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Jan. 26, 2010 - ~Back and regaining momentum.....

That was the best I could do for a title this early in the morning.

We are back in town after a few days away and I am slowly taking inventory of what must be accomplished this week. No great task for someone in their 20's, but I am not in my twenties

School will take a back seat to laundry and gathering up the provisions. There is a dental appointment and a few other things coming up at the end of the week and in to the weekend. Our school week will be short, just 2 days, but that is one of the glories of homeschooling...... life does not have to take a back seat and supplementation can take place at the grocery store.

Here are a few photos from our time away. It was my mother's birthday and we took our small cabin and camped out at their cabin and enjoyed food and family - yes in that order

*This is my mom after she decorated our porch. She decorates everything

And this next photo is Grandpa chopping wood for the fire pit. MUCH needed - very cold it became!

And here's Hubby and Grandpa taking care of business.....getting ready for more family to arrive:

Notice that I didn't say how handsome Hubby is or how much I enjoyed watching him chop that wood. Take note: I did not say it!

Here's a photo of my sweet Grandma and great Aunty staying warm inside the cabin.

And then......the entertainment!

*Bub took me for a ride in Uncle Mark's buggie. I think he really liked the buggie!

*This is Aunt Tonia (my sister) and Uncle Mark (her hubby). They provided the entertainment by bringing all of their toys. You can tell how much fun they are by this pic - can't you?

*Here are the birthday girls blowing out their candles

*The homemade banner Jo and I made before we left. This was a lot of fun!

*And the cakes we purchased at Sams and redecorated giving them our own special touch.

Fun - fun - fun! Food, family, and birthdays..........
Now I am off for my last cup of coffee and three loads of laundry

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Jan. 25, 2010 - ~The Latest from the Bub and the gang

We just returned from a short trip and I'll be posting some pics soon- before the start of a new school week on Wednesday. Until then I thought I'd post Bub's latest video. I think it's his best so far. Just my opinion though...... And this short video was actually scripted by his younger sister! Great work you two!

will.you.be.mine, VALENTINE from Jamice Ivie on Vimeo.

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Jan. 19, 2010 - ~Neato Babito!

Just found the most recent Collide magazine podcast where they are discussing a new producer. Some fella named Jamice Ivie is being featured at 13:40 on the clip below. Really cool.....check it out!

~Mommas done now

The Collide Show Episode 22 from Collide Magazine on Vimeo.

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Jan. 18, 2010 - ~Cooking With Grains - the yumminess of simplicity

I think it's amazing how much we begin to change when we become parents. Suddenly we're hit with the realization that some things are healthy and some things are not healthy. Where this knowledge comes from I'm not sure..... it wasn't there before we were parents and then suddenly it just magically appeared.

*small bucket of Oat Groat pictured above. We purchased these in large buckets or 55 pound bags and they last a very long time.....

Over the course of many years now we have educated ourselves as to what is healthy and what is not healthy. It's interesting to see what our parents, grandparents, and great grandparents ate. We can learn a lot from our ancestors!

I've talked with my Grandmother and asked her a multitude of questions over the past few years (and written here on the blog as well). I am always curious how things were done, how people lived, and how they ate. Almost every family, in days gone by, had at least a small garden. And most had chickens as well. The grocery stores were small and nothing like what we have now. Of course city life was different than country life, but even in the city there were small garden plots for the family.

*Bread making kitchen mess

Gary and I stopped in to our local health food store the other day and picked up a few esssentials. Braggs apple cider vinegar and a bottle of amino acids. Of course we looked around the store for a bit and gasped at the prices of the diet/ weight loss products. $44.00 for this bottle....$55.00 for this bottle.....yikes....yikes....and YIKES! I just could not believe the prices!

This prompted a conversation between the two of us, which led me to this post...... If you want to eat healthy, save money, and not ~~get big and fat~~ put on a ton of weight, food prep with grains may be the answer you've been looking for.

A couple of days ago I opened a bucket of grain and ground to a fresh ground flour. When you grind your flour and use it fresh, it is loaded with nutrients. Within 72 hours flour begins to go rancid and has lost aprox 80% of it's nutrients. So making your own flour at home is cheap AND healthy! And besides that.... the most amazing aroma fills the entire house and that makes for a very happy husband!

*Baby J enjoying Mama's homemade honey butter

There's more to grains than just bread making though..... You can sprout grains and add them to your smoothies (I LOVE doing this!) or eat them plain (I LOVE this too!). You can add your grains to snack mixes or granolas (the children love to snack on raw groats). And you can cook them in soups or as a side dish, much like rice or pasta.

