about me
Well, all of our 4-H projects are out of the way, the fair is over, and the house is back to normal.
I made a baby Moses basket, a scrapbook, a painting, holiday (our Christmas card), a black and white salon photo, and ten color photos. All done. ::sigh:: The morning after I had everything done, I was actually able to read at breakfast, and then sit outside in the sun and just think for a while.
What will I do this summer? I'll
In my free time I'll have art projects going, my Prince James book, etc. I also found out about a children's book contest for homeschoolers! Click here for the details!
We've come to the conclusion that cramming in as many subjects as we can doesn't work for us. Spending larger blocks of time on a fewer, more important subjects really gets the job done more efficiently. (Click here for an excellent post on "education gaps")
Mom and I narrowed down what I needed to focus on. "Six subjects only," I said, "and that's it!"
Mom replied, "Good idea."
And that was that.
So here's what we've come up with:
-Math (Consumer math, budgeting, banking, etc.)
-History (Tapestry of Grace, year 1)
-English (writing two or three books, blogging, essays, etc.)
-Art (working towards my children's book, the drawing blog, senior art show, etc.)
-Music/Piano (taking lessons, playing for church, etc.)
-Literature (more of that beautiful English!)
-(And some Chemistry)
I know, I know. You see seven subjects. But we couldn't just leave out chemistry! Really, chemistry sounds fascinating, and I'm eager to start. All of these subjects are very important to me right now, so I just pretend there's only six.
There may be some trips to the beach, berry-picking, and days under the oak tree enjoying nature - excellent time for catching up on all that reading! We've just been to Turkey Run, so maybe we'll go to some museums next!
That's 'bout all I'll have going on this summer.
I was over at one of Meg16's blogs called "The Man I Seek" and thought about some of the character qualities I wish to see in my husband. "Hmm, let's see here. Well, a Christian, of course. A very strong Christian, which covers a lot."
I started going down my list. It had been a while since I've been specific, for obvious reasons. But I needed to refresh my memory.
"Number one...hmm. Good worker. Likes to work. Yes, the Jack-of-all-trades type. And of course he must love children. And reading."
I continued my list, and stumbled across a very terrible thought. "How could this be?" thought I, "What if he's not perfect?!"
"What if he doesn't like music? What if he's reckless with money and doesn't like my family?!"
Just as these dreadful thoughts came, another one more deplorable than all the rest presented itself. "What if his parents don't think I'm perfect?!"
"Good grief, I'll never be ready to marry!" I could imagine it now, his father forbidding our marriage because I had not memorized all the minor prophets and hand-embroidered a 20-foot alter cloth for the church like his eleven daughters had.
So then and there I decided to cut back on the silly regulations I had set for him. "I need to be more sensible with myself and actually memorize a few recipes!"
Getting down to the good ole' wholesome basics of living has been on my mind for a while now. It doesn't help that we just got a second computer! ::squealing with joy:: But that's good thing!
I reassured myself that I wasn't completely inept. I also had to list off the things I need to work on:
I love reading God's word and studying it, although it is hard for me to stick with any one particular study.
I can bake and cook and fry (with a recipe - I can read and follow directions).
I can do the laundry when asked. But not on my own initiative.
I like cleaning - especially dusting and sweeping and all forms of kitchen drudgery!
Making beds and de-cluttering rooms are fun! Not that I do either often...
I know the basics of gardening and yard care.
Of course I'd rather not get into the "personality quirks" which we know are actually sin-issues. But in short, selfishness. Isn't that what all of my problems start with? I like to think I'm the most important person around! What I need to focus on more than anything is making my life all about Christ.
Well, when it comes down to it, whether I get married or not, it is all about Christ and His glory, isn't?! So if I burn the pancakes and bleach the color load, I'm still God's girl, and nothing can snatch me out of His hands. I just need to strive to follow His Word in all areas of life.
With thoughts on marriage, motherhood comes to mind. I am content with babysitting, but I can hardly wait for my own little ones!
Prayers and advice appreciated!
Yes, many of our flowers are blooming. Lilacs, chives, bleeding hearts, lily-of-the-valley! I love May!
And the cattails at our Granny's are simply..splendid! Actually, this may make a good photo for 4-H...
We've met many critters who have obliged us by letting us take their pictures. Mr. Camo the Toad was rather shy.
And we saw the Mr. and Mrs. Waddles in a field. (Later that day we spotted another couple literally sneaking through our back yard!)
We finished making baskets at "The Basket Lady's" house. Maggie's is a double-rimmed picnic basket (in dark walnut stain). Emily made up her basket pattern which doesn't have a name yet (in a walnut stain). And I made a Baby Moses basket with leather straps for handles (in oak stain).
While we are at the Basket Lady's house, we sometimes have to wait around for our reeds to soak. Thankfully she has an Etch-a-Sketch! This year I made a mermaid for her.
After we finished baskets, Mom took Emily, Maggie and I to Barnes & Noble. I've had my eye on a particular journal since November. I used my gift card to buy it because it is a little pricey, but at last it's mine!
Leather...filigree...blank pages...inspiration.
