Homeschool Open House 2007...

Tiany is hosting a Homeschool Open House
and I thought it would fun to participate.
Plus, she has some wonderful possible prizes. ;o)
If you'd like to participate, be sure to visit her post.


Welcome to our Haven at Home!

Who We Are:
For those that do not know us,
we are a Christian, homeschooling,
active duty military family.
We have been blessed with four precious children,
ages 3(dd), 4(dd), 9(ds), and 14(dd).

We are about to enter our 9th year of home education.
We LOVE having our children home with us
and would never want it any other way. ;o)

Our Approach ...
We enjoy a relaxed, mostly living books approach
in our home education endeavors.
We have a 'skeleton' of a routine
but take full advantage of impromtu learning moments
and adapt to anything else that arises.

I like to begin our day together
with Bible and breakfast,
a little house blessing (picking up),
and then proceed to our learning moments.
My goal is to keep our 'official' learning moments
during the morning hours
with having nature study
and 'enrichment' times in the afternoon.
However, I am quite flexible
and we adjust where needed. ;o)
I often reevaluate our 'skeleton of a routine'
and rearrange when necessary.


Where We Learn...
Our learning is never limited to one room,
nor limited to indoors. ;o)
We tend to be in different rooms at different times.
There is no pattern in where we choose to learn.
We simply learn where we feel like learning at that time.

Many times, we use our dining room table...




Or we'll spend time in the room
that we fondly call our Reading Room...

Or in a bedroom...





Or outside...



Even in the van...



I would have to say, though, that our favorite place
would be the living room couch...







Those are really precious times!



What We Use...

I'll begin with what we do not use...
We do not use a set curriculum.
We piece together our own, personal 'curriculum'.
Each year is different.
We evaluate what we accomplished the year before,
what our interests are, what our goals are,
what we have available, etc...
Sometimes we change gears during the year
and decide to do something different
than originally planned.
This may not work for all but it works for us. ;o)

This year, we will be using much of the same plan
that we drew up for last year
with a few adjustments.
I am still in the planning stages
but below is a bit of a rough draft of our
upcoming intended 'curriculum'...


Science:
(with all)
Handbook of Nature Study
"The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady", Edith Holden
"Birds and Blooms" magazine
Nature Study/Journals

(for 9 year old/4th grade)
Burgess' Nature Books for Children,
by Thorton W. Burgess
The Holling C. Holling Series


(for 14 year old/11th grade)
Apologia's Advanced Chemistry in Creation




Math:
(9 yrs/4th grade)
Math Facts for Copywork
Ray's Primary Arithmetic
Multiplication to Classical Music
Misc. Math Games
Online drills

(14yrs/11th grade)
likely, Teaching Textbook's Pre-Calculus



History:
(all)
Learning Through History magazines

(9yo/4th grade)
Finish current Beautiful Feet Books
American History living books list (still compiling)
Ancient history- History Pockets and living books
Modern Rhymes for Ancient Times series
Galloping the Globe
Book of Centuries/timeline
History/Geography Games

(14yo/11th grade)
Finish Starting Points, David Quine
(will give American History credit)
Worldview course (mid-year)
finish Mystery Of History 2
Living Books


Language Arts:
(all)
possibly Teaching Writing: Structure and Style, I.E.W.
Bible study/memorization
Poetry study/memorization

(9yo/4th grade)
copywork/narration
Language Lessons for the Elementary Child
possibly Phonetic Zoo

(14yo/11th grade)
continuing in Starting Points
focusing on Literature


Music Study:
(all)
"Battle Hyme of the Republic" (Color the Classics)
John Newton (Color the Classics)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Ludwig van Beethoven
possible composers to be decided
Learn a hymn a week
Hymn history

(9yo/4th grade)
Beginner piano lessons at home

(14yo/11th grade)
Daily piano playing and progression
Violin lessons via video and daily practice
Guitar lessons via cd continued
Singing lessons/practice with Mom and via video


Artist Study:
(all)
Mary Cassatt
Leonardo DiVinci
more to be decided
personal painting/drawing


Bible/Character Study:
(all)
Proverbs Time
Family Bible Reading

(9yo/4th grade)
Daily personal Bible reading/prayer time
The Squire and the Scroll
Life Lessons from the Squire and the Scroll
"Anecdotes for Boys"

(14yo/11th grade)
Daily personal Bible reading/prayer time
"A Practical Directory", Harvey Newcomb
"Anecdotes for Girls", Harvey Newcomb
"How to Be a Lady", Harvey Newcomb
Miscellaneous, chosen by child/parents


Personal Reading/Addition Literature:
(Read alouds for all)
"The Little Preacher", Elizabeth Prentiss
"The White Knights", W.E. Cule (Lamplighter)
"A Girl of Limberlost", Gene Stratton-Porter
"Twelve Youthful Martyrs", Esther E. Enock
"Her Mother's Bible", Isabella Alden
"Hedge Fence", Isabella Alden
"Autumn with the Moody's", Sara Maxwell

Individual reading list to be decided



We, also, plan to begin a few informal
learning times with the lil' girls.
We are still, somewhat, in our planning stage
but this has been a rough draft of our plans.
We will sometimes make changes in the year
to better suit our needs and such
or if I find a resource on our bookshelf.


Tips and Tidbits:

*Approach and continue in fervent prayer.
We desperately need God's guidance and help.

* Keep our focus on why we have our children at home
and keep an eternal perspective,
not allowing academic pressures to distract our main goal
of raising our children for Christ.

* Begin/continue to read books on home education.
(I have a few recommendations in my sidebar)
There are many books available that can be a great help
in encouarging us, motivating us, teaching us, etc...
It is worth the time to sit, read, and be refreshed.

*Learn with them.
Home education is a way of life.
What a joy it can be to learn right along with
our precious ones as they are learning.
They, after all, learn by example.
And we are never too old to learn a thing or two. ;o)

*Enjoy the moments with our precious ones! ;o)
Though it may not seem like it somedays,
our time with our precious blessings is quite brief.
May we enjoy them as the Lord intended.


