
Here is some of my favorite music. Click the play arrow if you wish to listen!
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Computer went on vacation!
Jul. 29, 2008 • 8:57 AM
Hi everyone! I hope to have some new posts soon. I have a lot of good things in the works but..
My computer decided to take ANOTHER vacation!
This is the second time we had to send it back in for work to be done on it (while under warranty). Ugh! Things are much harder and take longer when not done on your own computer, etc. so I may be doing a double Tot School next week.. plus lots of great things I've been wating to post will be up as soon as I can get back on my computer. (I estimate a week!)
They say my computer will take High priority since it is the second fix, etc. ... We'll see!
Have a super week!
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Mother's Day GiveAway!
May. 8, 2008 • 11:05 PM
Note: This will remain at the top of my blog until the contest is over! Please scroll down for new posts!
It’s May! Yay!
The month of May is full of great things. It is a Springtime month that is host to
American Bike Month, Asparagus Month, Flower Month, National Bar-B-Q Month, National Egg Month, National Salad Month and National Strawberry Month just to name a few! If you’d like to found out more things to celebrate in May, check out this list at Graceful Girlhood.
Another great thing to celebrate is
MOTHER’S Day
on Sunday, May 11th. I am very thankful for all of my five children (plus one already in Heaven). I feel very blessed that the Lord chose me to be their mother. I love each of them dearly. All mothers have daily challenges but these times allow us to grow. Isn’t it a true blessing to be a mother! I want to celebrate by having a mommy giveaway.

This giveaway is for any mother. Leave a comment telling me something about your children or how you feel blessed as a mom! I will draw the winner next Friday! If you have a blog and wouldn’t mind linking up to this post, I’d appreciate it! Let all your friends know! If I have a great turn-out I just might have another giveaway soon!
Click HERE to get the embed code for the graphic so you can use it on your blog post!
Feel free to leave a comment and enter this giveaway even if you do not have a blog! If you do have a blog and link up to this contest, use the graphic, and tell all your mommy friends, I will enter your name twice!
Now… to what I am giving away!

First is a great devotional book… just for Moms entitled
God’s Little Devotional Book for Moms. I mentioned it in my last post! I am really enjoying my copy of this book! I am giving many away this Mother’s Day to friends and that includes one of my blogging friends here!

Here is what the back covers says about the book: “The fast-paced world we live in presents many challenges for moms as they nurture and teach their children… God’s Little Devotional Book for Moms is filled with tender and heartwarming stories to nourish a mother’s spirit…This delightful book will give you an opportunity to reflect on the joy your children bring to your life and leave you smiling!”
Next... is a charming little journal

And also a cookingwithkids CD. It has 200 (printable) recipes to cook with your kids! It also offers step-by-step instructions and tips for each recipe!

Looking forward to reading all your mommy notes! Thanks again for stopping by for a visit! Grab some coffee, kiss your kids and get to typing your comment!
P.S. If you are a child and would like to win this to give to your mom, just leave a comment telling me about your mom! You will also be entered to win! (These items will not arrive BEFORE Mother's Day, though!)
Happy Mother's Day!
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How to view all your friends recent posts!
May. 5, 2008 • 3:07 PM
Just wanted to share this with all you homeschoolbloggers in case you didn't already know this...
An easy way for you to catch up with all the homeschoolbloggers that you have listed in your friends list is to simply :
Go to the address bar at the top of your page. It will say http followed by the www. and homeschoolblogger-(dot)-com then / and your blogname
After that, type another / and then type friends and hit the enter key.
You will get all your friends posts for that day in order of the most recent to the oldest. It will show up to 5 pages just by clicking next when you come to the bottom of that page of reading!
All the posts show up on your blog template so they look like your entries. You can also leave comments right from there. It makes it easier to visit all your friends! You don't get to see their new makeovers or sidebar items but is so helpful during busy weeks!
Hope this helps- let me know if you tried it for the first time and it worked! 
Have a great day!
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I won- a Little Bit!
Apr. 14, 2008 • 2:16 PM
Another homeschooling mom here on homeschooblogger, 1+1+1=1 hosted a contest and I won!! Carisa and her husband are a missionary family serving in the Inner-City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They have lived and served there since '04. You can read their whole story HERE! I encourage you to click that link and read their story! Keep them in your prayers and stop by her awesome blog to enter her next contest as well as read about all her great ideas with homeschooling!
What did I win? I won a wonderful, soft and cuddly, homemade Little Bitty blanket with ribbon tags. I was able to choose some of the fabrics that I liked best from her inventory.

My daughter never had a blankee and she really has been enjoying this cuddly Little Bit! (THANKS!)

