Whew!  Life is like a merry-go-round, and I am about to be dizzier than a kookaburra on my way back down under!

We have been busier than bees getting our county fair projects finished and turned in.  Last year hubby said we had better get them done before the 11th hour.  Did we listen?  Well, yeah, of course!  But did we obey?  Nope.  Sorry honey, I know you are right.  I PROMISE we will do better next year!!!!

So the four kiddoes and I have been taking photos, painting, drawing, sewing, knitting, crocheting, beading and all other manner of craftiness.  Then came the cooking!  The kids baked cookies, candies, cakes, pies and made jelly. 

Amidst all the drama of getting everything done and having two kids sick we had to add just a tad bit more drama the night before drop off.  We had *thought* we had until noon on Friday to drop off our entries.  Then another mom called to ask us about it....so my daughter double checked and yikes, found out we had to be there before 10 a.m.  This is about an hours drive for us.  Ok, so we planned to get up at 7:00, pack the car etc., leave by 8:00.

Then the inevitable happened.  My oldest daughter still had a cake to bake and a pie to finish, and at about 10:30 p.m. that final night....she burned her left hand on the electric stove burner.  OUCH!

We submerged her hand in a tub of cold water with several drops of lavender essential oil (thanks to my other daughter's wonderful memory, she reminded me that it was good for burns) and she proceeded to bake her cake, roll out pie crust and get all her baking finished.  Finally, at around 1:00, when we figured we had better get to bed, she was in some pain and we decided to go to the E.R. and have it looked at and wrapped "professionally."  We did, and only one person asked us what we were doing up that hour baking.  LOL!

Anyway, she had a mummy hand for a few days but I am happy to report that it looks fabulous now, can't even see much of the burn at all.  (2nd degree)

And to top it all off, she won First Place, AND Grand Champion in her division for that pie she rolled out with one hand.

We went out to the fairgrounds that same evening (thinking it was opening night) but found out it wasn't!  The nice people at the art hall let us come in and take a quick peek at our ribbons....and we actually missed some of them that we found on Wednesday.  That was quite a surprise!  Anyway, here are a few more of our awards. 

My youngest daughter did this lovely "checkerboard" cable knit sampler. 

 Youngest son did a "trash to treasure" entry (recyclable project) and much to my surprise, got some nice ribbons! Its the little town square made out of old milk cartons etc.  Very creative!

 Next, this is a model my youngest daughter made.  She made most of these miniature elements and put them together with her little bear, "Red-Red."  She actually did the minute cable knitting on the toothpicks! 

 Here she is with her lovely giant watercolor pansy.  I thought it deserved a first place, but she only got a participation ribbon on this one.  Does she seem to care that it wasn't first?  From that smile, I'd say no!

My oldest daughter knit these socks.  They are made from her hand spun wool.  (She even cleaned and carded it too)  She made these for her Daddy to take when he goes hunting, but now she's not so sure she wants him to do that!  This is the second pair she has made, the first pair were white and she made them for herself.  I was so proud of her! 

Did you know how much math goes into knitting a pair of socks? 

 This is Essie's acrylic painting of a robin.  Pretty cute! 

 The little guy got a second place on his candy canes he made! 

 He also did a lovely watercolor and got a 3rd place ribbon. 

These are both watercolor paintings I did, one landscape (canoeing on Rampart Reservoir) and one nature (the columbine flower.)

 And this is a leather rounder that my oldest son did.  He had several projects that my photos didn't turn out well on, so I will try again and get them posted later!  I know he will be crushed not to have his picture in here several times.  You know how teenage boys are about that kind of stuff!

Ok, well, we worked on the farm on this day and my face shows it!  (Very tired and red from the heat.) But I was pleased with my ribbons on these three next to me, the two watercolors and the acrylic of the fall leaves.

The one of the candles there, I think that was a pastel.  Isn't it fabulous!? That person did a great job!  I think I need to try some pastel too....maybe next year!

 This is my oldest son's Red Velvet Cake.  He did well!  First Place!  I made the mistake of trying it at home, I HAD to after all.  But I paid the price with a three day migraine from the chocolate!  Was it worth it?  Um...sure, anything for YOU son!

