http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/socalval/ en-us Homeschool Blogger Tue, 1 Dec 2009 15:59:00 -0600 Tue, 1 Dec 2009 15:59:00 -0600 My blog has taken a back seat for now.  However, you have been inspirational to me as I read of your adventure. I hope to get back to blogging so I can keep up with all of you soon. May the Lord bless you! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/socalval/748738/ Tue, 1 Dec 2009 15:59:00 -0600 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/socalval/748738/   Experiencing Colorado this time around has been so fun.  The children are older and able to go places that we didn't go before. This last weekend we had a back to school party at the local zoo.  What fun!  The kids were able to actually pet a giraffe and feed them.  Of course, petting anything but a dog or cat would be exciting, but a giraffe???  It was fun!  Along with the giraffe, we saw the typical zoo animals...   a mountain lion, bear, elephant, zebra, etc.  It was a great way to start the school year.   I hope you are having a great start to the school year, too.  We are excited to see what the Lord is going to do with our new land and the people we meet.  I have great goals this year (including a new book that I am writing).    Please let me know you stopped by to say hello.  If you haven't already done so, please look me up on Twitter and/or facebook.  I'd love to connect with you on there.        http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/socalval/722833/ Tue, 1 Sep 2009 09:30:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/socalval/722833/   We have arrived!  We are in our new home ~ and what fun we are having decorating the house and filling our closets with our belongings.  After two years of praying and waiting, we can breathe the clean air of Colorado once again.  It's amazing how time really flew when we were in California.  Although it seemed to stretch on and on...  for so long (6 years)... in retrospect it wasn't long at all.  The Lord worked out the kinks and prepared our heart(s) for this transition, and we are thrilled.       It's been quite an adventure getting here and becoming settled, but it has been good.  The Lord has shown us in so many ways that this move was right.  We have met some wonderful people already and are excited to dig into some local homeschooling groups in a few weeks.  What excites me the most is the opportunity to begin my ministry in helping mom's who homeschool.  Although I feel like I'm the one learning at the moment, I can't help but not deny the burning feeling I have inside to reach out and point other mom's to Jesus.  Homeschooling has always been the platform the Lord has used for me to share Him... and this new area is no different.  I am excited to share my heart and love for the Lord... and learn from others in the process.      Thank you to all who supported me during this move.  Your prayers mean a lot to me and I want you to know that I felt them all the way!!!  Thank you.  http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/socalval/713215/ Fri, 31 Jul 2009 21:29:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/socalval/713215/ Our summer adventure begins...  we have made the plan and are making the move.  Psalm 31:3 For You are my rock and my fortress; For Your name's sake You will lead me and guide me.   For a couple of years now we have prayed and asked the Lord to make His plans clear to us.  As many of you know, we have had the desire to move out of state (Colorado) for a couple of years, but was not able to make the jump of faith.  Although the desire was strong for Colorado, our securities in California grew and grew stronger.  Our housing situation was good, our job was good...  our church a blessing.  However, the longer we stayed in California, the deeper our desire to leave became.  It wasn't that we were unhappy or unsatisfied, actually is was just a feeling that grew deep within our hearts and caused us to become unsettled.  We prayed often for open ears to hear the Lord clearly if He was trying to show us that our desires were not inline with His will for us.  But it wasn't until my dear friend gave some wise councel that changed our lives. In a conversation, my friend pointed out Psalm 37:3-5, 7a:  "Trust in the Lord and do good; so you will live in the land, and enjoy security. Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him."  Knowing my heart for Christ, my friend challenged me to take a step of faith.  She graciously pointed out that sometimes the enemy will use so-called securities to keep us from God's perfect will.  Her challenge to us was to take a new road of faith and ask the Lord to remove our securities if it was indeed keeping us from the desires that we believed He planted in our hearts.    Well, guess what happened?  Yep!  Two days later after taking that challenge to pray boldly, my husband lost his job. I guess most wives would be upset and fearful of the future, but I was excited!  In fact, I jumped into my husbands arms when he came home and praised God for answered prayers!  Immediately our eyes were openned.  From that point, we saw things fall right into place within a matter of days.  Everything from interviewing someone to rent our CA home to finding a house in Colorado...  