It's A Wonderful Life

"Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life." Proverbs 4:13

Posted by Bridget
3:15 PM, Dec. 16, 2009 .. 0 comments .. Link

I am in a blogging mood. Lately I really have to be in the right mood to do something or I shy away from it! That's pregnancy for ya!

I am now 24 weeks and 3 days pregnant! This is a photo of me taken by my 12 year old son a couple weeks ago . . .

I love being pregnant. This is my 6th child and it just doesn't get old! I am getting old, but being pregnant is just as great every time! When you are 40 and carrying a child, there are differences, but I like to focus on the "I'm more patient" or "I'm more mature" type of differences instead of the ones that are excused by my being "advanced maternal age". Yes, I have a harder time getting up off the floor than I used to, I have a lot of gray hair, I want to go to bed at 7, etc. BUT this old lady isn't doing too bad overall!

I've also had a first! I witnessed my first home birth! My Niece, Haley, gave birth yesterday to her 3rd child . . . a beautiful son.

It's an experience I will never forgot and am so thankful I was able to be there! I even got to cut the cord! It took 2 hands...( man oh man umbilical cords are tough! ) but I did it and it made me happy that Haley asked me to!

Lately I have been spending a lot of time knitting, but mostly Christmas stockings that I'm crafting in secret until Christmas and baby things also secretively knit due to the fact that I am the only one that knows what I'm having! My Husband wants to be surprised, so I'm not allowed to tell a soul! Not sure if I've given it away yet, but I think I'm doing pretty good not saying what this little sweet one is!

I am knitting up a cozy pair of leg warmers for myself though. (I'm almost done the 2nd one!) The maternity skirt that I wear a lot is long but doesn't cover my whole calf and it is really cold outside this time of year! I needed something woolly to keep me toasty! This photo doesn't show how long my skirt is but I lifted it up so you could see the leg warmer . . .

We went to get our Christmas tree on the 8th! Here I am with the kids . . .

and Daddy w/ the kids . . .

Our little decorated tree . . .

I hope you all have a blessed Christmas! What a beautiful time of year this is! The Lord has been so good to us this year and I am also looking forward to the new year and can't wait to see what He has in store for us in 2010! We will be meeting our new baby in March and in May I will officially be the Mother of a teenager! Pray for me ;-)

Thanks, as usual, for letting me share a bit of our lives! ~ Bridget

Another Thing I Just Don't Get

Posted by Toby
12:57 PM, Wednesday, December 16, 2009 .. 2 comments .. Link

Recently I am specializing in confusion. First travel through space. Then nuts vs drupes (Sometimes you feel like a nut; sometimes you feel like a drupe). And now the whole ongoing climate stuff.

I just don't get it. How can politicians be having a big conference like they are in charge of the weather? Do they really think they can control this one? Do they wake up, pick what they are doing, get dressed, and set the weather to suit their own plans?

Maybe I can blame my confusion on the era I grew up in. I remember an Underdog episode where Simon Bar Sinister had a weather changing machine. Underdog stopped that.

Or maybe this has me wondering: from Job 38 - "Have you entered the storehouses of the snow, or have you seen the storehouses of the hail, which I have reserved for the time of trouble, for the day of battle and war? What is the way to the place where the light is distributed, or where the east wind is scattered upon the earth? Who has cleft a channel for the torrents of rain and a way for the thunderbolt, to bring rain on a land where no man is, on the desert in which there is no man, to satisfy the waste and desolate land, and to make the ground sprout with grass? Has the rain a father, or who has begotten the drops of dew? From whose womb did the ice come forth, and who has given birth to the frost of heaven? The waters become hard like stone, and the face of the deep is frozen... Can you lift up your voice to the clouds, that a flood of waters may cover you? Can you send forth lightnings, that they may go and say to you, 'Here we are'?... Who can number the clouds by wisdom? Or who can tilt the waterskins of the heavens, when the dust runs into a mass and the clods stick fast together?"

Or, possibly, I'm not the one confused.

Christmas Traditions at the Wolf House

Posted by Kim Wolf<><
12:00 PM, Dec. 16, 2009 .. 1 comments .. Link

See if this sounds familiar to you...