Thank you for visiting our Haven at Home with us!
I look forward to visiting and meeting
other families that home educate!

Send Them Onward With a Smile...

Send Then Onward With a Smile

Do not worry, little mother,
If there are tracks upon your floor;
Years go by - you'll soon be wishing
You could see those tracks once more.
There won't be much satisfaction,
Looking back along the way,
Though we kept our house all shining,
If we scolded every day.

Yes, I know that little garments,
Sadly torn and out of place,
Make it hard for tired mothers,
Hard to wear a smiling face;
But they'll leave the home nest shortly,
Some may fly to foreign lands;
Then your house will be in order,
But you'll sit with folded hands.

So let's all enjoy each minute,
Of those lovely childhood days;
Just forget the dust that gathers,
Just enjoy their childish play.
Yesterday they were but babies;
Now they're with us for a while,
But tomorrow they'll be going,
Send them onward with a smile.

~ author unknown

Weekend's Ways...

When picking something up
for our son's upcoming birthday,
I came across these interesting puzzles... well, quizzles.
Has anyone else seen these?



(Click on the image to enlarge)

After piecing this puzzle together, you label the pictures.
Ally enjoyed the challenge of putting one of them together...





She enjoyed learning the names to many flowers.


Will enjoyed stamping...



The lil' girls enjoyed doing puzzles, too...






I was able to sew up a new dress...





Saturday evening,
Ally enjoyed working with her calligraphy set...



She copied down her favorite Scripture verse...
Isaiah 40:31 ~
"But they that wait upon the LORD
shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles;
they shall run, and not be weary;
and they shall walk, and not faint."

And it was a blessing to be
in God's house on the Lord's Day.
I hope y'all enjoyed your weekend, too. ;o)

Looking Unto Jesus...

I came across a 'new to me' song this week.
The words were a real blessing to me.
I sang it this morning at church
and wanted to share the words.





Looking Unto Jesus


I'm looking unto Jesus;
He's my Savior and my friend,
The Author and Creator,
Beginning and the End.
Oh, my eyes are fixed upon Him,
He who died to take my place.
My heart is bent to serve Him;
His pattern I must trace.


{Chorus}
I'm looking unto Jesus
I'm feasting on His Word.
I'll turn not to the left, the right,
I will not face the rear.
When friend or foe forsake me,
Lord, I will not shrink in fear.
I am looking to the King of kings.


I'm looking unto Jesus,
He, who laid out ev'ry course.
He's run the race before us,
of strength, the runner's source.
Oh, consider with attention
He who took a servant's form;
Completed the requirement,
to His Father's will conformed.


{Chorus}
I'm looking unto Jesus
I'm feasting on His Word.
I'll turn not to the left, the right,
I will not face the rear.
When friend or foe forsake me,
Lord, I will not shrink in fear.
I am looking to the King of kings.


I'll run the race with patience,
and endure what God seems best.
I'll lay aside the sinful weights
that make me fail the test.
I will search the Holy Scriptures
that can ev'ry problem solve.
I'll serve my God and Savior
and that with great resolve!


{Chorus}
I'm looking unto Jesus
I'm feasting on His Word.
I'll turn not to the left, the right,
I will not face the rear.
When friend or foe forsake me,
Lord, I will not shrink in fear.
I am looking to the King of kings.



"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about
with so great a cloud of witnesses,
let us lay aside every weight,
and the sin which doth so easily beset us,
and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;
who for the joy that was set before him
endured the cross, despising the shame,
and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
For consider him that endured
such contradiction of sinners against himself,
lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds."
~ Hebrews 12:1-3



**Updated Saturday, August 4, 2007**

Ally and I recorded this song to share.
To hear it, play video below.
Background music on my blog can be stopped
in the right sidebar.

Be sure to read the words of the song as you listen. ;o)

Home Safe and Tidbits from Our Trip...

Last night, we arrived safely home
from Ally's appointment (around 11:45pm).
It sure made for a long day.
We were out of our home 10 hours
between travelling and being at the hospital.
Her MRI took almost two hours
but she did just fine (so did the rest of us)
and we hope to know more next week.

Thank you to those that were praying!
The Lord gave us safe travel
and we, also, enjoyed the day! ;o)


In the van, the children enjoyed their books,
toys, coloring books, etc...
Carolynne and Beth spent time coloring...





Will did some reading and also spent some time
playing with our GeoSafari laptop...



Ally made good use of her time, too,
and worked on her grammar lessons...



We arrived at the hospital a little early
(to avoid rush hour traffic)
so we spent time in the lobby.
The children enjoyed watching the ball-maze thingy
(I really have no idea what to call it)...



They didn't tire of watching all of the balls
go through the mazes and such.

Ally brought her piano books this time
and enjoyed playing the piano they had available...


While Ally played the piano,
the lil' girls thought it would be fun to spin...

lol...

As it got closer to Ally's appointment time
we headed to check her in...


But not without stopping to look
at some of the 'attractions'...


Victorian dollhouse



Barnyard chess set


When we arrived, the children were delighted
to have a waiting room that appealed to them...




Here was Ally filling out paperwork...


During the almost two hours of her MRI,
the children and I found the hospital gift shop
to get a couple of snacks.
We, also, found something across from the gift shop
that we were eager to show Ally afterwards.
She was SO excited when she saw it...

She would love to one day have a baby grand.

The ride home was quiet with the children sleeping.
Ally and I enjoyed the time talking
and listening to our classical music.
All the way home we enjoyed Vivaldi's "Four Seasons".

We were very thankful our visit and our trip went well.
Thank you, again, for those that were praying
and thinking of us. ;o)

Here is a photo of the lil' girls sleeping during the ride...

I just love how they hold hands when they sleep!


Hope y'all enjoy your day!

Wednesday's Neighborhood Bible Club...

This week has been so busy for us
but I wanted to post a few photos
from our Bible club this week.

It was a real blessing to have
a break in the heat this week.
It sure makes being outdoors
a little more enjoyable. ;o)

We started Bible club with a relay race
which we all really enjoyed...

