Here is a photo of how we are kicking off our Thanksgiving vacation!  I LOVE IT!

The snow started falling in big fluffly flakes at about 8:30 a.m. and by 9:30 when the children went out to play there was already at least 1/2 an inch on the ground.  It is just after 11 a.m. now and the deck railing has at least 1 and 1/2 inches.  I love those big, soft, fluffy flakes!

They played for about 30 minutes and then decided it was time for cocoa.  I love a cozy house on a snowy day!

For Pumpkin's birthday I made her a "princess" dress for the holidays.  I made the size 4 so that it will fit for awhile.  So, it appears big on her now.  I started it early but the material and adjustments I made to the original pattern proved a bit time consuming.  (Plus, I have three small children and anything I sew takes longer than you'd expect.)  I ended up having to put in a couple of late nights last week to finish in time but the result was rewarding! 

Plus, I got all the fabric on clearance at JoAnn's (the half-off the red tag stuff sale) and spent about $12.00 on this project (minus the labor, of course). 

Kate wore it to church and beamed the whole time.  Before we left for service yesterday she and Pickles played "Kingdom".  He was the prince and she was the princess.  It was very cute!  I'm glad to see that the concept of chilvary is making it through to them. 

Today is Pumpkin's birthday and she is very excited about the whole affair.  All week whenever she sees, hears or thinks about the number three she breaks out with "Three!  I'm going to be three!".  It is adorable. 

Pumpkin is the first girl to be born, on my husband's side, in three generations.  I'm sure you can imagine the joy she brings to the family.

She is all girl with a bit of spunk mixed in to keep up with her big brother.  She has always been a very happy child and seemed to have a constant smile as a baby.  Ask her what she wants to be when she grows-up and she'll say, "I'm goint to be a mommy". 

Happy Birthday Pumpkin!

Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, BUT a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.

Proverbs 31:30

I had  this article in my in-box from HSLDA.  A reminder to pray for our fellow homeschoolers in Germany and remain viligant in our own fight for parental rights.  Visit this website to read more about making your voice heard. 

I'm not usually one to get overly worked up over things.  God is in control of the past, present and the future.  What do I have to worry about?!  But I do believe that we have incredible freedoms in America partly because citizens are active in their government and make their voices heard.  So, in the coming years as the attitude in our nation seems to be sifting further toward demanding our children be raised by the state take a stand and make your voice heard!  Do all you can to be an active participant in this nation. 

Then rest in the fact that you know God and that He alone holds your future. 

Pray dear friends, pray, pray, pray!

Hear the Word of the Lord....

O Lord, lead me in Thy righteousness because of my foes;

Make Thy way straight before me.

There is nothing reliable in what they say;

Their inward part is destruction itself;

Their throat is an open grave;

They flatter with their tongue.

Hold them guilty, O God;

By their own devices let them fall!

In the multitude of their transgressions thrust them out,

For they are rebellious against Thee.

Psalm 5:8-10

FOR TODAY November 10, 2008

                    
Outside my window…a thin layer of soft white snow

I am thinking...on Proverbs 10.  A comparison of the wise and foolish.

I am thankful for...warm wool socks

From the learning rooms...finishing a study on China, making “Mat Man”, and beginning to read Thanksgiving books.

From the kitchen...chili, sweet cornbread, pumpkin bread with a hint of spice and chocolate

I am wearing...tights, a comfy jean skirt, a tee with a soft yellow flannel shirt over it and my favorite wool socks

I am creating...a pretty dress for Pumpkin’s birthday later this month

I am going...out to dinner with my hubby this week

I am reading...Darwin’s Plantation about the evolutionary roots of racisim

I am hoping...to finish the socks I’m knitting

I am hearing...nothing….the sound of rest in a home with young children

Around the house...catching up on laundry, finishing birthday sewing projects

One of my favorite things...reading with my children

A few plans for the rest of the week:  Grandmom K. is coming to visit later this week, dinner out at church with dear hubby, and lots of sewing

We are all dealing with some form of the cold bug.  (She turns her head to sneeze.)  Excuse me. 