This is the second year my oldest has won in her division, for photography.  The funny thing is that she says she's not a photographer.  She really isn't!  She would much rather be sewing, spinnning, crocheting, knitting or baking. But she sure got lucky these last two years.  :)

And this pencil sketch really surprised me!  I liked it, (It's my yougest daughters drawing) but I really didn't think it was ribbon worthy---even if I am the mom.  Those judges sure have good taste though!

I was really proud of my acrylic this year.  I know, pride goeth before the fall!  I thought it was a ton better than last years entry (which won first and grand)  ~ Ya just never know!

Well, that twern't all of them, but I need to find the rest of the photos.  Crazy computer sometimes hides things from me!  IT has a mind of its own!

Hope you enjoyed seeing some of our entries. Last year's can be found here.  And the year before that, here.

Be sure to let me know if you are posting any of your county or state fair entries.  I'd love to see them!

Nancy

Hey, this is so nice!  Christine bought a copy of my E-book, "Haircuts For Little Men," and she posted some awesome photos!  I love to see how these home haircuts turn out.  I have been so impressed with all of you who have sent me photos!!!

(Christine, you did great!!!!)

And since she was so kind, I told her she could give away a copy.  :) 

 So rush over to her blog here, and get in on the giveaway. 

 She's picking a winner today!  (Saturday, June 21)

Good Luck!

Nancy

(Check out the link on my sidebar, or go to my new website (still under construction) at www.nancybaetz.com for info on "Haircuts For Little Men."

Hi Friends!

It has been very different this week for us. You see, instead of my usual hustle and bustle with four very energetic kids all around me, it has been deathly quiet. Now, don't get me wrong; I can use a dose of quiet now and then. But sometimes it's a bit hard to get used to!

A dear friend of mine "kidnapped" all my kids for most of the week! She is a wonderful homeschooling mom...I mean former homeschooling mom. All her kids have flown the nest! She was feeling a bit lonely and wanted to borrow some kids. (Actually, she put them to WORK! Can you imagine that??) Well, she called me the second day they were there and said they were already DONE with several tasks that they set out to do...before 9:00 a.m. I was flabbergasted! (And proud of them too.)

While they were being well taken care of I had the pleasure of being interviewed Wednesday morning (early!) by Cindy Rushton! I have the delight of being a vendor in her Ultimate Homeschool Expo! She invited me to talk about my "Haircuts For Little Men" eBook, and it was so much fun. (Although I was barely awake and all that. LOL. It was quite a fun time though. Cindy, I'll talk with you anytime!)

Right now her preview chats are FREE! You can even go in to the conference room and listen to past chats which are amazing! It is right here: (CLICK HERE)

If you get the chance to listen to some of them, be sure to listen to Lynda Coats. She is a veteran homeschooling mom who gets you back to the Biblical basics found in Deuteronomy. (Teaching them when you sit, stand, walk etc. ALL the time!)  Many new homeschooling families can get confused with all the "options" we have now.  Get back to the basics, and I don't mean the 3 R's. (Actually the one "R" and the "W" and the "A"!  LOL!) I was completely blessed by her talk. Thank you Lynda!

Some other conferences you don't want to miss are coming up. (Get your ticket so you won't miss out!)  So many people who blog right here on HSB are going to be featured like Jill Novak AND her son Eric (HSB Tech Support!)

I hope you can all get in on the conferences. I have enjoyed just having the computer on and listening to some fantastic encouragement while I work around the house.

Click HERE to get your ticket!!

Happy Homeschooling, Unschooling, whatever your brand is called. :)

Nancy

This is so exciting! 

Do you know what is so neat about creating something?  (Other than just for the sheer excitement of having created something?)  It is seeing it being passed on to others and watching THEM create! 

Last year I published my first e-Book, Haircuts For Little Men.  It is a primer on haircutting technique for Moms to learn to do at home!  It is a great way to save some money and learn a skill that can be used for generations! 

Well, let me tell you some wonderful news.  I have had some wonderful feedback and I hope you have been able to discover some of those posts here and there around the blogsphere. 

 Today, I want to share a blessing I received with you.  This is a letter  from a dear sweet mom named Joy. 