a tenative job, a homeschool friendly neighborhood, a strong Biblical church, etc.  Amazing!  This is only the beginning of our story...  one that I am sure will show God's grace, mercy and joy.  http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/socalval/706706/ Thu, 9 Jul 2009 20:45:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/socalval/706706/ "You are the salt of the earth. . . . " — Matthew 5:13 In the ancient world, salt was used as a preservative. It still is today—ham, corned beef, olives, pickles, and even anchovies are preserved in brine, a saltwater solution. The purpose of the salt is to stop the food from spoiling, to prevent its corruption. Now when Jesus says we are to be salt, it means that you and I, as Christians, should seek to be a preservative wherever we are. For example, if you are a parent, you can guide your children in what they watch on TV and in what they read. You can teach them Christian values, and live as an example to them. If you are the only Christian in your family, then you are probably always the one who is asked to give the blessing over the Thanksgiving meal. That is good, because it means they notice that you are a Christian. You also need to be salt in the place where you work. You can refuse to gossip about coworkers, you can do your work without grumbling, and you can be an encouragement to others. Maybe a bunch of the guys are getting together and telling a joke, but when you walk in, everyone falls silent all of a sudden. Why is that? Because they know you are a representative of Jesus. You are functioning as a preservative in that situation. Or maybe you are that one Christian student in your classroom. You need to stand up for Christian values. You can refuse to participate in harmful activities and tell your friends why. Now that is being salt. I didn't say it would make you popular. I said you are being salt. It's hard at times. But you need to do it. As you let the Holy Spirit help you and guide you, you can be a good, salty preservative for those around you. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/socalval/705544/ Mon, 6 Jul 2009 12:38:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/socalval/705544/ When school ends, summer begins...  which means that our calendar gets full of family fun activities and Vacation Bible School!  I don't know about your family, but my children LOVE Vacation Bible School.  In fact, we try to attend at least two a summer.  There is nothing like a week filled with sports, scripture, crafts, and singing!!!    We just finished our first VBS for the summer...  It was called: "Glory Lab Science Adventure".  They made homemade gak, flarp, candy, and bubble socks.  Lots of fun, but lots of work.  My eldest son was too old to attend as a participant this year, so he became a volunteer.  There's something to say about leadership as an eleven year old. lol.  Proud to lead his group of second graders, he ditched every camera opportunity I could get.  Therefore, my youngest son was the only one to display the smiles for me.  He even got his neighborhood friend, who also attended, to smile for the camera, too.        http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/socalval/702591/ Thu, 25 Jun 2009 20:58:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/socalval/702591/ "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith" (I Timothy 4:7) Every year in June, the feelings of inadequacy resurface.  Ending the school year can bring excitement, but also the feelings of inadequacy.  Most of us feel like we have given everything we have to give, yet still feel unsatisfied when the school year ends.  So maybe the real meaning of finishing well is deeper.  Did we ask God to help us do our best everyday? Did we look to Him for strength and wisdom? Did we grow closer to Him this year? Did we actively seek out ways to become less self-centered and more giving to our children?  If so, why doesn't that make us feel successful? Why don't we have that feeling of satisfaction from a job well done?     After fruitlessly mulling over the question for awhile, I finally gave it over to the Lord and let Him show me the answer. And He did, Sunday morning in church we were singing about the depth of God's love toward us, and I realized that from God's perspective, our success as parents/teachers is all about our love walk. It is not about test scores, and it's not even about what our children learn academically. From an eternal perspective, teaching our kids to identify a numerator and denominator is frankly irrelevant.  Finishing the year well is about this:  Did we disciple our children? Did we show them love, and teach them how to be loving? Did our passion for life shine through, and did we encourage our children to follow their God-given passions? Did we set our children on the paths they should go and instill in them the desire to grow and become more than who they currently are? Did we model AND teach them perseverance, patience, kindness, and self-control? Did we keep sight of the ultimate prize, which is eternal?      I've noticed that when my focus is on the eternal purpose, the academic goals fall naturally into place. The student achievement levels we see on paper can never be the true measure of finishing well.  