Hi! Welcome to my blog! My name is Jane (PlainJane) and I am the blessed and happy wife to Jeff and doubly blessed mama of two perfectly wonderful daughters. Please join me as I share our Lifestyle of Learning through Christian homeschooling and homesteading on our little hobby farm with our prairie girls.
Amber (Bookworm) is our dd15/soon 10th grader.
Our perfectionist and over-achiever. She loves reading, playing violin, her Paint horse, Annie, and being a farm girl.
Anna (Ladybug)
is our dd12/soon 7th grader.
Our "girls just want to have fun" girl. She loves to play and has a great sense of humor, but also enjoys cooking, music, and her AQHA pony, Kitty.
We are finished reading
the Moody books
By Sarah Maxwell
and HIGHLY recommend them
Please click on images for
information
~ I am a part of... ~
he said to them, "Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. They are not just idle words for you -- THEY ARE YOUR LIFE. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess." Deuteronomy 32:46-47
Jul. 4, 2009~ Vaccinations ~
Okay, so I guess it's no secret that I'm against vaccines, ANY vaccines, but of course I'm not a doctor, it's up to you as an individual and as a parent to decide, all's I ask is that you...
Like most, I didn't know vaccines could harm my child and so for the first year and half of our our oldest child's life, she received the usual rounds of vaccinations that I was told were "required" -- DTP, Polio, Measles, Ruebella, and Mumps. And similarily, our second child also received her shots for the first year of her life, BUT THEN, THANKFULLY, I read the book "A Shot in the Dark", or rather, I devoured that book - and bawled at the end of each chapter as true stories were told of children that either died or were permanently damaged as a direct result of vaccinations they received. It was a terribly emotionally draining book for me, but I had to know the truth. That did it for me, my children weren't going to get any more shots! I knew it was only by the grace of God that our children were okay. I could go on and on why we don't vaccinate (or do the flu shot), but it would be better if the experts told you, so here are some resources I am recommending on the subject...
No, you dont HAVE to have your child immunized for anything and it's NOT required by law as some forms and people insist. I simply sign the "conscientiously opposed" part of the immunization record and have it notarized. The government is pushing to see that every person (not just child, but adult as well) receives all immunizations, but beware, it's all about the money and I don't believe it's safe. Whenever you have to sign a form at the doctor's office giving permission or as a release of liability before a shot or medication is given, think first! Ask why!
P.S. - We no longer vaccinate our animals either, and they have all been much healthier since we stopped.
And one last thought: A very close friend and I were recently discussing vaccinations and she pointed out that:; "One thing that got me thinking negatively on them [vaccinations] is that there is no precedent for ANYTHING like that in the Bible. You never give someone a little bit of evil to strengthen their immunity to it..." I thought that was a very good point.
So, I'm not telling you what to do, but all's I'm saying is get ALL the facts. The government won't tell you the down side of all these vaccinations and most often, your dr. is not taught the down side either and doesn't know the potential dangers. It's up to you as a parent to educate yourself - afterall, your child's life is at stake.
Usually our horse trainer comes around 2:30 p.m., but because of the extreme heat of yesterday and now today again (a feels like temp. of 100 to 105), we are expecting her around 8:00 a.m. so we can get our lesson in before it heats up too much. The rest of the day we will probably be spending it mostly in the basement (where there is no computer ) where it's cool. We will be out misting the horses a couple of times today too to help cool them down
...and the forecasters were predicting a cooler than normal summer. (I love it when God shows them who's boss). lol
I'm really thankful for this heat - I'm thawing out from our extremely cold winter and spring. Now if we could just get a bit more rain.
Jun. 22, 2009~ The Simple Woman's Daybook - Monday, June 22, 2009 ~
For Today, Monday, June 22nd, 2009
Outside My Window... we have gray skies and it's misting; it's 71 - looking for a high of 89. VERY HUMID! All is still.
I'm thinking... I need to get out to the barn. I want to turn the horses out early so they aren't hungry when we go out to play with them later this morning - if it stops misting.
