There is nothing more special to me than homemade gifts and homemade decorations and homemade food...just put "homemade" before ANY word and I would love it!  I am so excited that Emily Rose is having a Homemade Christmas blog theme and anyone can join in.  See the lovely little graphic for it over on my sidebar?  You must go visit this talented young lady and see what she is creating!

I'm going to get busy here and make something I can post for this!  Wish me luck!

Nancy

Hi Friends!

Times are a little bit tough, aren't they?  Are you finding yourself worrying about the economic crisis?  Are you worried about the elections?  Are you fretting about your ability to teach your children at home?  We all have many concerns on many levels, and although it is very hard NOT to worry, we all find ourselves doing that.  The Lord tells us not to worry, and have faith.  I want to encourage you to do that today!  Jesus can give us the peace that passes all understanding, and believe me, there is a lot going on in this world and in my life that I don't understand!  But I do understand and believe that through Christ, we can have victory and peace!  Lets pray for each other, ok?

I want to let you know that the Hopeful Farm beneft is still active!  (Wrote about it a few weeks back.)  You can take a look at it right here.  It has been extended through the month, so please stop over there and at least read about this wonderful ministry to families with special needs in their lives. 

 I encourage you to donate...even it if is just a little bit, it will help!  And Jill is giving away hundreds of dollars worth of downloadable gifts to you for helping get Hopeful Farm up and running.  Read about it and get your kids involved!  Kids LOVE to be a part of things that are from the heart of the Lord, and I truly belive that Hopeful Farm is just that. There are already kids doing Sunday School projects to help Hopeful Farm, and others doing their own little fundraisers too.  Isn't that fabulous!?

Both of my Ebooks are part of the Hopeful Farm resource package for donors.  I am So happy to be able to do that!  My brand new Ebook, "Homeschooling Is Our Life" is finally up and running on the web.  You can take a look at the info about it here.  Thank you so much to all of you who were willing to take a look at it!  I will be contacting those of you who haven't heard from me yet.  "Haircuts For Little Men" is also included in the Hopeful Farm Benefit.  (Many, many other wonderful products have been donated by major homeschool publishers! )  What a blessing to get back so much tangible blessings, not to mention the intangible ones ~ for a small sacrifice! 

Thanks friends, for being there for one another.  That is what it's all about, isn't it?

Homeschooling Is Life!

Nancy

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."

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