Oct. 13, 2008
We have a winner!
Posted By Tami
It's 10:00 pm on Monday night, and we have a winner for last week's contest! I have emailed the winner, lilhottemomma@....... She was entrant number 6. I totalled the entries that were posted here on the blog, and I added to that number the email entries that I had, and I asked my husband, who was in another room to give me a random number, and he chose 6.
CONGRATS! And I want to thank all of you who entered!
Have a blessed day! Tami
Oct. 13, 2008
Sarah, Plain and Tall: Children's Classics - Newbery Medal
Posted By Christin in
Book Review
Today we finished the last chapter in Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia Maclachlan. It received the Newbery Award "For the most distinguished contribution to american literature for children." I have to say I agree. It may be because I am very partial to historical fiction, particularly the pioneer era.
Gabriella, my 6 year old, actually chose this book off of a library book list for 4th graders. We read it together (mommy reading, Gabriella listening) as our daily read-aloud.
The book is about two children, Anna and Caleb, who are without a mother. She died the day after Caleb was born. Their father, Jacob, puts an ad in the paper for a mail-order bride. It is then he receives a letter from Sarah. She offers to come and stay for a month's time and the children are excited. They wonder if she will be nice. Will Sarah like them? Will she stay?
I just recently found out, too, that there are 5 books, total in this series, and also a series of movies based on the books. I don't know if we will watch the movies. Personally, I like to keep my own drawn up characters and not spoil them by watching someone else's depiction of them on screen. My daughter, on the other hand, loves watching movies derived from books. So we may watch them anyways!
I highly recommend it! It is a wonderful, living book. The kind Charlotte Mason would recommend! :)
Visit www.5minutesforbooks.com for more wonderful, Newbery book titles.
Oct. 13, 2008
Hopefully the beginning of ...
Posted By EclecticUnschooling
... nothing. Hopefully it is nothing at all. I want to keep a log just in case and this is the easiest way for me to do it.
On October 10, three-year-old Jada had her yearly check-up with our family physician. He heard a heart murmur.
He suggested that it is simply
a flow murmur and we need not be concerned unless she exhibits symptoms of heart problems.
We took the weekend to consider the issue. She has always napped more often than our other children did at this age, and for longer periods of time. She has had dark circles under her eyes for as long as I can remember, suggesting that she is chronically fatigued.
I called our doctor this morning and left a message, requesting that we pursue the next step in determining what she is dealing with, rather than waiting for further symptoms to manifest themselves.
He immediately referred us to a pediatric cardiologist at the city hospital. Jada's appointment is at 9AM on October 23rd.
And so we wait ...
Oct. 13, 2008
Facebook - Gotta Love it!
Posted By Terri Camp
When I first heard the kids talk about facebook I thought, oh right, like I need another thing to occupy my time. I'm already busy with my real estate career, ta-dah mom, raising kids, being a good girlfriend, and all the other things I do. (oops gotta run in a sec to pick up kids from class and work).
Well, I discovered facebook, and I totally love it! I'm reconnecting with people I haven't seen in ages, like the foreign exchange student from France, a pastor's wife from years ago, friends from California, and fellow authors who I rarely get to spend time with these days.
If you are on facebook and want to connect, search for Terri Camp. You can become a fan (insert hysterical laughter), download the ta-dah application, or drop me a note.
Oh, you can even see pics of my new grandson.
Oct. 13, 2008
The Best Thing You Will See All Day!
Posted By Kim Wolf<>< in
Of Interest...
You HAVE to watch this video! Be careful, you'll catch yourself smiling through the whole thing!
http://www.maniacworld.com/twin-baby-moose-in-sprinkler.html
Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<><
Oct. 13, 2008
The Simple Woman Daybook ~ #4~ 10/13/08
Posted By Kim Wolf<>< in
The Simple Woman Daybook
For Today...
Outside my window...another beautiful fall day. Thank You, Lord. Even though it is unseasonably warm today, once the rains came last week we started seeing some of that lovely red!
I am thinking...that I need to clean the kitchen!