Its very, very thick! And its is not ruled! Yes!!! For some odd reason I cannot journal in a lined book; something about writing freely...doodling...whatever. But it has about 360 pages.
I wonder who I'll be by the end of it...
My uncle Chris (Maggie's Dad) has been in the hospital for the past several days due to a mysterious infection around his right knee. It seems to be cellulitis, and could now have staff infection, but he seems to be doing a little better.
Please keep him in your prayers as he will be going in for surgery tomorrow. He's already had one surgery to remove some of the infectious swelling. They are blessed by many friends who are providing a continuous stream of visitors and encouragement.
Last night Maggie stayed at our house to get some time away from the hospital. We had loads of fun, staying up till midnight watching two chick flicks and reading comic books. Most of the time it was raining, accompanied by thunder and lightning, giving the evening such a cozy feeling!
Thankfully, God has everything planned out, and we have nothing to fear. Keep praying for Chris and that God would be glorified through these rough times for him and his family!
More than a week has flown by since I last posted! A lot has been going on, so here's a short and incomplete update.
I've had another art class and a meeting with my group on Saturday about the project we're working on...a kinda group illustration thingy.... I am really enjoying it and learning a lot, but it's taking a lot more time than I expected. Not sure if I'll audit any more classes until I graduate...we'll see.
I won champion in my category!
My friend Kate won champion in her category!
Since the portfolio category includes four pieces as one entry, it is a slightly larger category than the others. So Kate won champion over everything, except the portfolios, in which I won champion! Also, in the K-3 division, my cousin (a distant cousin, but a darling cousin) won champion, too!
~ To view the entries I submitted, click here ~
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So, it's the first day of Spring, and all last night I could tell my throat was getting dryer and scratchier, and when I finally rolled out of bed and into the shower, I knew. I have a little cold. My eyes are still a little watery, but hopefully with all this echinacea, vitamin C and kefir I should be as right as rain in no time!
"I bought a decaffeinated coffee table, you can't even see a difference." ~Author Unknown
"Hanging is too good for a man who makes puns; he should be drawn and quoted." ~Fred Allen
One thing I look forward to the most: color in the sky! Brilliant sunsets, the open blues heavens, rolling clouds, summer storms!!! And then the birds singing! And a warm wind, and the bulbs popping up everywhere!
Ohhh! I can't wait much longer!
"Can you believe all this snow?" Mother asked. "And March is only a few days away."
"Yes! I can't wait for this snow to melt, and then Spring," replied Emily.
"I know," chimed in Breezy, "I've already seen two bluebirds in our backyard!"
Yes, Spring indeed was on its way, but Winter seemed determined to stick around a while more. As the old brown truck rumbled down the driveway of Mrs. J, their piano teacher, someone made the comment about getting stuck again. "Since we drove the truck this time, we shouldn't have a problem."
Mr. J. was now in the front seat. "There's not enough weight in the back."
"Would it help if we sat back there?" Emily suggested.
"'Might"
So out they hopped, and into the back. Their mom soon joined them.
Mr. J. drove the truck in to the yard, hoping for some traction. Exhaust fumes and a layer of ice under the snow created an aura of survival versus surreal. First he'd drive one direction up the hill, then after getting stuck, back up, then try a slightly different route. Several times. Still too light.
The next thing they knew they the whole J clan had joined them. Surrounded by her three boys and her three chagrined guests, Mrs. J said, "It's just a guy thing now."
"Daddy'll get you out," chirped Gavin. "He's determined!"
And got them out he did. With a last attempt, the extra weight pushed them up the hill. Up it went and on to the road with a whole troop of adventurous homeschoolers. The truck was parked as the J. clan jumped out and walked back down the drive. They had to get to mid-week service at their church, and we needed to start supper.
As they triumphantly chugged down the bi-pass, they noticed the J.s in their truck behind them, Smiling and waving as they turned right.
At the stop light Mom said, "Oh, you might want to put your seats belts on."
"Mine is stuck in the door." Emily shoved the door open and plucked the belt in just in time for the green light.
Off they rode into the sunset, weary from their little escapade.
"What a fiasco that was,'" contemplated Emily. "I wonder if they ever saw the belt hanging out the door."
Today is Wednesday! One of my favorite days of the week!
Besides so many other things, I've learned that I can draw and paint under pressure, finish assignments for class (and on time so far!), and numerous other things about art, painting, and story boarding!
This class has been right down my alley, and plus, I am also making a few friends. A good thing about taking the college class is that even though it isn't competitive, I love the challenge and encouragement I get there. Something about the Prof giving these passionate and animated "lectures" on art have really inspired me.
Getting a credit in this class is not the objective. Actually, I'm just auditing, and when I mentioned that when I was signing up, they just couldn't understand it. Most people these days go to college just to grab a degree and the college experience, without caring about actually learning something.
For me this class has been a big help in not only putting what I see on paper, but also how my gift can glorify God and bless others.
Some of you may be wondering where I got the idea for my blog title, why I use it, and what it really means.
It's time to tell you.
I have no idea.
