Homeschool_Living

Apr. 17, 2008 - Cake Decorating

My grandmother and mother have decorated cakes for years. So I am starting to follow in their footsteps. I purchased some basic materials and decided to bake and decorate my own birthday cake.

After baking the cake and letting it cool, I turned it out onto my cake board, which was barely big enough, and placed it in the refrigerator overnight. The next day I coated it with icing to trap those crumby crumbs!

My mother's tip was to dip the spreader in hot water to smooth the icing.

The next morning after the crumb coat had dried, I did my next layer(s) of icing. Since it was a chocolate cake, it took more layers than I would have liked, but turned out nicely just the same. Who doesn't want more icing?

After I smoothed the final layer, I let it dry then began decorating. I really didn't have much to go on. I just started with what I could think of first. My colors are pale, but I didn't want it to be too bold on my first try just in case I really messed it up!

This is how it turned out:

I enjoyed it, and I am looking forward to decorating more. : )

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Apr. 10, 2008 - Instead of Laundry

The above photo is obviously a picture of a pile of unfolded laundry. I should be folding it right now and getting ready for bed, but I just couldn't pass up this uninterrupted moment to post. Everyone else is asleep.

We had a nice day. The weather was very warm and windy. The children and I went out for some nature study in the yard. I thought I would draw with them, but somebody had to keep their eyes on our littlest one. She was doing her own form of nature study primarily by taste! Alexa did several leaf rubbings and labeled them nicely. Gibson drew the neighbors' house and their front yard with a car out front. I'm trying to explain to him that we are drawing objects only of nature, but, bless his heart, he would rather draw exactly what he sees regardless of it's origin. At least he had a tree with a couple of cute little birdies in it.

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Apr. 9, 2008 - Recent Pics

This is my niece, Emery, she was born April 2nd. She weighed in at 6.5 lbs and is 20 in long. : ) She has been the smallest so far! Isn't she adorable?

Our little cutie!

Big brother with his precious little sister.

All 3 of my beautiful children.

Alexa turned 11 last month!

Here is a bouquet she picked for me.

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Apr. 7, 2008 - Being Objective

objective [uhb-jek-tiv] ,adjective- not influenced by personal feelings, interpretations, or prejudice; based on facts; unbiased: an objective opinion.

subjective [sub-jek-tiv], adjective- existing in the mind; belonging to the thinking subject rather than to the object of thought (opposed to objective).

God has been speaking to me about these two words. He is showing me more about myself which is good because I have been asking Him to show me my fallow ground.

This morning I had an encounter with one of my children. The type of encounter that occurred happens often, more often than I care to admit. It ended in hurt feelings on both parts. I was asking God about it, and because I was actually listening this time, I heard Him tell me these two words. (I do not audibly hear God, He speaks to my heart.)

He told me to post about this. I immediately consented, but found that it was so easy to be distracted. After attempting to do several things first, out of habit, which unfortunately is a habit of disobedience, I obeyed and began.

Why did God want me to post? I can only believe that because He knows all about me and my learning styles He wanted me to really get the point!

Objectivity is something I struggle with, or more honestly, have not possessed and have not pursued. Most of what I think, say, and do has been subjective. God has brought me far in my journey with Him over the last 9 years, but not that far.

The encounter with my child this morning could have turned out a lot differently if I only would have been objective and had not spoken according to my own feelings. It is diificult and certainly inconvenient to remain objective. If I had only seen the big picture, I could have saved my child and myself from unnesessary harm.

The simple fact is this: I get caught up. I am too often swept away by my own desires. They take me far, far from the Solid Foundation of my life, and those around me are injured in the process.

Lord, please help me to be objective in every relationship to bring you honor and glory. In Jesus name, let it be so.

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Mar. 27, 2008 - A note to a friend

Hi Barb,

How are you? We are all well. Did you tell me you own a copy of The Burgess Seashore Book for Children? Could I borrow it? We are studying day 5 in our creation study, and I thought this book might make it even more interesting.

