As in hair do, that is. LOL!!!!

I had this done last Friday.  I was ready for a change and tired of being in bondage to religious legalism.  Today I have hair 8 inches shorter, wear my earrings, wear make up and sport my blue jeans.  And you know what?  I feel just as saved (if not more so) than I ever have before.  I have totally  taken a good look at what is truly important.  It is what is on the inside.  Have your inside right, and God will lead you to how the outside should be.

Challice has an awesome contest.  Here is the link to her wonderful blog.

http://sodbusters.wordpress.com/2008/12/08/december-blog-contest/

Tuesday is just one of those blah days.  KWIM?  It is not the first day of the week nor the last.  It is sort of like having middle child syndrome, just stuck in the middle of the week somewhere. 

I have a lot that I will be doing around here today. I actually have a to do list and I am going to stick to it!!!  I have a lot of deep cleaning to get done as well as some homeschooling paperwork.  I also need to step next door and finish up their end of the month stuff as well.  I also plan to go and exercise for about an hour or so this afternoon.

I have started decorating around here some.  We will get our Christmas tree tomorrow (if we choose a live one) or put up the artificial one today.  We  really have decided yet.  I plan to start on my Christmas shopping tomorrow as well as making curtains for my kitchen and a shower curtain for my bathroom.

So, not a lot going on here right now.  Just sort of dull, like a Tuesday. LOL!!!

I had a rather drunk relative this weekend (who felt he/she was being judged for being a drunk) make the comment that I needed to look in my own backyard before judging him/her.  So, on our long 11 1/2 hour drive home yesterday, I spent most of that time thinking about my own backyard and what I need to do to help it out.

Well. like most backyards, mine does tend to get weeds in it.  You know, weeds are the things that pop up unexpectedly and where you least want them.  And, if you do not get them out soon, they will choke out the good and take over.  Some weeds that I have allowed to pop up again and again are the TV, music and not monitoring friendships closely.  So, after much prayer and heart searching on the way home, I am now convinced that I have let some things go and I must get back to how things used to be.  Cable will  be turned off this week.  I will once again become the nosey and annoying mom (not their words, but mine) when friends are around.  And, I will also do a mp3 check on the music that is on it.  Internet is not a problem because of our filter and everything comes straight back to me anyhow, so I know everything going on there. 

I also have flowers in my backyard.  My family are my flowers.  I was thinking about what it takes to make a flower grow and be beautiful.  A flower must be watered and fed and fertilized.  Weeds kept away and a nice surrounding are important as well.  When I look at my children, I realize that not only do they, like a flower, need to be fed, but fed the right stuff.  Internally, we do eat, for the most part, very balanced diets.  We do drink a lot of water as well.  However, my children also get fed with the Word.  They know the Bible and it is my goal that they live it out.  They mess up at times (well, so do I), but they know how to get back on the right track. We sprinkle fertilizer on them daily with our daily prayers as parents.  However, if we allow the weeds like mentioned above to come in, that can totally kill spiritually and physically if we do not pluck it out very fast.  And we also monitor their surroundings.  We know what is upstairs in their rooms.  We monitor where they go as well.  It is so important to try to keep track of what goes into their minds and hearts.

I also have some bushes that need to be pruned or they will not blossom as well the next season.  Once again, at times we get too far into worldly things and we have to  cut back.  We have to trim those branches back so that they will develop into even more beautiful flowers next year. If we don't the evdence is there for everyone to see.  An ugly branch  could have been something beautiful if only someone would have taken the time to properly care for it.

May I encourage you, moms, to take the time to weed, prune, water and feed your flowers.  The enemy comes in sneaky, and want to take them out slowly, just like a weed.  You can do something about it. 

Well, today I have continued on with what ever junk I have had going on, plus I added a tummy bug and my monthly visitor to it.  And, I worked 14 hours.  I have the bestest hubby who worked all night last night and is doing so again tonight.  With one stipulation, though.  I have to drive a lot of the way to SC so he can sleep.  That is a deal, as I would rather drive anyways because I get sick going through the mountain areas.  He has napped quite a bit today, so he is going to be alright tonight.  He will also have a coffee pot full of fully loaded coffee to sip on all night.

And, I have not packed the first thing.  NOTHING!!!  I also still have to bathe the dog and go to WalMart to buy the odds and ends of things needed for the house and this trip.  I relaly feel like I should stay up tonight and do more (it is only 10:20), but I am tired and really want to finish sleeping the rest of this crud off.

