Posted in Family Activities
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Where has the time gone? I cannot believe that it has been a MONTH since I posted here. From the time school ended in mid-June, our family has been living life at what seems like the speed of light. Ever have weeks like that? June not only brought the final of days of schoolwork for our clan, but also many family birthdays to celebrate, and Father's Day too. Then came an 8 day father/son CA. skate boarding/boogie boarding road trip for my hubby and two boys. (And for the curious - no, my husband does not skateboard.) Next up, it was my and the girl's turn to hit the road...or, um, skies at it were. My two dds and I flew to Wisconsin for 6 days to visit with dear friends - and be eaten alive by mosquitos! (Enduring the peskiness of these tiny, blood seekers was well worth getting to be with those we love.) Upon our return form the mid-west, my hubby was smack dab in the middle of a bathroom remodel and my boys had headed off on a Boy Scout canoeing adventure down the John Day River in Central Oregon. Whew! And that's not all. July began as June ended - with a flurry of activity. We spent the 4th of July roasting marshmallows and making S'mores, while sharing fireworks with our neighbors. The same weekend, it was off to Worldview Academy Leadership Camp for my two oldest children. (What an awesome week they had! Go to www.worldview.org to learn more about camps for your students for next year.) Now here it is, almost the middle of July, and I'm still waiting for the "lazy dog days of Summer to begin". I think I've resigned myself to the fact that those "days" will only come as I consciously put forth the effort to make them happen. Yesterday afternoon - for example - I donned my bathing suit top, a pair of shorts, and set off for the lush-green front lawn with my towel, book and peach, iced tea in hand. It was a short lived respite (only about 35 minutes), but for that sliver of time it did indeed seem like I was enjoying a "lazy dog day". Got to scoot. Time for horse chores. Until next time - Happy Trails!
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Posted in Family Activities
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What a happy trio! Grandpa came to see our sweet girl ride her 23 year old Arabian in an open horse show a few weeks back. The day was warm and full of good memories for all the riders and their mounts. Our girlie earned several 2nd and 3rd place ribbons that day and had a visit from her Sunday school teachers too. It was a joyful day we will all long remember! Now it's time for both our girls to start getting ready for the county fair - it will be here before they can say "nay"!
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It's our annual, local home educator's used book and curriculum sale this week! The gigantic pile of "stuff" to be labeled and priced is awaiting my attention in the basement - oh joy! It is a task that needs doing, and with the dreary, drizzly weather outside, getting the job done won't be as much of a chore as if it were a sunny day. My dd is going to help me and this should make things go more quickly. One can only hope! This year I have 120 items to sell and I am praying that they all find new homes. The monetary reward for selling my items is definitely worth the work. So I'm off to get the job done! |
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Hi Blog Friends! I have not posted in such a LONG time. What have I been doing? Just living life, I guess. The Spring months always seems to be a mighty crazy time of year for our family - but then, what time of year is not this way for the average home school family? I want to let you know of a fabulous website that I happened upon. (Not quite sure how I landed there - but I did.) It is called Living On A Dime and you can access it at: Tawra has some unique and creative ways to help us stretch our monthly budgets! She covers everything from: finding great deals at the grocery store, to pairing down our wardrobes and making the most of what we have. In these times of rising costs, it is becoming even MORE important to live carefully. I encourage you all to pop by the Living On A Dime website and spend a few minutes. You won't be disappointed. On a frugal note, do you ever have broken and slightly stale graham crackers that you are not sure what to do with? After seeing the price of a prepared graham cracker pie crust in the grocery store the other day, a light went on in my brain. I immediately saw the ziplock bag of broken graham crackers that I have been stashing in the back of my pantry. I hadn't been sure what to do with them, but I did know that I couldn't throw them out. Upon returning from the grocery store, I pulled out my bag of crackers and my food processor and began pulsing those neglected and set- aside crackers into several cups of graham cracker crumbs. In less than 10 minutes I processed enough crackers to have crumbs for making 3 pie crusts right in my own kitchen - and for a lot less money. This is probably a no-brainer to many of you veteran, frugal-minded gals, but it was an exciting, new discovery for this lady! Hmmm...I think I'll whip up a pie for dessert tonight! |
Posted in Family Activities
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Playing In The Snow... A Vacation TO the snow or AWAY from the snow you ask? Why to it...of course! All of our kids LOVE to snowboard and tube on the Central Oregon "white stuff". We spent 3 glorious days there having fun: boarding, tubing, drinking hot cocoa in the lodge, and hot tubbing and relaxing at the cabin. And how can I forget the inhaling of giant, homemade ice cream cones at our favorite ice cream shop? What a blessing to have a time to go away together as a family and enjoy God's amazing creation and of course, one another. My hubby and I left the "extreme sports" to the young ones and we spent the majority of our time cheering them on! God is so good - we thoroughly loved spending time together in the brisk, beautiful surroundings of Central Oregon. Back at home this week, my goal has been to get caught up on the laundry - which I call my "Mt. Never-rest"! So it was from the glorious mountains of Oregon, back to my laundry mountain at home I traveled. Every day is a new adventure and indescribable blessing from the Lord! See you all again when I conquer my sky-high laundry pile.
