Apr. 25, 2008 - ATTENTION TN HOMESCHOOLERS

This is a special tax free weekend for school supplies. Check it out here.

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Apr. 25, 2008 - Our Visit To Gray , TN ~ Fossil Museum , The Family Field Trip

Last Saturday we got to go see Sue the T Rex. We had been looking forward to it for a long time. It was awesome. Traveling Sue is an exact replica of the real model of Sue found at the Field Museum in Chicago. Awe inspiring is what comes to mind when you look at her. The size of this animal is unbelievable. What an amazing Creator we have. I am posting some of our pics we took. The lighting wasn't the best for picture taking (for me anyway:)) so some of them look a little fuzzy. Sue will be at the Gray Fossil Museum til April 27 . You should go , really , like right now :) Be advised that they don't follow the "Biblical Timeline" but it is a great teaching oppurtunity do delve into Creation Science with your kids. And even if you don't want to go to the museum take a drive through the I40 - 81 corridor , BEAUTIFUL! The redbuds and other flowering trees are in full bloom . That drive was amazing in itself.

And this is a picture of what the drive looks like.

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Apr. 14, 2008 - Ok , I had To Say Something About This ...

Of course when I read this article I had to just shake my head and sigh (big sigh).It is highly irritating to constantly have to defend our choice to homeschool our children and the methods we use to do it. I may not be the most intelligent person in the world but I am no dummy either. I know that my children need to know about evolution. They will face it at some point in their life as so many people have been wrongly led to believe it. But I will teach them the truth about evolution. That it is indeed a theory, someone’s idea of how things happened, that cannot be proven. I mean really, we came from some microscopic amoeba that one day decided it didn’t like the water anymore and wanted to come ashore?  Yet, once on land it realized it couldn’t survive as an amoeba and so started a process of metamorphosis to one day become a man? After how long did it reach the monkey stage? Why did some decide to become a man and others decide to stay monkeys? Wouldn’t you (as an amoeba, monkey) have wanted to have become a man if you could? What was their deciding factor I wonder? Now doesn’t that sound ridiculous? Can science prove any of this? No, they can just give us more of their “theories” about how things might have happened, they have no hard physical proof. My Bible tells me (yes I know, this is my beliefs not everyone else’s) that God is my Creator and the Creator of the Universe. Not only is He its Creator but He is its caretaker.

Psalm 104 Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty. Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain: Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind: Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire: Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever. Thou coveredst it with the deep as with a garment: the waters stood above the mountains. At thy rebuke they fled; at the voice of thy thunder they hasted away. They go up by the mountains; they go down by the valleys unto the place which thou hast founded for them. Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over; that they turn not again to cover the earth. He sendeth the springs into the valleys, which run among the hills. They give drink to every beast of the field: the wild asses quench their thirst. By them shall the fowls of the heaven have their habitation, which sing among the branches. He watereth the hills from his chambers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works. He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth; And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man's heart. The trees of the LORD are full of sap; the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted; Where the birds make their nests: as for the stork, the fir trees are her house. The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats; and the rocks for the conies. He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down. Thou makest darkness, and it is night: wherein all the beasts of the forest do creep forth. The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their meat from God. The sun ariseth, they gather themselves together, and lay them down in their dens. Man goeth forth unto his work and to his labour until the evening. O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches. So is this great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts. There go the ships: there is that leviathan, whom thou hast made to play therein. These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season. That thou givest them they gather: thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good. Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust. Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth. The glory of the LORD shall endure for ever: the LORD shall rejoice in his works. He looketh on the earth, and it trembleth: he toucheth the hills, and they smoke. I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD. Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the LORD, O my soul. Praise ye the LORD.

I believe that my God is who He says He is and He did what He says He did. That is my proven belief. What proof do I have that I am God’s creation … not only Genesis but this…

Jeremiah 1:5  Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

My heart knows it for truth and that is all the proof I need. Parents have a right to teach their children what they want. If they desire to teach Darwin’s theory then that is their prerogative. But I have not only the right but a God given commandment to teach my children the truth …

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy 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.