Nothing else to really write about today.  I took one of our client to the doctor in downtown Nashville this morning only to have to turn around and come back.  Our handicap van would not fit into the parking deck, and the closest space was over a half mile away.  That normally would not be a problem, however, it was freezing and pouring down rain.  We decided to reschedule for a few weeks.

Poor Conner, the Packers are really getting creamed right now.

Well, today I am home from church.  I am officially sick.  Last night I was runnng a fever, but today it seems to have broken.  I hope the fever stays away  We are supposed to be traveling back to SC in just three days.  I need to get better quick!!!!  This is giving me the opportunity to have lunch done when Jason and the kiddos get home.  I am having roasted chicken, sweet potatoes, stuffing, green peas, corn, rolls, and cherry cobbler.  While it sounds like a lot, it will not take very long at all to prepare.  I placed the potatoes in the croc pot to cook, the chicken in the oven, and the rest is easy. 

We will be clocking in next door tonight at 9pm and will not be clocking out until Tuesday at 9pm.  Yep, you read it right, we are pulling 48 hours.  We are blessed with the flexibility to be able to run home and nap while the other covers, so that is a plus.  And, Jason loves to work all night, so he will doing most of the night work.  I am not much of a napper, so we will see how I react to all of this, LOL!!!!

I have been searching the Black Friday adds this morning.  Not a while lot appeals to me.  Maybe it is because I feel cruddy and the thought of being at out in 20 degree weather at 4am just doesn't sound like fun to me right now.  I think it is mostly the tradition of it all.  Whether I buy anything or not, my aunt and I (and sometimes my mom) each year are out at WalMart at 4am to watch the people fight like idiots over $3 croc pots and Barbies.  That is the best entertainment I get all year.  Then there is eating out.  We always have such fun with this.  One year I poured a glass of tea on my aunt at Bob Evans, another year we ate at Chili's and my mom ordered a Chili burger.  She was a bit upset that her burger didn't have Chili on it.  I explained to her that it was a Chili burger because we were at Chili's.  I guess you had to be there to get the full humor of it, but it was funny.  I think that was the same year I ordered a Chipotle burger and pronounced it wrong and it was really funny.  We have a lot of fun on Black Friday.  It will really be special this year because we were unable to get together last year for Thanksgiving and it has been almost a year since we all have all seen each other.

We are taking the week off of school.  I think to try to do anything this week is pointless.  We will resume on December 2 and go until Christmas week.  I do need to get Conner schedule to take the ACT and set up an appointment at Vol State to get information on the dual enrollment program for next year.  He is wanting to go through paramedic training, so it is our goal to make sure he is ready to start his training right after graduation from high school.  While I am glad he has finally chosen a career, I think he would make an awesome nurse (which I think he would like to do as well, he just still has the stereotype that men aren't nurses and he would get made fun of). 

Gotta go get my cobbler in the over!

I was offered a teaching position with Wilton today.  This was such a surprise for me.  While I know how to make cakes (basically self taught after the first class), I really didn't think they would officially hire me because I had not taken all four classes.  However, they liked my work and I received the official phone call today.  What is so neat is that I can pick my own days and hours.  I start teaching in January.  This also open us many opportunities for making cakes in the community.  I am really excited!!!

An acquaintance from CMOMB asked some of us to post this on our blogs.  Here goes, Jacque!

I have not ever posted here, and I don't know if anyone already posted about the Homeschool Blog Awards or not, but I wanted to make sure you all have the opportunity to vote for some Mommas I know are here on CMOMB. [Please read below for Home Educator Appreciation Day]

For one, Ruth is in the Best Homeschool Mom category, and while I am sure that her winning the category is not that important at this time, the winners of each category get some REALLY nice prizes, so I know it will be a great benefit to her if she were to win. On that note, she is behind in the polls, and the voting ends TONIGHT, Friday, Nov. 21!
So, go vote for her: http://homeschoolblogawards.com/best-homes...-mom-blog-2008/ Her blog is "But First, We have Coffee".
(Her son, Joe, is also in the Teen Guy Category)

There are other categories I have a keen interest in, because my daughters and son have also been nominated, as well as our online Magazine for Mothers and Daughters, Growing in Grace Magazine, and Jocelyn's modesty group blog, Feelin' Feminine, is also in the running.

If you are interested in any of these blogs, you will find them listed on my blog:
http://jacquedixon.com/?p=1941

You do not have to homeschool to vote in the awards, and, unless your computer does not allow you to (as mine sadly won't let me:(( ),
you are allowed one vote per person in your family, up to 5 votes.
You can see all of the categories and vote here:
http://homeschoolblogawards.com/2008/11/ar...e-voting-begin/

Another thing many of you may be interested in is Home Educator Appreciation Day.
Growing in Grace Magazine is holding our first ever Home Educator Appreciation Day, and I want to invite you to participate!