It has been a long couple of days around here.  We pray for restored health and are glad for the good things of the earth that God has given us.  We love the "Super" line of vitamins offered at Beeyoutiful.  I've been taking the Super Mom since Peanut was born and Pickles is taking the Super Kids (he's the only one who hasn't been very sick).  I don't get a dime of profit off of this suggestion.  I just really love their products and would love, right now,  to have the lavender essential oil to spritz our home with and shake off the sick feeling.  But all in time.  I can't order the entire catalog at once.  :) 

I have found though that having some probiotics on hand has really helped my little ones when they have upset tummies.  We found out this summer that our children are quite adept at taking pills and it has made taking supplements and herbs so much easier.

Well, I'm off to sip my sleepy tea and head to bed.  Just wanted to share a favorite link with you.

Memory Verse: Ecclesiastes 1:13-14

I devoted myself to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under heaven. What a heavy burden God has laid on men! I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

Assignment: We only have today. Should God take you today, have you accomplished everything that you wanted to, needed to. Have you said all the things that needed to be said?  Let’s have no regrets, let’s make sure we get to those things, so that when we’re standing before the Lord, the only thing we need to do is to worship him.. and not regret not getting to that thing on our to do list. Stop - go take care of that thing…. then, come tell  us what you choose to share. Don’t embarrass yourself or any of your loved ones

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I listened to a CD recently released by Victoria Botkin today that has left me pondering again the purpose of homeschooling.  Our purpose, dh and I, is to raise our children to be authentic people (Christians, thinkers, creators, homemakers, inventors, preachers, etc), who basis their lives on God's truth from Scripture, in a world that lives on a stale meal of old leftovers.  To be sure, that is a very simple way of stating our goal but the basis is sound. 

Mrs. Botkin's premise is very similar to my own philosophy of learning and I found myself being reminded again to view our homeschooling experience with eternal lenses on.  It isn't about what curriculum you use, what age your child is when they learn to read, how much or how little money you spend on school "stuff" or even how much time you spend doing school.  In the end it isn't about doing school at all.  Its about life. 

Have we taught our children how to do life? 

I remember going on a walk with a dear friend while I was still pregnant with our first child.  We were talking about school choices and homeschooling options.  I was just beginning to research homeschooling methods and such.  I casually mentioned that I had taught in different EarlyChildhood settings and felt comfortable with that age group.  My friend, also casually, mentioned that maybe I should pray for the grace to overcome the obstacle that my previous experience may create in our homeschooling effort.  HUH?!  I was pointing out how I was uniquely gifted and qualified to embark upon this noble and worthy venture.  Why did I need to pray for grace to overcome what I thought was a blessing? 

My focus was misplaced.  I was confusing school with education. 

A grievous mistake that many (friends, relatives, fellow homeschoolers, etc.) make. 

How does this tie into the assignment for the week?  The thing I want to remember to each day is to disciple my children while educating them.  I don't want to just "do school".  I want our lives to be about learning in God's world, doing ministry in God's church, and advancing God's kingdom.  Each day that accomplishes this task will bring honor and glory to my Father and leave me with no regret. 

Yes, it means that the dishes aren't always done on time, the laundry isn't always put away and that I'm walking around the lastest (and greatest) "thing" (made out of the box that came in the mail today) but I'm banking on eternal dividends.

Thank you, Mrs. Botkin!  I found your talk very uplifting and a great reminder that I am to be about my Father's work and not that of comparing myself to a fallen world.

Memory Verse: Isaiah 40: 1- Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.

Intro: “Have It Your Way” (Burger King)  - As cooler weather approaches and the winter eases into our doors I like to lounge by the fire after a hot shower.  I love to make soups that are brimming with a rich and full flavor.  In our home there’s nothing better than a hot bowl of soup or and a hot cup of coffee or cocoa on a cold winter night.

Assignment: Tell us all about how your have “your” relaxing time, more especially how during the cooler months you take time to curl up with your favorite movie, book, Bible study, and what your favorite warm drink would be.

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Two answers come to mind when considering this assignment. 

1.  I love to cuddle into a freshly made bed (clean sheets, plump pillows, and cozy quilts) with a wonderful book to read.  I can hear the blowing winds outside but it feels so cozy and restful snuggled beside my dh while I read.  Ahhhh! Relaxation.

2.  My second favorite thing to do in the winter is to knit while dh reads out-loud.  We snuggle on the couch under a favorite quilt, sipping tea or cocoa, while my needles click-clack, dh reads and we discuss the book together. 