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Okay...so I spoil my kitty. Mr. Murphy - our barn cat - arrives at our kitchen, deck window every morning precisely around 8:30 AM. While the kids and I are finishing up our cereal or waffles, guess who shows up begging at the window? Normally he will jump up on the window sill and stare in at us, with a look on his face that begs, "Where's mine?" I suppose it is the nurturing momma in me that prompts me to set aside my own breakfast for a moment, run for the fridge to grab the milk, and then quickly retrieve his white bowl from the sill. I Fill the bowl half way with milk, pop it in the microwave for 8 seconds, and then plop it outside for my tubby feline to lap up. On this particular morning - for whatever reason - Murphy decided to stand on his hind legs to have his morning treat instead of hopping upon the window sill. How could I not snap a photo? His antics are just the start of this mom's normal home school day - and I love spoiling my cat as part of it!
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I've not done much blogging lately - caught up in the intricacies and demanding, every day issues of a home school mom's life I guess. But the weather today here in the Pacific N.W. demands the attention of being written about. Blue skies, light breeze, temperature near 60 balmy degrees, what more could signal the onset of Spring. My daffodil bulbs are poking their greenery about 6 inches above the still-cool ground, and I know that their lovely, creamy, yellow blooms will soon follow. It seems all of God's creation is aching to announce that "Spring is here", and my heart gladly sings along in anticipation of new life. Some of you (as are my dear Wisconsin friends) still find yourselves in winter's strong grip -under a heavy blanket of ice, snow and severe temperatures. To you my heart goes out, because I know that you too, long to see Spring arrive. Keep thinking about it - it's just around the corner! "This is the day the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24 |
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Talk about out of the ordinary! When I lived in Illinois as a little girl, tornadoes were commonplace; but the one we had here in town today was definitely an oddity for the Pacific N.W. Actually, we live about 15 miles north of where the tornado touched down, but it was close enough to give us a whopping thunder and lightning storm out here in the country. Our lights flickered a time or two and we were blessed to have not lost power. My hubby called from his truck where he was running an errand in town, and it turns out that he was just a mile or so south of the tornado's fury when it touched down. Thankfully, there was not one person killed, or even injured during the storm. God is so good! Tomorrow's weather looks to be quite a bit more calm! |
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Can you hear me panting? We officially returned to our school schedule today, and all of us are huffing and puffing our way through the rest of life's responsibilities in addition. You know, the laundry, lesson plans, meal planning, shopping, orthodontist appointments and piano lessons - I guess it's back to a "not so picked-up" house for a while too. Most likely, it's going to take me a couple of days to feel like all this is normal again. I actually was showered and dressed by 7:30 this morning (which is a record, considering that the last couple of weeks off of school, this has NOT been the case.) Vacation time is so wonderful, but now it's back to reality. Got to go...the laundry needs folding, supper is yet to be prepared, and there are horse chores to be completed. God bless each one as you EASE back onto the "treadmill of life"! "Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality." Colossians 3:23-25 |
Posted in Family Activities
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"We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!" Our 4 precious children...and 1 scruffy pooch! My wishes for a "Merry Christmas" have come a bit late, I know; but they are from the heart all the same. I have enjoyed my time away from blogging - believe it or not- and instead I have delighted in getting caught-up with my family and friends. Ours was a Christmas day blessed with snow (an unusual occurance for the Pacific Northwest). What a delightful Christmas Eve we had celebrating together at church with our family in Christ, and then coming home to a quiet and reverent Advent celebration around the kitchen table. God is so good, and the gift of His Son is one that we celebrate every day of the year. As 2008 is poised to begin, may the Lord our gracious Savior be our sufficiency. "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20 Blessings to all for a Christ-filled New Year! |