Hi, Nancy!

I recently bought your book Haircuts for Little Men and found it very helpful.  I have cut two of my sons' hair now and even my husband's (brave man!).

 

I was wondering if you had any tips for very thick wavy hair.  My 7-year-old son wants to keep his hair a little long but the problem with that is it gets so poofy.  I looked at thinning shears but they were $25 and I couldn't bring myself to invest in them.....  Do you think that's what he needs?

 

Also, my 3-year-old son has a cow lick in the front, at his forehead.  Any suggestions?  I know that I cut his hair evenly but then it looks uneven when it dries.  Do you try to leave it longer in that spot?

 

Thanks for your help and for writing a book that helps families be more efficient.

 

Blessings,

Joy

Just look at these  wonderful photos Joy took.  Joy bought a copy of my e-Book and promptly put it to work for herself!  She emailed me with a few questions about cowlicks and curls.  We talked about those things and several other things that I address in the book.  I want to tell you I am so proud of her! 

 Look at these handsome young boys!  Didn’t she do an awesome job?

Thank you so much, Joy, for sharing this with me!   It makes me very happy to see this tool being used!  You did a fantastic job for your first try at this method and I know you will just keep doing a wonderful job as you lovingly do haircuts at home!

Keep up the good work! 

*This just in!  Go check out "Momlady's Barbershop!"

Blessings,

Nancy

Author of "Haircuts For Little Men"

Thank you so much for all the wonderful comments.  Oh, I wish I could send you each a copy!! 

I'd like to congratulate TONYA!!

Thank you so much for entering the contest!  I know you will be blessed by the Girlhood Home Companion.

Nancy

Hello Friends!

Are you doing pretty well this week?  It is well here.  It seems busier than usual, but there hasn't been much change.  We woke up to snow and slick roads yesterday, but by noon it had melted off.  It is very cold.....brrrr!  I am just not much of a cold weather gal. 

I don't know about you, but my "to-do" list is a mile long!  My kids are so busy, and it's hard to keep on my toes with all they need to do and learn.  Oh, I don't teach them everthing though, they are becoming independent learners.  I just see myself as a "facilitator" most of the time.  However, my first born is a natural teacher and has been doing many fun things with her younger siblings.  Most days they do pretty well with that, sometimes it falls apart.  But we just try again another day.

I think I have talked before about my friend Jill, who is a homeschooling Mom with many of the same ideas and methods that we have here.  We are "kindred spirits."  If you have ever had the pleasure of hearing one of Jills conferences you have to agree with me that she has the sweetest voice you have ever heard!  I LOVE listening to Jill. 

Jill coined a term; "Project schooling."  It's a really neat way to describe the hands-on, familiy oriented type of learning she loves to do.  The whole family gets involved in different projects, and they learn so much along the way as they work together.

One of Jills projects is the Girlhood Home Companion.  Have you seen this magazine? 

It is a beauty.  I am not just saying that because I have contributed a few articles and photos to it.  I just love it.  Jill is an artist and an author and has created a feast for the eyes, and for the soul.  Very few magazines out there are truly beautiful.  I always loved Victoria magazine, do you remember that one?  I enjoyed the softness of the photos, the way they were composed; but there were a lot of advertisements I didn't like. And frankly, I can't remember ever reading one of the articles in Victoria!

 The Girlhood Home Companion has one thing in common with Victoria; beautiful feminine photography and artwork.  But that is where the similarity ends.  The Girlhood is different, for a different purpose entirely.  I don't just enjoy it because I love to look upon beautiful things.  My soul desires that which is good and beautiful and true.  These are the things I want to share with my daughters.

What is theGirlhood Home Companion about?  It's about this:

"During the Victorian era, when life moved at a much slower pace, there were distinct periods of development in a girl’s life: babyhood, childhood, girlhood, and womanhood. I have seen a marked difference between the girl my oldest daughter used to be, and the lovely woman she has become in Christ. One thing I firmly believe is that girlhood is a priceless training ground that should not be rushed. Make the Girlhood Home Companion a tradition in your home."
           
               Mrs. Jill Novak

You know, there just isn't a whole lot out there for our lovely young girls today, as far as media goes.  We want to bless them with something Godly to read, to learn from, and to read together with them. 