Both of these activities always leave me feeling refreshed and ready for a good long sleep.  It seems odd that my mind is so engaged in each of these activities.  I've never been much of a "bath-tub" person because it seemed like a waste of time...yes, I'm a "doer".  I'm so glad God has created us with such differences. 

Memory Verse: Psalms 13:6 NIV
I will sing to the Lord, for He has been good to me.

Please try to learn our memory verse this week. We will be sharing a new verse every week and hope that you will store them in your hearts and find a special joy in His words.

Intro: M’m M’m Good (Campbell’s Soup)
The fall is such a wonderful time of year.  The beautiful foliage and cool, crisp morning air is such a wonderful change from the hot summer.  I also love the M’m M’m good smell of fall cooking and baking.  The wonderful fall veggies, fruits and Thanksgiving foods.

Assignment:  Post your favorite fall recipe/recipes to share.  I love trying new recipes, do you?  It can be baking, main dishes, veggies, dessert or anything else you can think of.  There are no limits.  Mmmmmm..I can’t wait to take a look at some of those recipes.

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I'm baking Snickerdoodles tonight for our Church Harvest Party.  I love the smell of the cinnamon and the simplicity of the cookie.  My children love to gooble them up while they are still warm.  The recipe is no secret since I use the one from the "good old" Betty Crocker cookbook.  It is easy, fun, and yummy!  Enjoy.

Snickerdoodles

1 and 1/2 cups sugar

1/2 cup stick butter, softened

1/2 cup shortening

2 large eggs

2 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons cream of tartar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1.  Heat oven to 400.

2.  Mix 1 and 1/2 cups sugar, the butter, shortening and eggs in large bowl.  Stir in flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt.

3.  Shape dough into 1 and 1/4 inch balls.  Mix 1/4 cup sugar and the cinnamon.  Roll balls in cinnamon-sugar mixture.  Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.

4.  Bake 8-10 min or until set.  Remove from cookie sheet.  Cool on wire rack.  Do not over bake.

When I started blogging about two years ago I honestly didn't think I would ever get to 100 posts.  Wow!  For some reason I feel a giddy satisfaction with myself. 

I remember when I taught Kindergarten and we did our 100 celebration.  It was the new and vogue thing to do...count each day of school and then have a party when you reach 100.  We spent an entire day doing things 100 times we jumped rope 100 times, counted out 100 jelly beans, and ran in place for 100 seconds.  I always thought it seemed kinda silly to do since most children at that age don't "get it" anyways.  They just don't seem to connect how much time has past and why the day is monumental.  Another example of how we try to make learning cute rather than deep. 

I'm teaching my three year old to count to one hundred.  We started tonight.  She always wants to jump off the potty without waiting for the p** p**s to come out so I started counting past twenty with her to help make our bathroom visits productive.  Now, eventually we'll move on to counting objects but for now we'll stick with using a math lesson as a stalling technique. 

I love that I can teach math, potty-train, and spend time with Pumpkin all at the same time!

Assignment: In the memory verse Jesus tells us that He will never leave us, not even at the end of the world.  He assures us in this verse that He will be with us and that means through everything we go through in life.  I thought it would be interesting to write about the things we would never leave home without.  For some it might be baby needs, others it might be a gym bag and bottle of water, and for some it might be your Bible and a notepad or small journal, maybe even your son or daughters favorite blankie!  I’d like for you to write about something that you would never leave home without.

I wanted to say the “momma bag” but I’ve been good at forgetting to take it lately and have even found myself in a “messy” situation without the proper diapering equipment.  So, my real answer for this moment of life is Fruit Leather!  I found this great snack at Costco and it is perfect for tossing in your purse (along with the necessary diapering equipment) because it is small, individually wrapped, nutritious, yummy, fun, all-natural and quiets the masses when the grumbles start. 

WE LOVE FRUIT LEATHER!!! 

Our day started late and has been pretty slow paced because of it.  We've managed to finish most of our school stuff for which momma is happy.  We are suppose to make some Challah bread today for our study of Shabbat but we'll see how the afternoon goes.  I love days where I have the time to watch my children's eyes while we do a puzzle, chat about the "fish dream" Pickles had, make goofy faces at Peanut, and sing ABC's while "going potty" with Pumpkin.  I get to do that everyday but today it just seems like I have the ability to enjoy it.  I don't have more time than any other day I'm just giving more grace to the situations at hand.  WOW!  That doesn't usually happen.  Thank you Jesus for the supernatural strength to be a conduit of your grace today. 

