It really has been a while...Well, let's see...we have all but finished the very last of our school year.  I am really going to make a better effort to blog on this site for next year.  It is like a little diary of our year...So, it is something valuable for us.  Well, I have had a fabulous year with the home school group in our area and attended many of their functions.  I also have begun a Internet radio show called "Encouragement From The Heart".    It is for new and seasoned home schooling parents.  We have had so many guests from all over the states join us for really good advice and conversations.  Now, we are left to take the end of the year test.  It should be coming in next week sometime. 

I am really contemplating beginning year round school and starting in August.  We will see.  I ordered our curriculum for next year.  We are using Christian Liberty Press.  I really like the books and all of my favorite publishers are included and in the subjects that I like them in!!!  Praise God!!

On the family front, my step dad...Doug found out the cancer is in his bones...don't know what they are going to do for him...no chemo and no radiation....Also, my Grandma Jewel isn't doing well.  She had another stroke two days ago...only affected her brain...she lost 20% of function in her brain...not too bad...but we are praying for her to get better quickly...She is older...91 to be exact and still so feisty!!!

Well, gotta get to fixing some breakfast for the family!!!

Well, it is finally over!  And....

Many are happy---many are sad.  But no matter what our feelings are this morning, we can all enjoy the knowledge that we live in a free country.  The folks of our great country have spoken. We have so many different backgrounds and cultures.  We are so diverse. Yet, we are so similar. I am glad our country has come past only men voting and now women can vote.  Then, getting past the "white" thing voting.  Now, people of any color can vote.  Last night, we saw yet again another important milestone our country has reached.  Now, we know ANYONE can be President of the USA....with or without the qualifications that our country has held in high esteem for so long.  I am not putting our President-Elect down....I am just saying that he doesn't have the vast experiences that the majority of our past Presidents have had when they obtained the White House.

I am not ashamed to acknowledge that I was and still am a strong John McCain supporter.  However, my God has called on me to pray for our leadership no matter who is in office.  I will obey His commands and I will support with the love of Christ our new President-Elect.  This is a wonderful time in the world.  So many things have and are coming to pass.  God's prophecies are being filled each and everyday.  Last night was a ground breaking night for God's people.  We should now show God's love and kindness to all people.  That is the test that will lead to the testimony God wants us to have with others.

We had an awesome time today at the Cotton Gin.  I had never been there before and it was quite an experience.  The kids loved it and learned so much.  We saw the process in which the cotton gets all the seeds out and how it gets to be a more white color instead of the off-color of white.  We even learned how you can ROAST Cotton Seeds to eat!!!!!  Most of the seeds taken out, are given to cows.  They said that cows can eat them or any animal that has two stomaches!  Well, it really was interesting.

Then we went to the park by the river.  It was absolutely beautiful!!!  Oh!  I almost forgot---we also went to the park planitarium!  That was really cool!  Here are some pics of our trip!

Good morning all my fellow home schoolers!  I just wanted to take the time to write a few lines about how greatful I am the Jesus is Lord  of my life.  You know, all of us have gone through trials and hardships.  Some, may have come out of them untouched.  Others, might have long lasting effects. 

Either way, we become the person we are at this min. by the things we have gone through in times past.  I know for me, all my trials have made me a much stronger person and it has led me to know exactly what I need in my life.  The things we want and the things we need sometimes, can be very different.

I am just so thankful that God has brought me out of the cloudy water into a fresh spring of life.  This life that I am referring to, is eternal life.  Praise God!  He has given me such an awesome reward for all my heartaches in the past.  God has given me the reward of my children, my honey, my momma, my daddy, and all my friends, and last....but first in my heart....is my eternal salvation through Jesus Christ.

What a wonderful life and what a week can bring into the minds of those who meditate on His word!

Homeschooling is just one of the many ways God has blessed me.  I am so thankful and in awe that He has trusted me with the growing minds of my children. 

I am going to put some pictures of one of our "neat" finds the other day.  We had gotten some field corn to do a fall scene with.  However, the corn was left out in the rain and we decided to let it sit where it was for a while to dry back out.  Then, on Saturday, we noticed the sprouts of a corn stalk growing from under the old field corn cob.  As I studied this marvalous treasure, I began thinking how God turns things we feel are no good into something new and "sprouting" with life.  That is what happens when we let go and let God take control over our lives.  I had left the old no good corn cob out in the elements and let God take care of it.  Look what happened when God took care of it.....He brought forth new life!

