Jul. 1, 2009 - Yard Sales
I always feel bad about yard sales. "I don't want my junk anymore, so here, you pay me money so you can have it."
In my opinion if I made a mistake and was silly enough to get way to much stuff, why should I sell it so that other people can make that same mistake! OK, maybe I'm just saying this because I'm tired of getting things ready for our yard sale, but still!
It has been one crazy week for me.
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Jun. 26, 2009 - My Antonia
My Antonia, I wasn't sure what I expected so I'm not sure if it was what I expected. I did enjoy it though at several times I felt as if my mind was drifting, and I would have to go back and read over several paragraphs. I think this was because a lot of things were on my mind though, no fault of the writers.
The back says the book is about a Bohemian immigrant girl who learns how to handle the hard farm life in Nebraska. I didn't think it was just her story though, while it is about Antonia it's about so many other people too. I found the characters so real and fun, I was always excited to see a new name, hoping I would get to know them better.
I loved the settings as well, first out on a farm, and then later in a small town where friends are easily found, then later back to the farm life. I found it had just the right amounts of happiness and sadness.
The story is told by Jimmy Burden who lives with his Grandparents after his Father's death. Jim was so fun, rather a romantic seeing his thoughts and plans was fun. Willa Cather chose the perfect person to narrate.
This was the road over which Antonia and I came on that night when we got off the train at Black Hawk and were bedded down in the straw, wondering children, being taken we knew not whither. I had only to close my eyes to hear the rumbling of the wagons in the dark, and to be again overcome by that obliterating strangeness. The feelings of that night were so near that I could reach out and touch them with my hand. I had the sense of coming home to myself, and of having found out what a little circle man's experience is. For Antonia and for me, this had been the road of Destiny; had taken us to those early accidents of fortune which predetermined for us all that we can ever be. Now I understood that the same road was to bring us together again. Whatever we had missed we possessed together the precious, the incommunicable past.
~ Jim Burden ~ My Antonia ~ Willa Cather
~~~~~~~~~~
Over all I believe I would give My Antonia three stars out of five. Although a good book it didn't make my favorites shelf.
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Jun. 25, 2009 - The Promises of God
I have been thinking a lot lately about the promises of God. Not only because of what my family is going through right now, but partly because of the Ignition Outreach challenge I have been joining in.
Anyway my Daddy is searching for a job he has looked all over the country, and even out of the country, he has been looking for sometime now and we have all struggled. It is now that I remember what God has told me, and what promises he has made me. Just like all the other times, when I've needed him, he has been there.
~ Proverbs 3: 5-6
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understand. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
~ Isaiah 41:10
Feat thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yeah I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
No matter where I go, or what happens as long as I lean on God and look to him he will take care of me. He made a promise, and I know I can always trust God to keep his word.
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Jun. 23, 2009 - Book Review ~ The Complete Sherlock Holmes Volume 1
"It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth." ~ Sherlock Holmes ~ Sir Arthur Conan Doyle ~ The Complete Sherlock Holmes Volume 1
Wow... I loved this book! When I read the first story in it (A Study in Scarlet) several months ago I didn't think I would like it at all. It took me forever to get through the one story, and I thought it was boring. I finally picked it up again though and began reading the next story, I couldn't put it down. I had planned to stop at the next story and read another book, and then come back and read another story and so on, but I just kept right on reading till the end.
It made me wonder what kind of person Sir Arthur Conan Doyle must have been, to come up with all those ways to murder and rob people, to find clues and hints that would solve the case, and to come up with such interesting characters. Although I did enjoy reading about Watson and Sherlock's adventures I must remind you that it is about murder and crime, and Sherlock does do drugs, and is not the best role model so please make sure to ask your parents before checking it out from the library.
Sherlock Holmes ~ Sir Arthur Conan Doyle ~ The Complete Sherlock Holmes Volume 1
Speaking of Watson... he is one cool guy. When Sherlock Holmes needs some one to do something that could determine the life and death of someone else he can always trust Watson, and Watson is always ready to take on the task. Watson's faith in Holmes is amazing to read about.
Although I did enjoy the stories to no end I think a break for a little while before picking up Volume 2 will be nice.
All in all I give The Complete Sherlock Holmes Volume 1 five stars!
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Jun. 22, 2009 - Fear of the Unknown
I was reading Matthew chapter 8 yesterday morning. I have not been reading my Bible as much as I should be for awhile now because of all the company I've had, and such. It was good just to open the Word and read what God had to say.
