Simple Woman's Daybook...

For today... April 27, 2009


Outside my window...
the sun is shining brightly,
promising for a beautiful day


I am thinking...
of what we will focus
on accomplishing this week


I am thankful for...
my salvation and how it is a free gift
through my Saviour Jesus Christ;
how He saved me from what I was,
saves me from what I could be,
and will save me from what I deserve


From the learning rooms...
aim to get 'back on the ball' this week;
continue with our Proverbs study;
History in Exodus;
geography/missions in Israel;
and miscellaneous seatwork


From the kitchen...
a blessing {cleaning} is needed from the weekend


I am wearing...
a red floral print, collared, button-up, cotton house dress


I am creating...
a new dress for myself (matching Ally's)


I am reading...
my KJ Bible through in a year,
currently in Joshua, Psalms, Luke;
Pocketful of Pinecones by Karen Andreola;
Praying the Entire Bible for My Family by Joe Zichterman;
Order in the Court by Sherry Huston Camperson;
Holy Women by James Knox


I am hoping (praying)...
the Lord will continue His work
in family/friends' lives that I've been praying for


I am hearing...
the younger children playing outside,
Will play his harmonica,
and the shower running


Around the house...
a little blessing is needed from the weekend


One of my favorite things...
how our church uses the month of April
to focus on one 'topic' each Sunday.
This Sunday was So Great Salvation Sunday
where we focused on our great salvation.
What a blessing it was to sing songs of our salvation
and share testimonies of our salvation!


A few plans for the rest of the week...
focus on keeping our home and on our learning;
take Suzie to the vet; attend our midweek service;
make a new nursery schedule for church;
go to Ally's check-up endocrin appointment;
go to our homeschool park day;
focus on eating better, again, this week


Here is picture thought I am sharing...


"In God is my salvation and my glory:
the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. " Psalm 62:7

Praise God for Who He is!

Sharing Sewing Patterns...

Recently, someone asked if I could share
what patterns I use for my dresses.
I thought I would list them in a post.


One of the patterns that I use often is for a regency gown.
It is not a very difficult pattern
but is a little more challenging than others.
I have adapted it by using a zipper
instead of the buttons in the back,
which works well for me.
I have, also, used the sleeves of this dress
and attached them to a different bodice.
I do love the look of this dress, though,
especially, with the higher neck line.
For this dress, I use
Sense & Sensibility's regency gown pattern.


Another dress I enjoy is a collar dress.
This one is fairly easy and has a zipper back.
The pattern, also, includes darts,
which I have skipped in the past
but are a lovely addition.
For this dress, I use
Common Sense's Women's Lace Collar Dress


Another dress that I like but have only made once
is a historical civil war-type costume dress.
This one has darts in the front and back,
a zipper closure, 3/4 length sleeves,
and a very poofy skirt.
Making this one, again, I will likely
use a different skirt since I do not
wear a hoop skirt under my dresses. ;o)
But I do like the pattern and it is not too hard.
For this dress, I use Butterick's B3992.
It seems to be out-of-print
but I'm sure there are other similar patterns.


My final (and I would have to say favorite to use) pattern
would be the square neck dress.
This pattern is the easiest pattern we have.
It has no zipper, it just slips over the head.
It does have darts but I have not used them.
We do enjoy adding the tie occasionally
and sometimes I like to use a six-panel skirt.
But the skirt that comes with it is a good one, too,
just a simple two panel.
It, also, is great with pockets.
For this dress, I use
Common Sense's Women's Square Neck Dress


Sewing has been such a blessing for our family.
I didn't always know how to sew.
As a matter of fact, I didn't learn to sew
until about 8 years ago, before our lil' girls were born.
I took an evening class at a local sewing supplies store
to learn some basics...
the rest has been trial and error. ;o)
It has been worth every effort, though,
as I am able to provide modest clothing, more inexpensively,
for my family, which, I believe, honors the Lord.

I hope this list of patterns is helpful
and will be a blessing to someone.


"She seeketh wool, and flax,
and worketh willingly with her hands."
~ Proverbs 31:13

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

Haven at Home Happenings...