One of our most favorite breakfasts is fresh Oat Groats. This is the stuff Oat Meal comes from and we buy in large buckets very inexpensively..... A little butter, and honey or sugar, and you've got a super healthy meal for about $1.50! We make sure we have enough leftover to make chocolate chip oat muffins for our lunch as well

This is one of my priorities as the keeper of our home. I do not know a mother that does not take this seriously. And I think it's a shame when I hear of people getting in to credit card debt just to pay their health food habit. We really can do better. God has provided for us so well in this country and it really is the simple ingredients that feed us well.

And as for the children...... you won't have a bunch of whiners if you raise them right. If you're giving them everything they want and they're use to junk food and fast food...... they are going to have to be re-trained, but that's easier than some might think. Little changes...... CONSISTENTLY is the key. And you do not have to get in debt to do any of it!

Do what you can with what you have. Make the most of what you've got. Start now....where you are and leave the rest up to God. May HE find us faithful!

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Jan. 15, 2010 - ~Bittersweet.....

Last week we finished our marathon reading of a very good book I'd like to recommend by Hesba Stretton. The book is entitled Cobwebs and Cables and was published in 1881. If you're interested in the book, or other great books, you can find them at Lamplighter Publishing.

I must say that I was not prepared for the ending of our latest read. The past few titles have been neat and tidy, but this book left me angst! The story centers around a good man whom many looked up to and regarded highly. And as Hamby says: "But it soon becomes clear that one lie from a "truthful" man is more hurtful than all the lies of a liar." And you begin to see the web being woven by one simple, simple, decision of this good man.

As we read I anticipated his repentance. Each chapter passed and it never came. Oh he was horribly sorry and he hated that everyone he cared for had to suffer the consequences of his decision, but as sad as he was each chapter passed without him doing hard things.....doing God's will.....absolutely - 100%.

Had I written Cobwebs and Cables it would have been neat, ironed, folded, and stacked decently and in order, but then again..... I wouldn't have learned as much. God says if we do things His way that things will generally go well and though life has a few speed bumps, we will experience great peace by not trusting in our own thoughts or emotions. The Word of God encourages us to do His will, not lean on our own understanding, acknowledge Him in all our ways, and He will make our paths STRAIGHT. And the past few books we have read....... exhibited that idea plain and clear!

Hesba wrote this book with a different purpose....she had to. I wonder what it was that caused her to write this story in this way. And the truth is we see similiar stories involving 'human nature/sin nature' all throughout the Bible and all throughout daily lives. It is a rare thing for a man to honor the Lord to such a degree as to do hard things. Had Roland Sefton (the main character) done what was truly right, the outcome would have been much different. And the hero of the story..... a simple girl, a girl so rooted and grounded in the love of God that I thought would be able to see plainly what needed to be done. Alas...... she too leaned on her own understanding!

Even to the near end of the book, I kept thinking all was going to be made right. The children knew how it was going to end, and I knew in my heart..... but these stories wrap you up and this one kept me hoping for a true change in Roland Sefton's heart. What we learned from Cobwebs and Cables is what we learn in real life. God subtly gets pushed to the side lines, even in the lives of his people, and our lives are not as powerful as they would have been. Noone is exempt from this. In fact..... the consequences seem much more provocative when it involves a good man..... a good family.

If you're looking for an interesting read and you're okay with facts of reality and would like a good dose of realistic truth of human nature (sin nature).....this is the book for you. We all fall short of the gloriy of God. We are all in need of a Savior! And if you do things as Roland Sefton did things...... you will end up like Roland Sefton. Bittersweet with an aftertaste.

Now here's something that never leaves an after taste..... The Word of God on the lips of children. Our children!

Psalm 103 8 from Jamice Ivie on Vimeo.

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Jan. 8, 2010 - ~WAKE UP CHILDREN! It's snowing outside!!!

Mom, this isn't snow!

Close enough!

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Jan. 7, 2010 - ~A Day in the Life - Tinkertoys

One of the love hate relationships that I have is in regards to entertainment. I would much rather the children create than to zone out in front of the boob tube. It really is a constant struggle for the mother though, especially for the mother with little ones. We have many things that need to be accomplished and the movie box seems like a quick and easy fix.

Here are a few suggestions for keeping away from the boob tube. I'll write them here so that *I* will remember on those no so friendly gray matter days.... is it gray or grey? Hmm... Anyways...if anyone has any ideas to add, PLEASE post. I/We need all the help we can get and besides, the blog has been very dull lately

*Organize certain toys to come out on certain days. You could have three or four totes that are organized somewhere inaccessibly.... Monday/Tuesday Lincoln logs. Wednesday/Thursday Tinkertoys. Friday/Saturday Play doh and/or modeling clay. Sunday Bible Felt Fun.

*Or you could schedule within your day certain activities..... times for clay. Times for coloring. Times for building.

