Apr. 21, 2008
Homeschool Buyers Co-op

Did you all know about The Homeschool Buyer Co-op?  It is a free homeschooling organization for both new and veteran homeschoolers.  The Homeschool Buyers Co-op is the nation's largest purchasing cooperative for homeschooling families  The Co-op is able to combine the purchasing power of thousands of homeschooling families around the country to give homeschoolers the same purchasing discounts as school districts -- they can offer homeschool member discounts from 10% to 70% off publishers' retail prices!

Co-op membership is FREE (and confidential), and entitles homeschooling families to discounts from over a hundred educational suppliers.  They also sponsor "Group Buys" for curriculum packages that save homerschooling families lots of money. On the site you'll find lots of free information, such as databases of free curriculum, field trips, and educational contests and scholarships. You also earn 100 SmartPoints absolutely FREE just for joining the Co-op, and you can find out ways to earm more by going to their website.  (SmartPoints are a special form of Co-op currency that you can use to purchase many of the award-winning programs through Co-op exclusives).

Click on the icon for the HOMESCHOOL BUYERS CO-OP on my right side bar for more information

Mar. 13, 2008
50 States Study

I Am A New Creation has a fabulous idea that our family hopes to join in on.  She is spearheading a 50 Great States Study over on her blog. 

She'll be using Beverly Hernandez's Our 50 Great States Study.  She is also going to use "The Complete Book of Presidents & States" grades 4-6 from American Education Publishing.  We already have that ($6 at Sam's), as we are going to be focusing on US History & Geography in our Classical Conversations cycle next year (both our 8 yo DD & 4 yo DS know their states and capitals, thanks to Audio Memory).   She also has a file with recipes from each state and other things to share with those who want to participate.

Mar. 13, 2008
St. Patrick's Day Resources

Feb. 29, 2008
S&T Fri -- More Indian Treasures

DH brought home some lovely gifts from India last month for our family...

A sari for me and a suit for him (their suits are different.  Lighter fabric with a special top only.  He had both his suit and my sari specially tailored.  He went with our friends from the ministery and she and the children helped pick out my sari colors.  Below is an example of the amazing detail of the embordiery.)  We wore them the Sunday the team shared with the church about their trip.  I recieved many compliments; I said that I wonder if we will wear something like this in heaven -- it so beautiful, light, and elegant.

Darling Daughter loves her 2 outfits her daddy got for her.  She wore the princess dress for the India Missions Sunday, and the punjabi to our Classical Conversations co-op as part of her presentation one week. (A punjabi is a tunic with pants.)

Example of the amazing beadwork, etc.

Below is what DH calls his "man dress." He hasn't worn it, but thinks it will make a perfect wise man costume someday.

Another punjabi for me fas a gift rom the sweet wife of the man who runs the minstry.  We love this couple so much and are blessed to know them.  We are praying that they & their children will come to visit us this summer during their annual time in the States.

This is the neatest bowl.  It is a flat peice of wood cut in a spiraling star to creat the "bowl"...

A fruit bowl whose base is cut from one single piece of wood.  Through all the items DH brought back, I've come to appreciate the amazing craftmanship of those who made them.

DH brought back 3 spreads for "his girls."  Two are not shown; one is a beautiful tableclothe/spread for DD when she gets older and another is a summer spread for our bed.  The one below has its home over the back of our couch and I love it everytime I see it...

Please join the rest of the crowd for Show&Tell every Friday! Get all the information over at:

and...

...along with what this week's participants are sharing.

Feb. 28, 2008
A Top Favorite Christian Speaker

My DH and I have greatly enjoyed -- and been greatly challenged by -- the ministry of Voddie Baucham the last few weeks. We are soaking it up and are discussing what Dr. Baucham preaches, and applications within our lives and our families.  DH says he is the best speaker he's heard so far on the topic of family, marriage, faith, etc.  Here are some sites that we've found that have information about him, along with several of his talks.

• www.voddiebaucham.org
• http://www.gracefamilybaptist.net  (his church in Texas)
• http://psalm305.blogspot.com/2007/03/voddie-baucham-mp3-sermons.html (lots of hours of great teaching, speaking, etc.)
• http://www.familydrivenfaith.org
• His new book Family Driven Faith (on our "wish list")

Feb. 15, 2008
S&T Fri -- Darling Daughter's Tea Set

Favorite things of my eight year-old daughter...