Well, I suppose I do remember where it came from. But I'll start at the beginning. It all began quite a while back, last winter possibly, after Emily and I started our first blog together. It was a Blogspot blog and we enjoyed keeping it up and chatting with our friends that live just across the field. But we were also eagerly awaiting the day when we would be considered experienced enough to each have our very own on HomeschoolBlogger.
As winter drew nigh unto spring, and spring unto summer, we collected various ideas for blog titles, themes, usernames, etc..
One day as we were meandering about our brains I stumbled upon a little word combination. I knew I liked moss, ferns, and vines, and what better little word sounded better with moss than "pebbles"?
In case you are wondering my dear friends, "pebbles" has nothing to do with the Flintstones. The mental image of moss and pebbles resting in a moist ceramic bowl was too delightful to resist! Thus was the birth of...
..."a bowl of moss and pebbles."
I'm glad you all liked my little friends!
I am planning on posting the patterns for the dolls soon. I'll take photos of myself making one so the directions will be more clear than soley writing or drawing. ;^)
(Don't you just love Jesse Wilcox Smith? She is one of the most inspiring illustrators I know of!)
If you are wondering what I've been up to, well... As you may recall, I mentioned a while back that I was taking an art class. Wow! I've only had two classes so far, but I've learned a lot. Its about storyboarding and composition - things that will prove beneficial to my attempts at illustating and "telling stories with pictures."
Study, study, study! I love all my subjects in my "education." I took a biology test today and only missed one question! Yippeeee! And for History, we just finished WWI and are moving into the thirties. Learning a bit about communism, too; I'm truly blessed to be an American.
I have several art projects I am working on, or am getting ready to start soon. I have some neat ideas about what I'll enter at the IAHE art contest - but, I won't tell you what they are!
Because its a contest!
Mmwwa-ha-ha-ha-ha-haaa!
Well, okay, I'll show you after it's all said and done. :^)
Tonight we had pizza! Click here for the full explanation. Ahhh, one of my favorite meals.
That's about all I can think of to catch you up on right now. So, I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and a blessed Sabbath! God bless!
This is Olivia. She is very smart and adventurous. I thought I had lost her once, when one day a friend of mine stuck his hand in the couch and pulled up - OLIVIA!!!
This is Eleanor (the girl, not the cup). She is probably the most girly-girls of my little troop. She could spend hours playing make-believe tea party and dress-up. I don't know where she gets it.
These dolls are only a few samples of the personalities that have surfaced in my experimentations in doll-making. Their bodies are made of pipe-cleaners wrapped in embroidery floss, and are clothed in felt attire. With "curiosity-yarn" for hair (I made that up) and little acorn hats, their wooden bead heads keep very warm and snug.
If any of you are interested in the patterns for the dolls, I will post them. They make a good mother-daughter project for a long winter's day. And a small house for them to live in made of a shoe box, papier-maché and acrylic paint would suit them just fine!
It's such a feeling of freshness; a new year. So much meaning in those two little words. A "New Year"! They have an exhilarating thrill of adventure, like a glimpse of the first bright blanket of snow, transforming the future into peerless land of bountiful hopes! Such plans we make, goals we set, and dreams that fill our heads. Nothing stands in our way! Except. . . us.
Have you ever made New Year's resolutions, only to find months, if not weeks later, that you were miserably failing? Sin nature constantly creeps in to prove we are nothing less than vile worms before a perfect, holy, just and sovereign God. "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me!"
One of the lessons God is teaching me is - it's not about me, and it's not in my timing - it's His!!! Patience and humility, patience and humility...
There are a lot, a LOT of areas I need working on. Being loving, being patient, being a servant, being as industrious and productive I can with the time God's given me, being helpful, getting smarter, ect, ect.
"I would have despaired had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. - Psalm 27:13
Almost every year I write out a list of things I want to accomplish in the approaching year, and I almost always loose it. Good intentions are good things, but good goals with good intentions to accomplish them are even better! A moment of epiphany has struck - I shall keep my list of New Year's resolutions in a visible place so I can review them often.
Here is a list of some of my New Year's resolutions: "I resolve to..."
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Read the Bible with more purpose and meditation.
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Pray more
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Finish reading Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology.
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Work on humility and having a servant's heart.
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Study apologetics
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Become more loving and considerate
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Read more great books
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Write more - essays, stories, poetry...
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Continue working on drawing, anatomy, painting, and producing more pieces of artwork
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Do well in the college class I'm going to audit! (Its an art class)
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Illustrate some children's books (for fun and for assignments)
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Improve my vocabulary, because, like, I think it'll, like, help, like yeah.
- Eat healthier - couldn't we all...
- Drink more water, exercise more
- Do more letter-writing
- Make more things for my hope chest!
I can't wait to see what all the Lord has in store for us this year! He has already brought some surprises (like auditing an art class), and He continually keeps us safe and healthy. Like my friend Kate said (quoting Groucho Marx): "Time flies like an arrow, and fruit flies like a banana." We must remember that our days are numbered, and we need to please the Lord with our lives.
~May God bless you all in this New Year!~
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