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"How sad'" you say! I know, I know. Not a very good excuse for not blogging, but it's the truth. After having company here for 8 days in early November, then having a houseful for Thanksgiving (23 to be exact), trying to get some schoolwork done in there some where, and then STARTING to think about Christmas gifts, well...it all has left me a bit pre-occupied. I miss getting on the computer and sharing my heart, my life. Blogging will just have to take a comfortable back seat for a time I have decided, as I put the needs and priorities of my very busy family ahead of this silly screen and keyboard. I wish for you my blog friends a joyous, Christ-filled Christmas with your families and dear friends. Signing off for now... Blessings~ Ladyjane |
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Our dear friends Fred and Keiki from Hilbert, Wisconsin (that's them above) are due to arrive here for a visit this Thursday. They will stay about a week and be our guests at what they call "The Ranch." Last time they were here, February last for our oldest dd's 16th birthday - they snuck in under cover of night and surprised all of our tribe! Many fun memories were made together and we are looking forward to creating more during their upcoming stay. Personally, I have been besieged by a nasty head/chest virus the last week or so. Lots of Echinacea Tea has been drank, and I have downed at least a half package of Cold-Eze zinc losenges. I always tell my family "I don't have time to be sick!" I ask you, what homeschool mom does? God in His grace has allowed me to be feeling much better today, and hopefully I won't overdue things (like housework) now that I am feeling a bit more spry. Hope all is well with each of you, my blogger friends. Have a great week! |
Posted in Family Activities
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This is a recent photo of my sweet doll, enjoying a snowcone (that's almost as big as she is) at Silverwood Amusement Park in Idaho. Have you ever seen an icy dessert that big in your life? No snowcone for her today on her birthday, but we treated her to lunch at a nearby restaurant, and she got to have a pumpkin milkshake. She was extremely happy about that! Happy 10th Birthday dear one!
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Pictures of A Very Active Young Man As I was at the computer this evening, my youngest young man announced that he wanted to see the pictures on my blog. Upon looking there, we both discovered that I did not have many photos of his cute, smilin' face; so I determined to change that immediately! So if you will indulge me...here is a sampling of my busy guy's life!
"Hey mom, check out this cool dude!"
My skating boy doing a high kick-flip.
Doing tricks in a cool alley in the little town of Sandpoint Idaho.
"Mom and dad, I finally caught a fish!"
My boy scout getting his merit badge awards at the last Court of Honor.
My little guy is growing up and bringing our family more joy with each passing day. Thank you Lord for the gift of sons!
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In and out, in and out. This has been my computer time as of late. One minute I can get on and access Homeschool Blogger and the next minute I cannot. Our computer seems to have a mind of it's own. Today it is aimiable, gracious and willing to take me visiting all over blog-land. Tomorrow - most likely - it will dig in it's persnickety heels and refuse to budge an inch in the direction that I want it to go. I have come to be content with whatever it's mood, and move onto "bigger and better" pursuits while it is in an obstinate mood. At this moment, I have been given a window of opportunity to write away, and yet nothing significant comes to mind to share. It is a lovely morning here in the Pacific N.W. and the fog is gently rising from the pasture. This is not Earth shattering news, I know, but it's the best I can do for now. Thank you Lord for a beautiful, brand new day - and, okay...thanks for computers too! |
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Greetings Friends! My weekend was a full one, starting out with soap making. My house was filled with the sweet scents of Lavender, Clary-Sage and Bourban Geranium. I would have snapped a few photos earlier on in the soap- making process, but I didn't realize unitl after the fact that I had a camera to use! Here is part of my batch of soap. You can see by the drizzle effect on the surface of the soap that I got it into the mold "just in time!"
Here are my bars of soap after I cut them into pieces to cure. I line my tray with brown paper from a grocery sack and then lay the bars on top of it. They will remain this way - on a shelf in my basement - for 4 weeks. Then they will be ready for gift giving!
Here is a little bit closer shot of my finished product! I wish you could SMELL it through your computer. I haven't given my soap a name yet - any ideas? I always name my soap bars.
In addition to soap making, much of my weekend was spent outside basking in the lovely fall weather. I took some snapshots of my kitty, Murphy, and several of my girls riding their horses.
