Wow!  We are at 50 degrees now, and expected to have temp of only 26 degrees tonight.  That is probably a record low for us in South FL.  I just pray that the orange groves around us don't suffer.  It's weird because it was in the 80's almost all week. 

We had some guests this week, and had a good time.  I am just sad that it had to end way to soon. 

Have a great day!

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Today Dear Daughter N and I went out alone.  It was nice.  She was very happy to have mommy all to herself, and asked if we could do that more often.  I am so tired, we really were gone a long time.  I do look forward to the next time we can go out together alone and just do girl stuff.  Also, she met a new friend this week, which looks promising.  The little girl is the same age, and also loves horses.  I hope that they will be good friends. 

We aren't doing "official" homeschool, but I notice lots of learning still going on around here.  She loved "A Christmas Carol" by Dickens, and I can't wait to start another classic together.  It's nice to just have time to live, and not worry about doing workbooks.  Maybe I did too many workbooks already this year.  I hope to do more exploring, and reading, writing etc.  We will see how things go. 

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Good King Wencelaus looked out,
on the feast of Stephen...

Yesterday we remembered  St. Stephen, Archdeacon and First Martyr

Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone
For the struggles you endured for Christ God, a royal diadem crowns your head, O First Champion of Martyrs. For you refuted the folly of the Jews and beheld your Savior on the right of the Father. Ever beseech Him, therefore, for our souls.

 Acts of the Apostles 6:8-15;7:1-5,47-60

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We had a wonderful day.  Our Christmas began last night with a vigil service  at church, for 4 hours.  It was really beautiful and we enjoy worship of the Lord's Nativity.  Since we could not go to visit my mom and grandparents this year, we were invited by friends to join their Christmas day.  It was really great.  The food was good, and the company was even better.  It was hot, around 78 degrees, humid and overcast.  Yet, the kids also enjoyed the other children, and dear daughter N made a new friend, her own age, who also loves horses!  Hooray!  Anyway, we felt very blessed with love, friendship and nice gifts.  Little baby M loves her little teddy bear ornaments on the tree, and also a few new toys.  I really missed my mom and grandparents today, especially since we did not go there for thanksgiving. ( have i mentioned missing them on every post?) Thankfully, my mom is hoping to come visit in January.  We have a friend with 2 kids coming in for a visit at the end of this week, which tomorrow I will try to plan some meals.  She is driving down from Indiana!  I am sure she will enjoy the hot weather more than me.  The good thing about the weather being warm is that since we have all been so sick, it is probably better than having a cold front right now. 


This question was posed on another website, so I thought I would answer it hear, instead of a comment on their blog. 

How do I handle family visits? Well, let's see.  My first younger brother only called once this month, in a reply to my message on where to send a package. ( He has 4 children and a wife) Normally he calls once in a while, but this year, like most of th rest in the last 15 years he rarely wishes me a Merry Christmas by phone or card.   My second younger brother never calls or writes.  So, even though he has 4 beautiful children, they don't know us.  Normally I send out Christmas Cards to them, but this year I did not send any at all due to sickness.    (I'm not complaining, it's just the facts.) I call my dad often, and definately call him to wish him a Merry Christmas.  He doesn't send cards at all, and in the last 7 years he has never come to visit, even though we have invited him & his wife often.  We have told him he is welcome to bring his dog too, since we have a dog.  I don't know if they will ever come for a visit.   Mom comes for a visit about once a year, and it all goes fine.  She's easy to get along with, and helpful, and likes what I cook.  I cook different than my Grandma.  Grandma always cooks the best southern food ever!  I just have my own recipes, and easy things I like to make, and I tend to make what I know well.  For example, tuna casserole, spagetti & meatballs, shrimp creole, mac & cheese, stuffed pasta shells or lasagna, chicken and rice with broccoli, vegetable soups, etc. I cook pretty well, most of the time, but don't usually make meals that require lots of pots.  

We have been trying to drink lots of tea lately, due to our throats being so sore.  Baby is sick tonight, and I have the humidifier on in her room.  I hope to get some housework done tomorrow, and maybe read more of "A Christmas carol".  

I have not been to the gym in weeks.  So I have decided to wait a few more days until the new year is over, and then get back on a routine at the gym.  I can't wait to work on getting fit again.  I have not gained weight during Dec.! :)  I lost 2 pounds this week!

So, Have a good day and thanks for stopping by my blog.  I must say, today, I have no dreams of far away...my dreams came true with lots of love, right here, in this place.  All was peaceful and bright, just as it should be.

