Dec. 19, 2009 - Thursday Talkin' About Teenagers ~ Decemer 19 ,2009
Spend time with them; enjoy them; listen to them; and love them.
They are the most incredible people, these emerging adults,
and they can become the best friends you'll ever have."
~Diana Waring, Reaping the Harvest. The Bounty of Abundant-Life Homeschooling~
Tuesday, December 15, 2009 - ~Big Truths for Young Hearts by Bruce A. Ware~
I received the following book free from Crossway publishers for the sole purpose of review. I received no monetary compensation for this review and all opinions expressed are mine alone.
About the book:
With Big Truths for Young Hearts, Bruce Ware, a theology professor, encourages and enables parents of children 6-14 years of age to teach through the whole of systematic theology at a level their children can understand. Parents can teach their children the great truths of the faith and shape their woldviews early, based on these truths.
The book covers ten topics of systematic theology, devoting several brief chapters to each subject, amking it possible for parents to read one chapter per day with their children. With this great format, parents will be emboldened to be their chidlren's primary faith trainers-and perhaps learn a few things themselves along the way.
About the author:
Bruce A. Ware(PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is professor Christian theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has written numerous journal articles, book chapters, book reviews, and has authored God's Lesser Glory, God's Greater Glory, and Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
My Thoughts:
Dr. Ware has written book that is filled with wisdom and great theological lessons to teach your children. Each lesson is broken down into easy, teachable lessons that could be done once a week or nightly. They end with a few thought-filled questions and a scripture to memorize. I appreciate the years of parenting that Dr. and Mrs. Ware share in this great tool. I recommend buying this book if you do not have a lot of knowledge in biblical and Christian theology, yet want your children firmly rooted in them.
Dec. 15, 2009 - Tightwad Tuesday ~ A Tip To Make Using Milk In Baking And Sauses Cheaper
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A Tip To Make Using Milk In Baking And Sauses Cheaper
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I have been trying to recall ways or habits that I do without out really thinking to make our dollar stretch further. One thing I have done for years in my baking is it to dilute 1/4th 2 % milk or whole milk to 3/4ths water of what the recipe calls for.
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for example.... if the recipe calls for 2 cups milk I use 1/2 cup of milk( what ever type you want) and then 1 1/2 cups water.
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Also in soups I use 6 parts of chicken broth to about 1 part of cup of milk or in my white sauses. I don't miss anything b/c the broth is so flavorful.
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for example.... 6 cups chicken broth and 1 cup milk.
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I hope the examples make it more clear.
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Now to join in the fun of Tightwad Tuesday....
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Link your TWT post click on MckLinky and give exact the URL of your post. (each Tuesday that you join in on the fun)
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example of a URL ...
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Canadagirl/693425/
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Now go ahead link and read and comment on all these other's wonderful TWT's.
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Lets save our pennies, nickles, dimes, and dollars together !
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"There are only a few big ways to save money but there are many small ways ....that all adds up."
Saturday, December 12, 2009 - ~40 Loaves by C.D. Baker...book GIVEAWAY~
I have another blog where I review books, mostly from Christian publishers.
I am currently giving away a copy of this book @ my book review blog:
Please click the above link, leave a comment with your email address.
Only comments with their email addresses listed will be eligible in the contest.
I will draw for the winner on December 28, 2009.
Dec. 12, 2009 - Weekly Wrap Up~December 12th, 2009
(to join the fun head on over to Carol's by clicking the graphic)
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From the Heart:
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Ohhhh it feels sooooooooo good to be putting up a Weekly Wrapup ! It has been sense August 22 sense I have writen one. My life is getting a bit more managable. My craft faire is done and went really well. I will still show pics but I have to get them from my 1ds' cell phone. Now what is on my heart ? I have been wanting to get my home to be running more like a smooth ship. Is that possible ??? I am starting to wonder, lol. This winter break I am going to TRY to read Simply Charlotte Mason's "Laying Down The Rails" a Charlotte Mason Habits Handbook and Sue Patricks's "Workbox System". I am not a very organised person and I am praying these will help. The other book I want to order is" How to Organise (just about) Anything" by Peter Walsh and his DVD "It's All Too Much". I am praying that if I apply these I will start getting things under control !
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I have been keeping my head just bearly above the water with the basics but I know my little homeschool can be so much more life giving. I am praying that with the help of the Lord we are going to be there in 2010.
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On the Homefront:
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We are seed cleaning time and I am refocusing on our studies.
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In The Garden:
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The garden is put to bed and we are cleaning seeds for 2010 seed sales.
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In the School Room:
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On Sunday the boys are in a play " The Prince and the Pauper". This paticular play has the slant of the King is God and the Prince and the Pauper are Jesus and how he came to earth to save us and one day we will be brought home to the Kingdom (heaven). It is a wonderful play !
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We are refocusing and reading lots. I am trying to get my boys to write more. This is not a natural thing for them and I am trying to get to a space where it is more natural for sure ! Going to find natural ways for the boys to express themselves in writing.
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Nature Study:
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This is one area I am going to get going again.