I had reached verse 26 when some red words of Jesus seemed to jump off the page at me. They were simple, yet they made me think more then any of the other words I had seen.
My family has been going through some questioning times right now, we are not sure where the Lord is going to take us and what things he is planning on teaching us. The road curves ahead of us and we are unable to see what lies ahead. I have been afraid, I have cried, and I have felt sorry for myself.
Why am I fearful? Why should I be when I know my King and Father are watching over me. He loves me and will protect me.
I continued reading in my Bible and the next chapter also held some words that made an impact on me.
I obeyed that command, I am following Him, and yet I still fear.
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Jun. 16, 2009 - Back to the Daily Grind
On Saturday morning I was awakened from the land of slumber by my very excited Mum. Dad had been plotting in his brain, shared his plans with her, and they had taken action. They wanted to leave by noon on an impromptu camping trip.
Us kids grudgingly allowed this rare occurrence to take place. Trying our best to act like we were excited and having fun.
The camping trip started out as rather one of our worst, but turned into a wonderfully fun trip discovering the
unknown. The unknown? That would be the water slides. I myself had never been on one, and had a smashing good time figuring out how to go faster each time with my Daddy.
A memory I hope I will remember forever happened about an hour before the pool was going to close. It wasn't as crowded anymore and my family and I had space to move around. Before we knew it we had started a game of keep away, the beach ball we had bought hours before being the object to "keep away." I'm surprised it didn't pop with all the pressure it was under.
The next day after a few hours more in the pool we packed everything up and headed for home. I think all of us were sorry it was over and wished we had a few more days. Once we reached home we cleaned and unpacked the motor home and were once again back to daily life. Oh joy.
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Jun. 9, 2009 - Backyard Giveaway
Hello All,
I just wanted to tell you about the giveaway that is happening right now over on The Backyard. The girls can win a great soap making package, and for the boys a tree house building video. The winner will be chosen on the 23rd of June. Remember you must be signed into your HSB account to view The Backyard posts.
I'm sure you will also notice the great new template designed by myself and Narniagirl.
Please take your time to look around the Backyard and let us know what you think!
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Jun. 7, 2009 - Lipizzaner Stallions
When I heard the World Famous Lipizzaner Stallions were coming through here I thought it would be really neat to go see them, but I stopped thinking about it then. At least, I tried to get myself to stop thinking about it then.
They had passed through last year as well and tickets had been far to expensive, and I was sure that would be the case this year as well. It would have been, but my dear Grammy bought my Mum, sister and I tickets to go see the stallions for a birthday gift. I was sad to find out that she had to work so was unable to accompany us.
I have always wanted to see these beautiful horses perform, and was so glad the show was wonderful. I took a few pictures, but my small cheap camera was not up to the task of getting anything good, so I put it down and decided to enjoy the show. Don't worry, Eyebright was on picture duty and she got some great shots!
I was sad when the show ended, and was ready to go buy more tickets for the evening show. I don't think anyone else in the family would have gone for that though. However Eyebright did get me a very neat memoir hoodie.
So, I had a wonderful time, and would gladly go see it again! I am now very interested in the Lipizzaner breed, and dressage.
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Jun. 5, 2009 - SmartyJones
If you would like to meet one crazy, zany, wacky, one ball of fun head on over to the blog titled Pen 2 Paper. SmartyJones is a dear friend of mine who never stops surprising me. Literally and figuratively. She is one of those friends that I don't have a sleep over with, we have stay-all-night-and-talk overs.
SmartyJones is always willing to listen, and she is always willing to talk. Although we may not always agree (she likes John Wayne) we are willing to put our differences aside and have fun. We respect each others thoughts, and ideas.
I love talking about movies and actors with her because we both seem to have somewhat of the same ideas (like said, she likes John Wayne) and enjoy a lot of the same kinds of movies. This also could describe us and books.
Another thing I love about SmartyJones is that she loves listening to what ever I have been writing, stories, articles, anything she loves to hear it. Her thoughts and advice have been a real blessing on my writing.
Now you may be wondering why I am writing a post all about my friend SmartyJones...
The truth is I asked her what to blog about and she, in her usual manner said, "ME!" So here it is SmartyJones, a whole post about you.
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Jun. 2, 2009 - Writer's Block
Writing for me is not just a hobby, it's a passion, and a love that I can't seem to get away from. I enjoy my writing so much, and thank God every day for giving me this awesome gift, but every now and then I get to a point where I can't write. Everything I was working on seems to come to a stand still, and it all started with one thing.
