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<title>JoAnn&#039;s Journey - Homeschool Blogger</title>
<description>This blog is so I can share my journey with the Lord, my journey as a wife and mother, and my journey as a homeschool mom.  I pray that you will see the Lord in my life through happy and sad times, and that this blog glorifies the Lord.</description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:38:00 -0600</pubDate>
<lastBuildDate>Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:38:00 -0600</lastBuildDate>
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<title>It's Thanksgiving Week....</title>
<description>I can't believe it's Thanksgiving week.&amp;nbsp; We bought a 25lb bird this year, so I had to put it in our fridge Saturday , which is way early for me.&amp;nbsp; But it just made me realize how close Thanksgiving really is.&amp;nbsp; I'm going to make a list today of all the things I want to get done this week.&amp;nbsp; I usually bake my pies on Wednesday, still have to practice cookies with Sarah, that will probably be Tuesday.&amp;nbsp; It's things like that I need to make a list for, otherwise I'll forget the things I need to get done, and only do the things I want to do.&amp;nbsp; 

I will be finishing up our Christmas cards today.&amp;nbsp; Well, the cards are done, pictures developed and yearly letter printed out.&amp;nbsp; I just need to sign the letter, put the kids ages on the back of the pictures, then put it all in the envelopes.&amp;nbsp; Maybe I'm a little optimistic on getting that all done today, but it's my goal.&amp;nbsp; We also have a bible study tonight, so we'll see how much I get done.&amp;nbsp; I just made a mental list of all the things I need to bake this week, I'm tired all ready.&amp;nbsp; 

We finished school already.&amp;nbsp; We have this whole week off, makes things easier for me.&amp;nbsp; But the kids doubled up on their school work on Thursday, and had Friday off too.&amp;nbsp; Which was nice.&amp;nbsp; I helped out decorating our church last Thursday, it was lots of fun.&amp;nbsp; The kids were so good, and finished all their school work while I was gone.&amp;nbsp; (Proud mama here).&amp;nbsp; 

Friday was a great day.&amp;nbsp; I went to a new woman's bible study I'm going to on Friday mornings, and it was such a blessing.&amp;nbsp; Then in the evening the kids both had homeschool outings to go to, so Paul and I had a date night.&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; We went to the Olive Garden, and had such a nice time.&amp;nbsp; We haven't had a date in a couple of weeks, it was very nice.

Saturday we decided to brave the stores and do our grocery shopping on the Saturday before Thanksgiving.&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; It was a bit of a mad house, but it was fun.&amp;nbsp; The hardest part was the cold, blowing wind.&amp;nbsp; We all just wanted to get home.&amp;nbsp; I thought I had gotten everything I needed and wouldn't have to go back out to the store before Thanksgiving, I was wrong.&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; I forgot to get a big thing of cool whip for a fruit salad I'm making.&amp;nbsp; Can't make it without it, so I guess I'll be running back to the store real quick on Monday.&amp;nbsp; Then I won't enter a store again until after the weekend sometime.&amp;nbsp; I stay clear of them all during this time of the year.&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; We don't do the black Friday shopping, and I just read today how they limit those 'specials' anyway.&amp;nbsp; Like those tvs or something big on sale.&amp;nbsp; Only 4 can be sold from the whole store!&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; Only four people will get that big deal.&amp;nbsp; Ugh, so not worth it to me.

What we do the day after Thanksgiving is put up all our Christmas decorations.&amp;nbsp; As most of my regular readers know, we put up our decorations the day after Thanksgiving, and take them down the day after Christmas.&amp;nbsp; But we really enjoy setting them up.&amp;nbsp; We eat Thanksgiving leftovers, drink eggnog, and watch It's A Wonderful Life.&amp;nbsp; My kids really enjoy that movie.&amp;nbsp; And it really is a fun, relaxing day.&amp;nbsp; We are pretty mellow with our decorations, so it only takes a few hours.&amp;nbsp; Hanging the Christmas lights in the kids bedroom takes the longest, but it's what they love the most.&amp;nbsp; Falling to sleep with their Christmas lights on.