The children were amused to see adults participating, too!


We always enjoy the singing time, too.
Here they are singing "Grow, Grow, Grow"...

"Read your Bible, pray everyday,
pray everyday, pray everyday,
read your Bible, pray everyday
and you'll grow, grow, grow"

Here we are singing "Jesus Loves Me"
and, also, using sign language...



And one of the children's favorites, "Stop and Go"...



The Bible time lesson was about
Christ's crucifixion and resurrection...



Afterwards, Ally asked questions about the Bible lesson...



We have one more week left of Neighborhood Bible Club
and then we'll be having Vacation Bible School at church.

What a joy having Bible club has been!
I look forward to our upcoming VBS, too!

Moments That Mommy Treasures...

Friday night I retired to my bedroom,
a little after midnight,
to find this precious sight...






These are moments that this mommy treasures!


"Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD:
and the fruit of the womb is his reward."
~ Psalm 127:3

Tuesday Tidbits...

The last few days
seem to have gone by in a whirlwind.
It appears that
the uneventful, laid back summer
has escaped us. ;o)
We have been, however, joyfully busy,
though I can't recall all that we've been doing.
(Funny how that happens sometimes.)

I just thought I'd share a few photos
from our past few days.
The children have enjoyed creative play
and fellowshipping with friends.
It has been a joy to watch them
and to fellowship, too.

This weekend the children rediscovered
the joy of playing with boxes.
I was able to catch the lil' girls playing with them...





LOL ;o)


They've spent some time the last few days
playing with our playdough, too...





Beth and Carolynne were making strawberry-shaped 'cake'
and Will made a dam at the Atlantic Ocean. ;o)


Ally spent Friday and Saturday
sewing three matching dresses
for her and her two friends.
They turned out so lovely and she was delighted
to have them join us after church on Sunday morning
for our All-Birthdays Celebration.
Here they were at church...



We've also enjoyed spending time at our friends' house
a couple of times the last few days.
The children enjoy getting out in the country
to run around, play, explore, and breathe the country air...











In addition, they get to see country animals
that make country sounds...



Tomorrow continues with our weekly
neighborhood Bible club meeting,
the evening prayer service at church,
and, also, this week the children and I
will be travelling to the university hospital
for an appointment for Ally to get an MRI.

In the midst of this busyness,
it has been a joy to see the children
using their creativity and spending time learning.
We've been reading, playing,
surrounding ourselves with classical music,
and even working on some 'school work'.
I have Will listening to his multiplication facts
to classical music this week
so he can learn the facts he does not know
and practice the ones he already does. ;o)
Ally has been on her own program
and has enjoyed getting a lot of her work finished.

However, we do look forward to
a much anticipated break soon. ;o)

I hope y'all are enjoying your summer!

Friday's Fillings...

This morning, Will and I arose early
to head to his junior golf tournament.
There were three of them in his group
and they were the first group to start...


Here are a couple of shots with Will teeing off...




Here was a putt shot...

which he made... ;o)

One of his shots landed at the bottom of a tree,
which he had to search for...

It landed on the other side of this tree
and he was able to hit it out.

On the course, we were able to see Henry,
who lives at the course, near the water with a friend...

Just had to share this because I know how much
my beloved must miss him... LOL
(He's a really mean swan... sorry, but it's true)

Will did not return home with a trophy
but he did have a good time and a good attitude. ;o)
He enjoyed playing in his first tournament.

After the tournament was over,
we went home to pick up all of the girls
to head to our homeschool park day.
When I arrived home,
Ally had cleaned the house, made lunches,
made sourdough to rise for supper,
and had the lil' girls ready to go!
What a sweet blessing that was!

Though it was another scorcher out today,
the children enjoyed their time at the park.
Here they were playing on one of those 'springy thingys'...







Even Ally was feeling well enough to ride one...



LOL... ;o)


They all enjoyed swinging, too...









After the park, our friends came over
for our sourdough pizza night.
The younger ones played,
the older girls played and worked on handicrafts.
Ally worked on their matching dresses.
The mamas enjoyed relaxing, talking,
looking at homeschool catalogs, and making lists. ;o)

I even got to squeeze in a phone chat with my beloved!
That always puts a bigger smile on my face!

I hope y'all have enjoyed your week!

Thursday's Things...

Our day started off a little slowly today,
which we enjoyed.
When I came down for a cup of coffee,
I found the lil' girls coloring on the floor together...


And Will was at the table playing RISK...


This morning I was able to do a little cleaning up
and chisel away at Mount Washmore...
(a monument which will likely never cease to exist...
at least in our home.)

Will worked on some math today
and he, also, played an 'educational' game
on the computer...

In the game he was learning some critical thinking skills
and about people like Lewis and Clark, Thomas Edison,
and Ludwig Van Beethoven.
He enjoyed himself.

The lil' girls sat at the table doing dot-to-dots,
practicing their number and letter recognition...



I love how fun and learning go hand-in-hand. ;o)

Ally worked on grammar, worldview, and math
while in her room...

She was glad to get much done!

As they were occupied,
I sewed up a t-shirt dress for Beth...





In the late afternoon, we went to a local pizza place
to meet some friends for supper.
It was a yummy time of food and fellowship...









Mmmm... the cinnamon rolls...


When we first arrived, Carolynne was so sleepy
that she just didn't want to wake up for food...


But towards the end of our visit,
she woke up just in time to eat her share of the food...


Afterwards, we all headed to our local supercenter
to pick up some school supplies.
It's always fun to get those when they're on sale. ;o)
And I picked up some more fabric for myself
and, also, Ally and her friends picked out some fabric
to make matching dresses (that Ally will be sewing).
She'll be pretty busy with that, but it's a good busy. ;o)

Tomorrow is another eventful day for us...
Will has his junior golf tournament early in the morning,
we have our homeschool park day,
and then we have friends coming to stay the day
and for sourdough pizza night. Mmmmm....

Hope y'all enjoyed your Thursday!

Wednesday's Ways...

