I know it is hard to believe, but it is true.  I am moving.  After much heartache and prayer over the issue, it is time for me to make the move to new blog.  I have had much trouble with the new way things are working here.  As many know, I took a hiatus from this blog.  However, I have found that I love getting my thoughts down here.  While I am loving Journey to Simplicity, where you can find me daily, and my articles on the Homesteadblogger Front Porch, I still yearn to talk and interact on issues other than homesteading. 

I have been slowly transferring my posts here to the new location of Raise the Cup, and still have a ways to go.  (Who knew I blabbed so much on here.)  I would be honored if you would continue to visit me at the new location of Rasie the Cup as I continue to speak what's on my mind regarding life, motherhood, current events, God's workings, art, and all things me. 

So come on over to Raise the Cup and let me know you found my new home!

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I have something to say and I need to say it....somewhere. 

Yesterday I was informed that someone made a comment about my not agreeing with big government.  The comment, as I was told it, went something like this, "If the government doesn't regulate and oversee everything (meaning taking control of our lives away from us), then all the government programs that are out there to help people have to go to, but [she] doesn't like that." Again, this is not a direct quote, but as close as I could come not having been part of the original conversation.

The person involved in this conversation was trying to stir anything up.  he was merely engaged ina  conversation with the other person.  That other person randomly, and for no apparent reason made this comment. 

I would like to offer a little clarity in my beliefs pertaining to the government's interference with our personal lives.  Our government was established on Godly principals with an emphasis on personal freedom.  The government's purpose is to maintain order.  I am talking the preschool version here, folks. 

I want my inalienable rights.  Not my rights as reinterpretted by some politician to benefit his/her personal beliefs; twisted, chewed, and spit out for me to accept.  My inalienable rights, as they were documented and intended.  This is not a hard concept to grasp upon reading through the actual documents of our founding fathers and their history.  If keeping these rights means reducing the amount of "help the people" government programs, then abolish them!  Every time we say our government is responsible to help this group or that group of people, we are also saying, TAX ME!  Yet there is a more important Godly principal being overridden here.

Do you ever wonder how our society handled societal needs before BIG government programs?  The answer is easy, they did what was needed to care for the problem.  People helped each other.  Families relied on themselves to resolve issues.  This is the basic idea that people are responsible for their own lives.  As soon as we began handing out programs to assist every person or group of people who don't have this, or don't have that, or who have a need that they cannot meet, we put the responsibility on our government.  Shifting the responsibility to the BIG guys also gives them power over how we live.  Suddenly are inalienable rights are now alienable.  HMMMM>>>>>  Did you ever wonder how the elderly were cared for before nursing homes?  Family kept the responsibility for their care.  What did families who found themselves without work or income do before welfare?  They overlooked no option for income and made due with what they had.  They were resourceful and took responsibility for their own lives.  Somewhere along the line, someone decided that the government should take on this responsibility and sold the bill of goods to us, the tax payers.  Free money, free food, free lodging, free job training, etc.  As the wise Richard Maybury said, "Tanstaafl!"  Translated:  There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch.  This my friend is what I am against.  If you want freedom, you have to willing to do the work involved in having such.  If you keep demanding that the government take on more and more responsibility in society, you lose that freedom, piece by piece.  Want to look at something interesting?  Check out the decrease of work ethic in our society in relation to the increase of government funded "help" programs. 

We not only force the government to raise our taxes everytime we clamour that the government should be responsbile for our personal lives, but we give up our freedom.  If you agree with this, that is your perrogative, and I respect your opinion.  I however, do not agree.  God commands us to care for others, poor, weak, widowed, orphaned, not the government!  

SIDE BAR:  The original story of how this information came to me is interesting.  The person who made the original statement was a person I love and is important in my life.  The person it was said to was my teenage son.  Does it seem that a Godly principal has been violated when an adult makes an unnecessary derrogatory comment about a child's parent?  While I am not hurt by the comment, I have been deeply hurt by the disrespect this person has shown to me and my son, repeatedly.  I am disappointed that this person lacks the knowledge to understand that it is not appropriate to say non-edifying things about a child's parent to the child.  Of course the principals that everything you speak should be edifying and that you should gather all your facts before you speak, have been violated as well.   A little more prayer and a little more fact finding and this will quite possibly be a good lesson for my son.  Another opportunity for me to grow in the Lord. 

