Jun. 16, 2009 - Upside down planter....

     I would like to put out a garden to grow some of our favorite veggies. But, I live in a rented house. So I have been looking into different means of growing my own food, becoming more self-sufficient than what I am with what I have.

     The soil where I live is actually sand under the grass. We went to plant some sunflower starts and found that I dug into the sand and not dirt. Things don't grow very well in the sand, I hear anyway. This is all new to me!

     So I contacted the 4-H extension office and they told me of the options I could do to have my own garden:

     1. Haul in dirt to mix with the sand.
     2. Container gardening
     3. Raised beds

     Hauling dirt in, was not an option since I do not own my land.

     I started looking into raised gardens. They looked verily simple to create... building up the wall for the foundation to make a garden. However, that becomes a "permanant" fixture and I won't be able to take it with me. So that is scratched off my list of possibilities.

     The other option is container gardening. It is pretty big here in Florida. The newest thing on the market is a topsy turney. I think they are so cool, but too expensive when you can make them on your own!!

     Check out how easy it is to make your own....    

     Since I live in Florida the plastic buckets get really too hot for the rooting system. Instead, I am using the "moss" lined hanging baskets that I got on clearance for $5/each. I thought it was an awesome deal! Since I am moving in a few months, I only done two of them: one tomato and one banana pepper for my daughter.

     With these handing baskets, you can even plant one on top!! 

     Now, how cool is that !?!? 

Jun. 12, 2009 - Children's Items for sale

I had been a Children’s Director for a few years. The Lord is moving me to a new location and I must get rid of my items that I have collected over the past few years. These items range from crafts, drama and music with the children at Church. I am raising money to relocate my family to another state.

If you want the items shipped, then postage and insurance are extra. You may pick up the items at Gatlin/I95 in Port St. Lucie, Fl.

1.      Veggie Tale CD Rom that includes Clip Art leader materials such as devotions, holiday lessons, openings & skits, preschool & elementary games, shepherd guides, game and crafts guides. This makes for a GREAT addition to your preschool or elementary school or church. Original CD $5

May. 28, 2009 - Depleting and Preparing....

May. 28, 2009 - FREE homeschool books, just pay shipping

     After much picking through.... this is what is left. I will be posting a NEW list on Monday. Please come back then. I have posted two list already that came from my Library. It is almost done. I am compiling one last list that will be the remaining of the Library books, Videos, my daughters shelves, and my bedroom shelves. As you can tell we LOVE books!!!! However, where will be traveling very soon with only what is necessary, therefore my loss is YOUR gain!!

     Also, please support our homeschooling endeavors by stopping by my Ebay Store. I have a few other items that I am going to sell to raise money for the things we will be needing. You will find our Ebay link in the top row of links across the top of this blog. I am praying to have these loaded no later than Sunday.

     May God bless you and your family with the resources that so greatly blessed us!!

HISTORY

A Beka Civics Activity Book (has some pencil writing on one page) $1

A Beka Our American Heritage: 3^rd grade (Teacher and Student) Textbook has one question answered in pencil w/ worksheets (lessons 1-6 missing) $5

Knowledge Quest The Shaping of a Nation/Blackline Maps of American History (1000AD to Present) $3

Switch on Schoolhouse 2002 (no application disk needed) State History: Florida (2 disk) $3

A Beka The History of the World in Christian Perspective (1979) excellent reference book $3

US Government, a homework booklet grades 5-8 $1

A Child’s Story of America 2^nd edition (CLP) $3

SCIENCE

A Science Project by Abeka $1 (has a lot pen writing in margins for notes, but the information can be utilized)

Random House: People & Places: A Question and Answer Book $1

A Beka Exploring God’s World (3^rd grade) Text (clean, no writing) and Teacher’s $5

A Beka Choosing Good Health, 6^th grade $3

Usborne Book of Science Experiments $1

Caves and Caverns $1

Switched on Schoolhouse Science 2001, 7^th grade (2 disk, no application disk needed) $3

Switched on Schoolhouse, Science 1999, 7^th grade (complete on one disk, w/ no application disk needed) $2

How the Earth Works by John Farndon (100 ways parent can share the secrets of the earth) $2

Inside DK Guide: Super Structures + Incredible Earth $4

The Picture History of Great Inventors $2

MATH

Multiplication Flashcards + Math War Multiplication Flashcards $2

Switched on Schoolhouse 2000, grade 6 Math (No application disk is needed to load the program to use) $3

WRITING

Handwriting Without Tears, Teacher’s Guide (Overview or program and Guide) + Handwriting Without Tears Printing Teacher’s Guide + Numbers Writing Tablet $5

