After much thought and research, I've moved my blog to blogspot.

Here's my new address:

www.SpiritualParentingTo4.blogspot.com

Our homeschool group had a small turnout for our People & Places fair.  However, it was great.  I learned something about each state (Indiana, Hawaii, Oregon, Georgia & Texas) and about each person that was studied.  I even learned about someone I've never heard before! 

Savanah (8) chose to study Hawaii.  It was much more fun than we thought it was going to be.  My oldest wasn't that interested, so I didn't push the issue.  We studied the volcanoes, geography, animals, tree, flower, flag, history, food, culture and more.

We made a Hawaiian Ambrosia and Volcanic Punch.

Here are those recipes:

Hawaiian Ambrosia

8 ounces of crushed pineapple, drained

11 oz of mandarin oranges, drained

3 1/2 cups of cool whip

2 cups of mini marshmallows

2 cups of shredded coconut

1 cup of maraschino cherries

Mix all ingredients and chill an hour before serving.

Volcanic Punch

3 cans of frozen fruit punch concentrate

1   64 oz. can of pineapple juice

2  2-liters of Ginger Ale

ice cubes

Pour ingredients in, one by one.

Enjoy!

If you would like to make a homemade volcano like we did, here is the website we used:
www.spartechsoftware.com/reeko/Experiments/volcano.htm

Here are some great photos:

Our presentation:

Savanah in her Hawaiian clothes:

Our erupting Mauna Loa:

We did a quick science experiment today. 

We put red food coloring and even some chocolate sprinkles to represent dirt.

I don't know why it amazes me when God does something great in my life.  I know He WANTS to do great things in all of our lives. 

Do you have a want list?  You know, those things you want, but just don't want to spend extra money on them right now, because they are a want and not a need?  Well, thanks to our gracious, loving Father, mine just got shorter. 

We have been in need of a dresser for some time.  Douglas doesn't have one at all.  I hang most of his clothes up and the rest are folded on his changing table.  Being the boy that he is, I know it won't be long before he tries to climb up it.  Savanah & Alexis share a dresser.  Savanah is a neat, orderly person, while Alexis doesn't care if her clothes are folded, inside out or backwards.  It is starting to cause a problem.  I've had an eye open for a dresser, whether it be at a thrift store, consignment sale or new.  Well, Savanah and I were coming home from her eye doctor appointment (yes, she needed glasses, luckily our insurance is great and we only had to pay $30 TOTAL for the glasses and eye exam!  Thank you God!!!!) and we spotted a yard sale.  We looked around and I spotted a dresser.  It wasn't new by any means, it needed cleaning, painting or sanding and a little wood glue.  I didn't have a lot of cash on hand so I looked around more. 

I have wanted a CD rack to organize my computer CD's in for a while now.  There was one sitting right there and I grabbed it.  It only holds about 16 CD's, but it will definitely do!  I looked more and found a typing CD (Mavis Beacon) that I have wanted Alyssia to do for at least two years now.  I almost bought it from Rainbow Resource a month ago, but decided to wait, because I considered it a want and not a need.  Plus, there are many free typing courses online.  I grabbed it up off the table also.  The couple hosting the yard sale were very nice.  She confronted Savanah and said, "I have something I know you will love."  She handed Savanah a little leather type case.  Well, that was nice to just give her something, right?  I looked over the dresser again.  The drawers were in good shape.  The wood was all intact.   "How much for the dresser?"  They only wanted $10!  Oh, I love yard sales!  But even more, I love how God continously provides for my family and my wants even though I let Him down so often.  He loves me unconditionally!  I have been in prayer about some major things lately.  I know He is working miracles with those prayers.  It's very obvious.  Now, He is letting me know again, He cares about my little wants.

I didn't pay another penny for the CD rack or new CD typing software.  They loaded the dresser in my van and we were off.   Savanah opened her leather case and there was a shiny new digital camera!!!!