My oldest daughter ("Panda") said to me that this "blankee" is especially neat because one side is zebra, which is one of her favorite animals and the other side is pink like a flamingo which other sister ("Princess') has as one of her favorite animals. Then all the tags are like me (mom) because I like whimsical patterns. I liked her insight and how that blanket has "Little Bits" of all the other girls from her family in it!

Check out the Little Bits site to see the many great items offered through Carisa's mom and the business she started to help support her daughter and family as they serve the Lord as missionaries! All Bits are hand made by Carisa Hinson's Mom, Sandi Hunter, who lives in Charlotte, NC. Not only does her mom work full time, she also gives so much of her heart during her free time. Sandi does all this even though she has lots of physical problems. She has had surgery on her hand, knees, shoulders, stomach, and lives her life in much pain. (Let's keep this sweet woman in our prayers!)
Here is the story about Carisa's loving and supportive mother, the creator of this business and mostly all the great products sold there! (A teenager that lives with the Hinson family also sews some of the prodect line.)
Check in at Carisa's blog 1+1+1=1 this week as she will be throwing another contest giveaway from Little Bits!
1+1+1=1 (To the world it makes no sense, to God it makes perfect sense.)
Thanks again, Carisa and Sandi! You both brought joy to my week- more than just through your blog but by this sweet gift that encourages my child to cuddle. It was perfect timing as we are trying to use the pacifier Nuk less at sleepytime so this is now a comfort to her and she thinks less about the Nuk because her new blankee is there! May the Lord bless you as I keep you in my prayers!
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If I were a...
Feb. 23, 2008 • 8:08 AM
If I were a...
If I were a shoe, I’d be a pair of crocs. (Thought they looked goofy at first but they are actually fashionable. I love them because they are comfy and easy to slip on!)
If I were a city, I’d be a small country town- I'm not a city girl.
If I were a season, I'd be Spring.
If I were a car, I’d be my Cool-bus (If you don't know what a cool-bus is, click HERE!)
If I were a vegetable, I’d be corn. (All my kids love corn, so I must choose corn! Plus I am a bit corny at times! Heehee.)
If I were a fruit, I’d be a strawberry.(Can it also be chocolate-covered?) 
If I were a color, I’d be Green.
If I were furniture, I’d be a super-comfy LOVEseat! (Hopefully I'd be sitting near the fireplace!)
If I were a country, I’d be the USA. (Land of the Free and the Brave! Land that I love!)
If I were a beverage, I’d be Diet Green Tea.
If I were clothing, I’d be a fleece hoody.
If I were weather, I’d be a cloud soaking up the sunshine.
If I were a dessert, I’d be Black raspberry egg custard.
If I were a plant, I’d be ivy. (Hopefully in a heart-shaped topiary and inside the house) If outside, I'd be climbing the walls!
If I were a word, I’d be LOVE.
I invite all my friends to do this FUN, little meme! Leave me a coment and I will stop for a visit! It's always fun to visit and learn more about my friends and fellow homeschooling moms in the Lord! Thanks for being so hospitable! 
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Blessings of Friendship
Feb. 19, 2008 • 3:38 PM
Look at the surprise package that was delivered on Valentine's Day!
This package came from another online homeschooling mom that I became friends with through the Secret Sister program. She is not actually my Secret Sister but a new friend! Here is what was inside!

All the delicious treats have been enjoyed by my whole family! Thanks so much for your kindness!

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Connecting Online...
Feb. 15, 2008 • 6:58 PM
Three really great bloggers gave my this great award! Thank you so much for blessing me by thinking so highly of me! (I'm not really that wonderful but I am truly blessed by the Lord above! He brings much encouragement into my life through many ways but you all are certainy one of those ways!) Thanks so much for your kind thoughfulness!
Byourlove1 at Homeschooling and Loving It, Proverbs 22:6 Academy, and 1+1+1=1 have all blessed me with this. Here are the rules to this award!