GEOGRAPHY

Geography Bowl by Abeka $1

50 State Postcards $2

A Beka Old World History & Geography Review Maps (5^th grade) $1

Dover Coloring Book: Christmas Around the World Coloring book + Understanding Christmas Carols $2

The Atlas of Ancient Worlds (oversize) $4

DK World Atlas in 3-ring binder w/ CD $4

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

CHESS for Boys and Girls by Visual Chess Study (4 Parts: The Guide for Novice, Beginners Guide, Intermediate Players Guide, and Advanced Players Guide) + Sit & Solve Chess Problems by Burt Hochberg $3

Holiday Readers Theatre by Charla Pfeffinger $2

Just For Kids Collection of Recipes $3

SET: 100 Worship Activities for Children + Games for Church Groups (Junior) $2

10- Minute Scrapbook Pages $2

365 Things to Make and Do (HB) $3

Let’s Meet Famous Artists (19 famous artists and art activities) $2

BIBLE

Life Principles from the Women of the Bible by Wayne Barber (Following God Character Series) $3

Children’s Atlas of the Bible $2

READING

Laura Ingalls Wilder SET (6 books): Farmer Boy(PB), School Days (HB), Christmas Stories (HB), Little House Parties (HB), Pioneer Sisters (HB), Little House Friends(HB) $5

Polly Brown (HB) by Tricia Bennett (autographed) A modern day Oliver Twist (570+ pgs) $4

SET of 3: All of a Kind Family + All of a Kind Family Downtown + More All of a Kind Family by Sydney Taylor $3. These books are worn but have many, many hours of reading left. I would hate to throw them out.

Treasury of Illustrated Classics SET includes Journey to the Center of the Earth, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea; Little Women; The Secret Garden; Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farms; Peter Pan; Jungle book; Adventures of Tom Sawyer; Swiss Family Robinson (9 books) $4

A Family Program for Reading Aloud (Rosalie Slater) $2

The Golden Christmas Treasury + Family Christmas by Jams Dobson + The Candle in the Window + Classic Christmas Stories $5

The Mystery of the Dancing Angels by Elspeth Campbell Murphy $1

MUSIC

Great Scripture for God’s Kids + Play Praise $2

Bible Action songs + Great Praise for God’s Kids $2

Sing Scripture with the Morrisey Kids, no sleeve $1

The Story of the Orchestra $4

Usborne Acting & Theatre $1

Usborne Understanding Music $1

MOMMY BOOKS

PROFESSIONAL My Business Cards CD (compatible 98/me/2000/XP/2003) $3

Hold That Thought Geography $3

Quickbooks Pro 2004 (98/Me/XP/2000) $5 w/ Key Code

NLT Bible: The Daily Walk Bible $2

The Bondage Breaker by Neil T. Anderson $2

Magazine LOT includes Homeschooling Today (6 issues):  Jan/Feb 08, Nov/Dec 07; May/June 07; Heroes & Servants issue (no date); Mar/Apr 07; Sept/Oct 07; Keeper’s At Home (2 issues) Winter 06 and Fall 06; Creation (2 issues) Dec-Feb 02 and Mar-May 01 $5

Godworth and The Self-Worth Crisis: A Biblical Solution to Man’s Self-Esteem Dilemma (6 cassettes)- (this is a NEEDED message for all) $2

The Family Guide to Classic Movies $4

The Christian Mom’s Answer Book $2

In the Grip of Grace by Max Lucado (HB) $3

Christian Set Yourself Free by Graham Powell $1

"The Holy Spirit wants to flow through us if we only open ourselves up and realize all these wonderful possibilities in the world, and allow it to happen!"- Karen Diamond


I love reading your comments. They are so encouraging. Your comments allow me to get to know you better and feel a sense of relationship. Please remember to use your manners. If you do not have something nice to say, do not say it at all. Comments that are rude/critical in nature, will be erased. Thanks, friends!

May. 23, 2009 - In Memory of Irena Sendler

In Memory of
Irena Sendlerowa
1910-2008

     There recently was a death of a 98 year old lady named Irena.

     During WWII, Irena, got permission to work in the Warsaw Ghetto, as a Plumbing/Sewer specialist.

     She had an ulterior motive...

    She KNEW what the Nazi's plans were for the Jews, (being German).

     Irena smuggled infants out in the bottom of her tool box she carried, and she carried in the back of her truck a Burlap sack, (for larger kids). She also had a dog in the back that she trained to bark when the Nazi soldiers let her in, and out of the ghetto.