Please post your thoughts on either the main topic or the sidebar.  I am interested in hearing others opinions as I sort through this

These are my thoughts.

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I recieved and urgent prayer request in my email today.  A fellow homesteadblogger friend at Faith Acre Farms has updates.  I am placing a copy of her posts here, to update as many as I can, and to ask for everyone who reads this to please pray for Jillian, Katie, and her family!

 

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Due to certain personal circumstances, I will be going on a temporary hiatus of sorts from this blog.  Please, continue to email me.  I will check in from time to time, too! 

These are my thoughts.

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As with so many things that come into my life, I have always wanted to sell my creations, but have never been able to get over the fear to do so.  However, with a little encouragement from a friend, I decided to plunge in. 

 

I opened my store online at www.etsy.com.  If you haven't been there to shop, it is a wonderful online community store of handmade artisan crafts.  You can find an eclectic items; everything from Lightbulb Mobiles, to Custom Buttons, to Jewelry for Kids, to Handpainted Yarn (this is soooo cool!), to Note Cards, to Wood Burned Art (i never saw a rolling pin like this), to Baked Goods, to Pottery, to Drawings, to Organic Menstrual Pads.  Well I think you get the idea of the variety of art work offered on Etsy.

 

To start with, I opened my store to begin selling my handcrafred bags of all types.  Currently, I listed a few tote type bags.  I will be posting some cloth grocery bags this week or weekend; which I must say are simply fabulous!  I make a variety of sizes and styles.  I placed just a few on, as I don't have a large stock on hand.  However, my totes are rarely on the small side, because....well because I am a homeschooler and I always have kid stuff and books with me. 

 

We will soon be expanding our store to include bookmarks, created by my daughter, handcrafted stationary, and children's aprons/smocks.  I am currently building my stockhouse now.  I do not use patterns or guides, so each of my works is unique.

 

So if you get a minute, check out My Etsy Store.  Let me know what y ou think of the photos, the descriptions etc.  I will need all the constructive criticism I can get my from my friends to help me perfect my store.  If you find something you like, or a tyle you like and you would like something custom made, don't hesitate to email me. 

 

Thanks for your time and helping to support our artisan homesteading business!

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As with so many things that come into my life, I have always wanted to sell my creations, but have never been able to get over the fear to do so.  However, with a little encouragement from a friend, I decided to plunge in. 

 

I opened my store online at www.etsy.com.  If you haven't been there to shop, it is a wonderful online community store of handmade artisan crafts.  You can find an eclectic items; everything from Lightbulb Mobiles, to Custom Buttons, to Jewelry for Kids, to Handpainted Yarn (this is soooo cool!), to Note Cards, to Wood Burned Art (i never saw a rolling pin like this), to Baked Goods, to Pottery, to Drawings, to Organic Menstrual Pads.  Well I think you get the idea of the variety of art work offered on Etsy.

 

To start with, I opened my store to begin selling my handcrafred bags of all types.  Currently, I listed a few tote type bags.  I will be posting some cloth grocery bags this week or weekend; which I must say are simply fabulous!  I make a variety of sizes and styles.  I placed just a few on, as I don't have a large stock on hand.  However, my totes are rarely on the small side, because....well because I am a homeschooler and I always have kid stuff and books with me. 

 

We will soon be expanding our store to include bookmarks, created by my daughter, handcrafted stationary, and children's aprons/smocks.  I am currently building my stockhouse now.  I do not use patterns or guides, so each of my works is unique.

 

So if you get a minute, check out My Etsy Store.  Let me know what y ou think of the photos, the descriptions etc.  I will need all the constructive criticism I can get my from my friends to help me perfect my store.  If you find something you like, or a tyle you like and you would like something custom made, don't hesitate to email me. 

 

Thanks for your time and helping to support our artisan homesteading business!

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Good news about Congress and their voting on Senate Bill 1, in regards to section 220!!!  We have victory!  Read the latest report to get the nitty gritty.  If you took part in this defense of our Consitution and the rights it provides us, I thank you.  Also, take a minute and send thanks to your senators if they voted for the Bennett Ammendment (which excluded grassroots groups from the Bill) and send a thank you to Senator Bennett for putting this together to preserve our rights. 

A Victory for Liberty!

These are my thoughts.