By accepting this Excellent Blog Award, you have to award it to at least 10 more people whose blogs you find Excellent Award worthy. Thank you out there for having such great blogs and being such great friends! You deserve this! Feel free to award people who have already been awarded…
I give it back to the 3 who gave it to me- you all have excellent blogs! --plus here are the other bloggers I award this to. You are all excellent. Check out these great blogs!
drewsfamilytx
MistyKrasawski
RobinsEggBlue
BreezyTulip at A Bowl of Moss and Pebbles
BlessingHill
Jenefork at Little Creek Homeschool
Nikki at Angels of Heart
Have a great weekend! 
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Scattegories Tag
Jan. 29, 2008 • 4:51 PM
I've been tagged with the Scattergories tag by Taryn at My Family Life and Ginny at Proverbs 22:6 Academy! I like this game so i will give it a quick try!
Use the first letter of your name and find words with that letter. The number of letters in your name determines how many people you can tag.
I am using my blog name for this. I am leaving the tagging open to anyone that wants to play! Join in and post your answers! I'll stop by if you let me know!
What is your name? SchoolinRhoome (School in Our Home)
4-letter word: sand
Vehicle: Saturn
City: Seattle
Boy’s name: Stanley
Girl’s name: Stephanie
Movie: Saving Sarah Cain (just watched it & it was very good!)
Occupation: Singer, Songwriter
Something you wear: scarf
Celebrity: Shania Twain (county singer)
Food: strawberries
Something found in a kitchen: soda
Something found in a bathroom: soap
Reason for being late: sleeping in.
Cartoon character: Scooby Doo
Something you shout: Stop!
Animal: squirrel
Body part: stomach
Word to describe you: sister
Jump in and play!
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Book Tag!
Jan. 28, 2008 • 10:22 AM
Diane over at A Day in the Life has tagged me with this BOOK Tag. Thanks for thinking of me!
Rules:
1. Pick up the nearest book (of at least 123 pages).
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the next three sentences.
5. Tag five people.
The Book I am doing is A Mom After God's Own Heart (By: Elizabeth Goerge) I it s very good inspirational and encouraging Godly book for Moms!
Here is the passsage asked for: It is speaking about praying for your child:
Don't wait another second. These are your children! No one (other than God himself) wants them to walk in God's ways more than you do.
I want to include the section of Diane's book as it is great advice.
Remember, not everything your child wants is best for him. The best way to bring happiness to your child is to teach him it comes from within.
Here are the blogger friends I tag with this!
1. Nikki at Angel of Hearts blog
2. Crossview
3. Michelle at Foxvalleyfamily
4. Cindy at On Our Journey Westward
5. Stacy at By God's Grace
Can't wait to read your book inserts!
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How to post side-by-side photos!
Jan. 15, 2008 • 9:35 PM
I figured out how to post pictures- two side by side!
Thanks to those of you that commented especially HOMEFree and msmarla. And thanks to my sweet hubby for helping me figure out how to put some space between the two photos! A HUGE Thanks to Eclectic Education for all the help in getting this post done correctly.

Many of my new friends here at homeschool blogger have been such a big help to me and encouragement. I hope to return the help here and explain how to do this. I am not great with html codes. I just try things until I get it so I hope I can explain this to you without much confusion.
When posting your pictures, add both photos (one below the other) as you normally would- then go to the top and click on the Source button. This will expose the html codes.
Change what you see to look like this: (add your photo addresses in the spaces I highlighted red) You will have to write this code down. Sorry you can not copy and paste it because of a safeguard I have on my blog to protect my photos.
Here is the code! I had to add spaces so it could fit in my blog space correctly. If you use this, take out all the spaces and type it in your post all pushed together (like a run-on sentence!).Start with a < then add the following:
p align="left">
"http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd284/SchoolinRhome/Family%20Pics/007.jpg" />
src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd284/SchoolinRhome/Family%20Pics/006-1.jpg" />
You may have to change the width number. I have 200 but you may need to play with that and change it. Just keep hitting Source and see how it looks and if changes need made, hit source again and fix things. Also the code is the code for a space. The more you have, the more space you will have between your photos.
Give it a try and then come back and comment. I will "stop by" and see your side-by-side photos!
(I hope it works for you!)
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New Question
Jan. 14, 2008 • 9:53 AM
Does anyone know the answer to this?
Can we post two pictures/photos side by side here at homeschoolblogger?
I've wanted to do this yet can't figure out how. I think that it probably can't be done in this forum but I thought I might as well try asking first. My blogging friends have been so helpful in teaching me things here with blogging and I so appreciate it. When I started out I took a lot of time to figure out how to get started (Too much time really but I was getting started.) I have learned now to just ask and if someone knows the answer they are usually more than happy to share the answer. You all are wonderful! I am very thankful I found this homeschooling arena (Homeschool blogging has really enriched my life and helped to make our homeschool and family life better!) Thanks!
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Spirit of Christmas Award
Nov. 30, 2007 • 10:30 PM

Thanks to Nikki at Angels of Heart for giving me this Bloggy Award! I am excited for Christmas. It is such a warm and cozy family time centered around our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