Today was a good day.   I felt as if we actually got things accomplished in school and on the home front.  We are learning about Hawaii and having fun with it.   Our homeschool group is having a "People & Places Fair" in about two weeks.  Savanah decided to learn about Hawaii.  It has been interesting so far.

Alyssia really enjoyed Mr. Stebbing's art class.  She went to WalMart with me tonight and with her own money, she bought some paint and paint brushes. 

We started a point system in our home today.  The girls have to earn priveleges with their points.  They start every day with 10 points.  If they disobey, etc., then they can have points taken away.  I'm praying this leads to better behavior, helping out more and better attitudes toward each other.  Oh, and that the "rolling of the eyes" quits!  URGH!

Douglas decided at nap time that he didn't want to stay in his crib today.  He is trying desperately now to escape it and climb over.  I'm just not sure that I'm ready for him to be in his toddler bed!

I've been reading about this "Tackle It Tuesday" phenomenom.  It has intriqued me.  I am amazed at what some women are getting accomplished in their home.  I want to get rid of my clutter hot spots.  I can clean them, then in a few days, they are piled up again.  I don't have much organization in this house since we are living in half of it and the other half is being remodeled.   This morning I felt totally overwhelmed when I couldn't find something we needed for school.  I decided to do a "Tackle it Thursday".  I don't like much on my kitchen counters.  I just like it to be neat and clean.  Here's a before:

Now, we don't have all of the cabinet doors on just yet.  Just the bottom cabinets, except the one on the left.  It really doesn't bother me as bad as I thought.  Right now it is MUCH more important to me to get the oak hardwood down in the girls room, so they can move in.  Anyways, here is my counter.  I just can't stand that clutter!!!  Here's after:

See how neat and clean?  I think I just may jump on board the "Tackle it Tuesday's".

I love spring.  Summer used to be the only season I really liked at all.  It's still my favorite, but as I've gotten older I have learned to appreciate spring and autumn much more.

I have ordered some things for our garden via the internet.  I haven't ever ordered such things from the net or bought them and had them delivered via postal mail.  I'm anxious to see how the plants look when they arrive.  This is what I bought:

1. 6 Big & Plenty Tomato Plants
2. Sugar on the Cob Corn - seeds
3. 6 Earliglow Strawberry Plants
4. Carrot seeds
5. Sunflower seeds
6. Quicklawn seeds (my front lawn needs grass!!!!)

I bought these items from  Gardener's Choice .  I didn't pay any more than I if I would have bought these items from Lowe's or WalMart.  The website looks promising, doesn't it?  I'll let you know how this years garden goes.  Remember last year?  I broke my foot planting a cucumber plant!      Savanah planted three watermelon seeds in a pod planter and it's already sprouting.  However, we plan to plant more than I've listed here.  Now, we just need to rent a tiller..........

My two older daughters are taking an art class by Barry Stebbing, creator of the How Great Thou Art , art curriculum.  Alyssia (12) is really enjoying it.  Savanah (8) is enjoying it some.  It think if she were older, she'd like it a lot more.  She really liked it today when Mr. Stebbing gave her an A+ on her homework!  Neither child has had any art instruction from me.  We have checked out the "Draw Write Now" books from our library and they did like those.  I have a feeling that Alyssia will be asking for some art curriculum next year.........

I have two things that have been a long time comin'........

1.  Updating my blog.  I haven't been able to log in to my homeschoolblogger since Dec. 2006.  I think I have finally gotten everything under control.  Tech support and I have been sending emails back and forth since then.  When I have time, I may still change my blogger site.  Some things have changed and I need to sit down and look at them before I decide.  I'll keep you posted!!

2.  I have high speed internet!!!!!!!!   

I'm lovin' it.

Now, off to finish my daily to do list!!

I have so many things to do here.  You would NOT believe my to do list.  So, what's my problem?  I'm a procrastinator.  At the end of my day, I look back and think, "What happened to doing such and such and getting this accomplished today?"