(Deuteronomy 6:4-9)

I know what my children would learn in public school, I went there. I have no desire to have my children learn a warped and one-sided view of the world (i.e. a worldly view). They have a well rounded and informed education right here at home from a Christian viewpoint. Just because they are Christian homeschoolers doesn’t mean they don’t know what’s going on in the world today, they do. They just know and understand both points of view and they know which one is morally right. So here is what my kids won’t learn in school : Alternative Lifestyles Are Ok 101, Teacher / Student Relationships (AHEM!), Bullying and Rundown of Fellow Man, etc. They will learn of the greatest Science Teacher –God, how to love others as Christ loved them and the “3 Rs).So go ahead Mr.Shives, you and yours teach your children what you want but allow us to do the same and for it to count. We don't force our views down your throat so don't expect us to allow you to shove yours down ours. Our textbook's (God's Word , you know , the Bible) "theories" are being fulfilled and proven every day . How about yours?

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Apr. 14, 2008 - Such Wonderful News to Share

I just want to thank God for all the wonderful blessings He has given me. Yesterday I was feeling so down.I've been so busy with school , youth ministry and preparing for VBS and you know what it's like when you feel like a spinning wheel thats not moving , you work and work and it seems like nothing is happening, so I prayed last night at church for God to give me some of His joy back into my heart. I wanted to be uplifted and encouraged . We had such a wonderful sweet service and I was feeling better but guess what? Better wasn't the best God had to give...He gave me the greatest joy a momma could have...my daughter went to the altar and accepted Jesus as her Savior . PRAISE HIM! My children have all been saved , what greater joy could a Momma have. I thought my heart would burst. God answered 2 prayers for me last night.Every time one of my Blessings accepted Jesus I rejoiced and was amazed at how good God is to us as parents.Now they are not just my children but brothers and sisters in Christ , joint heirs to the Promise. I just had to share that wonderful news with everyone. I'm so proud of my Blessings. They are the most awesome kids.They love to help others and to serve the Lord.Our youth at our church amaze me. I wish at their age I had the desire to worship and serve God the way they do.I know many of you Mommas know how I feel . I know you have children who love to serve the Lord ...tell them I said THANK YOU !

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Apr. 14, 2008 - Honeybee Lapbook

Good morning everyone! I wanted to share a lapbook with you that I made for our homeschool. I had such a fit with my file host removing my files all the time that I finally started a Yahoo group to put them on. The lapbook I uploaded this morning is about honeybees. I even added a page of online resources. I hope you find it useful.Feel free to upload your printables to the group also.

Here is the link: Christian Homeschool Printables

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Apr. 11, 2008 -

TnBabyGirl tagged me:

1. Favorite Color - purples and greens
2. Least Favorite Color - um, I don't think i have one
3. Color Of Pants - pink
4. Color Of Shirt - blue
5. Color Of Favorite CD - blue
6. Color Of Dream Car - red
7. Color That You Want Your Mom To Dye Her Hair - can't think of one,
8. Color Of Computer - black/silver, white/faded purple (family computer)
9. Color Of Best Friend's Brother's Eyes - don't know
10. Color Of Dream Pet - white
11. Color Of Phone/Ipod - black/silver (phone)
12. Color Of Last Thing You Ate - tan - multigrain chip
13. Find The Color You Answered With Most - blue
14. Tag As Many People As There Are Letters In The Color -

I tag everyone who reads this post ! Go on ...have a little fun ! This is the day the Lord hath made , we will rejoice and be glad in it!

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Apr. 4, 2008 - Finished Lapbook

Here are the pics of the finished Revolution/Constitution Lapbook.

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Apr. 1, 2008 - Hello Everyone

It's good to finally be posting again. Life has sure been keeping us on our toes here. We had another round with the flu  which of course is always interesting with 6 people. My cousin from Virginia passed away suddenly which was a huge shock to our family. My oldest DD had to return to her DR. (skin) for her routine 6 month check up and there were two spots they removed for biopsy this time.Of course it is a scary time waiting for that phone call but Praise God everything is ok. My Uncle called with news the other night that his skin cancer biopsy came back as malignant melanoma. He has to go through a lot of tests to find out if he will have to go through chemo.His name is David , please keep him in your prayers. Forgive me friends for not being around and commenting on your blogs. I have been able to lurk  a couple of times but I'll be reading up on everything I promise.  I will try to get the pictures up of our finished lapbooks soon. They turned out great . I believe they are the best ones we have ever done. Good news abounds at our home too . Roosie and T had birthdays in March. Roosie is now a big 8 and T is an official teenager at 13. Where do the years go ? BabyGirl entered a story in the Sylvan Dell Publishers contest . She loves to write and is hopeful that she will win.Spring is here and things are blooming. It is a great time to be outside. I hope to get some neat bird pics up on the other blog. I have some different ones I will be adding today so check it out if you can . The link is in my sidebar .Have a great day in the Lord everyone !