I give this award to the following blog friends:
Michelle aka FoxValleyFamily at her "At Home With Jesus" Blog: I love your blog decorations for the season including the crayon drawing at the top. Your music of the Season post is great too!
LizzieBee : Love the doggie Bows!
Alyssa aka crazybusy at Live and Learn Blog: Love your Friday Funnies- Posting your children's Christmas lists is a funny and cute way to remember. I might try to do this with my kids too!
CandaceC at His Mercy is New: Thanks for the info on so many great Christmas books. The Nutcracker looked amazing! The Spirit of Christmas seems to be alive in your home!
And to...
mcgyver959701 at Camelot Homestead Academy: GREAT links and great recipes! Thanks for sharing!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
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Blog Friends are Great!!
Nov. 26, 2007 • 3:23 PM
I was given this award from both Angela aka byourlove1 and also Lynn aka mcgyver959701 Thank you ladies! You have been great blog friends! So encouraging!

Isn't this such a wonderful arena for us homeschoolers! I appreciate all your comments at my blog and all your great ideas and inspirations at your blogs!
I am to pass this award onto 5 of my amazing blog friends so here are my 5.....
Stacy aka southmsmomof4 over at By God's Grace Blog
Kindred Heart
Bearing Fruit
Nikki aka AngelHeart at Angels of Heart Blog
Cindy aka Westward over at Our Journey Westward
All my blog friends are great but I had to choose just 5! Stop by their blogs. I am sure you will be glad you did!
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I was nominated...NEW Homeschool Blog Award!
Nov. 24, 2007 • 9:48 AM
Thank you to everyone that nominated me over at homeschool Blog Awards for the NEW Homeschool Blog Award! I am honored that you feel I am worthy. I am so enjoying this new excurtion here. What a wonderful and truly inspiring arena for the homeschooling family! I have gained so much encouragement, insight, great ideas, crafts and projects... not to mention all the great new friends here at homeschoolblogger.com! Thank you to all of you!

Stop by the Homeschool Blog Awards Site starting December 3rd to vote!
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Tagged!
Nov. 18, 2007 • 10:54 PM
I was tagged by Joyful Mamma and Stacy at By God's Grace
Here are the rules:
*Link to the person that tagged you, and post the rules on your blog.
*Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself.
*Tag 7 random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs.
*Let each person know that they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
soooo....here it is, random/weird facts about none other than....me
1. I drink Diet Green Tea (almost constantly)
2. When not drinking number one, I really love the Pumpkin Spice Cappucinos out there now. (However, they have many, MANY more calories.
)
3. I went to art school for a year. I more went for my parents and art teacher. It wasn't what I wanted. (but I gave it a try). I love arts and crafts but as a hobby - not a career. (I always knew that.) I did learn a lot there though!
4. I hate being tickled!
5. I hate smelling cigarette smoke! My biggest pet peeves are people smoking in restaurants (while others are trying to eat---oh, and breathe!) and even more seeing people smoking in their car with windows closed and children in the car! (This SHOULD be against the law!)
6. As a child, I collected ( different- shaped) erasers. Now my daughter does the same! (Love you, Princess!
)
7. I love themes! I also love organizing! To me, It is fun to plan theme parties, birthdays, gift baskets, room decor, etc!
Here are 2 more things that I saw on other blogger's tag lists. These pertain to me, too! (so.. I am also adding them!)
1. I love making lapbooks (with my children)!
2. I've been bought. I don't belong to myself anymore. Jesus paid for me with His blood, and my life belongs to Him forever.
Here are the 7 blogger friends that I tagged! (You're it!)
1, Picluvinmom at My Blessed Life
2. Nikki at Angels of Heart
3. Dust Bunnies and Books
4. Candace at His Mercy is New!
5. youngmommy at Organized Chaos
6. gmisch at Covenant Home School
7. bearingfruit at Faithful Friend
Have fun!
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Wow! Another Great Award!
Oct. 13, 2007 • 10:26 AM
What a wonderful surprise to find that I've been given the Egel Nest Award for Blog Excellence!

