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 dd15/10th grader.
Our perfectionist and over-achiever. She loves reading, playing violin, all things vintage, riding her Paint horse, and being a farm girl.
Anna (Ladybug)
is our dd12/7th 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 riding her QH pony.
Sep. 23, 2008~ BFS - It Keeps Going, and Going, and Going (Energizer) ~
Memory Verse:1 Timothy 4:15(NIV) Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Housekeeping: that household mess, it keeps going and going and going. It’s a perpetual chore that we diligently need to keep going on to stay on top it. We all have different ways of keeping ourselves energized.
Assignment: How do you keep energized so you can get it all done? bouncy music? treat it like a workout? Do you use a schedule?, a housekeeping binder system? luck of the draw system?.. or is this an area where you need encouragement? Do you need God’s help to keep order and beauty in your dwelling place? Take this week to tell us how You diligently keep going with your housekeeping chores.
Well, yes I do need God's help every moment of every day! I have pretty severe asthma and so often I just don't have the breath or energy to do anything in my own strength. Our life and health are but a vapor and I rely heavily upon Him - raising up little prayers for help or in thanks throughout the day. I thank God for another day and for each moment. Thankfully outside of my health, God has enabled me to be one of those highly-organized, neat-freak, perfectionist-type people. I'm not as "bad" as I use to be, but still like a neat home and everything in it's place. I'm not concerned about other's homes so much - don't expect me to come over with a white glove inspection, I'm just self-criticial. A few things that help keep me going and going are...
Early to bed, early to rise. This one is easy for me since I have always been an early-riser, just don't expect anything out of me after 9:30 pm - I go brain dead. I think the old timer farmers had it right - even if you don't have cows to milk, getting an early start just makes for a good day. I believe Jesus was an early riser, and that's good enough for me (look up "early" KJV at www.Biblegateway.com)
If at all possible, START each day in God's Word. It just seems like the Lord multiplies my time available if I put Him first. Matthew 6:33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Schedules and Plans: I have a lot of these...a daily routine schedule, a weekly school schedule, a chore chart for the girls, to-do lists for me, grocery lists, and a monthly menu plan. Although I don't always follow these to the letter of the law (I like to be flexible), at least I have a plan. I like to try to use my time wisely as an example to our girls. Multi-tasking is my friend. Psalm 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
This year we started a morning chore time for the 3 of us girls. Following barn chores, breakfast, and the girls finishing getting ready for the day we all do a half hour of chores (this is usually additional duties apart from their chore chart). For instance, today we will conquer the main level. I will scrub the floor while one dusts and the other vacuums. I like for the house to be semi-company-ready at all times.
Watch my nutrition. Food really affects the way I feel, so I try to watch my sugar intake. If I have too much sugar, I'll be napping instead of doing what I should be.
Limit media intake. TV is such a time gobbler and usually eats brain cells too. We can go days without the tv on and are better off for it. The same is true with the computer, telephone, and the like.
Of course, it's easier at our home too - with no little ones and two very helpful girls, life is good. :)
A picture idea I would like to share:
I don't have any "before" pictures for you, but here is a photo of my scrapbooking/craft cabinet in our basement. It's just one of those semi-cheap assembly-required wood cabinets that Jeff put together for me, stained & polyed it (isn't he sweet). Serves double purpose for craft stuff + a nice tv stand for Jeff's small tv that he watches biking videos on when he is on his cycling trainer in the winter.
Blogger Friend School is a fun meme where assignments are posted every Tuesday. If you would like more information or would like to join, please go HERE. You will also find the Mr. Linky to other BFS students that would love a visit from you.
Sep. 11, 2008~ Blogger Friend School #101 Plop, Plop, Fizz, Fizz, Oh What a Relief It Is! ~
Assignment: This would be a good week to tell about your worst struggles with a lifestyle of homeschooling. Tell about something you’ve struggled with and how God’s mercies gave us the strength to get past it. Also, share any curriculum/homeschool methods that have been a relief to you, i.e., a particular Teacher’s Manual or Homeschooling method that’s been easier for your family. Talk about how you felt when the burden was lifted and Oh, What a Relief it is!
