Hi all!  Here's my version of the weekly wrap up. Visit Carol at My Heart's Desire (link at right) for more.

We're all well and happy here.  Maine Man will be wrapping up teaching Sunday school on the last Sunday of the month.  Another gentleman will teach next quarter.  I think we'll be studying Exodus.  We've been planning Christmas gift purchases - which I don't dare tell you about in case someone else in the house reads this blog!!  Work has settled down somewhat and now we're all looking forward to Thanksgiving.

MimiBelle has started rehearsals for her May recital already.  Now that she's "dancing with the big girls" there's a lot more work involved.  She and her dad worked together on math last night.  It's starting to click with her, so she feels more hopeful. 

MJ has been my helper around the house of late.  She's frequently offering her services to wash dishes or set the table or whatever other task there may be.  She and Mia undertook doing a thorough cleaning of their rooms.  She's enjoying reading more this year.  I think between getting her new reading glasses this summer and stumbling on some books that she has really enjoyed has sparked the interest.

Mia is clicking along.  She's still doing extra dance classes with the goal to move up.  She'd been put with a younger class a couple of years ago because of schedule conflicts, but now her teacher is giving her some extra instruction so she can move back up with her regular class.  Fortunately, the younger class is actually pretty advanced for their age, so it wasn't like she was way behind her age group. 

Me, Myself  The evening Bible study I go to ended for the fall on Monday.  We had a celebration dinner with lots of talking and laughing and then we had our final study time together.  Maine Man took the girls to McDonald's for dinner (they found coupons in the paper they "needed" to use!).  I've been doing odd little organizational jobs.  We went through the mitten basket yesterday and weeded out the scarves, hats and gloves that are no longer useful or wanted.  Some we threw away and some we'll be able to give away.  Now I have my list going for what items we need for the girls this winter.  I helped MimiBelle and MJ bake for our library's holiday marketplace.  The Teen Leadership Committee raised a good amount of money between their bake sale and gift wrap table.  I had fun browsing the different vendors' tables with Julie and Ellen.  I ran into my friend Jen, whom I don't see as often as I should (Jen if you read this....feel free to say "shame on you"!).  It was just a nice time.

School is going well.  We just finished a book called Anna of Byzantium.  It was a historical novel about Anna Comnena who was to ascend the throne upon her father's death.  There were many twists and turns to the story - honestly, Hollywood couldn't write a better plot.  It was all tastefully written.  All four of us enjoyed the book.

Scripture encouragement  It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High.  Psalm 92:1

Most importantly  Happy Thanksgiving!

She got a part  MimiBelle found out today that she's one of the painting cards.  If you've seen Alice in Wonderland with your children - it's okay to admit it if you watch it without your children - you may remember the part where the cards are painting the roses red.  She's one of them.  Needless to say, she's a little excited.

Happy today.

Hello happy people  I'm doing a free form wrap up this week, but if you enjoy the wrap up idea please visit Carol at My Heart's Desire - link at right.

Maine Man is finally all done with audit insanity at work.  The last several weeks have been stressful for him trying to get everything neat and tidy for his department before the audit took place.  Everything went well so now it's time to rest.  He's already looking forward to Thanksgiving weekend and our annual pajama day.

MimiBelle had her auditions this week at dance.  She was pleased with  how she danced, but doesn't know yet if she got a part.  Hopefully, she'll find out on Monday when she goes into her first class of the week whether or not she has a part.  MimiBelle had a sleep over with some of her youth group buddies on Friday night before the fashion show.  They had a good time together and did a fabulous job at the show.  Everyone looked so nice and so "in style". 

MJ has had kind of a rough week.  Her little body is fighting something or other, so she's been tired and going to bed early.  In spite of that she had a good week at dance and fun at the fashion show.   She was disappointed that she couldn't do the sleep over.  We decided together that it wouldn't be a good idea to be up all hours on Friday night and then try to do the fashion show.  She quickly recovered from her disappointment when we took her and Mia to Panera Bread  for breakfast.  As we were walking into the restaurant she said, "Mom, I'm so glad I didn't go to the sleep over."  She and Mia chose a table for just the two of them by the fireplace.  Maine Man and I sat nearby. 

Mia had a good week in school and dance.  She's been teaching MJ some tap this week.  MJ is using a pair of MimiBelle's old tap shoes.  They've been tapping away in the kitchen, much to Charlie's consternation.  It's his kitchen, don't ya know?  We received a new game called N Tropy that she's been playing with making all sorts of towers.  Think of it as backwards Jenga, you're trying to build from the ground up without dumping everything.

