A chronicle of the wonders and woes of being a homeschool mommy to my dd,8. And a journal of my daily walk with Christ. From glory to glory http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/homenheart12/ en-us Homeschool Blogger Mon, 12 Nov 2007 11:42:00 -0600 Mon, 12 Nov 2007 11:42:00 -0600 Hey, everyone!  MMMMM chocolate!!! Mocha Brownie Cookies Ingredients 2 1/2cups all purpose flour 1/3 cup unssweetened cocoa powder 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. salt 1 cup granulated sugar 1/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 1/2 cup butter softened 1/4 cup sour cream 1 tblsp. instant coffee, disolved in 2 tblsps. cooled brewed coffee 2 large eggs 1 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips Directions Preheat oven to 375.  Combine flour, baking soda, and baking powder  in a medium sized bowl, and set aside. Beat sugars. sour cream. and coffe mix in a large bowl at medium speed until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until light and fluffy. Gradually add flour mixture, beating at low speed, until just blended.  Beat one minute more on medium speed, until well blended.  Fold in chocolate chips. Drop dough by rounded spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake 9 to 11 minutes, or until slight imprint remains when pressed with finger.  Cool for about five minutes, and transfer to a wire rack until cooled completely. Enjoy!!   http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/homenheart12/425521/ Mon, 12 Nov 2007 11:42:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/homenheart12/425521/ Blessings to everyone, and I hope you have had a lovely Sabbath. DD and I are to spend our devotional time in the morning in prayer for our Veterans.  It is a holiday, and yet, when we celebrate it, I sometimes want to weep at the loss of life.  Though I know this country must be protected, and it is only through the sacrifice of brave men and women that it is, still my heart is burdened.  As this terrible conflict in Iraq continues, I feel such a need to draw further into my prayer closet.  With each day, it seems as if there is more destruction, more loss, on both sides.  Yet, I know that the Father has things well in hand.  As we pray in the morning, we will also lift the families of those serving in the conflict, that they might be comforted by God's mercy and grace. Please, take just a moment and join us, if you can.  Let us join forces in a united front, and hold these precious men and women before God, asking for His protection, and a swift and decisive victory that will bring our soldiers home quickly! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/homenheart12/425132/ Sun, 11 Nov 2007 20:07:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/homenheart12/425132/ My DD and I took a walk in the early dawn this morning.  It was cool, and we were bundled in sweaters, and jeans to ward off the dampness of the dew.  We took a thermos of hot cocoa, and some hastily made granola to warm us, and enjoy on our walk.  Both she and I enjoy our walks.  It is a time to reflect on the beauty of God's design, and how everything works together in harmony.  From season to season, each little detail is planned and executed by His master plan, and the beauty of it enthralls us with the sights, sounds, and smells of the Earth. We stopped for a while to rest under the canopy of some old pines and oaks, and drank our cocoa, munched on our granola, and talked about the things we saw.  It was a wonderful opportunity to discuss the life cycle of a tree and all the equipment needed was right there at my fingertips.  We looked at the pinecones, and the bark of the tree, the needles and had a wonderful time watching the breeze tickle the trees with it's invisible breath. Every moment can be a lesson to teach and to learn.  I thought about this as we walked home.  Chores awaited, and so did MD appointments, structured school lessons, and myriad other duties.  But, when we arrived home, we took some extra time in our devotions, giving thanks to a loving God for giving us this fantastic world.  As I took my DD's little hand in mine, I was flooded with childhood memories of my mother, and her gift to me of the lessons of loveliness, and I am ever grateful. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/homenheart12/421711/ Mon, 5 Nov 2007 20:25:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/homenheart12/421711/ Hello to everyone!  It has been such a long time since I have been on here, and posted, many thought I had left for good.  I just needed some down time.  A period to relect, pray and seek God's face to bring me through the loss of a dear friend.  Well, here I am, and on to new horizons as they say.  DD is doing very well in her schoolwork, and we are still finding much benefit in the more relaxed approach to homeschool.  We do not lack structure, just less formality, and we are much more spontaneous in our learning experiences. Asa result, DD has leapt into her schoolwork with abandon, and is enjoying learning so much more.  