Well, I feel a bit sheepish about this assignment because truthfully I really haven't had much of any homeschooling struggles in our 10 years of homeschooling thus far -- we love our homeschooling lifestyle and wouldn't trade it for the world. Oh, I have made mistakes along the way...I tend to buy way to many books and what is now helping me with that is using the Bible as our main textbook. When it comes to the Bible, everything else seems to pale in comparison and suddenly book sales don't seem as appealing as they once did (can I say that on HSB? lol).
And there have been times in the past when one of our scholars didn't particularly like writing or math, but those were easliy remedied... with writing we moved to using paper that was half lined and half blank where the child could illustrate their writing with colored pencils (when the girls were younger); and when a math curriculum doesn't work, we change it.
I believe that our success is due solely on the Lord -- just a deep down know, that you know, that you know conviction that homeschooling is the right thing to do and we will do it no matter what. Also a big dose of patience and a double portion of fun in our learning works wonders. We don't care what "they" say you should be studying, but just focus on the Lord and very practical "needs to know" real-life things - not wasting our time on things the girls will never need to know after school. That's about it - pure & simple.
Here is picture of our current weekly schedule:
And thou shalt love the LORD they God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates. Deut. 6:5-9
Blogger Friend School is a fun meme where assignments are posted every Tuesday. If you would like more information or would like to join, please go HERE. You will also find the Mr. Linky to other BFS students that would love a visit from you.
Sep. 8, 2008~ Blogger Friend School #100 - Oh What A Feeling! ~
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Assignment: Take time this week to write about YOU and your feelings of trials and triumphs with homeschooling. Touch on when you first heard about the concept of home schooling and whether you tip-toed into the idea or just jumped in and never looked back. Share your schooling as a child and how you compare it to what your goals are for your children
(Due to my own falt, I managed to lose the entire body of this post, but have re-entered it in a paraphrased version).
I LOVE HOMESCHOOLING!!!
Well, that pretty much sums it up for me, but I suppose you would like to hear more...
I believe God was preparing me for home educating our daughters at the ripe ole' age of 7 when I would spend hours teaching my stuffed animals from math papers I brought home from first grade. But I really disliked government school. I was often sick or absent from school - largely because my perfectionist mindset caused me to be nervous and afraid about EVERYTHING - afraid about not doing well in school, afraid of my teachers, and afraid of not fitting in with my peers. I think God was already using this to make me more sensitive to children, especially my own, someday. Thankfully I later entered a Christian high school where I could speed along at my own pace and did much better.
Fast forward...Jeff and I married in 1993 and I became pregnant soon afterwards. We didn't think too much of our child(ren)'s schooling at first, but God quickly began to speak to us about homeschooling through Focus on the Family broadcasts where Dr. Raymond Moore was Dr. Dobson's guest and through frinding "The Teaching Home" magazine. The cover of the Aug/Sept. issue featuring the brightly scrubbed faces of a family of 7 boys and 6 girls, all in matching outfits, hooked me. I inhaled the magazine and a conviction to homeschool burned within me. I believe God called us to homeschool before our first child was even born because He knew it would take me that long just to figure out how to begin. To make a long story short(er), I finally found a couple of homeschoolers that helped us in our search for information.
Our lifestyle of learning has never waivered. We feel as stongly about it today as we did over 14 years ago -- before our first child was born. My favorite verse at the top of this blog, ...."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." Deut. 32:46-47. This is my life and I LOVE it!
Today, Sept., 8th is our first day of school this year. Here are a couple of photos of our classroom all ready and waiting to go.
I am a bit slow at entering my Blogger Friend School assignment since we were out of town, but it is never too late to join. BFS assignments are posted every Tuesday. If you would like more information or would like to join, please go HERE. You will also find the Mr. Linky to other BFS students that would love a visit from you.
Feb. 9, 2008~ Blogger Friend School #13 - Meet My Bible ~
First of all, like many of you that have been Christians for a while, I have more than one Bible. Actually, after giving several away, I'm now down to 7 (lol). I remember my first "big girl Bible" was a white "leather" one with a zipper closure - I loved that Bible. I still have (and use sometimes) my well-worn black leather New Scofield KJV that I used throughout high school, I wore out my college Bible - actually, come to think of it, it may be in a box in my closet. I have a couple of NIV's, a Narrated Bible in Chronological Order, a KJV Soul Winner's New Testament from Titus 2, an English Standard Version (ESV), and now my latest that I use all the time is...