We desire to minister to our children, in all we do.  It is our desire to keep them safe in the world, but help them to not be of it.  The world we live in today is full of fast paced scenes of our children growing up way before their time.  But this brand of "growing up" is not God's plan for our girls.  We want them to grow in the knowledge and grace of the Lord.  We need to keep them in the Word, and not "of" the world.

I appreciate resources that help me do that.  Don't you?

Girlhood can be such a fleeting time; let us not squander it on empty words and images.  Fill it with wisdom, beautiful words and images, lessons and inspiration.  I know just the place where you can find those virtues; in the Girlhood Home Companion!

Please leave me a comment and let me know if you have ever had the blessing of seeing a copy of this lovely publication.  Let me know what you like best about it!  If you have never seen a copy, please check it out on the website.  Also, I would like to invite you to comment so I can put your name in a hat to win one free copy! 

Blessings!

Nancy Baetz

I already knew I was a right brained maniac, but here's the proof!  Now YOU take the test and let me know.  :)

You Are 30% Left Brained, 70% Right Brained

The left side of your brain controls verbal ability, attention to detail, and reasoning. Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others. If you're left brained, you are likely good at math and logic. Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet. The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility. Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way. If you're right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art. Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sports.

Waiting from Saturday to Monday was hard enough.  That was how long we had to wait to see what awards our county fair creative arts entries "might" have won.  Saturday morning we delivered our projects.  Monday we took in our baked goods and two of the kids made cookie jars for that competition.  We got to see our ribbons then, but we still are waiting for the baked goods awards.

It is SO expensive to go to the fair that we had to wait until today, dollar day.  Thank goodness for dollar days!!  Otherwise it would be $30 just to enter the fairgrounds.  Then there is the cost of treats, rides, souvineers.  (How on earth do you spell that, anyway?  SUVenears?  LOL)  Oh well, however you spell it, we probably won't be getting any this time.  (Poor, pitiful us.) 

So back to the baked goods.  The kids entered several varieties of cookies, some pies, cakes and bread.  I am very hopeful for my youngest son who LOVES to cook.  You can check out his blog "Joshua's Restaurant."  We haven't posted much lately, but we surely will if he wins anything.

I hope everyone is staying cool!  It's killer hot here.  I am ashamed to say I'm from AZ!  I guess I just couldn't cut it down there anymore and am glad to be here in the cool country.  (Theoretically!  It was 104 last wed. down in Pueblo.  I have a whole new respect for farm laborers!)

Ok, well I have rambled on about nothing long enough.  Thanks for sticking with me!  And thank you, ALL of you who entered my eBook contest.  I am still having a special sale on it and will keep that going until the first of the month.

Don't forget to visit me on the front porch, ok?  And also get over to Jojo's blog and see what she has going on over there! It will be fun!

Blessings!

Homeschooling Is Life!

Nancy

Ok, ask my editors. Ask my friends.  Ask my family.  They will collaborate (or is that corroborate?) my story:  I am a last minute Sally.  A ten o'clock scholar.  An eleventh hour everything!  Will I ever be like those of you who work out a plan, work that plan, progress steadily, accomplish everything way ahead of schedule, relax when the due date arrives and rejoice in peace when all is said and done????

I seriously doubt there is hope for a right-brained maniac like myself.

Case in point:  Last year my kids and I decided to enter the County Fair.  We actually did very well last year, as far as working on our projects way ahead of schedule, um, except for Mom.  There I was, the day before we had to drop off our creations; painting my watercolor feverishly.  The kids were working hard to finish their baked goods (in the heat of summer---somehow, that doesn't make sense.  Didn't county fairs used to happen after the harvest was in?  In the Fall?  But I digress) and getting all our frames fixed up for our photos and artwork.  We worked well into the wee hours the night before we had to drop off our exhibits.  This year was pretty much the same thing, although much worse I believe.

It got a little crazy around here, to put it mildly.  So crazy that the Dad person said "this will not happen again."  Ouch!  "If you don't have your fair entries finished by May, you will not enter them next year!"

He was right, ya know.  The day before the event, there I was, feverishly finishing projects that I had only just started!