What makes things worse is that I'm going through some sort of depression.  I'd like to think it's mild, but I'm not sure. This has only happened once before and lasted for a short time.  I'm trying hard to stay close to God during this time.  Here are some blessings I'm thankful for:

1. My 12yo dd.  She sent a care package through the mail to a member of our church that hasn't attended since June.  She insisted on spending her own money to mail it.  I was afraid she was wasting her money, but didn't say a word.  The next Sabbath, the lady was at church, with the care package in hand.  ......to have the faith of a 12 yo.......
2. My 8 yo dd.  What did she want for her birthday?  Build a Bear? nope.  New Barbies?   nope.  New Polly Pockets? nope.   A new game for her Nintendo DS?  nope.  She wanted her own Bible, so she can read it and learn all the Bible stories herself. 
3. My 6 yo dd.  She is always concerned about others well-being.  Whenever we pass by a Salvation "red bucket" and person ringing the bells, she must put money in it.  She is a thankful little girl.  Whenever I take her anywhere, to the mall, Taco Bell or even the library, she always says, "Thank you mommy for buying me a burrito."
4. My 18 mo ds.  His grin will melt my heart in 0.5 seconds flat.  I am so thankful for the way he walks over to me, grabs my cheeks and kisses my lips at least 5 times.   AND, I'm VERY thankful that even though he has 3 older sisters, he is ALL boy!   He loves to climb, play and LOVES his toy cars.  He almost always has one in hand.
5. My dh.  For his sweet compassion towards me.  I'm thankful for such a strong & handy dh.  He is a hard worker and most weeks, he is working 60 hours for us.  He has a job that requires him to be on his feet at least 95% of the time. He is NOT a procrastinator!  That is a good thing with our home!  I'm very thankful that even though we spent 3 hours at the surgery center yesterday morning, the report from the doctor was a good one.  Under Jesus, he is my rock.
6. My mom.  I can gripe and complain all I want, but when it comes down to it, my mom is here for me and my family NO matter what.  I need to be more thankful for that.  She does so much for us.
7. For a Saviour that loves me no matter what I do.

I am so thankful for the days that we stay home.  We get so much accomplished.

There was a conversation this week, between some ladies on our homeschool group about not getting much done when we have to leave the home.  That is us too.  We just have a hard time getting "school work" finished if we have been out earlier in the day.

We weren't able to participate in our local homeschool group "Around the World Day".  This is why.

We are currently studying the Civil War.

Last friday, we went to Hodgenville, KY.  Why you ask?  To visit Abraham Lincoln's birth home.  My dad lives about an hour and half from there.  We first stopped at the Lincoln Museum.  They have a gift shop, wax figures to show important highlights of Lincoln's life, memorabilia, pictures, documents, timelines, a video and lots more.  I was leary of the "wax figures" at first.  I'm not sure why.  I guess it just sounded silly.  BUT, it really brought a lot of Lincoln's life, to life for us.  It helped us to see the big picture.

Here are a few pictures of that:

Abe writing the Emanicipation Proclamation

Abe giving the Gettysburg Address

The end of the civil war

"The Surrender"

Here is Abe and his wife at the Ford's Theatre

We picked up a few gifts from the gift shop.  Alexis wanted the Dover coloring book of Abe Lincoln.  It was really hard to let her just color in it!  Those coloring books are nice.  Savanah wanted a few pencils and a trivia book.  Alyssia bought a trivia book and some Confederate replica money.  She is really into coin collecting, so this was right up her alley.

We left and then went to the Abe Lincoln park and birth home.  Here is a picture of the Memorial building where the replica log home is stored.  I wanted to take a picture of the log home, but no photos were allowed inside.

Yes, I take pictures of these.  I like to remember what I see!!

Here is the Sinking Spring, where Abe drew water for his family in the 1800's.