1) How old is your Bible? I just bought my KJV Study Bible this last summer, so it's just a young thing. It was on clearance - I guess KJV's are out of vogue now.
2) Why did you choose this Bible? I really wanted a KJV Study Bible (with large print) as I was growing weary of all the translations floating around and read by church leaders, and didn't understand why some verses were completely eliminated from even the widely accepted NIV.
(If you would like to see something amazing, check these sites out...
Diamonds in the Rough made a very good series on "Which Bible?". Among those posts was a NIV Quiz which I thought was a real eye opener; and also another quiz . I'm not going to argue Bible versions, I liked my ESV Bible, but became convinced in my own heart & mind that the KJV was the one for me.)
3) Do you hightlight/mark passages? Yes, with colored pencils - usually magenta :).
4) If so what is your system?
I don't use a system, if a verse pops out at me or has special meaning at that time to me -- I color it. Right now I'm in Exodus in my OT reading, reading about the building & furnishings of the tabernacle (ie - not too much highlighting going on there)
5) Do you have notebooks to record things? Yes
6) If so how many and what do you record? . I have 2 main ones. I have a small blue notebook (from Target) that says "Trust in the Lord with all Your Heart" on the front - that's for prayer list, goals, more personal notes. And then I have a pink 3-ringed binder with my bigger Bible study stuff -- I print out Bible verses from Bible Gateway to easily do word searches and keep other things in there.
7) Where is your favorite spot toread your Bible? My comfy chair & ottoman in the Family Room.
8) Are there any special thoughts about your Bible you want to share. I LOVE God's Word! It's my owner's manual for life and my main textbook for our homeschool. I love to meditate on it night and day and can't imagine life without it.
It's never too late to join Blogger Friend School. Our "teacher", Tamara, has been having all sorts of computer technical troubles as well as time constraints, so she has now handed over her class to Nancy -- please go over to Nancy's Nook if you would like to join us or would like to visit others in our class through Mr. Linky.
To get us ready for the up-coming new calendar year, this week's assignment is to...
Write out some goals that you would like to accomplish. These goals should include your personal goals, but also goals as a family.
While setting goals, try to write out small attainable rewards for each goal accomplished.
Okay, first lets just review my goals for this past '07 year and see how I did; I think it will become obvious as to what my goals will be for 2008.
GOALS 2007
Lose Weight & Inches - get back to a size 4/6 (hey, stop laughing - I did it 2 years ago, I can do it again - just as soon as I finish this candy bar) Okay, that didn't happen this year. In fact, I gained 5 lbs. Better keep this one on my 2008 list. Reward: Have a family photo taken.
Learn how to work this blog thing - thankfully Tamara made it nice so it at least looks like I know what I'm doing Woohoo, after nearly a year of blogging, I finally feel comfortable enough to mess around with my own blog and those of our girls - can cross this one off.
Intercessory Prayer - I enjoy praying without ceasing/throughout the day, but need work on spending more intentional time - I've started working on this one - watch out, I have a prayer list and I know how to use it. This also went very well, but is never something we have achieved and can stop doing - oh no, it's ongoing. Will cross this off as it has better become a part of my good habits.
Beautiful Writing - I so love to see beautiful handwriting from colonial times to the early 1900's. I have the Spencerian Penmanship books from Mott Media and started working on them last year, but need to pick that up again. I also am going to order a fountain pen from Victoria Trading. I remember seeing a letter written by Ben Franklin's clerk (I think) at a local museum - beautiful. I wish I could make a copy of that and just hand copy it over and over until I could write like that. Another goal that needs to be carried over to 2008. I think I spent a hole half hour on this in 2007 (sigh). I checked on the fountain pen - it was sold out, maybe I should check again - that could be my reward.
Paint - I enjoy doing decorative painting. It's time for a couple of our rooms to have a redo, I would like to try a mural - maybe. Deffinitely one to carry over to 2008. I did get Ladybug's room done, but I think, Lord willing, I will paint our family room this spring in a nutmeg color and perhaps tackle the mudroom with with a mural. Reward: Satisfaction of a job well done.