Normally it's the thing I've been working on the most. A story, article, novel, doesn't matter, I come to a place where I don't know where to go next and things start falling apart. I put it away and try again the next day with the same results. So I try to write something else, but I can't keep the other thing off my mind, and I end up writing myself into a corner on what I am working on.
Before I know it I have a hundred little writers blocks made into one big one "the size of the grand cannon" as a lady at a writers meeting I go to put it.
Now is when I start going crazy, trying to write, but thinking everything sounds terrible. Not writing at all for days on end, and going insane because I can't figure out what to do. Then one day something happens, a phrase in a book I was reading maybe? Something a friend said? It could have been something I saw while out and about in town, it does not matter what it is, but it always feels like someone handing me a chisel. Then before I know it something else has happened that makes me feel like I now have a hammer in my hand. Small things start to happen that make me start working away at that writers block, till one day I see light on the other side. The next I can stick my hand through it. A week later the whole thing crumbles down around me and I can walk through the rubble triumphant. My computer is waiting on the other side with the document this whole thing started with on the screen. I sit down, and write the scene that I thought was so hard. Hit myself on the head because it was so easy... and start the whole thing over again.
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Jun. 1, 2009 - Summer Reading List 2009
We do not have many plans for this summer. Money is kind of tight so although camping trips are longed for, they may not be had.
So, preparing myself for a summer at home, I've come up with my own plans. I would love to get my novel done this summer so I'll be working on that, but I've also got a reading list. Made up mostly by my sister Eyebright who never fails to answer when asked what books should be read.
So, I thought I would share my list with you. I have already read Lord of the Rings, and Chronicles of Narnia, but it's been awhile and I always like to read them, so I figured why not.
1. The Complete Sherlock Holmes Volume 1 (Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
2. Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen)
3. My Antonia (Willa Cather)
4. David Copperfield (Charles Dickens)
5. Sense and Sensibility (Jane Austen)
6. Wives and Daughters (Elizabeth Gaskell)
7. Emma (Jane Austen)
8. The Complete Sherlock Holmes Volume 2 (Sir Aurthur Conan Doyle)
9. The Chronicles of Narnia (C. S. Lewis)
10. Lord of the Rings (J. R. R. Tolkien)
11. Mansfield Park (Jane Austen)
12. The Silver Chalice (Thomas B. Costain)
13. Northanger Abbey (Jane Austen)
14. Scaramouche (Rafael Sabatini)
15. Persuasion (Jane Austen)
16. Old Friends and New Fancies (Sybil G. Brinton)
17. Bonnie Prince Charlie (G. A. Henty)
18. Lysbeth (H. Irder Haggard)
19. Eagle of the Ninth (Rosemary Sutcliff)
20. Jack and Jill (Louisa May Alcott)
21. Eight Cousins (Louis May Alcott)
22. Rose in Bloom (Louisa May Alcott)
23. Great Expectations (Charles Dickens)
24. The Shield Ring (Rosemary Sutcliff)
25. He Fell in Love with his Wife (Edward Payson Roe)
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May. 28, 2009 - Bad Brahmer Bull
I found this at Eyebright's blog and thought it looked like fun!
1. Put your iTunes on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the Next button for your answer.
3. You must write down the name of the song no matter how silly!
4. Put any comments in brackets after the song name.
__________________________________________________________________________
If someone says, "Is this okay?" You say? - "Return" (Indiana Jones sound track)
How would you describe yourself? - Shes in Love with the Boy (Trisha Yearwood) [um... no]
How do you feel today? - The Devil Went Down to Georgia (Charlie Daniels) [I actually felt pretty good today!]
What is your life's purpose? - The River (Garth Brooks)
What is your motto?- Unanswered Prayers (Garth Brooks) [Ok... little weird]
What do your friends think of you? - Don't Ever Sell Your Saddle (Randy Travis) [My sister tells me this one fits, what do you think. ]
What do you think of your parents? - Don't Take the Girl (Tim McGraw)
What do you think about very often? - Good Ride Cowboy (Garth Brooks)
What do you think of your best friend? - Rodeo (Garth Brooks)
What is your life story? - Main Title from "Star Wars" (Grover Washington)
What do you want to be when you grow up? - A Girl Worth Fighting For (Mulan Soundtrack) [Oh yeah!]
What will you dance to at your wedding? A Quiet Night in the Country (Terri and Chad Sigafus)
What will they play at your funeral? - Amarillo Sky (Jason Aldean)
What is your hobby/interest? - Are you Washed in the Blood (Alan Jackson)
What is your biggest fear? - Arlington (Trace Adkins) [I've afraid to die! Just kidding]
What is your biggest secret? Baby Moses (Terri and Chad Sigafus) [OK, for everyone's sake, I don't have any secret babies!]