I think the big issue is to be mindful, which is really hard 'IN THE MOMENT'. Because 'IN THE MOMENT' all our brain space has been occupied by lunch, potty training, school, dinner, laundry, bathroom duty, character training, budgeting, couponing, hygiene, dental appointments, etc.... etc.... . So if we can plan in advance, just a little, we can add to our motherly sanity

Below are photos of the children playing with one of their favorite toys. They can play for hours!

*And a link that I found today and I'd just like to add many other forms of media to this list:

Dangers of Television

-forgive her dress- she was in the middle of a safari expedition when she spied her brothers playing tinkertoys and decided to join in

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Jan. 5, 2010 - ~Merry Christmas/ Happy New Year letter 2009

Merry Christmas! I am attempting to get this one out in time to actuallly and truly be able to call it a Christmas Letter!

I'm thinking about the children today. Nothing new I suppose.....there are a lot of them around here. Children are some of the best teachers! Don't you think? I cannot count the times that I have learned a valued lesson from our children. Just in the past 36 hours there have been two lessons I have learned from these sweet-luv-blessings from the Lord. The first came by way of a conversation with our six year old the other night. It was an amazing lesson and spoke to me about the strengths and weaknesses of various personalities. And often...... our strengths are also our very weaknesses.

Then last night, as we were celebrating a birthday, I was taught another lesson. The birthday boy was blessed (by his sister) with a homemade airplane cake, homemade airplane hat, and a homemade name banner. His eyes grew twice their size as he opened the decorated bag and spied the gift. He could not even touch the present - he was too excited! All day long he watched as we prepared for his special day. The meal - prepared for him. The cake - for him. The present - for him. Everything we did, we did with this little fella in mind. And the beaming look of appreciation was evident!

Children are amazing. They are honest and transparent. When they are happy you know they are happy. When they are upset you KNOW they are upset! Little by little we parents train them to be the ruler of themselves. We gently guide them in ways that help them interract with others. That is part of our responsibility as parents. That is why we don't see grown men and women pitching fits in department stores......usually.

To be honest, much of my time as a mother is devoted to teaching....training....guiding....reprooving....counseling. That's not a complaint. That's just a fact and something that I totally signed up for. Sometimes I get busy....or distracted....and not too long after I see the fruit of becoming busy or distracted.

Approximately 36 hours ago Gary and I sat in our chairs not knowing what to do. We wanted to impart some wisdom to a specific child, but were at a loss for wisdom. Then gradually.......it became apparent. It was the neatest thing! Gary opened the Bible looking for a passage that I was not aware of, while I laid hands on a book, red coaster, and a white index card. I began to teach the child using these objects, bringing home a message of truth. As I was finishing, Gary read the passage he was looking for and went through the passage with us one by one, clarifying how this scripture applied to the child's life. The teaching illustration and the scripture passage went together perfectly. That was God! Our children need wisdom and if we think we have it in ourselves to impart to them what they need, 100% of the time, without divine instruction - we're nuts!

I am constantly humbled by God's grace and goodness. We ask and receive wisdom. It's that simple. And then there is the side eddy that comes along...... the little tidbit that we get to keep for ourselves. For though we had no idea what the issue was that needed addressing, God revealed this to Gary and I and also spoke to me about grown-up life issues as well. After all...... we're all just children grown up with our big people clothes on.

And when I think of the birthday boy and his absolute thankfulness. The joy in his eyes when he blew out the candles. The look of 'specialness' at seeing his name on the paper banner. The absolute glee and free hearted expression when he opened his one simple gift. I experience how blessed it is to give! I think of the joy of the Lord and the angels rejoicing when one simple soul enters the Kingdom of Heaven. For this is why the baby came - to seek and save the lost. That sweet little baby was the great teacher. I praise God and Thank Him for saving me. I praise God and Thank Him for giving us wisdom in day-to-day life! Thank you Jesus! Precious baby. El-Shaddai!

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Family update:

I suppose I'll start the family update with the head of the family. Gary is an encourager and a steady. He's the one we all call when there is a problem that needs to be solved. Funny, because I've talked with people he works with and he does the same there too! I love him.....love him......love him! Going on 21 years of marriage and {young people listen} it only gets BETTER! Praise God!

J#1 graduated this year! He has made several short films. Helped film Freedom Fest 09. And has also been blessed to work on the set of a new film as well. As we look ahead to the coming year we take comfort in knowing that God has all the details worked out. J is learning to lean on the everlasting arms of Jesus. To Trust and Obey.....for there's no other way!