Learn how to play the piano - Okay, now this one is more of a lifelong dream. I took lessons for 6 months back in my early 20's, but the teacher spent more time on the phone than with me, so I quit. Sunday, our church's piano player played "Holy, Holy, Holy", it was sooooo beautiful. I love it when the senior gals just bang it out with such meaning. I would love to just be able to pick a song in the hymnal and sit down and play it anytime for my own pleasure & worship. I felt like running up to the lady and asking her if she would give me lessons - I may yet! It's never too late to teach an old dog new tricks. Well, this will be another carry-over. I did get brave and talked to the lady whose playing I admire so much, but she of course plays by ear and can't teach me a thing. I did find a at-home lesson book that I might give a try. If any of you, esp. as adults, used any at-home books/programs for learning piano on your own that you would highly recommend, please let me know. I just want to play songs that glorify God for my/our own worship time or perhaps as we are ministering at the nursing home. Reward: Use it to minister to others and in personal worship time.
New Goals:
Last year I really dropped the ball with the garden and flowers when the summer drought set in. This year, no matter what, I want to keep on top of things. I am even considering taking the Master Gardener course offered locally by the UofM.
Cherish the Moments more. Oh how I LOVE our family and enjoy every second I am with them, but in light of my latest bout of high blood pressure and the reality of how much our lives are but a vapor, I wish to really continue to cherish every single moment I have with the ones I love. To listen, love, look them in the eyes, smile, and do everything from the heart - intentional acts of love.
And as a second part to the above - take better care of myself - mostly through nutrition and exercise (walking & swimming).
That should be more than enough to keep me busy all year.
If you would like to join Blogger Friend School, please see my daer friend and hostess, Tamara, for all the details.
Nov. 15, 2007~ Blogger Friend School - Assignment #9 ~
Part A: Share at least 3 “Bountiful Blessings” that the Lord has abundantly provided.
1) Thankful for health. Even though this has been a tough year for me with my asthma, it could be so much worse. We have been a pretty healthy crew this whole year, and I thank the Lord for that!
2) Thankful for my husband. He is such a wonderful (a) Provider; even though I know he would much rather be hiking & camping or riding his bike, he dutifully spends his time in the office, doing his best, and providing for our family (I also thank the Lord for his job and the ability to work). Just this past week he was surprised with some company stock options as the company's way of showing appreciation and an incentive to stick around as a vital member of this Fortune 250 Company - a huge firm. (b) Protector, I always feel safer with him around - he keeps our automobiles maintained and the house & farm in good repair, and lately has taken extra measures against the varmints that are invading our property; and (c) Priest, though more introspective and definitely not a "Mr. Visionary" as many ministry leaders are, God had blessed him with the gift of giving so that we may in turn bless others. Jeff, my very frugal husband, always surprises me - like this past week when he found out of a way to give to a ministry -- I said we had already participated in it and he said we should do more. We live simply so we can give more - I appreciate that about him.
3) Thankful for our girls. Wow, words do not describe the love I have for them nor the blessing they are in my life. It is such a joy to see them growing up into the Godly young ladies that they are.
Above all, I am so thankful to the Lord for all that He is, and His care over us. (Right now, I am most thankful for a nice warm house). :)
Part B: Share your Thanksgiving Feast {past or present} You may use Photos, menus, recipes, activities, traditions… Amazingly, I don't think I have any Thanksgiving photos or extra special Thanksgiving memories. I would love to paint a perfect picture of a loving, warm Thanksgiving for you all, but in all truthfulness - holidays are a bit stressful due to certain extended family members. We usually have a BIG meal. Our menu usually consists of: Turkey, Ham, Mashed Potatoes & Turkey gravy, corn, shell macaroni w/tuna salad, cranberries, dressing, homemade rolls, pumpkin pie & whipped cream. My MIL usually likes to add a pecan pie and a sweet potato dish (she always thinks everyone loves sweet potatoes - but noone eats it - it's the same thing every year (lol)). One year we tried to put on a Thanksgiving Day program with the girls reading Thanksgiving scripture & poems and playing their violins, but it wasn't well received by all. Be creative! –”Who carves the turkey?” I do have fond memories as a child of a big turkey, but now I think only Ladybug and I eat turkey, so I just bake a turkey breast and find the best ham I can, “Do you save the wishbone? NA”, “What do you serve for dessert? I always make pumpkin pie and insist on real whipped cream”, “Who hosts the Thanksgiving dinner in your family” Thanksgiving is usually at our house, however, this year, Thanksgiving falls on my mom's birthday, so the 4 of us will be going to her house, I will be bringing some food (homemade rolls, dressing from scratch, and shell macaroni salad) - a quiet gathering. My mom has never been much of a cook or one to entertain, so it is up to us to make it special; and we will be celebrating Thanksgiving with Jeff's family another day - not sure when or where yet. ….my favorite…”What do you do with all those leftovers? We LOVE leftovers at our house - usually eat them for breakfast, lunch & dinner. Jeff has ham sandwiches for a few days - it goes quick. I don't bother incorporating the leftovers into other recipes as we like them just as they are.