This morning was neighborhood Bible club
so we headed to our assistant pastor's house
to participate in the fun!

On our way, I stopped to splurge
on a french vanilla cappuccino.
I had to chuckle at the message
on the side of the cup...

We're all familiar with the "Contents Very Hot"
but I've never seen the particular conjunction
that was added to that statement. lol
Yes, it was very good!
And the ants thought so, too.
I left it on the porch rail and they
helped themselves to it during our Bible club.

Anyhoo... when we arrived,
Will volunteered to knock on a few doors
with our assistant pastor's wife...


The girls and I remained behind on the porch,
in case some of the children arrived...


To pass some time as we waited for children to come,
the younger ones tried out the lil' basketball game...


After the arrival of the neighborhood children,
we began with a game time.
We played Simon says...

... which was lots of fun. ;o)

Later, Ally and Will helped to lead a song.
Here they were singing "Jesus Loves Me"
and doing the signs in sign language, too...


After some of the singing, there was a Bible story...


It is such a blessing to bring the Gospel these children...


After the Bible story and an invitation,
it was time to cool off with a snack.
(It was quite a 'scorcher' today)
We cooled off with ice, cold popsicles...


It was a very welcomed treat...







lol... ;o)

We had a wonderful time
and it was a blessing to work with
the neighborhood children!

Afterwards, we had to do a little grocery shopping
and then headed home to relax for a couple of hours
before heading to church this evening.
The message this evening was such a blessing.
Pastor began in Romans 5
and talked about tribulations we go through
and what it is meant to accomplish.

Ally and I were just talking
and we agree...
we are so thankful for midweek services at church.
They are such an oasis in this dry and thirsty land!

Hope y'all enjoyed your Wednesday!



"... my soul thirsteth for thee,
my flesh longeth for thee
in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is"
~ Psalm 63:1b

Putting Off and Putting On...

{{transferred from previous blog...
reflections from quiet time...}}



As people, sinners saved by grace, we are all flawed
and greatly slack in godly character.
We cannot develop godly character
without having a close relationship
with Jesus Christ
and without a desire to "put on"
the character of Jesus Christ.

"But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ...."
~ Romans 13:4a

We also need to be diligent
to "put off" the desires of our flesh.
"...and make not provision for the flesh,
to fulfil the lusts thereof."
~ Romans 13:4b

"If so be that ye have heard him,
and have been taught by him,
as the truth is in Jesus:
that ye put off concerning
the former conversation the old man,
which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
and be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
and that ye put on the new man,
which after God is created
in righteousness and true holiness."
~ Ephesians 4:21-24


Contrasting the
putting on and putting off,
according to God's Word.


Put OFF ~

"...let us therefore cast off the works of darkness..."
~ Romans 13:12a

"...put off concerning the former conversation
the old man, which is corrupt
according to the deceitful lusts..."
~ Ephesians 4:22

"Mortify therefore your members
which are upon the earth;
fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection,
evil concupiscence, and covetousness,
which is idolatry:"
~ Colossians 3:5

"But now ye also put off all these;
anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy,
filthy communication out of your mouth."
~ Colossians 3:8

"...put off the old man with his deeds"
~ Colossians 3:9



Put ON ~

"...let us put on the armour of light."
~ Romans 13:12b

"But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ..."
~ Romans 13:14a

"And that ye put on the new man,
which after God is created
in righteousness and true holiness.
~ Ephesians 4:24

"Put on the whole armour of God..."
~ Ephesians 6:11

"... put on the new man,
which is renewed in knowledge
after the image of him that created him:"
~ Colossians 3:10

"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved,
bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind,
meekness, longsuffering;"
~ Colossians 3:12

"And above all these things put on charity,
which is the bond of perfectness."
~ Colossians 3:14

"...giving all diligence,
add to your faith virtue;
and to virtue knowledge;
And to knowledge temperance;
and to temperance patience;
and to patience godliness;
And to godliness brotherly kindness;
and to brotherly kindness charity."
~ 2 Peter 1:5-7



We should never be satisfied with ourselves
and we should eagerly seek
to become more like Christ.
"Let this mind be in you,
which was also in Christ Jesus"
~Philippians 2:5

"...to be conformed to the image of his Son..."
~ Romans 8:29


We should also be in constant examination of ourselves...
"Examine yourselves..." ~ 2 Corinthians 13:5

"But let a man examine himself..." ~ 1 Corinthians 11:28

"Examine me, O LORD, and prove me;
try my reins and my heart." ~ Psalm 26:2

"Search me, O God, and know my heart:
try me, and know my thoughts:" ~ Psalm 139:23


Christian character development
involves personal committment
and the willingness to change.
"I press toward the mark for the prize
of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
~ Philippians 3:14


In Galatians 5:22-23 we are given a perfect example
of Christian character traits:
"But the fruit of the Spirit is
love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness,
goodness, faith, meekness, temperance:
against such there is no law."
The Holy Spirit enables us to have this fruit.
When this fruit is in our lives and homes,
we are able to greatly influence
our children's character and usefulness to the Lord.
Which is what counts in eternity.



~ My ongoing prayer ~

"Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes;
and I shall keep it unto the end.
Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law;
yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
Make me to go in the path of thy commandments;
for therein do I delight.
Incline my heart unto thy testimonies,
and not to covetousness.
Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity;
and quicken thou me in thy way.
Stablish thy word unto thy servant,
who is devoted to thy fear.
Turn away my reproach which I fear:
for thy judgments are good.
Behold, I have longed after thy precepts:
quicken me in thy righteousness.
Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD,
even thy salvation, according to thy word.
So shall I have wherewith to answer
him that reproacheth me:
for I trust in thy word.
And take not the word of truth
utterly out of my mouth;
for I have hoped in thy judgments.
So shall I keep thy law continually
for ever and ever.
And I will walk at liberty:
for I seek thy precepts.
I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings,
and will not be ashamed.
And I will delight myself in thy commandments,
which I have loved.
My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments,
which I have loved;
and I will meditate in thy statutes."
~ Psalms 119:33-48

A Special Thank You...