What do you think of your friends? - Back in the Bible Days (Terri and Chad Sigafus)
What will you post this as? - Bad Brahmer Bull (The Booher Brothers)
Please feel free do it!
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May. 23, 2009 - Sharen my Book Learnen
Only, in this case it would be my computer learning.
For school right now I have been doing a unit study on Robin Hood. I begged to do this because I absolutely love the hero's story. Never mind if half of it probably is not true! He has got to be my favorite legend.
So anyway, since I am still near the beginning of this study I have been learning about a few things up to Robin Hood. Such as, Richard the Lionheart. I wrote a short little thing about him... I wouldn't really call it a report. I know it will probably be dry dust for all of you, but still, I thought I might share it.
Richard the Lionheart
(1189- 1199)
Richard is most known for leading the final crusade into The Holy Land, and his attempt to reclaim Jerusalem. He is also well known as one of the reasons legendary hero Robin Hood fought off Prince John.
Who is the real Lionheart though? When did it all begin and why was his lust for battle so great? Who were his real enemies, and who stood by him to the end? Read on to find out.
Born the son of Henry II, and Elinor of Aquitaine Richard had to fight for his place in the family early on in life. His family was constantly at battle with one another, and although Richard's Mother adored him, his Father wished for another son to be his heir. Richard fought for his proper place though, and in 1188 was crowned King.
It did not take him long to make enemies with the people of England by raising taxes for his crusade.
He joined up with King Philip of France, and they headed for Jerusalem, stopping in Cyprus to win a victory. Next stop was the siege at Acre, but here is where things started to go wrong. Germany and France were constantly at each others throats, and Richard did not get along with Philip. They were soon defeated and Philip had had enough, he went back to France. Richard loved to have someone to argue with though, and he found it in his biggest enemy, and biggest admirer, Saladin, sultan of Egypt and Syria.
In the year 1191 Richard attacked Jerusalem, only to be defeated by Saladin's army. He tried three more times, but they all ended the same way. Not good for England. Finally when The Lionhearted realized Jerusalem could not be his, he signed a treaty with Saladin. The crusaders were left with a small amount of land, and pilgrims were aloud passage into Jerusalem.
Now that his battle for Jerusalem was over though Richard realized his way home had been cut off by his enemies. He had to get back to England though so in 1192 he disguised himself and started to work his way through Austria. He was caught by King Leopold in Vienna and sent to the Holy Roman Emperor Henry the VI. Henry wanted 150,000 marks before he would let Richard go, so England started saving at once. Although they never reached the correct price their King was set free.
Richard set foot on English soil once again in 1194, but didn't wait long to leave again. This time he was bound for France, to fight one of his foes` from the crusades, King Philip. He would never see his homeland again, in 1199 while in the midst of a battle Richard was shot in the shoulder. He never recovered, and died on French ground.
Richard was King of England for 11 years, but he was always somewhere else fighting because that's what he liked best. No advances had been made during his reign, and England had gained nothing. Yet, this King has been remembered through out the ages as one of the greatest historical figures.
My next one will be on Saladin, don't worry I won't be sharing them all.
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May. 19, 2009 - Homeschool Tag
I thought this looked fun!
1) How long have you been homeschooled?
I've always been homeschooled.
2) What grade are you in?
Ninth
3) What is your favorite subject(s) in your homeschool?
I am really enjoying history, and math right now.
4) What is your least favorite subject(s) in your homeschool?
I'm not really sure I'm liking it all right now.
5) What is a current/previous homeschooling challenge you’ve faced?
To DO school. With the days getting warmer, and my life turning upside down it easily slips from my mind.
6) What are you looking forward to over the coming year?
Camping with my family, meeting new people, learning new things.
7) Name three things you like doing in the summer with your family.
Camping, taking walks, and road trips!
8) What other activities do you enjoy, such as sports, hobbies, etc.?
Riding horses, writing, reading, blogging...
9) Are you taking a foreign language? Are you going to in the future? Which one?
No, not at the moment. I was taking Spanish several years ago and would like to again sometime.
10) Where do you homeschool? (Kitchen table, livingroom, etc.)
Mostly on my bed, but with a computer, all my school books, my math papers, pencil, eraser, white bored, and a cat, things get pretty crowded so I often move to my bedroom floor. ; )
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May. 15, 2009 - Kids of Faith Update
Hello everyone, just wanted to write a quick note and let everyone know that the May/June issue of Kids of Faith is up for all viewers!
http://www.kidsoffaithonline.net
I encourage all of my readers to go take a look, and read the articles. Let the team know what you think, we love to hear from you!