We have been enjoying the nicer weather. Yesterday we spread out a blanket in the back yard and sat Ruby down. She was so cute. We gave her different flowers we could find in bloom. She looked so sweet holding them. It was quite the picture, her holding dandelions while the rest of us gathered around and gooed and gaa-gaaed at her. : )

Then Alexa asked to bust open a rock. She had found a few rocks that looked as if they might be geodes, and she wanted to discover if she was right. She was right! They had beautiful white crystals inside. She then began to bust apart other rocks to discover what was hidden inside of them. She spent hours and had a delightful time. She found some fossils also. I think I will have her take pictures and post and label them on her blog.

Well, I better go. I finally got my dishes caught up, and now I am working on the laundry.

Love,

Jen

ps The reason I posted this on my blog:

I have been enjoying a book entitled A Pocketful of Pinecones by Karen Andreola. It is written in such a warm conversational style. My note that I sent to a friend recently reminded me of her writing, and I thought I would pass it on.

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Jan. 29, 2008 - Washing

As the keepers of our homes, we do a lot of washing! We wash dishes, clothes, floors, faces, and bottoms! The chore of washing is never finished because all that we wash will become soiled again and again.

It was during the daily washing of my dishes that I was thinking on this. Every time I wash something is an opportunity to remember all Jesus did to wash away our sin. He suffered much to bring permanent cleansing to our souls. Even when we choose unwisely to follow our own desires and sin, we can always come back to Him. His work of washing us white as snow will always stand. His washing is complete.

I am thankful to Him for this. I am reminded every day, all day long that this life is temporary. The washing I do is temporary. But the washing Christ performed is everlasting. Praise be to God!

For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Titus 3:3-7

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Jan. 24, 2008 - The Honor God has Given

You know, sometimes I get tired of answering questions. Some days I'm so worn out that I start wandering down that winding road of self pity, and I think, "Why can't some one else answer these questions? I'm tired and worn out, and I need a nap!"

But, today, God opened my eyes a little more. Just enough to see and have mercy on my children for their endless questioning. My husband and I are their main source of information. For what ever reasons, God saw fit to bless us with the trememdous responsibility of helping Him form and shape these young characters and minds, hearts and souls. And if we take it seriously enough, and know how and when to lighten up, we are raising a generation to love Him. To praise and honor Him their whole lives through, and by His grace, they will pass it on. And on and on it will go. Glory be to God for this honor, and shame on me when I fail to see it.

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Dec. 28, 2007 - December 28th

I'm sitting here in the midst of a mess. My house is completely in disarray. My parents and brothers were here for 2 days. We had a wonderful visit, but my house is evidence of their stay. But I'm not going to stress out about it. I'm just too tired and too thankful to freak out about it right now. God is so good. He brings such healing into our hearts if we allow Him to have His way. Now I was a little stressed while they were here, I have to admit, but He has a way of working all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. So it all worked out. It was a special treat to see my brothers. I don't see one hardly at all and the younger one is stationed in Germany. It had been almost a year since I had seen him. They are really great guys. They are good brothers and wonderful uncles. The kids loved playing with them, and it was really cool to see these big burly guys love all over our littlest one.

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Dec. 11, 2007 - Resting in His Peace

I am so blessed to be able to home school our children. Thankfulness is a key to unlocking contentment in even the most stressful situations. Sometimes the stress gets to be too much for me and I start to have a melt down. I let all the little things pile up and turn on me. I start to feel a slave to all my worries and doubts, and I can barely make it through the day. But only if I would be thankful! If only I would remember all the LORD has done is going to do even yet! Then I would know peace that passes understanding. Peace that will guard my heart and mind through Christ Jesus. Today I want to carry His peace instead of my anxiety.

Our children with my grandmother. :)

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Dec. 2, 2007 - God can change anything!

We went to IN for a week over Thanksgiving. Although it was wonderful to see family and old friends, I am grateful to be home again!