School has gone well.   We're reading a book called Anna of Byzantium that we're enjoying.  I'm starting to look forward to Christmas and what special things we might do for the season.  Right now I'm fighting a cold, so as I look to the week ahead my goal is to not get horribly behind

Me, Myself - Other than the cold, I'm doing well.  I've been enjoying the book of John this week.  I'm going to move to the book of Mark.  I've already started a little Christmas shopping.  I bought Maine Man a DVD that I know he wants.  I also picked up "The Nativity Story" for us to watch on our pajama day.  I guess I should explain pajama day.  On black Friday when most of the country has lost their senses, we stay in the house wearing our pajamas and watching holiday movies, playing games, listening to music and eating finger foods.  Our finger foods are mostly crackers and cheese, vegetables and dip.  We try to keep it light and healthy after the carnage on Thanksgiving.  We really enjoy ourselves. 

I want my bloggy friends to know that I'm taking a technology fast.  Our home computer will be off, but I'll do some sort of an update and check email when I go to the library once a week.  So until after Christmas...

Blessings

Today I'm thankful for the Bible.  I've been flollowing a reading schedule that has me reading through certain books several times in a row and then I'll journal whatever stands out to me.  You know each day I find something new.  It's true that the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword.  I hope you enjoy your Bible today.

Hi all, it's time for the weekly wrap up.  If you enjoy the wrap ups and would like to join or read more, please visit Carol at My Heart's Desire - link at right.

In the Word

I've just undertaken a word study of the word "worship".  I'm not far enough into it to let you know what I'm learning.  I think it's going to take me a while.  I can tell you that I've enjoyed it thus far.

In the Home

I'm not exactly sure where the week went.  It's just been full of the normal stuff of life.  The only thing out of the ordinary was that I had a doctor's appointment - I told you a little about that in my post on Wednesday.  I came home with a paper that says I need half of my blood drawn to make sure I'm healthy, provided that the blood letting doesn't kill me  Actually, I don't mind it.  My doctor is just the queen of blood work, so I really do have several vials drawn.  The girls did well.  I had them stay home on their own. MimiBelle was in charge.  I called a couple of times to check up on them and of course all was well. 

Maine Man had to work through the weekend.  I am thankful that this is a rare occurance.  It didn't feel like the weekend without him here.  MJ said as we were doing some housework Saturday afternoon that it felt like Friday instead of Saturday because Dad wasn't home. 

MimiBelle and MJ had practice after church for the fashion show the youth group girls are putting on next Saturday.  I have to say big kudos to the ladies who helped them shop and choose their outfits.  They asked really great questions like "how can you get more than just one season out of that outfit?" "how can you layer that cute top so that it's modest and cool?"  The sorts of questions that you ask your daughters, but your daughters roll their eyes at you, but since it's someone else these same exact questions are truly inspired.  Does anybody out there know what I'm talking about???  Anyhoo...their really excited and I'm a happy soul, because I get to bake for the fellowship time afterwards.

Charlie is doing well.  Potty training is coming along.  He's just about got the "sit" command down.  We're teaching him "off" so he can learn not to jump on people to say hello.  The girls are enjoying him.  I can't get over how big he's getting.  He's already changed so much.  He still isn't wild about his bath.  He's all boy, he'd rather be dirty.  He really likes Mia.  She'll play fetch with him for forever.   When you're a wiggly Jack Russell terrier, it's just a mega-blessing to have someone to play fetch so willingly.  I think we may have misnamed him.  I think that maybe we should have named him Rustle.  When we take him for walks he loves to rustle through the leaves. 

In the School Room

This week we were invited to a homeschool game day.  My friend Tracey hosted and our family along with two others came to play games.  All of them were educational and fit into a subject category like history, geography, math, etc.  The kids had a blast playing the different games.  They all really get along well, it was so pleasant. 