It has been a very laid back kind of week for us
as Daddy had the beginning of the week off
and Mama has been resting since Wednesday
after a minor outpatient procedure.
We've enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere.

I don't have much to share, really,
but had a few snapshots I wanted to post.

On Monday, we took Suzie to the groomers.
It's always fun to pick up your pet
and see her new look and we like to share
photos of her so Gramma and Great-Gramma can see...

Here she is last week with her long hair (which I do like)...


And here she is Monday after her new hair cut...

We all loved the cute little green bows!

Here she was showing the neighbor dog her new 'do'...


Ally finally admitting that Suzie is cute... lol


Enjoying a treat...

The children are loving her new look. ;o)

In learning this week, Ally has worked on her Greek,
as she is finished with all other subjects;
Will worked on his seatwork and began some copywork
this week about what the Bible says about our speech.
It will be his copywork for the next month
and he is memorizing a few new Scriptures meanwhile. ;o)
And even Suzie enjoyed learning with Will...



The lil' girls did some seatwork, too, and Carolynne
finished her Language Lessons book, while Beth
is very close to being finished.
We, also, worked with our phonics lessons a little, too.

Other than that, the children have been enjoying
a lot of time out-of-doors in the beautiful weather.
The Lord provided us with a wonderful opportunity
to study caterpillars this week
as a hatched nest of them were at the bottom
of the oak tree in our back yard...


We think they are tent caterpillars.
The children have enjoyed watching them all week...



Observing God's creation is such a blessing
and what a delight it has been this week
to spend time in the wonderful outdoors doing so!

I hope y'all have enjoyed your week, too!


"Praise ye the LORD:
for it is good to sing praises unto our God;
for it is pleasant; and praise is comely."
~ Psalm 147:1

"For the invisible things of him
from the creation of the world are clearly seen,
being understood by the things that are made,
even his eternal power and Godhead;
so that they are without excuse:"
~ Romans 1:20

Responding to Inquiries...

Over the past
few weeks,
I have had a few
miscellaneous inquiries.
My responding
time has been
limited so I
would like to
respond to a
few of the inquiries
in one post. ;o)




If you have asked a question
and I have not responded here, please forgive me.
Please be assured that is in unintentional.
Please feel free to ask, again, if necessary.
Thank you for understanding. ;o)

Please note that these are in no particular order.


Mrs. Melody inquired:
I'm interested in what radio station you listen to?
Do they have online streaming?

We listen to FBN Radio and, yes,
they have online streaming! *Ü*
This station has been a real blessing to us,
as it provides wonderful, non-compromising,
fundamental, biblical preaching and programs
and godly, conservative music.


Kristine inquired:
Where did you guys get that three wheeled bicycle?

We, actually, got our three wheeled bicycle
from my grandmother some years ago.
However, the children and I have spotted them
in certain "super" stores recently.
You can, also, order similar ones online. *Ü*


Madeleine and Stacy inquired:
I have been enjoying your from the sofa segments.
Do you make them up yourself,
or do you have a program?
and
I was wondering what guide you use
or curriculum for your study of countries?

The resource we are using as our spine
in our geographical studies is Galloping the Globe.
It has been a helpful resource.
Though some of the books that are mentioned
in this resource are out-of-print
so I have been adding my own books here and there.
It's been a very enjoyable study for us and
we love focusing on missions as we study geography!


Thank you for the inquiries
and for understanding the busyness of a mama. ;o)
I hope to respond to a few others soon.

Have a wonderful week!

Senior Snapshots...

Cap and gown photos
of our soon-to-be homeschool graduate...

























"To every thing there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under the heaven"
~ Ecclesiastes 3:1

Simple Woman's Daybook...

For today... April 20, 2009


Outside my window...
The sun is brightly shining
in between the clouds in the sky


I am thinking...
of what I would like to accomplish this week


I am thankful for...
the blessed hope that Jesus Christ
will return and no longer will I have to live
in this sin cursed body and world


From the learning rooms...
continuing our Proverbs study,
studying history in Exodus,
studying the country of Israel,
continue our science/nature study read aloud,
and continue with our other seatwork.