Well I should get going and work on the Christmas cards.&amp;nbsp; It's snowing pretty heavy out right now.&amp;nbsp; We need to go out tonight, I hope it lets up soon.&amp;nbsp; But it is so pretty.</description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:38:00 -0600</pubDate>
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<title>Happenings in my life.</title>
<description>OK Jeannie here is my entry.&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; I have been meaning to put an entry out here, but I am doing a complete overhaul on my website, Watered Garden Web Creations (no changes are out there yet ), and it's been taking a lot of my time.&amp;nbsp; I have prayed, talked with my husband, and prayed some more about what direction to go with my website.&amp;nbsp; I just haven't felt the desire to make it a 'business' anymore.&amp;nbsp; I really enjoy web site design, I truly do.&amp;nbsp; But I don't like having to put together the templates, colors, layout etc...&amp;nbsp; I guess I'll always be a computer tech at heart.&amp;nbsp; That's what I did when I worked outside the home, and I like the technical aspect of putting websites together, just not the artistic.&amp;nbsp; So with that, and much prayer, I have decided to turn my website more into a hobby website than a business website.&amp;nbsp; One of my issues is that I'm always looking for ways to bring money in the home, but that's not what the Lord wants or my husband.&amp;nbsp; My husband constantly tells me, even if I get any money it won't go toward the bills or anything like that, it would be mine.&amp;nbsp; The Lord provides through his job, and that's the way Paul wants it.&amp;nbsp; I submit to that, and I truly am ok with it, but there is always a part of of me that thinks that I should help bring in more finances.&amp;nbsp; But see, that's all selfish on my part.&amp;nbsp; Because all our needs are met, when I want more money, it's because I just want more things.&amp;nbsp; So the Lord and my husband are totally right, I'm completely wrong.&amp;nbsp; Anyway, sorry, I digress.

Paul really encouraged me in my discouragement, and so now my site is going to be a big blog type site, similar to this site.&amp;nbsp; I'll have a craft page, homeschool page, photography page and some other pages.&amp;nbsp; I've been working on it, but my biggest stumbling point is I just can't find a template I like.&amp;nbsp; I'll work on it more today, and hopefully I'll be announcing it soon.&amp;nbsp; But don't worry, even when I do have my website set up, I'll still be blogging here.&amp;nbsp; This is my first blog home, and you are my dear friends.&amp;nbsp; My website will be things I'm working on, crafts I'm doing, and normal life things.&amp;nbsp; This blog will continue to be my more intimate thoughts.&amp;nbsp; This is where I open up more than anywhere else.&amp;nbsp; So don't worry, I won't be leaving.&amp;nbsp; 

I've also been very busy making our Christmas cards.&amp;nbsp; I'm just about done with them.&amp;nbsp; Actually after I post this entry, I'll finish them up.&amp;nbsp; I'm still working on our yearly family letter, and our pictures won't be developed until Tuesday, so they won't be ready to mail until Thanksgiving week.&amp;nbsp; But printing and stamping the cards has taken the most about of time, and I'm glad I got them finished this weekend.

I've been kind of putting off finishing our yearly letter because I'm praying that I can add an update there soon.&amp;nbsp; My twitter friends know, but I'll put it here too for all my other friends, my hubby is looking for a new job.&amp;nbsp; We always knew working at our church was not going to be a permanant thing.&amp;nbsp; Long story, so I won't go into it all, but during the summer we started praying about things.&amp;nbsp; See Paul's employment background is mainly in production/manufacturing.&amp;nbsp; In Illinois, that is huge, out here, not at all.&amp;nbsp; So we had to come to some decisions.&amp;nbsp; Do we move back to Illinois, do we move to another part of Idaho, does Paul go back to school, or does he change his area of employment?&amp;nbsp; After much prayer, we knew we wanted to stay here, and truly, though he's been in production for years, his strong point is customer service.&amp;nbsp; He is such a people person, and he loves helping others.&amp;nbsp; Any job he had that was customer service oriented, he has just loved.&amp;nbsp; So he is going to change his area of employment and go for a more customer service oriented job, trying to find work at Wal-mart type stores, or the big grocery stores out here.&amp;nbsp; There is one he really wants to work at, and it's a great company to work for.&amp;nbsp; The general manager of the store goes to our church, and though we never knew him, his wife is a teacher at our churches school, where Paul works.&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; Yep, the Lord works everything together.&amp;nbsp; So Paul has talked with him, filled out the application, took an on the phone interview type thing.&amp;nbsp; He'll be going in Monday or Tuesday and see what next step he needs to take.&amp;nbsp; We are still not sure if he will get hired or not, and if he does what position he'll get, but we leaving it all in the Lord's hands.&amp;nbsp; If it's not this store, then another store.&amp;nbsp; But I do ask for your prayers that if this is the place for him, he'll get hired, and soon.&amp;nbsp; I also pray, more of a selfish prayer, that he will not get the night shift.&amp;nbsp; The store is open 24 hours, and I know we homeschool, and can change around our schedule if he works different days.&amp;nbsp; But I am truly praying that he doesn't get a night shift.&amp;nbsp; This post is already long enough, so I won't go into all the details why I don't want a night shift, but I really don't.&amp;nbsp; So prayer he doesn't get a night shift, and if he does, if that's the Lord's will, then the strength to deal with it.

