did you also know that there is no such thing as “Christian Yoga”, although it is becoming more prominent in modern churches? Yoga is not just a form of exercise. It is a means by which its practitioners can reach enlightenment and tune in to their own divinity.

In short, it is yet another lie chanted to us by our society. It relates simply to the original sinful desire of wanting to be “like God”. Yoga is dangerous and should not be allowed into our homes and lives.

Too often we think we can poke around in activities which derive from religions of the world; we think there is no harm in adopting bits and pieces of a secular philosophy. In doing so we obliterate our Biblical worldview and defile the Truth. Do not entertain even the most seemingly innocent concept/activity/etc. if it does not align with the Word of God.

Lamb and Lion Ministries recently aired two eye-opening episodes on their program Christ in Prophecy concerning this very subject. In fact, the purpose of this post is to share them with you.

Both episodes interview Caryl Matrisciana, who was raised in India and spent her young adult years as a follower of new age ideas and even experienced the altered state of consciousness obtained through yoga. Hers is a fascinating story! Click here to view it! Or click below.

Episode two deals primarily with the purpose, definition and dangers of yoga. Click here to see it! (Or below)

Please take the time to view the above clips. You’ll come away amazed.

Glasses!

2011-10-17T21:24:00.001-04:00

On Monday, October 10, Helana visited the ophthalmologist, Dr. Rivard, and was prescribed her first pair of glasses.

She looks so cute and grown up!

Friday October 14 we visited the local pumpkin patch with our church’s youth group. Devine’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch is so much more than a pumpkin patch. There is a corn maze to get lost in, a farm animal petting “zoo”, a cool slide made out of a huge drain pipe and much more! After dark they light a bonfire and roast marshmallows.

Inside the drain pipe slide. Beauty wasn’t so sure about going down a second time. You slide very fast and have a bit of a rough landing-most people love it!

Buck went down only once, then decided it was safer to play in the hay and the “baby slide”.

My dad being a goof. No one would race him.

The huge bouncy-thing was a big hit.

Buck wouldn’t ride this train made from barrels and pulled by a four-wheeler. Beauty liked it though.

Buck, my dad and Beauty at the entrance of the less complicated “Kiddie Maze”.

Hayride to the pumpkin patch.

Searching for a pumpkin at twilight.

Buck and Hubs found theirs early and headed back for the wagon. Notice the cool sky!

Bonfire

Buck last year at the farm animal petting area.

This year he couldn’t get enough!

Check out this post

2011-10-12T00:56:00.001-04:00

Just minutes after publishing my last post, I read this one from Crystal at Serving God and Family. I’ve been following her blog for years, but this particular post reminded me of how her testimony fits in nicely with the post I had just written. Take the time to check it out. You won’t be disappointed.

Guarding Our Stewardship Series-a back story

2011-10-12T00:42:00.001-04:00

The following is a part of our Guarding Our Stewardship Series.

O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:

²¹Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. 1 Tim. 6:20-21

This series is coinciding with my second tour of The Truth Project.(If you have not yet participated in this life-changing study I highly encourage you to do so….NOW!) The first time I completed this tour, my life was turned upside down. In a good way. In a fantastic way. It is when I first entered what I refer to as my “cocoon stage”. Quite simply, I fully surrendered to God my mind, and my life, so He may shape me into the woman He has purposed me to be.

While under going my second tour, I continue to be amazed at how “secular” my worldview and overall mindset was, even while professing to be a Christian. At the age of eleven I acknowledged my sinful condition and my need for Christ as my Savior, and I thought I had made Him my Lord, but I realize now that so much of my “beliefs” were indeed secular and nonbiblical. Somehow I had missed it. After all, my morals were good, I attended services, prayed and tried to “be” like Jesus. BUT I FAILED TO THINK LIKE HIM. We need to change our mantra from “What Would Jesus Do” to “What Does the Bible Say”. They are very similar I know, after all Jesus is the Word, but still slightly different.

JESUS IS LORD and WE NEED TO ACT LIKE IT. A major question we are encouraged to ask ourselves while touring the Truth Project is: “Do you really believe that what you believe is really real?” Upon honestly pondering this question, I found that so much of my life did NOT reflect that I truly believed what I believed. I was not being a good steward of the truth. I suspect many good-intentioned Christians today have the same problem. Like me, they just never give much thought to what their actions actually reflect about their beliefs. If we truly believed the Word of God, would we do what we do, worry about what we find stressful, engage in certain activities, watch certain t.v. shows….?

I do know this: God inspired Paul to write Romans 12: 2 for a reason.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

How many times have I read over this verse and wonder, “How do I renew my mind?”. Praise God, I think I am starting to get it. God is teaching me how to view everything through a Biblical lens, testing everything against the Scriptures, against the Truth. That is what I hope to accomplish in this series: to expose the lies that surround us so we may guard the Truth and protect our families.

In the next post, I will discuss a major conduit through which a great lie travels and how it has consumed the Western world, including modern Christianity.

October 9-11 2011

2011-10-11T19:25:00.001-04:00

October 9 2011

October 10 2011

October 11 2011

Rearranging the Schedule

2011-10-09T22:39:00.001-04:00

I’ve been away from posting for far too long, I know. We are adjusting to a new schedule, so blogging has taken a back burner.

Buck is now officially in a true big boy bed. His crib was just not working anymore and had to be pitched for safety reasons. His new sleeping arrangements have meant a new sleeping schedule….not by my choice, I might add! Whereas before he would sleep until 9:30 or even sometimes 10 am, he is now standing at the baby gate at his door cheerfully shouting “Hi-dee” no later than 7:30 every morning.

This has forced me to rearrange my own schedule, as well as the school schedule. Before, I would get most of my house work done either before he woke up or real late at night. Now I have no choice but to go to bed earlier so I can wake up earlier. House work no longer gets done of the early mornings or late at night. So last week we changed our school schedule from being spread out all day, to finishing up by lunch. The afternoon then is reserved for chores, playing and book reading (and maybe a nap).

Actually, this is just what I needed I think. We needed a stricter school schedule. Giving Beauty sensory breaks every half hour or so worked wonderfully for a while, but now she needs to learn more discipline and the value of hard work.

On a side note, take a look at the gorgeous sunset Hubs captured this evening. This is behind our house.

A Fall Featured Friday

2011-09-23T15:30:00.001-04:00

Ooops! I forgot to post a Feature Friday last week!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful first day of Autumn!

Most of our trees were killed in recent ice storms, so we don’t have any leaves to rake up and jump into, but I wish we did. That was always my favorite thing to do as a kid.

I can still enjoy nature excursions and drives to see the beautiful change in leaves. My favorite leaf color is bright red,

or maybe orange….it’s a toss up!

This week’s features are all about fall!

**Check out Listen to my words with your Heart for today’s Featured Blog! She’s posted a fun craft, which the kids will present later in this post.

To me, one of the greatest things about autumn is the warm comfort food that accompanies colder weather.

It is raining and chilly in the Bluegrass today, the perfect beginning to such a fabulous season if you ask me, so I pulled out the ol’ roasting pan for some stick-to-your-ribs yumminess.

Pork Roast with veggies:

1lb of pork roast: place in roasting or deep baking pan with 1/2 C water.

Arrange potatoes (I used red), baby carrots, celery and onions around pork in pan.

Mix 2 cups beef broth with 1 C of flour and stir. Add salt/pepper to taste.

Pour broth over pork and veggies.

Bake at 350 for 3-4 hours (I baked for 3 hours). I checked it at 2 hours to see if I wanted to add any more broth.

Very easy and very tasty!

Autumn also means harvest time! Kimmy from Living for Today has a wonderful recipe for canning your own grape juice. I’d never heard of anyone CANNING their own grape juice before, but it makes perfect sense. Check out this week’s FEATURED POST to learn how!

Now for the fun stuff that only a grandma (or Mama Jean) could appreciate-pics of the kids’ fall craft!

Buck had minimal help from Mama.

What are some things you are doing to celebrate this time of year?

A Good Night’s Sleep

2011-09-23T00:23:00.001-04:00

is so important. I keep telling myself that. GOD keeps telling me that. Yet, I still have a very difficult time achieving one. I am always so much more productive the whole day when I arise early, before Beauty, and start the day off right. But, I still have a difficult time going to sleep. Either my mind is busy with planning projects, or just nonsense, or my body cannot relax and get comfortable. Image credit

It is imperative that I awaken before Beauty, instead of the same time as she; and I cannot expect her to play quietly in her room if I am feeling bad and need to rest a few more minutes. We’ve already had to install special locks in case she decides she wants to go outside without my knowing. Now this week we’ve also had to secure the windows so that she cannot adventure out through them. When she decides she wants to do something, she finds a way. At least now she cannot “sneak” outside….the process of getting out would be way too noisy.

I recently read a very helpful article over at Time-Warp Wife that pertains to getting a good night’s rest. Here are Darlene’s 12 tips for waking up refreshed:

Cut back on the caffeine the night before so you get quality sleep. Avoid coffee, cola, and chocolate.
Go to bed early the night before. Even if you don't feel tired, your body will get used to the time that you set it to.
Train your body to get used to a sleeping schedule. The average person needs six to seven hours of sleep each night, but more importantly, our bodies crave routine.
Clean the kitchen the night before so that it's a welcoming site in the morning.
Don't got to bed angry or irritated. If you are quarreling with your spouse, work it out before hitting the sack. If you are angry with a co-worker or friend, let go of the anger and hurt. Don't let it fester overnight.
Don't overeat the night before or your stomach will be at work all night.
Wake up as soon as the alarm rings. Sit up immediately, then stand. Don't hit the snooze button or you'll only form a habit that's hard to break.
Greet your family with a smile and say something encouraging.
Start the day with prayer and scripture.
Make a schedule for the day including things that you will look forward to.
Get moving as soon as you can. Rather than reclining on the couch watching the news with your morning coffee, throw some laundry in, do some vacuuming, or go for a brisk walk. A little exercise will kick start your day.
Eat a healthy breakfast. Studies show that children who eat a good breakfast get better grades. My own personal studies (based on a survey of one person) show that moms who eat a good breakfast do quality housework and are less cranky throughout the day! :)

These are some great tips aren’t they? Now if I only I would implement them!

What are some things you do to prepare yourself for bed and to make sure you begin the day properly?

Kentucky Horse Park

2011-09-21T22:38:00.001-04:00

Beauty has developed a recent interest in horses. Since we live just 45 minutes from the horse capital of the world, we decided to take advantage of Dad being off and take a little field trip to the Kentucky Horse Park.

Beauty was hoping to have a pony ride, but it had rained this morning so they were not giving any rides today. She was okay with it, since she got to pet the ponies anyway.

The brown pony in this pic was mean. I guess it thought we had feed, cause it kept nipping at the white pony, trying to run it off.

Buck was content to just ride in his stroller.

Though it was a little drizzly, we had a fun day.

BTW-Dad had to take a pic of this old Dodge. We aren’t fans of Dodge, but he loves antique trucks and this one was nice.

