Kristy's Place

True Love = Obedience

2012-02-14T00:52:00.001-06:00

I wanted to write a post about God's great love, but I was amazed at what I saw as I opened the Bible to the book of John and read Jesus' words:

"If you love me, you will obey what I command." (John 14:15)

"Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me." (John 14:21)

"Jesus replied,'If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching..." (John 14:23)

"If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love." (John 15:10)

"You are my friends if you do what I command." (John 15:14)

"This is my command: Love each other." (John 15:17)

So, do you see the pattern? Loving comes through obedience. It is a realization that His commands lead us to relationship with Him---a love relationship.

Could it be that Obedience is the action of Love?

Posted via email from Kristy's Thoughts

Nesting, Part 1.5

2012-01-29T21:15:00.001-06:00

Had to share these before/after photos of our car seats:

BEFORE

AFTER

Posted via email from Our Twins Story

Nesting, Part 1

2012-01-29T20:52:00.001-06:00

Most pregnant women feel the need to make their "nest" ready for the baby (or in this case, babies) to come. We knew we had to get things in order. It was actually a hard time for us financially, and it seemed that my motherly senses were heightened to look for what was absolutely needed. I began subscribing to all the baby sites and joining every multiples group on those sites. I read all the reviews on any products I thought were necessary for especially the first 3 months.

The first thing to get attention was car seats and mobility. We wouldn't even be able to get home without this resolved! I decided to go with basic Graco infant bucket seats that could be popped in and out of our minivan. (Wow, was I glad we had made the minivan purchase!) From having two older children, I knew how I had enjoyed being able to bring a sleeping baby into the house with minimal disruption. I have to say that we are still using those car seats today, and yes, we will be shopping for more permanent ones soon.

My favorite find though was a stroller frame that the infant seats could be snapped onto! The Baby Trend Double Snap N Go is a new mom of twins' best friend! You already have double the stuff when you get out, but this compact stroller frame made me feel like there was a little less clutter. I could also get in and out of the mall or the doctor's office quickly and efficiently. This stroller gets my Twin DOUBLE Thumbs Up! I was blessed to see someone with it during a doctor's visit, and I found it at a local consignment sale for a third of the price. But, this stroller is not expensive and worth its cost. (You do need to read the instructions for making the adjustments to the stroller for your specific brand car seat.)

Comment with any questions if you are now completing this part of your nest. I did have some other strollers given to me by friends that were too bulky, and the only other double stroller I have kept is a jogging stroller (that does not usually travel with me).

Posted via email from Our Twins Story

The LORD is My Stronghold

2012-01-29T20:28:00.001-06:00

Dictionary.com defines stronghold as "a well-fortified place; a fortress." This gives me the picture of a place you want to be in the midst of a war. As a Christian, I often find myself in a battle. It is usually not a physical battle with fists or guns. It is usually the ugliness of sin that rises up. These times are difficult, and I deal with the ambushes, not the pretty lined up battlefield. Actually, I feel outnumbered many times!

As I read Psalm 27 this week, I was given a new picture of that word, "stronghold." I am thinking of it more as a hiding place, a safe place, a place where God wants me to be. His Word tells me that the battle is actually His battle, not mine.* This doesn't mean I don't have some responsibilities, and one of them definitely being obedience! It does mean that I am not responsible to make strategies or to insure victory....that is His part! As a matter of fact, my whole faith is based on the victory He has already won and established.

So, as I face yet another battle for my soul and the souls of my family, I run to His stronghold, His "fortress," His "well-fortified place." I must daily put my trust in His love, His mighty power, His battle strategy, and His victory!

*2 Chronicles 20:15

Posted via email from Kristy's Thoughts

Begging for Food

2012-01-21T09:51:00.001-06:00

This morning I did what I do every Saturday...I woke up to talking toddlers and knew it was time to get moving. Leaving the rest of my family asleep, I brought the twins into the kitchen with me and started preparing pancakes. My little lady was under my feet, wouldn't stop getting in the way, and wanted me to hold her. Little man was at the table begging to be placed in his seat. I kept telling them, "Mommy is making pancakes. I love you and hear you. I am trying to meet your needs."

As I went through this every day moment, I was reminded of God's work as the provider of my every day needs. Often I am just like my toddlers....begging for food, rummaging in places I shouldn't, crying and distressed, asking Him to hold me. All the while He is working on my behalf and telling me He loves me.

My toddlers were soon sat at the table with milk and pancakes. Now, I have a different picture in my mind as I learn to be still and know that He is God (Psalms 46:10).

Posted via email from Kristy's Thoughts

Unafraid

2012-01-09T15:43:00.000-06:00

This past holiday season I kept Unafraid on my bedside table for pleasure reading. This is a book from a series Francine Rivers has written called "The Lineage of Grace." The series focuses on stories of the women mentioned in the lineage of Jesus Christ in the Book of Matthew. Though they are fictional accounts, the books include many true elements from Scripture. I can't believe I never realized what a "motley crew" these ladies were! It is yet another demonstration of God's love for all people, not just those that have it all together or are of a certain heritage.

Unafraid is about Mary, the mother of Jesus. It tells her story from the viewpoint of both Joseph and Mary and is filled with the emotion of their unique situation. I became more aware of the struggle it must have been to not scream their secret to the world and the personal struggles of parenting both the immortal as well as the mortal. Also, my heart opened to the reality of how much Mary had to let go and trust God with Jesus and his ministry. It must have been so difficult. This was perfect reading material for the Christmas season!

My daughters gave me the full series last year, and I have enjoyed each story dearly. I have found a little bit of myself in each of these women, and it has taught me to trust God more in the seemingly ugly parts of life. I recommend that you find time next Christmas to include Unafraid in your personal reading!

Where's the Beef?

2011-12-09T18:18:00.001-06:00

Right now I feel like all the world's beef is in my freezer! I have spent most of the day packaging and cooking meat from a local supermarket's Warehouse Sale. Every quarter they allow customers to come "behind the scenes" and purchase meat and other select grocery items in bulk.

As I was carefully placing hamburger patties into freezer bags, I thought about how many people don't do this simple task or even consider doing such a thing. I am talking about buying your meat at rock bottom prices and putting it in your freezer for use throughout the next few months. Do you do this?

Due to this local grocer's quarterly sales, I have found great value in this task. With all the responsibilities of a homemaker plus my job of homeschooling my children, I have found it so convenient to pull out a bag of pre-cooked ground beef to defrost in my microwave for a quick dinner. It is also good for menu planning as I have other options for dinner like chicken or pork chops or steak or roast, and I am not having to run to the grocery store and pay premium price for variety.

Each quarter varies in what's on sale and what I can afford. Maybe telling you what I am doing will help you in your homes and in your finances! Here's what I did this week:

I went to the sale and spent $300. Here is what I purchased: 30 pounds of ground chuck, 10 pounds of pork chops, 10 pounds of boneless chicken breast, 8 pounds of smoked sausage, 10 packets of pepperoni, 8 pounds of italian sausage, 10 pounds of breaded chicken tenders, 10 bags of tortilla chips, 2 24-packs of bottled water, 3 sirloin tip roasts, a marinade that I test-tasted and had to buy, 2 gallons of milk, and 2 boxes of freezer bags (gallon & quart). This purchase will cover our meat needs for the next 3 months (and we are a family of six).

I have the butcher slice 10 pounds of the ground chuck into patties, slice the pork loin into pork chops, and cut the roast into 3 smaller pieces. So, when I get home, these items are divided into family size servings and placed in freezer bags - going straight to the freezer. This alone is enough for 13 different meals.

Though I should probably do something differently, I often just put the chicken, smoked sausage, pepperoni, breaded chicken tenders, and italian sausage right into the freezer without re-packaging. This is enough for at least 40 meals.

So, that leaves me with 20 pounds of uncooked ground chuck. The next day I cooked 10 pounds and divided into 10 freezer bags. If I have a recipe that calls for 1 pound of ground beef, I can quickly pull out a bag and put it in the microwave for defrosting while I prepare the other ingredients. Sometimes I will freeze several pounds uncooked, so I can use it for meatloaf or additional patties in the future. This will probably make at least 15 meals for us, and probably a few more than that.

This complete meat purchase will cover at least 70 meals, and roughly about 14 weeks of food for my family. Just in time for the next quarterly sale! For the next 14 weeks, I will only have to purchase basic pantry and produce items to compliment what is in our freezer. Each Sunday, I pull out 4 to 5 different meat choices for defrosting in the refrigerator and put a sticky note on the refrigerator door with the meal options for the week. Some meals require more time, but with the list on the door, I can easily pick out what fits the time I have for that day.

I am aware that many of you deal with food allergies or strive to prepare organic or more natural foods. You may be appalled at our meat choices, but we eat a balanced diet of meat, vegetables, and dairy without any health issues. You can always adjust your meat choices to fit your family's lifestyle and needs.

That brings me to those of you that do not have a local grocer that offers a quarterly sale. Start watching your favorite meat store for sales. When chicken goes on sale, buy in bulk. Instead of just getting a few pounds for a week or so, go ahead and invest in 10 pounds. Take it home and divide it for family-size meals. Then place in a freezer bag and into the freezer. When you see your stock is getting low, start watching for the next sale. You will start to notice the patterns and how much you really need to purchase.

Many websites are available with information about freezing dos and don'ts. I will let you explore that on your own. I simply use freezer bags as much as I can for space-saving and for food safety.

I know this is a lot of information, and I usually try to keep my posts short. I really felt that I needed to share this for someone out there. Sometimes what looks easy for someone else is really how they have learned to organize and prioritize (not a gift, talent, or even desire). Though I have times of enjoying the kitchen, I am often trying to just get it done. Hope this helps you to see another way to meal plan, save money, and add variety to your family meals!

15 Years

2011-08-24T15:36:00.000-05:00

Wow, my husband and I have made it through 15 years of life together! As I look back over our time as a married couple, I am thankful for God's grace that enabled us to stand together during some really rough times. He also gives my husband the strength to endure as I struggle to define who I am as a wife, mother, and overall person. Seriously, you know it is not easy! Marriage is committing to live life - for better of for worse - with that other person.

I remember vaguely the first years of marriage and how I struggled with my own agendas and desires. So hard for two to become one! How often I wanted to just do what I wanted! I was blessed to read and be challenged by Stormie Omartian's Power of a Praying Wife. This book helped me to re-focus from me to us. Would love to say that I was instantly the perfect wife and partner, but unfortunately no...

I remember that, at about 7years or so, we hit a time when I thought we were destined for an awful life. I couldn't seem to get him to see MY point of view. We were struggling with life roles again, and on top of that, it seemed that nothing was going our way. I wonder if God didn't just jump in and make us have to work together as we dealt with a new baby and 3 homes in a year. Somehow, we seemed closer and stronger through the faith walk we were forced to endure together.

Recently, we have had other struggles as we have welcomed not one, but two babies into our home. (Really, God, twins?) We have also seen several of our close friends struggle through divorce. The reality that we are in a battle for our marriage has brought us to a new place and a new commitment.

This summer I have been reading For Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn and have been challenged further in my role as a wife. I have a different perspective as I learn more about my husband's needs and desires; I want to do all I can to strengthen our bond. Of course, it helps that I have a wonderful man that wants to learn and grow with me as we continue to learn new things about each other and about the commitment that marriage is.

Thank you, Michael, for 15 years, and it is my prayer that we will have many more 15 year anniversaries! Our next 15 years will bring the release of two children into adulthood and possibly even grandchildren!!! OK, I'll slow down....let's keep taking it a day at a time! Still learning and growing....

Homeschool Supplies

2011-08-04T16:51:00.000-05:00

As we near the Sales Tax Holiday in the state of Alabama, I know many people are making their school supply lists and planning to take advantage of some extra savings. Here is a link to the Sales Tax info in case you want to know exactly what is covered and exactly which cities/counties are also participating with the state: http://www.ador.state.al.us/salestax/salestaxhol.htm.

Recently, I had a new homeschooling mom ask me what items she needed to have on hand for her homeschooling journey. I thought this was a great question and one worth a blog post!