Ok, well now that I have written a book, I really need to finish our Christmas cards.&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; Hope you all have a blessed day.</description>
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<pubDate>Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:52:00 -0600</pubDate>
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<title>I had a whole other entry written</title>
<description>but then as I finished typing it, I realized I didn't really want to publish it.&amp;nbsp; Typing it out helped me think through some things, and I guess that's all I needed to do it for.&amp;nbsp; But not for sharing with you all, sorry.&amp;nbsp; 

There is a lot going on right now with us, and me in particular.&amp;nbsp; I would ask for your prayers on guidance, direction and compassion for others.&amp;nbsp; Besides some personal things I need to work through, there is some discord among a group of my friends.&amp;nbsp; Never good or fun, and yes, I am in the middle.&amp;nbsp; I can't explain any of it, but do ask for your prayers.

We have been busy, but it's a good busy.&amp;nbsp; Lessons have been going well this week.&amp;nbsp; Some attitudes, but mainly it's smooth sailing.&amp;nbsp; In three weeks we have our first school break.&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; We are taking a week off for Thanksgiving, I seriously can't wait.&amp;nbsp; We've been schooling for three months straight, except for maybe one day off, and maybe one half day.&amp;nbsp; I just want some days I don't have to wake up and think lessons, grading, schooling.&amp;nbsp; It all gets a bit much sometimes.&amp;nbsp; And I think this year, since I'm starting to keep track of Sarah's grades for her highschool transcripts, it's more time consuming.&amp;nbsp; I'm in a bit of a flow with it all, but still, I'm looking forward to the break.&amp;nbsp; So are the kids.&amp;nbsp; Truly they are doing great, and attitudes are doing well.&amp;nbsp; But I know they could use a break too.

We got to go outside for one more park day with our homeschool group.&amp;nbsp; This week we are in the 50's and today we hit 60!&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; That is almost unheard of around here this time of year.&amp;nbsp; It's been so nice though.&amp;nbsp; I've sat outside a couple of times today, just to enjoy the weather.&amp;nbsp; It will only last a couple of more days, and once the sun goes down, the temps drop pretty fast.&amp;nbsp; But I will take all I can get.

I'm almost done with the Christmas gifts I'm making.&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; I can't actually believe I'll be done this early.&amp;nbsp; I should finish the last of it tonight while watching the World Series with hubby.&amp;nbsp; Then I can start working on our yearly letter, family pictures (already taken) and Christmas cards.&amp;nbsp; Goodness, it's shocking for me even to write how much I have done.&amp;nbsp; I'm really hoping to just enjoy this holiday.&amp;nbsp; Bake cookies and snacks for the kids and for Paul to take to work, play with the kids outside in the snow, and just relax.&amp;nbsp; Not run around trying to finish everything up at the last minute.&amp;nbsp; I'm not done with it all yet, so we'll see how it goes and if I can really accomplish it or not.&amp;nbsp; 