...Her new tea set that we found yesterday at the thrift store*

...Lace gloves from Vision Forum that she purchased with her Liberty doll

...Mini garden tools from our dear friend who sees and encourages God's gifts in DD

...Birds and flowers -- she loves to be outside, gathering flowers and seeing God's creation

=====================================================================

Our sweet daughter adores all things "girly."  She is our creative, artistic dreamer.  Over the last few weeks, I really have been blessed with a prayer answered -- to have my daughter's heart.  It has been such a joy to see her grow and to know that we are walking together as a mother and daughter should.  We've (darling hubby & I) read about it and for the last eight years we've worked on developing that foundation of obedience, love, respect, honor, and closeness with her.  And over the last few weeks, we've really see the fruit of doing so. 

As a parent, I can only describe the process in our particular family's life as finding a manual on proper growing of a "tree" (or in this case, a godly child).  Then taking the steps to "plant" the seed.  Then to care and nurture it.  Then to see the tree start to bud, then open up and blossom.  We see now the fruit forming, and it is sweet and good.  God's word is faithful and I can only encourage all of you to take the time to really know your kids.  This is a journey and we are still near the beginning.  But it hits me deeply every once in a while, that we are almost half-way done raising our little girl, and we want to do all we can to obey the Lord in raising her.  He's been full of grace where we've failed and has encouraged us as we see the blessing of doing things according to His Word and wisdom.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Darling Daughter has taken the responsibility to be in charge of our afternoon tea times that we have a couple of times a week.  She has learned to put the water in the kettle and boil it.  She is very talented at gathering the tea items and making the table a delightful presentation.  She likes to do it "in secret" and then call me into our living room where she has it all laid out on our coffe table.

She has been using my mismatched tea cups.  One is from my grandmother and other is one I picked up.  She also is desiring a "Tea Party" themed birthday this summer.  All of this made my mothering wheels turn... "How my daughter would benefit from her own tea set," a thought that was planted by Rebekah Anast in an article in No Greater Joy.  

So whenever we are in a thrift store, my eyes are searching for a tea pot and/or a tea set.  Yesterday we were in town, so we stopped in to one of our favorite second-hand shops.  And there was a 32 (!!!) peice set, with 6 cups for only $8! .  I was amazed at the price and how pretty they were.  No tea pot was with it, but she is delighted with her set.  We will be taking 4 of the settings to a friend's today.  They just started homeschooling and we've been wanting to get together.  Since they have a young son who needs his nap, we are going over to their home and told them we'd bring the tea things.  And now darling daughter has the "perfect set" for this special day and many special days to come.

Please join the rest of the crowd for Show&Tell every Friday! Get all the information over at:

and...

...along with what this week's participants are sharing.

Jan. 31, 2008
The Meaning of My Name...

Saw this over at Juliestew's blog, so tried it out.  The third paragraph made my smile, as I don't see myself as that.

What Karla Means

You are a seeker of knowledge, and you have learned many things in your life. You are also a keeper of knowledge - meaning you don't spill secrets or spread gossip. People sometimes think you're snobby or aloof, but you're just too deep in thought to pay attention to them. You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun. You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow. You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily. Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is.

Jan. 31, 2008
Birthday Week Extravaganza & BREAKFAST BIRTHDAY CAKE

At our house, we celebrate birthdays in a fun way.  I believe it was DH who first dubbed them, "Birthday Weekend Extravaganza!!!!"  Sometimes it's the weekend when the birthday falls next to a weekend; sometimes its a week if it is in the middle. 

Two weeks ago it was my turn to celebrate.  My birthday was Wed the 16th, so we decided to make it "a week."  We started the Saturday before by me making a new recipe called a Breakfast Birthday Cake.  (see recipe below -- it is going to become a birthday breakfast tradition at our house.) 

Then that afternoon, we went to a park, did some errands, and then went out to eat at a great Indochina/Vietnamese resteraunt that a friend recommended. It was wonderful.  I wish I would of taken my camera, but darling daughter has already requested to go there for her birthday, so I'll have to take some then.  It has such a neat feel to it -- lavish, colorful decorations, and beautiful garden seating in nice weather.  You felt like you weren't in the city at all, but actually over in Vietnam, etc.  (The owner is half Vietnamese, half French.)

On "the real bday day," it was the day before DH left for India, so it was full of getting all the last minute things ready for that.  DH brought me home an ice cream cake after work and made Thai food for us.  He got candles shaped like a "3" and a "4" for the cake -- Little Man kept reading it from the other side and kept saying, "Mama, you are fffforrrteeee ttthhhrrreeee."  (I'm 34.) 