What a blessing it was to me to receive
a comment from Susan
and a comment from Connie.
Both have chosen me for a blogger reflection award.
It was such a blessing and encouragement
to read the kind words that Susan and Connie said.
Their words were humbling and precious to me.
I just wanted to thank you, ladies.
Your kind words
(and the kind words from others
that visit, comment, and email)
are always such an uplifting encouragement to me.
I could not express in words
how they truly touch my heart.
Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness!



"Pleasant words are as an honeycomb,
sweet to the soul, and health to the bones."
~ Proverbs 16:24

Sew Very Busy Weekend...

On Friday, we had friends over for our pizza night
(no sourdough, though, because I forgot to feed it... oops).
During the day, my friend and I spent much time
at the dining room table sewing together.
It was a great time of fellowship,
as well as a great time of finishing up some projects!

I chose to work on dresses for the girls
(that I had cut out 2 years ago!...
how's that for procrastination?!).
It was a Simplicity pattern #8690
(I think it may be out of print).
This particular pattern had a collar,
which I had to relearn because it had been so long.
After ripping the seam out, TWICE,
my memory was refreshed. ;o)
This dress, also, had a zipper,
which I have never done before.
But, through prayer and determination,
I was able to figure it out.

I made Carolynne's dress on Friday
and Beth's dress on Saturday...


Ally worked on her new dress
and she, also, helped me
by hemming one of the girls' dresses...



The lil' girls were so excited to have matching dresses...






Ally was able to finish her new dress, too.
It turned out very lovely!
Here she was sitting with the girls...


I hope y'all enjoyed your weekend.



"She layeth her hands to the spindle,
and her hands hold the distaff."
~ Proverbs 31:19

Wednesday's Ways and Thursday's Things...

Yesterday was quite busy for us.
It was day 3 of Will's golf clinic
(and I left my camera at home).
After his golf clinic we picked up the girls
and headed to our assistant pastor's house
to help with the neighborhood Bible club.
We had about 5 of the neighborhood children
show up and that was a real blessing.
We had a great time of games, songs,
and Bible lessons presenting the Gospel...





Ally wasn't feeling very well
so she sat on the porch, in the shade, reading my Bible...

She enjoyed relaxing and listening to the children sing.
We look forward to next week for our next meeting.


This morning, Will and I arose early
to head to his last day of his golf clinic.
They spent their last day at the driving range,
practicing and learning...






Afterwards, all of the children that participated
received a little diploma to take home.
I also signed him up for next week's junior tournament,
which he is excited about.

We headed home to relax
then around lunch time we all headed to a friend's house
for lunch and fellowship.
It was a blessing to see many of them
spending their time reading aloud...




The older girls were 'resting'
and having a little giggle fest...


We headed home this afternoon
so I could tackle the back yard.
The patch of grass we call a yard
desperately needed to be mowed.
It's amazing how much energy
you can use up mowing the grass
(and moving the trampoline
and an upside-down pool of water,
by yourself... phew!).
But it did get done! Woo hoo!

Now we're off to enjoy our supper
(veggie lasagna)
with our special friends. ;o)

Hope y'all are enjoying your week!

Tuesday's Tidbits...

Today was another early morning
as Will and I headed to the golf course
for day 2 of his junior golf clinic.
I am so thankful Will delights
in making coffee for his mama.
It sure was nice to have that this morning,
especially after a night of interupted sleep
due to thunderstorms.

It was a humid morning at the course
and I was thankful to have a pavillion
available to use for shade.
Will's time at the golf course today
was spent at the driving range...


The instructor spent a some time working with him, too...

He had a great time and learned a bit today
but he was thankful to get out of the heat and sun. ;o)

Back home, I was able to work in the house more
and chisel away at Mount Washmore.
Carolynne enjoyed pushing the baby in the buggy...


Beth serenaded the house with beautiful toddler music...


Ally, too, filled our home with beautiful music... ;o)



We had friends come to visit around lunch time.
Will enjoyed a game of chess...


The lil' girls played with their toys...

They love to fill up buckets, baskets, and bags of toys
to bring down to the living room to play.
I love how they want to be where everyone else is. ;o)

Ally and friends worked in the kitchen
to make some cookies.
She was excited to use a new cookie press we purchased...


She loved how they were able to make
the different shaped cookies
and how easy it was to do it...


Carolynne enjoyed watching her big sister
as she made the chocolate cookies...


And we learned that cookies
are not for eating only...

LOL... well, the children sure got a laugh!

This afternoon, I was able to finish
the set of curtains for the living room
and get them hung up...
(I couldn't get a very good photo
but these, below, can be enlarged)






I was glad to get them finished
and hope to work on Will's last curtain
sometime later this week.

Tomorrow is another busy day.
Day 3 of Will's golf clinic, a few errands in town,
helping in a neighborhood Bible club,
and then church in the evening.
Looks like we'll, also, be in for
another night of thunderstorms.

I hope y'all are enjoying your week. ;o)

Monday's Musings...

Today was the beginning of a very busy week for us.
Will woke up early this morning
and made his mama a pot of coffee,
then he and I headed out to the golf course...



He is participating in a golf clinic.
It was quite toasty today
but he enjoyed himself
(and I enjoyed watching him and cheering him on).




Apparently he has big shoes to fill,
as most of the employees know his daddy and uncle,
since they like to spend so much time here. lol

It was a precious sight to see when we arrived home.
All three girls were still in their jammies on the couch. ;o)

I was able to get some more
housework and laundry finished,
which I was thankful for.
I wasn't able to work on
Will's curtains or our living room ones
but hope to sometime this week.
I did, however, learn what a challenge it is
to get plastic mattress covers that zip
over three different mattresses
(one of which was a top bunk... phew!).

This evening, we met friends
at a local pizza place for supper. Mmmm...
Just their cinnamon rolls is worth the visit!
Then, afterwards, we shopped a little next door.
We had a nice time.

I hope y'all enjoyed your Monday!

Weekend's Ways...