It is in moments/days like today that I get glimpses into the minds of my children that just amaze me.  I'm not amazed in a self-serving way but rather that in spite of who I am God is working in the hearts of my children.  What an undeserved gift! 

During Bible time this morning we finished up a lesson on the birth of Christ.  The angels announced that Jesus was born and would be the Savior.  Last night at church we learned that the ark was how God saved Noah and his family.  So, I pointed out how neat that God sent Jesus to be our Savior just as the ark was a place of salvation for Noah, the animals, and Noah's family.  Pickles went on to hum a tune while he finished coloring....momma's favorite (one of)...

Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
Sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it,
Mount of Thy redeeming love.

He looked up with his brown smiling eyes and a broken green crayon in hand...I was about in tears.  Yes, Praise the Mount!  I'm fixed upon it, Mount of Thy redeeming Love.  I'm praying that each of you, my dear children, will enjoy that same sense of blessed peace as you trust in Jesus for Salvation.

I was reading the Girl Talk Blog today and was reminded by this post that my goal of keeping up with relationships, meals, and laundry has been what keeps me sane these days.

Somedays when I'm daydreaming at the kitchen sink I imagine being able to keep the floors clean, make the bed, keep the shower clean, and all that other stuff that makes a homemaker feel at peace in her home.  BUT until my children are a bit older I'll continue to focus on the necessities (time together, clean undies, and good meals).  I wrote about this a couple of weeks ago but it is nice to see others feel the same way.  It helps me to remember grace when people are in my house and walking on my "crunchy" floors. 

I've put off completing the assignment for Blogger Friend School because I just cannot find one thing to write about.  So, I'm declaring us the Most UnWacky Family Ever. 

We like order and structure

We thrive on schedules

We live in the Suburbs

We have three kids and one dog

Dh is a computer programmer and I am a home-lovin momma with a degree in teaching

We can't ever even imagine ourselves trying to "unschool"

The scariest thing I (momma) ever done is go white-water rafting with dh on our honeymoon

Ummmmm....

I really can't come up with more than that. 

I think our neighbors think we are wacky (for homeschooling, grinding flour/baking bread, square-foot gardening, staying home alot, wearing dresses and skirts to the soccer game and letting our kids play-out the battle scenes from "Narnia") but in comparison to some other homeschoolers we are pretty ordinary.

The assignment over at Blogger Friend School this week is a challenge for me.  Especially after the post where I admitted that keeping up with the housework has been my greatest struggle lately.  So, I thought I'd write about the goal I'm working towards and actually have had the pleasure of living in at different times in life.

Assignment: How do you keep energized so you can get it all done? bouncy music? treat it like a workout? Do you use a schedule?, a housekeeping binder system? luck of the draw system?.. or is this an area where you need encouragement? Do you need God’s help to keep order and beauty in your dwelling place? Take this week to tell us how You diligently keep going with your housekeeping chores.

Years ago when I was walking through that dark valley of depression (for the first time) I found FlyLady.  Now, I know that some people would be overwhelmed by FlyLady's plan but for me it was a perfect fit.  I am a very schedule, rules, structure type of person so I really just needed someone to "tell me" what to do at that point in life.  I remember meeting DH at the door and beaming over the fact that I had washed the dishes that day.  At that time in life washing the dishes was a tremendous step and about all the energy I could muster.  He was quite excited for me (wink at ya honey)! 

Fast forward (through the frustratingly difficult time of depression) to just a couple of years ago...I found that I could more loosely schedule my days and still get everything done.  It was a wonderful feeling to know that my house was clean.  The clutter and toys, of course, were really my only nemisis at that time.  I cheerfully worked through my week this way:

Monday was vac/dust Living Room, vac/dust/counters in the Kitchen

Tuesday was vac/dust bedrooms and clean upstairs baths

Wednesday I skipped because of Bible Study but I did do more laundry in the afternoon

Thursday was vac/dust/organize playroom and clean bath/laundry room

Friday was errands and management duties (menus, planning, etc)

This worked great until we moved to a bigger house, had two more children, and added in schooling during more hours of the day.