Well, I guess that is enough of an update for now.&amp;nbsp; Sarah is at the mall with her friend, and I have to go pick them up soon (ahhh the teenage years ), plus hubby will be home soon and of course the World Series tonight.&amp;nbsp; Really hoping the Philies will beat the Yankees tonight and continue the series.&amp;nbsp; As the little kid in the movie Angels in the Outfield use to always say, &quot;It could happen.&quot;&amp;nbsp; </description>
<link>http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/psalms16vs2/742137/</link>
<pubDate>Wed,  4 Nov 2009 17:20:00 -0600</pubDate>
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<title>Such a great day yesterday.</title>
<description>Yesterday was such a great day for all of us.&amp;nbsp; The kids had half a day of school, then we went to the local theater and saw a play of The Jungle Boy.&amp;nbsp; It was so cute and very well done.&amp;nbsp; Coming from Chicago, where there is lots of culture, to an area where there isn't, was a concern of ours.&amp;nbsp; But it seems like our area has smaller versions of all of Chicago culture (except for the food ).&amp;nbsp; We have museum's, art gallery, zoo, theater, and symphony.&amp;nbsp; Not the big ones like Chicago, but at least enough that the kids will know what a little culture is.&amp;nbsp; We are going to see the Nutcracker again this year, but this time it will be with a symphony.&amp;nbsp; First time for the kids, we can't wait.

So after the play, we went to the thrift store and found some shirts for Sarah and me.&amp;nbsp; Can you believe it, one of the shirts, even after I washed it, I could still smell perfume or something on it.&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; I'm washing it again today, hopefully that will take the smell out.&amp;nbsp; Then we went to the library, at completely the wrong time, it was pre-school story telling time.&amp;nbsp; Little kids everywhere.&amp;nbsp; We got what we wanted and got out of there.&amp;nbsp; 

We came home and relaxed for a bit, then after dinner all four of us, hubby, me, Sarah &amp;amp; Paulie, went winter clothes shopping.&amp;nbsp; Of course both of the kids just had to grow out of snow pants, jackets, boots and such at the same time.&amp;nbsp; I won't tell you the price tag , but thankfully we didn't focus on that.&amp;nbsp; What we did focus on was having a great time.&amp;nbsp; We laughed, we joked with each other, we made a ruckus in multiple stores and truthfully if they didn't let us in the mall again, it wouldn't surprise me.&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; But you know what, we all let our hair down and had fun with each other.&amp;nbsp; And the whole time, we were all so aware of the memories we were making.&amp;nbsp; We might not always remember what we bought, but we will always remember the time we spent shopping together.&amp;nbsp; I still get a smile on my face when I think about it.&amp;nbsp; 

And through all of that, we didn't get everything we needed.&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; Totally forgot some more shirts for Sarah &amp;amp; me, and a lighter jacket for Sarah.&amp;nbsp; We are thinking of going shopping today, just can't decide.&amp;nbsp; It's overcast and cloudy, but we already have plans tomorrow and Sunday, so today might just be the only time.&amp;nbsp; Maybe I should see if Paul wants to go again, and go tonight.&amp;nbsp; We'll see what other trouble we can get into as a family.&amp;nbsp; 

Tomorrow is our big day we are looking forward too.&amp;nbsp; We don't do halloween or harvest festivals on the 31st.&amp;nbsp; No I'm not going to get into why we don't do either, and no I don't want to hear your opinions on whether you think we should or shouldn't do them.&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; Just trust that Paul and I have prayed thoroughly on this issue, and we know where we stand on it.&amp;nbsp; So because we choose not to celebrate them, and it's always a bit difficult to stay away from all the kids, we started a tradition of going out to dinner on that night.&amp;nbsp; But this year we are doing dinner and a movie.&amp;nbsp; That's our plan anyway, hopefully we can find something good at the movies.&amp;nbsp; If not, maybe dinner and then rent something special, something like that.&amp;nbsp; We just enjoy being together as a family, doing something fun and trying to stay away from the crowds.&amp;nbsp; So we'll see how it goes tomorrow, if we can find a movie or not, and what restaurant to pick.&amp;nbsp; But we'll probably stay away from the shopping.&amp;nbsp; Three days in a row, the way we get when we shop together, and we'll definitely get kicked out of stores.&amp;nbsp; lol&amp;nbsp; 

And I'm going to leave you with a picture of Sarah's new hat.&amp;nbsp; We think she looks just great in it.&amp;nbsp; 

</description>
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<pubDate>Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:58:00 -0500</pubDate>
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<title>My Saturday</title>
<description>It's Saturday night and usually we are at church (we like to go to our church's Saturday night services).&amp;nbsp; But only Paul went to help with the ushing, then he'll come home.&amp;nbsp; We are all a bit under the weather.&amp;nbsp; Sarah is dealing with a cold, Paulie pulled a muscle in his neck, and Paul and I are just tired and blah.&amp;nbsp; I sometimes feel like a cold is coming on, then it goes away, hope it keeps going away.&amp;nbsp; We were really looking forward to the baseball game tonight, but that was canceled.&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; Yes, we're having a bit of a bummer of a night.