So it's not about US at all, it's not about how well we did OUR job. God has a greater plan, of which we are only a small part. Our performance is not quantifiable by anyone in this physical plane. How easily we lose sight of that when we're made to feel that our job and our worth is based on test scores.  What freedom we have in Christ!  We can't measure our success or worth, or figure out where we stand with Him. He is our identity and our source. We can... "Be confident of this, that He who has begun a good work in [us], will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6)   - Taken from my June edition of Words Of Encouragement ~ sign up for next months issue ~ click here http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/socalval/697180/ Mon, 8 Jun 2009 18:59:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/socalval/697180/ School is out let the game begins!!! I now have a pre-schooler, a fourth grader, and a seventh grader. Wow!  Where did the time go?  It's amazing to walk beside your children each and every day and see them reach new mile stones in their lives, but it always surprises me when I put down on paper just how old they really are. In all seriousness, it seems like I have only homeschooled for a couple of years, but starting in September I will be going on 8 years.  My baby is not so much of a baby any more and my oldest is beginning to like girls!  Well, as with any summer vacation I will spend many of hours in prayer for the following year and seek new strategies to create a new love for learner...  I will also seek guidance and wisdom from my Heavenly Father for the curriculum we choose and the means to purchase it.  This summer will hold a new beginning for our family.  Being that my husband lost his job at the end of May, we will be looking for new employment and a possible move.  As many of my faithful readers know, our hearts are for Colorado.  We lived there for over 10 years and took a detour to California for the last 6.  We just haven't had the opportunity to justify a move since we became settled.  However, this time is different.  It is more evident that ever before that the Lord is directing our path and opening doors like you wouldn't believe.  So, we are strapping ourselves in for the ride of our lives and ready to see what's out there.   I'll be posting a few updates now and then about our adventure and how the Lord is speaking to us regarding this new stage in life...  so, please feel free to pray as the Lord leads. Our prayer is for a clear path of direction and the means to take the steps.  It is by His grace that we are still standing with the economy the way it is in California. It's amazing anyone is able to live here.      So, until next time...  jump in the pool ~ enjoy the sunshine ~ enjoy your summer...  I'll be stopping by to say hello periodically.  You can also find me on Facebook and/or Twitter.  http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/socalval/695221/ Tue, 2 Jun 2009 15:59:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/socalval/695221/ Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. — Hebrews 7:25 The Bible tells us to keep ourselves in the love of God (see Jude 21). But we are also told in the same passage that God will keep us (see Jude 1). Is this a contradiction? Not at all. These verses complement one another. They show us God's part and our part. We don't keep ourselves saved, but we can keep ourselves safe. God's love is unconditional. And fortunately for us, Jesus Christ loves, preserves, and intercedes for us before the Father. But we can do things that will get us out of harmony with His love. That's why we are reminded to keep ourselves in the love of God, which means that we are to keep away from all that is unlike Him. We are to keep away from any influence that would violate God's love and bring sorrow to His heart. We are loved by God, and He will protect His investment. For example, if you own an inexpensive pair of sunglasses, you may not be all that concerned about where they are. But if you have a more expensive pair, then you will tend to know their whereabouts. Or, if you went to Disneyland with your children, you wouldn't just forget about them. Instead, you would keep your eye on them, because you want to protect what is dear to you. In the same way, we are preserved, we are protected, and we are being kept by the power of God. But we need to keep ourselves in a place where He can actively show His love to us. We need to keep ourselves in the love of God. http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/socalval/693930/ Fri, 29 May 2009 16:21:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/socalval/693930/ Definition (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia):  Lizards are a very large and widespread group of squamate reptiles, with nearly 5,000 species, ranging across all continents except Antarctica as well as most oceanic island chains.   MY Definition:  Small, slimy, quick, little YUCKY things!   What a strange day! Everything seemed to have started out pretty normal...  I mean, we started the day with our normal routine of picking up the house, feeding the animals, brushing our teeth, etc; however, everything changed when we went out to greet our little bunny!  