In the Kitchen

Lots of comfort foods this week.  It's been rainy and chilly here.  Many soup recipes and casseroles.  I tried a new recipe.  I got to bake for our game day.  I tried a recipe for Rocky Road cupcakes.  I found the recipe in "Cupcakes from the Cake Mix Doctor".  If you can get your hands on a copy from the library, do it.  It's so much fun to experiment with the different recipes.  I'll be using the book again when I bake for the fashion show and for our library's bake sale.  Leave a comment if you want the recipe.  I'm always willing to share

From the Book Shelf

I can't remember if I told you that I read James Herriot's Favorite Dog Stories.  It was a gentle book that I'd have no problem allowing my girls to read or reading aloud with them.  They were sweet stories.  There was one that was hard to read, because it had to do with a lady who lost her beloved dog - it does end very happily though. 

I finished listening to a BBC Radio full cast dramatization of Jane Austen's Mansfield Park.  It was an enjoyable listen.  If you're looking for an unabridged version, this isn't it, you will be disappointed.  If you're looking for a pleasant way to spend some time while you're making Christmas gifts or folding laundry, you won't be disappointed.

I'm currently reading an Amish story The Missing.  It's mind candy, but pretty harmless.

Scripture Encouragement

John 10:11 I am the good shepherd.  The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 

Have a lovely week ahead.

Proverbs 17:17  A friend loves at all times...

...even when it isn't convenient.  I experienced this yesterday.  I had a doctor appointment scheduled yesterday, but we had a mix up with our van (Maine Man had it and I needed it).  He told me that I'd need to cancel my appointment and reschedule.  It takes an act of congress to get into see my doctor, so I was a little discouraged.  No sooner had I hung up the phone than my dear neighbor called me to ask a question.  I told her what was going on and she said, "I'll take you."  Just like that.  I hadn't even had time to pray or honestly hadn't even thought to pray and God took care of it.  He is so good...and so is my neighbor. 

Happy today!

Hi there happy people  It's that time of week again.  Remember, if you enjoy the wrap ups and would like to see more, visit Carol at My Heart's Desire - link at right.

In the Word

Today in Sunday school Maine Man taught through Luke 7-9.  We kind of jogged through this section rather than taking a leisurely stroll.  One of his points was "how do you handle stress?"  Then as we went through the accounts of the different people - like the Centurion, the woman whose son was raised, the father of the demon possessed boy - he highlighted their faith or lack thereof as the case may be.  I'll share the Psalm he took us to when I wrap up this wrap up.  His practical where the rubber meets the road point was "in whom or what are you placing your trust?" 

In the Home

It's been a full week here.  Comet Queen of Quite-a-Lot was here until last evening.  She and Charlie came to a point where they peacefully tormented eachother.  They were truly jealous of eachother.  Any time Charlie was being fussed over, Comet would bark her displeasure.  When we loved on Comet, Charlie would cry and yip.  I feel like I have a new baby now that we have a puppy.  Over all he's a really good boy and a great fit for our family, he's still a lot of work.  I haven't been able to acomplish what I would have liked to this week.  I'm hoping he'll be more relaxed now that he's the only dog again and maybe I'll get some more de-junking done. 

MimiBelle and MJ are participating in a teen fashion show at our church.  The purpose is to show girls how they can dress in up to date ways, but maintain modesty.  Saturday we met at a consignment shop to choose some outfits and this afternoon we met at a store to get some new clothes.  They very graciously are allowing the girls to essentially rent the clothes for the show and then we'll be able to take them back.  I'm doing my part and baking for the fellowship time afterwards.  I have to admit that it was hard to see my girls so grown up - yuck.  I'm happy that the girls have the opportunity to do this for the girls in the community as well as for themselves.  I think they're learning much.

Mia has been a reading fiend.  Anything that she can get her hands on that has to do with King Arthur and Merlin, she devours.  She's really enjoying the idea of Camelot and the knights of the round table.

Maine Man and I had a date on Friday evening.  We had chips and dip and we watched Sense and Sensibility - the Emma Thompson version from the mid 90's for those who love all things Jane Austen and would want to know.  Wasn't that nice of him to watch it with me?  I know that he'd rather have his teeth drilled without the benefit of novacaine than watch a chick flick, but he made it.  Have I told you how much I like him?  I really do 

In the School Room

I chatted with a few friends this week about cyber schools.  I feel like I have some direction, but I still need to get a hold of my near neighbor who uses a different school so I can pick her brain a little bit.  Maine Man and I have talked a lot about it and we feel that this is the right course at the right time, we just need to hammer out the remaining details.