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May. 9, 2009 - Friends I've Lost, Friends I Still Have. A Prayer for All
I have so much trouble with the problems of the world. Understanding why they are even there, and how can anyone be so stupid to do any of it?
I remember several good friends that I spent a lot of time with, goofing off, playing games, and having heart to heart talks. These are sweet memories for me, but over the last few years they have turned sad as well.
Many of those friends have "grown up" in the world's eyes. They now go to public school, and they act like it. Boys is all they have to talk about, and words I would rather not hear comes out of their mouths every other sentence.
To see this hurts so bad, to know that these girls, who I always thought would be just like me have changed so much. The world and it's people dragged them down into something terrible. They are no longer pleasant to be around, and any contact with them becomes depressing. I want to stay in touch, I want to be that life line when they realize what they've gotten into, but I'm also afraid. What influence can they have on me?
Now is when I look to my other friends, as well as my God, and my family. Here is where they hold me up, stand behind me, hit me over the head if I start going down the wrong path.
I pray for the "friends" I have lost, and I pray for the ones I still have. Keep their hearts pure Lord.
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. ~ Proverbs 31:10
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May. 4, 2009 - New Fashioned World, Old Fashioned God
While we were out in town today in one of the buildings we were in I happened to hear a radio commercial. It went somewhat like the following.
"Ed likes to do things the old fashioned way, shake hands and always tell the truth..."
WHAT!? Since when did shaking hands and always telling the truth become "old fashioned!"
The world needs the Lord more then I ever thought if telling the truth is considered old fashioned! It's bad enough that courting, and modestly dressing is "old fashioned," but now telling the truth is!
After I think about it, if always telling the truth is old fashioned to the world, would not that make God himself old fashioned?
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.
~Ephesians 4:25
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Apr. 22, 2009 - What are Sisters For?
To stay up till all hours of the night, laughing till tears stream down your face because your so tired anything she says you find funny.
Then the next morning when you try to tell the rest of the family what was so funny last night, you find it really was not funny at all, and you begin to realize how silly you were...
Then your sister who kept you up to begin with is there and reminding you about chores, school, and everything else that needs done even though your eyes are heavy and you feel you can't keep them open a minute longer....
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Apr. 20, 2009 - My Thoughts on Acting
When I watch a movie, I want to be taken into that place, that time. I want to look at the character on the screen and say it is the character they are in the movie, not the actor who is playing the character.
When an actor can become the character they are playing that's when I'm impressed.
One of my favorite actors is Johnny Depp. In every movie I have seen him in he has become his character and made me forget, at least until the movie is over, the other characters I've seen that he has played.
Orlando Bloom on the other hand... he is one of my least favorite actors. In Lord of the Rings, he is okay. I accept him as Legolas (although I would have liked someone else to play the part, don't ask who because I'm not sure) and forget about him in the movie, although every once in awhile he does something that makes me realize who he is.
When he is playing Will in Pirates of the Caribbean though, every time I see his character (along with Keira Knightley's *shudder*) I look at him as Orlando Bloom, not Will.
I've been told that I can be really picky about what actors I like. I'm not picky, I just expect the best.
The lives of actors though... that's a whole new post.
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Apr. 14, 2009 - China Study
For school we have been studying the country of China. I've learned so much about this amazing country.
The thing that has really made me see the country as a whole new place though was some videos we got from Netflix about it. It's actually a T.V. series called Wild China, and although it clearly has evolutionists views it has still been very enjoyable.
At first when I found out I had to watch it I was positive it would be boring.
When it started though my mouth was soon hanging open at the beautiful landscapes and some of the mind boggling creatures. Although the show does tend to make me sleepy, it's not in a boring sort of way.
Some of the animals were just so interesting I had to share!
The Snub Nosed Monkey
Woah! What a weird animal! Although they get their name from their nose, if I had named it I would have called it the Puffed Lip Monkey. That's what seemed to stand out to me anyway.
Kitti's Hog Nosed Bat
I can't believe there is a bat as small as a bee! The way these little animals live is truly amazing to me.
Red Panda
I've always loved the Red Panda's. With that sweet innocent face, how could you not!
After learning more about these amazing creatures I am still trying to figure out why some people think they were created by a mere accident in nature? Even when they have God's name written all over there very being people are still blind to his awesome power.
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