We approached the cage like normal, but was greeted by  this cute little lizzard (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_fence_lizard).  At first, we left the little guy alone in hopes that he would free himself from the wire; however, this little fellow twisted himself even further into a mess!  It was obvious that he wasn't going to free himself...  much less make it home in time for dinner.  How Did He Do This???   So after a few photo opts and some gocking eyes, we pushed the little fellow through. It wasn't an easy thing.  In fact, three legs were in different holes and the head/neck was in another.  His tail was twisted up under one of his legs and tied around a different wire hole.  Anyway, my brave son crawled inside the cage, placed the plastic jar around the head of the lizzard, and waited as "daddy" unmangled the dry, black ALIVE lizzard!  Yes, he lived.      Not sure why he changed color (distressed?) or why he suddenly got a blue stripe down his belly...  but after a few moments of "reflection", this little lizzard friend wiggled away in some bushes.  Personally, I think I will have nightmares about the whole thing...  but my boys will brag to all the neighbors in the morning! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/socalval/689477/ Mon, 18 May 2009 20:42:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/socalval/689477/ Raising boys for 9 years without any girls in the home, I had no idea what to expect when one arrived.  Baby dolls and painted fingernails, not to mention the trendy skirts and dress-up accessories.  There's lots to tend to with little girls.  Although I've learned how to dress my little girl and how to buy the perfect matching shoes, I still needed help with the hair.    Maybe it is California, but it seems that fancy "do's" are not just for parties anymore.  They are for every day. The latest trend around here in Southern California are ponytails, twists, and braids with bows!!!  Great stuff, but there is a science to this ordeal.  As you know, hair can break and ends can split... and tangles can keep you from ever getting a hair brush through to start.  So, what do you do?  Well, I consulted many friends who became "Pro's" of little girl hair.  I've found that using tiny plastic bands (instead of tiny rubberbands) work best to limit breakage; and certain hair conditioners (cheap o'l Suave) helps maintain those ugly tangles.  Even a single tight braid before bedtime will limit the morning screams when a hairbrush is used.  Of course, lots of practice never hurts.   Now, what about styles?  Well, I included a few of my favorite blogs that walk you through step-by-step of cute hairdo's for little girls.  They include photos and instructions.  These blogs even point out tricks of the trade.  It's a hit around here in my home and it's perfect timing now that summer is approaching.  Take a look and let me know what you think...      GirlyDoHairstyles    CuteGirlHairstyles   HairForMyPrincess     http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/socalval/689394/ Fri, 15 May 2009 15:19:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/socalval/689394/ When you have children, one the great things you get to do is read...  Not only is reading to your children proven to help encourage their love for learning, but it is also SUPER rewarding as a parent to see their faces light up with a story you were once read.     In our family, we have several stories that are a favorite.  Our collection includes all the Winnie the Pooh classic books, Peter Rabbit,  and Dr. Suess books...  but now we have included Harry The Dirty Dog and  Where The Wild Things Are.  The boys absolutely LOVE those silly books and now my daughter is loving them, too.  The fun thing I like to do is... well, after we have read and reread the books, I always search the internet for videos of the story....  it really makes them come to life.  It's adds a little more onto the story when they see the pictures come to life...    Here is one of our favorite stories (Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak).   http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/socalval/686433/ Wed, 6 May 2009 21:46:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/socalval/686433/ The devotion I posted in my April Edition "Words of Encouragement" newsletter for homeschool families. Problem Solving The first step in overcoming problems, whether they are physical, emotional, or spiritual, is to admit you are in need and desire a change.  Jesus asked the man who had been lying by the Bethesda pool for thirty-eight years a very important question:  "Do you want to be made well?" (John 5: 1-15).  In other words, do you care enough about your problem to do something about it - even if it requires on your part some action, effort, sacrifice, or even suffering?   As is typical of so many in need, this man answered the Lord with self-pity.  When Jesus sees you in need of help and sends a willing person to help, do you play the martyr role?  "There's no hope for me.  Nobody loves me."  The person who clings to this attitude is unlikely to experience healing. Because Jesus is gracious and knows you deepest desires, He often cuts through your weeping and self-martyrdom and puts you to the test. "Get up," He says.  "Take your problem and move on.  Do not wait for other people to pity you.  Get up."   If you are in need of a touch for the Lord, ask yourself if you are so eager to be changed that you are willing to do something about your situation.  When you let God know you are obedient to His will and eager to do whatever it takes for you to be whole, He will send Jesus in the form of a person, a verse for His Word, or a new thought in your mind.  Act upon what God tells you to do.  He made you, and He knows how to fix precisely what is broken within you.  Finally, when you feel God's power bring about positive changes in your life, do not let doubters convince you these changes are only coincidence.  Walk firmly away as did the man with his mat under his arm and say simply "Jesus healed me."    http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/socalval/685078/ Sat, 2 May 2009 17:06:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/socalval/685078/ A few years back, a friend and I came up with a non-traditional year-round (6 quarters) school schedule that seems to work wonders for beating homeschool burnout for both mom/student. Since the invention of the schedule, many have adopted it for their own homeschool and agree that it is a wonderful new way to do school. The reason we thought to invent the 6 weeks on/2 weeks off school schedule is because of the structured curriculum that most homeschool families choose to use (ABeka, Alpha Omega, Horizon, Saxon, etc). These wonderful curriculum books teach new concepts on a six week bases before moving on to a new concept. It can be overwhelming for the student to remember more than one concept at a time without ample time to commit it to memory. However, this schedule allows the student to digest what has been taught and prepare his mind to learn the next step without a rush. This breaks the stronghold that most public schools encounter. In fact, this type of learning break(s) also allows YOU, the teacher, to evaluate your teaching, rest, and prepare before moving on to the next concept. As you know, burnout is one of the most common reasons for mothers to give up homeschooling. Therefore, once you try this non-traditional year-round school schedule , I am sure that you will agree that it is a wonderful thing. I thought that since many of us are beginning to plan the next school year a few months in advance, I would post the 2009/2010 non-traditional year-round school schedule here. Feel free to use this model for your own school and/or feel free to share your own schedule with me. Just for your information, this schedule gives 180 days of Instruction (required by the state of California) with frequent breaks between concept building and traditional holidays. Here are the dates for next year: Start Date: July 6 - August 14 (30 days of instruction) Break (Off Track): August 16 - August 30 Start Date (2nd Quarter): August 31 - October 25 (30 days of instruction) Break (Off Track): October 26 - November 22 Start Date (3rd Quarter): October 26 - November 22 (20 days of instruction) Holiday Break: November 23 - November 28 Start Date (continued 3rd quarter): November 30 - December 21 (15 days of instruction) Break (Off Track) and Holiday Break: December 21 - January 3 Start Date (4th Quarter): January 4 - February 14 (30 days of instruction) Break (Off Track): February 14 - February 26 Start Date (5th Quarter): March 1 - April 9 (30 days of instruction) Break (Off Track): April 12 - April 24 Ending Quarter: April 26 - May 28 (25 days of instruction) http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/socalval/683085/ Sun, 26 Apr 2009 17:23:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/socalval/683085/ It's been a week of excitement (new bunny) and one of illness (flu bug) at our home, but none-the-less, it is a new week!  Thankfully, God's grace is new every morning... and today is a new morning in a new week ~  We are feeling much better and we are slowly getting back to our normal selves...  so much so, my bunny hutch is complete!   Here it is:  The roof is still needing shingles, but the rest is complete.  In fact, little Augustus is living in it during the day (if he is not being held). Let me just say that my husband is the best!!!  He not only built this from scratch, but he also added a few luxury items to the hutch.  He put installation in the roof to keep it cool in the summer and warm in the winter; he put a lift-up roof that makes for easy cleaning on the top floor, and he hand-crafted the adorable barn door (my favorite) based on an idea I had.  This little bunny is spoiled!  All this for under $75 in materials!!! That's amazing ~ and I've got to admit, this was the best birthday present, ever.   (To meet Augustus, please click here)     This is the front view of the hutch.  On the bottom floor, the sides are fenced in with wire allowing the bunny to roam freely while being safe from other animals.  Each door has a safety lock to keep clever critters (like racoons) from opening the latch at night.      This is the "upper floor" where you can see the ramp enterance from the bottom.  This is the cooler area of the hutch for hiding from the summer heat or rainy weather.  