She is rapidly soaking up our planned studies and is reaching out to embrace her experiences in learning.  She is teaching me, too!  As I sit and watch her pouring over magazine articles on animals, plants and even space exploration, I am ever astounded at her grasp of not only fundametals, but her quest for answers to questions that any adult might ask, should they read the same stories.  She never tires of the "Why"  and "How" of something, and her sweet little face, upturned in waiting for the answer, inspires me to seek more to provide her with the challenge she so loves. Homeschooling is a lot of hard work, and some days, it becomes a task of Herculean proportions.  Oh, but the days of understanding, and collaborative effort make those days fly!  She is something wonderful, this little pupil of mine, and she blesses my heart when morning comes, and the first thing she reaches for is a book, not the TV remote! Our leaf scrapbook will soon be complete, and we look forward to taking pics, and putting them on-line for others to enjoy.  One other valuble lesson learned, not all glue that says it dries clear does! Blessings to you all and have a lovely night!   http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/homenheart12/419456/ Thu, 1 Nov 2007 21:00:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/homenheart12/419456/ My dear and beloved friend, Mr. Robert Bell, has gone on to be with Jesus.  He was the closest thing on this earth that I had to a father.  My own father passed away several years ago, and I have missed him so very much.  But I was blessed to have this dear man in my life for many years.  He chose to love and believe in me, though I did not deserve it, and for that my heart is so grateful.  He loved and forgave me my faults, and never failed to tell others how much he thought of me. God gave me the opportunity to not only be loved by him, and considered as one of his own children, but I was given the honor and priviledge of serving him the last week of his life as his nurse.  God gave me the opportunity to tell him how precious he was to me.  He was a man of few words, and I never heard him say I love you, but in my heart , I knew he did.  I got to sit at his bedside , to pray with him and to give him all the love in my heart for him his last few days upon this earth.  For that, Oh Lord, I thank You so much. I am a simple woman, and have few words, but I dedicate this song to him, and Mr Bell, I'll see you when I get to Beulah Land.  I love you. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/homenheart12/398469/ Thu, 27 Sep 2007 02:08:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/homenheart12/398469/ Good morning! Preparations for fall are now beginning in earnest.  There is a crisp breeze in the air this morning, and I am making a list of all the things that we need to do in the coming weeks.  So much housework to do, everything from changing bedspreads from summer colors to the richer hues of fall quilts, washing curtains, waxing floors and changing out closets to cooler weather clothing.  It is also time to finish the last of the summer produce, canning and freezing, and changing the cabinet liners in the kitchen. Something about this season refreshes my spirit, and energizes me.  I love the hustle and bustle that accompanies fall in our home.  I am the type person that enjoys changing things, making new pillows for the couch, wreaths and dried flower arrangements for the table, and dressers.  I can spend hours in the woods, looking for the perfect seed pod, vine and grasses for them.  The old fallen branches, soaked and peeled make an attractive arrangement for the entryway.  The smell of freshly gathered pine cones in a basket in front of the fireplace in the den and DD's bedroom call to mind the beauty of God's creation.  How beautiful are Thy works, oh Lord! Soon, fresh pears, apples and figs will make their appearence in our country kitchen, and the small respite from canning will be over.  Apple jelly, fig and pear preserves, as well as mincemeat and apple pie filling will all find their place on our pantry shelves.  While settling in for the coming winter, we will begin prepations for Christmas gifts, and decide upon the theme for this year's display and trees.  Winter wonderland or country Christmas, the possibilities are exiting and endless.  But for now, it is time to gather a small hay bale or two, some pumpkins and an old straw hat for our fall welcome to quests.  I enjoy our time with friends and extended family, and always look forward to their visits. As DD and I do our classes this week we are focusing more on her reading skills and elocution.  I am trying to diligenty stress the beauty of the English language, when properly spoken and written.  Her handwriting has need of improvement as well, and our Bible verse copy book is helping with that.  She is such a lovely young girl.  I want to instill in her the importance of good manners, grace and poise.  More importantly, I want her to have the vision of herself as the beautiful young woman she is growing to be.  