     The soldiers of course wanted nothing to do with the dog, and the barking covered the kids/infants noises. During her time and course of doing this, she managed to smuggle out and save 2500 kids/infants.

     She was caught, and the Nazi's broke both her legs, and arms, and beat her severely.

     Irena kept a record of the names of all the kids she smuggled out, and kept them in a glass jar, buried under a tree in her back yard.

     After the war, she tried to locate any parents that may have survived it, and reunited the family.

     Most of course had been gassed.

     Those kids she helped got placed into foster family homes, or adopted. Last year Irena was up for the Nobel Peace Prize....

     She LOST.

     Al Gore won, for a slide show on Global Warming.

     The life of Irena Sendler was one of great testimony, one of courage and love, one of respect for all people, regardless of race, religion and creed.

     Check it out: www.irenasendler.org

     This is true!! I looked it up on Snopes.com.

* This blog entry was inspired by Jesse Duplantis' wife's message about Stepping into Your Destiny.

May. 23, 2009 - Scriptures to Build Your Foundation

Condition:
Dan. 1:8 “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself …”
Promise
Dan. 1:17 “As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.”

Condition:
Prov. 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go,…”
Promise:
Prov. 22:6 “…And when he is old he will not depart from it..”

The Condition:
John 14:15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” and Luke 6:46 ““But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?”
Promise:
1Cor. 13:8 “Love never fails...”

Warnings:
Prov. 14:7 “Leave the presence of a fool, or you will not discern words of knowledge.”

Our Guide:
1Ths. 1:2-3 “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father…”

Prov. 1:8-9 “Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and do not forsake your mother’s teaching; Indeed, they are a graceful wreath to your head, and ornaments about your neck.”

May. 23, 2009 - Fulfilling Their Calling

     Your child is not ordinary in any sense. Your child has a special call on his or her life. God gave to you your own special and unique children.  God has entrusted you to love and to train them for Him. They are not for our good pleasures, but for His. Yet, if you train them for Him, they will bring you much delight and pleasure.

     Also, never forget that they do not belong to anyone else either. Don’t make the mistake of turning your children over to others to train. Cherish and protect what God has given to you, so that you can give them to the Lord, undefiled and ready for His use.  Think on this daily! Soon it will become your mindset and you will be able to better make decisions that you will face regarding the upbringing of your children.
 
     My goal for my children is to go into full-time ministry to advance His kingdom. What is your goal? Is it money, fame, or pride?

May. 23, 2009 - Home School or Home Educate?

     It will be VERY difficult to begin to educate your children in your home, if your house and/or home is out of order. If you live without any routine, you will become exasperated and your children will become confused and even more unruly. In addition, when you spread yourself or your children too thin, you will find yourself giving up. This is not God’s way. God is a God of order. God has a consistent routine. The sun comes up in the east and goes down in the west at the same time every day! Give your children that same kind of consistency in your home to create security. God is a God of peace and of waiting. Rushing is of the enemy since it is his goal to “shall persecute the saints of the Most High.” (Dan. 7:25).

May. 23, 2009 - Build Daily A Solid Foundation

“…and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house;
and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.” ~ Matt. 7:25

     If you follow what God says, your foundation will be the Rock of Jesus Christ. Begin to build upon the Rock. Don’t wait, start NOW. Be sure that every day you cover “the basics.” Be sure to begin the day with Bible; then do reading, writing and math. Later, add in science, geography, etc. Do not jump in with a full plate.  If you do just a “little bit” every day you will have good fruits for your labor and be able to go the long haul.

     “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, which, having no captain, overseer or ruler, provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest. How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep— so shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, and your need like an armed man.” ~ Prov. 6:6-11

     Those who fail to build a foundation upon Him, and chose to build with fancy subjects and textbook, find that they fail. This is what competition does! The evidence is bad fruit! Bad fruit can consist of many things but let’s look at the fact that 85% of all high school graduates are functionally illiterate. Colleges now have to add remedial courses. This should be enough to wake up Christian parents, but now to mention all the sin, evil, dangers, and evolution in the schools.

     Intimidation runs rampant through the homeschooling communities to compete with the local schools that have already been proven to be a failure both educationally and morally!! It would be very foolish of us to try and imitate an educational system that is failing or to feel intimidated by trying to compete with this failing world system.

May. 23, 2009 - How Do I Begin?

May. 23, 2009 - Pride and Homeschool Does Not Mix

     When you try to homeschool with pride, you are in essence setting your children and yourself up to fail. Pride is mentioned 51 times negatively in the Bible. Proverbs 16: says, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling." If you want your children to learn something for the reason of pride or boosting to others, rather than to use a talen for "the glory of God" you set your children up for destruction.