I'm also getting frustrated with my website.&amp;nbsp; I want to update it.&amp;nbsp; I want to change the look and feel of it, but I just can't figure out how I want it to look.&amp;nbsp; I really like the technical aspect of putting together a website, but I'm just not artistic enough for the graphical part of it.&amp;nbsp; And truly at this point, I wonder if that means I shouldn't be trying to develop websites.&amp;nbsp; Because if I can't figure out what looks good together, how can I design websites?&amp;nbsp; Obviously something I need to take to the Lord in prayer and see what He wants me to do.

Still having a hard time watching my daughter go through some girlfriend issues.&amp;nbsp; I find I'm getting more upset than she does sometimes.&amp;nbsp; I can understand that friendships change, but when the friends (and their moms) say that the friendships are the same (when plainly they are not), it irritates me so bad.&amp;nbsp; If the girls don't want to be friends with my daughter anymore, fine.&amp;nbsp; But don't say you do, then never invite her anywhere and flaunt the new friendships (which my daughter is excluded from) in her face.&amp;nbsp; Sarah is dealing with it better than I do sometimes.&amp;nbsp; And I'm sure the Lord will use this in her life.&amp;nbsp; But I hate having to watch it.&amp;nbsp; And I want to just pull her from everything, and give the moms a piece of my mind.&amp;nbsp; 
&amp;nbsp; But I keep giving it to the Lord and talking with my husband about it.&amp;nbsp; Obviously I'm trying very hard not to react on my emtions, but to act on the Word of God.&amp;nbsp; But it's not always easy.&amp;nbsp; Mama bear wants to come out and pounce.

Hmm, i just re-read this entry and so far it is a bit of a downer, sorry.&amp;nbsp; It's hard to type happy, fun blogs when you are not feeling the best, but lets see if I can lighten things up a bit.&amp;nbsp; 

Paul's back is healed, I'm so blessed by that.&amp;nbsp; It's not easy watching your husband hurting so much.&amp;nbsp; And of course husbands don't like to not be able to work.&amp;nbsp; But it was great that he had two days of doing school with the kids.&amp;nbsp; They are doing well, and it was such an encouragement for the kids and for Paul to be working together.&amp;nbsp; And it was so sweet to see.&amp;nbsp; Here's a picture of their time working together.




Other than that, not much else has been going on.&amp;nbsp; We've been busy with park time, getting as much outdoor park time in as we can before the cold weather hits.&amp;nbsp; We've cleaned out the kids winter clothes, and took a big load of old clothes, boots &amp;amp; toys and donated them to the local thrift store.&amp;nbsp; We were going to go shopping this weekend for the new winter items they need, but obviously with how we feel, that will be postponed until next week sometime.&amp;nbsp; We had a great time at the library this week.&amp;nbsp; Sarah, who wants to be a librarian, is having fun learning more and more about libraries and how they work and the Dewey Decimal System, things like that.&amp;nbsp; Of course talking to her about the old card catalogs is funny, since she's only used the online catalogs.&amp;nbsp; Showing my age again.&amp;nbsp; 

Well, we decided to watch National Treasure, so I should probably get off the computer.&amp;nbsp; I also want to work on my Christmas gifts.&amp;nbsp; I'm almost done with them.&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; So since tonight (or today) hasn't gone like we thought it would, it would be a nice way to end the day.&amp;nbsp; Watching a movie with the family and working on crafts.&amp;nbsp; Always fun.</description>
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<pubDate>Sat, 24 Oct 2009 19:19:00 -0500</pubDate>
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<title>This, that and other things</title>
<description>I never thought having my 14 year old daughter go to a weekly teen girls bible study would keep me so busy.&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; Driving her every week is starting to tire me out.&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; Well, the fact that its on one of the busiest days of the week for me, Mondays, and the very next day is park day, just makes for a busy beginning of the week.&amp;nbsp; But I am so blessed that she is going, and enjoying herself so much. &amp;nbsp;There's only three girls that go, but we pray that in the future more will start joining.&amp;nbsp; She's having a great time.