There are three different categories for which prizes will be awarded:
Homeschooled Less than 2 years
homeschooeld 10 years or less
homeschooled 10 years or more

The twist is that the students must nominate the teachers.

The rules are on Growing in Grace. If you think this is a good idea, and you have a personal blog, would you mind spreading the word?
Read it to your children!! ;P
http://www.growingingraceonline.com/2008/1...iation-day.html

Here are some of the prizes that are in the 3 categories:

The Lord Builds the House by Johannah Bluedorn -

Glaucia the Greek Slave: A Tale of Athens in the First Century [soft cover] by Emma Leslie

7 Tools for Cultivating Your Child's Potential by Zan Tyler -

Sensibility E-Pattern [of your choice] by Jennie Chancey - ePatterns

Teaching the Trivium by The Bluedorns -

7 Tools for Cultivating Your Child's Potential by Zan Tyler -

Marie's Home: Or, A Glimpse of the Past by Caroline Austin -

Site/Graphic Set by Designer-G's -

Custom Blog Theme by A Pondering Heart Boutique -

These are not all for ONE category, but divided between the three, but they total over $300, so you MUST go take a look!!
The deadline to nominate is November 30th, and the winners shall be announced in the December issue of GGM.

Thank you ladies, for allowing me to post this PSA! I hope you all get entered in for the chance to win!

Yesterday, I stood back and watche with amazement my oldest son.  I had a few errands to run yesterday morning.  He got up and said he felt as if he had strep throat, so I took him with me and we ran into the walk in clinic.  He is blessed in that he doesn't, but his throat was extremely inflammed and swollen.  Since he does have asthma, we decided to allow a steriod shot so that this would be immediately resolved and the chances for an asthma attack would go down tremendously.  After the doctor visit, I went to Macy's to take advantage of a few sale items.  One was the luggage that was supposed to be $160 but was on sale for $49.  I love it!!!  But, by the time I got there the only color left was raspberry.  I called Jason and asked him if he minded pinky/purple suitcases.  Of course he said jus what Conner said he would say.  "Give me a paper sack, I really don't care.  When you coming home?"  Gotta love him!!!!!  I also wanted to get two of the turkey roaster pans on sale for $6.99.  They are awesome!!!!  So, as we are in line, a lady, probably in her 70's walked up behind us.  Well, this younger loud lady walked up a few minutes later and tried to get in front of this older lady.  Conner realized this and stood in a manner to where she could not.  This older lady had two heavy toaster ovens she wanted to purchase.  Conner helped her get them up on the counter and then wanted to wait to carry them out to her car for her.  She wound up only being park one space over from us, so that was convenient for us all.  This lady tried to pay him, which he refused.  She just kept telling me how you never see young men like that any more and how she doesn't want to hear about people's religion, she wants to see it, and she could definately tell he loves the Lord by his actions.  Talk about proud momma moment.. LOL!!!!  So, we missed math, English, science and history yesterday.  However, look what we achieved instead.  Conner talked about how good he felt and how doing that has made him want to always look for people who may need help or assistance.  This is what home education is all about.  If you get their "spirit" right, I fully believe everything else will fall into place.

My pumpkin

Okay, so the big stink now in the homeschooling world is that Joy on The View said that homeschoolers are demented.  I laid in bed last night thinking about this and wondered why in the world she would think that.  (Maybe she had been in line with some homeschoolers at a museum. LOL!!!!!~ see last entry and you will understand that comment).  I am wondering why she has formed that opinion.  It is my understanding that most intelligent people would not form an opinion as harsh as that without having experienced something to make them think that.  Wouldn't that be safe to say?  So, it makes me wonder has she ever been introduced to a good, moral, and Christian homeschooler and family who would extend their hand and treat her with the same respect they would treat their pastor and his family.  Someone who could talk with her about current events and stand their ground on what they value and believe without becoming so passionate they become rude about it.  Someone who could honestly make her stand back and say "wow, that homeschooler has it together and their family is doing something right."  Or has she mostly come into contact with those who are "better than you" because they homeschool and also have a self righteous attitude because of how holy and moral they think they are and how sinful she is.  

So, I am anxious to see why she has formed this opinion.  I am sure that at some point this week she will offer up and apology and I hope she  shares why she feels like she does.  It would be sad to think that we Christian homeschoolers have once again turned someone else off.