It looked more like a cave. 

His boyhood home was nearby, but we were hungry and tired by this point!!

The kids enjoyed it more than they thought they would.  :o)

Our area (north GA and southeast TN) is very rich in Civil War history.  We have a few more field trips that may also span to Knoxville and Atlanta.

We'll see........

This was an up and down week.

We didn't have speech therapy this week because the schools were out on fall break.  That was a plus.  It gave us time to do other things.

Then I had to decide NOT to participate in the farm field trip (really wanted to go!!) and to NOT participate in our homeschool groups Around the World Day (ATWD).  Our family was presenting France. 

However, we did make it down to the river to see the Nina.  www.thenina.com

Savanah really, really liked it.

My husband went out of town and took the three girls. 

I love my girls, but it was a nice break.  I went shopping with Douglas and my mom.  My mom bought me clothes and took me out to dinner!!

Then on saturday, Douglas and I had a nice day to ourselves!!

He is starting to talk.  He can say no, dog, nana, mama and dada.

He's such a sweetie!

Next week, we are going to see my dad and to visit Abraham Lincoln's boyhood home.  That should be lots of fun!!  I just hope I remember to charge my batteries for my digital camera.  I forgot to charge them for the Nina.  Oh well.

I was able to visit a friend that I don't get to visit very often.  She has moved and is closer to me know. 

We are supposed to be receiving a flat traveler soon.  The girls are excited about that.  However, we are having a hard time finding other families to host ours.

Hope everyone has a great school week!

Homeschooling that is.

I think (ok, I know) it's because I relax a little more every year.  I started homeschooling when my oldest started 2nd grade.  That year, we did about 9 subjects DAILY.  Yes, seriously.  The morning started with prayers and pledges to the flag.  Then we did Bible, Grammar, History, Science, Spelling, Journal/Writing, Math, Health, Art, Reading, etc.  And yes, I had a boxed curriculum for that.  Now, I'm not trying to insult those that use a boxed curriculum. 

I'm just saying those didn't work for us.  This year, the only curriculum we use are for math and grammar.  We do use the Explode the Code for phonics.

 

Now, I have my second oldest in second grade.  And wow, what a difference.  She enjoys learning.  She begs to learn.  Yesterday we read, "Christopher Columbus" by Helen Olds.  She absorbed so much of that book.  We talked about what a biography is and different words, such as mast.  We also finished up the "Flat Stanley" book.

We will be making our Flat Stanley's soon and can't wait to send them out! 

 

 

I'm so glad I read the "Managers of Their Home" before school this year.  I don't have a schedule (yet, maybe one day) but I gleamed so much from that book.  I actually feel as if I get things accomplished during my day.  My laundry is staying caught up, my kitchen is cleaned, dishes are washed, floor are swept most of the time and beds are made.  This is among homeschooling three children, speech therapy, music lessons and homework, Pathfinders, managing a fund raiser at church and teaching a class every week at church.  My plate is full and I have said no to a lot of things lately.  I don't feel guilty about it.  I know what I can handle and what can not fit into my day.  Now, I just need to get my house more organized !

We started back to school last week. It was a later start than I wanted, but at least I can say we've started!

It has been on my heart to share this for at least two weeks now.

How do you ladies find the time to post daily?

I am currently doing the Beth Moore study called, "Believing God". 

All I can say is WOW.  I totally understand why so many women are drawn to hear her speak the Word.  She is so energetic, compassionate and REAL.

As I read James 3:1-12, tears flowed from my eyes.

"With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness.  Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing.  My brothers, this should not be.  Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?"  James 3:9-11 NIV

How often do I speak harshly to my children or even my husband?  And then to turn around and say thank you Lord, for this food, etc.?

Shouldn't all my words be pure?  How can my children learn to have pure thoughts, actions and words if I don't?  Please pray for me and I'll be in prayer for you, that our tongues may be tamed.