We've been reading about Atilla the Hun this week.  The book is from the World Leaders Past and Present series and is simply titled Atilla.  The author is a good Hungarian named Steven Bela Vardy.  Being of Hungarian extraction myself, I've been enjoying this book a lot.  I've been able to read this aloud with all three.  I don't think they're enjoying this one as much as they did the books we've read on the Maya and India mainly because there aren't any color photographs to add interest.  They haven't risen up in revolt, I can just tell they aren't wild about it.

In the kitchen

I had a special week in my kitchen.  I made Crock Pot Pasta Fagioli for a soup and stew cook off sponsored by our library and I won third place out of ten entries.  I told Maine Man that I hoped I didn't win this time.  Last time I entered, I won first place and got a gift certificate to a local grocery store which was nice, but the people who were fourth place or lower got a brand spankin' new cook book.  I love cookbooks.  This time they gave everyone a cookbook, even the top three entries.  We've all been enjoying looking through the cookbook to see what we will make first.  I also won a gift certificate to Panera Bread.  We're trying to decide whether we want to use that toward a family outing or if it'll be a date just for us. 

From the bookshelf

I've been enjoying reading Persuasion and my new cookbook.  I'm definitely going to request the movie from the library.  I'm not going to push my luck this time and ask Maine Man to watch it with me.

Scripture encouragement

Here's the Psalm I promised you.  I'll leave you with the first two verses to whet your appetite to read the entire Psalm.

Psalm 62:1,2

My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him.  He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

Have a delightful week ahead.

Hi all!

We have more to add to the Charlie saga.  He went to the vet today for his first check up.  He's nice and healthy.  He loves his doctor, he couldn't stop kissing her (don't worry, I'm not jealous).  He had a few shots.  Our boy wasn't too thrilled about that, but he did well.  He was a little droopy when we got home, so I put him in his crate with his kibble  stuffed kongs and headed out to the library with the girls.  He looked so sleepy. 

I think we're going to take the rest of the day off.  I'm a little droopy too.  We'll get caught up on Saturday morning - Maine Man has to work anyway. 

Happy today

Hi all, if you enjoy the wrap ups and would like to see what others are up to visit Carol at My Heart's Desire - link at right.

In the Word

We had a really good Sunday School class today.  We were in Luke 6.  Maine Man took us through the Beatitudes, he had us look at the contrasting philosophies of the world versus God's Kingdom.  It made me realize how very Greek I can be in my thinking.  We tend to equate material blessing with God's blessing and that isn't always the case.  Sometimes we're the most blessed when we're in the middle of some pretty sticky circumstances, because we're where God wants us to be doing wha He wants us to be doing.

In the Home

We've had a good week here.  Charlie is fitting into our family quite nicely.   I'm thrilled that his housetraining is going as well as it is.  Every day he does a little better.  He was making me laugh today.  I was making dinner and I cut off a small piece of carrot for him just to see what he'd do with it.  He had more fun batting the carrot around the floor so he could pounce on it.  He did finally eat it, but not until after the carrot was good and conquered  We're watching another Jack Russell for the week, Comet "Queen of Quite-a-Lot".  She's our visiting princess.  Charlie is in love with her, but she's just not that into Charlie.  You can see her roll her eyes and say "oh, please."  They've been so good in spite of their differing levels of interest.

The girls are all doing well.  Mia is getting over a cold and MJ seems to be coming down with one.  Fortunately, it was just a quick bump in the road and nothing major.  I'm hoping that it will be the same for MJ. 

MimiBelle and MJ are working on a fashion show with some of the other girls in church youth group.  Some of the adult women who work with them want to help the girls and their friends learn how to dress modestly as well as be fashionable.  They have a shopping trip to a teen consignment shop next Saturday as well as to the mall.  One of the stores graciously allowed them to "buy" clothes to model and then they can return them once the show is over. 

Maine Man is hard at work at work.  He has year end inventory coming up and all the great fun that goes along with that.  I figure I'll see him again November 3rd or so.  He's still looking at schools and seeking what God wants for him to do.  We'll keep you posted on that front.

My week has been swallowed up with puppy training.  I've enjoyed it.  He's such an affectionate fellow.  I have a competition coming up this Saturday.  It's a soup and stew cook off sponsored by our library - have you hugged your librarian lately??  I'm still not sure what I'm making, but the girls say that I should make ravioli soup. 