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In The Craft Corner:
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I am crocheting fingerless gloves and want to get back to knitting socks. The boys are making wonderful paper snowflakes, making a boat from popcicle sticks, getting ready to sew up felt pencil holders, and flannel pj bottoms. The other goal I have is for the boys and I is to learn how to sew up ripped jean knees.
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In the Kitchen:
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Going to be making all kinds of goodies. Fudge, gingerbread people, short bread, sugar cookies, and more. We will get to taste a little but most is saved for New Years Eve Family get together.
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Weightloss Wednesday:
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This week I hope to get back on schedule with my Walk Away the Pounds with Leslie Sansone
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Mother Culture:( for definition go HERE )
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I mentioned in "From The Heart " what I am reading. Other than that I am reading the bible to enrich and give tools for my life.
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Things are still trying to set aside 15 minutes a day to read. As the flylady says .... you can do anything for 15 minutes. So I just need to set my timer. [0=
Dec. 11, 2009 - Thursday Talkin' About Teenagers ~ December 11, 2009
Spend time with them; enjoy them; listen to them; and love them.
They are the most incredible people, these emerging adults,
and they can become the best friends you'll ever have."
~Diana Waring, Reaping the Harvest. The Bounty of Abundant-Life Homeschooling~
Dec. 16, 2009 - 1000 Gifts
#113. brilliant sunshine gleaming through the windows after a month of rain,
#114. watching my 8yr old encouraging his 5yr old brother to learn to skate,
#114. tea with a friend,
#115. the first soft white snowflakes falling to the ground,
#116. the blessing of children,
#117. Hubby's delicious pasta & chorrizo,
Dec. 10, 2009 - God's Recall
This landed in my inbox lately and I thought I'd share it here:
RECALL NOTICE:
The Maker of all human beings (GOD) is recalling all units
manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the
primary and central component of the heart.
This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units
code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in
all subsequent units. This defect has been technically termed
"Sub-sequential Internal Non-Morality, " or more commonly known
as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed.
Some of the symptoms include:
1. Loss of direction
2. Foul vocal emissions
3. Amnesia of origin
4. Lack of peace and joy
5. Selfish or violent behavior
6. Depression or confusion in the mental component
7. Fearfulness
8. Idolatry
9. Rebellion
The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this
defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of
charge to correct this defect.
The Repair Technician, JESUS, has most generously offered to
bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no
additional fee required.
The number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R.
Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the
REPENTANCE procedure. Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair
Technician, Jesus, into the heart component.
No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:
1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Self control
Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Believers'
Instructions Before Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of
these fixes.
WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without
correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to
dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit
being permanently impounded. For free emergency service, call on Jesus.
DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall
action will have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be
permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that
facility. Thank you for your attention!
- GOD
P.S. Please assist where possible by notifying others of this
important recall notice, and you may contact the Father any time by
'Knee mail'.
Because He Lives!
Saturday, December 12, 2009 - ~Maestro Classics~ TOS Crew Review
I received the following product for free, for the sole purpose of review on this blog. I receive no monetary compensation for this review.
Imagine a child's world filled with music!
Classical Music CDs for Children
The award-winning new classical music CD series for children and families combines classic
stories with great symphony orchestra music. Combining literature, classical music, education
and entertainment, these CDs for parents and children are perfect for ALL kids and interested
parents. Once it was Baby Mozart, Raffi, ClassicalKids; now it is time for Maestro Classics(TM).
Bonnie Ward Simon and conductor/composer Stephen Simon developed and produced the original Stories and Music series for the Washington Chamber Symphony at the Kennedy Center. An expert in the field of children's music education, Bonnie available to answer your questions about how you can introducethe wonderful world of music to your children from infancy onward. Visit her blog at AskBonnieSimon.blogspot.com
Maestro Classics' Award-Winning CD Series
Each CD set includes:
~An enchanting story set to great music
~Superb recordings by the London Philharmonic Orchestra
~Educational tracks describing the creation of the music, composers' lives, musical composition and more.
~An innovative activity booklet.
Cost:
Purchase one for $16.98 or three for $45.00
Click here to purchase and for a code to receive the 3/$45 deal.
Or phone at 888-540-2811
Titles Available:
Casey at the Bat
The Story of Swan Lake
Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel
Peter and the Wolf
Juanita the Spanish Lobster
The Tortoise and the Hare
The Sorcerer's Apprentice
In Our Home:
We received The Tortoise and the Hare for review and the girls loved it. Listening to story acted out on the CD with the addition of beautiful orchestra music was delightful to them. They've asked to listen to it several more times. The bonus of having a read aloud mixed with Classical music is a ranks highly with me. I think this would be a great Christmas gift for a large family that traveled a lot. Another idea I had was that several families could go in on the cost and then trade them between themselves. They are a little pricey, but the quality is worth the cost.
To view read what other TOS Crew members think about this product, click the logo below.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009 - This is filled with wisdom!
One of my spiritual mentors was/is Elizabeth Elliott. Sadly, she now suffers from dementia and no longer writes. I miss her program Gateway to Joy, but enjoy getting a daily devotion from her. I always have one of her books next to my computer to read while I await web pages to upload.