Anyway, our first round of projects have been judged, and we are waiting for the second round.  (Baked Goods and Cookie Jar competition.)  Here is how we fared:  

First place and Grand Champion photo by my eldest daughter!

First place oil painting by my eldest son!

First and Reserve Champ ribbons for youngest daughter's fimo-clay model. 

 It's a Thanksgiving dinner, isnt' that fun?

a second and third place ribbon for my daughter's sewing projects!

First place ribbon for hand spun yarn.  Both girls got a ribbon, first and second place!

First place for my youngest daughter's beaded shirt project.

My youngest son got several participation ribbons and we are praying and have our fingers crossed that he did well in the cooking contests.  He LOVES to cook.  We will keep you posted!

Anyway, in all of my craziness I managed to win some ribbons too....even on my last minute creativity!  I will try to post some of my things soon.  It may sound nuts to some, but my creativity can really flow when I knowt here is a deadline looming.  I don't recommend that for everyone, but it seems to work for crazy old me, sometimes!

Blessings!

Homeschooling Is Life!

OH, and P.S., don't forget, there is just a few more hours to get your comment in on my previous posts to win a free e-book on homeschool haircutting! I will be picking a winner later tonight and hope to have it posted pretty quickly after that.  Tell your friends!

N.

 This is a ball of hand-spun yarn that my daughter did.  We bought the fiber from Split Rock Ranch.  You must check out their fiber!  It's gorgeous!  She plans to crochet it up for th fair.

 This was the view from our campsite recently.  Isn't that beautiful?  It reminds me of the  song "Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I." 

And lastly, take  a look at this beautiful blanketflower.  Aka: firewheel, or gaillardia.  This is a strange variety that pops up every now and then in my yard.  I love all the little fluted petals!  Amazing.

Hope your day is going great!

Homeschooling Is Life,

Nancy

Jill Novak has done it again.  She has posted a free sketching lesson, but it's much more than that!  Gather your kids around the computer and be sure to have your sound on.  This is a beautiful clip of Jill sketching live baby barn swallows! 

It will bless you, guaranteed.

Hope you are enjoying your Summer!

Homeschooling IS Life!

Nancy

Hi everyone,

This is from my friend Jill.   She is interviewing this wonderful sketchbook-artist from the UK on Tuesday!  Here is the info for the conference.  The price is SUPER!  You don't want to miss this one!

'Tis the season for nature journaling! Need some encouragement? Join us for an interview with author/artist Richard Bell from England http://www.wildyorkshire.co.uk/naturediary/index.html . . Richard is a prolific journaler and it's amazing how he's able to capture a specimen on paper while his wife or mum" are in the store or at the doctor's office. His life-story approach to journaling is refreshing and we think you'll find his online diary both captivating and inspiring. Join us as we learn about Richard's childhood in England and how he has become a recorder of everyday moments through the genre of nature journaling.  

Take a few minutes to enjoy Richard's jounal

http://www.wildyorkshire.co.uk/naturediary/docs/2007/5/20.htm

What is this thing called "Girlhood?"  It is a precious time in our daughter's lives, a time that they are learning about life and all it has to offer them.  It is also a time when they learn what they have to offer life!  God has given our girls a special opportunity during this time.  He is showing them how they fit into this life they lead, and just where they need to be going.  For the most part, though, He has put them in our family and in our hearts in a HUGE way.  Much has been penned about the relationship between a girl and her mother.  A wonderful magazine called "The Girlhood Home Companion" is about the relationships between a girl, her Mother, her family, her friends, her gifts, her talents, her thoughts and her wishes.  But most of all, the "Girlhood Home Companion" is about her faith, and the object of her faith and affection--- the Lord Jesus Christ.

By Nancy Baetz

Thank you for your interest in writing encouraging and morally sound stories for the betterment of young ladies!  We are a young writer's project for the Girlhood Home Companion, a magazine and keepsake treasure for girls ages 8-18. 

Girlhood is that special time of life when a daughter is learning about her heritage, her home, the Lord and her purpose.  It is a time to explore her faith and abilities.  It is a time when she will be walking closely with her Mother, and they will be walking close to God and learning together along the way.