1 Corinthians 10:31  "Whether therefore ye eat or drink or WHATSOEVER ye do, do it ALL to the glory of God."

If we always did that, then the controversy most home educating families go through would be very minimal.

I have been thinking on this for a few weeks.  When you read that, you would normally assume that I am thinking of a child who is trying out his wings in the wrong way.  Nope,  I am actually talking about Christian homeschooling families.  One thing I have noticed from being part of homeschoolblogger and a few Christian message boards is that sometimes "we" homeschooling Christian families tend to think that we are above the Word and can let little things slip by because we see no harm.  A few examples~ In my own life, we were at The Wilds a few weeks ago.  One thing that was asked is that students not be allowed to have their cell phones.  Well, Jason and I thought "well, that is for the students there with their schools, not for the ones there with their parents."  After thinking about it, we quickly realized that we had listened to what they said and interpreted it into what we wanted them to say. Ever do that?  Sort of the attitude of  "well, we are the parents and we really know what is best."  In all actuality, we do.  However, we submitted ourselves to their rules by being there that week.  Or, what about going into a museum or some other place and them asking you not to take a picture.  We recently experienced this at The Hermitage.  It was funny to watch the folks who thought they were "sneeking" a quick picture when no one was looking.  BTW... pictures were allowed outside, just not in the building.  I know someone who recently went into a museum and was asked to put his/her camera up and erase the picture.  While they put their camera up, they refused to erase it.  AND, their children were there and witnessed this.  What lesson did they just teach their children?   1Peter 2:13 says "Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of eveidoers, and for the praise of them that do well."  If we go somewhere, then for goodness sake, we need to follow the rules.  Plain and simple.  What kind of Christian testimony are you when you think you can do what you want just because.

So, that is my soapbox rant for today.  So, if you can't follow the rules, then don't brag about your perfect children, your perfect spouse, or your godly lifestyle.  When you do things your way instead of God's way, you have just ruined your testimony and lost all respect in my eyes (and those around you as well).  And, if you think I am just talking about you, just so you know, there is a big finger pointing right back at me right now as well.

Really, I am LOL!!!!  Today is my 39th birthday.  This is what I would consider to be a real milestone birthday.  I think this is the year where a lot of people focus on their failures and what they have not achieved.  While I started to take that route, the Lord quickly reminded me and what I have achieved over the past 30 years.  I graduated high school when the odds we against me that year (another blog post, LOL!!), at 18 years old I started my life over again and didn't go hog wild like a lot of women do, I am married (almost 19 years) to a wonderful man, I have three awesome children, I have homeschooled for 10 years, we have an awesome church where my husband is the senior adult minister, I have very talented children whom I taught music to, we knew one our dreams and we went after it, not once but twice, we have an awesome job where we are able to work together next door to home, and I am sure there are many more things to write about. 

However, there is still the part of me itching to be a RN and to drive that pink Mary Kay cadillac.  Both of those were my goals to achieve by the time I was 40.  The first one is out.  No way.  I would have to start my nursing classes all over again from scratch.  The latter is possible, but would take a lot of work and time.  I supposedly retired from MK a few months ago, but it is in my blood!!!!

These next two years will be very exciting for me.  My daughter will be 13 in 6 months.  She is the baby.  Both of my sons will be driving.  My oldest will turn 18 and graduate high school.  Plus, I am sure there are a lot of other things to deal with just based on what I typed in above.  However, I have leraned one very key saying that I will cling on to as my children grow and face many situations.  I gave them to God when they were babies.  Satan has to go through Him to get to them.  The only things that will happen to my children are what God allows and if they are put through trials and tests, it is only because God is making them stronger for His purpose.  If they face tragedy, it is to give God the glory because He is sharpening them for something better.  If they face heartbreaks, it is to learn a lesson now rather than in the future.  And, they can thank God that it happened.

Okay, totally off my topic and Me and MY birthday!!!!!  See, my children make me ramble. LOL!!!!

So, for this final year of my 30's, it is my goal to finally get this weight off.  I did lose 1 pound this week (while my husband lost 5, ARGH!!!!!)  I will probably get back into MK and work it like I never have before.  I finally have a home to where I can have classes and have an office.  YEAH!!!!  I will love my family like I never have before and will daily practice and graceful attitude and quite spirit.  (Even when I want to yell)

So, that is about all I can think of at the moment.

Happy Birthday to ME!!!!!

I am so disappointed in America right now.  Definately, God has allowed blinders to be placed on people.  I do feel that we are quickly approaching end times.  God be with us!!!!

Last week, our family was blessed to be able to go to The Wilds for four days.  Last week was spiritual emphasis week for 7-12 graders.  It was awesome!!!!