Preparing for Sunday

2011-09-17T14:43:00.002-04:00

I don’t know about your household, but Sunday mornings around here are usually chaotic. Since it is usually the only morning of the week that we have somewhere we need to be, it is often difficult to change our normal routine. This usually results in rushing about and then forgetting most of what I needed to take with me. Needless to say, this is not how I want to begin my day, or week.
Many Christians refer to Sunday as Sabbath, but it isn’t the Sabbath. That is Saturday. While we are no longer under the law, we do follow the example of the early church and meet together in worship and fellowship on the first day of the week. Starting the day off on a bad note can adversely affect our mind-frame in church. We may be distracted, frustrated or just exhausted. If we are unable to focus on the service, we will likely miss a blessing.
So, what’s a family to do? I’ve asked God to help me better prepare on Saturday for Sunday. A few summers ago my dad toured Israel for ten days. In fact, my dad spent a Sabbath in Jerusalem while he was there. He said the entire city shut down at 6pm on Friday and does not open back up until 6 pm on Saturday. He said they weren’t even allowed to use an elevator, because that would require pushing the button, which was a no-no. Knowing that modern-day Israel is basically a secular nation, I asked if the same applied to the country as a whole. Does Tel Aviv shut down the same as Jerusalem? He did not know, but thinks it is pretty much a nation-wide thing. (I’d love to know if any of my readers know the answer to this. Leave a comment! )
Anyway, while I do not recommend quitting all work at 6pm on Saturday, I do feel it would be so beneficial to have everything in order before going to bed. Here’s some ideas on ways to make Sunday mornings less hectic:
*Make sure your house is in order. Do the dishes, sweep the kitchen floor and any necessary vacuuming, put away laundry. Tidy up. This way, when you return home on Sunday afternoon, you can focus on quality time with the family, or even take a nap, without worrying about any chores.
* Decide what’s going to happen for lunch on Sunday and make preparations. If you eat out, then no problem. If you will be lunching at home, do any prep work the day before so lunch can be quick and relaxing.
*Gather everything you will need to take with you. Go ahead and stock the diaper bag of necessary items and put it, along with your Bible and anything else you may need, in the car. Don’t forget your offering or tithe. If you feel safe in doing so, put it in the car too. If not, make sure it is in your purse or hubby’s wallet.
* Choose ahead of time what everyone will be wearing to services. For small children, go ahead and set it out. Older kids need to at least know what they want to wear and make sure it is clean, wrinkle-free and ready to go the next day. image credit

I don’t know how many times I’ve gone to put tights on Beauty only to discover at the last minute that they have a big run down one leg. If I had prepared the night before, I would’ve had time to either purchase new tights or make a different selection.
*Bathe and wash hair before going to bed. This eliminates the rush to the shower, and saves tons of time.
*Plan a simple breakfast. The point is to have little to no clean up on Sunday. Remember, you want to come home and relax without being greeted by dozens of breakfast dishes, that could possibly be paired with lunch dishes. I don’t want to spend the afternoon doing dishes, do you?
*Hit the sheets. Earlier than usual if you can. Once again, a blessing may be missed if we are foggy-headed from fatigue.
*Arise early and prepare yourself mentally. This is the most important thing we can do EVERY day, not just on Sunday. Spend quiet time in the Word and prayer, asking for wisdom and blessing for the day. Begin with thanksgiving and praise.
I hope you, my dear readers, find these tips useful. What can you add to this list?

Linking up at

Guarding Our Stewardships Series-One

2011-09-12T13:06:00.001-04:00

During my reading the other day, I came upon 1 Timothy 6:20 and 21. I’ve probably read these verses a thousand times in my life, but they’ve never stood out until now. That is what is so wonderful about the Word of God. It is alive and, though never changing, ever pertinent to our season of life. Here’s what it says in the KJV:

O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:

²¹Which some professing have erred concerning the faith.

The New King James says basically the same, except instead of “oppositions of science falsely so called” it says “contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge” ,which is a bit easier to understand in my opinion.

What is it that Timothy was to “keep”? That which is within all of us who call upon the name of Jesus as Lord and Savior. Jesus tells us plainly, while speaking to Pilot, for what purpose He came into the world. This can be found in John 18:37 (NKJV): For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Jesus then goes on to say, Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice. It is Truth that is entrusted to us. Jesus came to testify to the truth, as His followers we are to do the same. For all those who have been saved, Jesus has sent the Encourager, the Helper and Comforter, the Holy Spirit: If you love Me, keepMy commandments. ¹⁶ And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— ¹⁷ the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. ( John 14:15-17)

Thus, Timothy was to keep or guard the Truth that was sent to him through Jesus Christ. If Paul charged Timothy to guard the truth, as fellow believers we are to do the same. Insert your name. “O Marcia, keep that which is committed to thy trust….” . You get the point.

So then we come to the question of the ages, the question that people have been asking for thousands of years, including Pilot: Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” (John 18:38)

Noah Webster’s 1828 dictionary defines truth as “ Conformity to fact or reality; exact accordance with that which is, or has been, or shall be.” What an excellent definition! We know that Jesus is the Truth (John 14:6). We also know that Jesus was with God from the beginning, that He is in fact God in the flesh: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was in the beginning with God. ³ All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. ⁴ In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. ⁵ And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehendit. (John 1) Since God is the source of all creation, He is the source of reality. In short, Truth is God’s reality, which is the only reality. We can try to :subjectify” whatever we want, but there still remains a reality that is absolute and to which all of creation must yield.

Truth has been under attack since the fall of man; since Satan first asked in the garden: “Has God indeed said….”. Jesus came to testify to the truth. Timothy was told to guard the truth. We are to do the same. We need to weed out those things which are of the world, which are contrary to Truth.

We do not have to look hard to find ways in which the Truth is being distorted and replaced with a lie. As a keeper of the home and mother to two children, I consider it my responsibility (and that of my husband’s of course) to stamp out the deceptions that may find its way into our home. The purpose of this series is to look at ways we can guard the Truth, concerning our callings as mothers and wives. I hope you’ll join me and contribute your thoughts.
Have a blessed day, see you soon!

Feature Friday

2011-09-09T08:19:00.000-04:00

It is time again for another Feature Friday!

This week’s selections are:

Featured Blog:

Mia is a young woman who has decided to stay at home, developing her home making skills, until she begins a home of her own upon marriage.

Love

2011-09-08T11:40:00.002-04:00

Kristine over at Raising A Quiver Full shared this on FB; I find it so appropriate and timely I have to share it with you. The author is unknown.

If I live in a house of spotless beauty with everything in its place, but have not love ~ I am a housekeeper, not a homemaker.
If I have time for waxing, polishing and decorative achievements, but have not love ~ my children learn cleanliness, not godliness.
Love leaves the dust in search of a child's laugh.
Love smiles at the tiny fingerprints on a newly cleaned window.
Love wipes away the tears before it wipes up the spilled milk.
Love picks up the child before it picks up the toys.
Love is present through trials. Love reprimands, reproves and is responsive.
As a mother there is much I must teach my child, but the greatest of all is . . . LOVE.

Feature Friday!

2011-09-02T00:37:00.002-04:00

I am really trying to be more organized and focused, including where this blog is concerned. I also follow so many wonderful blogs that I hardly have time to read most of them. Bad Marcia! So, in an effort to be more organized and disciplined in my blogging, I am going to attempt to set a weekly goal of blogging at least 3 times a week. One way to do this, and an excellent way for me to get back in touch with the blogs I follow, is to do a Feature Friday where I will feature this week’s family blog, blog pertaining to Biblical studies/Christian character and a featured post. Take a moment or two to check out these great blogs and I hope you enjoy and benefit from them as much as I do!
Without further ado, here is the first installment of

Featured Family Blog:

A homeschool mom of five shares her adventures, insights and faith.

Featured Blog on Christian Thought/Doctrine:

According to the Book

Cute Joke

2011-09-01T00:14:00.000-04:00

Email forwards. We all get them. Usually you have to forward the email to X number of people then all your prayers will be answered. Delete.

Here's one that was worth reading, saving and sharing though:

A teenage boy had just passed his driving test and inquired of his

father as to when they could discuss his use of the car. His father

said he'd make a deal with his son: 'You bring your grades up from a C

to a B average, study your Bible a little, and get your hair cut, then

we'll talk about the car. The boy thought about that for a moment,

decided he'd settle for the offer, and they agreed on it.

After about six weeks his father said, 'Son, you've brought your grades

up and I've observed that you have been studying your Bible, but I'm

disappointed you haven't had your hair cut. The boy said,'You know, Dad,

I've been thinking about that, and I've noticed in my studies of the

Bible that Samson had long hair, John the Baptist had long hair, Moses

had long hair and there's even strong evidence that Jesus had long

hair.'

>You're going to love the Dad's reply:

"Did you also notice they all walked everywhere they went?"

Praying for our brothers and sisters

2011-08-30T17:27:00.000-04:00

This week's challenge presented by At The Well's Titus 2 Project is praying for the persecuted church.

We have it so easy here in America, and though I am extremely grateful for where I live, we must not forget our brothers and sisters in Christ in less "friendly" parts of the world. Many believers must meet in secret or they certainly face torture and death.

God tells us in Galatians 6:2 to "bear one another's burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ". We need to be mindful of and pray for Christians throughout the world who face persecution for their faith. Jesus assures us that the persecuted shall be blessed, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven, but we need to pray for their comfort, courage and steadfastness as well as their safety.

A good site to keep us mindful of those whose very lives are at risk for Christ is Voice of the Martyrs' Persecution.com.

Will you join me in praying for the persecuted this week?

To participate in this week's challenge or to read what other bloggers are saying, click here.

Free Constitution Class

2011-08-26T13:23:00.001-04:00

Hillsdale College will be presenting an “Introduction to the Constitution Lecture Series” beginning September 15. This six week webcast is absolutely free of charge, thus making it perfect for home schoolers or anyone wanting to refresh their constitutional literacy.

September 15 will be a Constitution Day Celebration beginning at 9am and hosting guest speaker U.S. Representative Paul Ryan. Each Monday thereafter will be a web session pertaining to the different facets of the Constitution. Once posted, the web sessions will be available to view at your convenience.

I’ve already signed up and am looking forward to this great opportunity! You can register here. To learn more about Hillsdale College and all it has to offer, click here.

Wasp sting

2011-08-24T19:53:00.000-04:00

I was stung by a wasp this evening. OUCH!!!! I haven't been stung by a wasp since I was a kid. It was my left middle finger and now my hand is swollen and is very itchy. In fact, my entire left arm feels itchy.

I googled some natural remedies since I can't exactly take Benadryl this early before bedtime. Here's what I found on Home Remedies For You:

Washing the affected area with cold water and a mild antiseptic soap and then drying it gently with a towel, is one of the most effective first aid measures that a person can take. In the case of a wasp sting, removing the sting from the skin is essential. For this, rub the area with a coarse material, such as a towel, to help to dislodge the sting. Using a blunt butter knife on your skin in the direction opposite to that of the sting entry will remove the sting. Once the sting has been dislodged, place a cold compress on the skin for 15-20 minutes to reduce the inflammation and soreness. The cold compress also reduces the pain by making the region numb. For this, placing a few cubes of ice in a towel is sufficient. Avoid using ice directly on the skin as it may cause further damage to the skin.

Vinegar is a well-known remedy for treating wasp stings due to its acidic nature. Pressing a cotton swab soaked in apple cider vinegar against the area injured by the sting until the pain disappears is an effective home remedy as it counteracts the venom. A few drops of vinegar or lemon juice sprinkled on the wound will also neutralize the effect of the venom left behind by the sting. A paste of vinegar and baking soda, applied on the affected area is known to reduce the discomfort caused by wasp stings. Besides vinegar, there are a number of other natural remedies for wasp sting treatment. Rubbing olive oil on the area affected by the sting reduces the pain and quickens the healing process of the wound. Aloe vera gel applied liberally to the wound also assists the healing process. Applying crushed garlic or onion juice to the affected area gently helps to draw out the pain. A cucumber slice placed on the wound is also known to reduce the pain caused by a sting.

I have dabbed it with the apple cider vinegar and may apply a peroxide/baking soda paste later.

Do any of my readers have any recommendations on what to do with a bee/wasp sting?

Fruits of Today’s Labor and Pear Jam

2011-08-22T23:16:00.001-04:00

Today was a busy day for canning!

For some reason, our garden did not produce a single green bean this year; beautiful plants, but no beans. This morning, my dad called and said my grandfather had about 3 rows that just came on if we wanted to come pick them. We jumped at it of course.

Here is Buck with his granddaddy-my dad:

Meanwhile, we had a bushel of pears freshly picked off my folks’ tree. So, I decided to give jam making a try. Since I only had one package of pectin, I was only able to can two half-pints and one pint of jam, but am very pleased with how they turned out. I’ll share the directions for pear jam at the end of this post.

We also canned 15 pints of potatoes, another first for us, as well as two pints of the remaining pears.

The pears and potatoes look very similar in the jars, so I made sure I labeled the lids! Yep, those are some of the green beans on top. It is now 10:38 pm as I write this, so they will have to wait to be canned tomorrow. It has been a long and tiresome day, the longest process being all the peeling and quartering of potatoes and pears, but what a great feeling!

Here’s the pear jam recipe I promised:

Begin with clean jars, rings and new lids. Let the lids sit in boiling water. Heat the jars by either placing them in a big pot of boiling water or do as I did and set them on a cookie sheet in the oven. It is important your jars are hot when you go to fill them because your jam mixture will be hot.

Wash and peal pears. Chop them very finely until you have 4 Cups.