In the school room

Decisions are being made for next school year.  We're seriously looking at cyber schooling.  If you are a PA resident and cyber school, I'd appreciate it if you'd leave a comment with your thoughts on your experiences.  Maine Man and I talked about it and we think now is the time.  We've  thought about it before, but it didn't seem right.  It feels like a better fit now. 

We read a neat book this week "The Mystery of the Maya:  Uncovering the Lost City of Palenque" by Peter Lourie.  It was about an expedition in the Chiapas region of Mexico to uncover this Mayan city.  The photography is delightful.  We read it all in one sitting - it's not super long, so it's very doable.  It helped us to appreciate the complexity of the Mayan culture and the difficulty of being an archaeologist.  They've been working on this site for about one hundred years.

In the Kitchen

I didn't do much baking this week - refer to earlier paragraphs about the new puppy.  I did make chicken and dumpling for dinner though.  We had some snow and chilly temps this week, so comfort food was in order.  I'll be doing much baking in November for our library's holiday marketplace and the girls' fashion show at church.  I love to bake, especially when I can share.  I don't want to look like a muffin top.

From the bookshelf

I'm still reading about puppy training, but I did pick up Persuasion by Jane Austen.  I just love her books.  I think I'll borrow the movie from the library when I'm done.

Scripture encouragement

I hope you don't mind, but I thought I'd leave you with an thought provoking quote this week instead...

I would like to buy three dollars worth of God, please.  Not enogh to explode my soul or disturb my sleep, but just enough to equal a cup of warm milk or a snooze in the sunshine.  I don't want enough of God to make me love a black man or pick beets with a migrant.  I want ecstasy, not transformation.  I want warmth of the womb, not a new birth.  I want a pound of the Eternal in a paper sack.  I would like to buy three dollars worth of God, please. - Wilbur Rees

May we desire more.

Have a lovely week ahead.

I went grocery shopping this evening....in the snow  We had a gloppy, wet snow coming down a good portion of the day.  It didn't stick to the roads or walkways.  Here in NEPA we went straight from spring to winter this year.  On the positive side, my friend Jo is hosting three children from Kenya this weekend.  They've never seen snow, so this will be quite a treat.

What's the weather doing where you live?

As a homeschooling mom, I'm thankful for our library and the wonderful ladies who have helped me over the years to find the material that I needed to do my job better.  If you live in Pennsylvania like I do, you know by now that the funding for libraries has been cut in our recently passed state budget.  Please consider donating books to your library's book sale, attending and purchasing books from the book sale, baking for your library's bake sale or volunteering your time to help out in whatever way you are able. Oh, don't forget to tell your favorite librarian that she - or he - is a gem

Here we go again  If you enjoy the weekly wrap up, please visit Carol at My Heart's Desire - link at right.

In the Word

We had our missions conference at church this weekend.  Our speaker was a missionary from Papua New Guinea.  He spoke on the idea of being in the right place at the right time and doing what God has told us to do.  He made the point that we don't need to do big things necessarily, we just need to what we know God is leading us to do and leave the results to Him.  He cited Esther, the boy with the five loaves and two fish and Timothy's mother and grandmother.  I know this sound very pedestrian, but the ideas are still kicking around my brain so I don't have any great insights for you.  I just know that this message was for me. 

In the Home

We have a puppy  We bought another Jack Russell Terrier whom we've named Charlie.  He's a really good puppy and has been easy to deal with thus far.  I'm sure we'll have tough days, but he's definitely a good fit for our family.  He's mostly white with butterscotch brown markings.  He's a happy little soul.  The girls are beyond excited.  They weren't expecting to get him until Wednesday.  While they were at their library bake sale we went and picked him up.  It was fun to see the looks on their faces when they came home to find Charlie hanging out with me in the kitchen.

We've had minor illness in the house.  Mia has had a cold.  She's better than she was.  She's at that stage where she sounds junky, because of everything breaking up.

MimiBelle has been practicing her pointe every day in the hopes of earning a spot in Alice in Wonderland.  Her auditions are the first week of November.  Her teacher has been showing them new combinations that they'll need to know for the principle numbers.  She's nervous and excited -exervous??  nervited??

In the School Room

We're still doing early church history.  We've been reading a book about the golden age of India as well.  We added some home ecconomicks.  Just some basic cooking.  I found a sewing book at the book and bake sale that I'd like to do with the girls.

