What a busy summer!!  I spent most of it working on paperwork in preparation for our new school year, then took a few days to "relax" (well, sort of) and started school on August 27th.  Did some work           throughout the summer, mostly reading, some math, and language arts to keep us sharp, along with some projects, but our traditional school year started on the 27th.

My hubby also started something new.  He did get that new job with his company and started the new job the same day we started school.  Spent our at home vacation rejoicing that we did not go upstate where we had planned to go since the night temps were 30 degrees (yuck), getting some rest and hunting to another car.  DH needed one since he was losing the company car he had for several years in his old position, which required travel.  I think we need a vacation from our vacation.  LOL

There are plusses and minuses with this new job, but most of it is really positive.  He gets to do a job he's wanted for years, doesn't have to travel, and he feels that he is more productive in this type of work. He also has the potential for better overtime, which was drying up in the other position.  The bad news is that he loses his company car (thus the need for another car) and money-wise, it's a lateral move.  The most interesting news is that, after a training period, his hours switch from 8am-4pm to Noon to 8pm. That means that he will be able, for the 1st time ever, to get involved in the nitty-gritty of homeschooling instead of the peripheral (outside) stuff.  Should add an interesting dynamic to our new school year.

September is always busy, but this one might be moreso than most.  Our 30th anniversary is at the end of the month, along with our middle daughter's 18th birthday and our oldest son's 23rd birthday is soon after.  We are going on a fishing trip with our church and DH and I may be going on a "cruise to nowhere" for a couple of hours to celebrate our anniversary.

School this year includes 3rd, 9th, and 12th graders.  Our 9th and 12th graders will be taking Bible, ASL and PE together and our little guy will do PE with both of them and do early parts of music with our 9th grader.  Classes and resources include:

Ms. 12th Grader:  Lots of half year courses here:                                                                                                                      

Bible Apologetics (various sources including materials from Answers in Genesis)

British Literature (A Beka and others including Taming of the Shrew and Romeo and Juliet - Shakesphere)

Composition (Wordsmith Craftsman)

Spelling and Vocabulary (edHelper)

Grammar and Study and Research Skills (Sentences, Paragraphs, and Beyond)  

Math Review (various sources) and Geometry (High School Advantage CD-Rom)

Social Studies:  2   1/2 year courses:  Constitutional Law (1/2 year - Whatever Happened to Justice, some parts of Mike Ferris' Constitutional Law course and various internet materials) and Economics (1/2 year - Economics in One Lesson, Whatever Happened to Penny Candy, and The Young Entrepreneur's Guide to Starting and Running a Business)

Food Science - Glencoe

Photography (1/2 year - KISS Guide to Photography)

Introduction to Early Childhood Ed. (1/2 year - Introduction to Early Childhood Ed. - Delmar Publishers)

American Sign Language III (Joy of Signing, Webster's Millennium American Sign Language Learning System and various internet sources)

Health (1/2 year - Fit and Well - Fahey, Insel, and Roth), I Kissed Dating Goodbye - Harris, and Tilly - Peretti,

Driver's Ed. (1/2 year - Handbook Plus, the NYS Defensive Driving Course Guide, and Driver's Education CD-Rom

Physical Education - the guidelines of the President's Physical Fitness Challenge. 

Extras - She is also teaching preschoolers Sunday School on rotation and is involved in a young adults' group, a youth group, plays recorder in our home fellowship's music ministry and will be getting involved with the Keepers at Home program.

Ms. 9th Grader: 

Bible Apologetics (same as her sister)

Consumer Math (A Beka)

Christian Literature (various sources including In His Steps - Sheldon, Mere Christianity - C.S. Lewis and others)

Grammar (Easy Grams)

Writing (Wordsmith and the Write Stuff Adventure)

Spelling, Vocabulary, Study and Research Skills (edHelper)

Social Studies:  2  1/2 year courses:  American Government (BJU and the Standard Deviants videos) and New York State History (New York: The Empire State, Long Island - Our Story - online via Newsday, our local paper, and a series of 8 dvds called New York)

Science - Basic Science (BJU and the For Every Kid Series - VanCleave)

American Sign Language I - same material sources as Ms. 12th Grade

Typing and Computer - Using the Personal Computer - A Beka

Music - Several internet sources for history, appreciation and theory, plus singing and violin lessons

Physical Education - Same sources as Ms. Grade 12 and Little Mr. Gr. 3

Extras:  Like Ms. Gr. 12, she's involved in a young adult group, a youth group, and Keepers at Home and will also be studying voice, violin and guitar.

Little Mr. Grade 3:  Except for Physical Education and Music Appreciation and some other aspects of music, all of his courses are separate from the girls because of the age gap between them:

Bible and Character Building - Leading Little Ones to God and Faith 4 Living

Reading - Reading list includes Aesop's Fables, A Child's Garden of Verses - Stevenson, Farmer Boy - Wilder and others plus exercises from Learning at Home - American Education Publishers

Phonics - Handbook for Reading: The Blue Backed Speller - A Beka

English - The Complete Book of Grammar and Punctuation - Gr. 3 and The Complete Book of English and Language - Gr. 3

Spelling and Vocabulary and Study Skills - edHelper

Writing - Wordsmith Apprentice

Penmanship - edHelper and Faith 4 Living

Arithmetic - BJU Math 3 and The Complete Book of Math Gr. 3

Social Studies - Our American Heritage - A Beka, They Made America Great - Macmillian, Ben's Guide to U.S. Government, The Complete Book of United States History and The Complete Book of Geography and Maps - American Education Publishers and Amazing States - Burda                        

Science - Exploring God's World - A Beka, The Complete Book of Science Gr. 3 - American Education Publishing, The Way Things Work - Macauley, and the Science for every kid series - VanCleave

Health - Health, Safety and Manners 3 - A Beka, parts of The Complete Book of Science Gr. 3 - American Education Publishing and The Body Book - Silver/Wynne

Music - The Ready to Use Music Reading Activities Kit - Mitchell, Enchanted Learning worksheets, Classics for Kids, and some materials from Think Quest

Physical Education - Same sources as Ms. Gr. 12 and Ms. Gr. 9 

Extras:  Royal Rangers and Contenders of the Faith plus all the computer programs he can handle...