For us, it was a day spent mostly indoors,
aside from a quick trip to the post office.
The skies got darker in the late morning
and we enjoyed scattered showers
and low rumblings in the sky most of the day.
It was a good day to be indoors...
and I had much to do in our home.

I was able to accomplish a few loads of laundry,
clean the kitchen, and do a little sewing.
Ally took advantage of the time
and worked on a few chemistry experiments...


The younger ones entertained themselves
with some toys they hadn't used in quite some time...



After her experiments,
Ally worked on her new dress...

I helped her with her bodice
and she helped me, later,
by sewing one of Will's new curtains. ;o)

After I helped her,
I sewed some quick curtains for the lil' girls room...


As Ally worked on one of Will's curtains,
I worked on the curtains for our living room...
and I had a little helper...


I only finished one for our living room
and Ally only finished one for Will's room
but we hope to finish them soon.
Why am I making so many curtains today?? lol
Since we can't paint the walls in base housing,
I thought it was way past time that
I 'spruced' things up otherwise.
They aren't fancy curtains, mind you,
but they'll add a cozy touch to our home. ;o)

I hope y'all are enjoying your weekend
and have a blessed Lord's Day tomorrow.

In Times of Discouragement...

{{originally written Oct. 2, 2006...
transferred from previous blog}}


I recently received this comment
and would like to respond in this post...

Thoughts shared by Anonymous
"During your pregnacies, did you ever feel..
well, not quite up to taking care of the family?
Your family is so precious to you,
and if you have ever been ill or not quite
the energetic self you seem to be,
I would imagine that your heart would ache
like mine over all the things I *wish*
I was doing with and for my family.
I'm wondering how you got by
during those down times...
especially if your husband was away
and not able to help with the children.
My children are 10, 8, 6, 1,
and we are expecting in April.
I've been extreemy dizzy and nauseated...
embarrassed over the volume
of housework that has been let go,
disenhearted over our new "less than ideal"
eating habits we've temporarily adopted,
and grieving over all the adventures
and learning experiences
we are missing out on together as a family.
I'm very grateful that you share your family with us.
I'm very inspired and blessed
by you and your children.
I've only been reading your blog for a few months.
I'm curious about your experience
and how you have handled the down times."


Dear Anonymous (and others)~
My heart and prayers truly do go out to you.
You are definately NOT alone
in the way you are feeling.
I speak, encounter, and receive emails
from women who are experiencing the same thing.
And I, too, have been there
AND I still sometimes find myself falling into being there.

I have very recently wrote a series of emails
to a new online friend about this exact situation
and would love to share some of what I replied...

I think one of the reasons the Lord
allows things like this to happen is because
He is making us more like the Son of God.
I think that when things don't go
according to how we had planned or how we had hoped,
there is great training ground for building our character.
We have opportunities, then, to learn and practice
things like faith, trust, obedience, patience, meekness,
contentment, joyfulness, thankfulness, praise, and more.
It is much more effective and beneficial to us
when we embrace it through fervent prayer.

I know that, especially with little ones,
it can be a challenge to get, what we think,
anything accomplished.
But sometimes we aren't exactly looking
from an eternal perspective as God does.

The Holy Spirit laid this Scripture on my heart...
"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment,
worketh for us a far more exceeding
and eternal weight of glory;
While we look not at the things which are seen,
but at the things which are not seen:
for the things which are seen are temporal;
but the things which are not seen are eternal."
~ 2 Corinthians 4:17,18

In times when we feel
that we aren't accomplishing anything,
He has given us an opportunity to accomplish,
perhaps, the things that aren't necessarily seen
(like growing in godly character...
in ourselves and our children,
like blessing our beloved with our joyfulness
despite how our day seems to have gone, etc...
the possibilites, especially with God, are endless).

When I am in the middle of those trials, struggles,
and sometimes seemingly desperate moments,
the only thing that will sometimes get me through
is remembering the Lord's promise
that He is making me more like His Son.
"And we know that all things
work together for good to them that love God,
to them who are the called
according to his purpose.
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate
to be conformed to the image of his Son..."
~ Romans 8:28,29a

I think when we truly grasp
that concept in our hearts
and compare what Christ went through for us,
our temporal problems begin to look less overwhelming.
But there is more that we can do...

What I write below is what I have said
and do say to myself and have practiced.

In regards to HOW...
First, we need to stop looking back
at who we 'used to be'
or dwelling on who we 'wish' to be.
We CANNOT move forward by looking back,
nor by dwelling in an "I wish" thought life.
Somehow we have ended up where we are
and God has allowed it.
Instead of looking back at how it used to be
or how we wish it could be...
look forward to what it will be.
WE don't have to know specifics of what it will be
but we do have a God Who is faithful to His promises
and we can (and must) trust in that.
We must press on and contiue,
even in weariness...
"...but this one thing I do,
forgetting those things which are behind,
and reaching forth
unto those things which are before"
~ Philippians 3:13


WHAT TO DO...
#1 ~ I am convinced
that when we are struggling with emotions
and feelings like this that the first thing
we need to do is Repent.
We need to get on our knees
and on our faces before God
and repent of our ungodly attitudes...
even if we feel they are justified.
There were many times that I felt
my emotions were justified
and the Lord showed me that I needed
to repent of my satisfaction in that as well.
So I did.
There does need to be a point of brokeness.
The Bible says,
"The LORD is nigh unto them
that are of a broken heart;
and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit."
~ Psalm 34:18
and
"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit:
a broken and a contrite heart,
O God, thou wilt not despise."
~ Psalm 51:17

If this is true for you
and have already done this... Great....
But it needs to be done continually.
As soon as we feel these
negative, ungodly emotions,
we need to pray.
I find myself praying all day long.
After all, the Bible says
"Pray without ceasing" ~ 1 Thess 5:17.
Praying on our knees, in silence, in tears even,
I think, is needed, but God doesn't expect us
to do that all day long.
However, He does command us
to pray all day long... without ceasing.
Say a prayer under our breath,
say prayers aloud to ourselves,
write them down, sing them, think them.
Pray... continually.