I'm so touched that you thought my blog deserving of this.
My blog has been hatched! ...and I am so glad it has! I just started this wonderful experience at the beginning of this school year as a way to keep better track of our homeschool adventures and life in general. It has been such a source of encouragement to me and what a great new circle of inspiring and creative friends! I thank the Lord for all of my blogger friends!
Here are just some of the great bloggers out there! These in particular have blessed me with their blogger friendships! I am giving this award to bloggers I haven't already given an award to.
I would like to give this back to the one who gave it me. (I hope this is allowed!) Your blog is wonderful! I enjoy visiting! Visit her family and their fun at Our Journey Westard
Next is a fabulous new friend, SimpleFolk! her blogs are wonderful & full of original art work through photographs- a glimpse back in time! I really appreciate the help you gave me with my blog! Your blog(s) take me back to the "Good Ole' Days" when you could trust your neighbor and people lived with more of their heart!
I so enjoy everytime I "drop by" (unannounced). 
Next, I award KindredHeart for her blog Kindred Hearts. You are a newer friend here in my blog world but you have been a real encouragement to me! Thanks! Check out my blog soon! I got a T-shirt, too and my hubby loved that I did that for him! I do visit your blog often and enjoy my time there each time!
Another new great blog friend is CandaceC at His Mercy is New! She always has great ideas. She shares the links, photos and great ideas with us! Thanks Candace! I enjoy your "place" everytime I come to visit!
Ladies, take a moment to pick up your award! Thanks again! I'll be stopping by soon!
Others, take time to visit these wonderful bloggers, you'll be glad you did!
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The Envelopes Please.... You Make Me Smile Awards!
Sep. 29, 2007 • 7:37 AM
Here are the bloggers I give this award to! They make me smile and encourage me!
The envelopes please…… (Drum roll)….
I give this award

to:
1. First to Angelheart. The Lord crossed our paths again through our mutual home schooling endeavours. Nikki and I went to school together ions ago (Heehee). She introduced me to the homeschoolblogging world. (Thanks!)
2. Southmsmomof4 over at By God’s Grace : I love your blog. You inspire me with your writing entries. I love your pictures and ideas- the music, too!. We have a lot in common. You encourage me,too by leaving me comments often! (Thanks!)
3. Antoinette of Haflingerhorses. Shekinah Farms is a great place to be! I wish I could visit! Again, Great blog!. I love your photos, pictures and encouragement! (Thanks!)
4. Another Kindred Spirit is CrazyBusy. Alyssa, the Lord has given you many blessings...not just your 5 children but also your gift of taking breathe-taking photos! (Thanks!)
5. Diane at A day in the Life: You always leave me comments and that is so nice of you. I enjoy your blog and check it often! You encourage and ispire me! (Thanks!)
6. 4sweetums : You, too encourage me with your comments at my site and your own blog inspires me! (Thanks!)
7. PlainJane: I love your blog! Thanks too for often leaving me comments! Your girls would really get along with my 2 oldest daughters! (Thanks!)
8. youngmommy at Organized Chaos. What can I say: Another great mom! You encourage me! Whether I am reading your blog or the comments you leave for me! (Thanks!)
9. Proverbsmomof3 at Proverbs 22:6 Academy: I love the info you share with us at your blog. I especially love the October calendar of writing prompts! Thanks so much for sharing your hard work and creativity! (Thanks!)
10. Michelle a.k.a foxvalleyfamily. Your blog, At Home with Jesus encourages and inspires me. I love your entris but also the activities you do with your children. Thanks for leaving me occasional comments as well (Thanks!)
I just started blogging a little over a month ago and already have such a great circle of blog friends! I wanted a way to more easily keep track of our homeschooling adventures. I can't keep up with scrapbooking or journaling so my friend Nikki's blog encouraged me to start my own. I never expected such a swarm of wonderful encouragement that the other bloggers provide! THANK YOU!
"Encourage one another and build each other up!" 1 Thes. 5:11
So, here are the " rules " made by the person who created the award:
"The thing that I love most about blogging is that I learn so much about a person just by reading their blog. I have met MANY wonderful people with wonderful stories to tell, and I am grateful every day for each person that I have the pleasure of crossing paths in life with. I wanted to create something special for the top ten people who have inspired me through their blogging; the stories they tell, and the lives that they lead with grace and dignity. I visit their blogs for inspiration and encouragement. Please grab your badge and wear it (with a smile) proudly, and pass it on because you inspire and encourage me, thank you."
Pass it on to those who encourage and inspire you so you can Make them smile!
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YOU MAKE ME SMILE!
Sep. 27, 2007 • 6:55 AM
My new blog friend over at Our Homeschooling Expedition gave me the "You make me smile!" Award!

THANK YOU!
You, too make me smile. I am relatively new to blogging so I hope I do this right. Can I give the award back to you??.....
Because ...
Too!
I will give out my awards tonight or tomorrow. I think I will need to devote some time to this. I am very excited though and the award has encouraged me! Thank you! I don't have the time today because we have our homeschool group (co-op) today!!! I will share pictures later in the week! Our co-op is GREAT!
Thanks again! All my blogging friends make me smile! I look forward to awarded some that take the extra moment to really encourage me.
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