Place pears and 2 TBSP of lemon juice in a 6-8 quart sauce pan. Slowly add one packet of fruit pectin ( I used Ball Original Fruit Pectin). Once it is boiling hard enough to not be affected when you stir it, add 5 Cups of sugar. Boil hard for one minute. Remove from heat.

Spoon or ladle jam mixture into hot jars. Apply lids and rings. Process in a hot water bath for 10 minutes. *A hot water bath is simply a big pot with enough water to cover 1-2 inches over lid of jars, and cover the pot. Bring it to a boil then begin timing the processing.

My pear jam has chunks of fruit. If you want to decrease the chunks, then mash them with a potato masher before cooking.

I’d love to know what YOU have been up to in the kitchen! Leave me a comment!

Caught On Camera!

2011-08-16T14:30:00.001-04:00

As you may recall, Hubs is a deer hunter. He has a field camera set up in the fields behind our house, where he hunts, to see what kind of deer activity is going on during the in and off season. He has a salt block and a tub of water available for any nearby deer. Occasionally I like to take out the memory card and see what has been captured. Here are a few of the guilty parties caught on camera! The b/w were taken at dusk or after it was already dark.

That mask doesn’t hide your identity you thief! That water is for the deer! lol

A doe and her twin fawns. (Don’t worry-they are safe from the hunter’s aim. He’s only interested in a trophy with the meat.)

You never know what (or who) might be lurking in the fields:

Yes, the blades were off!!! I was assured.

Gotta love the country. Have a great day!

Home school New Year

2011-08-11T19:18:00.000-04:00

Today was Day 4 of our official home school year. As usual, I have made a few tweaks to our curriculum and it is slightly different from what I last posted.

We are still using The Writing Road to Reading by Romalda Spalding for our reading/writing curriculum and Math U See for math.

I won’t bore with all the details, so here’s just a quick (and cute) pic of E during today’s “art” lesson.

Some summer gardening pics and a nice afternoon

2011-08-11T18:48:00.001-04:00

The first, and only, sunflower to actually grow from seed in our garden. I’m not sure why none of the others have ever survived.

Our corn is coming along

This afternoon I was delighted to meet up with an “old” college friend. In fact, she was my best friend in college. You know how they say the friends you make in college last a lifetime? It is true. I haven’t seen Tracy for eight years, yet it was like no time had passed at all. We had a lovely, and relaxing, time catching up. I must say that is the best thing about social networks. If it weren’t for FB, we’d have lost touch completely.

It also got us to thinking about how so many of us went in so many different directions. She’s the single career lady. Another friend of ours is the professional working mom in the field of higher education (college professor) and I am the stay-at-home-home school mom. We’ve always been different, with differing philosophies and politics, but that has never gotten in our way. Come to think of it, MOST of my old pals are staunch liberals-lol-which is a far cry from my ultra conservative views. But, again, it never hampered our relationship. Some times PEOPLE are more important than one’s politics, don’t ya think?

Fun New Store!

2011-07-30T21:45:00.002-04:00

A few posts ago, I mentioned a great new online store that was opening soon. Well, McKinney Peaks is now up and in its Beta Testing stage.

McKinney Peaks currently offers home décor, NCAA products, Melissa & Doug, outdoor gear, toys and more!

Here are some of my favorite products up for grabs: (click the picture to go directly to site location)

How precious is this “I See the Moon” figurine?

The 23rd Psalm kitchen set, including towel, oven mitt and pot holder.

Shabby Chic Corner Cabinet

Cottage Garden Candle Stands

I love birdhouses and this Noah’s Ark Birdhouse is adorable!

Here’s a great tool to teach both shapes and telling time, as well as number recognition!

How cute is this sun hat for your little one?

And let’s not forget Christmas…it’s just around the corner!

These are just a few of my favorites. There is much more at McKinney Peaks. Go check them out!

Home-made Cleaner and Green too!

2011-07-18T22:12:00.002-04:00

I’ve mentioned before that I love Pine Sol, Lysol, Pledge etc. when I clean. I think I said something like, “I don’t feel like my house is clean unless I can smell it”. Well, while I still love that lemon-fresh smell, I am now less cynical about homemade cleaners. Enter Peroxide and Baking Soda!
We have an antique claw-foot tub in our hall bath that, shortly after having it professionally painted, became stained and dingy. Nothing I have tried would get it clean. Bleach: nope. Ammonia: nah. CLR: nu-uh. Traditional bath cleaners: no way. The list goes on.
So I did what any first world citizen living in the 21st century would do; I Googled it. A few people recommended sprinkling baking soda then gently applying enough peroxide to make a paste and letting it sit. Cue angelic singing IT WORKED!!! In just one treatment I could see a big difference. The second treatment, even better! If it worked so well on this tub, what else would it clean?
Let me just say I had a blast in the kitchen today.(Yeah, I know-I’m easily entertained.) Grease and food splatters that even vinegar and Dawn wouldn’t erase, came off easily with just a little bit of my new favorite cleaner. It even cleaned a dingy stainless steel convection oven and its glass front. Amazing! I am hooked and cannot wait to discover what else it can work its magic on.
I returned to Google. Turns out, peroxide is good for more than whitening teeth and killing infection in minor cuts and scrapes. Wouldn’t you know baking soda is good for more than baking and freshening the fridge.
Here are some of my favorite uses for these natural products:
Peroxide:

*dipping your toothbrush in a 3% peroxide solution after use kills bacteria
* helps kill salmonella and bacteria when used to clean cutting boards and other food handling surfaces
* use a 50/50 solution of peroxide and water in a spray bottle to clean toilets
* immersing your fresh fruits and vegetables in a sink full of cold water plus 1/4 cup of peroxide will kill bacteria, and make them stay fresh longer. Be sure to rinse after removing from the sink.

Baking Soda:

* rub baking soda into damp hands to remove any odors from cooking (fish anyone?)
* removes oil and grease stains when sprinkled on dry then wiped with a cloth
* a paste of b.s. and water will remove scuff marks from floor
* a mixture of b.s., water and salt will remove stains from plastic (who knew?)

These are just a few of the many uses! Click here to read up on some more uses for peroxide and here for a list of 25 uses for baking soda.
And talk about inexpensive! My big bottle of peroxide was $1 at Dollar General and baking soda usually runs anywhere from .50 to $1. You can’t beat that.
I’ll still use my Pine Sol and Lysol for freshening up, but when it comes to the deep cleaning I’ll head for the fridge and medicine cabinet.

Should Christian’s Take Anti-Depressants?

2011-07-15T12:48:00.001-04:00

I received a comment in my last post concerning Christians taking medication. The sweet reader, referring to my admissions that I take no medication for fibromyalgia or depression, pointed out that taking an anti-depressant is no different than a diabetic taking insulin.

Let me take a moment to clarify my position on this and why I choose not to medicate.

I am NOT against medication. My belief is sickness is a result of a fallen world and God has provided us with doctors and pharmaceuticals as a way of dealing with things like illness, depression and chemical imbalances. I believe depression is a chemical imbalance within the body and not a reflection of the individual’s spiritual condition. Christians get sick too. Christians must live with imperfect bodies in an imperfect world. We are not exempt from pain or suffering, despite the feel-good fluff that popular ministers like to dish out.

I am not on anti-depressants because after several attempts with different brands, I feel they do me more harm than good. For whatever reason, my body does not react well to them and they leave me feeling more lethargic and “muddle-headed”. When parenting two small children and homeschooling a special needs child, I need to have a clear head. That is why it is important for me to be strict about my natural treatments-making sure I get plenty of rest, knowing my boundaries, limiting my wheat intake etc.

Let me add, too though, that I think the less manufactured gook we put into our bodies, the better; but I am not against all medication in all situations and I certainly have no place to tell others what is best for them.

So, thank you dear reader for bringing to my attention an issue that may have caused confusion for some. I hope this post clears this up.

The Great Comforter, a true story

2011-07-12T00:42:00.001-04:00

In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, O Lord, make me to dwell in safety.-Psalm 4:8

My soul waits in silence for God only; from Him is my salvation. He only is my Rock, and my Salvation, my Stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken. –Psalm 62:1,2

One of the greatest challenges of living with fibromyalgia is the tendency towards depression. Living with constant pain and extreme fatigue can wear one down mentally. This is why so many doctors prescribe anti-depressants as a form of treatment for fibromyalgia sufferers. You may recall I do not take any medication whatsoever, a part from the occasional Tylenol or Aleve. Thus, I can feel very depressed quite often. So how do I deal?

God gets me through it day by day. He has blessed me with a family that does not hold my irrational thoughts against me and He strengthens me with His Word. That’s the way it’s always been.

Until recently.

What I am about to share with you is true and as real as this computer at my fingertips. Some may think I’m nuts, but I don’t care. It is too wonderful to keep to myself, and there may be someone reading this who finds comfort in my experience. When I relayed it to Hubster, I wept profusely. I may do so again in relaying it to you.

Lately I have had some serious personal issues that have been weighing me down considerably. Usually, when I feel these bouts of depression come on I cry myself to sleep….pleading with God to show Himself to me, give me some answers and, well, take it all away. He never did.

Sunday night was different. I was, quite simply, brokenhearted. Instead of my usual ranting and ravings to God, I just couldn’t muster up the energy to go into all that. I was at my breaking point and could do nothing but weep with a broken heart. I simply said to God, “I wish you would hear me and answer my cry. But, I will simply trust You to act in Your time.” Then I turned on my side and cried some more, without any concrete thoughts racing in my head.

That’s when it happened. Jesus laid His hand on the side of my head and stroked it, the way a mother would comfort her frightened child awakened from a bad dream. I am not spiritualizing this. I physically felt the weight of his hand on my head and the gentle strokes. I instantly KNEW it was Him and I cannot describe the feeling of comfort, peace and joy that swept over me. He blessed me not only with a glimpse of what it will be like to be eternally in His presence, but with instant soothing comfort. I may be a grown woman with children of my own, but I am His child and I am forever grateful with this special manifestation of His love and the comfort of being under His wing.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs in the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:3,4

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. -Psalm 34:18

Glory be to God forever and ever.

Maranatha, come Lord Jesus.

(image credit)

Publicly Praise Our Husbands

2011-07-11T12:41:00.001-04:00

This may not be easy some days. We get so caught up in our daily chores and activities, that all we notice is what he DOESN’T do right.

He could be like Hubster and claim that he doesn’t need spoken appreciation. Personally, I think that is a bunch of baloney

Everyone needs to be told “thank you” and “good job” from time to time. We come away feeling encouraged, valued and appreciated; and I think most men feel somewhat heroic when his wife gives him praise.

So, let’s give it a try. It can be praise for the obvious, “big” thing he did, but I’d bet you can find ways to praise him in the little things too.

I’ll go first: this morning Hubster surprised me by cooking breakfast and having it ready when I woke up. No, I’m not talking about a bowl of cereal either! Hashbrowns, turkey bacon and biscuits. So what if everything was a little burnt; he NEVER cooks me breakfast! He also washed last night’s dishes that I had left in the sink. Good job JoJo and thanks!

Slip N Slide July (Pics)

2011-07-02T18:05:00.001-04:00

Someone couldn’t wait until Grandaddy was finished setting it up.

Beauty thinks it’s crazy to just throw yourself belly first onto the ground, so she follows Buck’s lead.

Buck had the time of his young life.

Hope you all have a safe and fun Independence Day.

We’ve been featured!

2011-06-30T00:33:00.001-04:00

Marcie over at Don’t Waste Your Homemaking was sweet enough to feature me in her latest Unwasted Homemaking Linky Party. Thanks Marcie!

Go on over and link up and maybe you’ll be the next to be featured!