     Pride can also push you to do whatever you can to please or impress others, especially your parents or your in-laws who are against homeschooling and question your ability to educate their grandchildren.

     James 4:4 says, “...whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”

     “For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.”  ~ Gal. 1:10

     “Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.” ~ Col. 3:22

May. 23, 2009 - Your Personal Email Library Reminder Service

Let me say that this must be one of the best ideas I have heard of.... especially if you are like me and return a stack of books, a week later!! I stopped checking out books and videos at the Library just because I couldn't get them back on time. It is not like I am overly busy as some families, I just forget what day it is. LOL.

 http://www.libraryelf.com/
Your Personal Email Library Reminder Service

I know this year for several of the books that I am using for Student of the Word and Mystery of History will be Library books. My book need list is too long this year for me to purcahse books for my shelf, especially after I have gotten the mandate from God to "deplete."

May. 22, 2009 - Memorial Day Activities

     I thought I would share with you a compiled list of activities to do with the children over Memorial Day weekend.

Lesson Plans:
     Veterans in My Family
     Memorial Day Poppies

Crafts listed to do at Enchanted Learning.
Memorial Day Windsock

Click here, to read about the history of Memorial Day.

Click here, to read about the history and to listen to the Tapps.

EdHelper.com has many printable on Memorial Day.

Easy print out Crossword puzzle, click here.  Try this print out crossword puzzle, it is a little harder.

May. 22, 2009 - FREE McGuffy Speller

McGuffey Series has long been the standard for teaching children to read. Now you can have access to the McGuffey Speller!

Click here to download for FREE.

May. 22, 2009 - FREE Ebook: Spring Cleaning

I just downloaded this E-Book from The Christian Homekeeper Network. It’s a really good, step by step tutorial for spring cleaning your house, room by room. It also includes checklists and other helpful forms. I highly recommend it . . . and the price is RIGHT!

Download it HERE. 

Happy cleaning!

May. 21, 2009 - One Thing...

"What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a rilghteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith." - Philippians 3:8-9 NIV

     There are numerous things in our day that scream for our attention. These things ranges from spouse to children, extended family, worldly pleasures, ministry, commitments, etc... The list can go on and on. The fact is that each day you have a number of things you can chase after. Yet, there is only ONE thing that truly really matters... there is only ONE thing that fulfills you... there is only ONE thing that deserves first place. That ONE thing is intimacy with the Lord.

     In Philippians 3:8-9, Paul knew about the power of passionately pursuing Christ. Everything was worthless in comparison to knowing Christ intimately. King David also knew the priceless privilege of being in God's presence. He proclaimed, "  ps 27:2 AMP

May. 18, 2009 - Tabernacle Set

     For some time now I have had my eye on a Tabernacle Model Kit. I originally found it on ebay several months ago. This will be a PERFECT "family time" activity to do. In the fall we will be doing Mystery of History, Vol. 1 once again (repeat from three years ago). But the price was way too high to pay! It was $90+ just for the model alone. I didn't purchase it. Last week, while searching for other hs materials, I came across this site that advertised a Tabernacle Set that included a model, DVD and guide. My attention was grabbed. I clicked on the link, and I was shocked to see what I found!

     I saw the SAME tabernacle model but now a part of a kit with DVD and a guide for 37% discount! WOW, the complete set was for only $59.99. 

     It is a miniature representation of the Tabernacle in Scriptures. We can easily assemble model of the Tabernacle while studying its fascinating history and detail. When completed, it is a 90:1 scaled model (12x21) w/ a 1" base of the Tabernacle described in the book of Exodus.

     This kit also includes a guide that explains the various aspects from the Tabernacle: sanctuary, dwell, entrance, altar, wash, sacrifice, blood, examine the evidence, acknowledge your need, holy place, lampstand, light, bread, incense, curtain, most holy place, priests, covenant, and presence.

     AniMan Studios presents this intriguing walk through of the ancient Tabernacle. This meeting place between sinful man and Holy God is seen in illuminating three-dimensional computer-generated detail. You’ll marvel at the stark contrast between the bronze-covered Altar, with its implications of death, and the exquisite gold Lampstand, showing the way to life and forgiveness.

     The kit includes: 1 high priest, 3 priests, 1 manna jar, Aaron's budded staff, atonement cover, ten commandments stone, 3 sheep, 8 stands, 1 ark of the covenant, 3 lambs/goats, bread table, laver w/ stand, 2 cows, altar of incense, lampstand of pure gold, 2 breads, altar of burnt offering, tree.