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Mar. 5, 2008 - Lapbooks

We have been working on lapbooks for Science and Social Studies / History . This is the one we are making for the American Revolution and the Constitution . It's not finished yet ... but soon :) The red folder folds out will hold all of our stuff for the Constitution . We should be finished with our study next week . I used the free templates and stuff at HomeschoolShare and Homeschoolhelperonline . I also used my Printshop program . We just started working on our weather lapbook yesterday but I thought I would post a cover picture for you for inspiration . I also started a new blog , Over Hill and Under Hill , where I am posting pictures and stuff of our Family's travels . Have a great day everyone !

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Feb. 28, 2008 - I'm Still Breathing .. Barely But I Am :)

Hey everyone ! I hope that everyone has been well . I was looking at the blogs on my friends list last night and WOW ! So much has happened . Well as for me , I took a temporary job for a few weeks to bring in some vacation $ . My time off was spent doing school and having family time . It was an interesting time to say the least . Then the flu came to visit us . It had been floating around our Church for a while . I knew it was coming just wasn't sure when . It started with Roosie , then hit T , then ME . Oh my goodness , I haven't been that sick in a long time . My blessings took great care of me though . I ended up with pneumonia in my right lung . I'm taking some meds for that and I feel lots better . I just still have that raspy , wheezy sound when I breathe sometimes . Hoopy ended up catching the flu last weekend and now BabyGirl has it . So the last month or so has been busy . I have missed so much on here . My puter also went wacky again so Toodles got us another . Of course all the printables files are on the other puter and I can't get them off to upload them to my file host which once again deleted my account . I'm really disappointed in them . I at first really liked 4shared but now they keep deleting my account and files .Does anyone now of another good . free file host ?

Well , I will leave you today with some pics I took with a present Toodles and the Blessings got for me . Yes , I finally have one .... a digital camera . Have a great day everyone ! God Bless !

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Jan. 19, 2008 - And The Winner IS ....

EYEBRIGHT   ! Congratulations ! Toodles drew the winning entry tonight , so a big thanks to you Sweetie ! Thank you to everyone who left a comment . I appreciate you so much . Keep coming back to visit me and I'll be visiting you :) Have a great evening everyone ! God Bless ! ~ Nikki

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Jan. 17, 2008 - Snow Pics From February 2006

Well the snow didn't come like expected last night and the rain has melted most of what we did get . I thought I would share some pics I took in February 2006 when we did get a good snow . I took them with my camera phone so they are not that great but anyway , enjoy . Be sure to let your cursor rest on each picture and it will show info about it .

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Jan. 16, 2008 - It's Snowing !

Finally ! We have some snow and it is beautiful ! My Brother joined our Church tonight :) It has been great being able to have him in our Church , Praise God , now he is truly "part" of it . Have a great night everyone and don't forget to comment on my blogaversary post :)

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Jan. 16, 2008 - My 1 Year Blogaversary !

Well , today is the day . It's been a whole year for me here on HSB . It has been a great learning experience for me as I have enjoyed reading everyone's blogs . I feel so inadequate when I read some of the detailed plans some of you have :) Everyone I have "met" here has been such an inspiration . Thanks to each and every one . I hope I have somehow been an inspiration or a blessing to someone here . I appreciate everyone who has left a comment for me , they mean so much . As a special thanks and a way to celebrate my blogaversary I am giving away a $10 gift card to Walmart to one lucky commentor (who comments on this post) . I will do the drawing on Saturday . Be sure to leave your url if you don't use HSB .

In other news , check out this link if you are interested in dinosaurs and you live in TN .

http://license.icopyright.net/webprints/Njk2MDMy.html

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Jan. 14, 2008 - Monday , Monday :)

Well it's Monday again . Needless to say Mr.Virus has visited my house today :( . Hobbit (my smallest blessing) , Hoopy (my youngest son), and BabyGirl are having some belly trouble . So today will apparently be school free (maybe an educational video will fit in nicely ). That just gives me a moment to catch up here though . We have been doing well so far . We finished our lapbook on energy & electricity and we are working on completing our study on the 13 colonies . I made us some notebooking pages using my Printshop program and the state flower & bird coloring sheets from Kidzone  .

I am a little sad that Christus Gardens in Gatlinburg closed down this weekend . That place is so beautiful . I guess you could call it a Christian wax museum . Checkout the website while it is still up .