In the Kitchen

The older two girls and I spent time in the kitchen.  They made peanut butter cookies for the bake sale and I made banana blueberry muffins.  I got this recipe from my friend Jen - hi Jen - I like to pass it along, because this recipe is flourless.  I have several friends who have someone in their family who has a wheat allergy.  By the way, Jen, these sold out in minutes.  Our library thanks you.

Aunt Jen's peanut butter cookies

1 egg

1 cup sugar

1 cup peanut butter

Blend all ingredients, shape into 1 inch balls, arrange on ungreased cookie sheet, bake at 350 degrees for about 12 minutes

From the bookshelf

I borrowed a book by James Herriot of dog stories.  It's how I plan to spend my evening.  I'll let you know how I like it next week.

Scripture encouragement

Considering the current political and economic climate, I thought these verses that we read just this week were appropriate.

Habakkuk 3:17-18

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.

Blessings

Hi everyone!  Let's sit down and chat again.  If you like the wrap ups, don't forget to visit Carol at My Heart's Desire (link at right).

In the Word

I started attending an evening ladies' Bible study of the book of Colossians.  We just started, so I'm not far into the book, but I've been enjoying seeing how it's all about Jesus.  Our salvation, the way we live - it's all about Jesus.

In the Home

We're all hunky dory here.  I filled our bird feeder and suet cage this week.  We've been enjoying the downy woodpeckers, chick a dees, titmice, nuthatches, goldfinches and a new visitor that I have to look up to find out just who he is.  Yesterday I went out to our birdbath to empty it out and put fresh water into it.  As I dumped it, I looked down and saw deer droppings.  Apparently, our birds are furrier and sprouted two extra legs!!

MJ had a delightful Saturday.  She got to spend the afternoon with the aunties.  Aunt Ellen was buying appliances for her new home and took Aunt Julie and MJ along for moral support.  I guess from all reports, MJ helped El get the best deal.  Ellen said that it got to the point where the salesman would look at her and say "isn't this pretty?" and look at MJ and say "okay, here are the specs on this appliance."  Like we say, she's a 40 year old trapped in a child's body!  She felt so grown up advising Aunt Ellen.  They all went back to Aunt Julie's for dinner and some puppy time.  She has three Rotweillers and on Jack Russel.  Ellen has a miniature pinscher.  Our girl was in her glory!

In the School Room

We've been enjoying the book Masada: The Last Fortress.  I can highly recommend this book too.  It is written in the form of diary entries from the perspective of Eleazar's son (the leader of the Masada group) as well as from the perspective of the commander of the Roman army.  It's a hard read if you know how the story ends.  You can't help pulling for the Masada group even though you know that they will not be successful in their quest.   We also read The Story of Valentine's day by Clyde Robert Bulla.  It was a simple read that laid out the history of the holiday (we're studying the early church era - I do know that this is October and not February).  There were a couple of craft projects in the back too.

From the Kitchen

It's been a great weekend for baking.  I made a couple of batches of banana chocolate chip muffins - one batch to keep and one to give away.  I was able to make a pot of soup to take to our dear neighbor.  It's just been a nice week to be homey.

From the Bookshelf

I confess I've been knitting more than reading this week.  Nothing new to report here.  Christmas isn't that far off if you're making gifts, so reading may be put on the back burner until late December or early January.

Scripture Verse of the Week

Romans 12:1-2  Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship.  Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Blessings!!

Today I'm thankful for good health.  MJ has steadily improved after her bout with bronchitis.  It was fun to watch her play Phase 10 with Maine Man last night and to hear them giggling and tossing good natured jibes back and forth.  All of us are doing well and I'm truly thankful.

Hi all!  You know the drill.  If you like this format and would like to see what others are up to, just visit Carol at My Heart's Desire (link at right...of course you knew that!!)

In the Word

I've been reading in 1John on my own this week.  One thing that really jumped out at me as I was reading was that love for God is obedience to Him.  I remember telling the girls, especially when they were smaller, "don't just tell me you love me, show me you love me by obeying me."  

