As I write this, it is nearly 4p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, 2009 & I just received word that Chris Klicka - one of HSLDA's original lawyers & a great friend to millions of homeschoolers - lost his long, hard battle w/MS just over an hour ago.  Below is Tracy's (his wife) final CarePages entry, written mere moments after is passing...Blessings, Kim<><

PRECIOUS IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD IS THE DEATH OF HIS SAINTS...

Dear praying friends,

There is a part of me that would have liked to keep this news to ourselves for a little while. Chris' journey toward home has been very public, which has been a blessing to us through your intercession and words of love and encouragement. Yet, at this moment, while his loss is so fresh, I had hoped to savor his last moments with us and his passing all to ourselves, but such is not the case.

So with great sadness and with a joy that we can barely contain, we announce that our husband/father Chris has gone home to be with the Lord. He slept peacefully lsat night, though his breathing was shallow and very rapid. Then this morning when the hospice nurse came to check him over, she commented specifically how low his blood pressure had gotten and that with the mottling around his knees and ankles, grayer skin tone and coldness in his face, that he didn't have much time left with us.

I had been sitting with Chris this morning telling him about Megan and her wedding dress and how kind God was to let all us girls be together when she found it. I told him I had so hoped he could see her in her dress before he went Home, and as I was talking two little tears trickled down his cheeks. I know he would have loved to see her! I know, too, he so wanted to be able to communicate with us at the end. It broke my heart to see his sadness. I imagine, though, too, that his tears were mingled with joy for Megan's future with Brendan.

After Anna (the hospice nurse) took Chris' vitals a second time, his blood pressure having dropped some more, she recommended that I get our kids down to see and talk to their dad.

I called them all from whereever they all were around the house, and when the last child came, Bethany announced, "Hey, Dad, we're all here. We love you!" Chris took one more breath and was gone.

I know to try and describe our sadness--the longing and aching in our hearts right now--would be impossible, so I won't try. I will share a picture the Lord gave within minutes after Chris' departure.

I saw him with his old western boots and jeans on (like he used to wear at Grove City College when he would run over to see me at my dorm--he was a senior and I was a freshman when we met there), running at top speed in Heaven. I pictured a huge smile (the one I love best) on his face and fellow saints yelling out greetings of welcome to him, some even asking him to stop and visit with them, and heard his reply, "I've got to run for the Lord up here. I'm making up for lost time down on Earth. I'm praising God and have to use my legs to do it. Stop me in about 100 years, and we'll sit down and have a nice long visit!"

Two days before God brought Chris home the Lord gave me this short verse to encourage me:

"No longer cloaked in frail humanity,
His spirit soars to gain Celestial joys,
Unimpeded by death's dark night
And free from the weight of sin's alloys.

My beloved sings! The object of his song
Is the One who bled and died for him,
No sweeter name did e'er he speak
Or treasure in his inner man."

Thank you, for both grieving AND rejoicing with us, and for your continued prayers for us these next weeks and months!

Looking forward to that day, when we too, shall see our beloved Jesus face to face,
Tracy, for Chris (one last time) and the whole Klickaclan

Quick & easy...

~1/2 c. baking soda

~Liquid Castile Soap

1)  In a bowl, add Castile Soap to baking soda until mixture is creamy & thick.

2)  Dip dampened cleaning cloth (or homemade dish cloth) as needed into mixture, wash dirty surface, rinse.  Leaves no grit!

Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<><

Many homeschoolers keep family gardens...especially this year...so, here is some interesting advice from my latest installment of The Old Farmer's Almanac newsletter...

Combating Critters
Do you have any critters in your garden—rabbits, moles, slugs? Here is some advice to help:

• To keep rabbits out of your garden, surround it with fencing at least 3 feet high and 8 inches below the surface.

• Plant rue to keep cats out of your garden.

• To see a mole “run out, astonished” (according to 16th-century herbalist John Gerard), put a bulb of garlic in its hole.

• To deter deer and raccoons, tie old sneakers and clothes that smell of human perspiration to garden posts.