From the kitchen...
a blessing (cleaning) is needed from the weekend
On the Menu...
M ~ Daddy's grills out
T ~ Chicken alfredo
W ~ Ground turkey, brown rice & green bean casserole
Th ~ Lasagna
F ~ Sourdough pizza


I am wearing...
cream square neck dress with mauve floral print


I am creating...
a new dress for myself


I am reading...
my KJ Bible through in a year,
currently in Deuteronomy, Psalms, Luke;
Pocketful of Pinecones by Karen Andreola;
Praying the Entire Bible for My Family by Joe Zichterman;
Holy Women by James Knox


I am hoping (praying)...
the Lord continues his work in
the family members/friends I've been praying for



I am hearing...
Beth and Carolynne playing
with their doll house on the kitchen floor
while Ally plays classical music on the piano
(Daddy and Will are having a man's day out, running errands)


Around the house...
a little blessing (cleaning) is needed from the weekend


One of my favorite things...
my sweetie! I missed him as he was away last week
and just love having him home!


A few plans for the rest of the week...
get Suzie groomed; work on my memory verse;
focus on learning, training, and keeping our home;
go to piano lessons that Ally teaches; sew as am able;
get a mole removed; attend our midweek service;
go through lots of old photos on the computer to make
a photo board for our eldest's upcoming graduation;



Here is picture thought I am sharing...
(not a new picture thought but a good thought, indeed!)


"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing
of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ." ~ Titus 2:13
What a glorious thought
and what a wonderful day that will be!

Haven at Home Happenings...

It's been a bit of a slow moving week for us here
but it has been an enjoyable one.
The first half of the week was cloudy, rainy, and cool
which contributed to our laid back kind of week.
Also, Daddy has been away
on his annual brother's golf outing,
when he and his brothers spend the week together golfing.
I'm thankful he is able to get away for some
rest, relaxation, and enjoyment.
And I am thankful the Lord teaches me
how to deal with it properly. ;o)
With Daddy being away, we've been a little out-of-sorts, too.
But we still enjoyed our week together.

We spent some of our time learning together,
enjoying our Proverbs studies and other subjects.
The lil' girls and I have been enjoying our new phonics together.
It's always a delight when they enjoy learning!

We, also, spent some time running errands...
picking up new piano books, getting a rug for the dining room,
mailing my sister her new dress, grocery shopping,
sending out graduation announcements, etc...
We enjoy our time of vanschooling!
We like to listen to classical music, Scripture to music,
Bible stories, our science cd, miscellaneous audio stories,
and preaching/programs on our local
conservative, Christian radio station (which is a real blessing!).
The children enjoy reading books, coloring, playing, talking,
and we enjoying admiring God's creation
and making occasional "fun" pit stops.

Friday was our homeschool park day and the Lord blessed us
with such a beautiful day to be out-of-doors!
The children and I left a little early so we had time
to draw for our nature journals. It was a blessing.
After playing and fellowshipping at the park,
the children and I went out to lunch together,
then enjoyed some dessert afterwards.
It was a delight to spend time eating indoors together,
just visiting with the children, tying heart strings.
Later in the evening, friends visited and stayed
for sourdough pizza and fellowship.
The mom's enjoyed looking through homeschool catalogs,
making plans for the upcoming school year,
and a list of books to buy at the homeschool conference
that will be coming up fairly soon! Oh, such fun! *Ü*
After pizza, Ally and her friend rolled out cookie dough
and worked with the younger children
to cut out their own shapes for cookies.
It was such a blessing to see the older girls
paying such sweet attention to the younger ones.

This morning, Ally was a sweetie and stayed home
with the children so Mama could attend our
ladies breakfast at Cracker Barrel. We had a lovely time.
The children and I look forward to relaxing this afternoon,
preparing for the Lord's Day tomorrow.
It will be Second Coming Sunday at our church tomorrow,
when we focus on the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.
What a day that will be!

I hope y'all have enjoyed your week
and have a blessed Lord's Day tomorrow!


As I close, here are just a few snapshots from our week...