#2 ~ I understand with having children,
being pregnant, domestic duties,
and not feeling the best
that it seems near impossible
to have quiet time with the Lord.
I am convinced this is a complete lie
from Satan himself.
We just choose to listen to them.
Our quiet time in God's Word
can be done just about any time
and He, in His Great Wisdom,
has given us the perfect amount of time
in each day that we need to do
what He has commanded us to do.
We just tend to be poor stewards of our time
(I, too, am very guilty of this).
Of course, I believe the morning
is the best time for quiet time
but it is not the only time.
And may I say, also, that quiet time
does NOT have to be an hour,
a half hour, or even 15 whole minutes.
ANY time we can spend in His Holy Word
is time very well spent
and He will bless us for that time.

Practical ideas...
If the children are already up when we arise
then we could read our Bible, in the kitchen,
as they eat their breakfast...
even if it's a few verses.
Give them a specific thing to play
and sit in the next room.
We can also read a few verses
or even a chapter as we fold laundry
or make a meal.
We could even read the few minutes
we 'steal' in the bathroom.
We can spend 5-10 minutes before bed
and read His Word.
Instead of getting on the computer...
read God's Word.
While holding one of our children,
we can read God's Word (silent or aloud).
While laying in bed,
we can read God's Word.

There ARE ways
that we can be in God's Word.
We just have to be willing to do them.
If we do anything at all,
we need to do this very important thing.
Make a committment to read God's Word everyday...
whether it's in the morning or some other time,
but this one thing is needful.


#3 ~ Memorizing Scripture is crucial
to our successful, spiritual lives.
I have written
a couple of posts about this.
Even if we memorize 1 verse a week...
that will be 52 verses a year! Wow!
That would be 52 of God's Perfect Thoughts
that we know as our own!
Our way of thinking is changed
when our minds are filled with God's thoughts.
One easy way to memorize Scripture is
to say the verse 25 times a day the first day,
20 times the next day, 15 times the next,
then 10, then 5,then, at least, once a week.
I have plain, ol' index cards
taped in my bathroom by the mirror
so that is the first thing I see in the morning.
I say them over and over and over again
as I am in our bathroom, getting dressed,
pulling my hair back, etc...
So many people shun away from
really memorizing Scripture
and I think that's part of the reason
our spiritual lives suffer.

It truly isn't that hard to memorize Scripture.
If it were, God wouldn't have commanded
us to know it.
(Deut. 11:18; Prov. 3:3; 6:21; 7:3;
and many more -I encourage you to look those up).


#4 ~ Something that has helped me tremendously
is keeping a prayer journal.
Actually, a prayer journal may not be
the right title for it.
It is more like my letters/written prayers to God.
When I am feeling hopeless, depressed,
discouraged, desperate, etc...,
Instead of calling a friend, or my mom, etc....
I 'call' my Heavenly Father.
I write to Him what is in my heart.
I confess, I share with Him my concerns,
I share with Him that I don't want to feel this way, etc...
and I find that, many times, as I am writing to Him,
He begins to encourage my heart
and change my thoughts.

I think I must have gotten this 'idea' from David.
And that is probably why I love the Psalms SO much.
Which I HIGHLY suggest reading during this time.
But throughout the psalms,
David pours out his heart,his hopeless feelings, etc...
and we see that the Lord encourages his heart
and the Psalm usually ends in praise to the Lord.


#5 ~ Sing! Sing! Sing!
I'm very serious. Sing.
Keep a cd with uplifting hymns/songs
playing all day.
Sing them in your mind, in your heart,
out of your mouth. Sing.
Music and singing fills our home always.
Oh, what a blessing it is.
"The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusted in him, and I am helped:
therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth;
and with my song will I praise him."
~ Psalm 28:7


#6 ~ Do share with our husband
that we are struggling.
Not in a complaining way.
Just approach him, prayerfully,
and let him know that we are struggling
and ask him to pray for us.
"Bear ye one another's burdens..."
~ Galatians 6:2


#7 ~ We must remember that
times like these will truly not last forever.
Busyness, trials, pregnancies,
physical ailments, daily events, etc...
are real situations that affect us in many ways.
But this is only for a season.
"To every thing there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under the heaven"
~ Ecclesiastes 3:1

One of the greatest lessons I learned
(and still learn) in hard times like these
is the lesson of obedience, perseverance,
and faith/trust.
Even those times I felt that I had no joy,
I learned that those were times
the Lord wanted me to just be obedient
and keep keeping on, trusting in Him...
just like David... just like Job...
just like many others.


There is no secret formula
and no overnight success.
And, yes, it must be worked at.
But it is accomplished through
the Lord Jesus Christ.
We need to pray He will enable us,
will teach us, will show us.

Read Psalm 119:33-40.
I try to always read/pray this passage...
"Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes;
and I shall keep it unto the end.
Give me understanding,
and I shall keep thy law;
yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
Make me to go in the path
of thy commandments;
for therein do I delight.
Incline my heart unto thy testimonies,
and not to covetousness.
Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity;
and quicken thou me in thy way.
Stablish thy word unto thy servant,
who is devoted to thy fear.
Turn away my reproach which I fear:
for thy judgments are good.
Behold, I have longed after thy precepts:
quicken me in thy righteousness."
~ Psalm 119:33-40


Praise the Lord that our victory
is in the Lord Jesus Christ...
"But thanks be unto to God,
which giveth us the victory
through our Lord Jesus Christ."
~ 1 Corinthians 15:57

Show and Tell Friday...

Today, for Kelli's Show and Tell Friday,
I wanted to share what we came across
at a local thrift store earlier this week.

The lil' girls spotted it
and fell in love with the darling thing
and were eager to be little mamas to it...










She even came with the little stroller.
During our Independence Day trip,
the girls enjoyed taking her for a stroll...

Thursday's Things...

It's seems that things can somehow
get so busy at times.
This has been one of those weeks
that we have gone almost non-stop...
though we have been enjoying ourselves.