J#2 had her thirteenth birthday this year! She is growing up and time is trotting along quite quickly! One of the highlights of the year this year was the cake decorating class that she and I took together. Her chicken population also grew from 3 to 8 this year and we appreciate the healthy eggs they give us! We've had lots of laughs from our special little hen family as well. You can often see them chasing Jo around the yard or in a child's arms being cuddled. We have one that comes when we call her name and another that lays on her back for Jo to stroke her tummy.

J#3 is next in the birth order line. He is usually the one that helps out with the chickens, loves animals and has a natural easy going personality. J reminds me of Gary the most. He's a quiet doer. J has taken a special interest in the garden this year and he is often the star in Jamice's short films. He takes direction very well, which has made him the perfect candidate for being the third born, stand in, do just about anything your older brother and sister wants you to do! If there's something to do and you need an extra hand, J#3 is who we call!

J#4 is our little hee man - full of life and laughter. He is naturally inclined to hearing wisdom, if presented in such and such a way. He trusts God and wants to know if something is true or pretend. Last night at dinner he said outloud: "Make you pee out rocks". We were talking about drinking too much coke and that was his short and simple response on the topic. Sometimes I wonder if they're too well informed.

J#5 is the epitome of her name! She has big bright eyes and has Daddy and the rest of us wrapped around her cute little finger! I think of the power of a sweet and gentle spirit when I think of J. She is one of our household encouragers and has a way of lifting our spirits. Last night she accidently found her Christmas present in our closet. She does not know it is her present though. She came out to me, eyes big, voice quiet (picture Shirley Temple) and said: "Mama. There's a big doll in the garbage." (We have it hidden in a garbage bag). I said: "Oh, my! We must throw it away then." "Oh no Mama. She's a beautiful doll. We cannot throw her away. She's incredibly beautiful".

J#6. The baby. The class clown! If he could make money for faces he'd be a millionaire! J was the very first child that said he wanted to remain the baby. He still likes all the attention and cuddles that come with being the youngest and he has a funny tendency to pick on the older ones as well. Lately though he has said that he would like to have another little baby in the house. What that means....... noone knows ;)

Me. The one that writes these yearly updates fascinated by the fact that people read them...... I am in to everything with everyone. Busy - busy - busy! I enjoy frequent dates with my husband. Jo and her cake decorating. Bub with his movies. And each child in their ever changing whim and imagination. I find the greatest joys in sharing the loves of my loves. I also enjoy gardening, or as my dear friend says of me.....'I LOVE gardening!' We experienced lots of fresh veggies this year and am planning on growing my plots this coming Spring. Lately Gary has encouraged me to expand my photography. I LOVE photography too! So that is my new venture, as long as it doesn't interfere with family life.

To catch up with our family and all the twists and turns of the day to day living, please visit our blog at: www.homeschoolblogger.com/ivleague

We wish you a beautiful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

And now to post a short video to end this Christmas Letter. I'll probably listen to this song and watch this video 5 times today. A wonderful song by Michael Card:

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Jan. 4, 2010 - ~The blog is moving.....wah....wah.....wah

We have just officially transferred our blog. I will try to get our Christmas Letter up here within the next day or so (because I ran out of ink on the printer!) and anyone interested in the new blog address - just let us know! Hit the email button and we'll give you the addy a.s.a.p! Cannot believe we are finally doing this! We've talked about it for a very long time.....

Kiss Kiss
Hug Hug
Nighty-night All!

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Jan. 3, 2010 - ~A blog is a Mama's brag book - didn't you know that?!

There is always a lot going on around here. Most of what we do and participate in are quiet sort of things. Lately we have been reading a book. It's becoming a tradition to begin a new book shortly after the start of the New Year. The book we are reading at this time is the book: Cobwebs and Cables, by Hesba Stretton, published 1881. We're pacing ourselves and will finish the book sometime this week, if all goes well.

So as we gather round the furnace and cuddle up with our pillows, the littlest ones will drift off to sleep hearing the fading sound of the reading voice. Media will take a back seat to some good ol fashioned reading and our family will be the better off for it. "Hesba, is that you girl? I hear you calling my name!"

Well I better git! Don't want to use up all my computer time in one sitting For now, please enjoy the following videos. The first - my two babies. They put this short together for a contest last week. The requirements were that they had to keep it under 1 minute and they also had to use three security elements (candy, cold breath, and a list). Oh.... and they had to do this in 12 HOURS! They did an AMAZING job! No they didn't win....but they did an AMAZING job all the same! (song written and performed by the amazing Matthew Morgan! A BIG Thank you to Matthew as well!!!)

There's more to come - along these lines. The second was filmed and edited by our son and he did this in 2 days. This was done for a church's Life group and I think it was quite the neat idea, so hats off to Marcus! Don't you just love creative people?!

Gotta r~u~n..... I think Hesba's getting a little heated

Get a LIFE, promo from Jamice Ivie on Vimeo.

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