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Unless you live under a rock on a foreign planet, you have some knowledge of the definition of marriage (one man and one woman) being challenged all over the country.  There are many who believe the definition of marriage should remain as our founding fathers intended it.  There are also many who believe that marriage should be redefined to include 2 people of the same sex, as they are seeking the benefits bestowed upon married heterosexual couples.  My greatest concern about the issue has been that others will challenge the ruling to include their definition of marriage as well, if our government chooses to redefine marriage.  This would create the potential for polygymists among others to challenge the definition.  I cannot find the story, but there is a case in a  state that has allowed same sex marriages, in which the plaintiff is asking for marriage to be redefined, yet again, to include his beliefs of marriage (if memory serves this also includes animals).  He claims that the new definition of marriage has now left him discriminated.  Basically, it was said that if they can redefine marriage for same sex couples, then they can't discriminate against other belief systems regarding marriage either.  As predicted this has become a three ring circus.  Surely, gay activists seeking legal marriage had not intended for this to happen, when they said they were being discriminated.

Take a look at these recent articles about the issue.

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I recently penned a post giving you information about Senate Bill 1 regarding section 220 of that bill, which in will infringe on your rights to get information about what your government is doing and your voice on the matter.  Do you have time to devote each day to surfing for any and all issues set before Congress?  I don't.  I rely on grassroots groups to collect and disseminate that information to me.  When an issue arises that I want to learn more about, I can then research that particular topic and decide if I want to contact my congressmen about it. 

Today I received an email that I feel explains exactly what Congress is proposing to do to discourage and in many cases eliminate these groups from providing information about Congress's actions.  The email reminded me about an important detail that I had not posted about.  Section 220 will not just be stifling conservative groups, it will stifle the voice of ALL grassroots groups, even liberal ones.  Here is the email:

Americans For Limited Government     January 18, 2007 Grass-roots Groups Qualify as Lobbyists Under Ethics Bill Washington Times   The ethics bill before the Senate not only cracks down on lawmakers, but also subjects politically active ministers and neighborhood groups to the same rules as K Street lobbyists.   Under the legislation, grass-roots organizations that attempt to "influence the general public" to contact members of Congress would have to register as lobbyists and file financial reports -- or face a $200,000 fine. The requirements could apply to a preacher who goes on TV or radio and tells listeners to call their congressman in support of a particular issue, such as a constitutional amendment against homosexual "marriage."   But late last night, in the session's first display of the muscle that even a minority party has in the upper chamber, the entire ethics bill was jeopardized when Republicans blocked a procedural vote. Majority Leader Harry Reid, Nevada Democrat, had refused to allow a vote on an amendment to give the president authority to strip spending "earmarks" from bills.   Republicans retaliated by voting in near- lockstep against a parliamentary motion needed to vote on the entire bill. The motion won a 51-46 majority, far short of the two-thirds majority needed. No action is now scheduled on the bill, though negotiations between the two parties continued into the night.   The vote capped a day of squabbling over the ethics bill, in which the Senate's Democratic leaders clashed repeatedly with Republicans on numerous details, starting with the measure to broaden the scope of lobbyist rules. Democratic backers of the measure say it will expose phony grass-roots organizations, sometimes called "astroturf," that front for monied special interests.   "The problem is these organizations have hired guns paid by undisclosed special interest organizations," said Sen. Dianne Feinstein, California Democrat and chairman of the Rules and Administration Committee.   She said the proposal was "bona fide, helpful and overdue."   But issue groups spanning the political spectrum -- from National Right to Life and Focus on the Family to the League of Conservation Voters and the American Civil Liberties Union -- say the expanded definition of lobbyist will imperil citizens' constitutional rights to free speech and to petition the government.   "This bill goes way too far," said Caroline Fredrickson, director of the ACLU's Washington legislative office. "This gets at the citizen groups who are really the ones making their voices heard about our democracy."   An identical proposal has been introduced in the House.   The first Senate squabble stemmed from an amendment by Sen. Robert F. Bennett, Utah Republican, that would delete the provision on grass- roots lobbying.   "This should be struck from the bill," Mr. Bennett said. "I was taught in civics in high school that [contacting Congress members] was what we were supposed to do."     Americans For Limited Government getliberty.org email: info@getliberty.org phone: 703-383-0880

From what I have read over the last few days, some in Congress are tired of the mass emails and phone calls from you (the people who voted them into office) regarding issues that they are working on. 