Goal: financial stewardship

2011-06-30T00:06:00.002-04:00

Don’t we all wish this were true?
Unless you are a logger, this is most likely not the case! In fact, your situation is probably more like this:
I know ours is!
.
No doubt these are difficult times. It is especially so on a single working-man’s income. But, we are blessed. Although Hub’s job isn’t necessarily what he would choose for himself, we are thankful he has one. So many do not. I am sometimes overwhelmed when I think of how God has blessed and provided for us. This thought also convicts my heart and compels me to ask myself if I am doing all I can to be a good steward of all He has given us; particularly being a good steward of ~~our money~~ God’s money. I do most of the bill paying and all of the shopping for the family. Hubs works hard at a job he does not enjoy (no one likes shift factory work), so I am convicted to be as responsible with his earnings as possible.
So, I am committed to save where I can so our money is not: quite so much.
Here are some ways I think I can help keep expenses down so we can build up our rainy day fund:

* Unplug gadgets that are not frequently used. Even if an appliance or other gadget is turned off,if it is plugged in it is still generating electricity.
*Lights off! This is easy for me cause, unless I am reading something at night, I prefer to just be in a low light or TV light. However, I usually have to go behind Hubs and turn off the lights he leaves on. Take last night for example, he was off last night and was watching TV in the living room and also had the lamp on. Okay. Well, he also had the TV and light on in his “man cave”. He goes to the bathroom and leaves the light on, as well as the hall light cause, you know, he just can’t walk five feet down the hall in the dark.
* Cut back on the hot water. I’ve heard just turning down the hot water heater just a little can really save some bucks, so I am going to give it a try. After all, we don’t take hot baths and showers in the summer anyway.
*Have a wash day. I usually do a little bit of laundry every day. This is wasteful cause I end up doing several small loads when I could wait till I have a bigger load.
*Invest in a clothesline.
We already have the posts, I just need to buy a line. We’ve been having some gorgeous clothes-line weather that have gone to waste cause I keep neglecting this one little purchase. I think the benefits of saving on dryer time is obvious.
*Have an errand day/Make a list. This is going to save us the most, and it is also going to be the most difficult to discipline myself to. It seems I run to town everyday, sometimes 2 or 3 times a day. It would really save us time and money if I do all my shopping and filling up on gas in one trip. To do this, I need to keep a list of To-Dos and To-Buys while in town. I consistently get home and realize I forgot to buy something necessary (like toilet paper) and have to make another trip.
* Get to clipping!

Actually, I’ve been couponing for a couple months now so that isn’t a newbie. However, I have found myself buying things I wouldn’t normally buy just because my coupon for it makes it a great deal. Need to stop that. I have gotten several things free or for just pennies and that’s GREAT! Most of my free items are staples that I would buy eventually, such as toothpaste and bath products, so if I have enough coupons I stock up!
*Limit eating out only to Sunday’s lunch. We attend church with my parents, sister and brother-in-law, so we often go out to eat afterwards. Unfortunately, I sometimes have to pass cause I’ve blown our “play money” on eating out several times that week already. Not only is it healthier to eat home-prepared meals, but cheaper too.
* Can what you can! We’ve actually been canning green beans and freezing corn for years, but this year we’ve added to our garden a little bit. I used to juice tomatoes, but the past several years have not produced a big enough crop. Growing and preserving your own veggies is a great money saver, not to mention a great learning experience for the kiddos. Here’s a pic of our modest garden this year: We’ve added potatoes and sweet potatoes this year. We also added peas, which I’ve already picked but didn’t get even a half a cup out of.

These may not seem like biggies, but every little bit counts.
I recently stumbled upon a lady who has made a similar commitment and is devoting an entire blog to ways she is saving money and building her portfolio. Her blog is entitled Minding My Financials and in it she referred to an interesting article I would like to share with you.
Ten Biggest Money Wasters
1. ATM fees
2. Lottery tickets
3. Gourmet coffee
4. Cigarettes
5. Infomercial impulse buys
6. Brand-name groceries
7. Eating out
8. Unused gym memberships
9. Daily internet deals
10. Bundled cable or phone services
I must admit I am surprised at number ten, but then again, we don’t bundle so I don’t know the difference. I personally think number 8 should be gym memberships in general. Go for a walk around the neighborhood or do crunches in your living room floor and you’ll save a bundle. The rest seem like common sense to me. I would have to add: unnecessary late fees for movie rentals or library books, or any kind of late fee really.
What are some ways you try to save money and be better financial stewards? I’d love to be able to add to my list!

Favorite summer tradition

2011-06-29T21:54:00.001-04:00

A favorite summer-time childhood memory is catching lightening bugs, or fireflies. At least it is for those in rural areas. I once read a blog post by a lady, who will remain anonymous, that had me laughing so hard I nearly cried. She had grown up in the city her entire life. After marriage, she and her husband moved to a more rural state and lived along the river. She said one night she was sitting outside and thought for sure she must’ve been experiencing vision problems. She kept seeing small flashing lights. The first night she shrugged it off, but it kept happening every night after that. Certain she was going blind, she made an appointment with an optometrist. After telling him her dilemma, he chuckled and asked where she lived. Along the river she told him. He cracked up laughing and explained her vision was fine. She was seeing fireflies.

That seems silly to those of us who have always lived in the country, but I guess if you always lived among the city lights……

Anyway, tonight we took a few moments to enjoy the simple childhood pastime of catching lightening bugs (that’s what we call them in KY).

You can’t really see them in this picture, but they are there in the jar, waiting to light up Beauty’s room while she goes to sleep tonight.

The Writing Road to Reading

2011-06-23T20:41:00.000-04:00

As I mentioned in my last post, we are using The Writing Road to Reading as our writing/reading curriculum. I will have to post a more “experienced” review after we’ve used it for a while, but for now I have to say I really like it and Helana is responding well to it.

Out of 24 reviews for the 4th Edition on Amazon, 16 of them are 5-star. Here’s my favorite review among them, written by Rachel L Robinowitz from Boca Raton Fl:

Having homeschooled my children for 12 years (in California), beginning in 1977, I was indeed fortunate to be given an old, dog-eared copy of Romalda Bishop Spalding's The Writing Road to Reading. After countless visits to teacher's supply stores looking for a 'reading' program for my (then) young children (and being distressed at what was available), I knew this was our answer. I was especially captured by the fact that not only did this method teach INTENSIVE phonics, using all FOUR avenues into the brain (seeing, hearing, speaking, and writing) which no other method did even if it claimed to be intensive phonics, but that it did so in a straightforward fashion without a bunch of toy-type gimmicks to confuse the issue. Rather, this method requires pencil and paper, and very little else (other than the child's mind), and in the shortest time imaginable my children were not only reading flawlessly, but understanding what they were reading, (and we were using old, 'obsolete' textbooks with 'real' stories in them -- you know, the kind that have big words, and an actual plot, with believable characters, and important values). Within six weeks of beginning the Spalding program, my older child had 'graduated' to books on a fifth and sixth grade level among these old texts, which were certainly more complex than the currently available material for her 'age group'. Talk about FUN!!! There was no turning back. The highest form of punishment for my children was to deny them a book. When my son was in (homeschool) second grade he accompanied me to the chiropractor one day, with a book in hand (of course, of course!). The chiropractor greeted him and asked what he was reading. My son turned the cover of the book over so the chiropractor could see the title, which happened to be J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit in the original. The chiropractor nearly fainted and questioned my son as to whether he was UNDERSTANDING what he was reading. My son assured him, with sparkling eyes, that indeed he did, and it was his 'favorite' book!! My son is 27 years old now and the memory of that day is still one of the high points in my heart of the incredible privilege of teaching my own children to read. I do not mean that comment as a plug for homeschooling, but only as an example of what The Writing Road to Reading can do. Yes, it takes commitment, but once you read the book carefully and begin to absorb the format and the markings used to indicate which sound a phonogram makes in that particular instance, you see the rhyme and reason to it. Then when you actually do it with your child and you see the results. . . . .who can argue with success? The plain and simple truth is this method is the only one I would ever consider and I feel so fortunate have had it. It WORKS, and it works fast. It is incredibly empowering to the student, who sees the fruits of their labor using only pencil, paper and their MIND. There is something highly energizing about real 'work' for little people. It is honoring to them, and validates their innate intelligence, rather than 'dumbing down' to them with gimmicks. There is nothing so thrilling as to place in the hands of a child the finest literature in the unabridged version and see him or her captivated by the magic of the written word. Romalda Bishop Spalding (whom I was privileged to meet in the late '70's) has given the world a profound tool. I, for one, find it hard to express my thanks adequately. If you care about your child's ability to read WELL, and you are willing to commit (I loved re-learning so much about the English language right along with my kids; the work had a payoff) buy this book!

Having met Ms. Spalding, Ms. Robinowitz may be somewhat biased but there are plenty of other great reviews out there in support of this program.

So, for those of you unfamiliar with this program and are interested in learning more, here is the gist of what we have learned so far:

Did you know there is a proper way to hold your writing arm? I didn’t. It is to be parallel with the edge of the paper. Here’s Helana:

Furthermore, no slouching over the table. Back straight, feet on the floor, head up. Seems like common sense, but so many children (and adults) get “lazy” when writing. See below:

Apart from the physicalities of writing, we have learned:

That all manuscript letters are either tall or short and can be considered as line letters or clock letters.

Obviously line letters are t, A, etc.

I had never heard of the concept of using a clock as a tool to teach manuscript, but Ms. Spalding did and it is working really well for Helana.

I have presented it to you here on larger self-lined paper so you can see it. Helana actually uses wide-ruled notebook paper.

The primary points we use on the clock when learning to write are 2, 4, 8, and 10.

Here is how you make a “c”-begin at the 2, up-around and stop at the 4.

Helana actually finds this very helpful and often repeats the steps to herself when practicing her writing. “a” is start at the 2, up-around, through the 4 and back up to 2, then pull a line straight down to the base line. (my paraphrase-sorry, no photo)

Ms. Spalding calls the sounds phonograms, and there are 70. I say sounds and not letters cause some of the phonograms are “ing”, “er” etc.

Helana is learning all the sounds of each lowercase letter first. For example, “a” has three sounds: 1. short a 2. ay 3. ah. I’ll hold up the flash card with “a” and she tells me the three sounds in order. “c” has two sounds 1. cuh 2. sss. She’ll do the same for “c”. She will then practice the proper handwriting for each in her writing notebook.

Ms. Spalding recommends learning no less than 4 phonograms a day. However, we are only working on two cause Helana does need that extra time.

I’ll try to post more as we do it, but that is the gist. For more information, hear it straight from the horse’s mouth at Spalding.org.

Curriculum

2011-06-23T15:34:00.000-04:00

We've posted this year's curriculum on our home schooling blog S.H.E.P. Go check it out and let me know what you think. :)

New School Year Curriculum

2011-06-23T12:52:00.000-04:00

Today is our first day of our new school year. We will be having half days through August, when we will begin our full day.
We are beginning a new reading program and I want to try and get Helana “caught up” as much as possible before August. So, our half days will consist mainly of reading/writing with a few extra fun stuff. We will not begin math and science until August and history in October.
Here’s a look of what we will be using this year:
The Writing Road to Reading by Romalda Spalding. This is supposed to be excellent for all students, but particularly those who lean toward dyslexia. We are using the Fourth Edition, as it was cheapest on Ebay! (Don’t think we are missing out on anything though by not using the latest edition 5)
   5th Edition
4th Edition
For math we plan on using:
Math U See Primer

For Science we will be using My Father’s World:


Our Bible will also come from My Father’s World:

Additional books include:
also from My Father’s World
History will also come from My Father’s World (from 2nd grade Adventures in My Father’s World):

Show off your curriculum at the curriculum link up!   <a href="http://educatinglayton.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i856.photobucket.com/albums/ab130/steflayton/EducatingLaytonButton1larger.jpg" title="Educating Layton" /></a>

A Special Ministry

2011-06-21T19:39:00.003-04:00

We have a unique privilege as women of God. We can be keepers at home, home school moms, working moms, single moms or childless and/or unmarried. Women contribute to society (and God’s Kingdom) in so many ways which are different from men. After all, after creating man, God saw that it was “not good” for him to be alone. So, He created woman and “it was good”. We complete our husbands, and society I might add, the same as our men complete us.
It is no secret that we are the more emotional sex. Some of us have learned, through the grace of God, how to manage our emotions better than others.
Staying at home day after day, getting out only to do the weekly shopping and attend services can be difficult for some of us who stay home to raise children. We are delighted and feel privileged to be able to do so, yet I personally have had days when I felt as though the walls were closing in on me. I’ve sometimes wondered, “Isn’t there something more important I could be doing for God, besides the endless cycle of cleaning, correcting, diaper changing and educating?” And every time God gently reminds me, “You are doing the most important thing you can do right now. You are nurturing eternal souls: rearing a gentleman and a very special little lady, for whom I have great plans.”
That promise fills me with encouragement and reorganizes my priorities.
May God fill you with encouragement and strength as you fulfill His purpose for you at what ever stage of life you find yourself in.