Here is a list of supplies that I like to always have in my home for school purposes:

Computer & Internet Access - this is becoming a necessity rather than a want these days. Your students don't have to wait to go to the library for information now. And, many wonderful resources can be found on the internet, including things for teachers!
A printer that prints, copies, and scans - this has saved me so much money!
Colored Pencils
Twistable Crayons - I LOVE these crayons - no more torn papers, broken crayon pieces, smeared colors on your floor or table.
Pencils
Eraser Sticks - much better than the erasers on pencils which are often gone before the pencil!
Construction Paper
Plain white printer paper
Wide-ruled notebook paper (have used all through elementary and middle school)
3 ring binders - These handle the paper nightmare by giving everything a place
3 hole punch
Electric pencil sharpener (worth the extra money)
Kid scissors
Glue sticks, and maybe 1 Elmer's glue bottle for those special projects
Stapler & staples

This covers the basics in our home. Please feel free to comment with your must-haves.

Happy School Shopping!

George Washington Carver

2011-08-02T20:59:00.000-05:00

Last month I read this book by John Perry. It is part of the Christian Encounter series, biographies from Thomas Nelson Publishers. This easy-to-read life story took me on the journey of George Washington Carver, a man that lived with an awareness of God in everyday life. His story challenged me to slow down and see the handiwork of God in nature, and I was also inspired by the way he took time to make disciples. John Perry does a great job of balancing the inspiration with the reality of life and humanity, and I finished the story feeling like I had walked through life with Dr. Carver, the good and the bad of it.

You won't find creative dialogue or a story line. The author gives you the facts with actual quotations from real people and sources. You learn about Dr. Carver's sometimes rocky relationship with Booker T. Washington, his surprisingly small amount of work with peanuts in comparison to other things, and his role as a Bible teacher. A wonderful resource for someone who wants the real story!

Encourage Reading

2011-07-02T15:37:00.001-05:00

Literacy is an essential element of survival and success. Many parents struggle with ways to develop a love of reading. Here are some tips and ideas that we have used in our home to encourage reading:

Of course, the first tip is to read, read, read. Put books all over your home, and make them available just like you do with toys and games. Even with my babies, I keep a few board books (especially the touch and feel type at this age) in every room. Try to set a time each day that you read to your children. The best time for us is at night, right before bed. Reading is a part of our bedtime routine.
Set a time each day that is quiet reading time. At first, you may have to sit with them and read, but eventually this will grow into a time that your children value independently. This time is best for us after lunch, when tummies are full and morning activities are completed. Remember that these times take "time" to settle into your routine and life, and being consistent and leading your children in this will eventually "pay off." Reading time can be 15 minutes at first, and you may find that your children are extending it to a full hour as they experience the joy of reading.
Visit your local library. Let your children explore books and different types of books. Get involved in the FREE library programs. There are programs for all ages now, not just toddler reading times. Get to know your librarian, and ask for book recommendations while sharing your moral "compass" in order to give the librarian assistance with recommending appropriate material. Make sure you join and encourage your children to actively participate in the summer reading programs which usually give lots of incentives (prizes) for reading accomplishments!
Participate in any reading incentive programs you can find.
- Check with your local bookstores for summer reading programs. I know that we always participate in the Barnes & Noble summer reading program, and Books A Million also offers a summer reading incentive.
- Sign up for the Pizza Hut BOOK IT! program for each school year! As a homeschool family, you can visit http://www.bookitprogram.com/Enrollment/homeschool.asp to enroll your students that are entering grades 1-6. Must enroll by September 1st of each school year.
- If you are a member of Essential or Highlands Homeschoolers, join my classes at Book Adventure to earn prizes for reading and completing quizzes on books. Create a "school student" account for your child aged 4-14 at http://bookadventure.com. Join the classes (teacher last name is Trent) as detailed here:
  - HH/ECS Beginners - for beginning readers aged 4-7 (grades K-2)
  - HH/ECS Readers - for readers aged 7-10 (grades 3-5)
  - HH/ECS Advanced - for advanced readers aged 9-14 (grades 6-8)

Hopefully, some of these tips will be useful as you encourage reading in your home. Giving a child the gift of reading is like teaching them to fish...they can now "feed" themselves!

In the "Oven"

2011-06-01T21:28:00.001-05:00

My pregnancy with twins was a wonderful experience! I had family and friends that surrounded me with lots of excitement and support. That would be my first bit of advice to someone who is pregnant with twins: develop and expand your relationships. I needed people to celebrate with me and to encourage me - actually more than I thought.

Almost immediately after discovering that we had TWO in the "oven," I checked out every book I could find about having multiples. Yes, I am that kind of person! I read the stories about chaos and thought "not my home." I read the advice about getting help and thought "would be nice to have dinners made, but I can handle it!" I listened to friends with twins and didn't believe it. Yes, I was CLUELESS!!!!

I did do something right. I ate the right things and stayed active for the first 8 months. I felt great and gained just what I needed. The last two weeks were very hard as my body began to buckle under the pressure. I had the infamous elephant ankles and spent most of the time on the couch with my feet up. So, if you are pregnant with twins, eat right and stay active as long as you can! Your days on the couch are just starting!

Such a beautiful time and a wonderful memory to have! Loved all the attention at the doctor's office and all the ultrasounds! Loved being "special" and "different"! Loved the challenge for the nurse to find the second heartbeat when Baby A was up in my ribs. Loved feeling the different movements that now I can see reflected in these people in front of me. Loved the excitement of preparing our home for two babies. I hope I will always remember...

In The Beginning

2011-05-30T08:50:00.001-05:00

It has been over a year since we first heard that we were going to have twins. Such a dream! And, we still look at each other and say, "There's two of them!" The uncontrollable laughter has died down, but the shock of it all is still sinking in.

In the fall of 2009, we were surprised to find that we were pregnant at all. Like most of the country, we were in a time of financial turmoil and unsure how we were going to survive. We visited several friends in Charlotte, and I felt "weird." We came back home, and I spent a few days in the bed. I thought it was just a virus or something. In a few more weeks, Michael looked at me and said, "You aren't pregnant, are you?" "What?!" I took the infamous at-home test, and he had guessed right...

So much more to share about God's provision during our financial difficulties, but I will wait on that for another time. We didn't tell our family and friends about the pregnancy until Christmas, and this was a wonderful time when others celebrated with us. Of course, we still thought it was just one baby. There was no immediate twin family history, no desire or dream for twins.

In January 2010, we had our first ultrasound. I was eager to find out a more accurate due date and to see if they could determine the sex. The nurse had me come into the room by myself, and she took all the measurements. While she was working, she began to giggle and said things like, "This baby is really active." I was just eager to get off the table and to the restroom and to get to the fun stuff, like seeing the baby and finding out the sex.

Finally, the nurse let me relax and brought in the family. She gave me the news right before the family came in, and I seriously thought she was joking. My husband came in and looked at the screen which was showing the two babies, and he jokingly said, "So, what are we looking at?" The nurse came back with, "Two stomachs." My husband paused and said, "I think I'll sit down now."

We both sat there in complete shock as the nurse showed us the babies on the screen. She was pretty sure it was a boy and a girl. We were pretty sure that God was playing a funny joke! As a matter of fact, when I called my mom to share the news, she didn't believe me at first! Not one baby, but two!!!!

For those who have just found out you are having twins, enjoy the moment and the shock of it all! It is a beautiful thing. Life is going to change in a big way, and my advice is to enjoy this time and this miracle.

Latin Pronoun Poem

2011-05-19T10:25:00.000-05:00

Today we are finishing up our school year's work, and my youngest lady was faced with the creation of a poem or song to help her remember the Latin pronoun endings. At first she was challenged and a little discouraged. I allowed her to step away and do something else, and then she came back to it about an hour later. This was the result:

Tis means you the plural way,

And s means just you to stay.

O means I and is such a hit.

T means he, she, and it.

Mus means we, and nt means they.

That's the Latin pronouns, Hip Hooray!

So proud that she figured out a way to work through the frustrations!

A Homeschool Budget

2011-04-10T12:41:00.001-05:00

Here is a question that was posed to me on Facebook:

"Kristy--just curious--about how much is a good annual budget for homeschool materials per student? We have three children, and are starting kindergarten this fall with our oldest. Just wondering about how much to tell the hubs to plan for each summer for purchasing what we need."

My initial answer was very vague - $0 to $1000 per year per student. There are a few things that you need to determine before setting a budget. First, of course, is your financial capabilities, but many people forget to factor in time. You know the saying "Time is Money"? Well, this is where the variance comes into play. If you have more time than money, your budget can stay pretty low. If you don't have very much time, then your money will be more valuable investing into curriculum.

Realistically though, I know it is important to have a good picture of what you are going to need. For kindergarten, you should have your least expensive and least time consuming year of all. Probably the largest chunk of your homeschool budget will probably go towards a math curriculum, because you will want the workbooks and the manipulatives at this age. I would plan for $120. Of course, again, if you have more time (probably not with 2 younger children), you can find free math worksheets online and use things in your home for manipulatives (i.e. candy, measuring cups, toys).

For reading, I enjoyed using the guidebooks like Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons which averages around $25 (cheaper if you buy it used). Of course, some people like using A Beka's reading program which will get you into the $100-150 range with all the books and handbook and teacher's guide. With Teach Your Child to Read..., I use that book for the first two years, and I use the library (FREE) for exercise in reading. A Beka or something like it will mean a fresh batch of books (readers) each year. Some people even use online sites like Starfall and don't pay a penny!

For handwriting, you really shouldn't spend more than $50. That includes a workbook and a teacher's guide, as well as some manipulatives.

For grammar, which some people argue is not needed in kindergarten, I have used First Language Lessons. This book which is curriculum for 2 years only costs about $20 (again cheaper if found used). And, again, you can use a textbook method like A Beka or another grammar program and spend upwards to $100 for all the "stuff."

So here's a quick breakdown for Kindergarten:
$120 math, $25 reading, $50 handwriting, and $20 grammar totals $215.
Let's add $85 for any science or social studies fun you want to purchase, and you could budget $300 to comfortably cover all the bases. And, if you have some time to throw in, you could use FREE resources and use your leftover budget money for field trips!

The next 5 years will be about the same, but adding more structured grammar, writing, science, and history will put you around $500. The good news is that your two younger children can use much of the same materials. Right now my 3rd grader has only gotten new handwriting books each year, because we are reusing all of her older sister's curriculum. Copy worksheets from the workbooks (if the publisher allows) and save them for the next child. Most publishers allow this within families.

As you get into middle school and high school, the costs will begin to rise as you hit more challenging courses that usually require DVDs, lab materials, online or outside-the-home classes, etc. Of course, you can find FREE resources online or even at your library or thrift store, but this will take time and research on your part as well as your student's time and research.

Now, back to my vague answer----I have not spent this much on my curriculum each year. There have been years when the internet was my best resource and friend, and my printer became a textbook creator. There have also been years when I have bought used workbooks and spent my time erasing answers in order to use it with my children. I have never felt comfortable purchasing a curriculum set from a company like A Beka or My Father's World or Sonlight---probably because I know that I can gather those materials myself for cheaper or even FREE using my local library. But, some people don't have that desire or time, and they choose to spend upwards to $1000 for someone to give them everything in a box.

Ultimately, you want to give your children the best, and I advise you to be wise with your time and money. Don't waste time you don't have trying to save a couple of pennies. Be honest with yourself with what you have available and "spend" your time and money well!

For curriculum reviews and links to FREE curriculum choices, click here.

2011-04-05T09:00:00.004-05:00

I am often amazed by the number of homeschool families that do not use the resource of their local public library. If you are even thinking about homeschooling, you should get acquainted with all that a library has to offer. Many library systems are now offering FREE ebooks and audiobooks through their online services, and there are also great reference sites for students and educators.

My favorite offering is the ability to request and have books delivered to your local library within your county library system. I simply go online, search for the books I need for our studies, request them to be delivered to my library, and pick them up a few days later. With two babies, I don't have time to go through the rows and rows of books or even the computer catalog. It makes our library times enjoyable as we have freedom to explore and do not waste time trying to locate a certain resource.

Visit your local library, get a library card, and start tapping into this wonderful resource for you and your students!

An Educational Resource for Veteran's Day

2010-11-11T07:00:00.001-06:00

As we celebrate Veteran's Day, explore VA Kids with your elementary students (and older students will enjoy as well). This site offers Cool Facts About Veterans, a page dedicated to information about the US Flag, Games & Activities, and a list of links to other US government, kid-friendly information. You don't have to purchase a special curriculum or book to focus on this holiday - just open a browser with your students!