I am uncertain if they are voting today or tomorrow, but if you haven't done so, and you disagree with this trampling of your First Ammendment rights, contact your representatives now!  IF you need to find the information to do so, click here and also click here.

Let Your Voice Be Heard!

These are my thoughts.

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Often times large families have a wide age range of children.  Other families have large age gaps between children.  These broad age ranges can cause confusion and frustration for the homechooling parent.  Here are a few helpful pointers to ease the stress of teaching in your one room school house...ok maybe you have more than one room in your house, but you get the idea.

• Determine what are your youngest children's best independent times of day.  If your younger children like to have a schedule activity in the morning, but enjoy playing independently before lunch, choose to teach a non-youngster friendly lesson during the hour before lunch.  You will have less interruptions if you follow the littletons internal schedule.
• Plan a few small scheduled activities for littletons each day, as you would your other lessons.  These activities should be primarily for the littletons.  There is sooooo much you can do in 15-20 min.  On a typical day, we cover letters, writing, memory verses, math, and one other topic in 30 minutes or less.  This gives them something to look forward to first thing in the morning.  Sometimes being first with school is best for littletons.  When that 20-30 minute period of learning is over, your littletons will likely give you an hour or so break from scheduled activity.  It is the planning these activities that is important.  Having the plans on paper with your other lessons, gives them an importance and for the "list" mom, a sense of accomplishment when she crosses it off each day. 
• When is nap time and how long does it last?  In our home we only have one littleton who still naps.  She may go down anywhere between 1-3, depending ont he day's activities and her crankiness level.  During this time, I will read to the non-napping littletons (1 book).  The rest of nap time is devoted to answer questions and helping the elderly kids.  If it is a quiet day assistance wise, I can get a few chores done.  Nap time can be a critical time period to accomplish thought intensive tasks without interruptions.
• Think about recess.  Do you have recess each day?  How long is recess?  What do you do for recess?  If you have a day per week that consists of the littletons playing freely outside, use that time to bask in the fresh air and read aloud with the elderly. 
• What lessons can be tailored to all age groups?  We do spelling very early in our day.  My littletons like to participate in this activity.  Although they are easy spellers, they are excited to be part of the elderly school time.  They take turns listening to each sibling do spelling dictation.  When it comes to their turn they get the same paper and pencils and I ask random 3-4 letter words.  Even littletons who are not writing letters yet can partake of this activity, because whatever they write on the paper is not of consequence.  The important thing is the training of them to participate respectfully and non-disruptively.
• If you study scripture at home, consider including everyone at one time.  While reading a lengthy Bible passage may be much for littletons to adhere to in its entirety, you will find they are picking up more and more.  As you ask questions, the littletons will become excited to participate and share their knowledge.  Always reward answers that show that they have paid attention with lots of praise!  For answers that are off base, consider praise such as,"very good effort" or "that was an awesome try.  I can tell you are thinking." 
• Do you have family read aloud time.  Consider having 2 read aloud books for each session.  One that is more on th elevel of your littletons and then one for the elderly.  Always read the littleton passage first.  This way, if they don't stick with the story for the elderly, they won't feel left out.  Also, enphasize that the littletons sit quietly and still.  This will continue to be a benefit during other times and activities.
• Break up your day.  Look at your school schedule.  Can you rearrange your schedule to accomodate 2-3 20 minute times with the littletons.  They are more likely to play on their own for a longer period of time with set activities inbetween.
• Think up daily stations that the littletons can work at independently (in our house this means No paint); reading, puppets, puzzles, games, scraps and glue, drawing, coloring, etc.  Have a different station planned for each day.  Use it during a time when your elderly need your full attention.  Restrict the playtime at this station to be only as long as the teaching of the elderly.  This will help keep them from boredom, and again, something to look forward to. 
• Stagger lessons.  Consider staggering certain lesson of the elderly to incorporate them in the littleton entertainment field.  If you are teaching algebra to your teens, have an elderly child who is not studying algebra tend to the children.
• When the day rolls around that the littletons are constantly calling for your attention, take a deep breath.  Look at their faces and remember they will not be looking to you forever. Discuss good manners regarding interruptions and ask the elderly if they can take a 15 minute break so you can regroup the littletons.  The elderly will remember that you made time for even the smallest child important at a time when that child seemed to need you most.

These are my thoughts.  Happy homeschooling!

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