The Little Women's Gazette is a place for young ladies to share their writing.  They can have poetry, fiction, true stories,or plays published just for the fun of it!  This is a wonderful way for girls to use  their imaginations, their writing skills, and their ideas to brighten someone's day, and to lead them closer to the Lord.  Would you like to pretend to be a reporter?  Would you like to invent a wonderful escapade?  How about researching and writing your own historical fiction? 

 The sky is the limit!

We are looking for articles of fiction, true-life stories, narratives, and newsworthy items by and for girls written in the spirit of the Pickwick Portfolio found in Louisa Mae Alcott's "Little Women."

Do you or someone you know like to write?  We are searching for willing participants to share their gift of writing with us!  We do have a Christian, conservative standard for our gazette, and would welcome works that encourage virtuous living for girls.  We trust that the Lord will bring us just the right authors!

Submit all entries to NancyBaetz@msn.com and JillNovak@dls.net.

The Little Women Gazette reserves the right to edit all submissions.

Related Tags: Girlhood Home Companion, Girlhood, Little Women Gazette, Writer's guidelines, Jill Novak, The Gift of Family Writing, Writing for young ladies

I just love the sound of that! 

Serendipity! 

It is so musical!  So spontaneous!  What is the definition of this lovely word?  It think it means something like "finding an unexpected surprise in a most ordinary situation."  Let me see, I think I will go see what Webster defined it as, back in 1828.....Oh, my!  I went to Noah Webster's online dictionary and it wasn't there!  Unbelievable.  It is one of our favorite resources for learning at home....we splurged a couple of years back and bought one for our family.  (It is such a large, lovely volume.) It has been one of the best investments we ever made! I am kind of sad that I couldn't find "Serendipity" listed, however, I did find it over at Dictionary.com:

ser·en·dip·i·ty     /ˌsɛrənˈdɪpɪti/ [ser-uhn-dip-i-tee] 

–noun

1.	an aptitude for making desirable discoveries by accident.

2.	good fortune; luck: the serendipity of getting the first job she applied for.

---

[Origin: 1754; Serendip + -ity; Horace Walpole so named a faculty possessed by the heroes of a fairy tale called The Three Princes of Serendip]

—Related forms

ser·en·dip·it·er, ser·en·dip·i·tist, ser·en·dip·per, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

I think I was pretty close with my definition.  Words are not just trifles to be tossed upon a page,or a blog, but they are rich in meaning, sound, history, nuance, and broad in their usage!  If you look or listen to the language we use today, it sometimes loses so much of its beauty.  I hate to say it, but it is dumbed down, washed out and has been downright trampled by the masses. 

Unfortunately, it is sometimes trampled right here on my blog :)

However, I just want to call your attention to some of these things called words that we take for granted.  We use them every day.  Yet, we oftentimes don't think before we speak.  We don't realized the multitude of them that we spew forth, or the magnitude that just a few of them can effect those we love.  Words can express so much love and beauty, or so much hatred and ugliness.

Words of Love.  Have you had your minimum daily requirement of those today?  I read somewhere in the vast sea of "shoulds" that they say you need a miminum daily requirement of 7 hugs for you to feel loved.  (Who are they and how do they know this?)  But it may be altogether too true!  We need to be affirmed by the words of those who love us, and by the affectionate actions towards us also.  We need to be hugged and loved out loud!

I suppose some of this rambling is the result of knowing how much abuse the English language endures around our home.  We hear "ain't" occasionally, not because the kids think it's proper, its because they have heard it too many times on old Western TV shows.  One sure fire way to ruin a kids vocabulary.....allow them to watch the television!

We had the privilege of watching "Wheel Of Fortune" the other day, and one contestant introduced her friend in the audience as her "spousal equivilent."  I thought that was pretty interesting!  It used to make me snicker when my Mom called herself a "Domestic Engineer" instead of "housewife."  (She was only joking, of course.)  Lately I have seen sections of the newspaper called "Advertorials," we have all seen "Infomercials," and you can even eat in a "Cafetorium."  (Shudder!  I never liked the sound of that word!)  Sometimes the morphing of our language might be utilitarian, but not necessarily music to our ears.