Considering God's Creation

2010-06-22T07:00:00.002-05:00

I have found Considering God's Creation to be a wonderful science resource for us during the elementary grades. I had tried reading the encyclopedias and doing narrations as detailed in The Well-Trained Mind, but I couldn't seem to get it all together. Perhaps it required too much prep work for me? Probably!

Considering God's Creation provides a framework for study of natural science. The student workbook is full of creative activities and worksheets that reinforce what you are learning. The teacher's text gives you the exact words to say in teaching the lesson, and it gives other ideas to explore the subject covered. There isn't much guesswork, which is good for me!

This is a Christian curriculum that focuses on the truth of God's word and how that is reflected in science. This is a bonus for those who want to give their students tools to defend their faith.

The music CD is not a must-have, and we actually did not use it. If you can find it on Amazon or Ebay, then pick it up, but this is a science curriculum that will not break the budget!

Spelling

2010-06-15T07:00:00.001-05:00

To be honest, spelling has not been an easy subject for me to teach. I have tried several different resources, and I think I have only recently settled on what works best for me. We have tried Spelling Workout workbooks and online games/resources for enrichment, but after starting Spelling Power with my younger daughter, I finally felt like we had found something that worked. I really like that this book will take my students all the way through their spelling studies - no other books to buy! I know others enjoy Sequential Spelling or simply use the spelling studies included in their traditional textbook curriculum.

Another more creative option that some parents use is developing spelling/vocabulary studies based on misspelled words in their writing or vocabulary words in their studies. You can look online for ideas or activities to reinforce spelling in this way.

It will be difficult to learn spelling rules without knowing phonics rules and without being able to read, so don't start spelling too early. Give every opportunity for success!

Grammar & Writing

2010-06-08T07:00:00.001-05:00

I started both of my girls in grammar studies using First Language Lessons, a very simple grammar study that focuses on the basics of English grammar and writing. My daughters memorized poems, learned the months of the year, memorized the definitions of the parts of speech, and explored narration. Even today I can start one of the memorized lists or definitions, and my daughters chime in with me!

At 3rd grade, I started formal grammar studies using Rod & Staff English. I absolutely LOVE this curriculum! It thoroughly covers grammar (including diagramming), AND it incorporates the development of writing skills including letters, book reports, poems, short stories, etc. I love the teacher's manuals that give me ideas on how to introduce the new concepts and provides a quick oral review before each lesson. Because it was created for classroom use, I usually don't have my students do all the exercises unless they are needed. But, I love that there are also worksheets that I can purchase to help when the exercises are not enough.

There are lots of other grammar curriculum out there, but when you find what you like, why change? All the major curriculum providers offer grammar studies - Abeka, Bob Jones, and Alpha Omega. There are also other programs that use non-traditional methods, such as Shurley English or Easy Grammar. Also, you can find many FREE resources online. Click here to view grammar links that I have collected.

Please be aware that many grammar curriculums do not include writing skills. You will have to incorporate writing in a different way or through an additional writing curriculum. Many people enjoy the Institute for Excellence in Writing and Writing Strands. Click here for other writing resources.

Elementary Math

2010-06-01T07:00:00.001-05:00

Math curriculum choices are always the most difficult for me. I want to make sure I am giving my students the best possible opportunity to have good experiences with math. In addition, math curriculum is probably the most expensive part of any homeschool budget. So, this is one product I will not purchase without touching and feeling and reading through the materials.

My biggest issue with my first child was that most kindergarten curriculum seemed too simple - covering shapes, colors, and numbers with some basic addition/subtraction. Most of these concepts were already mastered with preschool activities and workbooks, and it seemed ridiculous to pay $100 for her to go through it all again. As I looked through the different offerings, I started looking for something that stayed simple and was easy for me to teach.

The first curriculum that most people review is Saxon Math which is similar to the math textbooks that we all grew up using. This is considered the "textbook method" where review is the game - you keep going back over learned concepts as you incorporate some new concepts a little at a time. There are lots of problems to work on, but they have started to incorporate hands-on activities as well. You will find similar math programs with all major curriculum providers such as Abeka, Bob Jones or Alpha Omega.

If the "textbook method" seems like too much for you or for your student, the next program to review is a math program that is more hands-on and interactive. These programs really appeal to teachers who have a hard time getting their students to enjoy math or sit still long enough to get a concept. They also save the teacher time with video and computer teacher options. Math U See is all about making math visual, and Teaching Textbooks is a fun computer software that leads your student through fun activities and visuals.

I ended up choosing the Right Start Math program which mixes visuals, games, and worksheets together to make a math program that is fun and engaging, but incorporates the written work needed for future math applications. The teacher must stay involved through the process, so it is not for those who need something that is independent for the student. You also have to trust the process since it does not introduce math concepts in a traditional way.

What if you can't pay $100 a year for math curriculum? Or what if you like to be creative or follow the unschooling method? There are wonderful websites and even learning games that can be used. Right Start Math has a Math Games book and cards that cover all the basic arithmetic needed for elementary grades. Cool Math 4 Kids is a FREE online math curriculum that can be incorporated as well. Don't forget the power of the internet for FREE resources, and you can check out my math links by clicking here. I use these links when my students need a little extra review or help.

I want to encourage you, most of all, to find a curriculum that makes sense to you; then, you will be able to adjust it for what your student needs. Also, take your time and don't feel like you have to rush through the materials. Elementary math is the basis, the foundation, and it needs to be built firmly not only for upper level math, but also for daily life!

Bible Studies

2010-05-25T07:00:00.001-05:00

When homeschooling, many people make this educational choice for religious reasons. Although we feel strongly that we need to share our religious beliefs with our children, this was not the primary reason that we chose to homeschool.

Bible studies are an important part of our school day though. As a matter of fact, I schedule these times at the beginning of the day, so they are not skipped or rushed.

I have looked through Bible study curriculum for the younger ages, but I found most to be "watered down" and lack true substance. So, we started in first grade to read through the Bible - a chapter a day. I would read the chapter from a standard "adult" version and have my students draw a picture about our reading. My thought is that at least my children will not leave my house without having read through the entire Bible. I do not grade their pictures (though I do encourage that they have something to do with the reading), and as my older daughter moved into 3rd grade, I asked her to add a sentence or a few sentences to explain what she heard. You can also find printable coloring pages or crafts to go along with your Bible reading - click here for online resources that I have discovered.

I also use church activities to supplement our Bible reading - such as Scripture memorization. If your children's ministry does not encourage memorization, then look for fun resources at your local Christian bookstore.

We have a couple of Scripture memorization CD's and books that were gifts or that we purchased. My girls have enjoyed Steve Green's Hide'Em in Your Heart cd's, and we have found some scripture memory songbooks from Focus on the Family as well. Music is a great way to start the day too! Let them dance and sing while they learn foundational Christian truths. There are now DVD's that let you arrange a whole worship time with your children each morning. Check out Hillsong Kids for these wonderful resources.

Also, look for a local Awana chapter in your neighborhood. These clubs really encourage Scripture application as well as memorization in a fun and rewarding environment.

Putting all these things together will establish the foundation needed for them to begin discipleship studies in later grades. This is also an area where we want our students to have ownership, especially as they are older and leave home. I encourage you to gently lead and give them opportunities to build their individual faith and relationship with God.

First Language Lessons

2010-05-18T07:18:00.002-05:00

As we move from preschool and kindergarten, I believe it is important to start laying the foundation of writing, and First Language Lessons provides a wonderful transition as parents move into 1st grade studies. Here is a brief explanation from the author's website:

"This one book is all you need to teach grammar for first and second grade. The lessons are short but effective; each one takes 5-15 minutes. The first 40 lessons are oral, since most first graders are not ready to do a lot of pencil-work. (There are enrichment exercises for those children who write easily.)

This book teaches grammar concepts in a gentle, yet thorough, way. In just minutes a day, two to three times per week, your child will learn eight parts of speech, the basic rules of capitalization and punctuation, the four types of sentences, and beginning storytelling and narration skills."

Before you go and get a formal English grammar study, I highly suggest that you try out this wonderful resource! It is very inexpensive for 2 years of study at less than $10 per year. It slowly introduces your student to grammar without the plethora of paperwork and written assignments.

I think you and your student will enjoy the poems, pictures, and simple lessons.

The Fun Part!

2010-05-11T09:36:00.002-05:00

So, that ends our discussion of recommendations for preschool/kindergarten----"Wait! What about social studies, history, science, grammar, foreign language, and physics?"

OK, you are right. We don't want to have children who don't understand the laws of physics or don't know what a "president" is. This is actually the fun part! At this age, it is all about exposure in these areas. It is time to explore a fire station, see a cave, pick strawberries, visit science museums, and hear foreign languages spoken.

I would encourage you to stay away from boxed curriculum or textbooks - use your money and time to get out in the world. Let your child experience an art museum. Take them to a symphony performance. Find a support group that offers field trips and do it all!!! Get those passes to the zoo or museum, and take advantage of the classes that are offered for this age group. If money is tight, check out your local libraries for FREE classes and storytimes.

As far as arts and crafts go, you could simply focus on the holidays for each month. This helps your children begin to put the months of the year and the days of the week in order.

Explore the web for crafts and printables that teach about things you explore. If you go to the zoo and your student wants to learn more about elephants, find a coloring page or a mini-book to print and create. Some great sites include Homeschool Share, Kaboose, Homeschool Helper, and Family Fun. (The Family Fun magazine was a great resource of fun for us when our girls were younger!)

If you feel like you must have some formal text in these areas of study, I would suggest that you check out the Five in A Row series which uses picture books to explore these subjects.

Just remember that you are wanting to instill a love of learning at this age, and don't sweat the small stuff. If your child has the foundation of reading, writing, and understanding numbers, then he will be able to explore and learn about anything he desires, with or without your help.

RightStart Math

2010-05-04T07:00:00.001-05:00

As we look at the needs of most PreK-K students, we have discussed Handwriting and Reading, and today we are going to focus on math skills. As with all the activities/curriculum I have introduced, I must emphasize again that you should take each subject slowly and consistently. At this age, there is no reason to push or try to simply get through a book. You need to make sure these foundations are strong.

I personally spent lots of time as a new homeschool mom looking at math programs. Math is not a subject that should involve hopping through different programs. Each curriculum has its own method and madness, and too much change can create confusion.

So, we started off with RightStart Math, and it has worked! I did hit some moments of uncertainty with my older daughter (who is now studying Algebra), but as I am going through the program with my second daughter, I am seeing the sequence more clearly. My favorite parts are the games included in the lessons, the "short and sweet" worksheets, the simple lessons, and the teacher's guide of what to say and do.

If your student is 4 years old or younger, you probably don't want to start a formal math program. There are so many other fun things that you can do to integrate math! You are mainly wanting to establish the relationship between the words and the symbols (numbers, colors, shapes). Click here for a few ideas.

Other options at this age for teaching the foundation of numbers, shapes, colors, and matching can include workbooks that you purchase at Walmart or Target. You can also download FREE worksheets or activities from these sites. Don't underestimate the fun of the kitchen either - a great way to help children visualize those numbers! They also love getting to eat the finished product!

As you move from recognition of the math symbols into relationships between the symbols (i.e. addition, subtraction), you may want to start looking for a math program. If you want something more structured like school textbooks, you may want to check out Saxon Math, or for something more visual and interactive, explore the Math U See program. There are many options out there, and I encourage you to find the one that makes the most sense to you as a teacher. RightStart Math is easy for me to teach. You can always adjust your curriculum to fit your child, but it is harder to explain something that you can't even understand yourself!!!

This is one area where I encourage you to beg or borrow a friend's program and try a few lessons before you make a purchase. Math curriculums and manipulatives are quite expensive. If you don't have a friend, attend a few homeschool conventions and visit every elementary math booth in the curriculum hall. Let them give you their presentation and touch and browse through the books thoroughly. This is great fun for you shoppers!

Again, the emphasis here is building a foundation, not becoming a math genius in a year. You want math to be fun and more like puzzles or games - not drudgery. When a child can clearly understand the symbols of math, then the introduction of math problems is not so strange or intimidating.

Teach Your Child to Read

2010-04-27T08:00:00.002-05:00

Each Tuesday I am sharing resources that I recommend for PreK-K, and last week I discussed a Handwriting curriculum. In the Three R's (reading, writing, and arithmetic), one goal is to get your child on the right track as far as reading goes.