In the Home

This week has been wild.  Last week I told you we were all sick with ick.  This week I get to tell you all about MJs adventure with illness.  She too had the cold that the rest of us endured, but by Tuesday instead of feeling better she was feeling much worse.  I called the doctor and described her symptoms and he told me to bring her in for a look-see.  Her lungs were not good, he had the nurse do an oxygen level on her and it was only 91.  He ordered a nebulizer treatment and then rechecked her lungs and oxygen level.  Fortunately, her levels went up quickly to 96 so he just sent us off with a diagnosis of bronchitis, a nebulizer and a prescription for antibiotic.  She's so much better now.  She even made it to pointe class on Friday.  I told MJ that the next time she scares me like that, I might have to reconsider her cut in the will

The rest of us are feeling hunky-dory.  Maine Man received information from another school that he's considering applying to for his master's degree.  There's a local school that he needs to check out as well.  I kind of wouldn't mind moving, but I know with this economy it wouldn't be an easy thing to do.  If God wants us to move, He can care for all of the details.  We just keep praying that God will open the doors He wants us to walk through and firmly shut the ones that are not for us. 

MimiBelle is excited, because it sounds like her class might be able to audition for solos and featured roles in this year's spring recital.  It will be her first year to do this.  The theme will be Alice in Wonderland for the ballet half of the recital and TV Favorites for the tap, jazz and lyrical half of the recital.  It sounds like fun.  

Mia has been reading voraciously.  If I can't find her and it's too quiet, I look for her in odd places with her book open.  Often she's under the covers with her flash light.

MimiBelle and MJ had a lock-in at the library on Friday night.  They had a good time with the other kids, but came home beat.  They took naps yesterday morning.  In the afternoon we took the girls to see Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.  If you're looking for a movie that's true to the book - don't go.  If you're looking for a cute movie to see with your family - this one was cute.  I didn't catch any language or questionable humor.  Not to spoil anything, but the main character does fall in love with a fellow geek and they do kiss at the end.  Of course the kiss is kind of geeky, so it takes away from the mush factor.

In the School Room

We read a book called The Dead Sea Scrolls by Ilene Cooper.  I have to highly recommend this one.  It was short enough to keep Mia (she's 10) from feeling overwhelmed, but at the same time it had enough meat to keep MimiBelle (13) and MJ (12) from falling asleep.  The author really did a nice job explaining how the scrolls were found and the eventual archaelogical discoveries that were made at the Essene settlement of Qumran.  

It was a great discussion starter for us.  I asked the girls what impressed them about the book and they each gave different answers that were pretty good, but dealt with the discovery itself.  I moved the conversation to God's preservation of His Word throughout the 2000 years that those scrolls remained in the caves.  I don't believe that the author is a Christian, I believe that she loves history and archaelology.  She made the statement that if you read the scrolls, you would find that they are the same as the Bible as you would read today.  

Now we're reading a book called Masada: The Last Fortress.  So far we are enjoying it, but I'll let you know more next week.

In the Kitchen

Dessert for dinner.  Yes, you read that correctly.  I really did make dessert for dinner.  We all love to have apple dumplings and ice cream in the fall, but it's too much to eat after a full meal, so dessert for dinner.  Maine Man took Mia to the orchard Saturday to visit Miss Christine and pick up some more cider and apples so I could make the dumplings.  We're always so happy after eating dessert for dinner. 

From the Bookshelf

I've learned much about prayer this week from Prayer: The Great Adventure by David Jeremiah.  I'm hoping to learn something about herbs this week.  I borrowed a bunch of books from the library about herb gardens and the uses of herbs.  I'm hoping to plant an herb garden in the spring.

Scripture encouragement

1 John 5:3-4

This is love for God:  to obey His commands.  And His commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world.  This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.

Have a great week!

Hi there!  It's that time of week again.  Remember if you enjoy the wrap ups, please visit Carol at My Heart's Desire to find out what others are up to (link at right).

In the Word

This should probably be titled "About the Word" rather than "In the Word" this week.  We visited the Ephrata Cloister in the southern part of the state on Friday.  We learned much about the founder, Conrad Beissel, and his beliefs.  He was a man who was a collector of ideas.  While he was still in Germany he met people from a number of religious groups and he picked and chose what he liked from each group and practiced those things.  Even when he did get ideas from the Bible, they were taken out of the context of the surrounding passage.  It began a good family discussion about what it means to live like a Christian.  We had a good opportunity to talk to the girls about the need to read the Bible as a whole and not hack it apart to make it say what we want it to say.  So I guess that will be my encouragement to you.  I know it's not January 1 yet, but make this the time you read through the Bible in a year.  You can visit Walking in the Word (link at right) for a 5 day a week reading schedule.  Start today, don't even wait until January 1

In the Home

This week finds us all sick with ick.  MimiBelle started to fall first, then I joined and the rest fell like dominoes pretty quickly.  MimiBelle, Mia and I stayed home from church today since we're the goopiest.  Maine Man and MJ went to church without us.  We're just doing quiet things this morning.  I had the girls play a board game while I did dishes.  I think they were playing Snorta or Cuckoo Zoo, because I'd hear oinks, monkey sounds and other animal noises punctuating the quiet.  I thought briefly about telling them to tone it down, but then I figured that they weren't being physically active, so I let them be. 