Me being silly on the way up there. LOL!!!

My hunny love driving through the mountains.

 Notice that it is snowing on the back mountain and the one beside of it has the sun shining on it.  That was one of the most awesome sights I had ever seen in my life!!!

 The children went on a hike on Wednesday.  Below are a few pictures of the waterfalls and scenery from the mountain.

Family picture taken last Wednesday

Will post more later!

I know, I still need to post yesterday's Hermitage pictures and discuss our interesting day of history with you all.  However, I took some fun pics today I want to share.

First off, my house.  I plan to plant more flowers in the spring.  I have planted some mums, you just can't see them yet.  I also meant to hang up my flag before I took the picture.

We have a good friend who is running for state senate in TN.   Our boys worked with them today at the early voting stations.  They are also going to work with them some next week and voting week as well.  So, for any of you Tennesseans in District 20, David Hall is your man!  We are turning this into a unit study on government and the election coming up. The lady in the picture is my good friend Michelle Hall, who is David's lovely wife and my adorable son Conner.

These last few pictures are pictures that I am using for Abby's cheer leading pictures.  I plan to have them enlarged and framed for the wall.  I refuse to pay someone $25 for what my camera can do for next to nothing (I know, I am cheap. LOL!!)  The last picture is me and my woderful cheer team that I lead this season.  I will miss them, but I am also glad to say that the season is over!!!

I like this one .  She is looking down, but I think it is cute!

This next one is my favorite.  She is getting so big!!  Or, I guess I should say she is really growing up!

Today we took a homeschooling fieldtrip to The Hermitage.  I have a lot of pictures to post, but am extremely sleepy, so for now I am only posting the ones of my absolutely adorable children.

Abby

Kyle (who is getting a nice haircut tomorrow)

Conner

We are still here.  We are adjusting rather well, I do believe.  After the previous Family couple left, the finances next door were next to bankrupt, it is now a new month and we actually get to do things our way from now own.  That is a great relief.  I fed 7 people on around $200 for 3 1/2 weeks. That was tough, but it worked out!  Tha guys are adjusting to us and we to them.  I can't imagine any other line of work.  It has been an adjustment being with Jason 24/7, but we have just about figured each other out (after almost 19 years of marriage) and  things are going great.

Conner is going back to work at Chick Fil A this morning.  He can only work three days a week right now.  With his experience, the CFA here hired him on the spot. 

Our two oldest are going to school three days a week.  Our homeschool umbrella school has tutorials, and we decided last week to start the boys this week.  They really didn't like it, but that is okay.  They are there to learn, not have a fun social life, like they thought.  Abby is still doing school at home, and wants to go no where else.  She does go to the school on Fridays for her extra curricular type of studies (home ec, ect..)  She enjoys that.

And, all three children are still involved in sports.  The boys are playing football and Abby is cheerleading.  We were told that Conner has a football scholarship kick.  We are praying about that one.  He is not interested in going off to college.  So, there are many decisions to make over the next year before he graduates next school year.

That is our quick update.

Well, we made our big move last Thursday.  This week has been a blur. We are so busy with unpacking, training,and starting school. However, I had rather be busy here than bored in our old house with our old lifestyle.

This is such a blessing to be able to work together as a family.  It is going to take some time for me to be "patient" with having Jason home all of the time.  While I love it, I have been a homemaker with a routine for over 16 years.  Throwing a full grown man into the routine is taking some time to adjust to.  LOL!!  However, I am sure everything is going to work out fine.

Remember when I was excited about living out in the country and wanting to live a homesteading type of lifestyle???  My goodness, what was I thinking???!!!???!!!   I am now only 2 1/2minutes from WalMart.  I have been introduced to my new maid servant (AKA dishwasher) and we quickly became best friends.  And, an air conditioner that actually works!!!!  This is like Heaven on earth for me!!!!  While I don't yet have my ice maker installed( I know,poor pitiful me), I am taking advantage of the quickness of WalMart and the 10lb bags of ice that conveniently fit in my freezer. 

We officially have our title and job now. Which means, we get to straighten out the mess next door.  These people have really left things in a mess.  However, I feel that with my straight forwardness and organizational skills, and Jason's people skills and strong ministry minded actions,we will meet in the middle and handle staff issues the way Christ would have us to (although I want to go next door and just clean house and start with new staff).  And, that may be what actually happens in the future when we go in and change the way things have been done for quite some time now.

That is about it for now. I will try to get back to updating daily.

Due to some inapropriate comments being left on my blog, I am no longer allowing them to be seen.  Sorry, but all it takes is one bad apple.