Please note that we don't do every single page or project, but use these sources picking and choosing what works best or these poor kids and I would burn out in a week.  LOL  So far, so good, just busy, busy, busy.  I have 3 years of portfolios to finish for our 12th grader in preparation for her graduation next June for North Atlantic Regional Schools (NARS) for her transcripts and diploma, which is also keeping me very busy.

Most of the family is getting over respiratory bugs, so we are going a little slowly right now.  Otherwise, we're getting in the swing of things.  Have to get back to work here.  Was writing this as we listened to music appreciation - Bach and the Brandenburg Concerto today...May your schoolday be blessed...

Blessings to all, Pam

I am so up to the yazoo with paperwork, it's not even funny.  Here I am, trying to plan the school year for the kids, plus I have portfolios for Grs. 9-11 to set up for our 17 yo for her umbrella program (if I leave it all for the school year, it will never get done), plus I have re-organizing in the house to do, a yard sale to plan and homeschool materials to declutter, list, and sell.  On top of that, I am still working on rehabing my leg and knees (I had an injury 13 months ago that I am 90% recovered from, but there are still issues...) and dental and eye doctor appts to make.  Am I complaining too much?  I just feel a little overwhelmed right now.  It's a lot, believe me...

If I can get through all of that, I will finally be in the position to get back on track with finishing my degree.  I really need to get these other things out of the way in order to have the time and the money.  I've wanted to finish my degree for a long time and this will give me the opportunity to do so.  I'm going to need the Lord to stretch the hours and my ability and energy this summer to get the job done.

Menopausal symptoms are still going pretty easy, except for a nasty tendency towards insomnia, as evidenced by the hour I am making this post (4 am).  My other symptoms are some of the mildest my doctor has ever seen.  He's not even convinced that the insomnia is from menopause, and says that it could very well be that I have too much on my plate (not to mention my hubby's occasional snoring keeping me up - LOL).

Now, for some really good news, well, potentially anyway...About 6 1/2 years ago, my husband was promoted from his original position with the company he works for (he's in wireless telecom and was originally hired as an inventory specialist) to field technician.  At that time, he told me that he had the goal of becoming a switch tech.  A switch tech does the same basic type of work as a field tech, but does it at one central location.  About a month ago, he felt impressed of the Lord to mention his interest in becoming a switch tech to one of the managers there (this man manages the switch).  Less than 2 weeks later, this man let my husband know that there was a possibility that one of the current switch techs was being promoted and that his position was going to open up.  Well, the long and short of it is that this other tech was, in fact, promoted and the position opened up.  Although it is not official yet, it looks almost certain that my husband is getting the position.  It still is not official and won't be for a while.  He has to go through the usual channels, but it looks very good.  He's very excited about it and we are just praising God for the way He seems to be putting this all together.  He knows and gets along with the others that work in this capacity, including the manager, and they are all very excited about him on board.  One of the other techs is another believer, so he will have fellowship on the job if this all works out as well. 

His hours will change some; his base hours now are 8am-4pm and they will be noon-8pm, but the change is so severe that it will have any kind of major effect on our family life (the only 2 things that will change is that I or one of our older children will transport our teenage girls and younger son to evening activities and any fellowship he and I attend during the week will see us a little late and we will not be able to eat dinner together unless I drive the crew over to the office and bring or pick up dindin (which we may do sometimes - aside from that, we may not eat dinner together, but we'll be able to have breakfast together instead, as well as dessert most evenings.  He will lose the company car that he uses on the field, but the partial differential pay should help us be able to afford another car.  Most importantly, my husband will have the opportunity to achieve a goal, a job that he's wanted to do for a long, long time.  I am soooo thrilled to see God answer his prayers like this.  It's been a growing time for my husband too.  Despite how much he wants this, he truly left it in the Lord's Hands.

We are still praying for wisdom regarding our church change.  We love the Vineyard church we are attending and are being so blessed there, but are keeping ties with the church we previously attended, attending some Sunday evening services, so our daughters and oldest son will be allowed to continue to work with the Missionettes, Royal Rangers, and youth group.  Without some kind of regular attendance, despite the lack of workers there, they will not be able to help.  This church has become one that is attended mostly by those over 50 and has lost a lot of its youth, except for in activities.  We love the people there, but are broken about the way the pastor and others in authority there are ignoring the youth in their weekly services.  They are so set in their ways, and so many there that we know are so frustrated, but the pastor, who is in her early 80's, refuses to see, yet can not understand why the church, which years ago was packed with over 200 people, is down to 50 - 60, with almost no one ages 12-30!!  We still hope to see this dying church revive.  We've known many of these people, including the pastor through various activities and, the pastor and her husband through the pastor who married us, for 25-30 years, and we can't just totally walk away unless we feel that the Lord is showing us that we must.  It's a heartache and a sacrifice, but we feel to stay open to this, at least for this season...