One of my most memorable Thanksgivings was when as a single I moved down to South Florida. I had only been there for a short while and didn't know many people - at least noone invited me to their house for the holiday, so I was all alone, bored, and we were having a record cold spell in FL so the electricity went out for a while since FL power couldn't handle everyone's furnaces going on. I still wanted to "do" Thanksgiving. Thankfully the power came so I cooked and cooked for just me. I had turkey and the works and even watched football all by myself, even though I wasn't much of a football fan at that time.
Part C: Post a Scripture that reminds you of your blessings! Right now we are memorizing in school Philippians 4:4-9...Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
I am terribly, pitifully, behind on my BFS assignments, so today is catch-up day. I know I don't have to, but I'll feel better by doing it, so here it goes.....
The Internet offers a lot of treasures! It may not be in the form of actual gold, although I’m sure some could find some on the Internet - probably on ebay! Being a Blogger Friend is all about sharing our treasures. The assignment this week is to share your Internet treasures. Below is a list featurning things that homeschooling moms might be looking for : information, support, ideas, or actual items that pertain to our lives. Each one of us holds some or all of these treasures that need to be shared. Take this list and add your “golden” treasured sites so that we may all share the wealth.
All my favorites are on my right & left side bars.
The Assignment this week it to use your Blog Name (or your own pen/real name) and create signs. There are two ways to do this and you can do one or both ways.
I REALLY wanted to do this assignment on time, but at the time I was really overwhelmed with ?, so here is my chance. These are my favorites...
This week’s assignment is to share a piece of your past. Our blogs are important pieces for our future generations, but when most of us were growing up, blogging wasn’t around. I hope that this assignment will help you to share your past on your blogs. Each piece of our childhood years played an important part in who we are today.
The assignment is to post a baby picture & Share a special scripture that reminds you of your past.
I would have loved to do this one too, but my mom has ALL my pictures and won't give them up.
This assignment is open for creativity! Share anything in your assignment post related to Pumpkins….recipes, favorite books, children’s drawings, Lapbooks and more! Easy and fun! AND….Share another scripture that comes to heart!
Sorry, I don't have any pumpkin anything. My favorite recipe is Pumpkin Pie off the back of the Libby's can. lol
Part A - Share about your family’s laundry. Where is it kept? We have dirty clothes baskets in the master bedrm. walk-in closet & in the girls bathroom closet Who does it? Us 3 girls. How does your family sort it? Bookworm sorts on Monday & Ladybug sorts on Thursday. Do you wash by hand? When Necessary. Hang clothes on the clothesline? Yes, when weather permits. Make your own laundry soap? Yes, this week I will be making a batch. How often do you do laundry? Every Monday & Thursday. How many loads each day/week? Well, usually about 4-5 loads each wash day, sometimes more. Being we are a household of girly girls, we usually have a load of pink too. I do most of the ironing, but the girls help sometimes too. Indoor laundry room, in the garage, or laundry mat? We have a small laundry/mud (actually sand/hay) room that is also the thoroughfare from the garage into the house. - Even more fun…share a picture! Here it is! It is currently done in an Amish theme, but I'm thinking about changing it to either a "wildflower" theme or an "Up North" theme like our basement.