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We started reading A Christmas Carol by Dickens this week.  My children have never heard of it, or seen the movies.  (Which is just what I love because then the book is so good!)  They have been so bored with doing nothing but watching tv, since we were so sick.  So, when I started to read the book aloud, they loved it!  We are only in chapter one, mainly because my voice can only read for short amounts of time.  We are just so loving the story and the way that Dickens writes, that you can't wait to hear more.  I am baking special breads in the machine over the last few days.  They are gifts.  Also, I am making the cookie recipes in mason jars as gifts this year.  It is a good idea, and I wonder how great that would be if a group of women did that with there favorite cookie or muffin recipes and had an exchange. 

I really miss my family, and my mom.  I hope that she can come for a visit next month.  Also, I am expecting friends to come visit at the end of the week, which should be fun and interesting! 

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Check out this Nelnet Scholarship Giveaway for students 16 and older!  No purchase required! 
www.nelnet.com

The kids and I got sick again last Monday.  We had to stop homeschool for an early break, and I am just today feeling alittle better.  We hope to all be well enough to celebrate the Incarnation of our Savior tomorrow evening at church. So, that is why I haven't blogged much.  We haven't had anything to blog about. 

We wish everyone a blessed Christmas!

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Well, due to colds, and the Geo breaking down, we will be home all week.  This is just fine with me, because I love to finally have time for reading, baking, crafting, etc.   Of course, I tend to eat more, so I have to watch that I stay on my diet track.  Especially since the baking smells so good!  Dear Son is doing so much better and it makes life more pleasant.  He played Liberty Kids game yesterday on the computer since he was sick.  He learned alot!  And he wrote a report on the Revolution, and this was his own idea!  WOW! 
I am watching Martha Stewart, and I might have time for those crafts maybe when I am a grandma someday. 

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Through this year, I have wondered if I would ever have a moment to sit and read again.  I am so thankful that I had the chance to read this great book.  It is so good.  " Thirsting for God in Shallow Wells" by Matthew Gallatin.  I am throughly enjoying it.  Gallatin is a former Calvary Chapel minister, who has written about his spiritual journey, and was received in the Orthodox church in 1997. His biography is at http://ancientfaith.com/notes/gallatin_bio  .   If you are "Thirsting for God"  this is a great read, but be aware that I do not recommend this to children without their parents consent. (Just a note, it may change your life! )
Anyway, I must go.  I am very thankful today for a peaceful day and time to sit and contemplate the Lord.
Glory to Jesus Christ!

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My DS says I am quaint.  Sounds like a complement to me! 

FROM Dictionary.com:
quaint      /kweɪnt/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[kweynt] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation

[Origin: 1175–1225; ME queinte < OF, var. of cointe clever, pleasing ≪ L cognitus known (ptp. of cognōscere; see cognition)]

Very interesting! 

Anyway, I had a difficult day, but overall it went ok.  We didn't school today, because we ran errands, went shopping and took DD to an activity.  What a long day, even though the sun goes down early.  I am so tired. I can't wait for bed!  I just hope we can have a quiet day at home tomorrow.

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Glory to God, we had a beautiful day.  It was overcast outside, but lots of learning happening inside.  And, tonight the kids went to their dancing practice.  It was great fun.  We really enjoyed it.   I hope tomorrow will be nice too.  DS did very well today, which made it a pleasure to be home.  Baby M likes her books and routines.  She loves Goodnight Moon at night.  too CUTE! Anyway, I am so thankful for our friends and for the wonderful day. 

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We attend a Homeschool Recreation class on Tuesdays.  It has been great.  The whole gang of kids love it, and it is a well done little class put on by Lee County in FL.  Only one thing.  First, we would sign up and bring cash to pay, it is $10 per child, and it is for 6 weeks, one day a week.  One day, we were told that they wanted at least 6 kids to sign up ahead to continue this class.  So, the next time around the moms all started to call each other and make sure everyone signed up ahead.  Then, we were told that they would not accept cash anymore, and that we would have to sign up online ahead and pay that way, that they were not going to accept our checks at the recreation center either.  Does this sound weird to you?  I plan to check on the county's policy for this.  I think that some people are trying to get rid of this really great little opportunity for us.  Also to note, that the after school care program that they have there is FREE.  So, they have around 20-30 kids there in the afternoon, at no charge, but we have to pay for our kids to use the center.  which, I don't mind paying the small fee, but who doesn't accept cash or checks?  This is crazy.  So, just FYI, another thing to think about.

AH HA....I just checked their website.  It says:
Payments:
Payment can be made via credit card (VISA, Master Card, American Express or Discover) on this site, by check via the US Postal Service or by check or cash in person at the Terry Park Admin office. For on-line registration, we only accept Credit Cards. For questions regarding payments, please send an email to power@leegov.com. If you contact us outside of business hours, please allow one business day to receive a reply.

So someone is giving us a hard time.  I am going to get to the bottom of this.

Ps. I don't mind paying, due to the fact that I do not live in Lee County.