BREAKFAST BIRTHDAY CAKE

Ingredients:

Round loaf of bread

3 eggs

2/3 c. milk

1 T. sugar

1 T vanilla

3 c. fresh strawberries

1/2 c. strawberry preserves

1c. whipping cream

4 oz. softened cream cheese

1 T. sugar

1/2 t. vanilla

1.  Cut crust off bottom of bread.  Slice bread into 3 parts.  Set aside the top for another use. 

2.  Preheat skillet or griddle to med to med-high heat.  Mix together eggs, milk, 1 T. sugar and 1 T. vanilla.  Dip bread into egg mixture; let soak 1 minute each side.  Melt 1 T butter on griddle and cook soaked bread for about 5 minutes or until golden.

3.  Meanwhile (helpers are good here), slice the strawberries and place in large bowl.  Melt the preserves on high in microwave for 20-30 seconds; pour over berries and toss to coat.  set aside

4.  In chilled mixing bowl combine whipping cream, cream cheese, 1T. sugar and 1/2 t. vanilla.  Beat until soft peaks form. 

5.  Place bottom of bread on a serving platter.  Top with 1-2 cups of strawberry mixture.  Then top with second bread round.  Top with remaining strawberries and whipped cream mixture.  I dusted ours with powdered sugar.  Carefully cut into wedges.  Serve immediately.  Makes 10 servings.

Jan. 29, 2008
Quote of the Day

"I consider being a wife and mother a career. I have great respect for women -- both those who go out and do their thing and those who stay at home. I think those who stay at home have a lot more courage than those who go out and get a job."

This was said by Margaret Truman, Harry Truman's daughter.  She died today at the age of 83.  To read more, CLICK HERE.

Jan. 25, 2008
India Update

DH (Darling Husband) left last Thursday, Jan 17 with the other 4 team members from our church.   We dropped him off at our pastor's house, whose wife (TK) is a dear friend of mine, and then the kids & I headed up to see our friends in Richmond. We spent 5 days there, enjoying our friends' company.  The kids played, my friend and I were able to catch up and watch some great movies from the new Jubilee Film Festival that her sister gave her for Christmas, and the kids & I were able to see another dear friend on Friday who is always encouraging to us all and covered us & DH in prayer.  (I met with TK on Wed and we both agreed that we feel so blessed and in the Lord's grace. The kids are on their best behavior and are little angels, and we are getting lots of snuggle time -- our days are going so smoothly, so thank you all who are praying. We definately can tell!  God is so good!)

DH called Saturday night to let us know they had made it into Bombay, but that their luggage hadn't ever made it on the plane from Newark.  Long story short, they  received everything just fine a couple of days ago.  DH packed light and had everything in his carry-on.  When I asked about the others, he said our pastor had brought books in his carry-on, but no clothes.   He did survive just fine, but he told his wife how glad he was when he could change into a different pair of pants (he had worn the same pair 4+ days).

In retrospect, it was good that our pastor had his things to help teach & preach, because apparently Yesupadem has been calling on him to preach and teach alot.  We warned him and the others (DH's cousins have gone there for almost a year between high school and college) that Yesupadem will tell you a few minutes before the teaching/preaching begins, "So and so, you will give the long sermon tonight; Mr. ___, you will preach the short sermon; Mrs. ___, you will share your testimony."  God has given them the words every time; our pastor said it's amazing how God just puts in it you to pour it out.

The team is doing great. (Several other teams from the US have gotten very sick with dysentery -- so far everyone from our group hasn't gotten ill; however there is one woman in our group suffering from a sinus infection, so please keep her in your prayers.)

They are very busy going out to villages to preach, etc.  They are also baptizing people, and are gleaning so much wisdom from Yesupadem.  Our pastor said Yesupadam is  modern day Paul and that he has been astounded by the strength God gives Yesupadam to keep up this rigorous schedule. 

The last we heard from Rich was Sunday, the 20th and he sounded fabulous.  They left shortly after arriving in Visag for a 3-hour trip each way to a crusade and didn't get back until 1:30 in the morning (has been their typical schedule).  The drive "was insane...herds of water buffalo in the road... for all intents and purposes, the only traffic rules is don't hit anyone."

They had a great time with the pastor's family there in that village and had dinner with them.  DH was so excited, as he wasn't expecting any meat on this trip, and the pastor's wife lovingly gave them curry with fish, goat, and chicken, I believe.  The kids & I prayer blessings upon blessings upon that woman and her family, as we knew it was a sacrifice for them.  My friend updated me some more the other day and said that the family didn't eat with them, and her husband (our pastor) asked why.  He was informed that there wasn't enough for their family to eat and their guests, so they were giving their meal to their visitors.  He said he looked at their little children and couldn't eat anymore, knowing that they would be skipping a meal.  This apparently is very much the custom from what we've heard from DH's cousins.  It is very humbling and a great example of sacrifice.  The kids and I had a good talk about if we were in that position would we do the same, etc.