Part B - Do you have an area in your life that you know that the Lord is tugging at some heart strings that needs to be cleaned up? Have a testimony of your past struggle(s) that might help another homeschooling mom? Share a piece of your heart (dirty laundry) that you are seeking a good washing or how it got cleaned up. Sharing with one another is a great way to have your post feel human and real. Well, the only thing I can think of right now is regarding laundry. As an only child and with both parents working, it was up to me to basically do most ALL the cooking and cleaning from the age of 10 and up. One job that I disliked in particular was ironing my dad's shirts; I guess because they were so big. I usually listened to our local Christian radio station while ironing and on one particular ocassion a lady was giving a testimony of how she use to hate ironing her husband's shirts. My ears perked up for sure. She shared how her husband was now gone and she'd give anything to "have to" ironing his shirts again if she could only have him back. That spoke to me and from then on I determined to be thankful that I could have the privilidge of ironing my daddy's shirts and I prayed (and still do) for each person whose clothes I'm ironing. My beloved daddy went to heaven 7 years ago, and I'd give anything to have to iron his shirts again.
Part C - FIND a scripture this week that pertains to this assignment to help you with your laundry and share it this week. But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Isaiah 64:6 ...followed by singing "What Can Wash Away My Sins" and "Are you Washed in the Blood, In the soul-cleansing blood of the Lamb? Are your garments spotless, are they white as snow? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?"
Last week we were to post about our dream blogging spot. This week we are to create a special place to blog - making that dream spot a reality - and then take a picture of our real/improved blogging spot.
Well, last week I posted that my current and very real blogging spot is my dream spot because it is home and I'm surrounded by the ones I love; and just previous to that I blogged about our classroom which showed pictures of my blogging spot, so this will all be a repeat, but it makes it easy for me :).
Here is by blogging spot, where I am right now...
Lastly, we are to share a verse this week that is upon our heart.
Something that has been heavy on my heart this past week and has brought much tears is not necessarily a particular verse, but rather a thought, and that is in light of the recent home coming of Dr. D. James Kennedy and several other great men of God over the past few years....
Who will rise up and continue to fight the good fight?
We are nearing the end of a generation or two of great pastors, evangelists, and Christian leaders - men who faithfully furthered the gospel of Christ as well as stood up against the forces of the devil. But where is the next generation or two to fill in the gap?
Sometimes the thought of few nationally-known Christian leaders to stand in the gap and take the heat can be frightening. But God is able to carry us through and He can raise up other leaders if He so chooses. May we be faithful in prayer and trust Him to fight for us.
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. Ps. 20:7
May God find us faithful in what He has called each one of us to do!
Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud, and he shall hear my voice. Psalms 55:17
Each week Tamara posts an assignment that we students may blog about. It is a fun way to learn more about eachothers homeschool and lives. Please see Tamara if you would like to attend Blogger Friend School.
This week's assignment is...
Give a brief introduction paragraph stating how you got started blogging and your personal goals for journaling.
I first became interested in blogging through TOS Magazine. It was something I wanted to do for about a year before I finally got brave enough to try it (January 7, 2007 was my first blog.) - I am such a computer crash dummy and was really afraid to step out into the unknown for me. But for the most part I caught on quickly and was so thankful that Tamara volunteered to give me a blog beautification. The reason I started was to meet like-minded friends and to hopefully be a blessing & help to others. I enjoy being a resource lady and enjoy giving & receiving new ideas with you all. I love all my new bloggie friends!!!
Share a "dream" place to blog in picture if you can.
My current blogging spot is my favorite because it's home and I'm close to those I love. And sad to say, everyone knows they can find me here - even the dog & cats, when outside, sometimes come to the window to let me know they want in. :) I thought about putting up a picture of a beautiful white-sandy beach on the ocean or in a warm cozy cabin next to a huge fireplace - but that would be too distracting.
What time do you usually blog?
Usually between 5:30 - 6:30 am, but whenever I can steal away moments of time.
What is your favorite drink?
Water, and sometimes with a slice of lemon. In the winter I sometimes treat myself to a cup of hot chocolate with whipped cream.
What is your favorite book?
The Bible, of course. And really, after that, nothing comes close. But I do read non-fiction, esp. homeschool related, Bible related, diet/nutrition, history. I just finished "Homeschooling For Eternity" by Skeet Savage. Loved that book!