Paul pulled is back last week and had to take two days off of work.&amp;nbsp; He's doing much better now, but it took a lot longer for his back to get better this time.&amp;nbsp; He really didn't like having to take two days off, but being his job is so physical, there really wasn't any choice.&amp;nbsp; With no insurance, we couldn't afford to allow it to get worse.&amp;nbsp; Thankfully, we didn't have to go to the doctor, the Lord, rest and not moving around too much did it.

I've been busy with Christmas crafts I'm trying to finish up.&amp;nbsp; I'm over half way done, and I think I'll finish them all by the end of October, beginning of November.&amp;nbsp; I've never been this far ahead with Christmas crafts, and I'm pretty excited about it.

My neck and shoulder has been hurting me the past few weeks.&amp;nbsp; It's the same issue I've had for years, that I went to physical therapy for a couple of years ago.&amp;nbsp; The doctor warned me then that I had to be careful of my computer use, and I've gone way overboard on the computer the past few weeks.&amp;nbsp; Truthfully, what started it was being on Facebook playing some of the games like Farmville &amp;amp; Cafe World.&amp;nbsp; The mini, continuous movements it took to play the games are the exact movements that aggravate my shoulder.&amp;nbsp; Plus, truthfully, I think the Lord was wanting me to get off them anyway.&amp;nbsp; They were taking up way too much of my time.&amp;nbsp; So today I stopped playing them, shut down the games.&amp;nbsp; I've been on the computer today, but since I haven't been playing those games, even though I've been using the computer, my shoulder isn't feeling nearly as bad.&amp;nbsp; Just confirmation that I'm not suppose to be playing those games.&amp;nbsp; 

School is going well.&amp;nbsp; We seem to be flowing nicely with it, and I'm truly blessed by that.&amp;nbsp; Paulie's math has been making him really have to work, and I am happy to see how he's growing in his knowledge of his math and reading.&amp;nbsp; Sarah is doing so well with her work, and learning good time management.&amp;nbsp; Plus she's got a weekly group babysitting job until December that she's really enjoying.&amp;nbsp; Her and her friend are babysitting a group of kids while their parents go to a weekly DVD study.&amp;nbsp; She's doing well with the kids, plus making some extra money, she likes that.&amp;nbsp; She's had a few friends 'issues' (typical girl stuff, clicks and junk), but has worked through them with the Lord, and all seems to be fine.&amp;nbsp; It's so hard for them at this age.&amp;nbsp; She's so not into the boys &amp;amp; clothes thing, and some girls just don't want to hang around her because of that.&amp;nbsp; She's standing firm, not changing, but it's still hard.&amp;nbsp; But like I said, it seems to be better.

Well, I guess that's about it.&amp;nbsp; It's about time that I have to head out and pick Sarah up from her bible study.&amp;nbsp; Wanted to get an entry out though, I know it's been a while.&amp;nbsp; Thanks for not giving up on reading my blog, even with such long times between entries.&amp;nbsp; Maybe now that I've broken away from those games I'll have more time to blog.&amp;nbsp; </description>
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<pubDate>Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:24:00 -0500</pubDate>
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<title>First snow of the season</title>
<description>Yep we got our first snow of the season.&amp;nbsp; Now, that doesn't mean it is winter here or anything like that, just that our falls are always very interesting.&amp;nbsp; We still have green leaves on the trees and green grass.&amp;nbsp; For us, the snow was only about 1/4 of an inch, and it was gone by afternoon.&amp;nbsp; For my parents, whose elevation is about 1000ft higher than ours, they got 4-5 inches, and it's still on the ground.&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; But today is sunny, we'll be in the high 40's, the next couple of days, in the mid to high 50's then next week around 60.&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; After living out here in the Northwest mountains for 6 years, none of this surprises us.&amp;nbsp; It's just how it is out here.&amp;nbsp; I'm always thankful that it goes away so fast, and warms up so nicely.&amp;nbsp; I'm not quite ready for winter yet.&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; So here are the pictures of our first snow fall this year.