Even though I haven't heard directly from DH since Sunday, the other wives & I have been sharing information, so we have an idea of how everything is going.  Apparently, DH is enjoying every minute and our pastor says he's never seen him so full of joy. I can't wait to see DH in person and spend the days after he gets back hearing his heart.  (He has the camera, so I've been without one.  Hopefully he is taking LOTS of pictures!)   They will be back by the end of the weekend, and my friend & I are planning a welcome back supper for those on the team.  We are also getting together tonight, as our children are good friends and they will be sharing supper with us and spending the night.  She is such a blessing and a good friend -- the kind who "iron sharpens iron."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I just got a call from DH write after penning the above lines.  They will be heading home tomorrow, around noon.  (It's 11pm there now.)  They will be attending a meeting in the morning before they go.

He and another gentleman from our church (who is on staff and does e-media), met with an American (SA) who goes to India frequently and stays and helps the ministry with their computers and videoing, etc.  They worked on the 3 laptops DH brought which are now ready for the ministry, and they have one person trained who can in turn, with SA, train the rest of those who need to. DH wanted to see which server system would be best for the ministry, so will order them one when he gets it back and will have it shipped directly there.

He said they have eaten curry 30 meals in a row -- for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  (DH LOVES curry and Indian food, so he is definately getting his fill.)  He is bringing some curry mixes home, so I'm looking forward to him cooking us some when he gets back -- DH is a fabulous cook, especially in the area of ethnic dishes.  I told him about the plan for dinner when they get back, and also teased him about our dinner plans for tonight (steaks, garlic roasted potatoes, apple crisp). 

He said a good family friend of the cousins' are there; we actually bought a home from him when we first lived in Richmond.  They are having a good time with him and his son, and they will be leaving soon after spending 3 weeks there.  DH was able to spend time with the Padem's children the other day and colored with them from the postor-sized coloring books he brought for the ministry.  He also walked with a little Indian boy up to the Prayer Mountain (land on a mountain which will eventually be a large hospital, staff housing, old-age & disabled housing, and at the very top, a prayer tower).  He said Yesupadam said just to follow the road, but DH said it was more like rocks and a partial trail. 

Thank you again, all our family and friends, for your continued prayers in their last moments there and traveling back home.  Our church is planning on having them share at least one Sunday, probably more, on the teams time there.  I will share pictures and more news when they arrive home.

Jan. 11, 2008
S&T Fri--India on my Mind

DH is going to India very soon!!!  We are so excited!!!

(read below to find out more about the trip)

So for this Friday, I wanted to share a few treasures we've received from our family and friends from there in the past....

• The hand-carved table was from his cousin.  It is so lovely & intricate.  It has 3 legs which fold together and the top detatches -- what a great design to take home in his suitcase to surprise us with.  You can see elephants on the bottom.
• Hand-carved box (everything is hand made ).
• Vase is a lovely mix of different colored metals.
• The wooden elephant and the stone-carved elephants were gifts to our children from our friends.
• The little wooden bowl is a favorite of our DD's.  It has a little wooden spoon also, but I forgot to include it in the picture.

Please join the rest of the crowd for Show&Tell every Friday! Get all the information over at:

and...

...along with what this week's participants are sharing.

More about the trip....

A team is going from our church to help our friends with their ministry,Love N Care.  (To read more about how we met them, etc, please read HERE)  It is the first time a team from our church is going, so we are all very excited.  I've helped coordinated the trip for them, since we are the ones who know the Padems, and I've learned great things like working with a travel agent, vaccinations, passports, visas, travel restrictions, etc, etc, etc.  We considered having me go too, but since it's the first time one of us has gone overseas for a length of time, we were concerned about the kids, etc.  My friend (whose husband is also going) and I have talked about how it's just not our time or season to go -- we both would love to go, but with little ones now, we know that someday we will have the opportunity and are currently doing all we can do help our husbands prepare for their trips.

We've put in (& received) on-line orders for bulk crayons and huge poster-sized corloring books for the school children at the ministry, and extra Grapefruit Seed Extract for hubby to take (It is honestly some of the best stuff in the world!  We take it every day and it's helped keep us healthy.  A drop with some Vit E oil made the kids' rare earaches disappear in 5-10 minutes.  It's a disinfectant, etc.  Marvey stuff!)  DH even found a ministry on-line that is blessing us with some free Bible software for them!

DH is in the computer field, so he's gotten some laptops donated to help the ministry's computer center, and will be helping them with that.  Two dear ladies are going that were/are in the education field, so they will be helping at the school and are bringing wonderful crafts, school supplies, etc.  I need to run by the store and pick up a few requests from our friends who have the ministry (vitamins, soap, etc). 