From the learning rooms... I have been working on a school schedule for this fall - I think I have it done, but I sure didn't shorten it up any like I hoped. I am currently working on writing out our daily Bible reading/Bedell lesson plan for the school year - nearly done. We are really going to be booking it through the rest of the Old Testament with about 100 verses a day + lesson.
I am thankful for... our family and our animals (also family); some rain last evening.
From the kitchen...
M - Amber's Choice
T - Pancakes
W - Corn Dogs
TH - Deluxe Baked Bean Hotdish
F - Sloppy Joes
S - Chicken Fried Rice
I am wearing... long gray shorts; lavender t-shirt; barefoot; hair is in pony and flipped up.
I am hoping... to get a summer routine going - need to hoe weeds daily; play with horses; and paint - I need to make up a schedule for ME.
I am creating... working to create a nice flower bed.
I am hearing... The other computer's hum, the clock ticking, birds singing, pheasant (making whatever you call that sound that they make), a content little blow from one of the horses.
Around the house & barn... Monday clean-up & laundry - special cleaning in the barn and chicken coop. Play with the horses.
One of my favorite things... hearing the Truth of God's Word preached.
I am going... to be home most of this week - have a little bit of running later in the week. A few plans for the rest of the week...
Housework; gardening; play with the horses; returning some clothes I bought last week and have now tried on; going to Barnes & Noble; a mother/daughter tea party with some of the church gals.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
A spinner (a button on string) contest is always a part of the Friday progarm at the One Room Schoolhouse. Here Anna (third from left) is competing with her age peers. This week is always a highlight of our summer. This is about our 7th year attending and Amber, though graduated, enjoyed being a teacher's assistant. It is such a blessing to have such a program so close to us - many drive from miles away just to attend or visit local friends/relatives for the week just so they can come and re-enact school as it was in 1904 (some even from Wisconsin or 4 hrs. away in any direction).
That's all for today!
Thanks for stopping! Warm Wishes for a Wonderful Week!
Much thanks to our hostessPeggyfor the Simple Woman's Daybook.
Jun. 15, 2009~ The Simple Woman's Daybook - Monday, June 15th ~
For Today, Monday, June 15th, 2009
Outside My Window... it's a LOVELY day; 83 in the shade. The wind is picking up and rain is headed our way. The horses are up at the barn for their afternoon nap.
I'm thinking... I need to get off the computer and do something productive around the house.
From the learning rooms... I have just 2 milk crates of unused homeschool books left after the garage sale - I suppose I better post them somewhere - it would be nice to have them gone before school starts this fall. I have my Teaching Textbooks Math Grade 7 ordered; still need to order Christian Light Home Ec. for Ladybug and Spencerian Penmanship for both girls; and I'd like the Eyewitness or DK book on gems or rocks and minerals (Next year's science focus).
I am thankful for... all of God's rich blessings! Just off the top of my head, I'm thankful for my husband's good job and for the priviledge of homeschooling.
From the kitchen...
M - Twice Smoked Ham
T - Baked Chicken
W - Spaghetti & Garlic Bread
TH - Burgers & Home Fries
F - Pizza
S - Chicken Fried Rice
I am wearing... long denim skirt; light blue t-shirt; barefoot; hair is flipped up off my neck.
I am hearing... The other computer's hum, the clock ticking, the wind whistling in the window, and the sewing machine - Anna is whipping up a matching head scarf to the skirt she plans on wearing tomorrow.
Around the house & barn... General clean-up. Still need to play with the horses later as there's an 80% chance of rain for tomorrow.
One of my favorite things... happy children.
I am going... to be taking the girls to one-room schoolhouse all this week (and back again); need to do some serious clothes shopping later this week for ME. A few plans for the rest of the week...
Besides taking the girls to one-room schoolhouse? Just housework, gardening, paly with the horses, shopping - oh, and Saturday we are having a big family portrait done for the in-law's 50th wedding anniversary.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
The girls arrive at one-room schoolhouse (posing with a couple of their friends). Amber is too old to be a student, but is volunteering as a teacher's assistant for the week. A fun class - the girls already know half of the class.
That's all for today!
Thanks for stopping! Warm Wishes for a Wonderful Week!