Coming Soon!

2011-06-21T18:38:00.000-04:00

I wanted to give you the heads up to a great new company that will be launching very soon:

McKinney Peaks will be offering a fantastically diverse line of products ranging from toys, Melissa & Doug products to home decor. The products will be available for individual purchase through the online store OR (and this is the good part) you can use them for your church's/organization's next fundraising event! These are some quality products I am talking about, not the cheap flea-markey stuff.

I know the owners personally, so I am super excited about their newest venture and am proud to be the first to announce their arrival.

Stay tuned for the final details!

Just some pics

2011-06-03T11:48:00.001-04:00

Making Grandaddy a birthday card.

Have a great summer!

Book Review: Unleashed

2011-06-02T23:57:00.000-04:00

Time for another book review. This time I read Unleashed:Release the Untamed Faith Within by Erwin McManus. As before, this book was provided free of charge by BookSneeze for review and I was not compensated in any way, nor expected to write a favorable review. All opinions are 100 percent mine.

I must say this was a tedious read for me. I appreciate the underlying theme of supreme devotion to God; of not being afraid to go where He sends you and how; of having a sincere and excited passion for Christ and sharing the Gospel. In this sense, it was a very inspiring book.

HOWEVER, I quickly grew tired of the use of the word "barbarian" and the phrase "barbarian way". I understand this was the point of the book, to challenge Christians to live and think outside of the "civilized church" and to be on-fire for God and not religious tradition. I get that. I got that
the first chapter. I did not have to have "barbarian" repeated to me a zillion times.

I also enjoyed the personal stories and how he (the author) showed the ways in which the original Christians were consumed by their passion for God and Christ(John the Baptist, Paul and Peter to name a few). I do have to say, though, that I do not agree that we all should be striving to live this outrageous life for God. We should be living according to the purpose He has for us as individuals, with our unique personalities. Paul reminds us we all have different gifts of the spirit. We obviously all have different personalities. The kindly lady who quietly cleans the church bathrooms each week, if
doing it out of sincere service to God, is as pleasing to God as the most boisterous evangelist or enthusiastic missionary. The Truth has set us free and we all should take advantage of it according to how God has called us. After all, the quiet, consistent Christian is of much value too (thinking of Timothy's mother and grandmother).

The title includes the words: "Release the untamed faith within". I can understand the point the author was making. We are to worship and serve God with abandon and total trust in Him. We need to shake off stuffy tradition and get back to the meat. This I agree with. I just feel as though the author did not know how else to relay his theme outside of one word: barbarian. Perhaps more thought needed to go into it.

In short: great theme, tedious repetition to make the point of that theme.

Field Day

2011-05-27T15:04:00.001-04:00

Helana has group speech at the local public school. Today was their field day and she was invited to join in the fun.

Boat Race

Being pushed by Ms. Danon

New friends are great!

Bear crawl!

Chicken waddle

Cup-n-ball game

Enjoying a popscicle

She was great on the rock wall!

See how high she climbed!

Tug-o-war

Volleyball

She had a blast!

P is for Princess

2011-05-22T17:36:00.000-04:00

I just had to share Confessions of a Homeschooler’s free printables this week.

Perfect for preschool girls, the letter of the week is P for princess and Erica from CoaH has been kind enough to share some great activities involving this theme.

Check it out!

A Biblical worldview

2011-05-22T15:55:00.001-04:00

Wikipedia suggests that a worldview “refers to the framework of ideas and beliefs through which an individual interprets the world and interacts with it.” Merriam-Webster.com puts it simply: “the way someone thinks about the world.” We all have a worldview, even those who may not have ever given it much thought. We all have ideas and thoughts and interpretations of how the world came to be, its current state and how we want it in the future. I would define worldview as the reflection of one’s religion.

Freedictionary.com has several definitions of religion. The first is: “Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe.” Another is: “A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion”. According to these definitions, I dare say EVERYONE has a religion, even those who vehemently oppose it. Everyone worships something, be it God, a spiritual leader, nature, money, a philosophy or themselves. In short, our priorities shape our religion, our world view. I could go on and on about mankind’s differing worldviews but my aim is to discuss a Biblical worldview so I’ll bypass the others for now.

As born-again followers of Jesus Christ, we know that the Bible is God’s Holy Word, infallible and eternal. Thus, those who adhere to a Biblical worldview simply view the world as it relates to God’s word. The history of the world and mankind is spelled out in Genesis. The end of the world, as we know it, is spelled out in Revelation. The Meaning of it all lies within those 66 books.

Christians recognize they are sinners and need a savior. We acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the Son of God; that He is God and came to earth to reveal the greatest love story ever told. He is God, and Savior. He rose from the dead and is at the right hand of God the Father, awaiting His second return to the earth. He is source of all Life, the Way to the Father and eternal life and the Truth of all eternity. One day every knee shall bow and tongue shall confess that Jesus is Lord. Bible believing Christians know this to be true and one day everyone who has ever lived will know it too.

That sounds great doesn’t it? It is what we hear and raise our hands to on Sunday morning. However, a Biblical worldview means we live it on Saturday night too. And Tuesday afternoon. Every day, all day.

Many of us have no problem “taking church home with us”. We want to please God because we love Him. We apply the Bible to our everyday lives, but if we have a Biblical worldview we apply it to every facet of our lives as well as extend it to our interpretations of current events and social issues. We weigh what is happening in the world against what God says. When we vote, we want to vote for whomever lines up best with what we consider pleasing to God.

But, we also need to extend our beliefs to what is happening around the world. We know that God is at work, and we can see His plan falling into place when we see it from a Biblical perspective. We also view all humanity from God’s eyes, viewing every life as precious and all people as being eternal souls. This is why I found it difficult to rejoice at the death of Osama Bin Laden. Surprised? Shouldn’t be. He was a very bad man who did some very evil things. He needed the Savior, but died without Him. We should never rejoice at such a time. A Biblical worldview acknowledges that our true enemy is not man, but that lion who searches for whom he may devour: Satan, Lucifer, the devil

For our struggle is not againstflesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12

Having a Biblical worldview is not just believing the Bible, but B-E-L-I-E-V-I-N-G the Bible and being able to see God at work in the world and throughout history. It is a way of life and a state of mind.

To read more in depth on a Biblical worldview, click the images below.

But You Don’t Look Sick…

2011-05-13T14:04:00.001-04:00

That is often what people struggling with fibromyalgia hear from those who are unfamiliar with the condition. Fibromyalgia is not a disease, but rather a syndrome or combination of symptoms. Because there are no physical signs of fibro, many people (and unfortunately even some doctors) discredit it as anything being “wrong”. It is an invisible, yet many times debilitating, condition that affects millions of people.

While the exact cause remains a mystery, the simplified explanation is that the pain center in the brain is in overdrive.

I have been living with fibro for 15 years (at least that’s how long it has been since I was diagnosed). Though the level of intensity surrounding its symptoms vary by individual, every sufferer struggles with the common symptoms to some degree or another.

Pain: People with fibromyalgia suffer from widespread chronic pain. Try to remember the last time you had the flu. Remember how your body ached? That is fibro every day of your life. As I said, the level of pain may vary. Many people with fibro find the pain to be the most challenging symptom of fibro. I personally rate it third on my list of struggles surrounding fibromyalgia. If I overexert myself physically and/or do not get enough rest, or if it is a cold rainy day, the intensity of pain deepens. Some days it hurts even to wear clothes. Most days, however, I am able to work through the pain but I MUST NOT over do it or I’ll be down for at least 2 days. A dull muscle ache is with me every moment of every day.

When being diagnosed for fibromyalgia, the doctor (usually a rheumatologist) will check for what they call tender points. The following diagram shows the location of these tender points:

The patient must feel tenderness or pain in at least 11 of the 18 tender points when pressure is applied. The patient must also have suffered widespread pain in all four quadrants of the body for at least 3 consecutive months. FYI: I am MOST tender in my hips, as it took Hubs FOREVER to learn this. I don’t know how many times he found me asleep on my side and would wake me by shaking my hip. I not only would wake up, but would wake up swinging-ready to fight. Seriously, hitting me with a sledgehammer would’ve been less painful. He finally learned, thank goodness!

I said pain is third on my list. Well, second is brain fog. I am a very detail-oriented person, so being unable to think clearly is a major thorn in my paw. When I say brain fog, I mean it is like my thought processes are trudging through very thick, waist-high mud. It is difficult to gather my thoughts and I often forget what I am saying in the middle of saying it! Memory and concentration are severely impaired.

First on my list is chronic fatigue. This goes way beyond the normal tiredness that follows a full-day’s work. It is being so tired I am literally too tired to speak or to even think. Walking across the room is a major chore. Again, some days are worse than others, but I am always tired. A single trip to the store can exhaust me. Some times I get tired just riding to the store or find myself leaning on the cart to hold me up because my energy suddenly diminishes. A big cause of this, I know, is the fact that sleep problems also accompany fibromyalgia. Remember, your body hurts everywhere. No sleeping position is comfortable for longer than 10 minutes at a time. This results in a night of tossing and turning and very rarely reaching the REM sleep that is so restorative.

Other minor, or less common, symptoms are headaches/migraines, restless legs, depression, rash/skin sensitivities, irritable bowel/bladder, anxiety, and dry eyes/mouth, impaired coordination, neurological problems and vision problems.

So what is a person with fibro to do? I have been placed on countless anti-depressants, which is supposed to balance the serotonin levels. I have also been put on muscle relaxers. These did not help me at all and left me extremely lethargic. A home school mom cannot be lethargic, so I chucked all meds. There are a few new meds on the market, like Lyrica, that have been FDA approved for fibromyalgia. I have not tried these, so I cannot comment on their effectiveness. On days that are really bad, I treat with OTC meds like Aleve. Products with guafenisin, like Mucinex, are great because it helps relieve inflammation and congestion. Water therapy is also recommended and I have had good experience with it, though I am unable to join a pool at this time. I have also found that eliminating or at least drastically cutting back on wheat products is also very helpful. The gluten in wheat aggravates inflammation in the body, making pain and fatigue more prominent. Trying to get plenty of sleep is essential. Avoiding as much stress as possible is also very important. Mostly, it is best to know your limits and stick to them without exception. This is how I manage from day to day.

For more information, check out the National Fibromyalgia Association.

If you know someone with fibro, it is important that you show support and understanding. It is not “all their head”.

3in30 Challenge

2011-05-09T12:38:00.007-04:00

I’m joining in on the 3in30 Challenge. The object is to choose three goals I’d like to accomplish this month. This breaks down my marathon-long To Do list into manageable chunks.

So, for May here are my goals:

Clean/Organize the coat closet (it has become quite the catchall storage closet!)
Sew pillows for living room
Finish sowing the garden

Why don’t you join in and knock some of the stuff off your list? Click the button above to learn more.

A Girl and Her Dog; and the park

2011-05-09T11:50:00.001-04:00

Beauty loves her puppy JoJo, and he thinks she’s pretty cool too. (Yes, I know I need to paint the front porch-Ha!)

We had a good time at the park this morning; enjoying the lovely spring day and soaking up some Vitamin D.

Buck (as his dad is determined to call him) is growing up so quickly.

He loves the slide. Obviously I could not take a picture of that.

The climbing and dangling is great proprioceptive (hard work) therapy.

Happy Mother’s Day

2011-05-07T14:53:00.001-04:00

Happy Mother’s Day! Here are some great quotes I’d like to share:

The real religion of the world comes from women much more than from men - from mothers most of all, who carry the key of our souls in their bosoms. ~Oliver Wendell Holmes

I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life. ~Abraham Lincoln

The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new. ~Rajneesh (I have no idea who that is :/)

The formative period for building character for eternity is in the nursery. The mother is queen of that realm and sways a scepter more potent than that of kings or priests. ~Author Unknown (I love this one!!!)

One good mother is worth a hundred schoolmasters. ~George Herbert

It's not easy being a mother. If it were easy, fathers would do it. ~From the television show The Golden Girls (I had to throw that it in-those of you who know me, know why)

In Tha Muthahood

2011-05-05T14:42:00.002-04:00

Okay, so rap has never been my style but this is great and I think all moms
can appreciate it!

End of Year

2011-05-04T10:29:00.000-04:00

Although many home schools are winding down and finishing up their year; we continue on. The summer months are a bit more relaxed, but we do not take a vacation from school altogether. There is still lots of learning to be done!