Am trying something a little different this year.  Along with the usual things we cover during our summer school session (reading, math, language skills, writing,(including remedial work wherever needed)  ASL, swimming, sports, crafts, movies, and projects, we are adding contests.  The weekly contests are spelling and geography bees, a science fair, art and poetry writing contests, and summer long reading, Bible reading and blessing contests.  The blessing contest is all about finding ways to bless others.

In the meantime, I'm continuing to get school plans together, but that's another entry...

For those of you who are Jericho fans (or those who want to check out the show), there are two episodes airing tomorrow night starting at 8pm EST on CBS.  Please note the change in time.  The normal time is 9pm and is 8pm only to accommodate this extra episode. 

We did win our time slot in the Neilsen ratings last week, but not by all that much.  Remember, we really need folks to let CBS know we’re watching the show so we can get the ratings up there - very important if we are to get beyond the 7 episodes promised for Season 2 and to make sure we have a Season 3!!

If you are a Nielsen family, PLEASE keep all of your TVs tuned to Jericho when it is on so it will be counted for the ratings. 

If you are not a Nielsen family, please be sure to email CBS after you watch and thank them for putting Jericho back on the air.  Same thing if you watch online, tape and watch later, etc.

If you don't watch and you'd like to help keep a great show on the air, please check it out tomorrow night and if you can't check it out online. 

You can watch online at: 

http://www.cbs.com/primetime/jericho/

Go to the center top of the page where it says "Video" and scroll down to "Watch Full Episodes" and click.  You can watch all episodes from there.

and you can contact CBS at:

http://www.cbs.com/

Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on Feedback and a form comes up you can use.

Personally, our entire family would REALLY appreciate as many as possible giving CBS a great big Thank You for putting the show back on the air!!  Because of the quality of the majority of TV shows, Jericho is the only show our family watches aside from the news.  Thanks Everybody and God Bless!!

Please check this show out!!  It's one of the rare ones.  Wonderfully written and acted and totally riveting.  It's clean too.  No dirty jokes, no garbage.  The violence of warfare done was carefully staged, in context, and with a minimum of blood and gore.  The only negative I can see from it's first season was that one of the characters was having an affair and that was denounced by his own mother (very well handled and shown to be wrong).  With all of the garbage on TV these days, this show is a standout for its quality.  To be honest, now that reruns of The Waltons and Touched by an Angel are no longer shown, Jericho is the only show that our family watches on TV other than the news. 

Many people fought hard to get it back on the air after it was cancelled and we are blessed to have it back.  Reruns will be throughout the summer, with 7 episodes coming sometime this fall.  If we want more, CBS needs to see big numbers of viewers, a tall order in the summer, but it would be just great if everyone who can would take the time to watch and see why 6.5 million viewers are raving about this great show. 

We really need folks to let CBS know we are watching the show so we can see the ratings up there - very important if we are to get beyond the 7 episodes promised for Season 2 and to make sure we have a Season 3!!

If you are a Nielsen family, PLEASE keep all of your TVs tuned to Jericho when it is on so it will be counted for the ratings.

If you are not a Nielsen family, please be sure to email CBS after you watch and thank them for putting Jericho back on the air. Same thing if you watch online, tape and watch later, etc.

If you don't watch and you'd like to help keep a great show on the air, please check it out tomorrow night and if you can't check it out online.

You can watch online at:

http://www.cbs.com/primetime/jericho/

Go to the center top of the page where it says "Video" and scroll down to "Watch Full Episodes" and click. You can watch all episodes from there.

and you can contact CBS at:

http://www.cbs.com/

Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on Feedback and a form comes up you can use.

Personally, I would REALLY appreciate as many as possible giving CBS a great big Thank You for putting the show back on the air!! And Spread the Word!!! Thanks Ladies!!

It became official last Wednesday that our fight to get the CBS show, Jericho, back for a 2nd season is a done deal.  Just found out that the reruns of Season 1 will begin on July 6th, with Season 2 to begin sometime in October or November.  7 episodes have been ordered for Season 7, with the promise of more if the ratings are high. 

Now here's the thing.  If you love this show, watch it, from the reruns on and let CBS know you are watching - call, email or write them a letter or two and thank them!!  They will only extend Season 2 if the ratings grow.  The unfortunate thing here is that, although many people watch the show online or through TIVO, DVR, etc., only the Neilsens count towards the ratings at this time (Neilsen, as a result of what fans did towards getting Jericho back brought up, is working on a new way to include these others as part of the ratings, but at this point, all that CBS (and after all, they are a business, has to go on is the Neilsens).  From what I have heard, it is critical, because of this, that fans watch the televised broadcast and then let their voices be heard to CBS, show advertisers, etc.

Remember - July 6h - 9PM EST - Be there and spread the word!!!

Have had a lot of problems with my account over the last few months and am still working the bugs out (thanks to a couple of you wonderful blogger tech gals), so until I can get everything up and running again, let me give you all a quick update...

Life has been very hectic, but we're all hanging in there.  Ralph's doing well with the ITP and continues to not need treatment, Praise God, beyond the Chinese herbal regiment.  We're all thrilled and praising God and even his doctor admits that all she is doing is monitoring him!!  It's truly a God thing.