Just one more of this beauty!

Well, this week has been really  a struggle!  We have had appointments and all kinds of hinderances!  Praise God!  We have made it through without loosing our minds.  I feel like I haven't accomplished much school this week.  So, today is cramming day!  Jordan is be very cooperative with my stern teacher voice today....He is sooooo funny!  He says "When Mom's in the ZONE, leave her ALONE!!!"  He really is a good kid.  Well, next week will be a much better week!

This has been a wonderful day!  We have had beautiful weather.  Nice and breezy with crisp temperatures.  Jordan has been enjoying school today as we talked more about insects and the moth butterfly thing!  I am going to post some of pictures of the kids below!  Hope you enjoy!  God is so AWESOME!!!

Wow!  We caught a picture of a really cool butterfly last night!  I am going to try and post the pictures on this blog...however, my picture size is really too large.  Maybe, I can copy and paste them!  We are doing great and getting involved with things from time to time.  Jordan is doing great with his math and I am learning new things too.  Well, all have a great day!

Really Cool Butterfly!!!!

Well, yesterday I was giving tests, taking care of Jack, and preparing for TS Hanna.  She is here.  She's been here since about 5:00am this morning!  He winds are really strong and gusty.  Not too much rain has fallen here.  I live about 45 miles from the beach.  So, I asuming that they have had a larger impact with the rain.  I have taken some pictures of what the winds have done here at our house.  I hope you enjoy!

So.....Coooool! Praying Mantis!It is so hard to believe that we have finished another week of school.  Jordan is doing wonderful with all his assignments.  I am pleasantly surprised that he hasn't been complaining about all the work.  I have been looking for a home school group that I can  connect with in my area.  It seems so difficult to find like minded folks to be your friend.....and for Jordan.  Prayerfully , God will provide the right group for us to work with this year.

Well, Stephen is off on Monday and I guess we will clean out the laundry room....God knows it needs it!We all also try and find some more insects to go along with our insect study unit in science.  Infact, I am going to post some pictures of the cool Praying Mantis we found the other day!

In His Grace!

Look at the "Legs" on that thing!He is a long thing!!!!

Here we go!  Week 2!!!  This is exciting!  This past weekend I made that awesome pear jelly.  It was really good. I added a twist in it with adding pumpkin spice.  I couldn't believe how great it turned out.  We also fried chicken outside on Sunday.  We didn't go to church yesterday because of my bumb leg!  Sometimes, it is good to just rest our bodies a bit.

Today has been great.  I feel like I have gotten a lot accomplished.  School has gone wonderful.  Jordan is really starting to feel that 4th grade is a little more involved than last year.  Jack is a little off of routine because of the weekend...but we are trying to get him back on that pattern.  It usually takes a couple of days to get back ino the swing of things.  He is some pictures of our science observations from this morning.  We are doing a unit on insects from ABEKA.

This is the cool bug we found this morning...some kind of beetle.

This is the beautiful rainbow that God made a while back.

Fun little beetle---He has a battle scar!

Well, this is Thursday.  Our first week is almost over.  We have really had a great start this week.  Getting past my pink eye, red dots, and my swollen sprang (I think) knee, is just a few hurdles we have had to cross this week.  I have started Jordan on his morning work and Jack is asleep.  So, I am now having my 2nd cup of Jo for the morning. 

My dad is coming over this morning to help me out with Jack, so that I can rest that knee of mine.  I really don't want to have to go to the doctor and have to have the fluid drained out...OWWWW!  It sounds so hurtful!  I am almost in tears now!  On the flip side, Stephen is a true God send.  He cooked last night and took such good care of me.  He is a total sweetheart.  God really is awesome when he can put someone in your life that is so perfect for you.  Stephen is just that...perfect for me.

Maybe, my dad will cook something wonderful for lunch.  He is such a great cook!  Well, I am putting a few more pictures of our family on the bottom of this entry.  One is of Jordan this morning doing his work and the others are of Stephen, Jack, and me.

Isn't Jordan so studious?!?!

 My Radio Man!

Stephen took this...and I didn't even know it!

Our first day has been a blessing!  God has really allowed me to have the energy to combat that horrible knee ache and helped me to press forward and teach with joy!  Jordan has really eased into the lessons and has done so with a calming approach.  I can't believe he is in 4th grade already!  Time has flown by and we continue to serve God with such a renewed spirit each and every day.  I am going to put a picture of Jordan doing his Writing assignment today.  Jack is asleep and I am taking a few minutes for myself.  A little afternoon coffee and I am good for another 6 hours!  My sweet honey is also on this entry along with myself.  Tomorrow is another day of God's abounding grace!  I can't wait!