We had such a wonderful day at Church yesterday . Sunday School was great . The kids were so eager and ready to participate in class . It just got better with Junior Church (our Children Church) . Everyone was ready to learn and we had such a great time . Our Church had 7 new members join yesterday . We had a wonderful Visitation & Soulwinning Class yesterday afternoon . There was a great turnout and we had a wonderful time . Last night for our evening service the Mission Team to Germany  we helped support gave us a presentation of their trip with an authentic German meal , AWESOME German chocolate :) and a slide presentation . It was awesome the work that Missionaries are doing there and in Romania  with the Romanian Gypsies who are devastatingly poor . Be sure to pray for their efforts .

Well everyone thanks for taking time to visit my small spot in blogworld . I appreciate each and everyone of you . God Bless You and have a great day ! 

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Jan. 5, 2008 - Tiany's Blogoversary ... my tried and true fave things

Tiany is having a wonderful giveaway to celebrate her 2 year blogoversary . Here are some of my favorite things .

1. My Bible - it always helps me , whether I need comfort , joy or discipline .

2. Bubble Bath - I love all kinds but one of my all time favorites is Peppermint by avon . It smells awesome .

3. Candles , especially scents that remind me of baking . Fall scents are great too ... pumpkin spice YUM !

4. Revlon Color Stay foundation - it goes no where .

5. Carnation hot chocolate - I love having a mugful in front of the fireplace .

6. Freeze It hairspray - it keeps my hair manageable but able to move .

7. Avon Forever Amber perfume - I fell in love with this perfume years ago . Unfortunately they no longer make it but I lucked up and got 2 bottles on ebay :)

8. Beverly Lewis and Jan Karon - They are my fave authors . Beverly Lewis' stories go straight to the heart . Jan Karon - Who doesn't love Mitford ?! :)

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Jan. 2, 2008 - My Resolutions

Well there is no snow but that's ok. I'm sure we will have our share soon :) I thought I would share my resolutions for the the new year with you .

Love More :A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (John 13:34-35)

Laugh More : Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them. (Psalm 126:2) A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance ... (Proverbs 15:13) A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. (Proverbs 17:22)

Be More Content :Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith. (Proverbs 15:16-17) Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.(Philippians 4:11-13) But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. (1Timothy 6:6-12)

I have come to the conclusion that if I can follow all these Scriptures this year then I will be the CHRISTian , wife , mother , daughter , sister , teacher and friend that I should be . What are some of "ya'll's" resolutions ? Leave me a comment so I can check out your blog .

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Jan. 1, 2008 - Happy New Year !

Happy New Year everyone ! It has been such a beautiful day here . When I woke up this morning the sky was so blue it hurt to look at it . The birds were hitting the feeders like crazy . There were birds everywhere ! The wind was blowing slightly and it honestly looked like everything was trying to dance and praise the Lord for such a wonderful day . Now clouds are starting to come in . According to the Weather Channel we have a Winter Storm warning in effect for tonight and we may see up to 3" of snow . Now that's a complete 360 from what it's like now , but I'm looking forward to it . I hope everyone is having a great day . May you all be blessed abundantly this new year !

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Dec. 24, 2007 - Merry CHRISTmas !

Merry CHRISTmas everyone !  And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; because (he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. (Luke 2:1-20)

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Dec. 19, 2007 - The Miracle Theater , Free For Sevier County Residents

Hello everyone ! I hope that all is well in your household this week . We have been very busy here . Last Thursday we had such a great time with the Youth Group . They did an amazing job caroling . We had many of our adults join us too . If you have never done this before , I suggest you try it . It was such a blessing . My Mother & Father - in law came to visit Friday so that we could have CHRISTmas together . A great time was had by all . Todd, the kids and I spent all day Saturday running around shopping and just being together . Sunday was amazing also ! Our Service was awesome and afterwards we went to Knoxville to tour the "Walk Through Bethlehem" exhibit . It was great ! Also big news for Sevier County Residents : the Miracle Theater in Pigeon Forge is hosting Sevier County Days til Saturday . You get in free with a SC ID . Just call ahead to reserve your tickets . We went last night and it was very impressive .They use live animals for the Nativity and it was wonderful .

Well here are a few more sites for CHRISTmas freebies .

All Free Printables   - Free gift tags , cards and worksheets

Mint Printables - free stationary and planners , etc.

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