From the learning rooms...NO SCHOOL TODAY!! We're taking Columbus Day off as it comes on the same day that the Golden Angels homeschool volleyball team makes the trek up to Marion, Ohio for tonight's game. It's the farthest we go for a regular season (non-tournament) game. PLUS...my dear husband has today off from work (he's a contractor at a military base) and we want to spend as much time NOT traveling w/him as we can.
I am thankful for...an extra day to spend w/my sweetheart.
From the kitchen...my dh's favorite brunch of Amish French Toast and a new fresh loaf of bread.
I am wearing...my wonderful flannels! Give me denim, flannel, thermal or cotton and I'm happy.
I am reading...The Last Days by Joel Rosenburg; he's sort of a Christian John Grisham-type writer.
I am hoping...that the repair work on my bow window won't cost an arm and a leg.
I am creating...a better organized house.
I am hearing...the radio, my dh turning pages in his morning newspaper.
Around the house...laundry, general house cleaning, enjoying each other's company.
One of my favorite things...now that our oldest dd is almost 21 and works outside the home, will be going back to school this January, has a social life and is involved w/a couple of ministries at our church - it's SO nice when all 4 of us can sit down to supper together. We laugh, and gab, and plan. It's an odd time of transition for me...I love to see them stretch their wings, but I miss being w/them all the time.
A few plans for the rest of the week...trying to keep school and housework on track w/all the volleyball. I'm sorry I keep bringing this up, but at this time of year it's all-consuming; 3 and 4 games a week! But this is dd#2's Senior year and we are trying to make this as special as possible (just as we did for dd#1)...so it's a big part of our lives until the 1st week of November.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
Speaking of volleyball. They also got new uniforms this year, too.
Click on the Simple Woman Daybook pic, at top of post, and see other Daybooks.
Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<><
Oct. 12, 2008
Overheard in an Orchard
Posted By Miiko in
Spiritual Musings
Overheard in an Orchard
Said the Robin to the Sparrow:
“I really should like to know
Why these anxious human beings
Rush about and worry so?”
Said the Sparrow to the Robin:
“Friend, I think that it must be
That they have no Heavenly Father
Such as cares for you and me.”
- Elizabeth Cheney
Anxiety, agitation, and apprehension. Like a circle unbroken I sometimes find myself trapped in this spinning existence. What does that reflect when I allow myself to be sucked into that kind of fretful swirl? Simply my lack of trust and reliance on the Lord.
To be perfectly at peace and at rest seems but a dream then.
Yet all the worrying has never made me a better wife, mother or person. It breaks the beauty of the day. It blinds me from simple joys. It cripples rather that strengthens my daily resolve to live for the Lord. And don't my children crave for more smiles when their mama discards her cheerful countenance and cloaks on foreboding thoughts instead?
So when I find myself fretting away (or mindlessly opening the freezer for more chocolate chips – they somehow go together unless it's that time of the month), I remember....I recall...I bring to mind who I worship....
I worship the God of peace.
Yes! Our God of peace can bless us with His peace; God's peace. And only the peace of God is worth pursuing. It starts when we let go of our anxieties and worries. And replace that “void” with the assurance that we can totally trust God. Indeed we can! Meditating on His Word and communing with our Father help the process a lot...
So as I face the prospect of a new week...I'm going to let my mind come under His captivity. I'm going to live each moment and savor each experience with abandonment, under the shadow of His wing. I'm gonna fly! :)
Have a carefree week ahead, my friends.
Oct. 13, 2008
Day 3: 21 Days to More Godly Communication- Random Acts of Kindness
Posted By Communication FUNdamentals
The Lord instructs us on the power of the tongue hundreds of times in His Word. Our tongues may be used uplift others. Day 3 of my "21 Days to More Godly Communication" comes from Proverbs.
"Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul
and healing to the bones." -Proverbs 16:24
It doesn't take much to make someone's day. And what may require only a little effort on our part could be a lifeline to that person! After a hard day, a smile can soothe, a kind word can calm, a gracious gesture can restore. Isn't it worth the few seconds it takes to a sweet soul who might be in need?