Here are some prayer requests, if my sweet blogging friends would like to share in this with us...

• Pray that God would go before them and prepare those they  will be ministering to.
• Pray that God would prepare and protect their hearts, minds, souls & bodies.
• Pray that God would use them to spread His Gospel, and both encourage -- and be encouraged by -- the brothers & sisters in the Lord there.
• Pray that God's hand of protection would cover them throughout the trip

Jan. 3, 2008
January Goals & Habits

The power of habits is very important, and there are some I would like to implement for myself and my sweet children.  Knowing that just a few introduced at a time and mastered well are far better than trying to accomplish everything at once -- and ending up in failure (because it was just too overwhelming) -- I'm breaking it down, especially for the kids.  We will be working on just a few habits, etc each month.  I will also be breaking down my larger goals into more easily accomplished "bite-sized pieces."

First, for "the mama":

(I'm using God's Word, especially Proverbs 31, etc to help focus my goals-- not just for "a year" but for a lifetime.  See verses below to see which ones I'm focusing on this month.)

1.  Make Fridays my "Crafts & Creativity" Day.  Will be working on making the top of Little Man's quilt.

 13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. 

 19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 

 22 She makes coverings for her bed;    (In this case, my son's bed.)

2.  During any free minutes (like while eating my breakfast or lunch, or those quiet moments after the kids are in bed) "peruse, then purge" some magazines from my overflowing magazine basket, and then set them aside to give to our local nursing home.  (I have a terrible "back-log" as you can see, as I got a stack this summer from a friend that she passed along, and I also recieve Better Homes & Gardens, The Old Schoolhouse, homeschool catalogs, etc.  I've decided to not renew my subscription to BH&G.  There are magazines at the libraries for free, if I ever want to look at any in the "home, garden & recipes" catagories.)

 20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.

3.  Have a cup or 2 of hot tea every day.  I've gotten away from this and miss it.   The nutritional goodness of it with the different herbal teas in my stash, how it warms me up in the cold weather, and how it slows me down and soothes my very spirit -- I enjoy & benefit from it all.  I've promised myself that when I've finished my current tea stash, I'll treat myself to some from The Bulk Herb Store.

4.  Wake up an hour earlier.  Over the holidays, my body lapsed into sleeping in with all of the late nights and "no school" to do.  I get so much more accomplished when I'm up before my household.  Eventually, I'll get back to where I was in November (5am-ish somedays, which was wonderful!).  In Feb, I'll see about adding in working out some mornings, but hey..... I'm working up to it. 

 15 She gets up while it is still dark;

5. Start on my reading list.   (see side bar for titles) I have a stack that I went through over the holidays of "would like to read this year."  This month I'll start my reading/study of Created to Be His HelpMeet again this year (will be my 3rd time through, as I read it once a year).  I bought the journal and just want to soak it all in and study the verses, etc again that Debi points out.  The other book I'll be reading is "Captivating" as DH got that for me and wants to know what I think (he has enjoyed Eldridge's books for men).

 10 A wife of noble character who can find?  She is worth far more than rubies.

 11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

5. "Gentle voice, gentle heart."  I was convicted of this while reading something on the NGJ site:

"Never yell unless they (your children) are about to step in front of a moving vehicle. Yellers are never trainers; they are competitors, the other side of the street fight. Parents are cool, confident, poised, always in control. Kids yell at each other if they are not trained. But then if a parent is not trained…."

A friend once said, "I never hear you yell at your children."  (She isn't in my house day in and day out.  )  I know I can be impatient, irrated, etc and while I may not always "yell", those things do come out in my voice and actions; hence I'm not always "gentle and  self-controlled."  So since the Spirit convicted, I thank the Lord for revealing my lack in this area, and am asking for Him to train me in it.

 26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue

 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Gal. 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

2 Pet 1:5-6 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For Darling Daughter:

1.  We will keep working on mastering her December habit/training of putting the dishes away.  (She's doing really well on this and pretty much has it down.)

2.  I'm adding "cleaning toilets" to her training list.  We worked on it today and she will become responsible for cleaning the one in the bathroom she shares with her brother.

3.   I also want to really nail down her "pre-breakfast" routine with her, as I know if we master that, it will help make our days fall into place better.  (Again, it kind of went by the way-side with Grandma & Grandpa visiting, etc.)

 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

For Little Man:

1.  He loves to empty the bathroom trash cans into the main one, so I'm adding learning how to put a new liner in the kitchen trash can. (which DD takes out for us).

2.  He will also start learning how to set the table by himself (before, he was "kind of" doing it with DD) AND to take his dishes to the sink without needing reminding.    I want to really focus on this the next couple of weeks to make sure he gets these things "down pat."