It's Christmas morning, the day we remember and celebrate our dear Saviour's birth. The alarm blares out an hour before any of the roosters roosting in the stable with the holy Babe would have dared to crow. You drag yourself out of bed and after starting the coffee-maker, setting out food to ready for all the different stops you will make today, you wake up each family member. Are you greeted this important day with, "Merry Christmas, Dear!"? Or, "Merry Christmas, Mommy!"? OR do the noises emanating from your family sound more like something that a bear family roused too early from hibernation would sound like? Makes you wonder if you should have skipped that beautiful candle-light Christmas Eve service last night.

But does it stop there? Oh, no. Once everyone is up and running, the kids dive down the stairs, rip open their presents, quick "thank you's" are passed around, and breakfast is eaten half-way between the kitchen and the car as we all pile in, stowing presents for extended family members (that probably won't be appreciated) and a collection of casserole dishes as we go.

And thus begins the long tour of various family members' homes. What a holiday.

This scenario became far too familiar at our house. Each Christmas morning I would become depressed. Not because of the rush, rush of getting everyone dressed, fed and packages ready; but because I would remember my childhood Christmas memories. We had plenty of time to open and enjoy our presents, play with our new toys, put things together, try on our new oufits, to laugh and...to make memories!

When our oldest was around five years old, my husband and I made the decision that we really did want our children to have their own Christmas memories at their own home! Since then, our family gets up on Christmas Eve morning and we make our own memories. We take our time and open our gifts; we ooo and ahhh and pass around our "thank you's" and hugs and kisses. My husband and I can relax and sip our coffee and watch the girls enjoy their presents while carols play in the background to remind us of our greatest Gift: Emmanuel, God with us.

Have any of you modified your Christmas schedule to make your own family memories? Tell us about them!

Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<><

HSLDA/Washington Times Op-Ed ~ Socialization Not a Problem

Posted by Kim Wolf<><
7:46 PM, Dec. 15, 2009 .. 0 comments .. Link

Washington Times Op-ed—Socialization not a Problem

by J. Michael Smith
HSLDA President

One of the most persistent criticisms of homeschooling is the accusation that homeschoolers will not be able to fully participate in society because they lack “socialization.” It’s a challenge that reaches right to the heart of homeschooling, because if a child isn’t properly socialized, how will that child be able to contribute to society?

Since the re-emergence of the homeschool movement in the late 1970s, critics of homeschooling have perpetuated two myths. The first concerns the ability of parents to adequately teach their own children at home; the second is whether homeschooled children will be well-adjusted socially.

Proving academic success is relatively straightforward. Today, it is accepted that homeschoolers, on average, outperform their public school peers. The most recent study, “Homeschool Progress Report 2009,” conducted by Brian Ray of the National Home Education Research Institute, surveyed more than 11,000 homeschooled students. It showed that the average homeschooler scored 37 percentile points higher on standardized achievement tests than the public school average.

The second myth, however, is more difficult to address because children who were homeschooled in appreciable numbers in the late 1980s and early 1990s are only now coming of age and in a position to demonstrate they can succeed as adults.

Homeschool families across the nation knew criticisms about adequate socialization were ill-founded—they had the evidence right in their own homes. In part to address this question from a research perspective, the Home School Legal Defense Association commissioned a study in 2003 titled “Homeschooling Grows Up,” conducted by Mr. Ray, to discover how homeschoolers were faring as adults. The news was good for homeschooling. In all areas of life, from gaining employment, to being satisfied with their homeschooling, to participating in community activities, to voting, homeschoolers were more active and involved than their public school counterparts.

Until recently, “Homeschooling Grows Up” was the only study that addressed the socialization of home-schooled adults. Now we have a new longitudinal study titled “Fifteen Years Later: Home-Educated Canadian Adults” from the Canadian Centre for Home Education. This study surveyed homeschooled students whose parents participated in a comprehensive study on home education in 1994. The study compared homeschoolers who are now adults with their peers. The results are astounding.