Every time I called Murphy's name so that I could get a snapshot of him, he would say "meow". So...that's why he looks like a scary, growling kitty in both the picture above and the one below. He really is a sweety!
"Meow", he said to me again.
Last but not least, here are a couple of pictures of my girls riding their buddies! It was such a beautiful day.
My youngest dd on her special friend, Abenique!
My oldest dd on her horse, Kody - with the wind whistling through her hair. And there is Murphy again, quickly sneaking out of the way so as not to become smoosh! Here ends my weekend photo update. Now it's back to the books. Have a great week everyone! |
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ALL DRESSED IN WHITE! Today was the first day in over a week that we have gotten a glimpse of Mt. St. Helens. As the low clouds and fog lifted this morning, we could see that the mountain had exchanged her gloomy, gray summer apparel for that of a new dress of white! The first snow of the season - and it came mighty early I might add! What a blessing to look out each day (when the mountain is not shrouded in clouds) and see the handiwork of God. Hope you enjoy the view from our place!
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Curiosity is a hard inkling to squelch - especially when kids and spiders are involved. Just the other day - during a break in our morning school routine - my youngest scholar pointed out a very busy spider located outside of our downstairs patio door. The eight legged critter was finishing it's web and quietly awaiting the arrival (and demise) of some unsuspecting flying morsel, or so it seemed. Just as our eyes began to focus on the spider, a huge mosquito eater flew right into the bottom of the waiting spider's web. In a flash, the furry yellow and brown spider was speeding vertically downward on it's web to intercept it's catch. By this time, my daughter and I had cried "Oh no! Poor mosquito eater!" We had also ventured out of doors to get a better vantage point. Upon reaching it's prize, the spider began swiftly wrapping the mosquito eater - like the tasty gift it was - with silky strands and strands of webbing. How fascinated my dd and I were to be witness to one of God's miracles of life - His design and provision for, yes...even the likes of a creepy, crawly spider. The next time I have another opportunity to see "science in action" I'll be sure and take a minute or two and yield to my curiousity. For God reveals Himself and His ways in all of creation if only we'll pause... and ponder. |
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Today has been a melancholy day. My oldest dd (who has been homeschooled all her life) has been getting adjusted with a new school routine. She is participating in a dual-enrollment program that we have here at our local comuunity college. What this means, is that she is doing some of her high school courses at home, and some at the college. The courses she takes at the college will count for high school AND college credit. ( I know my friend Suzy Scribbles can relate. She has a son doing something similar at their community college!) It is a wonderful program, and God has been so faithful to answer many prayers this week for: peace, safety, and even friends from church in my daughter's classes. She is beginning to take steps toward adulthood...it is fast approaching. I am thankful that there are still three more chicks here at home firmly in the nest, otherwise my melancholy state would be all the greater. Our weather is taking a BIG turn come this evening. Thus the other reason for my melancholy state. Our weather is going from sunny to, well you guessed it, cool and rainy. On the one hand, I love to see the fall ushered in by the many colorful leaves swirling down from the trees and the air taking on that crisp smell of fall. But on the other hand, this advent means rain - lots of it - and I am NOT ready for that just yet. Did not summer sneak up on us only but a breath ago? It sure seems like it. I did enjoy this last lovely afternoon of sunshine however. Our couch potato pooch and I took our usual stroll down our rural road, and the children played and played outside. Cathcing frogs has been a popular past time of late, and a few more were saught after this warm afternoon! So it is with a happy/sad heart that I greet the coming fall. Change. It's hard sometimes. How thankful I am this day for God and His word - the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. I think I'll spend some time with Him and shake the "melancholies"!
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Glass-like water, a beautiful sunset, a soft breeze and my family near by. As we caught many, many fish during our vacation in Northern Idaho last week, I was reminded of Jesus' words : "I will make you fishers of men." While the sun slipped down behind the tree-lined horizon, the fish were jumping and splashing about. They were hungry. How many unsaved people do we encounter in our lives during the course of a normal week who are hungry? I know in my own life, the number is more than a few. The group might include neighbors, folks in line at the grocery store, or an employee at the library. Mind you, cookies, pasta and Swiss ham steak is not what they are after. Many of them are hungry, but they are searching, flitting about, doing whatever it takes to grab a hold of something to feed their souls. You and I have the answer. Let's take the gospel message to the "ends of the earth" and to the end of our block if need be, so that we may be fishers of men for Jesus sake. He said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 5:19 |