Today we were able to accomplish
our bi-monthly grocery shopping trip.
We opted for the local supercenter
rather than the commisary
since we didn't really need much meat.
I also needed to pick up some fabric
for cutains I hope to make soon
and Ally needed a few things
for some chemistry experiments.

It was a blessing this afternoon
when I was able to speak to my beloved.
The Lord knows just when I need that. ;o)

Tomorrow will continue,
in our recent active lifestyle,
as we make way to the park
for our homeschool group park day
and, of course, sourdough pizza in the evening. Mmmm.

This evening, the younger children
blessed my heart when they wanted to
sleep in my room with me.
It was also precious to see each of them
wearing one of Daddy's t-shirts for jammies.
It was large enough on the lil' girls
to fit as a long nightgown
and it hung on Will a little larger, too...
but it was a precious sight!

I hope y'all are enjoying your week.



"Because thy lovingkindness is better than life,
my lips shall praise thee."
~ Psalm 63:3

A Ballantyne Christian Adventure Library Giveaway...

Crystal at Biblical Womanhood is having a lovely
Ballantyne Christian Adventure Library giveaway!
What a handsome collection of books!

Our Independence Day Trip...

The children and I had a wonderful time
as we went on our little trip today.
We visited a colonial palace
that was built between 1767 and 1770,
and used as the first permanent capitol
of the Colony of North Carolina
and a home for the Royal Governor and his family.

We had a lovely time!
We learned a little about basketweaving,
watched a colonial concert,
toured the shop, the grounds, and the garden.
We played colonial games,
witnessed a dramatic reading of the
1st reading of The Declaration of Independence,
listened to the drum and fife band,
wax sealed our own Declaration of Independence,
saw a colonial hanging and tea party,
and visited with the colonials
(including other homeschoolers).

I took quite a few photos
so thought it best to share them in a slideshow.

We truly did have a lovely time!

Happy Independence Day!

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD.."
~ Psalm 33:12

"Praise ye the LORD.
O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good:
for his mercy endureth for ever."
~ Psalm 106:1


{graphics from Friday Wisher}

Tuesday's Tidbits...

Today I was able to catch up (a little)
on some paper work, bills, phone calls,
making a menu and a grocery list,
washing our colonial clothes for tomorrow,
and running a couple of errands.
We were excited today to, finally, get our window fixed!
Woo hoo! Now we can get back to watching
the birds in our backyard better!
Also, today we were able to visit
a new-to-me thrift store.
I found a couple of things there
that I hope to share on Friday. ;o)

Here are a couple of photos of the children today...

Ally enjoyed playing piano
(which I always enjoy, too)...


The children were very eager to play
with their toys in water,
so I filled up a bowl with water for each of them...




Tomorrow we plan to take a mini-trip to visit
a place that will be having a dramatic reading
of The Declaration of Independence
(colonial style)!
We are excited to attend (in our colonial clothes)!
Then in the evening we will be at church
for our mid-week Bible study and prayer service.
What a wonderful day to celebrate our freedom
by being in God's house
(Who is the Giver of all freedom)!

Monday's Musings...

Thank you to those
that were praying for our trip today.
We made it there and back safely
and even missed rush hour traffic!
Praise the Lord!

On our way there,
the children spent a lot of time reading...


(Carolynne looking at our Pictoral Primer
and a Beatrix Potter book waiting next to her...
I think it was Benjamin Bunny.)



(Beth looking through a Beatrix Potter book...
either Peter Rabbit or Jemima Puddleduck)



(Will reading Stuart Little.
He also had a few living science books he enjoyed.)


Before working on Chemistry,
Ally enjoyed the wind through her hair...

We all enjoyed listening to classical music
(our fine arts for the day),
our Harmony at Home cd (by Patch the Pirate)
(character studies and music),
and a story by G.A. Henty (read by Jim Weiss)
(literature and history).

It was a blessing that both doctors
were able to see us earlier than our appointments.
We are awaiting lab results
and will be returning for more tests.
We were glad to hear the endocrinologist
say that she thinks we may be able
to start weaning Ally off of her thyroid meds
(as long as the labs come back okay).
That is a wonderful praise!

We finished up with our appointments and such
around 3:30 and were able to miss
the majority of the rush hour traffic! Woo hoo!

On the way home,
Will continued to read Stuart Little.
Ally was tired and found rest...


Carolynne, too, fell asleep
and Beth sat, relaxing...


We were glad to arrive home this evening
and the children were thrilled to run around outside
and then head to bed. ;o)
It was an enjoyable day, though,
and we are thankful the Lord blessed and protected.

Monday Morning Musings...

This morning the children and I
will be doing this (for 6+ hours)...


To visit this...

Ally will be seeing the endocrinologist (thyroid doc)
and the neurologist for follow ups and such.
We appreciate your prayers.


"...The effectual fervent prayer
of a righteous man availeth much."
~ James 5:16a

Bring Back the Glory...

Bring Back the Glory...



We have a heritage like no other nation,
Made rich and bountiful by the God of creation.
How we need wisdom and great dedication,
So that America can be a monument to liberty.


Bring back the glory to America, Bring back the glory.
Bring back the glory to America, The land of liberty.
Pray for our nation with renewed dedication;
Bring back the glory to America. Bring back the glory.





We are the guardians of great, priceless treasure;
Our nation's faith in God should abound without measure.
May we be stalwart, and not live for pleasure,
So that America can be a people whom the Lord can bless.


Bring back the glory to America, Bring back the glory.
Bring back the glory to America, The land of liberty.
Pray for our nation with renewed dedication;
Bring back the glory to America. Bring back the glory.





Freedom takes sacrifice by each of the people;
So all must pay the price to be counted as equal.
How we need courage to shun pride and evil,
So that America can be a nation known for purity.


Bring back the glory to America, Bring back the glory.
Bring back the glory to America, The land of liberty.
Pray for our nation with renewed dedication;
Bring back the glory to America. Bring back the glory


{song by Frank and Flora Jean Garlock from Majesty Music Praises III)



Below is a video of this song.
(Background music can be turned off in right sidebar)
If you listen, please be sure to read the words while you do. ;o)