I am still recovering from a leg injury (muscle and tendon damage) from a year ago.  I'm a lot better, but a flight of stairs is still difficult at times.  The injury hurts my ability to do a lot of physical activity still, but I am slowly getting better.  It's been a real trial and very discouraging at times and I have to remind myself that I will totally, by the Grace of God, recover.

Now at 50, menopause is rearing it's head, but I'm really blessed, considering the horror stories I hear, that it's been a pretty easy ride so far.  Minimal symptoms, all manageable.  Recovering from this leg thing is far worse.  I think the worst of it is I retain water more easily and get weepy at times (just give me the right kind of music and I tear up in a hurry)

The kids are doing well, for the most part.  Our oldest dd is co-teaching 1st grade, still at a local Christian school.  No big romance yet, but we are waiting...Our oldest ds is busy at work and is considering taking civil service exams and leaving the company he is at - he's worship leader for a couple of young adult groups.  Saw him at one a couple of weeks ago and it was just so amazing to see.  Our 17 yo is our special needs student, but is continuing to work hard and this year has become fluent in ASL and a Missionettes leader.  One more year of school with me and she will start an online program to get her associate's degree in early childhood ed. (she's great with kids).  Our 14 yo dd is doing well and shows a lot of promise, especially in writing (like her big brother) and the little guy is now 8 and taught himself PowerPoint, and is now making movies for himself on the computer!! (scary)

Our work on the house is continuing to come along.  We finally replaced the shed that was destroyed in the storm in November and the yard is in a lot better shape now.  Most of the garden is planted, with just a little more to go.

We made the difficult decision to leave our church.  Despite what our pastor says, it continues to ignore a number of the needs of the youth, and as much as we love the people, it's a struggle.  We are not leaving there yet, but with the youth group ass't leader/choir director leaving in a matter of weeks, there is less and less there for the kids.  It's very sad. 

The good news is that a new church opened cross-town from us about 6 months ago (our oldest son goes to their young adults group) and it turns out that the pastor is an old friend and former associate pastor of ours from another church.  We are going to both services at both churches back to back on Sunday mornings until we sew up some loose ends for the kids, but then will most likely be just going to this new fellowship.

In the meantime, our home fellowship is going well.  What a blessing our little fellowship family has been to each other.  No words describe it.

Our 4 legged family members has increased by one.  Our little guy now has a little tuxedo kitty, whose momma was a feral cat.  Her name is Maggie.  Very cute, but very skittish.  Our older kitty is not happy with her, but our dog like her.  All three are going through some growing pains.

***One more thing, are there any fans of the TV show, Jericho, out there?  The show was cancelled, but there is a movement to get it back on the air that is just huge.  If anyone wants info, just give me a shout out...***

Blessings, Pam

Around our house, we're up to our necks, but so what else is new? LOL  Typical round here.  The holidays are just busier than usual.

Am waiting for the last couple of gifts to arrive, along with an order of clothing for me (don't you just love mail order?).  Still have the last couple of rehearsals for the children's choir for our little guy, the Christmas play for the older 4, the cantata for DH, our 2 younger girls and I and working on a special with our oldest son.  (Of course now I would strain my vocal chords and need to rest them...UGH!!)  Our Christmastime fellowship meeting went beautifully and it looks like it was a real blessing to all.

Still have clothing shopping to finish, decorating to do, a tree to get, cards to write and cookies to bake.

That along with school, rearranging 3 rooms and the day to day makes things soooo hectic, but the Lord impressed something on me that I shared at the fellowship.  We have choices to make, especially at this busy time of year, as to whether we are going to choose to be more of a Mary or a Martha.  Yes, we have to be a Martha and get things done, but, more importantly, we have to be a Mary and keep our spiritual focus in the midst of all of this busyness. 

One way the Lord impressed on me that we can do that is to focus on the fact that this is the celebration of Jesus' Birthday, so instead of focusing on planning and giving gifts to one another, let's plan on what we can give Him for His Birthday.  How can we do that? 

We can give Him our love, love others, our faith, our service, our humility, our finances, our praise and worship.  Remember, it's not all about us, it's all about Him.  Merry Christmas!!

I just read this on the blog of an online friend, (((Connie))), and wanted to share this.  (Hope that's okay, Connie.  This is soooo powerful!!):

The Seven "P's" of Highly Effective New School Years

1. Pray ~   Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
                      And lean not on your own understanding; 
                      In all your ways acknowledge Him, 
                      And He shall direct your paths. - Proverbs 3:5-6                  

First and foremost we must pray. Unless we put God first and seek his counsel, even the greatest plans or ideas will fail because they didn't come from Him.

2. Ponder ~ We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.  If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach;  if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully - Romans  12:6-8  

Consider the interests and special abilities that God has given to each one of your children and develop your curriulum around that. If they like what they are doing they are more apt to become independent learners and persue their interests during off school time as well.

3. Peruse ~ Look over the materials you already have and see if any of them fit the interests of your child. This will help you to avoid overbuying. Look through catalogs to find what might best meet the needs of your family and children. Don't forget to skim over those favorite books that help to motivate you and remind you why you homeschool in the first place. One of my favorites is "When you Rise Up" By R.C. Sproul Jr.

4. Prepare ~ You don't have to plan the whole year or even sememster at one time. You don't even have to have a definite plan for the first week. But you do need to have a few goals in place for each child and some idea of how you are going to meet those goals. Plan activities that fit with the goals you have. If your child needs to work on writing, have them start journaling, writing letters to grandparents, creating a family newsletter. If your child needs work in math, play store, count money, play games such as monopoly, cook and measure ingredients.