We're all busier than ever these days which is why that little effort means even more.
Negative communication travels faster and farther than positive communication by a factor of 10! If someone has received bad customer service, no matter how busy they are, they will tell someone about their experience. No matter what might be pressing at home, he will find the time to get back on the phone and complain to the manager. Regardless of plans, he will take whatever time necessary to write an email to that individual who wronged him. But how often do we see a post sharing a good experience. We always think, well, I just don't have the time to write an email to his boss telling him how happy I was with the customer service I received. I'm just too busy to spend time writing a letter to thank someone for that event. I'm booked, I can't justify spending time to tell someone I like what they are doing. Besides, it's his job. He should do it well!
Oh... see now, you fell into the trap. This is why the Lord tells us how important our kind word can be to someone.
How much effort does it take to smile at the old man crossing the street? How much time does it really take to dash off an email telling Joan that she did a great job hosting that party last week. How much trouble would it be to take a moment to acknowledge a blogger for his post? How much would it cost you to share your positive experiences with Connie the Customer Service Rep with her boss?
Now consider how much it might mean to Connie? Perhaps Connie is struggling to make ends meet. Maybe she is missing her son who she has to leave with a babysitter each day. Suppose her boss is wrestling with a decision to lay someone off? Your little two line email to him might save Connie's job and her son's happiness.
There was a story I heard years ago about a schoolboy who felt like an outsider. He didn't have many friends. This particular day another boy noticed him, flashed a smile and helped him pick up his books that he had dropped. It took only a minute. After that, the two began spending time and eventually became close friends. At graduation, the one boy revealed to his long time friend that, on that day so long ago now that he had helped him pick up his books, he had decided to kill himself. His mind was changed in an instant by the random act of kindness shown him by this boy. I don't know if this story is true, but the lesson is! You never know what good will come of taking a few moments to communicate to someone that you appreciate them.
God put us here to be salt and light in a dark world. With these random acts of kindness, we make a difference in someone's life. We build someone's confidence. We we show the world we are His Children.
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JoJo Tabares holds a degree in Speech Communication, but it is her humorous approach to communication skills which has made her a highly sought-after Christian speaker and writer. Her articles appear in homeschool publications, such as Homeschool Enrichment Magazine and The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, which also endorses her Say What You Mean curricula. You can also find JoJo on web sites such as Crosswalk.com and Dr.Laura.com. For more information on communication FUNdamentals and Christian-based communication studies for the whole family, please visit http://www.ArtofEloquence.com
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Oct. 12, 2008
21 Days to More Godly Communication -Day 2
Posted By Communication FUNdamentals in
Defending the Faith Sundays
The Lord talks about communication hundreds of times in His Word. Though many people think of communication as speech/debate, the Lord instructs us in the daily use of our tongue. Day 2 of my 21 Days to More Godly Communication comes from 1Peter and will serve as this week's Defending the Faith SONday post as well.
"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:" 1Peter 3:15
We communicate for several reasons: to share information, to gain information, to fellowship, to entertain- though the most important reason for us to communicate is to share the Gospel. We can become as eloquent as a politician, as successful as a millionaire, but if we haven't shared God's love with those who don't know Him, we don't understand this verse. Let's look at this verse a little closer.
Right up front He tells us to "sanctify the Lord" in our hearts. Sanctify means to consecrate, to set aside for a sacred purpose. We are to hold a sacred place in our hearts for the Lord for He is Holy and His words are precious. Anything precious should be treasured and something treasured should be given proper attention.
Next He tells us to "be ready". When we want to be ready to go out, we need to prepare. We get dressed, gather our things we are to take, etc. Being ready to share our faith with someone also means being prepared. It takes educating ourselves about the Lord, His Word and how to share it. This takes practice. We cannot just throw any old words at the unsaved and hope they stick.
The very next word the Lord uses here is "always". How often are we to be ready? Not just one time, but always! Every time. Preparing for a test takes some effort. Preparing to enter that field takes much MORE preparation! The Lord isn't asking us to be prepared to share our faith with one man or one person a month. He is asking us always to be prepared to share our faith. That requires much more communication skill because each situation is different.