• Scatter garlic around your garden to deter many a pest—such as deer, woodchucks, and raccoons.

• Sprinkle ground red pepper in entrances to mole tunnels.

• If your neighbors don’t mind, play a radio at low volume.

Blessings, Kim Wolf<><

I enjoy making my own health care, skin care and home care items.  I've posted directions for such items as homemade toothpaste, deodorant, laundry detergent, face wash, etc.  Today I'll show you how I make our homemade glycerin bar soap!

First, you will need a few basic items...

You will need:  glycerin soap chunks, glass measuring cup, whisk, rubber spatula, water, extra virgin olive oil, fragrance/essential oils, botanicals/herbs.

Place several glycerin chunks in the glass measuring cup...

Melt chunks in microwave at 20 SECOND intervals until melted...

While your soap is melting, crush any botanicals/herbs you may want to add to your soap.  In this case, I am crushing dried rosemary leaves; later I crushed a few lavender buds from some I grew last year & had hanging in my kitchen...

When soap is melted, pour into a mixing bowl and add your botanicals/herbs, any coloring you may want (I usually don't add coloring), 1-2 TB extra virgin olive oil, 1-2 TB cold water and fragrance/essential oils...

In this batch I'm also adding about 10-15 drops of rosemary essential oil and 10-15 drops of tea tree oil.  Mix QUICKLY w/a whisk until soap is somewhat thick & frothy.

Pour into soap molds...

Remember...your soaps will not be the 'prettiest' at this point.    The bottoms are a little 'rough' but you will trim the 'uglies' off when your soap has cured.  Below, I have made 2 bars of lavender (upper left), 2 bars of gragefruit (my husband's shower favorite; lower left) & 4 bars of rosemary/tea tree (my shower favorite & what I sometimes put on the bathroom soap dish; right side).

After your soap has set in the molds for at least 30 minutes, turn them out onto a wire cooling rack to cure for 2 weeks.

You will notice that they are not 'pretty' on the edges.  As I said before, you will trim the excess off the edges when they are cured and you are ready use or store them.  Until I use them (or give them away) I wrap them in colored plasic wrap or brown paper gift wrap and tie w/raffia or brown or colored twine.

These are low-lather soaps and are particularly good for oilier skins w/o being drying to dry skin-types.  Adding oatmeal makes them great for drier skins or even exfoliating normal skin-types.  Adding coffee grounds that have been ground again (by you) is great as a gardener's or mechanic's soap.  Adding a few drops of tea tree, rosemary & lavender makes a great soap for oily skin (if you prefer a bar soap instead of the face wash I made earlier from liquid Castile soap).  Adding simply Vitamin E or extra virgin olive oil or a honey-almond fragrance is excellent for a bath soap for the whole family - good for the skin and even though it has a nice fragrance, it's not too girlie for the man of the house.

Let me know if you try this recipe.  Enjoy!

Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<><

Here is one of the simplest and most effective recipes for homemade laundry detergent.  Our family has used this for quite some time and we love it.  Once the initial purchases are made my laundry only costs about 3-5 cents per load!  It's my understanding that you CAN use this in front-loading machines b/c it's a gel and not a liquid; plus it is low suds.

And you know you have something good when your 21 year old DD says, "One of these days, when I leave home, will you still make this for me?"  lol 

First, you must to collect the things you'll need to make your soap:

A large pot and a WOODEN spoon DEDICATED to ONLY making soap; I label mine w/a Sharpie marker so that no one will confuse them for cooking utensils - even though I don't actually keep them in my kitchen, you never know and you want to be safe.  You also need a box of Arm & Hammer WASHING Soda and 20 Mule Team Borax, along w/a bar of Fels Naptha Soap - these items are found in the laundry isle of your grocery - and Lavender essential oil - it's antibacterial AND it smells SO good!  And while you're in your kitchen, grab a hand grater and med-sized dessert-type plate.

And don't forget a container w/a good lid to keep your finished product in!  This is what I use - an old popcorn bucket - so it doesn't have to be anything fancy.