There's a nice little blanket with a potty bin up here, too.     This is the bottom ramp area.  The bunny can climb up the 12" wide ramp with speed bumps to enter the upper room.  http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/socalval/680937/ Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:42:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/socalval/680937/   Augustus is 8 inches long, 3 inches tall, 4 weeks old...  and he's been added to our home.  What a great little fellow this one is.  He's been with us for three days now, but we've held him since the day he was born.  Having a neighbor who allowed these little ones to be born was a great experience.  I just don't think Augustus would be so friendly if he came from a pet store.  He's cheery and fluffy...  he's full of life, but still a baby.  Cuddling is his best quality.  With a little lick on my chin, Augustus curls up on his back and falls to sleep easily.    Now, you might ask about the name.  Why Augustus?  Well, when this little guy was born he was anything but skinny.  Plump and wrinkly...  spotted with black and lazy.   My son just couldn't stop thinking of Charlie and Chocolate Factory - Augustus Gloop.   A cute little chubby boy who loved to eat...  a perfect name for our chubby little furry friend.   So, the name stuck...   However, I must admit that we have had animals with the name(s) of Oscar, Pearl, Elephant, etc.  We like original.    Little Augustus is living inside for the moment, but his luxury bunny hutch is being built.  The final touches of paint went on this week, but the ramp to the upper floor (yes, it is two stories) is still being put together.  I'm so thankful for a husband with skill...  show him a photo and give him some dimentions, and PRESTO!  It's built.  I'm excited to take photos and show you soon...     http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/socalval/679877/ Thu, 16 Apr 2009 18:23:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/socalval/679877/ I ran across this devotion by Greg Laurie (Pastor of A New Beginning radio program) and thought I would share it with you.  It's perfect for this time of year when taxes are due, school is being ended, and summer plans are being made.  I pray this blesses you... Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We are going with you also." — John 21:3 How many times have you wanted to leave your problems behind, get away from it all, and hang the "Gone fishing" sign on your office door? After the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, the disciples were waiting in Galilee for Jesus as He had instructed them. Not knowing what else to do, they decided, under the leadership of Peter, to go out and fish. The apostle John tells the story like this: Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We are going with you also." They went out and immediately got into the boat, and that night they caught nothing. (John 21:3–4)Well, these disciples went out fishing and they caught nothing. That was not a bad thing. But Jesus had them catch nothing to prove a point, which was the futility and uselessness of living our lives without the direction and blessing of Jesus. You can aim at your goals. You can work hard in business, work hard at everything you hold dear, and still your dreams may not be fulfilled because you did not have the Lord direct your life. You did not invite Him to bless your plan or, more importantly, direct you in your plans. So often we will think, It's my life and my future and my career and my family and my money. We forget that we belong to God. We need to remember—it's God's life. It's His future. He is so gracious and loving. He wants to guide and direct your steps. Did you know that? God has a custom-designed plan just for your life. Keep that in mind as you think about your future. Say, "Lord, what do You want me to do? I don't want to go fishing and pull up empty nets. I want You to direct me. I want You to guide me." http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/socalval/679563/ Wed, 15 Apr 2009 18:21:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/socalval/679563/ You need: 1 cup whole pecans 1 tsp. vinegar 3 egg whites pinch salt 1 cup sugar zipper baggie wooden spoon tape Bible Preheat oven to 300 degrees (This is important – don't wait until you're almost finished with the recipe!) Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3 Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30 Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11 Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27 So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Ps. 34:8 and John 3:16 Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isa. 1:18 and John 3:1-3 Fold in broken nuts Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Read Matt. 27:57-60 Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matt. 27:65-66 GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22 On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matt. 28:1-9 Share The Easter Cookie Story With Your Friends and Family http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/socalval/677800/ Fri, 10 Apr 2009 10:39:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/socalval/677800/   I love the month of APRIL...  