Beauty cannot break from her reading, writing and math lessons or she will lose all of it and we’ll have to start over. Beginning today and carrying on through July we will be centering our learning around computer programs, as well as focusing on basic life skills, responsibility and story telling.

Beauty’s vocabulary and sentences have improved but she still has very limited skills in expressive language and reading comprehension.

Holocaust Remembrance

2011-05-01T18:37:00.001-04:00

Today is Holocaust Remembrance Day. The atrocities committed not so long ago shall forever remain among the ugliest of stains upon humanity.

Unable to put into words the emotion and importance that is associated with today, I will share with you some poems written by survivors:

WE WILL NEVER FORGET - AUSCHWITZ

by Alexander Kimel - Holocaust Survivor

We will never forget the selections at Auschwitz, Where Black Jackals condemned millions to gas, Right - death, left - life, right death... death ...death. The black finger, surrounded with barking dogs, Works like the Angel of Death, creating living hell. Children are torn apart from the tender embrace Of mothers, clinging to their treasures. Babies wailing from hunger, Parents parting tearfully with their children. Fathers shaken with helpless rage. The condemned form a column of trembling fear. Soon the mass of fainting humanity Is lead to the clean foyer of death. Disrobe quickly, take a shower and you will be fed. Food! Food! The hungry mass of disoriented humanity Awakens runs and fights to get into the chamber of gas. The heavy door closes and the cyclone dropped. Soon the parents choke and turn blue, Later the children turn rigid with death The people become a twisted load, Of intertwined limps and heads glued with blood. When the human pulp is ready for the works, Sondercommando quickly pull, The bodies apart, peel the gold from the mouths. And the remains are taken to the open pit, Where the bones are cleaned with fire, And the fat drained for human soap. Six days a week the Jackals drink beer, And rejoice doing the Devil's work. Sunday is the day of rest, the day When the Jackals ride to the Church, to praise God And assure the Salvation of their pious souls. Deutschland, Deutschland Uber Alles! In this Kingdom of Evil, There is no peace for the Righteous. It is the wicked that inherited This tortured World, engulfed In the red, milky, cry-absorbing fog, Guarding the wilted conscience of man.

Monument at Moriah
by Evelyn Roman- Holocaust Survivor

There stands a monument In memory of the innocent Children huddled together Rigid with terror Peering through the windows, They never can enter. Like devout processional Of a holy funeral The throng winds its way Bells suspend in the breeze Endless Kaddish prayers say. The oven doors were open wide, The world slept through this horrid rite. Forsaken, left to their own device A million children lost their lives. Through Spring returns year by year, From death new life can never rise. These hollow mute stone forms This courtyard now adorn, Their each and every size To sounds of bells gives rise "Keep your faith" they whisper "And thus avenge our demise." These bells toll for the living Reverberating through the head "As long as you go on remembering We shall endure as living dead, Make it your vigil now And pas it on ahead." *

Inspired by the sculpture garden at the Moriah School in Engelwood, N.J., the work of an Israeli sculptor Edward T. Gordon. It is a monument erected in memory of the children who died in the Holocaust. It consists of 50 stone - bronze pieces, in various sizes, placed in a sunken courtyard. Each has a smooth interior window-heart containing a cast chime of a different size, form and tone.

Easter 2011-My Lil’ Sailors

2011-04-24T18:41:00.001-04:00

Easter 2011

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What will your children say

2011-04-23T22:45:00.001-04:00

about you when you’ve passed? More importantly, what will they say about your spiritual influence? Will they rise up and call you blessed?

Do you darken the church door every time it opens? Do you join a social network and leave Bible verses in your status? Do you generously give material things to others? Do you decorate your home with Christian-themed quotes and plaques? Do you regularly remind your children of God’s commandments? Do you wear yourself thin preparing for a special church event?

Do you see where I am going with this?

All of the above are fine in and of themselves. Commendable even.

Now let’s take a look at what your children really see. You know, the stuff that happens behind closed doors. The stuff you hope your children aren’t noticing, or if they notice, will understand your motives and/or thus promptly not pay it any attention.

Our real ministry….the one that will likely leave a much more permanent mark….is our family. The role of a mother is one of privilege and great responsibility. I dare say, in most homes, 99% of the time it is the mother that has the greatest influence on what their children see behind closed doors. After all, the home is our domain. It is where our children develop their world views, ethics and where much of their personality is shaped. What an influence we mothers have!

So what do your children see behind closed doors? Where the truth of who you are resides? Do they see the above works and find it consistent with the woman they know at home?

Do they see a woman who emasculates her husband? Her constant nagging, selfish demands chipping away at man given to her by God? Do they see their once cheerful dad turning sour, bitter and resentful and know it was brought on by the woman created to be his help-meet but has instead spent their married life trying to control him? Do they see a woman who grumbles and complains as a hobby? Do they have cause to suspect that you aren’t “happy” unless you are miserable? Does your spiritual influence lean more toward legalism and resemble that of the Pharisees? Do they see a woman of faith and contentment, or one who worries, frets and becomes angry if money is running scarce?

I tell you ladies, no amount of scripture quoting, Christian décor or church service is going to amount to a hill of beans if your children see these ugly behaviors at home. Sure, it is very possible they will still grow up to walk with Jesus, but they will not call you blessed or give you the credit. They will honor you out of service to God, with forgiving hearts, as Christian adults…….or they may turn from the faith altogether! God forbid!!!

If you have gotten a glimpse of yourself in this post, repent and ask Jesus to help you become the woman He has purposed you to be. Cast your cares upon Him. If you are unhappy, only God can fill that void. Not your husband. Not material things. Not even good works. Proverbs 14:1 reminds us that a “wise woman builds her home, but the foolish tears it down with her own hands”. Let’s get to building!

The determined one

2011-04-20T18:34:00.001-04:00

While I write this post, Beauty has been outside working on something for the past half-hour. Apparently she has removed Lil Mister’s baby swing and is replacing it with yet another “Big Kid” swing.

She is so engrossed in her work, I haven’t the heart to scold her for going outside in her church shoes.

Stanley’s Orange Wonder

2011-04-18T17:47:00.001-04:00

Yesterday we visited Hubs’ parents for church and then lunch. Long story short: E drizzled vegetable soup down her hall, all over her beige carpet. My mother-in-law had taken the big kids to a nearby playground. So my sister-in-law and I scrambled to find something with which to clean up the tomato-y mess. She found an old bottle of Orange Miracle by Stanley. I was not very hopeful. Tomato juice and white carpet just don’t make a great couple. Wouldn’t you know, it worked! Just a dab on a moist cloth and voila! No sign whatsoever of tomato juice ever being spilled on that carpet.

I had to come home and look this stuff up. The bottle she had was old, and Stanley must have since changed the name to Orange Wonder. Note: What we used put off a very strong citrusy odor, so good ventilation is required.

Here’s what the website says:

Orange Wonder All Purpose Spot & Stain Remover
Formerly called Orange Miracle™
All Purpose Spot & Stain Remover
The powerful natural orange formula deodorizes as it cleans. Strong to remove gum, tar, oil, grease, ink, lipstick, shoe polish, food and pet stains. Great for grass stains! Safe for no-wax floors, appliances, chrome, tile, glass, most machine washables, colorfast shoes and handbags.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE: On hard surfaces, apply small amount to cleaning cloth, rub surface, rinse. For carpets and upholstery, try first on an inconspicuous area. Blot completely with damp sponge, shampoo. Contains BITREX--which has such an intensely nasty taste it is practically impossible for a person or pet to ingest.
8 fl.oz.
SKU Number:A3845

Price:
$7.99

This is definitely going in my cleaning closet (way up high of course)!

Go to their website to learn more about Stanley Home Products.

Dino Study

2011-04-12T21:50:00.000-04:00

As I mentioned in a previous post, we are studying dinosaurs right now.

We are presently talking about fossils. A couple months ago I found what is claimed to be part of a vertebrae of a dinosaur fossil on eBay.

The above is a pic of where the fossil was polished to show the pink blood cells still visible inside the bone.

Here is another angle. If you are able to look closely at the bottom left, you can see the same pink, only in its rough form. I tried to get a close-up pic of this, but could not get the camera to focus clearly enough.

Now I of course have no way of knowing if this is legit, but it looks authentic to me. I do know that legitimate dinosaur fossils have been found with the red blood cells still visible.

This causes me to ask, “How come millions of years is enough time for man to evolve from the pit or wherever, but isn’t enough time to dissolve of red blood cells in a dinosaur bone?” Just like reading this blog, my sarcasm is free.

Earlier today I posted a beautiful song by Buddy Davis. Here is another to go along with our dino study.

Dino Study

2011-04-12T21:47:00.001-04:00

As I mentioned in a previous post, we are studying dinosaurs right now.

We are presently talking about fossils. A couple months ago I found what is claimed to be part of a vertebrae of a dinosaur fossil on eBay.

The above is a pic of where the fossil was polished to show the pink blood cells still visible inside the bone.

Now I of course have no way of knowing if this is legit, but it looks authentic to me. I do know that legitimate dinosaur fossils have been found with the red blood cells still visible.

Earlier today I posted a beautiful song by Buddy Davis. Here is another to go along with our dino study.

Book Review: The Final Summit

2011-04-12T18:52:00.000-04:00

Two days ago I received in the mail a copy of The Final Summit by Andy Andrews. Once again, this book was provided free of charge for review by Booksneeze. I am not compensated in any way, nor am I expected to write a favorable review.

The description on the back cover reads, “This is humanity’s last chance. Centuries of greed, pride and hate have sent mankind hurtling toward disaster, and far from its original purpose. There is only one solution that can reset the compass and right the ship-and that answer is only two words……Andrews (shows) us the one thing we must do when don’t know what to do”.

Here is my summation: David Ponder is a man of great wealth and, what the world would deem, as success. We learn that several years ago he was escorted through time by the archangel Gabriel, where he met and spoke with seven notable historical figures. Some of these include Anne Frank, Abraham Lincoln and Christopher Columbus. Each person he meets leaves him with a bit of advice, which he clings to upon his return to his present time. The advice is coined “The Seven Decisions” and his decision to follow them is what leads him to become successful in life.

Eight months after his wife dies, David is feeling lonely, despondent, depressed. Gabriel appears to him once again and tells him he is to lead a summit that will determine the fate of mankind. God is “fed up” with the direction that mankind is hurtling toward and is about to put an end to it all.

David’s job is to answer a question. The question is what humanity can do to restore itself on the pathway toward a successful civilization. The answer, Gabriel tells him, is two words. He will be assisted by Winston Churchill and can request assistant from one other “Traveler”, or historical figure, at a time. They get five tries to get it right or the world will come to an end.

Okay, here’s the good news. As a work of fiction, this book is well-written, engaging and moves at a comfortable pace. The characters are well-defined and believable. The historical references, as far I know, are accurate. Sure, it is a bit of a fantasy considering a man is plucked out of time and placed into a room filled with people long gone and told by an archangel that the fate of mankind rests upon their answer to a simple question. But like I said, it is fiction. It is also enjoyable within that context.

I do however have one major theological grievance against the book. Let me say it this way: if you read this in hopes Mr. Andrews will reveal to you some great solution to the world’s problems, please don’t bother. You MUST remember it is fiction. I wouldn’t even call it Christian fiction, though I am sure some would categorize it as such. It is true that it emphasizes some admirable virtues and good morals, but those alone do not a Christian make. This brings me to my….irritation…if I may.

Jesus is referred to only once in the entire book, page 166, and even then is mentioned only as “the Boss’ Son”. Something simply cannot be Christian without Christ. There is talk of God and even King David and, as I said, Gabriel are important supporting characters, but no reference to Jesus and what He did for humanity.

The recounting of certain historical events is fascinating and entertaining, but I found it very disheartening that Jesus is really not even an afterthought in the theme of the book. Mr. Andrews paints God, and through the brief mentioning of Jesus as the Boss’ Son, as being unconcerned observers and enforcers. If the participants of the summit produce the right answer, then all is saved. If not, all is lost. There is way too much emphasis on what humanity can do to save itself and completely disregards what God Himself, through Jesus, already did some two-thousand years ago.