When measured against the average Canadians ages 15 to 34 years old, home-educated Canadian adults ages 15 to 34 were more socially engaged (69 percent participated in organized activities at least once per week, compared with 48 percent of the comparable population). Average income for homeschoolers also was higher, but perhaps more significantly, while 11 percent of Canadians ages 15 to 34 rely on welfare, there were no cases of government support as the primary source of income for homeschoolers. Homeschoolers also were happier; 67.3 percent described themselves as very happy, compared with 43.8 percent of the comparable population. Almost all of the homeschoolers—96 percent—thought homeschooling had prepared them well for life.

This new study should cause many critics to rethink their position on the issue of socialization. Not only are homeschoolers actively engaged in civic life, they also are succeeding in all walks of life. Many critics believed, and some parents feared, that homeschoolers would not be able to compete in the job market. But the new study shows homeschoolers are found in a wide variety of professions. Being homeschooled has not closed doors on career choices.

The results are a great encouragement to all homeschooling families and to parents thinking about homeschooling. Homeschoolers, typically identified as being high academic achievers, also can make the grade in society.

Both “Homeschooling Grows Up” and “Fifteen Years Later” amply demonstrate homeschool graduates are active, involved, productive citizens. Homeschool families are leading the way in Canadian and American education, and this new study clearly demonstrates homeschool parents are on the right path.

Michael Smith is the president of the Home School Legal Defense Association. He may be contacted at (540)338-5600; or send email to media@hslda.org.

Typical Lunch with a Home-Educating Family

Posted by Toby
1:29 PM, Tuesday, December 15, 2009 .. 5 comments .. Link

At lunch today I mentioned I was considering adding a dictionary app to my iTouch, kind of hoping for an offer of tech support from Devastatingly Handsome, figuring there are a lot of times we are away from home and wonder just what a word means. Devastatingly Handsome felt it would come in handy for times when he wants to know something like is "stumped" spelled that way or "stumpt"? which, of course, led to a long discussion of words like "slept" and how the /ed/ suffix has three distinct pronunciations.

Next stop on the discussion - Mr Music asked if he could have more food. Devastatingly Handsome told him only if it was fruit or vegetable. Mr Music then begins negotiations. Miss Dance is eating leftover corn - that's not really a vegetable, is it?

You can probably recreate the discussion on botanics versus nutrition and how the food is being used factoring into what food group we consider it for the moment.

Then he branches out into asking for chocolate. Or cashews. Or almonds. He wonders if they are a sort of fruit or vegetable. I toss in the word "drupe" even though I am not too sure what it means. Miss Dance is assigned to look it up, which failed to shed much light on the understanding. Then she had to look up "cashew" to see if it was a drupe or a nut. Then we looked up "receptacle" (which was included in the cashew definition in a sense we did not know and then "nut." We still don't know if cashews are nuts or drupes or something else. In any case, Mr Music did not get any today.

Finally Miss Dog Lover took mercy on the poor starving Mr Music by sharing her own personal stash of mini Cookies-n-Creme bars and Swedish Fish. There was only minimal curiosity over why Swedish Fish have "Swedish" stamped on them but not "Fish." And now we are back to Saxonland.

Firewood Tips ~ Old Farmer's Almanac

Posted by Kim Wolf<><
10:26 AM, Dec. 15, 2009 .. 0 comments .. Link

In December, lay in dry fuel, while the snow keeps off. –Old Farmer’s Almanac “Farmer’s Calendar,” 1796

Firewood Tips

• One large log lasts two to three times longer than the same volume of smaller logs.

• To avoid insect pests, never store firewood on the ground touching your house.

• Burn only seasoned wood (seasoned logs seem light in weight and have dark ends with cracks).

• Wood-burning stoves are three times more efficient than standard fireplaces.

• For the prettiest flames, burn birch or maple.

• Ash makes great firewood. According to an old saying, “Ash new or ash old is fit for a queen with a crown of gold.”

Find out which woods make great firewood!

• Add a handful of pine or hemlock needles, rosemary sprigs, or sage branches to your next fire to add natural incense to the room.

Wood warms you thrice—when you chop it, when you stack it, when you burn it.