What is your favorite dessert?
Rice Krispy Bars, cookies, bars, pie (apple, pumpkin, key-lime).
Share a scripture that has been an inspiration in your growth in Christ.
Oh Wow, I really don't have one favorite as it seems like wherever I am spiritually, God gives me something for that time and that becomes my favorite for a week or a month, or whatever. I do love the verse I have on my sidebar, Deuteronomy 32:46-47: "And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law. For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it." (kjv) I esp. like the "because it is your life" part, it gives such purpose and calling in my life as a homeschool mom.
This week, in lieu of an assignment, we are joining together to pray for Heather...
Posted on April 11th, 2007 by Sprittibee
"One of our team at the Homeschool Blog Awards site, Heather of Especially Heather, has found out that she has a brain tumor today. Please be in prayer for her. At this time, voting will continue and polls will automatically shut down Friday at midnight. Please understand that response time to email and problems will be slower. We invite you to stand with us in prayer for her healing and comfort.
If you would like to know more, or leave her a note to let her know you are praying, you can click her blog link above. I also wrote a post about the dedication and work she has given to this projecton my blog tonight.
Thank you for your prayers and patience with us. We are still in shock."
We have a Great Big, All Knowing, Mighty God who can heal brain tumors. Life is so fragile, but our God is so Great. Won't you join me in prayer for Heather today.
This week we are to post about what we are doing for Easter or about our favorite Easter...
Easter is my most favorite holiday! First, for me, (on a much less spiritual note), it has always seemed to be more of an official start of Spring. Up here, just because the calendar says it's Spring on March 21st, the weather doesn't always cooperate -- and even this year, Easter will be a bit chilly and perhaps some snow on the ground.
But I have wonderful memories of Easter Sunday. I pretty much grew up in a small white country church. Built in 1892, it is where I asked the Lord to come into my heart during an invitation following a Children's Church lesson and where I was baptized. It is where my daddy was the treasurer for as long as I can remember and where his funeral was conducted. And it is where my mom still attends. I was always there when the church doors were open.
I remember the big thing was always having a new Easter dress. I especially remember one year, my mom made me a light lavander dress with a matching dress-length lavander cape - oh how I loved that outfit. I always got to wear new shoes too (usually white - a sure sign of Spring as you know you can't wear white shoes until Easter), and I think I often wore a hat & gloves for that special Sunday. My mom always insisted on having a corsage; and we often went to the Easter Sunrise Service and enjoyed pancakes and sausage before hand.
At home, I usually colored eggs and I remember at least one time I got to hunt for candy, even though it was indoors (MN weather usually prohibits many outdoor Easter activities). And then there was always a big ham dinner (Sunday lunch was always called dinner at our house) with many relatives. A very special day.
Now, I try to make the holiday special for our two girls as well. We color a few eggs and we have a few decorations -- a small tree with little painted wooden eggs, bunnys & chicks, and a few other items. We have the Ressurection Eggs as well, but my girls are old enough that they can tell the story and what all the items inside the eggs mean. We don't always have new dresses though. With the girls' closets already full to capacity and being they are very petite, they can usually wear the same dresses for years - plus the fact that we live in the country where fashion is not an issue - but they both have new white shoes they can wear.
This year we will not be spending Easter at our house, like in the past two years. Instead my MIL has asked us to join them at their church, along with Jeff's 2 brothers & family (10 total) and eat at Red Lobster afterwards. Then we will be heading to my mom's house for Easter supper.
Have a Blessed Easter!!! I look forward to reading about your Easter's as well.
Apr. 5, 2007~ BFS Assignment #23 - Diggin' Deep for Damages ~
Whether it is your first year of homeschooling or your 10th, we have all had bumps in the road that have surely left deep impressions. This assignment is to dig deep within our hearts and learn from our damaged areas...
Part #1 - Share where another homeschool family did damage to us.
Well, I really don't recall a time another homeschool family has "damaged" us. I think it would be easy for it to happen as so many of us are sooo passionate about our resolve to homeschool and "our" curriculum and methods. I do know I have wasted a lot of money on curriculum & books that others loved and didn't work for us and some friends were friends as long as we used the same curriculm as them, but once we changed, they seemed to disappear. Now that we have been home educating for 8+ years, I have learned to be more careful with our purchases and take more time in evaluating what we really need and want rather than swayed by "peer pressure" of what is popular.