This book may very well be an example of how even Christians can get caught up in the grandiose ideas of humanism and feel-good ideas such as, “pulling yourself up by your own boot straps” and similar mentalities. It does offer some snippets of biblical truth, but since it leaves out The Truth, it holds no weight for me.

In closing, if you want to read a book merely for its fictional value then The Final Summit is a good choice. However, if you want something that reflects Truth, I’d advise you look elsewhere.

We Believe…

2011-04-12T15:00:00.001-04:00

Buddy Davis has written several songs for Answers in Genesis, some of which are found on the DVD Dinosaurs, Genesis and the Gospel. This is not, I don’t think, but speaks such Truth and beauty I had to share it here.

Buddy Davis sings I Believe:

A foul smell and not knowing my fridge

2011-04-08T23:46:00.000-04:00

The Hubs and I noticed a foul smell emanating from our fridge today. After checking all its contents, Hubs was convinced it was the Tyson chicken tenders in the crisper. I wasn't so sure, since it had never been opened and had not yet reached its "Sell By" date. But, knowing he'd never eat the chicken now that he'd convinced himself it was bad, I threw it out. The smell remained.

I mentioned this to my mom a few minutes ago while we were chatting over the phone and she told me to check the drain pan. The what? How many of you knew that there is a drain pan under your refrigerator? Pull off the vent under the door and there it is. Mine is located on the right. Am I the only one who never knew about this? I know to clean behind the refrigerator obviously, and since I just "spring cleaned" my kitchen yesterday, I couldn't figure out the smell. I've been married 8 1/2 years and never knew about the drain pan. I mean, the fact there is one seems obvious to me now, but still.

I was not about to take a picture of it to post here. It was beyond disgusting, as you can imagine, since I never ever cleaned it. Don't worry, it has now been washed in warm water (per the directions written on the pan itself) as well as Cloroxed. YUCK!

Don't laugh. :)

Thanks!

2011-04-08T00:27:00.000-04:00

Yay! A Grace-full Life just reached 100 followers on GFC! Thanks so much to all of you for visiting our little slice of the world wide web. I still cannot believe ANYONE would read my ramblings, but thanks to those of you who do!

Gearing Up for Spring Cleaning!

2011-04-04T00:53:00.000-04:00

It is that time of year again. Yep, spring is in the air so let's raise the windows and freshen up our homes.

Beauty will be camping with my folks this week so I intend to dive in and use up some elbow grease!

Sylvia over at The Christian Homekeeper Network is hosting a Spring Cleaning Event where she will be
providing tips on decluttering, lists of supplies and even a giveaway or two. Check it out and get to cleaning! You KNOW you want to!

As for my own personal cleaning goals, the list is a mile long, but I hope to accomplish as much as my fibromyalgia and Lil Mister will allow. All by the grace of God, dear friends!

I know there is a trend developing where more and more women are converting to homemade cleaning supplies and all-natural products. I say, "Good for them, but I'm just not there yet". My home does not feel clean unless it smells clean and I find "the old faithfuls" really make my home SMELL CLEAN. My own personal favorites (and probably many of yours too) are the following:

Pine Sol
Clorox
Lemon Pledge
Windex
Tide
Liquid Downy
and occasionally Borax

So what is on my mile-long list? The standards: clean out closets
                                                                          windows
                                                                          base boards
                                                                          freshen up paint
                                                                          bring out warm weather clothes and pack away winter
                                                                          plus a bunch more to do outside
I'll also use this time to pack up stuff to take to consignment or Goodwill. Oh, I have lots of sewing on my To-Do List as well.

What are some of your favorite cleaning products and projects this spring?

Dinosaur Study

2011-04-03T01:40:00.001-04:00

We are creationists. This means we believe God created the world in six literal days. This worldview can be best explained by the good folks at Answers in Genesis. I also recommend their Answers books, volumes 1-3. I find they are an excellent resource for putting into words what I have always believed but was unable to effectively communicate.

Anyway, since we believe the world was created in six literal days that means we believe that the dinosaurs were created on day 6 along with all the other land creatures. Our long term home schooling goals include equipping our children with the ability to effectively defend their worldview, thus, I find it necessary to not only teach them the Biblical worldview, but also make them knowledgeable about secular opinion. However, teaching multiple opinions on dinosaurs (such as when they lived, etc) would be far too confusing for Beauty at this time; so our very first dinosaur study is from the Biblical point of view.

I’m sure you can imagine how challenging it COULD be to find the appropriate curriculum on dinosaurs….since nearly every book states they lived billions of years ago as if it were fact. Notice I said COULD? Praise the Lord for Answers in Genesis who offer an excellent selection of dinosaur resources for all levels and ages. In fact, they make up the bulk of our dinosaur curriculum.

Here is a list of what we are using:

*denotes resource is from Answers.

*God Created the Dinosaurs of the World - a Biblical explanation of the creation of dinosaurs and how “the fall” affected them-coloring pages and stickers, ages 4+

*Dry Bones and other Fossils –an explanation of fossils; no age range indicated

Dinosaur Dinners by DK Readers – a level 2 reader on names of different dinosaurs and a look at carnivores, etc.

Thomas-saurus Rex – a Thomas the train book

Dinosaurs 4 Favorite Stories A level 1 Scholastic Reader Collection

*D is for Dinosaur –An ABC book through the Bible

*D is for Dinosaur DVD-a video compilation of the book

*Dinosaurs, Genesis and the Gospel DVD

I am aware, of course, of the recent controversy surrounding Ken Ham and the Answers team. If you are not already familiar with them, I suggest you check out what they have to say before listening to the media and forming a rash opinion.

More on our dino study later….I made a purchase on eBay that I am super excited about!

Dinosaur Study

2011-04-03T01:39:00.000-04:00

Here is a list of what we are using:

*denotes resource is from Answers.

*God Created the Dinosaurs of the World - a Biblical explanation of the creation of dinosaurs and how “the fall” affected them-coloring pages and stickers, ages 4+

*Dry Bones and other Fossils –an explanation of fossils; no age range indicated

Dinosaur Dinners by DK Readers – a level 2 reader on names of different dinosaurs and a look at carnivores, etc.

Thomas-saurus Rex – a Thomas the train book

Dinosaurs 4 Favorite Stories A level 1 Scholastic Reader Collection

*D is for Dinosaur –An ABC book through the Bible

*D is for Dinosaur DVD-a video compilation of the book

*Dinosaurs, Genesis and the Gospel DVD

More on our dino study later….I made a purchase on eBay that I am super excited about!

Ultimate Blog Party

2011-04-02T22:20:00.000-04:00

This year I am participating in the Ultimate Blog Party. I am super excited to meet more fabulous mom bloggers.

For first time visitors:

We are a home school family to two children. Beauty is 7 and a special learner. Lil Mister is 17 months and all boy. We love Jesus and want to live each day for His glory. Welcome and come back often!

Ultimate Blog Party

2011-04-02T22:19:00.002-04:00

This year I am participating in the Ultimate Blog Party. I am super excited to meet more fabulous mom bloggers.

For first time visitors to A Grace-full Life, allow me to tell you a little about ourselves.

We are a home school family to two children. Beauty is 7 and a special learner. Lil Mister is 17 months and all boy.
We are trying to enstill in our children the love of God, being thankful for His grace, kindness, respect and good old-fashioned values. Feel free to also check out our home school blog.

You Could’ve Heard a Pin Drop

2011-04-02T14:23:00.001-04:00

Many of you may have seen this email before, but I appreciated it so much I had to post it here.

Here's a refresher on how some of our patriots handled negative comments about our country.

JFK'S Secretary of State, Dean Rusk, was in France in the early 60's when DeGaule decided to pull out of NATO. DeGaule said he wanted all US Military out of France as soon as possible.
Rusk responded,

"Does that include those who are buried here?"
DeGaule
did not respond.

You could have heard a pin drop.

When in England ,at a fairly large conference, Colin Powell was asked by the Archbishop of Canterbury if our plans for Iraq were just an example of
'empire building' by George Bush.
He answered by saying,"Over the years, the United States has sent many of
its fine young men and women into great peril to fight for freedom
beyond our borders. The only amount of land we have ever asked for
in return is enough to bury those that did not
return."

You could have heard a pin drop.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There was a conference in France where a number of international engineers were taking part, including French and American. During a break, one of the French engineers came back into the room saying, "Have you heard the latest dumb stunt Bush has done? He has sent an aircraft carrier to Indonesia to help the tsunami victims. What does he
intend to do, bomb them?"
A Boeing engineer stood up and replied quietly: "Our carriers have three
hospitals on board that can treat several hundred people; they are
nuclear powered and can supply emergency electrical power to
shore facilities; they have three cafeterias with the capacity to
feed 3,000 people three meals a day, they can produce several thousand
gallons of fresh water from sea water each day, and they carry half a
dozen helicopters for use in transporting victims and injured to and
from their flight deck. We have eleven such ships; how many does France have?"

You could have heard a pin drop.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A U.S. Navy Admiral was attending a naval conference that included
Admirals from the U.S., English, Canadian, Australian and French
Navies At a cocktail reception, he found himself standing with a large
group of officers that included personnel from most of those countries.
Everyone was chatting away in English as they sipped their drinks but a
French admiral suddenly complained that, whereas Europeans learn many languages, Americans learn only English. He then asked, "Why is it that we always have to speak English in these conferences rather than
speaking French?"
Without hesitating, the American Admiral replied, "Maybe it's because the Brit's, Canadians, Aussie's and Americans arranged it so you wouldn't
have to speak German."

You could have heard a pin drop.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AND
THIS STORY FITS RIGHT IN WITH THE ABOVE...

Robert Whiting, an elderly gentleman of 83, arrived in Paris by plane.

At French Customs, he took a few minutes to locate his passport

in his carry on.
"You
have been to France before, monsieur?" the customs officer asked
sarcastically.
Mr. Whiting admitted that he had been to France
previously.
"Then you should know enough to have your passport ready."

The American said, "The last time I was here, I didn't have to show it."

"Impossible. Americans always have to show their passports on arrival in France !"

The American senior gave the Frenchman a long hard look. Then he
quietly explained, ''Well, when I came ashore at Omaha Beach on D-Day in 1944 to help liberate this country, I couldn't find a single Frenchmen
to show a passport to."

You could have heard a pin drop.

Book Review: A Conversation with God

2011-04-01T02:38:00.001-04:00

I was recently given the opportunity to read A Conversation with God for Women by Marcia Ford.

The purpose of the book is to answer the most asked questions by women concerning spiritual issues. The format is quite interesting in that the answers are given in conversation/prose style. Instead of giving a broad answer with scripture references, the answers are written as if God Himself is speaking to you. He refers to His Word with examples.

Some of the questions include:

God, why don’t you just reveal yourself? What about women in ministry? How can we stop worrying so much? How can evil coexist with your love? What’s up with the teaching on submission? and What’s so bad about gossip?

A total of 55 questions are answered in simple, easy-to-read prose from the perspective of both God and Jesus. While I find it somewhat presumptuous to “speak for God”, the answers are Biblical and can probably be trusted as much as any commentary written by man. It offers an interesting perspective and the answers are quite thorough.

The best way to find the answers we need, however, is to read the literal Word for ourselves while praying for the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom and understanding.

This book was provided free of charge, for review, by BookSneeze. A favorable review was not expected, nor was I compensated in any way. All opinions are 100% my own.

The 16 Greatest Mistakes Home School Moms Make

2011-03-24T23:51:00.000-04:00

Kristin at Sacred Motherhood posted this and I just had to share. She actually got it from an article written by Cindy Downes for How to Home school Today. *Note: none of this was written by me, including commentary*

1. They fail to make a commitment.

Jas 1:8 (amp), “A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” Doubleminded means: hesitating, dubious, irresolute — is unstable and unreliable and uncertain about everything he thinks, feels, decides. You will want to give up many times and so will your kids. If you don't make a firm decision, your kids, friends, and relatives will make one for you but you and your husband will be the ones held accountable.

2. They are not in agreement with their husband.

Amos 3:3, "Can two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?" If your husband is not in agreement, ask God to speak to him. In the meantime, keep quiet. God will convict him if that is what He wants you to do. There may be a reason why you should wait that only God knows. Only when you are both in agreement, should you homeschool.

3. They neglect to discipline their children.

1 Tim. 3:4 says an overseer (that's you in this case), "must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect." See Proverbs 22:15 and 13:25 for God's word on proper discipline. The key is to be consistent in enforcing rules and keep in mind that if they don't obey you, they won't obey God!