My husband had the oppourtunity to speak at the church where he grew up. Our family did the music for the service, then he gave a testimony to what God has been doing in his life this past year. You see, my husband is a musician. He has pursued music as hard as he could for most of his life. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it was interfering with our family life. In the past, there were times when I tried to confront him about it. He didn't know what I was talking about and would soon be defensive. Finally, I gave up the frontal assault. I started praying.

That was about 4 years ago. This past year God has done awesome things. He has changed my husband's heart, turned it away from the pursuit of musical recognition and towards our family, our children. Two Sundays ago, my husband was allowed to share this testimony. I had tears in my eyes as he stood before his home church family and told them he had been wrong and that God had shown him His plan for a husband and father. My husband encouraged other men, whether fathers or grandfathers, to take up the responsibility of teaching their children. God is so good!

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Nov. 11, 2007 - Be Strong and Courageous!

This devotion was written by a good friend of mine. Thought I would share! :)

Be Strong and Courageous!

by Heather Davis

www.heatherhazard.blogspot.com

“This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 2:8, 9

Some days, home schooling just doesn’t make any sense to me. Some days the preschoolers are whiny and demanding, my school-aged child is stubborn and argumentative, the house is a mess, the dinner is unplanned, the groceries need getting, and my head pounds. On days like this, I imagine what it would be like if I sent my son to public school. I have quaint, rosy visions of taking the girls outside for a morning stroll before heading off to the grocery store, a quick lunch, and then tucking them in for a nap while I fold laundry and clean a couple of bathrooms. The peace! The time! Perhaps I could even sit down and read a book! There are times public school has its appeal.

Then I think of Nathan’s day in school. Perhaps a bully would intimidate him into surrendering his lunch money. Certainly, he would hear cursing in the hallways. Maybe even offered drugs at this tender age, something an aunt who formerly taught public school told me happens all the time. And learning! Learning that the world came from a great explosion and all of us can trace our family lines back to certain bacteria. That God is part of a "creation myth” that most people groups hold onto in various forms in order to explain the universe. That there is one way to think and that way is sterile, pre-packaged, and in convenient, single-serving sizes. No thinking outside the box, please, and absolutely no discussion of morality. We don’t need creative, virtuous minds; we need intellectual eunuchs who would not dream about changing the world, much less saving it. Ugh! No thank you. My rosy little dream is suddenly a nightmare.

I know God has called me to home school my children, but sometimes the task seems overwhelming! However, our Lord tells us, “Be strong and courageous!” He knows the difficulty, and He promises to be with us the whole way. We may not have to battle a bunch of pagan men to gain a patch of land on which to raise our crops, but we do have to battle a spiritual war against our enemy who desperately wants us to fail (see Ephesians 6:12). A battle like that for a mere mommy sounds impossible! But God promises us that with Him, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). So be strong and courageous, sister! When life feels like a battleground, remember Who is fighting at your side!

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Nov. 6, 2007 - Seeing our work as our ministry

My mother has been watching children in her home for the last 23 years. Just the other day we were having a conversation about one of the children she watches. It is a sad situation. The thing is that several of these children's lives are sad situations. Divorce, abadonment by one parent or both, abuse,... and these are just a few.

My mother is getting older, and keeping an eye on several little ones is exhuasting even to the youngest and strongest of us! She wonders if she should continue to provide a place for these little ones in her home Monday through Friday. I have to admit there have been several times I have wanted her to quit. It is so hard on her. Then yesterday, God spoke to my heart about it.

He brought to my attention how desperate these children must be to hear the gospel. Even at this young age. They have no other source of truth other than my mom. This one child in particular. She needs to hear that God is real and He loves her. She needs the security she finds in my mother's arms.

So, Mom, keep on going! God wants to use you in these children's lives! They need to know Him and His unfailing love. Impress His word on their hearts, and know that you are doing service to the Lord with each cheek you kiss and nose you wipe.

Check out what Marilyn Moll had to say about the difference between a job and a ministry.

http://www.marilynmoll.com/

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Oct. 30, 2007 - Pictures of the Week

This is my son, Gibson, getting baptised! He asked Jesus into his heart on Sept. 20th and was baptised last Sunday.