As we travel this path together, I believe that God will give me the wisdom and patience that I need to be the mother and teacher that she deserves.  And through the good and not so good days, He will be glorified.  Because when all else is said and done, it is to Him all honor and glory is owed. Thank you, most precious Lord, for a new morning to share with my family.  Thank you that your mercy is new every morning.  Your loving kindness to us is without measure.  Bless all those who enter here, and multiply your grace and to them and their families. Amen. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/homenheart12/392580/ Mon, 17 Sep 2007 09:12:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/homenheart12/392580/ My  DD's favorite question of the day...  But, why Mom? Let's do our math first today, o.k.?  But, why Mom? Did you finish your science?     But, why Mom? Erase that , and try it again, please.  I can't read it.     But, why Mom? We have to work on your spelling for a while now.     But, why Mom? Would you finish reading that aloud?     But, why Mom? Let's get our chores done.     But, why Mom? I love you sweetie. I love you too, Mom! Thank you, Lord, for my beautiful little girl, and her question, "But, why Mom?" http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/homenheart12/390253/ Wed, 12 Sep 2007 22:57:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/homenheart12/390253/ As I prepare for the week, I am taking a moment to count my blessings.  I am grateful for God's mercy and grace, and His unfailing love for me, despite my failures and weaknesses. DD and I are preparing the scrapbook pages for our leaf collection folder, and having a ball!  I think I have glue in my hair, but she has had so much fun picking tags, frames and labels, it was worth it.  We haven't scrapbooked before, so all of the new ideas, stickers and differnt page options are astonishing to me.  Who knew?  Of course, I know it is all the rage, but I just haven't thought about it until now.  I think the photo albums are about to be a thing of the past!  As we start the new school week, I hope to focus on the scripture " Three things will last forever-faith, hope and love, and the greatest of these is love."  1 Corinthians 13:13 NLT I have recently begun to re-examine my love walk, and realize I have far to go.  By studying on this scripture, I too, will benefit.  Introspection is a good thing, if we are open to the leading of the Spirit.  Our lesson plans for the following week include 1. Communities, how we help one another, 2. Singular and plural nouns, 3. Spelling, words that end in ies, 4. Science, Beyond the sky, constellations, 5. Reading Katie: Up and Down 6. Math. Review of basic applications. Our art project for the week scrapbooking our leaf collection, and exploration of trees and their natural habitats. Goodnight all!   http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/homenheart12/388224/ Sun, 9 Sep 2007 19:34:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/homenheart12/388224/ Dd and I had such a good day today.  Our homeschool experience is really beginning to change for the better.  We are in a unit study for Space, The Frontier, at the moment and are learning about black holes, gravity, and star formation.  She is fascinated by the sky, both day and night, and this unit has peaked her interest in exploring the world around her even more.  We are learning about the power of God's spoken Word, and when He said "Let there be..."  Dd finds this awesome, and is eager to learn more.  I am finding so much joy in teaching her with less restraint!  And because I am more relaxed, what she used to find a chore, is now becoming something she not only wants to do, but is exited  about!  Ithink that I'm learning as much as she is! Blessings!  "Then God said, "Let great lights appear in the sky to seperate the day from the night.  Let them mark off the seasons, days and years.  Let theses lights in the sky shine down on the Earth."  And that is what happened.  God made two great lights, the sun and the moon-the larger one to govern the day, and the smaller one to govern the night.  he also made the stars.  God set these lights in the sky to light the Earth, to govern the day and the night, and to seperate the light from darkness.  And God saw that it was good."  Genesis 1:14-18 New Living Translation. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/homenheart12/386832/ Thu, 6 Sep 2007 23:40:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/homenheart12/386832/ center> Take the Quiz here! I have always loved Jane Austin novels.  Packed with wit and sensitivity, they are still relevant today.  I can quickly lose myself in the descriptive passages, and never tire of the simplicity of a good book. Hope you enjoy taking the quiz!  One of my favorite quotes..."Shelves in the closet..,happy thought indeed!   (What girly girl doesn't want more closet room! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/homenheart12/385650/ Wed, 5 Sep 2007 11:24:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/homenheart12/385650/