4. They fail to count the cost.

Homeschool will cost you —your personal time, money, and possibly the loss of your family's and friends' support. Many parents react instead of respond by pulling their kids out of school and getting the facts later. Luke 14:28 (NIV) says, "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it?" Luke 14:31 says, "Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand?" Get the facts first, count the cost, and then make a decision together with your spouse.

5. They don't take the time to set goals.

Each year, take time to set goals for each child individually. Prov. 29:18 says, "Where there is no vision the people perish." Perish means to go astray or wander. A homeschool mom who does not set goals wanders around trying this and that curriculum, always doubtful that she is doing the right thing. Ask God to show you what each child needs and how to fulfill those needs. Pray. Romans 8:26 says the Holy Spirit will help us to pray when we don't know what to pray for. Trust God to give you the answer. Proverbs 16:3 (amp) says, "Roll your works upon the Lord — commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will and so shall your plans be established and succeed." Then, believe that you heard from God and resist doubt (Jas.1:6).

6. They fail to establish priorities and then stick to them.

Many homeschool moms wear themselves out doing perfectly good things and then wonder why their homeschool is not going well. Keep your priorities: 1) God, 2) husband, 3) children, 4) work — homeschool in this case, 5) church/ministry, and 6) other. Don't get so busy doing "good" things that you don't do the "God" thing He has called you to do.

7. They fail to trust God to provide the material things they need.

God is Jehovah Jireh — our provider. He wouldn't call you to do something and then not give you the resources to do it. Phil. 4:19 says He will supply all your needs. Many moms go to work, either full or part time, not because they have to, but because they are frustrated at home or in fear over finances. If this is you, instead of going to work outside the home, (1) look for ways to cut costs, (2) pray for your husband's boss or business to prosper, (3) investigate a home business, and (4) be patient. Caution: If you do pursue a home business, don't let it interfere with your family responsibilities. Prov. 31:16 (amp) states this very clearly, "She considers a new field before she buys or accepts it — expanding prudently (and not courting neglect of her present duties by assuming others)." The best time to start a home business is when your youngest child is reading and writing so that all your children can participate in the business and learn valuable skills as part of their homeschool.

8. They fail to keep the Sabbath principle with their family.

Heb. 4:4b says, "And God rested on the seventh day from all His work." If God rested, what makes you think you can do without? The Sabbath was made for your good (Mark 2:27). The purpose is for you to get needed rest and time with your family. You should only do what is absolutely mandatory or extend mercy in a time of need (Exodus 20:10, Luke 13:15, Matt. 12:12). The Sabbath is from sunset to sunset — 24 hours (Lev. 23:32). Pick a day that you can spend together with your family and break it for no one.

9. They neglect their own spiritual growth.

Read the Word. Read it to your kids if that's the only way you can get it. Pray. Pray while you're doing housework if necessary. Don't neglect the assembly of believers. Getting together with other believers not only encourages you but you have the responsibility to encourage them as well. Heb. 10: 24b-25 says, "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the DAY approaching."

10.They strive for the approval of men.

Many homeschool moms make the mistake of comparing their school or kids with the public or private school down the street or their homeschool friends' kids. God created each of your children for a specific purpose in his generation. Your job is to help each of your children find his specific calling, discover what he lacks to pursue it, and then equip him with what he needs to fulfill that calling. Don't be so concerned with obtaining "approval" that you miss hearing from God what He wants your children to do.

11. They have an unnecessary fear of authorities.

Prov. 16:7 says, "When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him." When I lived in Pennsylvania, one of the toughest states in which to homeschool, I used nontraditional curriculum which was unfamiliar to the local authorities at that time. The Lord not only gave me favor with the school officials but even helped me deal with mandatory testing during the years my son was behind grade level. If you do what's right in God's eyes, He will protect you. Listen to what the Spirit is telling you. If the Lord is telling you to spend more time in ministry and less time on diagramming sentences, or spend more time on electronics and less time memorizing dates in World History, do it. Don't try to do everything in the curriculum according to the teacher's manual. Scope and sequences vary from school to school, year to year, and book to book. No one can learn everything there is to know. Curriculum publishers and "professional" educators make decisions on what topics a child "needs" to learn and when, based on their standards and philosophies. Your child; however, may need to learn something else or on a different time schedule. As you go through your school year, before you assign seatwork or introduce a new topic, ask yourself: (1) Is this going to help this particular child do what God has called him to do? (2) Is this the time to introduce this (readiness)? If you answer yes to these two questions, then teach the topic and/or have them do the seatwork. If you answer no, then don't!

12. They forget to create enthusiasm for learning.

Enthusiasm comes from the Greek words "en theos" meaning "in God". Learning in God should be exciting! Don't be afraid to have fun in your homeschool. Use real books and hands-on activities instead of, or to enhance, your textbooks.

13.They neglect their children's spiritual training.

The great commission (Matt. 28:19-20) applies to your own children, too! Pearl S. Buck, a famous author, was homeschooled by Christian parents who were missionaries to China. While they were ministering salvation to the people of China, they neglected to minister to their own child. In the morning, Pearl studied her lessons assigned by her mother from a secular curriculum. In the afternoon, they gave her more studies under the tutelage of a local Chinese man, Mr. Kung. Pearl says in her book, My Several Worlds, "I became mentally bifocal, and so I learned early to understand that there is no such condition in human affairs as absolute truth. There is only truth as people see it…" (p. 41) The damage done meant she "never belonged entirely to one side of any question." She called her parent's faith "their religion" not hers. By neglecting to continually put the truth of God's Word in front of her and allowing her to be taught by a person of another faith, Pearl's parents will eventually have to stand before the Lord and be held accountable. Our children are body, soul and spirit and all three parts need feeding on a regular basis. One or two hours at church every week will not do it. God gave us a model for a well-rounded education as shown in Luke 2:52, "And Jesus increased in wisdom, stature, in favor with God, and in favor with man." Our goal should be for our children to increase in all four areas just as Jesus did. (See The Checklist for more information.)

14. They fail to teach their children the love and grace of God.

If they don’t experience the love and grace of God, they will not be able to give God’s love and grace. My biggest regret regarding my homeschooling years is that I failed in this area. Yes, I was saved and serving God with all my heart, but I hadn’t personally experienced the love and grace of God. Therefore, I was not able to pass this on to my children. They, like me, learned all the rules and regulations of serving God, but not the joy of God’s love and His unending grace. Consequently, in spite of all that I taught them, they spent their early adult years running from God instead of to God. Thanks be to God who IS love and grace, we are all now learning to know God’s love and grace. My prayer for you is that as you personally experience God’s love and grace, you will pass it on to your children. As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 13:1-2, “If I speak in the tongues of men and angels, but have not love (that reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion such as is inspired by God’s love for and in us), I am only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers—that is, the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose; and understand all the secret truths and mysteries and possess all knowledge, and if I have sufficient faith so that I can remove mountains, but have not love (God’s love in me), I am nothing—a useless nobody.” (Amplified)

15. They fail to get help when needed.

Proverbs 1:5 says, "A wise man will hear and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels." Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. However, make sure it's the right kind of help. Don't ask your local school teacher. That would be like asking a skin doctor to perform heart surgery on you. Even though they may both be good doctors, they are experienced in two different fields. Don't ask a friend who's new at homeschooling. That would be like asking a student in law school to represent you in court instead of an experienced attorney! Consult people who have several successful years of homeschooling under their belt and who are of like faith.

16. They don't endure to the end!

I think Paul was really talking about homeschool in 2 Tim. 2:2-3! He tells Timothy, "…and the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others also. Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ." You are stewards of God's children and it is "…required of stewards…to be found faithful" (1 Cor. 4:2). It's not always going to be easy. Your kids are not always going to like it. It's a job that God has called you to do. Some days it may seem as if you are just spinning wheels. But Jas. 1:12 tells us that the patient man wins the crown. Keep on doing what God says and trust Him for the results. I like what Paul said in 1 Cor. 4:3-5, "I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time."

Even if you made some of these mistakes in the past (and who hasn't!), it's not too late to make corrections. Make a commitment with your husband, today, to avoid these 16 mistakes and then open your heart to hear from God. You will do what God has called you to do. You will finish the course and you will receive the prize! Prov. 30:31 says, "Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates of the city!"

The Lord is my Shepherd and other pics

2011-03-21T14:17:00.001-04:00

Still too short for the trike….

Boy I’ll be glad when the lawn looks pretty again..yay for spring!

The Lord is my Shepherd

2011-03-21T14:13:00.000-04:00

The freedom in truth-eval update

2011-03-10T07:06:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was the final ARC meeting with the local public school, pertaining to Helana’s evaluation. We began this journey in an attempt to get her qualified for speech services. I agreed to a full evaluation and to listen to a proposed IEP in the event I decided to enroll her.

Yesterday was the day that the evaluators gave their reports and an outline of the IEP handed out. The overall report was a little distressing, but not shocking. We’ve known for some time that Helana has a learning challenge, but since Weisskopf was unable to acquire an actual IQ score, we were unsure to what extent her challenges took her. The school however was able to acquire a score. Obviously I am not going to share that here, but a certain amount of relief comes from having this bit of insight.

Although I am not going to enroll her at this time, I find the suggested IEP very helpful in my own endeavors. Their plan to help her transition also gives me peace of mind. Their outlined academic goals are not unlike mine, so I am relieved to know that I have not been hindering her by spending so much time on certain concepts/tasks. In fact, I was surprised to learn that their goals for her are actually a lot smaller than my own. While I could suggest they tweak it, and they probably would, I still feel it is best to continue her education at home. I feel much more confident now that I know what she WOULD be learning in public school and honestly feel we could be more productive at home. The only real advantage I can see from sending her would be on the social level: working among a group, following directions given by others etc. By choosing to home school her, she will still receive speech therapy once a week in the classroom in a group. I think this is the perfect opportunity to see how she would function in a group/classroom setting. If she does well and seems really excited about her sessions, then I will give heavy consideration towards enrolling her in the fall.

The freedom in truth-eval update

2011-03-10T07:05:00.001-05:00

A Grace-full Life

Thank you and Come On Over

shutting down

I have to be honest

Free Reading Assistance

Happy New Year

Don’t Let Thomas Get Wet!

Is Your Phone Attached To The Side Of Your Head?

The Sweet Potato

We’ll Never Make the Tour of Homes

Christmas 2011

Her Son Was In a Bag

Pre-Resolution List

This Mama Is So Proud

A Most Tragic Deception

A Good Day

Controlling Our Tongue

Why is Christmas so Special?

My Autism Team

Happy Thanksgiving

Pre-holiday Pictures

Dancin’ with Chuck E. Cheese

Thanks!

When can being jealous be good?

Yoga, Hinduism and the western world

Glasses!

Check out this post

Guarding Our Stewardship Series-a back story

October 9-11 2011

Rearranging the Schedule

A Fall Featured Friday

A Good Night’s Sleep

Kentucky Horse Park

Preparing for Sunday

Guarding Our Stewardships Series-One

Feature Friday

Love

Feature Friday!

Cute Joke

Praying for our brothers and sisters

Free Constitution Class

Wasp sting

Fruits of Today’s Labor and Pear Jam

Caught On Camera!

Home school New Year

Some summer gardening pics and a nice afternoon

Fun New Store!

Home-made Cleaner and Green too!

Should Christian’s Take Anti-Depressants?

The Great Comforter, a true story

Publicly Praise Our Husbands

Slip N Slide July (Pics)

We’ve been featured!

Goal: financial stewardship

Favorite summer tradition

The Writing Road to Reading

Curriculum

New School Year Curriculum

A Special Ministry

Coming Soon!

Just some pics

Book Review: Unleashed

Field Day

P is for Princess

A Biblical worldview

But You Don’t Look Sick…

3in30 Challenge

A Girl and Her Dog; and the park

Happy Mother’s Day

In Tha Muthahood

End of Year

Holocaust Remembrance

WE WILL NEVER FORGET - AUSCHWITZ

by Alexander Kimel - Holocaust Survivor

Monument at Moriah by Evelyn Roman- Holocaust Survivor

Easter 2011-My Lil’ Sailors

What will your children say

The determined one

Stanley’s Orange Wonder

Dino Study

Monument at Moriah
by Evelyn Roman- Holocaust Survivor