Heaven Sent Me a Daughter

Posted by Ginny
8:45 AM, Wednesday, December 16, 2009 .. 2 comments .. Link

(I wrote this one for my daughter.)

Heaven sent me a special treasure,
Wrapped up in sugar and spice,
Satin and lace,
And full of grace,
And everything oh so nice.

Heaven sent me a precious gift,
To fill my life with love,
Sweetness and light,
Everything right,
Sent to me from above.

Heaven sent me an answered prayer,
A beauty through and through,
Laughter and cheer,
Fills every year,
Heaven sent me you.

Heaven sent me a daughter,
So darling and so clever,
Cherished in my heart,
From the start,
And loved always and forever.

VMD

Remembering You

Posted by Ginny
8:41 AM, Tuesday, December 15, 2009 .. 1 comments .. Link

(I wrote this for my middle son.)

I remember so well the day you were born,
My life was filled with joy,
How blessed I was that God sent to me,
A beautiful little boy.

I remember so well seeing your face,
Words cannot describe,
The happiness inside I felt,
And the overwhelming pride.

I remember so well the first step you took,
Across the kitchen floor,
With arms outstretched reaching for me,
You’ve taken so many steps more.

I remember so well how much you have grown,
The days they go by so fast,
But each moment is treasured in my mind,
As each milestone you pass.

I remember so well holding you in my arms,
No matter how old you will be,
Forever I will hold you in my heart,
And I will love you eternally.

VMD

Question of the Week

Posted by Toby
12:40 PM, Friday, December 18, 2009 .. 1 comments .. Link

Mr Music: Mom, is it bad for dogs if they drink root beer?

Me: Why do you ask?

Mr Music: 'Cause Snoopy's always doing it.

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~#57~ 12/14/09

Posted by Kim Wolf<><
12:55 PM, Dec. 14, 2009 .. 0 comments .. Link

For Today...

Outside my window...mostly cloudy, grey; the sun is tryyyyying to sneak through. Chilly & breezy.

I am thinking...of the things I need to do today.

I am thankful for...family & friends, near & far, who have sent CHRISTmas cards. Also, the new praise & worship leader we voted in last night! PTL!!!!!!!!!!!!

From the kitchen...mixed bean soup, corn-meal rolls & I need to make another loaf of flaxseed bread.

I am wearing...jeans, navy turtle-neck shirt, tan sweater over it; soft, warm socks.

I am remembering…CHRISTmasses past. Sweet memories.

I am going…to pick up DD#2 from work, make a pit stop at the grocery for some odds-n-ends.

I am reading..."Lies Women Believe," I'm teaching it for a ladies' Sunday School class. Still re-reading the "Yukon Quest" series. I don't have quite the time for reading lately.

I am hoping...to spread some CHRISTmas cheer.

On my mind…bills.

I am creating...a peaceful home filled w/the Reason for the season.

I am hearing...the radio.

Noticing that…I have a few more grey hairs & I don't mind. :-)

Pondering these words…"Majesty, Majesty. Your grace has found me just as I am; Empty-handed but alive in Your hands..."

Around the house...laundry, clothes mending, kitchen floors, bread & cookies making...

One of my favorite things...Toll House cookies w/chocolate chunks instead of chips; the chunks melt gooier & there's more 'cookie' to enjoy.

A Scripture thought...Luke 1:19 - "The angel answered, 'I am Gbriel. I stand in the presense of God...'" Oh the joy!

A few plans for the rest of the week...taking DD#2 to/from work, house-hold jobs, baking, studying for the ladies' Sunday School I'm teaching, Bible study/prayer...family!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

One of my favorite little ornaments.

Enjoy other Daybooks at: http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/
Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf

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"Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life." Proverbs 4:13

Another Thing I Just Don't Get

Christmas Traditions at the Wolf House

HSLDA/Washington Times Op-Ed ~ Socialization Not a Problem

Typical Lunch with a Home-Educating Family

Firewood Tips ~ Old Farmer's Almanac

Heaven Sent Me a Daughter

Remembering You

Question of the Week

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~#57~ 12/14/09

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