3.  Will be working on "first-time obedience."

Jan. 1, 2008
Our New Year Celebrations

We decided to make our New Year's Eve relaxing, fun, and very family-focused.  It started with Little Man helping me make chocolate chip cookies.  He was a BIG helper and kept telling me that he was a "big boy to do such haaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrd work!"  It was a hoot when he said, "I'm supero-ing it, Mommy" -- he's been paying attention to his sister's Latin. (translation: "I conquer!")

Then, Darling Daughter decided that we "simply MUST" have a dancing party, so she donned on old prom dress of mine that is one of her favorites to dress up in, and then came to find me.  "What are you going to wear, Mommy?"  Knowing I couldn't disappoint her high hopes and feeling like seeing the expression on Darling Hubby's face, I had her come to my room and we searched the depths of my closet for one of my few formal gowns. 

We had a candle-lit dinner of Glorified Chili , along with fresh-baked cookies for dessert.  Then the dancing began!  Little Man sported a jacket we keep around for dress-up and the four of us danced and laughed and played the night away to some fun classical waltzes and big band music.  We even tried out some of the new games the kids had received from Christmas.  Afterwards, we "fast-forwarded" the schoolhouse clock on our wall to chime out "midnight" for us (really it was 9pm), and then toasted with sparkling apple cider to a "Happy New Year!"

For the first day of the year, we went to the golf course where DH played a few holes while the other 3 of us encouraged him and snuggled together in the golf cart.  We love to go golfing as a family -- what a joy it is to spend time together and see the glorious nature there is on the course.

 Afterwards, we ate out at a favorite resteraunt (where Little Man decided to see what would happen to a styrofoam cup when you stabbed its side with a butter knife -- RESULT:  vast and quick leakage!  Our waitress was kind, as she had little ones of her own and Little Man was told he doesn't need to repeat his experiement ever again.)

 We wrapped up our "first family outing of 2008" by going to the beach and enjoyed flying a kite. It was an EXTREMELY blustery day, but we had a great time even if we were a bit wind-blown.

Dec. 29, 2007
"Create in Me a Clean Heart" Devotional

Dec. 29, 2007
Laced With Grace give-away!

Go to the  Laced with Grace site to enter the wonderful give-away they are doing for New Years.

The package will include a Women of Faith study Bible (NIV/Hardcover); Lisa Whelchel’s Bible study tool for busy moms; a coffee mug from “Mugs of Truth“; the DVD “The Nativity Story“; the book “Love and Respect“; and a music CD by Becky Knight, who just released her first CD.   

You can sign up to win this package through Jan 1st & the winner will be announced on Jan 2nd, 2008.

Dec. 28, 2007
S&T Fri -- Our Family's Christmas

Make a postcard - it's easy!

Dec. 21, 2007
S&T Fri -- Twas the Week Before Christmas

A "snapshot", via poetry, of what our week was like....

Twas the week before Christmas,

and all through my house,

the kids spent a relaxing time playing,

while I scurried around like a busy mouse.

The last of the goodies are made,

thanks to some helpful hands.

Cards & packages finally mailed out,

to family & friends around the land.

The grandparents are coming,

they will be here late tomorrow,

my dishwasher has been broken,

and caused me great sorrow.

I didn't complete everything on my list,

but that has been alright --

My family & I are still blessed,

for our hearts are filled with the Lord's joyful light.

DH & I have been married 10 years, so DD & I took the cards that we have received over the years and cut them apart and put them on white cardstock to send out as our cards this year.  It was a fun project and it was so fun to look through all the different ones.

Every year, we make a gingerbread house and DD is the official “Gingerbread House Designer."  This year she led creating “A Mouse House Wedding” themed one.  We are pleased to announce that Mr. & Mrs. Gum E. Mouse were married in the front garden of their new home by Rev. Horse.  Mr. Moose spent time sipping from the well, while Mr. Pole R. Bear peeked from around the corner trying to crash the wedding.

 My mother-in-law gave me some neat jello molds a few years back, but we don't really eat jello.  I decided to take the broken crayons we had, melt them down in the oven, and them pour them into the molds.  They turned out great, and they will be one of Little Man's stocking stuffers.

Please join the rest of the crowd for Show&Tell every Friday! Canadagirl has all the information right HERE, along with this week's participants.

Dec. 14, 2007
S&T Fri -- Someone From Hope, AK

We went to Charleston, SC for a quick day trip last Saturday.  We had spent the day at the plantations that we had memberships to, and were walking around the city late in the afternoon after playing with the kids at Battery Park.  As we headed into the Market St. area, we noticed a state police car and a much lager crowd than normal.  Someone said, "Yeah, Bill Clinton is over there!"