5. Purge ~ get rid of any and all outside activities that are not in keeping with your goals for your children and your family. Don't feel your child has to play a sport and take piano lessons just to get credit in physical education or fine arts. However, if your child is gifted or has special interest in an area, it may  be worth the sacrifice.

6. Play ~  Don't forget to schedule time to play together as a family. It could be an educational outing, or just a movie or game night.  No amount of education can make up for decline in family relationships. Make sure you are building strong family relationships, by spending fun time together. Take off your teacher hat and just be a mom sometimes.

7. Picture it ~ Believe that you will have a successful beginning to your year. If you believe in yourself and your children, they will know it and they will want to work harder. No one wants to fail at something. Usually failure comes from expectations that are too high, goals that are to lofty, or schedules that are to structured. Make sure you aren't expecting more of yourself or your children than any of you can live up to.

With many thanks to Sheri who started this on Blogspot and my online friend, (((Connie))), here is a wonderful list called "A Month of Praise".  I hope to make this a sidebar as soon as I can figure out how!!  Hope to update this monthly...

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. -

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (New International Version)

Aug 1   ~ Answered Prayer
Aug 2   ~ A long walk in the early morning
Aug 3   ~ Having time to read a good book
Aug 4   ~ A good movie that makes you cry
Aug 5   ~ Living your life in God's will
Aug 6   ~ Having enough money to catch up on bills

Aug 7   ~ Having enough money to be able to get away
Aug 8   ~ Starting a new, small scale, home improvement project  
Aug 9   ~ Owning your own home and the freedom it gives you
Aug 10 ~ Memories of what a marriage and family can build together
Aug 11 ~ Baby steps in the right direction
Aug 12 ~ A Project that turned out better than I expected
Aug 13 ~ Fellowship with Christian Friends
Aug 14 ~ My son's sense of humor
Aug 15 ~ Knowing God is in control in the midst of tribulation
Aug 16 ~ Finding a new favorite Bible passage
Aug 17 ~ The blessing of having enough of what you and your loved ones need.
Aug 18 ~ Having someone tell you they have been praying for you
Aug 19 ~ Saturdays, and no place you have to be
Aug 20 ~ Community Worship
Aug 21 ~ Downtime, a comfy couch and a beautiful lake to sit by
Aug 22 ~ Bonfires and singing  

Aug 23 ~ Uninterrupted cuddle time with my husband
Aug 24 ~ Picnic in the park
Aug 25 ~ Canoeing on a calm and peaceful lake
Aug 26 ~ Coming home
Aug 27 ~ A new blogging friend and a post that makes you laugh
Aug 28 ~ Forgiveness
Aug 29  ~ Praise and Worship Time
Aug 30  ~ Knowing we have a loving God who hears our prayers.

Aug 31 ~ New Christian Friends

...My hubby did have the 2nd blood test and his platelet numbers rose even further to 90K last week.  The immediate crisis appears to be over, Praise God!!  Now for the healing...

We have two really wierd pets.  Our cat, Fluffy, prefers dog food to cat food and our dog, Shaina, is more than willing to share.  We're expecting Fluffy to start barking any day now.

As for Shaina, we're starting to think she's a cat in a dog's body.  Why you ask??  Shaina has gotten into the habit of hanging out with me when I'm doing school paperwork while relaxing on our bed.  Not a problem, until I add one teeny, tiny piece of information.  She jumps up, sprawls out and puts her paws over my work, effectively stopping me from working.  She does this every time.  I thought only cats do that! LOL

...So many papers, so little time.  I'm doing paperwork for school plans for the new school year.  We start in early August.  It will be the beginning of our 22nd year of homeschooling.  Can you imagine that?  When we started homeschooling, many people didn't even know it was legal and there weren't nearly the amount of curricula available - I think I only knew of A Beka, BJU, and Christian Liberty back then.  The other resources were totally different too - no internet, DVDs, or CD-Roms. 

Back then, when we began homeschooling, we had 2 children, now we have 5.

I was teaching only 1, our then 4 year old daughter, inbetween caring for our 6 month old son.  Now, both of them have graduated, one is a teacher and the other a mechanic's apprentice and I'm teaching their 3 younger siblings, 2 sisters and little brother, who weren't even thought of when we began our homeschooling adventure.

This year, I'll be teaching 2nd, 8th, and 11th grades.

I've changed as a teacher too.  I used only what we well-known and familiar, mostly textbooks and workbooks.  Now, I mix it up.  Here's a quick overview of this year's materials:

2nd Grade:

- Bible:  Bibleman Bible, Leading Little Ones to God, www.faith4living.com

- Reading - Handbook for Reading, The Bridge Book, Happiness Hill, Growing Up Where Jesus Lived, Pilgrim Boy - A Beka, Stories About God's People & More Stories About God's People - Rod & Staff, with others based on student interest.