I have personally used Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons with both of my children starting roughly around 4 years of age. I learned some things with my first and incorporated those with my second for even better results! Let me share some of my tips about using this book and teaching reading in general:

Do not incorporate the handwriting exercises - it can be very frustrating for most children. See the Handwriting post for other resources.
Only do what your child can handle in one sitting - it is more important to do a little each day than it is to complete a whole lesson each day
Don't expect 100 EASY lessons - each child has her own struggles, so don't get frustrated
Be consistent - you want to develop a love of learning, but this love is only developed by exploring something every day
Make flashcards or purchase the flashcards for the sounds, and use them as a game - this can be done in place of a lesson when your student seems frustrated
When you have completed the lessons, don't forget to use the reading list in the back of the book to introduce your children to REAL books

There are many wonderful reading resources out there, and I chose this reading resource as my first option mainly due to the low cost. My thought was that if it worked, then I saved lots of money! Most of the other reading programs involve hundreds of dollars, especially if you purchase all the manipulatives, books, and supplemental materials. I did use A Beka's Handbook for Reading as a followup with my first child, and their early phonics program is highly recommended by even public school teachers. Another resource that is recommended is The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading which gives more phonics structure and involves more lessons.

If you want FREE resources for teaching reading, you will want to check out Starfall, an online phonics course. Also, you can visit my Delicious page here for links to other FREE online resources and phonics courses.

After establishing a student's phonics foundation, I encourage the reading of REAL books. As they start reading library books, they begin to feel confident in reading in every day life. There are so many wonderful stories and things to explore!

Once a child can read, they have the ability to learn anything. You have given them the tool to interact with and discover the world around them. If you never get to teach him science or history or economics or chemistry, he now has the ability to learn independently. So, don't give up and hang in there as you develop and deliver this wonderful gift to your child!

- originally published for Essential Church School

Handwriting Without Tears

2010-04-25T18:39:00.008-05:00

Handwriting Without Tears is a wonderful introduction to handwriting and to the "school" table as well! Whenever a mom of a 4 or 5 year old asks me what they should do to get their child on the right start for education, this is one of the first things I recommend.

The workbooks and hands-on tools help your student to develop hand-eye coordination at a slow and steady pace. The workbook pages are very simple and usually only require 5 minutes to complete. You can even make it more simple by doing only one thing on a page per day. The teacher's guides give some great ideas on how to introduce new things and how to correct bad habits.

In addition, this curriculum is not very expensive. The workbook and teacher's guide are under $10 each, and you can even splurge a little and get some of the manipulatives for fun! If even $10 is more than you can spend, consider visiting their website for FREE downloadable letter formation charts and videos to help you get your student on the right track.

I personally have used this with two of my children with wonderful results. The structure of the letters is very simple, and some people prefer the fancy handwriting books. I have discovered that my children develop their own fancy style as they get older, but I didn't have to struggle through making sure their loops were slanted at the right angle at age 7! Literally, NO TEARS!

Handwriting is preparation for grammar and for creative writing, and it gives your student a way to express himself. It is not the end of the world if he doesn't have the most beautiful and structured letters. Your main goal is legibility, so sit back and relax as he learns at his own pace. Just keep giving him experiences and opportunities to learn and grow.

-originally published on 4/20/2010 for Essential Church School

Babies

2010-01-26T20:24:00.003-06:00

Wow, these past few weeks have been a whirlwind of activitiy, as we have discovered that we are expecting TWINS in June. So exciting and overwhelming at the same time!

We will need help as we prepare for these new additions: a boy AND a girl! I have created a universal baby registry at http://amazon.com/babyregistry with a listing of what we “think” we need. Of course, clothes are not as needed, because dear friends are giving me much of their hand-me-downs (such a blessing). I did mark the items with “Must Have” that are absolute necessities and “Like to Have” for things that would be good to have on hand. The “Nice to Have” list is really a wish list – couldn’t help but do a little dreaming! :)

I have also registered at Target and Babies R Us (Toys R Us) for those who like to go to the stores, and you can also access these registries online:
Target online registry link: https://www.target.com/registry/baby/find

Babies R Us online registry link: http://www.toysrus.com/registry/index.jsp

I would ask that if you look through the registry and see a hand-me-down that you would be willing to share with us, then please let me know! I love to recycle and reuse!

Thank you for celebrating this adventure with us, and please pray for us as we trust God to provide for every need.

Do Not Gloat!

2010-01-01T11:59:00.003-06:00

My New Year morning was filled with doubt and fear. I was clinging to a mustard seed of hope and faith as I awoke and started my day. As I was preparing my children's Bible lessons for this next quarter of school, I came across this Scripture:

"But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light." Micah 7:7-8

I don't know if you have Scriptures that keep popping back up in your life, but this is one that seems to have stayed with me through many of life's journeys.

Though things do not look like they are going my way, I will not sit back and let the enemy defeat my spirit! I will not give him the pleasure - though I am weak, my God is strong, and even stronger in my weaknesses (2 Cor. 12:9-10)!

First Lost Tooth

2009-11-17T15:38:00.001-06:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

Leadership Lessons

2009-10-10T13:47:00.003-05:00

Kent Shaffer posted his notes from Catalyst on the blog, Church Relevance, and I had to copy some of them here! Specifically, the lessons below from Chuck Swindoll (a long-time leader in spiritual growth). These lessons inspire me to be more open as a leader in ministry and as a follower of Christ. Click on the link for the full notes.

10 Things Chuck Swindoll Learned in 50ish Years of Ministry:

It’s lonely to lead.
Leadership involves tough decisions. The tougher the decisions, the lonelier it is.
It’s dangerous to succeed.
It is dangerous to succeed while being young. rarely, does God give leadership that young because it takes crushing and failure first.
It’s hardest at home.
Nobody at home is applauding you. They say, “Dad! You’re fly is open.”
It is essential to be real.
If there is one realm where phoniness is personified it is leadership. What I care about is that you stay real.
It is painful to obey.
There are rewards, yes, but it is painful nevertheless.
Brokenness and failure are necessary.
My attitude is more important than my actions.
Some of you are getting hard to be around. And your attitude covers all those great actions you pull off.
Integrity eclipses image.
What you are doing is not a show. And the best things you are doing is not up front but what you do behind the scenes.
God’s way is better than my way.
God is going to have His way.
Christ-likeness begins and ends with humility.

Good stuff, huh?

Circumstances with a Purpose

2009-09-22T08:40:00.001-05:00

Still thinking (meditating) on John 9 - not John 8 as I listed before. I read the NIV translation today and focused primarily on verses 1-3:

As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"

"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life."

I love that Jesus didn't just clear up the wrong-thinking of the disciples, but He went further. He told the disciples that the blind man's circumstance had a purpose! This blind man was to be an "exhibition" and "an eye-catching arrangement." He was going to be used to "expose to view" the work of God, not only in his life, but in his community!!! His ugly, sin-looking circumstance was about to usher in the "display" of God's handiwork.

I know that I have some ugly circumstances in my life right now, and I need Jesus to show up and see me like he saw the blind man. I need Him to stand up and defend my cause, and it is my hope that the circumstances that I am facing will be a dramatic and showy display of His work!!!!

Do you believe that perhaps the curses in your life are purposed? Does it encourage you that those circumstances could be used to show God's work?

Further study: Of course, many of us would say that the disciples were being extremely rude, but I challenge you to find the source of this belief. Read Exodus 20:5 and Job 21:19 to see what the Jews believed about sin. This wasn't the first time that Jesus had to deal with this belief of the effects of sin passing down from parent to child. In Luke 13:1-5, Jesus deals with other questions about sin and how people are punished. He had to change their view of God, because He was bringing in a new covenant as described and prophesied in Isaiah 31:29-30 and Ezekiel 18:2-4.

Posted via web from kristytrent's posterous

A Purpose

2009-09-17T07:50:00.001-05:00

Reading John 8 (from The Voice scripture project), and I am reminded of how quickly we judge someone's spiritual walk by their circumstances. For example, if someone is struggling financially, we often think that they are not doing the will of God. We believe the spiritual blessings and fruit somehow translate into cash. In the same way, we often think if someone is always sick, then perhaps they are not walking in favor. If they would only pray with faith, then they would be whole. Yes, I think we are often like the Pharisees in this story who had discounted a blind beggar as cursed by God from birth.

Could it be that God is allowing us to struggle in order to have us proclaim His greatness to others? Could it be that there is a purpose to the pain that others are going through? Could it be that we are like the Pharisees - making judgment calls and missing out on the miracles?

My desire is that I will no longer stand by and watch others in pain, but I will walk with them with grace and love, trusting God has a purpose through it all.

Posted via web from kristytrent's posterous

Can you make a promise?

2009-09-11T10:48:00.003-05:00

Want to make a huge deal and bless your children at the same time? Lunchables is offering a meal for a promise. Go to www.lunchnotepromise.com to promise to leave a note in your child's lunch, and Lunchables will donate a meal to kid in need.

Dancing in the Rain

2009-09-07T09:42:00.002-05:00

One of the greatest statements in this video: Stop waiting for the storm to stop and learn to dance in the rain.

Darkness

2009-08-24T07:58:00.003-05:00

On Friday, we had our first official field trip of the school year at Rickwood Caverns. It was a wonderful tour, and I know that I was amazed to see that this treasure was literally in our own backyard. As we went through the tour, I was reminded of a little known fact that I had heard earlier this summer. "If you were to spend a month in total darkness, you would go blind." Evidently, your eyes would not be able to reflect or detect light any longer.

I thought this was interesting, and especially as I begin to apply that fact to our spiritual lives. If we are surrounded by total darkness (evil), we will be unable to see the light of Christ. So, here come the challenges:
1. Make sure you are not surrounded by only Darkness, but surround yourselves with other "lights" to help you keep your vision. Embrace the Light which will sometimes be uncomfortable when you've been in darkness for a while.
2. Go and be the "light" in a dark world. Don't just keep your light in your home; go and share! Total darkness is scary and full of uncertainty. Let's help others see the Way.
3. Teach your children the importance of being IN the Light and shining THE Light to others.

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." 1 Peter 2:9

2009-07-05T19:50:00.003-05:00

My 4th of July, like many of yours, was filled with lots of yummy American food, including hot dogs. The picture above is a picture of the bag which held the hot dog buns. I just couldn't believe what I was reading. First of all, if someone can read this, then shouldn't they know that they shouldn't heat hot dog buns INSIDE the plastic bag? What brought about the need for this note to be printed under the logo of each and every hot dog bun package by Merita? Did a judge actually once entertain this as a viable lawsuit? Lots of questions....

Savings vs. Provision

2009-06-03T17:05:00.000-05:00

I must preface these thoughts with first letting everyone know that I LOVE a good deal. I clip coupons every week, and I watch the ads for specials that will benefit my family and others. But, I find myself in the same state that many money-savers do. I get very excited about all that I do, and I often forget God's hand in it all.

What if instead of stating how much we spent and how much we saved, we began to proclaim God's provision? I guess my challenge here is that we stop promoting our wonderful works and start declaring His favor. He is doing great things to help provide what our families need, especially during this difficult economic time.

Let's not get into the discussion of what we should be doing with all the favor and provision though. I might get a little uncomfortable...

Road Less Traveled

2009-05-31T13:12:00.000-05:00

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.

-Robert Frost, "The Road Not Taken", 1915

Many people have used this poem to describe how we need to choose a better path that may not be what the norm of our society has chosen. In Matthew 7:14, Jesus said, "But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." Please note that neither of these quotes refer to an abandoned road or an empty road. They are simply talking about the roads that are less traveled, less common.

For many of us, homeschooling is the less traveled road that we have chosen. We want to lead our children and families to life, and we want to be the few who find it.

I want you to realize that the road may be less traveled, but at least it is being traveled! We are not alone; we are just fewer in number than the wide road of societies' norm. Don't believe the lie that you are alone, and please don't try to travel alone. Let's find a way to travel this road together!

Greener Grass

2009-05-04T18:58:00.001-05:00

I am so tempted to look at other people and see how they have it so good. Why can't I have hair like that? Why do I have to exercise constantly to ever get that shape? Why can their child already list the 50 states and capitals? Why do they get to go out to eat every day? Why, why, why?