In spite of being sick with ick, Maine Man and I had a lovely 21st anniversary on Thursday.  We went to Sight and Sound to see the production of Abraham and Sarah.  We all enjoyed it very much (believe it or not, we did take the girls on our anniversary outing!).  I wish I could describe it all to you.  I'll tell you about my favorite part of the play.  When Abraham was on Moriah getting ready to sacrifice Isaac and the LORD stopped him, it was so moving.  They took some creative liberty and had the LORD speak to Abraham beyond just telling him to stop and to find the ram caught in the bush.  God told Abraham that one day Messiah would come through his family line and would be the ultimate sacrifice for our sin.  I loved how they showed that Isaac's sacrifice was a foreshadowing of Christ's future sacrifice.  One of the girls (I can't remember which one) said, "they always fit Jesus into each of the plays."  We told her, that's because from Genesis to Malachi it all points forward to Messiah and from Revelation back to the gospels it all points back to Him. 

The girls all started their dance classes this last week.  They are so happy to be dancing again.  The only glitch of the dance week was that I forgot to buy hair spray for MimiBelle's pointe shoes.  MJ had some, so she was okay.  I know that sounds weird that you'd need hairspray for pointe shoes.  If you've ever watched gymnastics you've seen them put chalk on their hands before using the rings or the uneven parallel bars to better keep their grip.  That's kind of what it's like when you put hair spray on the toes of your pointe shoes.  It keeps you from sliding off of your toes!

Maine Man looked at a graduate school while we were in Lancaster.  He's considering going back to school for his masters degree.  We're praying that God will open wide the doors He wants us to walk through and close tightly those He doesn't have for us to walk through.

In the School Room

Well you already know about our field trip to Sight and Sound.  On our way home we stopped at the Ephrata Cloister.  I told you about the spiritual aspect of our discussion above.  We all enjoyed Ephrata Cloister.  Some of the original buildings are preserved for visitors to tour.  You can go on a guided tour or walk around the premises on your own.  I recommend the guided tour.  It took about an hour total (they encourage questions) and was hugely informative.  Our guide was a very knowledgeable lady.  I posted their web address in my PA History post below.

We read about Masada in history this week as well as the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls.  We're planning to read a book called The Dead Sea Scrolls by Ilene Cooper.  We'll be reading more about the Roman world, so we'll be reading The Story of St. Valentine's Day by Clyde Robert Bulla as well.

Everyone continues to do well in math, spelling and all of the other odds and ends that make up or school life.  I'm planning to take some time this week to go over what I want to do for Home Ec over the next several weeks.

From the Kitchen

Fall is here in the northeast.  Leaves are turning, there's a nip in the air, apples are ripe and my soup pot has once again made it's appearance.  Yesterday I made chicken soup (partly because nothing beats home made chicken soup and partly because of our currently goopy state), challah bread and an apple blueberry cobbler for dinner.  I actually have soup planned for three meals this week.  I'm making vegetable patch soup and a puree of carrot soup.  We went to our local orchard to pick up apples, cider and squash.  I'm planning to make spaghetti squash Italiano one night instead of regular spaghetti.

Here's my squash tip.  Sandy at the library gave me this tip.  To make it easier to cut the squash, pre-bake it for about 15 minutes in a 350 degree oven then cut it.  Just that simple step makes my life so much easier. 

From the Bookshelf

Didn't get much reading done this week.  I'm planning on finishing up Prayer the Great Adventure this week.  No new books at this point.

Scripture Encouragement 

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.  Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.  Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.  1 John 4:7-8

Blessings!!

Our family visited the Ephrata Cloister in the southern part of the state.  The Cloister was a spiritual retreat started by Conrad Beissel in the middle 1700's.  It was interesting to learn about their beliefs and their day to day life.  It spurred some good discussion about what it means to live like a Christian and Scriptural interpretation.  Visit www.ephratacloister.org to find out more about cost, hours of operation and their history so you can plan a trip. 

Enjoy!