Part #2 - Be careful that I am not doing damage to others.
I would ever discourage anyone from homeschooling, for sure, but I am very passionate about a "Biblical" home education. Often times I see other homeschool moms making decisions based on "socialization opportunities", not wanting to "shelter", or other supposedly higher acadamic reasoning, but totally unbibilical. Sometimes I bit my tongue, but often I do not, but rather try to give them a little thought about their choices. I try to do so in love though. This may not earn me a Miss Popularity award, but that is okay with me. I figure Jesus didn't nod at all that was going around Him. The devil is a master at deception, even to homeschoolers, and wrong philosophies need to be exposed.
I am so thankful for all God has blessed me with, so many things that I take for granted everyday. All I have is his, and I wish to glorify Him with. May I be a good steward & fruitful with what He has given me.
Mar. 28, 2007~ BFS Assignment #22 - Pamper Yourself ~
I know, I still haven't done assignment #21 (hands) yet, but will try to get that done yet later this week. (it's hard when only dh knows how to download our camara onto the computer).
This week we were to pamper ourselves and tell about it, so yesterday was my pamper day. Now, I'm not much one for pampering myself -- bubble baths, lotions, candles, massages, spas, or movies -- they are all nice, I just don't seem to have the patience for any of that. If I were to dream big, an ideal pamper would be to get my hair & nails done and then flying someplace more tropical (like Florida), and just spend the day (or week) on the beach (with my family) with sand between my toes, soaking in the sun, reading, a little shopping, and a fine oceanside dinner. But, coming back to reality, I did the next best thing...
First, it was a girly day. I love being with my whole family, but since dh needed to be at the office, we had a girly day shopping (dh isn't much of a shopper anyways, unless we drop him off at the camping store). Bookworm wanted more than anything for her birthday - money. She is now to the age where she loves to shop and enjoys picking out and purchasing her own clothes and stuff. And since she has always been very responsible with her money, that is what she got - so yesterday we went shopping. Since we live more rural, it is over an hour drive to my favorite mall, but we had such a nice time together, very unrushed. I just let her take her time and enjoy the moment/day. That gave me joy as well. It was a big day for Ladybug too, she got her ears pierced!
So you may ask, how was I pampered? Well, first just being with our girls. I know, I'm with them pretty much 24/7 anyways, but we pushed aside all the other gotta-do stuff and just took time for us - with no real agenda. That was super nice.
Secondly, remember I get a rush from finding great deals, and I did find one. I needed to find a pair of tan kaki shorts for Ladybuy for a May church musical she will be in, and while Bookworm was waiting in the checkout line, I spotted a pair at the clearance rack. The shorts were mismarked in size - originally $32.50, marked down to $4.99 and then I got 50% off that on clearance. So for $2.50, I found her the perfect pair of shorts - fit perfect, longer in length, and very stylish. That was fun.
I also bought myself a bar of Lilac scented soap - $1.99. I know, big spender, but I LOVE lilacs. I just put it in my drawer for now to scent my clothes (more on my obsession of lilacs later when they are in bloom) .
We also stopped at our favorite scrapbooking store and I got a few things. And we stopped back at that bookstore that is going out of business (that I will be able to pick up my bookshelves on Monday from), and picked up 19 books for $7.50. None of which we needed, but fun. Among the books I got three big books on herbs, heirloom plants, and wildflower gardening with beautiful pictures - the herb book alone was a $30.00 book that I got for .75 cents. Now that's what I call a fun day!
I don't have any "before" pictures for you, but here is a photo of my scrapbooking/craft cabinet in our basement. It's just one of those semi-cheap assembly-required wood cabinets that Jeff put together for me, stained & polyed it (isn't he sweet). Serves double purpose for craft stuff + a nice tv stand for Jeff's small tv that he watches biking videos on when he is on his cycling trainer in the winter. 
Right now I'm in Exodus in my OT reading, reading about the building & furnishings of the tabernacle (ie - not too much highlighting going on there)