Our pastor made a statement on Sunday that he has often made in the past: "If the grass is greener, the water bill is higher". This helps me get some perspective, and then I came across this quote in Today's Christian Woman magazine: "Grass is greenest where you water it."

So, when I see all these statements come together like this, I realize that maybe I need to stop and take notice. Maybe I need to "water" some things that are already in my possession instead of trying to get more possessions.

God's Facebook Status

2009-04-27T08:22:00.000-05:00

God is... I AM

So, I propose that God indeed listed the first Facebook status, thousands of years before there was a Facebook. It seems that even He knew the importance of sharing who He was and what He was doing. I ask myself why, and it seems that I need to be reminded who He is and what He is doing. I somehow begin to think that the world is all about me, and...it's not. Are you perhaps the same way? It seems that King David of Israel was the same way. He details God's status often, especially as he works through his "issues." Just read a little of Psalms to see.

My favorite Psalm today (yes, they change daily, sometimes weekly) is Psalm 145, and this Psalm details much of God's "Facebook" statuses:

....God is my God. God is the King. God is great. God is doing mighty acts. God is majestic. God is doing wonderful works. God is gracious and compassionate. God is slow to anger. God is rich in love. God is good to all. God has compassion on all He has made. God is faithful to all His promises. God is holding up those who fall. God is giving food at the proper time. God is satisfying the desires of every living thing. God is....

It keeps going and going. If you are like me, you need to be more connected to God's "Facebook" in order to keep things in perspective.

Carry Each Other

2009-04-20T08:12:00.000-05:00

"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2

During the past few weeks, I have been reminded yet again of the need I personally have for others. I really can't do this life on my own. I need my friends' encouragement and prayer! BUT, my friends will never know that if I don't share my needs, my concerns, my weaknesses.

I think we all often try to handle it on our own before we ask for help. We want to see if we can do it first. This week I really want to encourage you to share your needs, your concerns, your weaknesses with someone who can and will support you. Friends cannot help or support if they don't know the need, concern or weaknesses you are facing. I think this is why Paul says in Hebrews, "Let us not give up meeting together..." He is not giving another law or to do item for our week----He is encouraging us to share life together, support each other, help to carry each other through the tough times!

So, if times are tough for you, share your need! Make sure you don't give up meeting with other like-minded people who can support and encourage you. Let's daily pray for each other and help carry the burdens of those around us!

Setting up Stones

2009-04-16T18:30:00.000-05:00

"Go over before the ark of the Lord you God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?' Tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever." Joshua 4:5-7

In our crazy lives, God knew we would have trouble remembering His goodness, His faithfulness, and His work in our lives. So, I feel that it is time to set up stones of remembrance. These may not be big, huge events like crossing the floodwaters of the Jordan, but I need to mostly remember His faithfulness in the small things.

So, here's my first stone (at least listed on this blog):

We are going through a financially weak time. Today as I started to mow the yard, I was so thankful for the gas that was there (even though I sort of wished I had an excuse to not mow). Anyway, I started mowing, and kept mowing, and mowed some more. As I finished going down the last lane of unmowed grass in my backyard, the mower started to putter. Suddenly, I realized that I did not refill the gas in the mower which I have to do every time I mow both front and back yards together. God had allowed the one tank to supply what was needed right down to the last blade of grass! Pretty awesome, huh? Don't sweat the small stuff---God's got it covered!

We are the Winners!

2009-04-13T08:52:00.000-05:00

"...we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:37-39

Even though we have celebrated Easter and Jesus' victory over sin and death, I am still needing the reminder that He has won the victory and that I am not abandoned or separated from Him. As I go through the battles of life, I have to keep these promises before me. He has made us more than conquerors!

What is Easter?

2009-04-06T07:18:00.000-05:00

Last week I saw Jay Leno ask this question to several people on the street. It amazed me how many people mentioned eggs, bunnies, and new life. When Jay would press to see if they knew "why" we celebrated Easter, it amazed me more to hear that people really didn't know! Though some knew it had to do with Jesus, they weren't sure what or why.

This segment totally shocked me, and I felt that I needed to make sure that my children knew the REAL story of Easter. I want to encourage you to take the time this week to make sure your children know the story as well. This is an excellent opportunity to talk to your children about salvation and the reality of what their salvation cost.

In The Teaching Home's recent e-newsletter, they offered a 5-day Easter unit study that explores Scripture, history, crafts, and education about this holiday. Please join me in using the information in this study to not only celebrate, but also educate.

As 1 Timothy 2:4 states, God wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. Share the truth of Easter and God's ultimate love with those around you this week! Be aware that even though we live in America, there are those who still do not know and have not heard.

Parental Rights Amendment

2009-04-03T15:55:00.000-05:00

As a result of the political climate of our country, I have made myself become more aware of the decisions that our Representatives and Senators are making on our behalf. Especially after our recent family field trip to Jamestown and Williamsburg, I am even more sure that God has given us these freedoms, and we really don’t need to take them for granted. Of course, there is only so much that we can do without devoting our every waking moment to watching CNN or Congressional videos.

I have chosen to connect with groups that I trust to do the legwork and let me know if and when I can make a difference. I have been a member of the HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association) for over 5 years, and I have been impressed with their ability to keep on top of the laws and bills involving not only homeschooling, but also families in general, that are running through Congress and our state legislature. In this past year, HSLDA founded an organization to promote the passing of a Parental Rights Amendment to the Constitution, and please make sure you take some time to visit www.parentalrights.org.

The Parental Rights Amendment would simply guarantee that parents can continue to make decisions regarding the education and upbringing of their children. There is nothing that specifically states this right in the Constitution, and the UN (United Nations) has recently approved a document that states otherwise---giving this right to the government. If the U.S. agrees to abide by the UN’s legislation, then our parental rights would be in jeopardy UNLESS there was a Constitutional amendment that specifically details these rights.

I have agreed to become a 10-and-2 representative and spread the word about this amendment. I would encourage you to sign the petition online, or I have a hard copy you can sign. Also, if you would like to donate as little as $1 to help fund this movement, you can give me that donation or donate online. I also have stamped postcards that you can sign and send to your U.S. Representatives and Senators. These are just a few little things you can do to make a difference and let your voice be heard. In addition, if you would like to be a 10-and-2 representative, you can visit the website for all the details, and I also have an informational sheet as well. Or, you can simply forward this information to as many people as you know!

At least, please sign the petition! Actually anyone aged 13 or over can sign the petition, so get your children involved. This will ultimately effect them anyway.

Thank you for your consideration and action, and if you are moved to become more aware of the political climate, sign up at Congress.org for updates and ways to contact your representatives.

A New Thing

2009-03-30T08:12:00.001-05:00

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:18-19

Do you feel it? Something is stirring. Do you see it? It is all around us; new things are popping up, emerging from the ground! It is so wonderful to see the flowers and buds coming forth from the earth and the trees. I believe that God is also "birthing" new things inside of each of us. He is wanting to revive us and give us new vision for the future.

The past few months I have felt like my world has become a wasteland, and perhaps you have felt the same way. Be encouraged! Let's trust God to bring living water which will bring things back to life, and let's trust Him to make a way to get out of the wastelands.

A Plan

2009-03-23T09:16:00.000-05:00

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Many of us have heard this Scripture over and over in our Christian walk, but I think it is a promise that we often forget. On our family field trip to Williamsburg, I found that God has had plans for our nation all along. It is amazing to see that the church is the only building still standing in Jamestown. It is inspiring to hear how the colonists declared a day of fasting and prayer in Williamsburg when Boston harbor was closed by the British. It is a miracle to see all the details that came together to give Washington victory over Cornwallis at Yorktown---God even sent bad weather to keep the British from escaping!

He is in control, and we need only turn to Him and follow Him. My personal plans and goals for the New Year have already failed, but He is leading me down a new path full of hope. I encourage you to join me in letting God make the plans and following His lead!

Prepositions

2009-03-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

As we were learning about prepositions this week, we did "double duty". I thought this was a really neat way to explain prepositions and how to properly set a table.

The plate goes "on" the table. The fork is placed "beside" the plate on the left. The napkin can be placed "under" the fork. The knife is placed "beside" the plate "on" the right. The blade should point "toward" the plate. The cup is placed "above" the knife. Get the point?

Anyway this is a fun way to learn something that is boring and often abstract!

Why Do I Worry?

2009-03-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

When the media is full of bad economical news and when we are hearing of so many losing their jobs, it is really a time for putting our faith in God and His promise to provide our needs. Please take the next 5 minutes to listen to this song:

Matthew 6:31-33: "So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, an dyour heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

Count Your Many Blessings

2009-03-02T07:11:00.000-06:00

You are so lucky to have the opportunity to spend so much time with your children! Have you forgotten? Are you getting weary? One of my favorite verses is Galatians 6:9, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Take some time to remind yourself of the many blessings your children are receiving from having you present and active in their lives. Also, take some time to remind yourself of the blessings YOU are receiving from having them in your life.

We will reap a beautiful harvest that may not be what the world defines as success, but isn’t it all about eternity anyway?

Rest

2009-02-23T07:25:00.000-06:00

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

Wow, do I need rest! The past two months have been filled with one piece of drama after another. Yesterday I woke up to a busted hot water heater and water everywhere. I spent most of the day emptying buckets, using a wet vac to get up the puddles, and wondering how much water is 50 gallons? Of course, I was reminded of God's faithfulness as I saw the things that did not get water on them and as I thought of how it would have been if my husband had been out of town. I had to rest in God last night and trust Him to provide what we needed.

Perhaps you are also going through your own dramas. Are you feeling inadequate? Are you frustrated? Are you weary and burdened? Stop what you are doing right now, and tell God about it (yep, just say it out loud). Ask Him to teach you, ask Him for rest, ask Him to gently lead you. Then, take a deep breath and trust Him to do those things. Don't worry about the how and when--just trust. This is an action of faith, and God will not disappoint!

Trust

2009-02-16T08:25:00.000-06:00

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

Sometimes, that is all that needs to be said.

Stewards of Time, Part 1

2009-02-09T07:55:00.000-06:00

Last week I talked about how as parents, we are stewards of our children. Did you know that God gives us other things to steward? One of those being your life? God gives each of us 24 hours a day to steward, or manage. And, what are we doing?

Are you at a point in your life where you get to the end of the day and think, "what did I accomplish?" First of all, I do believe it is important to remember that the time we invest in our children is very important, and often, women are led to believe that they should be out in the world doing "something" to make a difference. You ARE making a difference as a mother, and don't let the world make you believe that you should be "doing" anything more!

I know that I often regret that I am not spending enough time with my husband. After all, I am "stuck" with him for the rest of my life. (Laugh here) If you are married, are you making time to enjoy your marriage? Did you know that God put you together to make a difference? As a couple, you can support each other. Ecclesiates 4 says it best: "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves."

These verses also remind us of the value of time in building friendships. We cannot use our time effectively when we try to do it all alone. Doing it on your own often takes much longer and is more difficult and tiring. We need friends! We need other people in our lives. God uses our friends to help us save time and energy and to give us opportunities to help others!

Wow, I really need people in my life!

2009-02-03T20:31:00.000-06:00

Homeschooling Popularity Grows

This article tells me what I already know: Homeschooling is becoming cool!

What is a Steward?

2009-02-02T08:33:00.001-06:00

During baby dedication yesterday, our pastor said something that really stuck out to me. He was encouraging the parents to recognize that children belong to God, and we as parents are just the "stewards" of these gifts. Ok, so what is a "steward"? According to Webster's, it is a person who directs the affairs and/or supervises the food/drink---basically, someone who takes care of the thing that is stewarded.

I want to use this statement to encourage you to continue your good work as a "steward" in the life of your children. Don't let anyone make you think that you are too involved in your children's lives! Don't let anyone else make you believe that you do not know what is best for your children! God has ordained, assigned, and given you a gift to manage, direct, and supervise. He could have easily given your child to the neighbor or the government, BUT he didn't! He knew that you had the tools and the wisdom needed, especially as you depended on Him.

Yes, you need to also remember that your child belongs to God, and there are times when you need to trust when it is time to put him/her in His hands for safekeeping. This is why it is so important to have a relationship with Him, so you can distinguish between His leading and others' opinions.

Stand firm in your beliefs, and know that you and your children will be rewarded as you steward with dependency on God.