it's my birthday, spiritual birth-date (that day I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior), and Easter all wrapped up into one month.  Not only are the flowers blooming and the air is crisp and clean, but I get to celebrate so much!!! However, this year I did something unique for my birthday - something by my choice alone and something with just one child...  I went to Disneyland (after a full tummy of Starbucks).    On my birthday morning, my children and husband greeted me with a bouquet of flowers and a cup of hot coffee from Starbucks (my favorite).  After spending time being pampered by my family, I quickly got my little girl ready and headed out the door to Disneyland.  The fact that my two oldest hung their heads in jealousy should of slowed me down, but I was still able to get out the door and make an early start.  Of course, this couldn't of happened unless my darling husband didn't take a day off from work only to free me outside of my four walls that surround me daily.  He's the best!!!   Now for the deal...  because Disneyland is offering a FREE pass on your birthday, I was able to enter the park, along with my two year old daughter (who was also free due to her age), at no charge.  For the price of parking ($10), we were able to  tour the Princess castle, Mickey Mouses home, Winnie The Poor's corner, not to forget the snapshots of some other fun Disney friends and occasional rides.  Yes, Disneyland could be expensive if you don't take them up on this kind of offer ($70 enterance, $10 parking, $$$ food and drinks, etc) it's so worth finding the deals!  However, the smile on my little girls face was priceless!    When I arrived home from the Theme Park, I was greeted by my other 2 kiddo's and a husband covered in saw dust!  Yes, they worked all day to complete the frame of my bunny hutch.  Only a little more to do...  My little bundle (Lilly) will come home to live with us on the 18th of April...  and knowing that she'll have this wonderful hutch to explore and keep her safe at night, makes me so thrilled!!!   I'll be posting photos this weekend of the progress...     Easter is next... and although my personal circumstances may not allow a big family dinner, I have realised that it's the attitude of the heart that matters most.  On April 6th, 32 A.D., Jesus began His final week on this earth - only to end this week on the cross for our sins.  On April 12th, we will gather and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and the promise of Heaven...  Easter.  Glory to God in the highest!   On a side note, I am humbled by the amount of e-mails, comments on Facebook and Twitter, and personal cards that I received from all of you for my birthday.  Thank you for your friendship.  You are a blessing to me       http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/socalval/677240/ Wed, 8 Apr 2009 15:34:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/socalval/677240/ 6 Little Easter Bunnies Aren't these the cutest little animals?  There is nothing softer, sweeter, or more precious than baby bunnies.   These six  little ones were born the first day of Spring.  You can imagine how much of a surprise it was when the owner (my neighbor) discovered them in the cage after just one day of capturing the mommy...  quite a surprise.  What makes this story special?  Well, there's quite a story to this litter...  you see, just days before, six other bunnies were discovered defaced and scattered among the yard.  Heart breaking (and a surprise).  We've never concluded what happened to the bunnies or what destroyed them, but we figure it was a visiting cat or racoon. Therefore, after evaluating the possible age of the dead baby bunnies, all of us quickly realized that the mommy might be pregant again (bunnies reproduce every 30 days).  We were right...            So, on March 20th, six more were born.  It wasn't long before the neighbor greeted these bunnies by reaching in the cage and holding them.  We're so happy that these were spared and was given a chance at life.  Soon they will be given a good home.  In fact, one of these little ones will be living at my house!!!  Of course, with this time of year (Easter and my birthday) it was easy to convince my hubby to adopt one of these fuzzy animals.        I chose a little white bunny for my new friend.  Floppy ears and a wiggly nose, it's all mine!!!   I've always wanted a bunny and just didn't know much about them.  However, I have studied these little ones and have learned a lot within the past few weeks.  That's why it is no surprise that my husband will be building a wonderful hutch for our new addition which will sit (open periodically) in our backyard.   I will have to wait for the bunny to get a little older before it joins us at our home, but I have "free" access to my neighbors yard where I will be spending most of time hand-holding my new friend.    My only question is...  what should the name be???  Be sure to voice your suggestion on my cbox or comment section (or go back to facebook and comment there - click here).  I need ideas.  I think the bunny is a girl, but I'm not sure.  Thanks!!!  http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/socalval/675082/ Wed, 1 Apr 2009 21:16:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/socalval/675082/