We've never had the opportunity to see a president, current or past -- so when we were faced with the possiblity, we took it!  Telling the kids to hold our hands tightly, we went into the first Market building (exactly what it was used for 100's of years ago -- several long brick buildings in the middle of Market St where people currently come and sell assorted items). 

Well, he wasn't in the Market itself; he was on the street to one side of it.  I kept the kids as hubby tried to get through the crowd to zoom-in to get a picture.  He saw him, but had difficulty getting a good one, while the kids and I had a harder time seeing through the crowd (the perils of being short).

Finally, it dawned on us that if we moved up further, to a place where he would eventually come, we may get a chance to see him better.  So with each of us carrying a kid, we made our way through the crowd and found a spot near the street.  It was exciting to see how the secret service kept everything moving and protected him.  He only went a total of about a block, shaking hands, signing autographs, working the crowd (we saw Hillary's people there); it took him probably about an hour we are guessing, as when we first came, he was only 1/3 of the way up the street.  We got several good pics, were all able to see him pretty well, and the kids got a quick history lesson from us. 

After he was almost to the end of the block, we heard, "He's in," from one of his people in dark suits, and then his entourage was off in its line of black SUV's and police cars.  As we walked away and up the street back to Battery Park where we had parked, hubby and I talked about what a neat experience it was, and the significance of it with the kids. 

It was a "once-in-a-lifetime" experience to just stumble on it like that, but I lamented to hubby, "I really wish it was the OTHER person from Hope, Arkansas," as Mike Huckabee is my favorite candidate for 2008, and the thought of Hillary becoming president sends shivers down my spine.

When we were at our hometown parade at the end of October this year, this person was in the parade and I just had to snap a picture.  I wanted to share it, and this seems like the perfect entry to do so.

We had a relaxing day over all during our day trip to Charleston, and here are some pictures that I snapped...

Kids at Battery Park -- we had fun playing tag, Marco Polo, and just enjoying the beautiful day.

Middleton Plantation ready for Christmas

I love having kids that are the type who love nature and take time "to stop and smell the flowers."  I learn so much about how to live and enjoy life from my kids.

Darling Daughter took this picture of us, sitting among the camilla blossoms.  She's getting to be a pretty good photographer and the camillas were beautiful that day.

NO WATER, NO PROBLEM......    Usually this Pineapple Fountain is on, welcoming people to the city of Charleston.  Whenever we go there, the kids splash around it in.  As they were running through the harbor park towards it, hubby & I called, "Don't go in -- we don't want you wet today!"  To our surprise -- and the kids' sorrow -- we found it off.  Not ones to be daunted, they went in and we didn't mind. 

Please join the rest of the crowd for Show&Tell every Friday! Canadagirl has all the information right HERE, along with this week's participants.

Dec. 7, 2007
S&T Fri -- Brief Synopsis of Past Few Weeks

Sorry for the lack of posts over the last couple of weeks.  We've been a bit busy and there's been a nagging stressful thing that has been on my mind.  But on a sweeter, happier side, here are some things we've been up...

 Picked out our Christmas Tree

Went on field trip to a Railroad Museum with our county co-op group

Birds invaded our yard. 

I had a flashback to 2 things the morning I took this picture.  One was the movie "Birds" and the second was growing up on my parents farm.  Every fall & spring, black birds would rest in our large cottonwood tree and others during their migratory trek.  As I called the kids over to see all of the birds that decended in our back yard, I told them of how they used to do the same thing (but in larger numbers) at Grandma & Grandpa's

Nov. 25, 2007
HOLIDAY PLAN: Nov 25-Dec 1: Shop; Work on Kids’ Quilts; Enjoy Time with Friends

·         Listen to Christmas Radio Shows on CD from Homeschool Radio Shows

We started listening to the Christmas section of the CD over Thanksgiving weekend.  The kids love "The Cinnamon Bear" episodes, and DD and I listened to several of the shows Sunday while we were making cards.  I will be printing off the coloring book that goes along with the CD so the kids can color while they listen to it. 

·         Get books from library on Christmas, Advent, etc

·         Work on Kids’ Quilts in evenings/naptime

I've had the fabrics FOREVER, so decided it's time to just get the "gumption" to get them done.  They don't have to be perfect (I keep telling myself that -- there are many times I dream and plan big, but fail to actually complete it because I would like them to "look just so"); they just need to get done and this is the perfect time to complete them and bless the kids with them. 

·         Look at gift list and try to finish up on-line purchases this week.