Going through the Fire

2009-01-25T21:15:00.000-06:00

OK, who else is having the craziest month ever? As we strive to get closer to God and put things in order, it seems that is when we are hit with all types of strange events and difficulties. For example, let me tell you my Saturday, Lazy Day story:

On Saturday, I did not wake up until 9am. Wonderful, huh? I got up, made pancakes, and shared with my family. I then enjoyed a morning of downloading and organizing pictures after my husband told our family that today was declared "Lazy Day."

The first sign that my day was not going to be that lazy was when my husband decided to organize his closet. I was somewhat inspired, so I began to go through the stacks of paper that had grown. Upon picking up a stack that I had laid on the floor next to my computer, I discovered dampness and even mold! I knew that stack had not been there long, and we started to look for the source of water.

We discovered water leaking on our brand new bookcase downstairs. As Michael investigated the leak, I began frantically trying to move the bookcase away from the water. It broke apart and books were all over the floor; I was now in tears and sporting a black and blue arm. After a few hours, we finally discovered that our refrigerator had a leak in the water tubing, and we found lots of water and lots that needed immediate cleaning. I toughed it out and got to bed totally worn out and discouraged.

Waking up on Sunday morning, I was overwhelmed by the weight of what seems to be just another thing to sidetrack me from my goals and my purposes.

Do you feel this way? Have you ever felt this emotion? I was reminded that I needed to encourage myself in the Lord. How thankful I am that I started picking up papers on that Lazy Day! Think of what it would have looked like on Sunday! Was it He that inspired my husband to clean? Yep, that is for sure!

If you need encouragement as you walk through a difficult time, consider God's promise to the righteous in Isaiah 43: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior..."

I Have A Dream

2009-01-19T12:01:00.000-06:00

As we remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life and his famous "I Have A Dream" speech, I want to ask you a question. Do you have a dream? If so, what is it and have you written it down?

Why is it important to write it down? Well, the first reason is that we often forget. As a mom, I know, and have even been made aware of scientific information that support my theory, that I lost brain cells during my pregnancies. Those missing brain cells mean that I have less room to hold information in my human computer. But, even without pregnancies, we are often only using a limited amount of our memory capability anyway.

Another reason that our dreams need to be written is in order to prevent us from getting distracted. Just like a business office uses an appointment schedule, we need to have a dream "schedule". We need to know how the things around us are working toward the fulfillment of our dream. When we know these things, it is easier to say "no" to the things that will take us off track. For example, I have a dream to educate my children in a worldview based on God's presence, so I have dedicated the first half of each day to focusing only on this education. I do not answer phone calls, and I try to stay away from personal work. This can be difficult sometimes, but I am determined to work toward the fulfillment of that dream which will not happen if I allow myself to be distracted or occupied by other things.

God also reminds us to write things down - His words, His work in our life, and His inspiration. Maybe there are some of you who do not feel like you have a dream. I must remind you that God is the source of inspiration and dreams (even to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.). Ask Him to show you and reveal His purposes for your life, then start looking around you! Remember that God does not always speak to us audibly, but He often "speaks" to us through circumstances, people, and the Bible. And, if you need a biblical basis for writing it down, just look at the Concordance at the back of your Bible for the verses that refer to "write", "writing" and "written." I think you will quickly see that He knows we need to write it down to remember and keep us on track.

Look at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He wrote it down, shared it and lived it---and, he changed the world. What could your dream do if you did the same?

God's Provision

2008-12-30T21:08:00.000-06:00

I recently read a friend's blog that displayed God's provision for her children's Christmas gifts through bartering. It was so encouraging and such a reminder that God is interested in every single part of our lives. Yes, He even cares about Santa gifts!

This year I was also reminded of His faithfulness and concern. I collect things throughout the year by always going to the Clearance section in any store, even the grocery store. For the past several years, our Christmas budget has been nonexistent, but it seems that my "collecting" always provides our daughters with more than enough!

So, I want to encourage you to keep your eyes open throughout the year for those little things that could bless your family or others during the next holiday season. For example, today I bought 12 scented votive candles for $1 and 4 decorative votive holders for $2 (Walgreens). I will place these in a special container for next Christmas, and next November I will use the things I collect to put together gifts as needed.

There is balance in everything, because we can't and shouldn't spend all our money and time going to every Clearance section or sale. But, be encouraged that God wants to provide even for the simple joys of life, and look for His hand/provision in your life!

I would love to hear about how He provides for you!

A Wonderful Christmas Time

2008-12-29T19:06:00.001-06:00

"Simply having a wonderful Christmas time" (Jars of Clay)

This line from a Christmas song has been jingling through my head this past week. We were able to visit with all of our families this year, and we absolutely loved the opportunities to share with them all! The girls were able to see and visit with all of their living great-grandparents. These are memories that we will treasure in years to come.

Our Christmas celebrations started off on Christmas Eve, and I have to tell you about my little mishap! A few days before Christmas Eve I took the girls out to the zoo and mall as noted below. When we arrived home that night, I was a little perturbed to discover lots of trash and misc. items stuffed in the backseat of the van. I spent about 15 minutes grumbling and cleaning out the van.

The next day when I had to return library books, I discovered that I had left the van's interior lights on overnight, and as you have probably guessed, the van's battery was dead. I couldn't even open the sliding doors! This was another moment of grumbling at myself, but I knew that we could take care of it.

Well, we did not think to take care of it until it was time to leave for Christmas Eve activities. Our van's battery was so far gone, that our van's gear shift was actually locked and unable to move! So, we had to totally disconnect the battery to get the van started! It was quite an accomplishment and feat for my husband and me. It really was a Christmas miracle!

Any other Christmas miracles out there?

Christmas Music

2008-12-24T07:00:00.000-06:00

www.tokbox.com

Zoolight Safari & FREE animals!

2008-12-23T14:55:00.000-06:00

We are so enjoying this holiday! We were part of the crazy crowd that visited the mall this week! We had received coupons for FREE animals at Build A Bear Workshop, and we arrived at the store to join the line that was running out into the mall. Though we didn't get our two new moose animals stuffed, we did walk out with a book, the animals and a stocking for $3.08!

That evening we went to the Birmingham Zoo to see the Zoolight Safari. I enjoyed the warm auditorium where we saw an animal show and heard several Christmas stories. The girls also enjoyed seeing Santa and participating in crafts and games. The lights were absolutely beautiful,

Holiday Events

2008-12-13T06:14:00.000-06:00

This past week was packed full of holiday events for our family. We kicked off the week with a birthday party for my mom (and my husband). It included good food, a great dessert, and time being together.

The next day I opened my house to our homeschool group for a Christmas celebration. I have to admit that I was rushing around cleaning bathrooms, putting away piles of useless stuff, making sure my children were dressed in appropriate attire (no pj's), and generally focused on making sure everything was ready BEFORE the first person arrived. Did it happen? Of course not! It was like a whirlwind as soon as the first family arrived. I had barely gotten out the last food item that I was baking, and some people missed the great dessert that I made. I forgot to cut it and put it on a serving plate!

With all of this, I did greatly enjoy seeing everyone, and we had a great time sharing with the homeschool families. There were a lot of things that were ready - the students enjoyed crafts and a simple word game that kept some occupied for hours! The girls and I had prepared scented gingerbread ornaments for the families, and I had printed the spring schedule and sign up sheets for the families to take home with them. Also, we had plenty of wonderful food, and I think everyone enjoyed my cider (a secret recipe) and my husband's coffee.

The best part for me was seeing the dads join us. So often, it is just the women and children that come to the homeschool events, and I loved seeing the husbands find common ground with each other as well.

After surviving this whirlwind of a party, the next day we headed off for a play that retold A Christmas Carol. I was concerned that my girls would not get all the "fancy" English language or enjoy the darkness of the play, but I was amazed that they actually found some comedy and lessons from it! Scrooge reminds us to not get too much into our own stories that we miss out on sharing life with others!

Later this week we went to see another holiday play, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. I had always heard of this story, but I had never seen the play. It relayed the message of grace and the power of the Christmas message. Of course, my daughters enjoyed the fact that instead of frankincense, gold, and myrrh, the Wise Men brought a ham, vegetable oil, and seasoning salt!

I have loved sharing these moments with dear friends and family! This is one of the best parts of the Christmas season, and as we attend other events this holiday, I hope we can keep the simple joy of Christmas and savor each moment. It is easy to just rush around to fulfill commitments, but this year I want to keep the right perspective.

A Yellow Thanksgiving

2008-11-29T08:07:00.000-06:00

Yellow, you ask? Why yellow?

Well, I have to say that I purposed to make a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner for my family. We did have a wonderful, moist turkey, and I tried a Kraft recipe for Cheesy Stuffing Cups that my husband now simply adores. I had rolls, scalloped potatoes, and corn. Once I began to set these items out on each plate, I realized my mistake - it was all yellow! No green beans, no red peppers---just yellow and tan. But, it tasted wonderful.

After the meal, we all had apple pie (the first made by my daughter). Yes, I know apple pie is a yellow/tan color as well!

What color was your Thanksgiving?

Conforming

2008-11-15T07:54:00.000-06:00

Challenging thought: What is the pattern of the world that you are following?

In Romans 12, we are told to no longer conform to the pattern of the world. What is a pattern of the world? Is it just anything that is "sin" or could it be anything that is established by this world? Could it include the pattern of work without any rest, could it include instant gratification, could it even include the patterns of church expectation? I personally believe a pattern of the world is anything that does not follow God's will and purpose for your life.

I think that many of us just follow the pattern of the world and even the church, when we should be renewing our mind to discover God's good, pleasing, and perfect will (Rom. 12:2). I challenge you to continually offer your preconcieved and prefabricated ideas to God. I think He has so much more for us, but we can't see it for the patterns in which we have allowed ourselves to fall.

Frogs

2008-11-10T19:12:00.000-06:00

I just have to show off our science work. I think I have found my "mojo" in this subject, and lapbooks are the key! What do you think? You can do it too! Just visit http://www.homeschoolshare.com/ for FREE lapbooks on almost any subject.

It's A Mystery!

2008-11-10T18:14:00.000-06:00

My oldest daughter recently celebrated a special birthday, and we (the parents) gave her the choice in what type of birthday party she could have. We gave her the many options which all included going somewhere and having someone else "do" the party. But, when it came down to it, my daughter wanted something that noone was offering: a Mystery Birthday Party.

So, I, being the internet junky I am, "googled" this type of party, and quickly we were on our way to organizing the perfect birthday party. I'm not sure how it all went so well, except I give a lot of credit to my mom who helped!

We sent out invitations using the Evite website, and we were able to use clip art to create our own Mystery invitation. Then, we printed memos (using Microsoft Word's template) that asked guests to come and help solve the mysteries.

About a week before the party, my mom, my daughter and I brainstormed ideas for mysteries. So, here is how it all went down:

The guests arrived and were first led to the Governor (my mom) who had them hide their presents from Hope and write clues to help her find them. Then, they were whisked away downstairs for a photo and crafts (a detective hat made from newspaper and a mustache for disguise). I printed detective badges using their digital photos, laminated them, and attached them to clips for each guest to wear. (This was the most time consuming part!)

After everyone had arrived, we had a "meeting" to discuss the mystery at hand: Missing birthday cake! The guests then went upstairs to fingerprint the suspects (all the adults who stayed), dust for fingerprints at the crime scene, measure footprints, and take handwriting samples from the suspects as well. After reviewing the evidence, they interviewed a witness (a random adult pulled from the suspects).

These girls were really quick and eagerly went to identify and question their culprit, who was my dad. It was so funny! They really wanted to take him away and lock him up. He gave them clues to find the birthday cake, and the case was solved.

Of course, after cake, my daughter had her own set of clues to solve as she searched for her presents. It was a special day, and I thank God for the tools that He provided. Through the use of the internet, we were able to quickly locate simple fingerprinting techniques, easy craft ideas, and even clip art for the badges! I also had some gift cards and coupons which helped us with goody bags which included magnifying glasses, pens, notepads, flashlights, and candy! It was a wonderful celebration!

Vote Responsibly

2008-11-03T06:49:00.001-06:00

OK, I am trying to be a responsible citizen. I am trying to listen to the candidates and weed out the Truth amidst the mud-slinging. It is hard work! It is not easy to vote responsibly. It would be easier to just say "well, I just don't know, so I will not vote. My vote doesn't really count anyway. Isn't there that electoral college thing still?"