I do truly thank God for the strength to focus on my children and not my dust though.  For example, right now my in-laws and parents are visiting and the house hasn't been vaccumed in about 2 weeks.  I did get a bit of the clutter picked up and cleaned the baths but I'm not going to stress over the floors.  I believe that getting school done yesterday was more important than the vaccuming.  So, I'm living in the "choose your battle" mode for housework right now.  It does overwhelm me at times but I'm not allowing it to consume me.  Dust and dog hair is not eternal!  The souls of my children are eternal and my time with them is short. 

I will continue to prioritize my housework according to the maturity of my children.  I know that someday I will have the luxury of maintaining a cleaning schedule again and until then I do my best.  I found such hope in the words that pastor shared with dh and I during counseling for Peanuts dedication.  He commented on how a family pursuing Christ should be a place of order and life.  If you go visit some houses there is order and no life (no children) or there may be life and no order (children but no structure).  I'm dependent on God for the strength to be content with where we are...we live in organized chaos on most days.  I'm learning to find joy in our times together rather than how long the bathroom stayed clean once I finished it. 

Perspective!  Its all about perspective.  I'm reminded of the children of Israel when the snakes bit them.  They were told to "look up" at the rod that was in Moses's hand in order to be healed.  I am finding that I need to "look up" for a perspective adjustment when I focus my eyes on the tasks rather than the "get-tos".  I get-to teach them the Word of God, read with my children, teach them to focus on doing their best, use our collective creativity to do projects, listen to their happy chatter/laughter while playing, and help them learn to solve their differences through training in peace-making.  Oh, and sometimes we manage to clean the house too!

The Scripture that has influenced my thinking this week was a memory verse for the children last week..."No on can serve two masters."  Matthew 6:24a

I cannot serve my cleaning schedule...but that doesn't mean that I am going to just give up and let things get ugly dirty around here either.  It is a blend of perspective and balance, thus the organized chaos.

Our pickles is five today!!! Hurray!  He is growing into quite the kid and leaving the preschool era of his life far behind.  When I watch him ride his bike and stop as fast as possible I laugh and praise God at the same time.  Pickles reminds me that God is a God of miracles.  It is God alone who opens and closes the womb.  I pray each day that your life would impact God's kingdom for eternity, that you would stand strong on the truth of Scripture and that your heart would strive after the things of God and not the world.  What a joy to watch God grow you into the child, boy, and man that He has created you to be!

about the implications of Palin potentially being the VP.  I'm still praying through this but as a reformed ex-feminist I struggle with voting for Mrs. Palin.   This article asks the questions I've been asking myself.  I don't agree with the authors final assessment because I don't think we need to rethink our theology on feminism.  But he does raise some excellent points that if you are thinking the situation through to its end result makes perfect sense.  So, how can I vote for this woman with a clear heart before God?  I don't see how I can...part of me really wants to...but I just don't see how I can.

I've been meaning to post this link for some time.  My favorite cleaning products are from Mrs. Meyer's .  I usually only buy when they have a free shipping special (I abhor shipping costs but love buying online).  You can find a lot of their products in "natural food" stores but they don't usually carry the entire line. 

My absolute favorite product is the Lavendar Oxygen Bleach Stain Remover.  It has gotten the toughest stains out...even melted parking lot snow mud on white knit tights.  Amazing stuff and worth its weight in gold around here.

Just an FYI!

It's official!  Peanut has his first tooth! 

 He is a happy baby and Momma is so very thankful for him!

We've been here just over a year now.  We feel like we are finally ready to get involved and do somethings.  This feels kinda awkward because for so long we didn't have any extra time (having young children and being missionaries).  We've been praying for opportunities to get involved in the things God would have us do. 

Now, when I pray things like this I often feel like I ask with an agenda but this time I didn't.  God has been so awesome to grow us and stretch in this process.  We have taken on two major commitments that I know are blessing others.  My joy doesn't come in the fact that I'm making others happy but in the way I feel about this.  You see I'm a very selfish person.  I hate to be bothered (unless it fits in my schedule).  But instead of dreading these commitments I have found that I'm excited and blessed by my sacrifice for others.  It isn't about what I need or what but what I need to do for them.  This is truly a miracle because I know my sinful heart and ways.  I feel like God has lightened my load and I do not serve with a begruding spirit. 

I understand now why people say that serving blesses the person serving more than the person being served.  I honestly can say that I never really "got" that at a heart level before.  Praise God, now I do!

...through love serve one another.  For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, in the [statement], YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.                                              Galations 5:13b-14