     This was such a good deal that I sold some other homeschool materials quickly to build up enough funds in my account to purchase this kit. I am so excited, I cannot wait to see it!!! My daughter, who is 12, is just now showing interest in building things.

     For the direct link, click here. For a sample of the guide that comes with the kit, click here.

May. 18, 2009 - FREE movies @ the Rave Theatre over the summer

All Rave Motion Pictures locations nationwide will host the Free Family Film Festival 2009. All locations will play these movies on the dates listed:

June 9 & 10	Kung Fu Panda	PG	92 minutes
June 16 & 17	Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa	PG	89 minutes
June 23 & 24	Surf's Up	PG	85 minutes
June 30 & July 1	The Tale of Despereaux	G	90 minutes
July 7 & 8	Horton Hears A Who!	G	86 minutes
July 14 & 15	Space Chimps	G	81 minutes
July 21 & 22	Igor	PG	87 minutes
July 28 & 29	Shrek the Third	PG	93 minutes

This will start on Tuesday June 9th and free movie days will be every Tuesday & Wednesday at 10 a.m.  No reserved seating, it is a first come first serve.  For more information here is the direct link to the web-site. Click here

May. 17, 2009 - In Honor of My Earthly Dad

 DAD

Dad...so many images come to mind
whenever I speak your name;
It seems without you in my life
things have never been the same.

What happened to those lazy days
when I was just a child;
When my life was consumed in you
in your love, and in your smile.

What happened to all those times
when I always looked to you;
No matter what happened in my life
you could make my gray skies blue.

Dad, some days I hear your voice
and turn to see your face;
Yet in my turning...it seems
the sound has been erased.

Oh, Dad, if I could turn back time
and once more hear your voice;
I'd tell you that out of all the dads
you would still be my choice.

Please always know we love you
and no one can take your place;
Years may come and go
but your memory will never be erased.

Today, Jesus, as You are listening
in your home above;
Would you go and find my dad
and give him all our love.

~ Author Unknown by me

May. 17, 2009 - Used Book Store...

     Our library don't support homeschoolers very well. I am told that many of the schools have better libraries than the county.... They also stopped inter-loans with the next county. I can get a library from that county being a non-resident and pay $50 per card. This next county does have several of the books we need for the year, so there is justification for paying the $50.

     With this in mind, I have about 15 books that we need that can not be found in our library system. I can piece purchase them but still I am paying shipping charges with a higher rate of used books if purchased thorugh individuals. I have tried, with no avail. This avenue is not an option for me for my current booklist w/ the current available options.

     I purchase many books from Amazon individualy... here and there and never in a large lot as I am this year. In the past years, I have had an awesome Library (before moving) that supported Christian-view homeschooling. Then all I had to do is to purchase used books a month or two in advance, usually one or two at a time. That never really bothered me before.

     However this year is totally different. I don't have AS good of Library support as before. After taking it to the Lord, I just knew there had to be a book store that held many of my books and would give me a break on shipping.

     I was told that http://www3.addall.com/ was the best place to go. It is a great site. It is a marketplace we I can compare prices and services from 41 different on-line bookstores. An awesome resource! However, in my hunt this wasn't going to work for me. The website says that some vendors do give discounts on multiple items. After searching for the books from the same vendors, I came up with three vendors to sell majority of my books on my list. One place was going to charge $9 in shipping for three books... books of 64 pages each. I thought that was too steep and not much of a break. I understand that AddAl can not control that.

     I did recognize that Addal cheapest seller for the books I was looking for was Amazon as the cheapest seller... no discount on multiple items.

     Thank you so much for http://www.biblio.com/. This is another reat resource! I like this website because of the layout of the website. It is very user-friendly. It is a marketplace also for venders to post to them. Biblio is in comparison to Amazon where individual people can post to sell books just as bookstores can. Therefore, there is more likely to find a used book here when you couldn't find it in one of your usual used book stores. This is a valuable tool to keep!

     Through "Addal" I found another booksstore. I felt led, lol, to find this bookstore online, and I did. If I order directly from them, there is no shipping!! I just purchased 4 books off of my list that came to 18.36. If I order these books from Addal.... which led to Amazon (in this case), the shipping alone would've cost me $15.96!!

http://www.betterworldbooks.com/

     The only drawback is.... the price of the used books are a little higher than those found on Amazon, and etc.

     When it was all said and done, and I saved close to $4 off my overall total. Was it really worth my trouble? Humm....

     Where do you go to purchase used books?