I am reminded though by some "inner voice" (otherwise known as the Holy Spirit) that I have been given a gift - a voice, a vote, a choice, a chance to be involved and be heard. Am I going to let that gift just go by when there are others on this planet that would die to be where I am, to have the opportunity? I can't be slack or be lazy. I must somehow push through the junk and find the Truth.

How? How do I find the Truth? I go to my source of Truth. I go to my Savior, my Lord, my Father. He is the One that exhibits only Truth. I must trust His guidance and know that He will bring revelation.

So, how do I vote responsibly? I pray, research, pray, watch, pray, and listen for His voice. I hope you will do the same!

Vote, if only for the sake of the millions that would literally die to be in your shoes!

icniVaD odranoeL

2008-10-20T07:00:00.000-05:00

We were able to visit the Leonardo DaVinci exhibit at the Birmingham Museum of Art, and if you haven't seen it yet, you should try to swing by sometime before Nov. 9th. The exhibit shows Leonardo's actual drawings from over 500 years ago. It is amazing all the things that he was able to engineer in his mind and put on paper. Of course, it takes an engineer to read his backward writing!

Here are some pictures of the girls enjoying the family day celebrating this exhibit:

Haircuts for Love

2008-10-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

My youngest daughter is known for her hair. It has been her trademark from birth. It was the first thing the doctors mentioned as she was being born; the nurses kept commenting how she already had a hair style from day one; people would stop us and always say something about her hair when we walked through the mall. We have all gotten used to it.

Last year we finally cut her hair and donated a ponytail to Locks of Love. She still had lots of hair left, so it wasn't too drastic of a change. A few weeks ago, we finally decided it was time to donate again, but we knew that we did not have as much as last time. So, we braced for the change. It was a big change, and now we have a bouncy, free five-year-old.

Plants Lapbook

2008-10-16T18:29:00.000-05:00

These past few months, we have been studying plants. I feel like we are actually learning something about science this year. The lapbooks seem to be a great way to incorporate fun and learning in an area that is very information-driven.

So, check out our latest creations:

The girls spent lots of time using stencils to make their lapbooks reflect the information inside. I was very happy to see their creativity come alive.

We used information from our science textbook, Considering God's Creation, and I also incorporated some great material I found on the internet. Homeschool Share is a great site for FREE resources.

I'm impressed that we are actually completing something for science! Hopefully, the girls are learning something, too! :)

Don't Just Vote!

2008-09-23T22:58:00.000-05:00

It is so crazy to me how political we all get for a presidential election. Suddenly, all these people come out of the woodwork and want to express their political view and opinion.

Well, I am not going to write all my political views and opinions, though I do have them. I am going to encourage you, the reader, to realize that once every 4 years is not the only time to voice your concerns and political views. We need to be voicing these concerns while Congress is in session, when our city is having local elections, when a bill is being introduced in the state legislature....

I am concerned about this election, but I am more concerned about what will happen after the election. If we really want to change our country, it will take more than a new president. I want to encourage you to take this next month to register to vote and to commit to being a responsible and active citizen.

Sunflower Seeds

2008-09-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

How many seeds do you think are in one sunflower?

Well, being the great homeschool mom that I am (HA HA), I decided to take a dead sunflower and show my girls the seeds that were now tucked inside the flower. We have been studying plants and flowers, and I was hoping that this would give them a good visual.

Of course, they were amazed by the seeds and wanted to count them. So, I said, "Sure", and promptly turned around to clean some dirty dishes.

My daughter kept pulling out seeds, and she finally reached the last one to announce that there were 132! I was then the one amazed and even excited. How awesome that one flower can produce that many seeds!

The girls and I decided to save the seeds for the spring, instead of eating them. Won't it be great to see what comes from that ONE flower? It could be ten or more flowers that will then produce their own set of 130 seeds. I may have a sunflower farm before long!

Seriously, this does make me think of us as Christians. Shouldn't we be reproducing? How many seeds will we leave behind?

Balance

2008-09-16T21:25:00.001-05:00

This summer has been a time of bringing me back to balance. I am one of those people who quickly volunteers and has a hard time saying no. How about you?

I was forced to really look at my time, and I found that I was so spread out that I was not really accomplishing my real goals - love my God, support and love my husband, and teach my children to be God-loving adults. I was too busy creating websites, organizing activities, teaching others, fulfilling my own personal dreams, and doing lots of other wonderful things.

I needed to find the best and choose only that, and be OK that the good would be alright without me. It is and was hard. I now have to be careful not to add anything else in the "empty" spaces.

I will tell you that after reorganizing and re-positioning---I am sooo happy. I can go to sleep with a sense of accomplishment and rest. The laundry still needs to be folded, and the kitchen floor really needs to be mopped this year---but, I am focused on completing the most important first. I think the Bible says something like "seek first His Kingdom, and all things will be added."

Thank You, Lord, for teaching me and guiding me to a closer walk with You!

Getting Ready for Junior High

2008-08-25T12:17:00.001-05:00

I have really enjoyed the elementary stage of life - the fun crafts, the play days, the games, and most of all, the faith in Mom as the All-Knowing One. It is a quite an ego booster!

Recently though, my husband and I have noticed that our beautiful daughter has begun to question many of our decisions. She has begun to want to explore her own thoughts on the subjects we discuss. She is growing up and changing from a little girl to a big girl - a preteen!

This past summer I was hit with the fact that I have a soon-to-be junior higher---no longer elementary. I must be ready to change my approach and encourage her thoughts, her decisions, her "wings". My role is to now watch the development of the "wings" as they are exposed, make sure that nothing is bent or misshaped which would cause her to be unable to fly independently in the future.

I must hope and pray that the "roots" are there, are strong, are deeply seeded in God's Word.

I cannot be shocked by the questioning, but I should be excited that she is not just taking things for granted. I need to be ready to feed her interests and help her find her God-given gifts.

Wow! What a journey being a parent is! I am rounding the next bend and loving the ride!

A Summer Fun Night

2008-08-22T02:00:00.000-05:00

Upon special request, my husband agreed to take us to a minor league baseball game! He and my daughter were able to see an Atlanta Braves game a few weeks ago, and they had a wonderful time. I think that was one reason why he was OK with taking a weeknight out for fun.

It was a special night as the baseball season was ending soon. It was Zoo Night, which allowed us to get in FREE, and the girls were able to pet a skink and see a kookaburra up close. Also, during the 3rd inning, Dora the Explorer made an appearance for autographs and pics, and the girls enjoyed the giveaways during the change of innings.

The biggest part was in the last inning (that we were there). A foul ball came flying through the air and landed right where the children had been sitting! It was a slow motion experience, and we are thankful that no one was hurt!

What a great night of sharing with friends and enjoying an all-American pasttime!

Our First Lapbook

2008-08-20T19:44:00.000-05:00

The first week of school was a little crazy. We really tried to complete our TO DO lists each day, but something did always seem to have to be put off for the next day. This was difficult for me, a person who likes to see the list completely checked off!

Our biggest TO DO was quite a feat. We started our science study off with a look at cells. I had decided to have our science work be more crafty and fun this year, and I was really interested in those nifty things called lapbooks. Unfortunately, I could not find any Cell Lapbooks out there (that were free at least), so I had to make up my first one from scratch. Brave, aren't I?

As you can see, our "lapbook" was more like a decorated folder. My ideas didn't quite fit the layout of a lapbook, so we just kept the folder in its traditional format. I think the girls enjoyed the craft part, except my youngest daughter kept begging to use a stapler! Oh, well, we survived, and I am looking forward to doing another one on Egyptian mummies soon!

I'm Back!

2008-08-13T08:17:00.000-05:00

It has been several weeks since I have posted, and it has mainly been a combination of school beginning and school beginning, ha ha!

I have so much that I want to share, but I feel like I don't have the time to get it all organized. So, I just don't do it. I will keep it on my list of things to do though.

Here is a nugget from my Bible reading this morning: "God's plans will last forever". I want to make sure that my plans are God's plans, because then I know that I am making an eternal difference!

Southeast Homeschool Expo

2008-07-28T08:26:00.000-05:00

A few friends and I went to the Southeast Homeschool Expo this past weekend, and what a fun time! The exhibit hall was packed full of wonderful booths offering curriculum, used books, activities, gifts, and even massages! The workshops were inspiring and uplifting, even for someone who has been homeschooling for years!

My favorite speaker was Susan Wise Bauer with her mother, Jessie Wise, at a close second. I have read their book, The Well Trained Mind, for about 6 years now. It is a book that needs to be read and explored at least once a year. As a new homeschooling mom, it was a "roadmap" for my homeschool journey. It gave my teaching a purpose and a goal to reach. I will be the first to say that I did not and have not completed all the suggestions for each grade, but I feel like it has enabled me to walk with confidence in what I have done.

I hope to detail some of the knowledge I have gleaned from the workshops on my blog in the coming days. Today I need to start actually getting ready for the school days that are coming next Monday!

With tools in hand, off we go!

Socialization

2008-07-28T07:21:00.000-05:00

This is a post from the Alabama Homeschooling Network that some of my friends wanted me to post here. I wrote it in response to the question: "What about socialization?"

"I think it is important that we are connected in relationship with other people. My children and I actively pursue opportunities to be with other people. I want my children to value friendships and know how to be a friend. This will help them not only in daily life, but also in work environments.

The 'socialization' that the general public is discussing is the lack of communication skills and relationship skills that come from being isolated or put in a closed environment. Surprise! Homeschooling families are not isolated any more! We are definitely not in a closed environment either! We are in your face, and our children will take over the world!

Now, we (homeschool families) need to look at the general public and ask, 'Why do you send your children to public school? Aren't you worried about their socialization?'"

Hopefully, this will somehow ease your mind about the "socialization" of homeschool children!

Getting Back in the Groove

2008-07-17T14:45:00.001-05:00

This summer has been filled with activity, and it isn't over yet! These past few days I have been dealing with the blahs of everyday life. You know the "do I really have to wash the dishes? can't I just take a nap instead?" I am a little overwhelmed by the height of the weeds in my lawn and the many things that need to be organized, cleaned, and thrown away. I would LOVE to have a maid right now! I guess this is the part that explains how people feel when they say they need a vacation from their vacation.

Unfortunately, life is not always a vacation, and there are good things about getting back onto a regular schedule. The things I enjoy about being home are eating fresh, homemade food, using my own showerhead, and having a good internet connection!

We did have a fabulous time as a family in Nashville. Here are some highlights from our time. It will be a wonderful memory!

Zoos and Watershows

2008-07-13T21:56:00.000-05:00

It really seems like we have been on a neverending vacation this summer. What fun!

This week we were able to visit the Nashville Zoo (a great benefit of zoo membership - get in FREE at other zoos/aquariums). Although it was extremely humid and hot, we loved the historic home and the zoo's story! The zoo also offered views of animals in a very natural environment, and it did not have the typical zoo smell.

We were also able to stay at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel for the first time. My mother said it best when she said it was like a cruise ship. Everything is right here, and my husband's only complaint is that it takes so long to get anywhere! There are beautiful gardens, waterfalls, shops, restaurants, pools, and walkways.

Tonight we were able to see a special watershow from a restaurant seat. The fountains would shoot over 50 foot in the air as music played from around the world. Absolutely gorgeous!

New World Record: Most Apple Fritters Eaten

2008-07-03T20:00:00.000-05:00

We have had a wonderful week sharing with family. On Tuesday morning, we headed out towards Gatlinburg. Our first night we went to the Dixie Stampede in Pigeon Forge. What a great show! We saw horses, longhorn cattle, ostriches and pigs as well as enjoyed music and great food. Definitely worth the money! An extra special surprise for us was that we ran into more family!

On Wednesday we enjoyed time at the WonderWorks museum (an interactive science museum) and had a load full of apple fritters at the Apple Barn. Also, Santa was there eating lunch, and he came over and gave the girls bracelets.

Today, we visited the Guiness World Records Museum in downtown Gatlinburg. It was a great place since the girls and I had just read an Ivy+Bean book about world records. We saw some strange stuff and were able to learn about accomplishments and feats completed around the world!

Tonight we are heading to the Midnight Parade, and the girls are SO excited that they will be able to stay up so late!