Much thanks to our hostessPeggyfor the Simple Woman's Daybook.
Here's what's been going on in our neck of the woods...
More Horse Riding, of course.
Everyone gets their fair turn.
All tuckered out.
Anna keeps working with Kitty, teaching her to bow. She is coming along well - but it seems like Anna can only get her to bow her head or bend the knee, but not both at the same time - at least not for the camara.
We had a garage sale last Thursday & Friday - the girls enjoyed weaving around the tables when there wasn't any customers (which there was a lot of lull time).
A mouse made it's appearance in the garage at the start of the sale, but never fear, our trusty mouser has it cornered.
With plenty of down time at the sale, we did a little work in our hosta glade next to the front door.
View from our front entry through the screen door.
I love our Dianthus, we have 3 of them and they give so much color and fragrance.
Isn't this rose bush a beauty? - full of blooms.
Our hummingbird feeder hangs above the hostas. There is a constant stream of visitors here throughout the day.
Thanks for stopping by - I'll do a Daybook a little later today. Have a good day!!!
Jun. 8, 2009~ The Simple Woman's Daybook - Monday, June 8th, 2009 ~
For Today, Monday, June 8th, 2009 Outside My Window... Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord!!! We are getting our much-needed soaker rain - puddles and mud everywhere! It's a cool, c!oudy 47 degrees; looking for a high of only 53. Our normal high/low for this time of year is 77/56.
I'm thinking... I need to visit a couple of friend's blogs today and see if they have posted about their special weekends.
From the learning rooms... I went through my stacks of books and made a long list to post on Craigslist today and put on my garage sale later this week. I am serious about clearing out a bunch of this unused stuff. I also thought through what I need for the coming school year and here is my list: Teaching Textbooks Math Grade 7 for Ladybug; Christian Light Home Ec. for Ladybug; maybe a Spencerian Penmanship for both girls just for fun; and I'd like the Eyewitness or DK book on gems or rocks and minerals (Next year's science focus). That's it! Otherwise, we are officially done with school for the year - we are working with the horses 6 days a week, 2 hrs. a day, weather permitting.
I am thankful for... the rain!
From the kitchen...
M - Chili & Corn Bread
T - Loaded Baked Potatos
W - Ladybug's Choice
TH - Baked Bean Hotdish
F - Pizza
S - Steak and JoJo's
I am wearing... long denim skirt; navy fleecy top; just put on some sports socks since I was cold; hair is wet and pulled back in a pony.
I am creating... a more simple home - gathering stuff to sell.
I am hearing... The other computer's hum, the clock ticking, the rain falling.
Around the house & barn... Too wet to be outside much. Spending the day indoors with housework and getting stuff together for my garage sale. Will let the chicks out later when the rain lets up.
One of my favorite things... I love the sound of rain.
I am going... to be home most of the week, yeah!!! A few plans for the rest of the week...
M - laundry; clean main level, gather stuff for garage sale, help DH pick out new glasses frames, too wet to play with horses T - Ironing; horse riding lessons for the girls; more cleaning. W - play with horses; gardening; get garage sale set up.
TH - garage sale; violin lesson for Bookworm; play with horses - maybe. F - garage sale, clean up after garage sale, play with horses S - do some shopping; horses
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
The girls are modelling their new skirts. Bookworm is wearing the khaki skirt that I ordered from Hannah Lise (I got Ladybug one also). Ladybug is wearing the skirt she finished making Saturday night and wore all day Sunday. She still wants to sew a couple of rows of ribbon near the bottom.
That's all for today!
Thanks for stopping! Warm Wishes for a Wonderful Week!
Much thanks to our hostessPeggyfor the Simple Woman's Daybook.
Whenever I find something neat, I like to pass it on just in case you might be interested too. Here are a couple of my latest finds ...
First, while on an extensive search for some sheet music of "The Happy Day Express" (one with cords - haven't found that yet ), I came across this ; and even though my girls are older now, I think I'll still get these CD's - they have a lot of good songs that bring back wonderful memories that I still enjoy singing.
Here are the links to listen to sample clips of all the songs...
You can also download any song you wish separately on your MP3.