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Encouragement.  You can't buy it in stores.  I find it in odd places.  At times when I doubt that there is any in the world.  And then, quietly, a peaceful moment, and the Lord gives me rest.  So I might keep on going, and have another same old routine beautiful day with my kids.  I just wish I could smile more.  I remember a time when there was time for so much.  My son says, why is it so hard to talk to you?  This is after he has not stopped talking almost all day long.  His sister didn't get in a word edge wise.  Are we all like this?  Do we all say to God, where are you?  When He listens to us all the time, there taking care of us, walking with us, and sometimes carrying us, and yet, maybe we don't remember or realize, that He is with us?  Our Lord Love is so wonderful, and He is waiting for us to listen to Him. So I will spend more time making a few moments of quiet time for Him, and remember that He is there.  I know He has given me a great family.  I will pray for my life to be pleasing to Him. 

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Find out more about the real St. Nicholas at this wonderful website, they have traditions from around the world, and maps, songs, etc. 

www.stnicholascenter.org

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As we all prepare for Christmas, I look around with the same wonder of the previous years.  That is to say that the retail industry really has a grip on America when it comes to making Christmas a materialistic holiday.  I am somewhat disgusted and sad at the advertising I see.  It is no wonder that many people are turning away from celebrating Christmas, when they see so much of this non-sense. 

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OK, here it is, my favorite time of year, and I don't even have company coming over.  We went to Palm Beach county today to see some family.  It was nice, yet a long drive.  All this on the go is driving me crazy.  I want to be at home more.  I wanted to see my mom & grandparents for thanksgiving, but I have decided that I am not going to be happy with driving for 9 hours there and back.  I plan to stay home, and maybe go next time.  I miss them, and feel so sad and guilty about this decision.  We also are going on another small trip the first weekend in Dec.  so I need the break in between. 

Does anyone know...."when will I see some progress in my son?"  He improves for only a few minutes, and then the next day reverts back to the same disrespectful behavior.  We are working very hard on character building and consistant discipline.  I am so unsure of where this is all going.  He is only 7 and I am scared to death most days of the future and sometimes just dread to wake up in the morning.  I try different methods, and try to speak respectfully myself, but nothing seems to work.  If anyone has some suggestions or thoughts, I would appreciate them.  It is an emotional rollercoaster for me, and I don't get many breaks away from him.  We put him in activities, thinking that would help.  I see no change.  I just don't know where he gets these thoughts, words, and phrases.  We are careful with what tv programs we watch.  Anyway, I pray for help from God most days, and we started him on Omega 3 supplements for kids a month ago.  My friend said it would take 6 months to see a difference with the supplement.  I don't believe that he has Add or Adhd, but may have oppositional disorder.  He will say or do the opposite of me constantly, for the last 4 to 5 years.  (He is 7).  So, there it is...I am really at wits end.  I don't know if I should have put him in public school or daycare when he was younger, but I don't think that will help now.  Yet, sometimes I contemplate public school, just to give me a break.  I know it sounds selfish, yet, maybe it would help him??? From me, a desperate mom!

THANKS !

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I just read about being a Narnia fan, and I am one.  Here's the proof! 

Your May be Addicted to Narnia If...
•    You randomly knock on the backs of wardrobes (or closets)...just in case.
•    You have named one or more pets after a character from the books.
I DO!
•    You are appalled when people say that the Chronicles of Narnia are "suitable for ages 8-12"...because     you're WAY older than that. THAT's ME!
•    Seeing a lamp post makes you happy!
I ADMIRED A LAMP POST THIS PAST MONTH!
•    You jump into rain puddles just to see what happens.
•    When someone is being pessimistic, you say "You're such a Puddleglum!"
Haven't yet, but will say this soon!
•    You find yourself thinking, "Aslan is on the move." whenever you see or think of melting snow or ice.
I used this quote in the last two months!
•    You suddenly find yourself talking in an English accent.
•    You cry every time you read about Aslan being sacrificed on the Stone Table.
That's me & my dear daughter, crying together.
•    You tell people "Any friend of Narnia is a friend of mine!"
•    You've made a horn to put on your horse's ( for me it was my bike) head and named it Jewel. (but then sigh and say, "it's just not the same..."
•    You wonder why couldn't there be more C.S. Lewis' in the world?
•    You can't wait to meet C. S. Lewis in Heaven. I know I can't!
•    You've caught yourself saying things like "Oh bother!" or "This is simply beastly/horrid" or "Hullo!" or "Ware danger!!"
•    You lie in bed wondering what other worlds were in the OTHER pools of the Wood Between the Worlds. I DID!
•    You've named your stuffed animals after characters in Narnia
•    When your cat is acting bad, you call it Ginger.
•    When you now sign emails like 'For Narnia and for Aslan'.
•    If you created your own Narnia fan site. :)
•    You wonder what the first joke in our world was...
•    You tease your brother by quoting what Lucy said about boys' empty heads in Prince Caspian.
•    Any empty room in your home is dubbed "The Land of Spare Oom."
•    "Narnia" is now added as a word to your computer's word processor.
•    When you've made up a game called Narnia Freeze Tag in which the person who is 'It' is the White     Witch and turns people to stone while another person is Aslan and breathes on the stone people to turn     them back.
•    You want to write a book about Narnia or at least inspired by Narnia. That could happen..
•    you wonder constantly what happened between Rilian and Tirian's time
•    When you wish that "nice" clothes in our world were like Narnian clothes--they not only look nice but     feel nice when you wear them. Me too!
•    You get depressed after reading the last battle and realizing that theres no more story left. I felt this way!