So back to "Serendipity." I still love that word, I love the sound of it and I love what it means!  It has been a pretty serendipitous week for us.  It seems that everytime I turn around, the Lord, the living Word Himself, has been interjecting wisdom into my life.  Whenever I have a question, a need, or a prayer has been uttered.....He is right there surprising me with His timing and truth.  Oh, I 'm not surprised that He can do it that way, it's just that it never ceases to amaze me!  When I am seeking, He is sending.  When I am hurting, He is helping.  When I am needing, He is giving.  When I am faithless......He is faithful!

Doesn't it amaze you that the little things that we love, and use all day in our relationships with each other....these amazing little words.....they were all thought out before the world even began?  The Creator, the Logos Himself, thought that we would need this form of communication!  So He gave us a mind, a voice, a language, fingers....for holding a pencil, or for tapping on a keyboard.  He knew it all. He planned it all.

For the love of words, and from the Love of THE WORD, I just find that very Serendipitious!

Blessings!

Nancy

Happy Homeschooling from Homeschooling IS Life!

(c) 2007  Nancy K. Baetz

______________________________________________________________________

 By the way, speaking of words......have you seen this?  Oh, Jill Novak is an amazing artistic lady and she has outdone herself with the NEW beautifully colorful Girlhood Home Companion!

Be sure to go see how you can get your copy!

Jill is the author and creator of The Gift of Family Writing, a wonderful book on journaling everyday events and preserving your family history.  Several bloggers are featured in it!  It is a great asset to your homeschooling, full of ideas for your family, interspersed with wonderful, special stories from families of all walks of life.  

The Girlhood is a very precious, feminine magazine meant for girls of all ages.  It is beautiful to look at, and full of lovely devotions and stories that will touch your heart.  It is meant to be shared with all the girls in our home as a read-aloud treasure or a private moment of blessing.

Jill  has a heart for "vintage" homekeeping and spiritual disciplines that you can share with your girls and strengthen the Mother and daughter bonds that are growing in your home!

Can you tell I love it?  Well, I do, and I love Jill.  She's a gem!

Blessings,

Nancy

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Have you ever seen an art curriculum or program that has you actually imitate the masters.....so you will learn how to paint or draw?  I have.  I think that is a very good way for us to learn.  Even if you don't have a program per se, you can look at someone else's work, and learn from it.  We do it every day.  Not copying for the sake of copying, but copying to learn. 

Children copy the actions and words of those around them, and for homeschool Moms and Dads, it can be a scary proposition.......we aren't always worthy of imitation.  I know I have said or done things that were less than admirable.  Even today.  BUT, our Lord is merciful and Love covers a multitude of sins.

But back to imitating the masters.  Do you find that you are inspired to greatness by your friends, your family, your husband (or wife) or by people that you don't even know personally?  I do, at least I know I want to.  I want to be inspired.  I don't want to be pulled down.......life is already hard at times, so I want to be lifted, not pulled down into the muck of the world.  Not that I feel I am worthy of the pedestal, of course.  My only desire is that God be glorified.  "If I gain any praise," the hymn says....."let it be because of Calvary." 

But how can we gain any praise, unless we do praise worthy things?  What are those things?  Is it fame and fortune?  I think not.  Is it beauty and brains?  No, not always.  Although there is much beauty in the human frame, it can be only skin deep, as the saying goes.  And brains are nice, but sometimes they fail to "compute" even where they came from.  Ah, the Master Designer.

When we were getting ready to enter our handiwork in the county fair, we had a little talk about why we were doing it in the first place.  Because we thought we could do such and such better than anyone else?  No.  Because we think we are really special and deserve recognition?  Well, not really, although I DO think my kids are special.  (So does God, by the way.) 

 We pondered the question. 

This is what we came up with;  The Creator himself took time to make beauty out of nothing.  He wasn't just creating utilitarian "things."  Each act of doing (or speaking, in fact) created an amazing array of uniqueness, of loveliness and awe inspiring sights, sounds and textures.  Reflections, height, depth, color and intensity are found all around His world, His Creation.