Secondly, us girls have really been into skirts lately. We do sew on occassion, but let's face it, I'm no seamstress - and my girls would like some more nice conservative skirts before they grow old and I figure out this sewing thing, so I happened upon this site recently...they have "long dresses and skirts without slits and tops that cover". So when you don't have time (or skill) to sew or need something in a hurry (like we did), I recommend these people. Their prices and quality are comparable to what you might find in a store (but you probably won't find these modest items anywhere). I still prefer The King's Daughters for high-quality made-to-order clothing, but this time we were in a hurry for matching skirts for a up-coming 50th Anniversary photo and these skirts would work just fine. (You may find other seamstresses of modest clothing here).
(I'll insert a photo here of the girls wearing their new khaki skirts later)
And lastly, I've been wanting to tell you about a product (totally unrelated to the above 2 items) that I discovered a few months ago that REALLY WORKS for dry feet!
My Story: A few years ago we had a 10' above-ground pool (without pump). We never had any success with it and it took on a beautiful rust & slime appearance - only the bugs liked it. Without lots of expensive chemicals that I didn't know how to use and a pump, we were doomed! So come fall, I gave up and just emptied the thing. However, not realizing what I was doing to my body, I held down one side of the pool in my bare feet to let it drain. Welllll, that little act in turn exposed my feet to some nasty bacteria of some sort and I develped really dry feet. I went to the foot dr., but I guess the only cure for it is to take medication for a year or so, but oh by the way, it may ruin your kidneys in the process. No thank you! I tried a few natural soaks, but nothing seemed to work until a few months ago, I bought some Flexitol Heel Balm at Walmart. Now, I gotta tell you, when I bought this stuff, the bottom of my feet were at their worst - sooo dry they cracked deep and it was painful to even walk - I could peel layers of dry, dead skin off - really gross, so I had nothing to lose. So, imagine my surprise and delight when this simple over-the-counter cream actually began working almost immediately and within about 2 or 3 weeks, my feet were completely back to normal. Now, I have to say, the cream doesn't completely heal my feet, I stiill rub it on perhaps once a week, but it's so nice to see a simple product do as it claims - I highly recommend it.
Okay, so I'm not getting paid or anything to tell you about these things -- just gabbing. You know, sometimes the best stuff comes just by word-of-mouth from friends. What do you really, really like?
Jun. 1, 2009~ The Simple Woman's Daybook - Monday, June 1, 2009 ~
For Today, Monday, June 1st, 2009 Outside My Window... cloudy and a cool 44 - looking for a high of 70 & sunny. I see lots of white clover flowers and semi-green grass from lack of rain.
I'm thinking... I need to do something around my herb garden - the thyme is taking over my back yard.
From the learning rooms... We are officially done with school for the year - our learning room is now out in the paddock, working with the horses 6 days a week, 2 hrs. a day, weather permitting. I should put away this past year's things and start thinking about this fall - perhaps all I need to order is the next Teaching Textbooks math for Ladybug.
I am thankful for... the Lord's Blessings!
From the kitchen...
M - Lasagna
T - Wild Rice Soup & Breadsticks
W - Garden Salad & Left Overs
TH - Hamburger Hotdish
F - Sauteed Sirloin Tips & Potato Skins
S - Egg Bake & Cinnamon Rolls
I am wearing... long denim skirt (everything is long on me); lavender knit t-shirt; sports socks; hair is still kinky from yesterday's braid and pulled back with a barrette.
I am hoping... praying that my DH will have a good day at work and that everything he does and says will be well-pleasing to his bosses and esp. to our Lord (today he has his yearly review - but the company has a wage-freeze). Also hoping that the saddle I ordered for Ladybug's horse will come super fast and will fit.
I am creating... memories. I haven't had time to be too creative lately - just trying to get done what needs to be done.
I am hearing... The other computer's hum and the clock ticking.
Around the house & barn... Just a typical week.
One of my favorite things... enjoying life with my girly-girls.
I am going... hmm, maybe to the post office today. A few plans for the rest of the week...
M - Laundry; pay bills; play (work) with the horses; cleaning house.