Pour 8 c. of water into your pot and let it be warming on MEDIUM heat while your are preparing your other ingredients.

Grate 1/4 of the Fels Naptha bar...

Add 1/4 c. Arm & Hammer Washing Soda...

Then 1/4 c. 20 Mule Team Borax...

Mix them together a little...

And w/the wooden spoon, scoop the ingredients into the warm water...

Bring heat up to MED-HIGH and...

Add 1ts. Lavender essential oil, stir until soap bits are dissolved and then stir occasionally while this heats up for about 20 minutes...

After it has all dissolved and is well stirred, remove from heat and let sit for 1 hour.

You can see that after if has sat for 1 hour that it is starting to gell-up.

Then just pour the partially gelled detergent into your storage container, top w/the lid and let it finish gelling.  If you made your detergent in the morning it should be ready to use by the evening, other-wise, just wait until the next morning.

Use a 1/2 c. or so in each load - if I'm doing a large load I will add a little more.

This has gotten out all sorts of stains for me.  If the stain is really bad - and if 'someone forgot' to tell me that their favorite shirt has some sort of stain on it and it has set in - I take an old toothbrush, get a little detergent on it and brush WELL across the stain and then let it sit for an hour or so, after that I wash it as usual and the stain is generally gone.

I have never had any desire to go back to store-bought deterent.  I hope you enjoy this.

Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<><

Staying Warm When It's Cold

The ice storm in our neck of the woods reminded some folks of what it’s like to draw water from streams and stay awake to stoke the fire. The temperatures will remain colder than normal for much of the country. Here are some tips to stay warm and safe in cold weather—and reduce the heating bill!

• One large log lasts two to three times longer than the same volume of smaller logs. See which woods provide more heat value.
• If you humidify your house during the winter months, you can turn your heat down to 65 to 68 degrees; when you’re out of the house, turn it down to the 50s.
• Wear extra clothes and use blankets to trap body heat. For a cozy throw, buy a 2-yard length of polar fleece; it’s cheaper than a blanket and needs no hemming.
• To increase the efficiency of heat, close off rooms. Try to stay in rooms on the “warm” side of the house, away from prevailing winds. Avoid rooms with large windows.
• Work with Mother Nature! Close drapes at night. Let the sun in during the day.

Winter Driving

•  Stuck on the ice without sand or kitty litter? In a pinch, you can take the mats out of your car, place them behind or in front of the tires, and slowly inch the car onto the mats.

•  To restore proper windshield wiper blade action, smooth the rubber blades with fine sandpaper to remove any grit and pits.

•  Avoid driving when you have the flu, which can reduce your reaction time almost six times as much as moderate alcohol intake.

•  For cold weather driving, put together a canvas bag or covered storage box with emergency items. See our Emergency Car Kit.

If it’s balmy all winter where you live, be thankful that you don’t need all this stuff. Of course, being prepared virtually guarantees an uneventful rest of winter!

I really enjoy my Old Farmer's Almanac newsletter and I have learned so much from it.  Today's newsletter offered and link to "Gardening Jobs by the Month," which is of interest to me as a novice gardener.  So many of those of you that I've spoken to lately are considering either planting a kitchen garden next year or expanding the one you already keep, so I thought you might benfit from this information, too.  Here's the link:

http://www.almanac.com/garden/jobs/index.php

Blessings, Kim Wolf<><

FYI...The new Kroger store at 855 Union Boulevard in Englewood offers Outpatient and Urgent Care!!  Here's more...

*Certified Nurse Practicioners can write necessary prescriptions

*Most visits $50

*Sorts Exams, Camp and Work Physicals - $33

*Cash, check & credit card accepted

*Most insurances including Mericare, Medicaid, Caresource, Molina, UHC, and Anthem

*Health Screenings:  Cholesterol, Ciabetes, Flu, Preganancy, and Strep Throat

*Adult Vaccines:  Tetanus, Hepatitis A & B, HPV, and Shingles

Treating adults and children 3 years and older for minor and common ailments:

~Sinus infections  ~Splinter Removal  ~Bronchitis  ~Swimmer's Ear  ~Flu  ~Sprains  ~Earaches  ~Shingles  ~Coughs & Colds  ~Dog Bites  ~Monor Burns  ~Pink Eye  ~Urinary Infections  ~Seasonal Allergies

*HOURS (closed holidays) ~

     Monday - Friday 10a.m.-8p.m.