The following is the devotion I received in the mailbox today. She taught me these principles when Jennifer was 2-3 years old and they have stuck with me. But I also appreciate the wisdom at the end of this piece, I should be careful giving parenting advice to others when I have not walked in their shoes.
Teaching A Child Self-Denial
One of the countless blessings of my life is having a daughter who
actually asks for my prayers and my advice (and heeds the latter). She
phoned from California one morning, describing the difficulties of
home-schooling three children in grades six, four, and one, when you also
have a four-year-old who is doing nursery school and a two-year-old,
Colleen, who wants to do everything. And since Evangeline Mary was born, a
nursing baby now claims attention as well. How to give Colleen proper
attention and teach her also to occupy herself quietly for what seemed to
her long periods? Valerie was deeply concerned over whether she was doing
all she should for that little one.
I reminded her of the women of Bible times--while probably not
homeschooling her children, an ordinary village woman would have been
working very hard most of the time, carrying heavy water jars, grinding
grain, sweeping, planting and cooking while tending children. This was
true also of the Indians with whom Val grew up. An Indian mother never
interrupted her day's work to sit down with a small child and play or read
a story, yet the children were more or less always with her, watching her
work, imitating her, learning informally. They had a strong and secure
home base, "and so have yours," I told her. "Don't worry! You are not
doing Colleen an injustice. Quite the contrary. You are giving her
wonderful things: a stable home, your presence in that home, a priceless
education just in the things she observes."
The demands on Val, as on any mother of small children, are pretty
relentless, of course. She does all the housework with the help of the
children (a schedule of chores is posted on the refrigerator). People
usually gasp when I tell them the number of my grandchildren. "Wow," said
one, "it takes a special woman to have that many children." Special? Not
really. Millions have done it. But it takes grace, it takes strength, it
takes humility, and God stands ready to give all that is needed.
I suggested to Valerie that perhaps she could define the space which
Colleen was allowed to play in during school time, and make it very clear
to her that school time was quiet time for her brothers and sisters. When
Valerie was Colleen's age she had to learn to play quietly alone because I
was occupied for a good portion of every day in Bible translation work, or
in teaching literacy and Bible classes in our house. She knew she was not
to interrupt except for things I defined as "important." At that time
there were seldom children of her age to play with, and she had neither
siblings nor father, yet she was happy and, I think, well-adjusted. (For a
certain period we had the added difficulty of living with a missionary
family of six children under nine whose mother felt obliged to be more or
less available for her children every minute--they were thought too young
to learn not to interrupt. It was not an ordered home, and the mother
herself was exhausted most of the time.)
Does this training seem hard on the child, impossible for the mother? I
don't think it is. The earlier the parents begin to make the laws of order
and beauty and quietness comprehensible to their children, the sooner they
will acquire good, strong notions of what is so basic to real godliness:
self-denial. A Christian home should be a place of peace, and there can be
no peace where there is no self-denial.
Christian parents are seeking to fit their children for their inheritance
in Christ. A sense of the presence of God in the home is instilled by the
simple way He is spoken of, by prayer not only at meals but in family
devotions and perhaps as each child is tucked into bed. The Bible has a
prominent place, and it is a greatly blessed child who grows up, as I did,
in a hymn-singing family. Sam and Judy Palpant of Spokane have such a
home. "Each of our children has his or her own lullaby which I sing before
prayer time and the final tucking into bed," Judy wrote. "That lullaby is
a special part of our bedtime ritual. Whenever other children spend the
night we sing 'Jesus Loves Me' as their lullaby. What a joy it was on the
most recent overnighter to have the three Edminster children announce, `We
have our own lullabies now!' Matt, who is twelve and who can be so swayed
by the world, said, `Mine is "Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross."'"
The task of parents is to show by love and by the way they live that they
belong to another Kingdom and another Master, and thus to turn their
children's thoughts toward that Kingdom and that Master. The "raw
material" with which they begin is thoroughly selfish. They must gently
lay the yoke of respect and consideration for others on those little
children, for it is their earnest desire to make of them good and faithful
servants and, as Janet Erskine Stuart expressed it, "to give saints to
God."
Surely it was not coincidence that my friend Ann Kiemel Anderson called
just as I was finishing the above piece. She had just received little
William Brandt, her fourth adopted son. The others were four and three
years old and ten months. She was thrilled, and not nearly as exhausted as
she expected to be, thankful for the gift of the child and for the gift of
the needed grace and strength for one day (and one night) at a time.
"But oh, Elisabeth!" she said in her huskily soft voice, "when I had only
one, I thought I knew all the answers. There is nothing so humbling as
having two or three or four children."
I needed that reminder. Jim and I had hoped for at least four children.
God gave us one, and that one gave me hardly any reason for serious worry,
let alone despair. She was malleable. What "worked" for her may not work
for another child, but I offer my suggestions anyway--gleaned not only
from experience as the child of my parents and the parent of my child, but
from observation of others. My second husband Add Leitch, whose first wife
had died, had three daughters. "If I'd only had two, I could've written a
book on child training," he once told me. One of them proved to him that
he couldn't.
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