T - Ironing; horse riding lessons for the girls; more cleaning. W - play with horses; gardening
TH - Horses; maybe visit my mom or have her over F - Volunteer at nursing home; horses
S - Whatever; horses
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
Ladybug loves to scooter and pogo stick - here she is last night - she hopped over 500 times non-stop, then her foot slipped off, she got back on and hopped for another 500 hops - yes, that is over 1,000 hops! She sometimes likes to swing her one hand in the air and pretend she is on a bronc in a rodeo, lol, and she can even hop no-handed, but I don't encourage her.
Thanks for stopping! Warm Wishes for a Wonderful Week!
If you would like to join us in The Simple Woman's Daybook, please see our Hostess,Peggyfor details.
May. 27, 2009~ The Simple Woman's Daybook - Tuesday, May 26th ~
For Today, Tuesday, May 26th, 2009 Outside My Window... okay, so I'm a little late ~ it's TUESDAY EVENING, it's been very cloudy gray all day and in the low 70's - I can see my laundry hanging on the line and although I can't see them from this window, Jeff is out tilling up an addition to our garden and the girls are playing with their scooters & pogo stick. We are taking advantage of the relatively good weather since it's been so windy here lately - last Wednesday it even blew a shingle off our high roof (Jeff just got done repairing that too).
I'm thinking... I sure hope we get some rain!!! We are very drought-like dry here (unlike a lot of the nation). I just came in from watering the herbs & tomato plants. Update: We did get a few sprinkles, but could use a good soaking rain.
From the learning rooms... We are officially done with school for the year - our learning room is now out in the paddock, working with the horses. Our horse trainer comes out once a week - it's amazing how well/quickly the girls and our horses are progressing.
I am thankful for... those that have given their lives for our freedom; but especially for our Lord Jesus Christ who gave his life for my salvation.
From the kitchen...
S - Cookout on our firepit (Johnsonville Brats)
M - Grilling at In-laws (Chicken, Venison Brats, & Buffalo Burgers)
T - Chicken Fried Rice
W - Sloppy Joes & Jojo's
TH - French Toast
F - Pizza
S - Stew
I am wearing... barnwear: black exercise capris, long-sleeved fleece navy top (too warm), barefoot, hair in a ponytail. I'm rather a mess from the horses.
(Still putting most of the books to the side for a little while while I inhale articles on saddles , but catching a bit of the last - ...Heart for the World curriculum. Oh my, LOVE that material)
I am hoping... for rain and that we find a couple of decent saddles soon that fit the horses just right - saddles are consuming my life. lol
I am creating... memories. I haven't had time to be too creative lately - just trying to get done what needs to be done.
I am hearing... Jeff roto-tilling outside and the girls laughing and playing.
Around the house & barn... busy summer activities with the veg. garden + I just finished cleaning up the herb garden (my thyme was taking over); and keeping an eye on the not-so baby chicks as I just keep them out free-ranging all day now. So far, so good -- predators haven't bothered them.
One of my favorite things... reading God's Word.
I am going... to be busier this week than I thought. A few plans for the rest of the week...
M - Laundry, work with the horses, spent much of the day at the in-laws
T - Ironing, horse riding lessons for the girls; herb gardening W - Go to a homeschool book sale (I don't need anything, but the girls would probably like to find some good books), check out a saddle shop while we are out, tack store, grocery shop, play with horses (ie. horse training), plant some sweet corn in the garden
TH - Horses; violin lesson for Bookworm F - Volunteer at nursing home; horses
S - Do some painting (maybe); horses
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
This is pretty much our life this summer - 2 hours a day, 6 days a week, weather permitting.
Thanks for stopping! Warm Wishes for a Wonderful Week!
If you would like to join us in The Simple Woman's Daybook, please see our Hostess,Peggyfor details.
May. 18, 2009~ The Simple Woman's Daybook - Monday, May 18th, 2009 ~
For Today, Monday, May 18th, 2009 Outside My Window... a beautiful morning, already 52, looking for a high of 78 ~ clear blue sky.