     Saturday/Sunday 11a.m.-4p.m.

As many of you know, I attend the Thomas Bilney Theological Seminary, where I just received my Assoiciate's Degree in Biblical Studies in September (http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Buckeyeblog/589967/ the series I just posted - The Biblical Basis for Homeschooling Christian Children - is actually my Associate's thesis!).  If you live in the Dayton, Ohio/Miami Valley area of Ohio, I urge you look into the up-coming classes.  The BEST PART is that since the Dean is my pastor (Rev. Joe Getts), I have arranged for Senior High level homeschoolers to be able to take these INTENSIVE courses, too!!   For the homeschool students, once a course is completed and graded they will receive a Seminarian Certificate WHICH WILL BE TRANFERRED INTO CREDITS ONCE THEY HAVE GRADUATED FROM THEIR HOMESCHOOL!!  Awesome!!  So you and your high schooler can take courses together!

These are INTENSIVE courses. What INTENSIVE means is that, depending on the class, you will basically get one quarter's-worth of infomation in anywhere from 1 to 3 days - depending upon the subject/class.  It's basically the same as what some of the college-at-home schools call "fast track."  I have listed up-coming classes in the past, but it's been a while since I've explained how this particular Seminary works, so I thought I would do it again...

There are 4 Degree Programs:  1) Seminarian Certificates, 2) Associate Degrees, 3) Baccaaureate Degrees (Bachelor), & 4) Master's Degrees.  There are 5 Degree Disciplines:  1) Biblical Studies (CSS), 2)Theological Studies (TDS), 3) Interdisciplinary Sudies (IDS), 4) Christian History (CHS) & 5) Pastoral Ministries (PMS).  The classes or numerous and can take a look at some of those on the website (www.thomasbilney.org).  All classes are available in person (for which you earn more credits), in book/CD form and SOME may be completed on-line.  Also, no matter which Discipline you choose, you may take ANY course in ANY Discipline!  

Now to the meat of this post...Here are some up-coming courses you may be interested in - I'll be there!  ... 

Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008

Philosophers and the Christian Faith (IDS108)

Professor Richard Barker

3 Credits

8:00a.m. @ New Hope Commuity Church; Miamisburg, Ohio

(Tuition: $30.00)

Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008

Comparing Religions in Grief (IDS110)

Joe Getts

3 Credits

7:00p.m. @ New Hope Community Church; Miamisburg, Ohio

(Tuition: $20.00)

CERTIFICATE OF STUDIES IN

Early Church History   

~Roman Civilization (CH112)

~Early Empire Religions (IDS110)

~Early Church History (CHS102)

~History of the New Testament (CHS106)

~Post Nicene Deveolpment (CHS114)

15 Credits toward your degree!!

Instructors:

Richard Barker

George C. Carpenter

Joe L. Getts

Michael P. Lorey

January 16 & 17, 2009

New Hope Community Church

1999 Belvo Rd.

Miamisburg, Ohio  45342

If you have any questions, just let me know.  OR go to the website and contact Rev. Joe Getts on the e-mail given.

Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<><

Even though I am a very political person, I have tried to keep my blogs UNpolitical.  But sometimes someone comes to your attention that you just HAVE to share w/others.  PLEASE click on the link below and listen to what this incredibly brave man has to say.

Did you ever wonder what you would have looked like if you lived in the past?  Not pioneers days, but in the last 50 years...what would your yearbook picture would have looked like?  I just found out about a hilarious website - http://yearbookyourself.com - where you can find out that very thing!  Just down-load a picture of yourself, or someone else in your family, and take a look!