Ally and Will enjoying a Kent Hovind seminar together



Beth and Carolynne enjoying their new phonics books


Making cookies...

Simple Woman's Daybook...

For today... April 13, 2009


Outside my window...
it is a cloudy, dark sky


I am thinking...
of where I was and where I could have been
had it not been for the saving grace of Jesus Christ
and how thankful I am that He saved a sinner like me


I am thankful for...
the resurrection of Jesus Christ
and how through Him, my sins are forgiven
and I am justified, having a sure hope in Him


From the learning rooms...
continuing our Proverbs study,
studying history in Exodus,
studying the country of Israel
and "adopting" a missionary to pray for there,
continue our science/nature study read aloud,
and continue with our other seatwork.


From the kitchen...
a blessing (cleaning) is needed from the weekend
and a new menu needs to be made


I am wearing...
dark blue, floral jumper with a cream, collared shirt


I am creating...
new dress for my sister
and, Lord willing, for myself later this week


I am reading...
my KJ Bible through in a year,
currently in Deuteronomy, Psalms, Luke;
Pocketful of Pinecones by Karen Andreola;
Praying the Entire Bible for My Family by Joe Zichterman;
Holy Women by James Knox


I am hoping (praying)...
the Lord continues his work in
the family members/friends I've been praying for;
my beloved as he visits with his brothers this week


I am hearing...
Will and Beth playing a game in the living room;
"I love you"'s from Carolynne as she hugs my arm;
the dryer tumbling, the heater blowing


Around the house...
a little blessing (cleaning) is needed from the weekend


One of my favorite things...
spending quality AND quantity time
with the Savior and Lover of my soul


A few plans for the rest of the week...
focus on learning, training, and keeping our home;
possibly visit and fellowship with friends; sew as am able;
work on my memory verse; attend our midweek service;
go through lots of old photos on the computer to make
a photo board for our eldest's upcoming graduation;
prepare and mail out graduation invitations.


Here is picture thought I am sharing...


"My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee;
and my soul, which though hast redeemed. " ~ Psalm 71:23
Praise God that I have been redeemed!

Haven at Home Happenings...

Sharing in snapshots...


The younger ones coloring the flag
of the country we're currently studying.



Ally working on a Mozart piece


We've enjoyed the beautiful weather this week
and have spent a lot of time out-of-doors,
which has been a real blessing.

On Wednesday, Ally helped by cleaning
and blowing the leaves out of the yard...



The lil' girls enjoyed sharing the swing together...


And a bike ride...


Gathering grass from the yard...






On Thursday, we helped friends with their garden...


Pushing the wheelborrow together

Teamwork to gather pine needles...


Enjoying a ride in the wheelborrow...


Enjoying a swing in the country...



Doing "manly" work...





The moms were "playing" with electric hedge trimmers
in a possible nesting area for snakes,
praying we didn't encounter any... Praise the Lord, we didn't!
Boy, we sure were a sight! lol

On Friday, our friends came over for sourdough pizza
and for fellowship, too...


A tisket, a tasket, strawberries in a basket! Mmmm!

Pretending Moses...

acting out our Bible/History lesson from this week

Quite a while ago, I was given a bag of "goodies"
from a sweet lady in church and with the nice weather,
it was a good day to get those "goodies" out.
The children enjoyed learning how to rollerblade
with the few pairs that were in that "goodie" bag...





We look forward to more fellowship today
and I hope to work on my current sewing project, too.
Then we are really looking forward to being
in God's house tomorrow for Resurrection Sunday!
Praise God He did NOT stay in the grave,
that He arose victoriously over death,
and gave us a way of salvation through Him!

"And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.
And they entered in, and found not
the body of the Lord Jesus
And it came to pass,
as they were much perplexed thereabout,
behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:
And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces
to the earth, they said unto them,
Why seek ye the living among the dead?
He is not here, but is risen:
remember how he spake unto you
when he was yet in Galilee,
Saying, The Son of man must be delivered
into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified,
and the third day rise again." ~ Luke 24:3-7

From the Sofa: Israel

... as we study about and pray for missionaries in Israel