I'm thinking... I'm currently on a mission to buy the girls one or two new-to-us saddles, so right now I'm educating myself on saddles - eating, sleeping, breathing saddles - my brain is on saddle overload. I'll be so glad when we just get the saddle(s) and I can focus on something else.
From the learning rooms... We are now officially done with school for the year - our learning room is now out in the paddock, working with the horses nearly two hours a day.
I am thankful for... there is just soooo much to be thankful for - I find it so trivial fussing over saddles when many don't have anything to eat.
From the kitchen...
M - Roast Beef, potatoes & carrots
T - Garden Salad & Rolls
W - Sausage, Pancakes, Hash Browns
TH - Sauteed Sirloin Tips & Potato Skins
F - Bookworm's Choice
S - (?)
I am wearing... barnwear: black exercise capris, long-sleeved black t-shirt, sports socks, hair is wet & in ponytail.
(Mostly put the books to the side for a little while while I inhale articles on saddles )
I am hoping... the wind cooperates and I get that garden in TODAY!!!
I am creating... memories.
I am hearing... the clock ticking, the computer humming, some thumping from upstairs - someone must be awake.
Around the house & barn... Usual housework, laundry, ironing, and same as last week...TOP PRIORITY: GOTTA get that garden in this week and also work with the horses every day!
One of my favorite things... looking at photos, bringing back the memories.
I am going... to be home most all week, but do have to get some groceries soon and need to go to the tack store to buy a cavesson (noseband) for Bookworm's horse. A few plans for the rest of the week...
M - Laundry; groceries?; buy cavesson; gardening; work with horses; sew cute horse pad cover for Ladybug's horse; call on a saddle
T -Horse riding lessons for the girls; gardening W - Gardening; horses
TH - horses F - Last Ruby Girls Bible Study for the season; horses
S - Do some painting (maybe); horses
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
I love the view from our deck this time of year - the crab apple trees are so pretty.
Thanks for stopping! Warm Wishes for a Wonderful Week!
If you would like to join us in The Simple Woman's Daybook, please see our Hostess,Peggyfor details.
Yesterday our trainer came out for lessons, it was a good day and she worked with us for 2 whole hours ...
First it was Bookworm's turn on her horse, Annie. Annie is our first horse -- an 8-yr. old Paint that we bought when she was three and very green under saddle. Annie is a beauty, a good horse that loves to please, curious, smart, and lovable, and of champion bloodlines. Bookworm hops on her bareback, but now has to get use to the saddle again for some more serious training. Bookworm and Annie are inseparable and Bookworm looks forward to some long trail rides with her buddy.
Next Ladybug had her turn on her pony, Kitty. Kitty is Ladybug's second pony (as the first one didn't work out) and is a full bred, champion-bloodline Quarter Horse, but has shorter legs due to being the smallest of twin foals - thus a 14 hh pony. Kitty is now 7 yrs. old and we have had her for nearly three years. Kitty is pretty well trained and should teach Ladybug a few things - Ladybug is just reminding Kitty who's boss as she moves from a trot to walk. Ladybug dreams of someday being part of the local drill team (hmm, not sure how she is going to come up with a pick-up and horse trailer).
Lastly is my boy, Sundance, patiently waiting for his mama (Kitty) and Annie to finish. Today is his Birthday - Happy 2nd Birthday Sundance! He was born on our farm 2 years ago while we were on vacation in Florida , and I couldn't have asked for a better surprise. This guy is just about everything a horse owner could ask for...handsome (although a bit wind-blown in the photo), intelligent, curious, a people person/horse, champion bloodlines, you name it, he has it. A full Quarter Horse with the look of a Thoroughbred - his every movement is like poetry in motion. At age two, horses are able to be broke to ride, and our trainers can hardly wait to start with him, but I think I'd like to wait a bit -- he's still very playful and probably more than what I could handle, but than again, I know the girls are anxious for us all to go riding together.
The girls love their horses and can't wait to get out there every day this summer and just ride and ride - so you know where we will be. Our summer's are way to short, so we need to make the most of it.