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<pubDate>Tue,  6 Oct 2009 11:22:00 -0500</pubDate>
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<title>Organization</title>
<description>I like to organize, but I don't like to clean!&amp;nbsp; There, I said it.&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; Its funny how many people are surprised that I don't like to clean.&amp;nbsp; I tend to be what some call a neat freak, a clean freak, blah, blah, blah.&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; Because when something gets spilled, I expect my kids to clean it up right away.&amp;nbsp; I clean up right after cooking and baking, I wash, dry, fold and put away my cloths all on the same day and the kids have to clean up their room each and every night before going to bed, no exceptions.&amp;nbsp; But I don't like cleaning, that's why I have them do all of that.&amp;nbsp; If the tinyest piece of food drops on the floor, I have the kids wet a paper towel and wipe it up, why?&amp;nbsp; Because I don't like cleaning.&amp;nbsp; And that tiny spot then gets dirty, tracked to other spots and the next thing you know, I have to mop the whole floor.&amp;nbsp; We have the kids clean their rooms every night before bed, why?&amp;nbsp; Because I don't like cleaning, and if it gets out of hand, I have to help them clean.&amp;nbsp; I do all my laundry in one day, why?&amp;nbsp; Because I don't like cleaning, and I don't want to have to put piles of cloths away later.&amp;nbsp; Does that make sense?&amp;nbsp; I don't know if it does to anyone else, but it does to me.&amp;nbsp; I just as soon do a little now, than a lot later, but I don't like cleaning.&amp;nbsp; 

Now organizing, that is a different issue though, I like organizing.&amp;nbsp; I like seeing areas in my house that need a bit of organization.&amp;nbsp; I would love to have tons of baskets, shelves, bookcases and the like to have a completely neat and organized house, but alas I don't.&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; So I try to make do with what we do have, without going out and buying those pretty baskets with material in them, though I really want some.&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; I really don't like areas to get to unorganized for us, and when it does, it begins to bother me and my hubby.&amp;nbsp; So the other day I realized my laundry room shelves were so disorganized.&amp;nbsp; We don't have lots of cabinet space in this house, so the top shelf sort of became a catch all for me.&amp;nbsp; Anything I couldn't find a place for got shoved up there, and it was starting to look bad.&amp;nbsp; I had some kitchen items I didn't use much, like cookie cutters, that I didn't have drawer space for (only 3 drawers in our whole kitchen ), some knives and other cookware.&amp;nbsp; I found an old rubbermaid container and a covered bowl that wasn't used much and neatly put all those items in them and on the shelf.&amp;nbsp; In a sense made some new drawers. &amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; Threw out some things, put some things in the cabinet in the garage and before I knew it, it looked all nice and organized.&amp;nbsp; I can actually use the things up there easily and I know what it up there now.&amp;nbsp; Call me crazy if you want, but that was fun for me.&amp;nbsp; Here are the before and after pics.

Before
     

After
     </description>
<link>http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/psalms16vs2/732031/</link>
<pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:18:00 -0500</pubDate>
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<title>I'm finally all done.</title>
<description>Well, after my canning adventures, which you can see here, the last thing I had to finish was my cabinet.&amp;nbsp; I still needed to find some material to make some curtains as doors for the shelves.&amp;nbsp; I tired finding some material on Tuesday, but just couldn't find what I was thinking of.&amp;nbsp; I wanted something kitchenish, with hunter green, which is my table color, but it had to have some blue because there is a lot of blue in my kitchen.&amp;nbsp; I couldn't find anything I liked in the first store, so last night the family and I went to another fabric store to look.&amp;nbsp; I finally found something that I liked on Friday.&amp;nbsp; There was another pattern I liked a little better, but there was no blue in it.&amp;nbsp; Paul really liked this one, and it had the colors I needed, so I got it.&amp;nbsp; Now that it's up, I really like it.&amp;nbsp; I bought double what I needed  (not on purpose) so now I have extra.&amp;nbsp; I think I'll make a table runner with some of it, and maybe some place mats.&amp;nbsp; Also, a friend of mine suggested that I make cloth jar covers with some of it, so I might try that.&amp;nbsp; Not tonight though, I've done enough sewing for the day.&amp;nbsp; 

&amp;nbsp;So without further ado, here is my finished cabinet, with a before shot.