Accomplished a lot over the weekend.  I got some great deals at Library & Educational Services.  (Their prices on "Focus on the Family Radio Theater" are amazing.)  I did practice great restraint, however, and feel I'm doing a good job staying within my planned budget.  DH's sweet mom & dad are giving us money, and his mom gave me instructions to buy what everyone would like and to wrap it up.  (They may fly out and don't want to have to carry it on the plane or ship it out.)

·         Make Advent Wreath for our family’s dining room table.  Start devotional Sunday night.

I have one I printed off last year that I'm going to use, and will make the wreath this week with the kids.  I saw the Old Schoolhouse's Freebie Friday with the Jesse Tree links, so may add that in next week as a family activity, as ever since I've heard about it, I've wanted our family to do it. 

 http://images.rca.org/docs/discipleship/jessepatterns.pdf

http://www.kingofpeace.org/advent/advent.htm

http://www.rca.org/NETCOMMUNITY/Page.aspx?&pid=1628&srcid=1602

·         Preparations for our time with our good friends.  

We will be spending time with some of our favorite people over the weekend, so will be preparing and planning for that this week.

·         Start Christmas letter & greeting cards. Have kids dictate/write their sections.  When completed, have DH proof-read & edit.

GREETING CARDS:  DD and I worked on this Sunday afternoon.  Darling Hubby & I were married 10 years in April and last Christmas, I went through all of the Christmas cards we have recieved in that time.  I kept the letters and put the cards in the kids' craft drawers.  We pulled the cards out today and decided to use them for our family's Christmas cards this year.  I already had blank cards made up (just cut a 8.5x11" cardstock in 1/2 and then fold each sheet).  Sweet DD and I sat and cut and trimmed the old cards to the size we needed, and glued them to the blank cards to make our own interesting homemade ones.  DD had a great time making some for her friends and grandparents. We will stamp the inside with a Christmas greeting and then they will be done.  They look really cute, and it was fun to see all the different artwork and who had given us what card.

·         Address envelopes for Christmas Cards. 

This is done for the most part (had time on Sunday night).  Just need to call my mom and dear MIL to find out the address of those family & friends I'm not sure about due to moves, etc.

·         Decorate the outside of the house.

·         Work on digital scrapbooks for my folks and in-laws.

I didn't get this accomplished it previous weeks, so I need to work on it some evenings this week.

·         Start Christmas Baking.

Our county homeschool group has a fundraiser on the annual Christmas Parade this weekend, so I need to make Christmas cookies for their bake sale.  I signed up to make Gingersnaps, Peanut Butter Truffles, and Cookie Dough Truffles.  I'll make up double-batches or so with the kids this week.  That way I can have some for the bake sale, and put the rest in the freezer for later in the holiday season.

Nov. 22, 2007
HOLIDAY PLAN for Nov. 18-24: Shop; Enjoy Thanksgiving; Family Weekend of “Purposeful Creativity”

·         Continue listening to Thanksgiving Radio Shows on CD from Homeschool Radio Shows

·         Keep reading books from library on Pilgrims, Thanksgiving, etc

·         Continue look at Scriptures on related to thankfulness, God’s provision, etc. and discussing

·         Work on charity quilts as have time.

So far this week, I have failed to have time. =^/  I think perhaps this weekend I'll hopefully have time while watching football games with DH and the kids (TV room is also the craft, etc room).

·         Buy Stamps

This was interesting, as Little Man and I did this on Monday after dropping Darling Daughter off at an activity.  The line was a bit long and only got longer behind us as the time past.  Someone was mailing a bunch a business packages, so that was taking a while.  But fortunately for us, they are renovating our post office -- a fabulous thing for a little boy to see and learn about. 

One of the workers teased Little Man and asked if he had brough his hammer.  When he replied no, the worker joked, "Man, how can you help me if you don't have a hammer?"  Little Man watched him climb a ladder and take out a drill and quipped, "My daddy has a drill" and went on and on.  We talked about why the ceiling tiles were down, what the things now exposed were and what they did (A/C, electric, cross-beams, etc), and had a great time.  Can you imagine how fun that was for a little 4 year old boy?!?  He didn't mind waiting at all, and it provided a great learning time and amusement for all.

·         Shop for Thanksgiving groceries and buy “doubles” for other holiday meals

·         Prep food on Wednesday 

This went really well -- premade the green bean casserole and the sweet potatoes and doubled so have those already done for our next holiday meal in the month to come.

·         Decorate over weekend

Every year, we buy our tree from a local family who has fresh cut trees from the mountains.  We will be buying this on Friday and will bring it home to decorate.  I'll have to post pictures next Friday of our decorating around our home.

·         Family Gift Making Project (“Cowboy Golf”)

Nov. 14, 2007
HOLIDAY PLAN for NOVEMBER 11-17: Purge & Plan; Shop