May. 14, 2009~ Teaching Geography & Missions with a Christian Worldview ~
Oh, let's see, where shall I begin..perhaps at the beginning, shall we? As some of you might remember from earlier posts, I'm a pretty missions/soul-winning minded person. I've always loved missions, even as a child. I took a college-level missions course in our Christian high school; went to college for missions & elementary education; and did the preliminary application work to join African Inland Misson when I was in my early 20's, intending to go to Tanzania - even learning some Swahili through the U of M. Unfortunately shortly before the Urbana Conference that year, where I was to interview with AIM, I ended up with a botched kidney stone surgery that almost left me dead, a week's stay in the hospital, and an even longer recoup to regain my strength afterwards - unable to travel, thus missing Urbana. I guess I will never know whether it was God's way of telling me that I shouldn't go - that he was just testing my willingness, or whether I didn't pass the test and decided to not go, but at any rate, I abandoned the effort to go far away on the misson field - but have still always had a heart for missions. But have had the joy of leading others to Christ, including our own two daughters, and now have the blessing of teaching them how to lead others to Christ.
So now let's fast forward, about a month ago I was at a Half Price Books store and found these two book...
I knew I wanted them from the moment I picked them up and paged through them, even carried them around for a bit, but then with a feeling of both pride & sadness, I put the two books down - pride because I had already taught world geography a couple of years ago and afterall, when would I have time to go through it again, and sadness because they looked like such good books and I'm known for buying far more than is humanly possible to teach in an eternity. At any rate, I left the store empty-handed, saving myself the "whopping" $9.96 cost of the two books combined, but still sad to leave the books there and praying that if the Lord wanted me to have the books, He would let me know.
Sooo, now let's skip ahead to last Friday, we walk into Half Price Books again, and lo & behold, there are "my" books still on the shelf (that never happens to me). With a silly grin on my face and looking this way & that, as if I'm expecting to be pounced on by everyone around me clammoring for the same books, I hold my treasure close to me and head for the cash register. (ching, ching).
Since then, I have been pouring through these books, and I have to say...If I had to do over again, this is definitely what I would have chosen for World Geography!!! I just love these books! Author, Ann Dunagan knows from which she writes as a homeschooling mom and evangelist's wife, she has ministered in over 20 countries throughout the world. I also love it because it challenges and stretches families to not only learn about missions, but to be doers.
On page 22 of Volume I, Ann Dunagan quotes,
"...did you know that in America we have over one million full-time Christian workers (one full-time Christian leader for every 230 people), while among the "unreached" peoples, there is only one missionary for every 5000,000 people? (1) Ninety six percent of all Christian finances worldwide are spent in America -- on only six percent of the earth's poplulation. That means only four percent of all Christian finances goes to the rest of the world! (2)
Eighty-five percent of all Bibles today are printed in English -- for only the nine percent of the world who read English. Eighty percent of the world's population have never even owned a Bible and Americans have an average of 4 in every household. We hear the Gospel again and agian, while nearly 2.7 billion people are still waiting for their first chance to hear!" (1)
(1) K.P. Yohannar, Revolution in World Missions
(2) Sjogren, Unveiled at Last
And I'm sure the numbers haven't changed much for the better since it's publication. Copyrighted in 1995, Teaching With God's Heart For The World is currently out of print (but I have read that they may be reprinted sometime). I don't know what the two volumes cost originally - I see they are for sale on Amazon & Half at quite a bit more than what I paid for them, but, the good news is that you can check them out for freehere, at the Dunagan's Harvest Ministry site.
I highly recommend these books! They would be great for any study of world geography, missions, and/or just as a Bible study for a missions-minded family. It's divided up in nice daily unit study lessons that you can easily adapt to your situation. I wish I had seen this study before we did World Geography (sigh), but will try to figure out some way I can still use it. Just thought you might like it too!
(Just a note: All Scripture quoted in this study are from the NKJV).
(Oh, ps, I would now advise against letting young single ladies go on the mission field outside of the protection of their father - but I'll save that for perhaps another post someday :)).
May. 11, 2009~ The Simple Woman's Daybook - Monday, May 11th, 2009 ~
For Today, Monday, May 11th, 2009 Outside My Window... the sun is coming up and the sky is clear blue. A lovely day so far - it's a nippy 35 degrees & looking for a high of 66. Horses are grazing, birds are chirping, owls are hooting.