 








</description>
<link>http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/psalms16vs2/730794/</link>
<pubDate>Sat, 26 Sep 2009 20:54:00 -0500</pubDate>
<guid>http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/psalms16vs2/730794/</guid>
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<title>Computer Geek.....Jesus Freak</title>
<description>That's what was going through my mind the other day, computer geek.....Jesus freak.&amp;nbsp; I was thinking, which to I verbally connect myself with more?&amp;nbsp; See when I'm talking with people, and if we get on the subject of technology, computers etc... I proudly proclaim I'm a computer geek.&amp;nbsp; I say it a lot, I'm proud of it, and I like being one.&amp;nbsp; So I say it a lot when I'm talking about technology.&amp;nbsp; But it got me thinking, do I say I'm a Jesus freak just as easy?&amp;nbsp; Or even if I don't use those exact words, do I say I love Jesus with all my heart in what I say?&amp;nbsp; Am I proud of being a Jesus freak?&amp;nbsp; Do I like being a Jesus freak?&amp;nbsp; Yes I am proud of it, and yes I like being one, so why don't I proclaim it just as easily?

So I started thinking of a 'what if' kind of conversation.&amp;nbsp; Let's say I'm talking with a friend, and we start talking about a verse, or the Lord or just the bible in general, and I picture myself saying proudly, &quot;I'm a Jesus freak.&quot;&amp;nbsp; It just doesn't seem right, it seems like I would be being prideful, boasting in my walk with the Lord, coming across like I think I'm better than the other person.&amp;nbsp; Coming across like I think my walk in the Lord is perfect (which is far from the truth).&amp;nbsp; Coming across like I think I know everything there is about the Lord.&amp;nbsp; But yet I don't think those things when I say I'm a computer geek.&amp;nbsp; I'm not boasting about it, I'm just stating a fact.&amp;nbsp; I don't think I'm saying I know everything there is about computers, because far from it, I don't.&amp;nbsp; I don't think I'm saying I'm better than someone else because I enjoy computers so much.&amp;nbsp; When I say it, my only intention is to let people know something I like doing a lot.&amp;nbsp; So why do I feel that way about speaking about how much I love the Lord?&amp;nbsp; Why do I think that if I tell them I'm a Jesus freak they'll start watching me more, waiting for me to fumble and fall, which I eventually will.&amp;nbsp; Do I think people are now watching me to see if I fumble and fall in computers?&amp;nbsp; Truly, I don't care if they are, mistakes happen, I'm not perfect.&amp;nbsp; And like I said, I don't claim to know everything about computers, I just claim to like them.&amp;nbsp; Why can't I feel that content in stating how much I love the Lord?&amp;nbsp; Why can't I feel just as content that mistakes happen, I'm not perfect, I'll fumble and fall in the Lord?&amp;nbsp; Why can I so easily proclaim a hobby I like, without a second thought, but I can't just as easily (or even more easily) proclaim my love for my Lord and Savior?

Then that got me thinking even more.&amp;nbsp; I've been dealing with a lot of computer/web site issues for the past month or so.&amp;nbsp; A lot.&amp;nbsp; So I've been doing a lot of extra working, studying, surfing the net trying to find answers etc...&amp;nbsp; When I have a problem with not understanding a technological issue, I don't give up until I find the answer.&amp;nbsp; I study and study, work and work, until what needs to be accomplished is.&amp;nbsp; But, do I give that much time and study to God's Word?&amp;nbsp; When I have a problem in my life do I do a lot of extra studying, reading and praying to find the answer?&amp;nbsp; Do I not give up until I find the answer?&amp;nbsp; Does it take all my extra time (like a computer problem does) to find the answer?&amp;nbsp; I have to say, right now, no, I don't give as much time in studying the Word when issues arise in my life that I give when computer issues arise.&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp; Why is that?&amp;nbsp; Why is it so much easier to work on one thing, but not on another?&amp;nbsp; Why is it so hard for me to be and want to be in God's Word?

I don't know that I have an answer to any of this right now, actually I know I don't have an answer to it.&amp;nbsp; Not sure that I'm looking for an answer either, though feel free to leave your thoughts.&amp;nbsp; It's just what's been on my mind the past couple of days and I felt like writing it out.&amp;nbsp; Is the Lord showing me my priorities are out of sync?&amp;nbsp; I'm sure He is with my studying, but I'm still stuck on the proclaiming I'm a Jesus freak thing.&amp;nbsp; I guess I need to go pray and read until I find the answers.&amp;nbsp; </description>
<link>http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/psalms16vs2/730363/</link>
<pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:24:00 -0500</pubDate>
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