- Phonics - Complete Book of Phonics - Gr. 2 and AlphaPhonics

- Language - Everything for Early Learning

- Writing - www.edhelper.com

- Penmanship - Bible Scriptures from www.faith4living.com

- Spelling and Vocabulary - Workpages from www.edHelper.com

- Math - Total Math - Gr. 2 and portions of Math 2 for Christian Schools - BJU

- History - Our America - A Beka and Heritage Studies 2 for Christian Schls - BJU

- Geography - Exploring Our World w/Maps - Rushdoony, www.enchantedlearning.com

- Science - Enjoying God's World - A Beka & Science for Every Kid series - Van Cleave

- Health - Health, Safety, and Manners 2 - A Beka & The Body Book - SIlver/Wynne

- Music - www.classicsforkids.com , Music Reading Activities-Mitchell, SilverBurdett Music

- Art - Art with a Purpose - Rod & Staff, Childcraft - Make & Do, Artrageous CD-Rom

- Physical Education - We Win-Marini, President's Challenge Prog.,others based on interest.

8th Grade:

- Bible - Spirit-Filled Bible, Book of Virtues-Bennett, Family Walk - Wilkerson

- Math - Exploring Mathematics Gr.8 - Scott Foresman, pgs from Math 8 for Christian Schls-BJU, Math & Geometry for Every Kid-VanCleave, Pro-One Pre-Algebra CD-Rom

- Reading - Adventures in Reading - Lodge, The Book of Virtues - Bennett & Reading for Appreciation-Bk 1 - Grady/Klapper

- Grammar - Middle School Grammar CD-Rom & Easy Grammar workpages

- Writing - The Write Stuff Adventure - Rea & Macmillian English

- Spelling and Vocabulary - www.edhelper.com

- History/Geography - America, Land I love - A Beka & The Complete Student Atlas - Holt, Rinehart and Winston

- Science - Earth Science for Christian Schools - BJU, For Every Kid series - Van Cleave & Physical Science - Merrill

- Health - Let's Be Healthy - A Beka, Christian Charm Course - Hunter & Family Guide to Natural Medicine - Reader's Digest

- Home Ec./Practical Arts - Pro One Typing Teacher, Back to Basics - Reader's Digest, Learn to Sew - Simplicity, More-with-Less Cookbook - Longacre, Cooking for Life - Tessler, Science Experiments You Can Eat - Cobb, The Way Things Work - McCauley

- Art - Nourishing Creativity - Brennick, Drawing with Children - Brookes, Places in Art - Peppin, The Story of Painting - Usborne

- Music:  Violin and voice lessons:  First Lessons in Violin - Mel Bay and Teaching Kids to Sing I & II – Vocal Workout series, Music Reading Activities Kit - Mitchell, www.classicsforkids.com , www.classicalarchives.com

- Physical Education - We Win - Marini, activities  from The President's Challenge Program Fitness at Home-Kidd, Praise Aerobics, Dance For Joy, Ballet Lessons for Beginners VHS

11th Grade:

- Bible - Church, Missions & Jewish History - 100 Most Important Events in Christian History – Curtis/Lang/Petersen, readings from Operation World - Johnstone, Jesus Freaks 1 & 2 – DC Talk/Voice of the Martyrs, From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya – Tucker, and A Historical Atlas of the Jewish People – Barnavi

- American Literature - Readings from Beginning in American Literature and The Literature of the American People - A Beka, plus reading list (incl Uncle Tom's Cabin - Stowe, others)

- Grammar - Multimedia High School Grammar CD-Rom

- Writing - Houghton Mifflin English, Practical English Writing Skills - Scheraga, The Write Stuff Adventure – Rea

- Spelling and Vocabulary - www.edhelper.com

- Business Math - Business Mathematics - A Beka

- Social Studies - United States History for Christian Schools - BJU & The Complete School Atlas - Holt, Rinehart, and Winston

- Plant Science - Introductory Horticulture – Reiley/Shry, additional readings from Plant Science – Hartmann/Flocker/ Korfanek, Square Food Gardening – Bartholomew, Complete Guide to Gardening – Better Homes and Gardens, and The World Book Encyclopedia Reading and Study Guide

- Fine Arts III – Theater, Radio, Television and Film History - Various websites, tapes, DVDs & CD-Roms, guidelines from the World Book Encyclopedia Subject Guide & field trips to the Museum of the Moving Image & the Museum of Radio & Television

- American Sign Language II - Joy of Signing - Riekehof, Signing Made Easy video, Webster's Millenium American Sign Language Learning System 4 CD Set, video materials from God’s Discipling Hands Ministry Learning American Sign Language - http://www.lessontutor.com/ASLgenhome.html

- Physical Education - We Win - Marini, The President's Challenge Program - www.presidentschallenge.org, Fitness at Home – Kidd, Praise Aerobics VHS, Dance For Joy (Hebraic dance), various additional exercise & dance DVDs.

The internet and our Netflix subscription will be a godsend this year.  We'll be using a lot of supporting materials from both of them. 

...What a year so far.  So much has happened.  Our little guy's ear surgery, the passing of my hubby's aunt (who was such a wonderful, Godly lady), the passing of our beloved Shiloh, my leg injury, the recent scare with my hubby's platelet count, respiratory viruses, and other little goodies too.  All this has come on the heels of 2 rough years, years where our family has lost so many people we loved, my grandmother, my best friend, changes in other relationships, and my husband's serious bout with ITP and his year long battle to regain his health.  It was getting me sooo discouraged. 

Somewhere in the midst of all of this, I started praying, Lord, I don't get all this.  If you're trying to get our attention, You've surely got it, now what are You trying to teach us.  Here's the answer.  After I prayed, the Lord gave me the scripture from Isaiah that "no weapon formed against thee will prosper". 