To Read More Go To

http://www.thelionscall.com/humor/addicted_to_narnia.cfm?menu_parent_id=4&menu_item_id=103

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How children change us.  I feel like a big baby myself sometimes, and other times I feel like a 9 yr. old.  Then there are days I feel like I am so old.  Yet, through it all there is some will to survive, to go on to the next day.

All these activities drive me crazy.  I realize it is good for us to participate in them, but I still find myself wanting to be home in the yard , or just baking or reading or sewing, or something that we do at home.  I will continue to endure these outside activities alittle longer, awaiting a break from routines. 

Georgia is on my mind.  Not just the place, but also a dear old friend, that I miss and haven't talked to in ages.  I pray she is well, and thank God for her input in my life.

(Although the state of Georgia is never far from my thoughts, since my mom & grandparents are there.)

Today, being a Monday was as expected the pits.  I am glad for the evening, the children are finally asleep and this day is almost done.  Tomorrow I have lots to do, and I  hope for a blessed day with friends.

Do you dream of Florida? Well, I dream of other far away places.  Here would be a great tag....Where do you dream of visiting?  I would like to visit Ukraine.  We have some dear friends there, and we would really enjoy it.  I would also enjoy the Holy Land. 

Yet, what if I visited those places, and it was less than imagined?  Wouldn't that just ruin the wonderful dream in our minds?  Well, I also enjoy the dream, of someday visiting and having some time and money to just live and be and take in the sights, smells, and sounds of a different place.  Leave me comment about your dreams and places you would love to visit!

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Fall in Florida is a wonderful time of the year.  We don't see the leaves change color.  We do get to see the oaks drop all there leaves and still have green ones on the trees.  It is gorgeous weather, and we are spending lots of time in our yard.  I was able (with help from kids and husband) to get the front part of the landscaping looking much better.  We planted some butterfly friendly plants, and a few juniper.  I am so excited about gardening again.  I can't wait to plant more flowers near the porch. 

Dear son is doing ok, and we have decided to take a break from his Switched on Schoolhouse program for now, due to lack of his interest.  We are going to try more Charlotte Mason Method with him for a while, and some textbooks.  

I miss family and friends especially now, because I wish we could be inviting them over and enjoying the weather together.  Alas, they are all in other places.  We are really enjoying the fact we can open up the house windows and get some fresh air....something we need after the very long hot summer this year. 

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Florida is a transient state.  (I don't know if that is spelled correctly.)  I know this now, after 36 years of being here.  It seems everyone eventually moves.  Either they are moving into Florida, or leaving here, or here just for vacation.  Either way, it is definately different than other places.  I have some wonderful friends who have moved and also lots of family who moved out of state.  I don't blame them, just taking notice how much our lives are different.  Yet, I find that I must rely on God more, and remember that He is with us no matter where we go.  I also moved, but only one county over, and fret sometimes, because I don't really want to move back to the other county I was from.  Yet, if God brings this change, I need to remember His divine providence.  I feel bad that I made a new friend cry yesterday, due to my fretting and my doubts, so I am going to pray about it. 

We had a great day on Tuesday.  The weather was perfect and lots of people were at the park.  We enjoyed our homeschool recreation and also lunch and the library.  I am working on trying to help my kids understand that we can't spend as much time on computer games like during the summer.  They do ok most the time, and just need alittle adjusting to this.  Especially now that the weather is so good.  We will be working in the yard quite alot tomorrow, and for a while.  We didn't go out there much in the heat this year.  Our weeds need to be pulled, and we have some new plants to put in the ground. 

My friend and I are planning to can some veggies next Tues. and also do some co-op for history.  Sounds like fun.  It was weird though, the Story of the World activity book had some recommended reading and we could not find those books in the library.  That seems strange, since our library system is quite big. 

I can't believe how this year is going by so fast.  My little one is crawling all over, and she is such a joy to us all. 

I joined curves in Oct. and I love it!  I like making new friends, and getting fit.  I feel great after my workout, and love the half hour of time for my health.  It is really helping me, and I feel like I have more energy to take care of the family.

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www.winwithwords.com

I found this great contest!  And winners get scholarship money for college.  Prize money give aways total $100,000!  So check this out! 

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