Next this verse tells us that we are to be prepared to share our faith with "every man". God doesn't make Cookie-Cutter-People. Each person sees the world differently. Each of us comes from a particular culture with different experiences and beliefs. No two people see things in quite the same way so we cannot approach each person the same way-especially about something as precious as the Lord. Advertising agencies understand this concept. They often create different ads for the same product to appeal to the different customers. One segment of customers may place value on the brand name and the sleek look of the car while another segment may value its gas mileage. It takes much more time and money to prepare two ad campaigns, but it is worth it in results. One size does NOT fit all.
I find it interesting that He says "to anyone who asketh you". I've read the Bible through several times and nowhere in God's Word have I found where God forced Himself on anyone. Jesus met with great resistance. He had great power here on earth to heal. Surely Jesus could have made people believe! He asked the rich man to follow him, but he wasn't willing to give up what he had. Jesus never even argued with him. He just let him walk away. If Jesus didn't force anyone to become a Christian, who are we to do so?
Furthermore, the Lord tells us to do so with meekness and fear. Contrary to what many believe, meekness does not mean being weak or wimpy. Meekness is a gentleness. This is an emphasis I believe on the fact that we are not to push people or argue with them about the Lord. We are to be gentle as we share and respectful of the choices others may make though we don't agree with them. How we share our faith is a reflection not only of us, but of our Lord. The is a danger in sharing our faith the "wrong way" understanding that the wrong way for one may be the perfect way for another. Sharing our faith in a way that angers or frustrates or confuses someone may close the door on any other opportunity you have to share with that person again. But even more damaging, sharing your faith the wrong way may close the door on EVERYONE who shares in ANY way about Jesus.
Lastly, you will notice that this is not a suggestion; it's a command. God's choice of words are purposeful. It's not an option. It's not easy, but then the Lord never said life as a Christian would be easy. In fact, He tells us that we will be persecuted for His namesake. Sharing the faith was never easy and it's more difficult today than it has been in the past. However, there are things we can do to become proficient at it. There are things we can learn that make it easier. The more you learn about something and the more you practice, the easier it becomes. How long did it take you to learn to speak, walk, play football, crochet, or do your job? Wasn't it worth it in the end?
Sharing our faith is a command from the Lord so that all have a chance to come to the saving knowledge of Christ Jesus. Today's world is more complicated and therefore, so is our job. The good news is that we can prepare. We can learn God's Word so that we can be ready always to give an answer. The trick is that knowledge of God's Word is not enough. We need to understand how to approach each person as an individual. I think that is where many of these programs fall short. It isn't enough to know God's Word, we must be able to articulate it to "every man who asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear."
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JoJo Tabares holds a degree in Speech Communication, but it is her humorous approach to communication skills which has made her a highly sought-after Christian speaker and writer. Her articles appear in homeschool publications, such as Homeschool Enrichment Magazine and The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, which also endorses her Say What You Mean curricula, including Say What You Mean: Defending the Faith. You can also find JoJo on web sites such as Crosswalk.com and Dr.Laura.com. For more information on communication FUNdamentals and Christian-based communication studies for the whole family, please visit http://www.ArtofEloquence.com
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Oct. 11, 2008
Three Women in a Tub
Posted By Miiko in
Family Scrapbook
In a corn tub, that is.
A homeschool mom, a homeschool mom and a homeschool mom.
And it was fun.
I've asked DH to please build me a corn crib one day. It's really relaxing....and if you are in the neigborhood, you are welcome to de-stress in it, lol.
Here are a few more pictures of our field trip last night. They are mostly pictures of us riding a tricycle. I forgot how entertaining it was.
Our annual visit to the Tate Farm was by the grace of God. A few of the moms and many of the children were unwell days prior to the visit. But on the day itself, all of us were able to make it. Thank you Shari, for organizing it. Shari, by the way, is our beloved home school director. :)