While the Lord has healing and other great gifts for us, sometimes, He will use situations in our lives to teach us things as well.  He has allowed these situations to show us that He is fully capable of taking us through it all.  In each of our situations, He has allowed our family to walk through it all, but He has graciously taken us through it all and gotten us through it all. 

Personally, I hope we've all learned the lesson the Lord has been trying to teach us so we can get past it and move on.  I'm praying for a break in these difficult lessons.

I don't know about my hubby or any other member of this household, but, me, I'm tired...LOL

...that my darling husband remains in remission from the ITP!!  His numbers are better, definitely safe now.  He has another blood test in 2 wks. and if the results are also good, we go back to monthly monitoring.  What a relief!!  Thank You Jesus!!

Those who read this, I'd appreciate if you add my husband to your prayer list long term.  We deal with this regularly and are asking the Lord for a total and complete healing from this disorder...MTIA...

My heart just hurts.  I frequent a couple of Christian message boards and on one of them, I've been seeing some of the most horrendous behavior out of a couple of the people who post there.  Behavior that, IMHO, in no way, shape or form is Christlike. 

Why can't the Body of Christ simply do what Jesus did??  I'm telling you, it's sooo sad.  I keep imagining if some new Christian or a non-believer, maybe someone who's seeking God comes and sees something like this, how they would thinka nd feel.  Don't people realize that when you are giving a gift as incredible as salvation, when you are privledged enough to be able to use the term "Christian" in reference to yourself, that with that privledge is given an obligation to act in a Christlike manner?

Do we all blow it now and then?  Of course, with the chief offender being me, right here.  But what do you say or do when an offending party is exhibiting the same type of behavior and hurting people over and over again?  You pray for that person, and speak to them in love.  Do you stand by and just watch?  Personally, I don't believe so....Sad situation...

Well, it's been challenging here.  My husband had a blood test last week that may suggest that the ITP, the blood disorder my husband's been in remission with for over a year, may be kicking up.  Considering the stress we've been under, along with this nasty respiratory bug we've all been getting and can't seem to get rid of, I guess it was possible.  For those who don't know what the heck it is, ITP is ideopathic thrombocytopenia, a rare autoimmune disorder where the blood platelet number is too low, which can cause bruises and, in rare cases, even cause a fatal brain bleed. 

Ralph's had it since the early '90's but has had only 2 attacks in 15 years.  We're just praying he's not starting Round 3.  He just went for another blood test today that will tell us more.  If he is, prednisone is the likely solution, but the side effects are lousy.  Fortunately, he has a wonderful hematologist who is not pressing the panic button and will only treat him when absolutely necessary and accepts Ralph's decision to responsibly use a blending of traditional and alternative meds to treat him.  Our alternative practitioners that are wonderful as well. 

Prednisone is the least invasive kind of traditional treatment for ITP, and Ralph chooses to use it as a stopgap measure, using homeopathy and a regiment of Chinese herbs instead of other means.  So far, so good, but today's blood test results, due either later today or tomorrow, will tell us for sure. 

That's the old problem.  Now here's the new way.  I'm a classic worrywort.  Now I know what the Bible says about anxiety, etc., but it's a struggle for me in the flesh.  I'm trying to leave this one in God's Hands.  I'm doing okay, with occasional ups and downs and each time I try to take the worry back, I'm mentally trying not to.  An exercise in faith?  You bet.

Sunday was a difficult day in other ways.  You see, my best friend died a year ago this past Sunday.  Jon was like the brother I never had, a dear friend since high school.  It's been a tough year without my dear friend, tougher still since 2 other close friends, who were close despite only periodic contact, have basically dropped off the radar of my life - one who I know since junior high and is living about 1,500 miles away from me who, when menopause hit, just got nasty and dropped out of sight, the other who lives nearby and although I love her dearly, has been a bit of a fair-weather friend for quite a while, just dropped out of sight all together.  Usually, when that happens, I re-initiate contact.  This time, I waited, simply because there has been so much on my own plate this year.  Anyway, it's been a good 7-8 months since I've heard from her either.  Now all of these people have known me between 16-37 years, so I had a lot invested in each of these relationships, so believe me, it hurts like the dickens.  I'm starting to think I need a new set of friends...an have a number of good acquaintances at church and one good friend locally through homeschooling circles that I know for years and years, not to mention my precious online friends, especially on a message board I frequent, but somehow, it's not the same.  I really feel the absence of these other lifelong friendships. 

I think what is happening is that the Lord is forcing me to turn to Him more, which can only be a good thing.  He always wants to be our 1st love and our best friend.  I'm truly blessed to be married and in love with my 2nd best friend, my wonderful husband.  Beyond that, it all pales in comparison anyway. 

One prayer of my heart is that the Lord gives me a close girlfriend to fellowship with locally.  I have a wonderful online friend who lives in PA who has become like a sister to me.  We've met twice in real life, with a possible 3rd time later this year when my hubby and I go to PA on a weekend getaway.  I love this girl to pieces and she gets me like few do.  What a blessing she is!!  (And if you read this, "M", you know who you are!!)  ;)  Still, I long for someone here as well and it's something I'm leaving in the Lord's Hands.

Have been laid up for weeks, recovering from a leg injury, but it's really starting to show improvement.  Still need a cane at times, but can do more and more now, which feels oh-so-good.  Have been redeeming the time doing school planning, research, paperwork, praying, etc.  Sorry to say, I need to do more Bible reading, but to tell the truth, I was in too much pain sometimes to concentrate.  Still, as tough a time as it's been, it's been a good one too, but I'm glad we're one the tail end of it!