Shouldn't we imitate our Creator too?  He gave us gifts, let us use them......not just for fun, or folly, but to show that we too are sons and daughters of the Master.....He has taught us and has put a love of beautiful things within our hearts .....and in our hands too.

And isn't it amazing what we do; we paint a sunset, photograph a flower, or a child!  We weave fine threads from the hair of a beast (created on day 6!) And we bake scrumptious foods.......from grains and fruits that have been given to us. Like Father, Like Son and Daughter.  You can tell who we belong to by what we do.

We still need to keep our hands to the plough, I know.......but even the farmer sits awhile and creates simple things of beauty......

Be imitators of the one worthy of imitation.

Nancy

"May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, my rock, my fortress and my redeemer."

©Nancy K. Baetz

Homeschooling Is Life!

Related Tags: Masters, Creation, Homeschooling, Art, Creativity, Art Lessons, Parenting

Ok, ok, I will tell you the news! 

 We all did really great with our County Fair entries!

We took our entries on Saturday morning, and they were judged that afternoon.  So we went back that evening and got to see how we did. And we even rode some rides, imagine!

Drumroll.......................

Here are the stats:

Oldest daughter got a First Place ribbon and Reserve Grand Champion on her hand spun wool,

2nd place on her Christmas dress,

2nd place on her crocheting,

2nd place on her basket weaving,

3rd place on her photography,

3rd place on her knitting,

Oldest son got 2nd place on his water color painting,

3rd place on woodworking,

Youngest daughter got 1st place and Reserve Grand Champion on her crocheted purse,

2nd place on her skirt:

2nd place on her wooden horse,

2nd place on her photograph,

Youngest son got 1st place and Grand Champion on his photograph!!!!

3rd place on his wooden spoon,

and then there is Mom, last but not least :)

I got First Place and Reserve Grand Champion on a photograph,

AND

First Place on my watercolor painting!

And a second place ribbon on a b&w photo too.  Oh, and a 2nd place on some crocheting.  Cool!

We are so thrilled!  We got ribbons on everything we entered. My dear friend said I could "brog" about it.  So here is my brog-bragging-blog. :)

I will post next about the cookie jar contest and baked goods, ok?  And some thoughts on the experience of County Fair.......

Homeschooling is Life!

Nancy

©Nancy K. Baetz

That is the theme of this year's County Fair here---and we have been having our share of fun just getting ready to enter some of our creations in the creative arts exhibits!  This is our very first year to do this.  Many of our friends have done 4-H or individual craft projects or baked goods or animals---but we have never taken the plunge.

Until this year, that is!  We have all kinds of projects ready to go....and some not quite ready.  Saturday is coming very fast!  At any rate, it has been a blast.  Three of my kids made these "cookie jars" that they decorated.  They are for a cooke jar decorating contest. They really turned out great.  All I did was buy them some supplies, and they went crazy!  Check these out:

This is my 7 year olds Lighthouse.  It really turns on!  The cookies go in the lighthouse, obviously.  :)  He still has some landscaping to finish.

Next, here is my 11 year olds Wind Mill---complete with a door that opens and a little sack of flour inside.

Here is the inside:  And see the "wheat" in the window?  Isn't that cute?

Right next to it is a wooden spoon that my 7 year old made---it is going to the fair too!

Last but not least, here is a wooden stump complete with ax:

The whole top turns and opens.  Now all we have to finish is baking the cookies!

Wish us luck!  I will let you know if the kids get any ribbons or anything.  They will be judged on Saturday.

You know, they really surprised me on these.  I was thinking "a little paint, some foam shapes and 'viola!  Instant cookie jar."  But they spent two solid days on these, so far.  All I did was buy them the jars of course, paint,  popsicle sticks, cardstock and two kinds of glue.  And they did the rest.  I did help my daughter cut the cardboard shape for her ax, since she sprained her wrist last week!  But my input was only a teensy bit.  They certainly blew me away............

The kids are also entering some sewing, crocheting, spinning, woodwork, watercolor and photography.  Me too!  I am entering two photos and a painting......which is half done.  Guess I better stop blogging and get to that.  (Not to mention the zillion other things I have on my plate.)

Life sure isn't boring here!

Homeschooling Is Life!

Nancy

©Nancy K. Baetz  2006