Jordan is back home now!  Praise God!  We really  missed him.  He said he had a really great time.  He did come home with bites all over his legs.  Guess that is part of all the fun of the outdoors!  Jordan told us so many things they did while he was there.  Tons of activities were really keeping them busy.  I know that Jack missed him too.  He was really cranky most every day when Jordan was gone. 

We picked Jordan up on Saturday afternoon....about 6:15pm.  Then, came back home and rested.  Yesterday, we didn't go to church...but we watched it on the T.V.. It just isn't the same though.  Then, last night we went grocery shopping.  Wow!  $175.00!  That is a lot for a few groceries!  This morning has been really relaxing.  I put Jack's crib out on the front porch and he loved it!  Jordan came out and we talked for a bit.  Then, it was back inside to start my day.  Oh...yes....I did read my Bible and did Devotions this morning too!  Then, Jordan and I ate a little breakfast.  Jack is asleep right now-giving me a few min. to gather my thoughts for the day.  I printed the school year calendar a few min. ago.  Next, I am going to get all Jordan's books together for this school year.  I have ordered a couple new books...so, they should be coming in soon.  We will start the new school year next week!  Yikes!!!  It is always exciting to begin a new year.  I know this year is going to be better than ever before! 

Good morning!  This is the third day that Jordan has been at camp.  I haven't heard anything from him.  They say if we don't hear anything that is a good sign!  I really am missing him.  We have been have keeping busy with going places and doing stuff around the house.  Stephen is going to put up a new chandeler in the dining room today.  Then, we are going over to my dad's for lunch.  He just has to see Jack!  I really need to clean up this house.  I haven't lifted a finger since last Friday!  It is starting to get messy.....the dishes are not washed!  Ok...it's really not that bad....just I like things really neat and orderly.  We went to my mom's yesterday with Stephen's mom with us!!!!  It was really funny to see how my mom and his mom interact.  I think they like each other quite a bit!  Well, I need to get dressed and start cleaning up.  Oh!  Jordan's test scores were mailed on the 4th...so, we should get them within the next couple of days.

We are taking a much needed two week break for next week and the week after.  Jordan is leaving for camp on Monday morning...at 6:00am.....Wow!  That is early.....what is really early is that we have to leave the house to get him at the church by 5:00am!  That means we wake up around 3:30am!!!!......Now, that is early!  Why should I even go to sleep???  Please pray for me...this is the first time he will have been away from home.  I am a little nervous....but I must turn it over to God!  Well, we are going  to my Dad's house for lunch today.  He is such a great cook......I guess I got my love of cooking from him.  Jack is taking his morning nap and Jordan has been outside collecting "fossils".  I guess I better go for now.

Thumbs up DUDE!

Yea!!!  We are finally finished with the end of the year test! I went to the post office and had to make copies of the test answers...$5.00!!!!!  Then, I sent off the complete test packet.  Praise God!  We can now relax for a couple of weeks before beginning the new school year!  Jordan is leaving for church camp on Monday morning!  I am just a little hesitant of him going.  This will be the first time he has gone away for that long!....and that far away.  In homeschooling, we get so use to having the kids with us all the time....so, this is a HUGE shift for me!  I know that I will have plenty of things to keep me busy though.  My honey is on vacation then too, so, that will help me get through thinking about Jordan a bit.  It is about a 5 hour drive to where the camp is!!!!  I just pray all will go good with him for next week. 

Testing for a third day!  Wow!  It is so crazy.  I know we are testing really late this year.  With all of our moving and getting settled in---we have really had a hard time getting back on track.  Praise God!  We are now on our normal routine.  I am putting some pictures of Jordan testing from this morning.  The second picture is of Jack resting while Jordan is hard at work!!! Don't worry, in a few years Jack will be scribbling and writing too!!!

This is one of the first blogsfor our new site.  We had an old Homeschool Blog....but we wanted to update with a new and improved feeling.  Hopefully, this blog will be a blessing and an encouragement to all who read it.  To my family, this should give you a glimpse of what our home schooling experience consists of each passing day!  

The Lord has made this a great day!  REJOICE for all He has done in your life!!!