Bugs & Violins

2008-06-27T23:03:00.000-05:00

This week we had a wonderful time with family and friends! We joined friends for swimming and FREE movies. We visited the library for the Summer Reading Program, and the girls created bugs. We had family visit with us one afternoon, and that was a special treat!

The toughest thing for me was getting up and getting out each morning for String Camp, but the performance at the end of the week was a great way to wrap it all up! On top of that, we had ice cream afterwards! Yeah!

Making Bugs at the Library

A visit from a cousin

Violin Camp Performance

You scream, I scream
We all scream for Ice Cream!

Dolls and a Tire

2008-06-22T22:56:00.000-05:00

This weekend my mom and I took my daughters and niece to see the premiere of the new American Girl movie, Kit Kittredge. Wow! What a great wholesome and encouraging movie! It was a great surprise for the girls.

The next day we went to the American Girl Boutique & Bistro. Mom and I didn't quite know what we were getting into. We ended up having a wonderful lunch at the Bistro (some of the best food ever, really!), and the girls ended up with dolls to take home. I almost cried when I saw my youngest daughter take the doll and hug it close. (Yeah, I'm a little sentimental.)

I am so glad that we were able to get these dolls for the girls. I hope they will be a special reminder of family and of God's provision.

Unfortunately, the weekend ended with a realization that some "curb surfing" I had done with the van had actually damaged my front tire. My dad said we were lucky to have made it home without a blow!

It is so good to have a God that protects me even when I am unaware! I will be doing some tire shopping in the morning.

2008-06-14T20:08:00.000-05:00

This week has been filled with activity. We started the New to Homeschooling group meetings on Monday evening, and I was so excited to share with these wonderful moms. These women are really taking huge steps of faith, and I know that God will bless them and lead them!

My husband was out of town, so the girls and I spent the night with my mother. The next day we took my niece and went to see Alvin & The Chipmunks for FREE at the movies. We met up with several other homeschool families, and we spent at least 30 minutes afterwards in the lobby just catching up from our break of activities. I didn't want to leave!

The girls and I arrived home, and we had to get out a new $1 sprinkler we found at Target. Before we found a way to break it, the girls had a great time jumping through it:

I let the girls stay up watching movies until midnight (really a way to not have to deal with whining). The next day we went to the library for the summer reading program. This is one of the things that I emphasize greatly in the summer: READING!

The fire department was there! We had missed the fire department field trip this year, so the girls were able to go through the fire truck and see the fireman in his gear.

We met my mom at the mall and after wandering about (finding a great deal on jeans and discovering some American Girl dolls at the bookstore), we decided to the eat at Five Guys burger place. It was a wonderful burger!

Graduation

2008-06-06T12:16:00.000-05:00

Graduation - Change

These are two words that work together. With a graduation comes the promise of a change, and I feel like I have been graduating these past few months. It is somewhat scary and somewhat exciting too. I have really had to reevaluate my priorities and learn how to balance the good and the best. There are so many wonderful things in which I want to be involved, but I have to continue to look at what is most important.

Right now my family and my children are most important. The past month has really reminded me of the importance of family, especially with the death of my grandmother. The last week of May we also attended my niece's high school graduation. This "little" girl was the flower girl in my wedding! (What a reminder of how old I have become!)

So, I must now "graduate" to another stage of life and choose the best.

To my niece, who is starting her life's adventure:

"...Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land..." Deut. 30:19-20

God is "Base"

2008-05-14T20:16:00.000-05:00

Several hours after my grandmother's funeral, the family returned to the grave. The flowers that covered the dirt were so beautiful. It really made me realize the importance of these flowers in maintaining the beauty of the memory and their use as a blanket for the grave.

My children were not so enthralled with the flowers. They were enjoying the sunshine and the open field. They were playing "tag".

My grandmother's grave is right next to a statue of Jesus and the Samaritan woman by a well. As my cousin and I were remarking about the children, we heard yelled out "God is base!" They were using the Jesus statue for the safety point.

What a wonderful lesson! May we all run to Jesus when we are chased by the things of this world!

Remembering Grandma

2008-05-05T20:37:00.001-05:00

Today my grandma passed away and is now probably snuggled up enjoying the peace of her Savior.

My grandmother was a constant throughout my childhood. She was always there, she was always the same---strong, loving, caring. I know you all think you have the best grandma, but I am sorry to say that it was truly ME that had the BEST!!!

I do not want to ever forget her precious notes and the poems she would collect and send. She had this uncanny way of saying what you needed to hear when you needed it.

In the midst of much chaos, she always stood firm in her faith. I loved visiting her and going to church with her. She would play the piano, teach classes, and was a strong supporter of her church. We loved going to Vacation Bible School with her.

She also supported me in my adventures. She encouraged me in the talents that God had given, and she was even there for the birth of my first child (which involved a plane trip across country)!

I will miss her greatly, and I truly hope to follow her example in faithfulness.

I love you, Grandma! I can't wait to celebrate with you in heaven one day!

She Makes a Goal!

2008-05-03T09:46:00.000-05:00

My youngest daughter is playing in a "just-for-fun" soccer league for the spring. Yesterday she had a makeup game, and at one point in the game, she broke free from the pack (4&5 year olds tend to move on the field like a school of fish). She took control of the ball, and even though the "school of fish" were soon close behind her, she kept focused on the goal. We all held our breath wondering if she would actually aim and if someone would catch up and take the ball away. She kept focused and SCORED!!! It was a wonderful moment, and one that she is still trying to milk for extras----"Can I have a dessert because I scored a goal?"

The focus it took for her to make the goal reminded me of the focus we need to accomplish our goals. We must not worry about the "school of fish" around us, and many times we need to break away from the norm to actually make a difference.

I want to be the person who makes the goal!

Just Breathe

2008-04-22T08:35:00.000-05:00

OK, life in my family is not perfect, and yesterday was the perfect example!

I woke up after a tossing and turning night, read my Bible and even did some toning exercises! It was a great start! My husband and oldest daughter woke up to find me fixing eggs, bacon and toast. (This is WAY out of the norm!) Needless to say, I was very proud of the way my day was going.

I gently entered my youngest daughter's room and told her that breakfast was on the table---sure that the news would get her jumping. This is where it began---she refused to get out of bed and when she did, she just lay on the floor complaining about her legs hurting. I gave her about an hour to actually get up, and when I went in to encourage her for the last time, she began to cry and refused to do what she was told. This gave her some "quiet time" in her room for another hour---in the bed, no toys, just loud wailing.

I was determined to not let that affect my wonderful day, so my oldest daughter and I started with her schoolwork. Her first task was a math test, and this test took about 45 minutes to complete (only 15 problems). By the time she was finished with her test, it was 11am, and I had just gotten my youngest daughter out of bed and fed. I graded my oldest's test, and she had done an awful job. And, I started her on some computer reviews while I settled my youngest into her simple "schoolwork".

Now my youngest was out of her awful mood, and she was ready to conquer the day. Of course, now my day was totally thrown because we were supposed to already have conquered the day by noon. And now, my oldest was in tears over her grammar work!

I was reminded that I needed to just breathe (you know, count to 10 under your breath) and be still and know that God was in control. It was hard not to hit the counter in frustration or start telling everyone to just go to their rooms. I needed to trust God even in the midst of all this craziness.

Somehow we made it through the day. I can't say that I understand all that happened or even if it was all "fixed", but I am SURE that TODAY will be another PERFECT day! I only need to just breathe!

How Good!

2008-04-18T08:51:00.000-05:00

I lead a small group at Church of the Highlands, and some of the ladies in my group asked me to make another post. It was sad to think how I have not kept up with this place in my life!

So, here I go trying to get here again:

Today, my daughters and I were reading our Bible reading, and we read Psalm 133. This psalm starts with "How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!" I have been trying to refocus my attention on my small group, and this seemed so fitting as we are off this afternoon for another small group event.

It is good and pleasant to be around people who have the same goals and also people who are willing to challenge and encourage you even if it means getting me out of my box---like keeping up with my blog!

The psalm goes on to describe in Biblical terms what that looks like.
Anointing Oil - It is like being covered with the presence of God---pretty cool, huh?
Refreshing Dew - It is like being renewed, re-energized!

I must make sure that I stay connected and not let myself become withdrawn. On top of all the wonderful feelings being with others brings, it also brings the blessings of God and life eternal.

Read this short psalm and post your comments here!

A Fresh Start

2008-01-24T20:17:00.000-06:00

Writing a blog is very much like writing in a journal. I have proved this by my lack of posts in almost 4 months! It must become a part of your daily life. I hope to make a fresh start this year and be more aggressive in posting and keeping track of my daily struggles and victories.

Christmas was a beautiful time for me and my family. I was given an awesome opportunity to sing a solo in our church's Christmas Eve services, and it is an experience I hope to never forget! In addition, our main car broke down and it forced us to stay home for most of the holiday season. I was extremely lazy and self-absorbed. It was wonderful!

I enjoyed a trip out of town with my mother that turned into a shopping trip like no other (the back seat was full of bags - see above). We also enjoyed a wonderful lunch at Stan's Restuarant off of Interstate 65 in Tennessee. We kept looking for something different from McDonald's, and Stan's won the vote. I would be willing to stop there again!

Shower It Down

2007-09-24T07:27:00.000-05:00

"You heavens above, rain down righteousness; let the clouds shower it down. Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up, let righteousness grow with it; I, the Lord, have created it." Isaiah 45:8

This verse painted such a beautiful picture. I wanted to remember it, and make it a prayer---a prayer for me and for the world.

Another Full Day

2007-09-14T00:08:00.000-05:00

I have really wanted to use this blog to record my thoughts and ideas, but I am finding it so hard to get an opportunity to sit down. My days are filled with wonderful things (a newborn baby, travel to an out-of-town field trip, sharing with my ladies), but I still have so many things that are not wonderful like the kitchen, the laundry, the bathrooms....

Just typing this makes me want to close my eyes and forget it is all still there to do---so I think I will! Good night!

Stand Firm in Your Faith

2007-09-10T08:20:00.000-05:00

"If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all." (Isaiah 7:9b)

Lord, help me to stand firm in what you have promised and what I know is true!

Busy, Busy, Busy

2007-09-09T20:44:00.000-05:00

What a busy weekend! It started with a 4 hour park day which was wonderful, but a little hot; then, we transitioned into an evening birthday party. We got up on Saturday morning and started with another 4 hour outdoor activity---soccer! I then helped my sister with her baby registry and came home that evening to prepare for today.

Today has been absolutely wonderful! I was up early and went to church to set up the information for our homeschool small group. I was given the opportunity to lead the choir in a warmup before service, and the worship was energizing! I came out to see that 6 new families had signed up for our group---how exciting! I just kept on meeting new families, and it was very encouraging to see God's leading.

After church I was able to meet my parents for lunch and we had a wonderful time of sharing. Then, I went to the grocery store. When I arrived home, my husband and I (and our ladies) majorly cleaned the cars. I forgot dinner, and now I see that it is already bedtime.

Thank you Lord for busy times that are productive and fulfilling. Help me to relax in the busy times and see Your hand in my activities.

A New Day

2007-09-06T08:13:00.000-05:00

"He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God." Psalm 50:23

As I strive to start my day with God's Word, I am encouraged to thank God for what He has done and prepare the way for Him to continue to work in my life. I want to know His salvation! I need it, and my family needs it.

Start of the Day

2007-09-05T20:53:00.000-05:00

Today has been very weird. I woke up excited about fixing breakfast for my family. I actually started the bacon! Than, I checked my email and realized that I had a doctor's appointment and needed to be out the door in 15 minutes. It was crazy!

I think that is what messed with the rest of my day. I finished my most important "to do's" but I felt tired and even a little depressed that my day did not go the way I pictured it at 7 o'clock this morning.

I am trying to get myself in somewhat of a better mood. I played Monopoly Jr. and Dominoes with my little ladies. I ate two brownies; yes, that made my mood worse after I realized what I had done! I guess I just need to let the day go, but I want to know that I accomplished something.

I will tell you the one thing that I missed---my morning Bible time. Isn't that strange that such a simple thing could affect my day? I guess it is another reminder that I cannot be successful without the Word and my time with the Lord---no matter how simple it may be.

Hopefully, I will not make the same mistakes tomorrow!

Let's Try This!

2007-09-05T00:24:00.001-05:00

Wow, our world is changing so quickly. I am excited about the opportunity to put my thoughts and ideas down where others can see.