I'm thinking... I am hungry and chilly.
From the learning rooms... We are now officially done with school; but Ladybug will be doing some finish-up math and we still need to put our science lapbooks together - sometime.
I am thankful for... our God who hears our prayers.
From the kitchen...
M - Grilled Teriyaki Chicken & Potato Salad
T - Deluxe Baked Bean Hotdish
W - Fried Rice
TH - Sauteed Sirloin Tips & Potato Skins
F - Pizza
S - Mom's Choice (?)
I am wearing... barnwear: black exercise capris, long-sleeved sky-blue t-shirt, sports socks, hair in ponytail. Need to put on a sweater! Will change soon.
(mostly reading the last 2 right now - will post more about the last one later this week)
I am hoping... I am praying for God's guidance and discernment in buying Bookworm a new(er) saddle.
I am creating... memories.
I am hearing... the clock ticking, the computer humming, some thumping from upstairs - someone must be awake.
Around the house & barn... TOP PRIORITY: GOTTA get that garden in this week and also work with the horses every day!
One of my favorite things... the love of my girls.
I am going... to be running lots of errands, but want to rush back home ASAP to get things done here too. A few plans for the rest of the week...
M - LOTS of Laundry, run many errands, garden, bake bread
T -Gardening; Horse riding lessons for the girls if the weather holds out (forecast doesn't look good); attend our former co-op's Arts & Academic Fair in the evening W - Gardening; Bookworm has vioin lesson
TH - Gardening; possible make-up riding lesson if we get rained out F - Serving at the Nursing Home (showing the ladies how to make soy candles)
S - Attend Horse tack auction
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...
It's become our yearly tradition for the last 3 years I think, that we celebrate the end of our school year by going to Chuck E. Cheese; and although the girls are getting older, they still wanted to go. So Friday night we ate at our favorite Asian fast food place and then went across the parking lot to have a little time to play. I think the girls spent most of their time at the driving machines - oh oh, what does that mean?
Thanks for stopping! Warm Wishes for a Wonderful Week!
If you would like to join us in The Simple Woman's Daybook, please see our Hostess,Peggyfor details.
This past Friday some friends of ours (a family from our Ruby Girls group) were asked to put on a Mother's Day program at the local nursing home and they graciously invited the rest of our Ruby Girls Bible Study to join them. The girls had the privilege of sharing their musical and recitation gifts during the resident's coffee hour.
Here Bookworm and two of her friends are playing "It is Well With My Soul" along with piano accompaniment and...
Ladybug and more of the Ruby Girls (and a brother) sing along.
It was a very fun time and I think the residents enjoyed themselves.
) where it's cool. We will be out misting the horses a couple of times today too to help cool them down
A spinner (a button on string) contest is always a part of the Friday progarm at the One Room Schoolhouse. Here Anna (third from left) is competing with her age peers. This week is always a highlight of our summer. This is about our 7th year attending and Amber, though graduated, enjoyed being a teacher's assistant. It is such a blessing to have such a program so close to us - many drive from miles away just to attend or visit local friends/relatives for the week just so they can come and re-enact school as it was in 1904 (some even from Wisconsin or 4 hrs. away in any direction).
More Horse Riding, of course.
We had a garage sale last Thursday & Friday - the girls enjoyed weaving around the tables when there wasn't any customers (which there was a lot of lull time).
A mouse made it's appearance in the garage at the start of the sale, but never fear, our trusty mouser has it cornered.
With plenty of down time at the sale, we did a little work in our hosta glade next to the front door.
View from our front entry through the screen door.
Isn't this rose bush a beauty? - full of blooms.
Our hummingbird feeder hangs above the hostas. There is a constant stream of visitors here throughout the day.
), I came across this 
; and even though my girls are older now, I think I'll still get these CD's - they have a lot of good songs that bring back wonderful memories that I still enjoy singing. 
, but catching a bit of the last - ...Heart for the World curriculum. Oh my, LOVE that material)
)