OK...so at great risk of personal integrity (if I had any left)...I'm going to post some pictures of myself...

1952 ~ Love the pearls!

1958 ~ I look like my aunt.

1960 ~ As my friend says, "Oh, help me Rhonda!"

1966 ~ My brother's 1st wife had this style in her yearbook! 

1968 ~ I hear Dick Van Dyke music!

1974 ~ Actually, this is pretty close to the mark!  I would have been 15 at the time and my hair was so long I could sit on it.  If my face were thinner it would nearly look authentic.

1978 ~ 'Nough said!

1996 ~ This looks like one of my best friends' hair.  I don't think I'll do the blonde thing, though.

2000 ~ This looks like a sad case of the head cheerleader who didn't realize her day had past at the 30th reunion!  Yikes!

Try it out for yourself.  It was great fun!  We did it with out whole family.  Maybe I'll put of those up later.

Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<><

If you don't already, you really should sign up for the Old Farmer's Almanac free newsletter...SO MANY useful and intersting goodies in there.  In today's newsletter there is a link to 33 great sandwich recipes.  We can ALL used something that's easy, tasty and healthy so I thought I would share the link with all of you.

http://www.almanac.com/recipes/search/results.php?categorynumber[]=29

ENJOY!

Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<><

I get SUCH enjoyment out of my Urban Homemaker newsletters from Marilyn Moll (http://www.urbanhomemaker.com).  If you don't get her free newsletter, you MUST sign up.  She is simply a wealth of information...ALL useful and lovingly put together.  Great for homeschool Home Ec classes AND for your own family keepsake.  I have long gotten her product catalogue which is also a joy to look over and learn from her articles, therein.  I have learned so much from the books I and my friends have ordered from her.

That's why I wanted to tell you about this BEAUTIFUL new book that she is offering, below...THE RICHES AND TREASURES OF HOME.  PLEASE click on the link to get a preview of this lovely, entirely well-done book.  I am SO HOPING to be able to PRE-ORDER this on Friday - the LAST DAY this offer is available!!  So, I'm figuring that if I am this impressed with this book that YOU will be, too!  It is beautiful and looks like it will be a joy to read and learn from it's old-time advice.  If you order it...enjoy!

Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<><

========================================
THE RICHES AND TREASURES OF HOME –
Pre-publication Offer Ends Sept 19
========================================

Ed Note:   This 8 1/2 x 10 inch book is perfect bound (soft cover) using heavy card stock and the pages will be printed on very high quality coated paper stock.  Everything about this book will be heirloom quality.  Bonuses and free shipping offer ends Friday. Books will ship in October, ebooks can be downloaded instantly.

The Riches and Treasures of Home, is an old fashioned book filled with warm recollections and fond remembrances, and overflows with the quaint customs and lovely old rituals of the 19th century. Recalling an extraordinary time and place, the book takes the reader on an enchanting journey that brings the gentility of the past into the present, and allows all revel in the prim formalities that made it such a glorious affair.

  Author Kari Wisdom has captured everything imaginable about the timeless art of homemaking with colorful Victorian illustrations.  This book contains 12 chapters including The Old Time Kitchen, The Old-Fashioned Parlor, Letter Writing and Correspondence, The Linen Cupboard, The Powder Room, The Stitching Room, The Old Fashioned Nursery, The Old Fashioned Garden and much more!  For any home lover the recipes alone will captivate you.

I am so excited about Kari's book and exclusive pre-publication offer that I have decided to include
four of my most popular ebooks including:

Steps to the Best Bread - $6.97 value

Holiday Open House- $5.97 value

Traditional Thanksgiving-$3.97 value

Soups and Stews for Busy Moms- $6.97

A $23.81 VALUE alone
PLUS FREE SHIPPING!

You may make a pre-publication purchase of The Riches and Treasures of Home -A Keepsake Book by Kari Wisdom if you Click Here Now!  

This book is expected to ship the first week of October, but if you invest now, you may download the four bonus ebooks listed above today!