Now, if I can only get rid of this respiratory thing...Oh well...Lord?  What's up with this??......

Shaina, the newest member of the family, has only been here for 6 days, but she's endeared herself to every 2 legged member of the family, and even the cat is coming to terms with her presence.  Adopting her is proving to be a win-win.  She's so affectionate and sweet, but yes, she's still a puppy, just a big puppy.  She's about a year old and, according to the vet, someone took very good care of her.  She got her shots and blood work yesterday and the vet confirmed that she's already been spayed!  Her comment was, "someone really took good care of her".

Problems, yeah, there are some.  She's still having some accidents around the house, and when she gets excited, she jumps on people (to lick them), barks incessively at other dogs at times, and has been known to sit in a chair or two, but the joy she is bringing into this house outrules the bad habits that need to be broken.  She wakes each of us each morning with paws on the bed and lots of kisses.  She's adorable with her own stuffed toy pup; she treats it like a baby.  She loves to cuddle with all of us and demands belly rubs several times a day.  She's even making peace with the cat!  My husband, who has never been a dog lover, is totally in love with this dog! 

Am renting a copy of The Dog Whisperer to help us train her and there's always the dog obedience program at Petco, if we need it beyond that.  It's just great to have so much joy back in the house...

Hope everyone has a happy and safe 4th of July.  Remember today to count your blessings that you live in a free, albeit, flawed nation and can openly praise our Lord, homeschool, and live in freedom. 

In honor of the day, and those lost and those whose lives changed forever on 9/11 and for all those soldiers around the world who are fighting the good fight to defend our country and freedom everywhere, as well as their families, who make so many sacrifices, I've added a video movie, "There She Stands".  I hope every time it's watched, it will remind folks to never forget 9/11 and never forget to pray for our soldiers and their families...

Since Shiloh died, it's been a bit sad and, even with 7 of us here, a little lonely, but we all agreed that the best way to honor Shiloh's memory was to adopt another dog.  We prayed for the right dog and the right timing and it's happened sooner than we ever dreamed.

I was perusing www.petfinder.com and did a search of the local town shelters (my husband and I always believed that it was far better to rescue a dog from a shelter than to spend the money to adopt a purebred, unless, of course, you're planning to breed dogs, which we don't), and saw 2 dogs at the same shelter that looked great, but collie shepherds like Shiloh, one, a little boy, who looked a little more shepherd than collie, but with much of Shiloh's coloring, (he resembled Shiloh almost too much) and a little girl, a honey colored collie shepherd with black markings (that had a similar look to Shiloh in shape, but much different in coloring).  My husband saw the little boy, Billy, last week, but there was nothing outstanding about him and my husband just felt the timing was off.  The little girl was still on my mind and heart and I kept checking on her.

Finally, my husband turns around to me Friday night, after seeing another bunny on the lawn, teasingly said, that we needed to get another dog just to let the rabbits know they can't have the run of the place and ruin the garden.  Turns out, it was his was of saying that maybe it was time to start looking in earnest for another dog. 

I came back to the ad for the little girl and showed it to him.  We've always had male dogs, and knew nothing about her, so I called the shelter.  Turns out, they loved her there, but knew little about her, except that she was found wandering around a local shopping center 6 weeks ago (they nicknamed her Target Dog and Lady - the first for the location she was found in, not how she looks - LOL and the second for her manner).  No one claimed her in all that time.  She was the darling of the shelter, considered to be the best behaved and most well liked dog there.  She was about a year old, very friendly, well mannered, housebroken, and seemed to have some obedience training, although that was uncertain.  A little shorter than your average collie shepherd mix (I know the breed a little, this is my 4th one in the last 34 years), honey colored with black markings, a shepherd's coat with a collie tail and face.  DH and I had to go out of state for a funeral Monday (his aunt went home to be with the Lord), so he sent our 21 yo son, who knows dogs and our 25 yo daughter to check her out, with his blessings to bring her home if it all worked out.

Well, our oldest son and daughter went, leaving our 16 yo daughter to watch the younger 2, and not telling them, went to check the dog out.  She was beautiful, both inside and out.  She's sweet, playful, friendly, intelligent, the kind of dog you'd never believe was a stray.  Our son and daughter were even able to take her into the cat kennel area and she did well there as well.  Five hours and one rabies shot later, and she was ours.  My husband and I were able to be there, via telephone to hear the shouts of joy when our youngest 3 children met her.

We've named her Shaina (shay-nah), which in Yiddish means "beautiful", and she is, both inside and out.  She immediately befriended each member of our household and seems to divide her time between each of us.  She and our cat, Fluffy, are still adjusting to each other, and there's been some hissing, spitting, barking and a wee bit of growling, but it's easing up.  Not bad for less than 24 hours.  She already seems to know her name and "sit".  We're thrilled to have her.  We can't imagine why anyone would let her go, or, if she was lost, why no one looked for her at the local shelter, or why she wasn't adopted in those 6 weeks there.  The only conclusion my husband and I can come to is that the Lord, in His infinite wisdom, knew that it was Shiloh's time and that we would need a very special dog to be our new companion.  Shaina will never replace Shiloh, but we know that Shaina was heaven sent.  Her full name, by the way, is Shaina bat Shiloh (Yiddish and Hebrew for "Beautiful daughter of Shiloh, beautiful daughter of peace".  It fits her so well.  Once I figure out how to post pics here, I'll post her picture.