Here is Alexa on Toby. We are fortunate enough to know friends that need help caring for their horses. Jason takes Alexa out once a week to groom them and ride. This week he took Gibson also.

Gibson also on Toby. He had a great time. :)

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Oct. 19, 2007 - Science Fun

Today's Science lesson was about water displacement.

This is Alexa's boat. She designed one that held 26 marbles.

Alexa with her boat.

Gibson with his boat.

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Oct. 3, 2007 - The Need to Control

My friend just sent this to me. I think God wants me to change some things......

The Need to Control
TGIF Today God Is First, by Os Hillman

"You acted foolishly," Samuel said.... - 1 Samuel 13:13

The prophet Samuel had anointed Saul the first king of Israel. Saul was now 30 years old and was leading the nation in battle against the Philistines. The Philistines had gathered at Micmash to come against Saul and his army. The Lord was directing Saul through the prophet Samuel. Samuel instructed Saul to go ahead of him to Micmash, and he would follow in seven days. He would then offer a burnt offering on behalf of the people of Israel.

The pressure began to build as the Philistines gathered around Micmash preparing for battle. The people of Israel grew fearful and began to scatter throughout the countryside. Saul was also afraid. Samuel did not show up on the morning of the seventh day. Finally, Saul, fearing the impending attack, took it upon himself to offer the burnt offering. After he had done this, Samuel showed up.

..."You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you; if you had, He would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. But now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after His own heart and appointed him leader of His people, because you have not kept the Lord's command" (1 Samuel 13:13-14).

Saul believed he needed to take control of the situation. Whenever we try to take control of a situation out of God's will, we demonstrate that we are led by fear. Many a boss is so driven by fear that he attempts to manage by over controlling his people. This results in co-dependent relationships in which the employees are fearful of making the wrong decisions, and are driven to please the manager at all costs. This results in loss of respect for the manager. Many times the employees make poor choices just to please their manager; as a result, resentment begins to build among the employees due to the manager's over-control.

Do you see any signs of over control in how you relate to others? Can you allow others the freedom to fail? Do you find yourself changing directions in midstream when you see something you don't like? Are you fearful of failure? These are all symptoms of a Saul-control spirit. Pray that God will allow you to walk in the freedom of trusting in Him and those around you.

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Oct. 3, 2007 - Ruby

Ruby is 3 1/2 months now. She is growing so fast!

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Sep. 18, 2007 - I've been tagged

Tag Rules:

1.) The player starts with 8 random facts about herself.

2.) The person that has been tagged must post on her own blog, her answers and post the rules first.

3.) Then the player must pick 8 people and tag them and also leave them a note on message that lets them know, that you tagged them. You can write who tagged you on your blog also.

Looking forward to hearing about you and reading your Updates!

8 random facts

1. I started my walk with Christ 9 years ago on Halloween.

2. I have green eyes.

3. I don't like to wear socks, Prefer sandals.

4. We have been homeschooling for 4 1/2 years.

5. I don't drink soda.

6. We recently had someone anonymously buy a new heating/cooling unit for our home. ( ours died and we did not have the cash to replace it. )

7. A friend and I have been doing the Beth Moore Study- Believing God.

8. My middle name is Lynn.

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Aug. 15, 2007 - August 15th

Well, I just set up our school year online with Homeschool Reporting Online. The site is easy to use and is helpful to keep track. I wish they had a trimester setting. That is how I am doing my planning this year. 3 12 week periods. I am hoping it will help me to stay focused and allow time to tweak the lessons as we go along. Waiting a whole semester was too long for me, and changing every 9 weeks didn't seem like quite enough time.

We started the school year on the 6th of August. The children were VERY ready to start school. They were asking to start early! Everything is going as well as can be expected with a new little one in the house. :) Ruby is in on all of the lessons! She only cat naps during the day most of the time, but she sleeps 6 to 8 hours a night! Praise the Lord! I am getting plenty of rest. :)

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