Pumpkin Patch 2005
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Monday, October 30, 2006
Friendship Bags
A fellow blogger recently reminded me of something we had done about a year ago. We often see people at the intersections of the highways near us asking for money, etc. I don't like to just give out money but I came across this idea in an email newletter I receive. The information is now posted here. When we first did the bags, we followed most of what was listed at that site.
I decided we needed to make more bags to have on hand to give out as we are driving around. So, today the kids and I worked on getting 12 bags ready to hand out. Below is the list of what we included this time around.
Card about Forgiveness found in Christ
Card with info on contacting our church
fruit cup (peel top)
raisin pack
2 pks of cheese crackers
granola bar
bottle of water
beef jerky/beef stick
hand wipes
tooth towels
pack of gum
chapstick
tooth flossers
spoon
napkin
(gallon size ziploc bags)
We assembled all the items in each gallon size ziploc bag. I think these bags will hold up better than the paper bags we used last time.
Below are some pictures of what we included and of the kids working on assembling them.
The boys wanted to build with the items before packing them into the bags!
I decided we needed to make more bags to have on hand to give out as we are driving around. So, today the kids and I worked on getting 12 bags ready to hand out. Below is the list of what we included this time around.
Card about Forgiveness found in Christ
Card with info on contacting our church
fruit cup (peel top)
raisin pack
2 pks of cheese crackers
granola bar
bottle of water
beef jerky/beef stick
hand wipes
tooth towels
pack of gum
chapstick
tooth flossers
spoon
napkin
(gallon size ziploc bags)
We assembled all the items in each gallon size ziploc bag. I think these bags will hold up better than the paper bags we used last time.
Below are some pictures of what we included and of the kids working on assembling them.
The boys wanted to build with the items before packing them into the bags!
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Sweet Kids
I just have to share that my two youngest children have been playing so well together for almost the last week! Not that they don't usually, but they have been preferring to play with each other exclusively.
They have had a lot of fun with Barbie's and Barbie cars, making up and acting out stories, playing in creative ways with their stuffed animals, etc. It is so awesome to see their imaginations at work!
I have just been very thankful that the youngest has been happily occupied with fun play, rather than wanting to watch TV. He tends to really get "attached" to certain things if we let him! That is something we are working on in a big way!
I will post some pictures when I can "catch" them at play again! I forgot to do it earlier!
Have a blessed day!
They have had a lot of fun with Barbie's and Barbie cars, making up and acting out stories, playing in creative ways with their stuffed animals, etc. It is so awesome to see their imaginations at work!
I have just been very thankful that the youngest has been happily occupied with fun play, rather than wanting to watch TV. He tends to really get "attached" to certain things if we let him! That is something we are working on in a big way!
I will post some pictures when I can "catch" them at play again! I forgot to do it earlier!
Have a blessed day!
This is my youngest son. His sister didn't want to be in the picture for some reason!
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Helpful Devotions
I had previously mentioned that I would share about several devotions the Lord had brought before me over the past month.
Just as I was getting prepared to start my new exercise and eating plan, I read this devotion . (go to the site, click on previous devotions, then choose "Just Do It".)
A friend of mine had shared about the Above Rubies Ministry and I happened to be checking out the website when I found the above mentioned devotion. You can sign up to receive their weekly devotion by email.
This first devotion I read "Just Do It" was great inspiration to go ahead and get started with my plan, not to delay any further. I even used this devotion with my kids that day after I read it.
More recently they sent out a two part devotion titled, "Resolute". You can find it by visiting the website, then clicking on Weekly Devotions for Mothers. They only have Part 1 posted but they did email out part 2 also.
She goes over 10 affirmations for you and your children to help you stand resolute for God and His truth. Each affirmation is supported by scriptures you can use to teach and affirm each point to yourself and your family.
One thing that really struck me from Part 1 of "Resolute" is the Affirmation at the end (she always includes a prayer and an affirmation for you to focus on at the end). It is a quote:
Just as I was getting prepared to start my new exercise and eating plan, I read this devotion . (go to the site, click on previous devotions, then choose "Just Do It".)
A friend of mine had shared about the Above Rubies Ministry and I happened to be checking out the website when I found the above mentioned devotion. You can sign up to receive their weekly devotion by email.
This first devotion I read "Just Do It" was great inspiration to go ahead and get started with my plan, not to delay any further. I even used this devotion with my kids that day after I read it.
More recently they sent out a two part devotion titled, "Resolute". You can find it by visiting the website, then clicking on Weekly Devotions for Mothers. They only have Part 1 posted but they did email out part 2 also.
She goes over 10 affirmations for you and your children to help you stand resolute for God and His truth. Each affirmation is supported by scriptures you can use to teach and affirm each point to yourself and your family.
One thing that really struck me from Part 1 of "Resolute" is the Affirmation at the end (she always includes a prayer and an affirmation for you to focus on at the end). It is a quote:
"The braces within me shall be greater than the pressures upon me."
E. Stanley Jones
It is a really great passage.
Anyway, I hope to share more of what the Lord is teaching me over the coming days. I will also do another post soon about what we are using for our Bible time (in addition to our school related studies) right now.
May God bless you as you make seeking Him a priority in your life!
E. Stanley Jones
It just makes me stop and think....am I building up those "braces" within me so that I can withstand the pressures put upon me from the outside?
What is/are the braces within us? As a Christian, your "brace" is God, the Holy Spirit in you! Are you building up your spirit inside by reading, studying and applying God's Word? Are you taking time to pray--not just to ask for things, but to really pour your heart out and then listen for the Lord to speak to you? The Lord longs for us to come to Him open and ready to fellowship with Him alone. This takes time... it is something we need to make a priority in our lives. Just as we would not neglect our earthly husbands, how much more should we be putting forth effort to love on our Heavenly Father!?
It is so easy to get "washed along" by the day-to-day to-do list, emergencies, etc. The time spent with the Father can supply us with so much more than we can ever supply for ourselves. The Lord will accomplish all that needs to be done each day through us, if we will let Him instead of us trying to do it in our own strength. I know this to be true and often wonder how I can get so off track and carried away by all I need to do without stopping to get filled up and ask for direction from the One who knows best!
Even little things we do throughout the day to acknowledge where the Lord is already working will build up our Spirit. It helps us to keep our hearts focused on who is actually in control of all things! It isn't us, but the Lord! We can walk in joy and peace that comes only from the Lord despite whatever is around us if we will just keep our "heart, soul and mind" focused on the Lord instead of ourselves.
The last few days the kids and I have been studying about loving and obeying our Lord with wholehearted devotion. The verse we worked on today was:
Matthew 22:37-38
Jesus replied, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind." This is the first and greatest commandment.
We also read from 1 Chronicles 28:8-10 which relates David's instructions to Solomon as he is passing the torch of leadership to his son. He admonishes Solomon to seek and serve
the Lord wholheartedly.
What is/are the braces within us? As a Christian, your "brace" is God, the Holy Spirit in you! Are you building up your spirit inside by reading, studying and applying God's Word? Are you taking time to pray--not just to ask for things, but to really pour your heart out and then listen for the Lord to speak to you? The Lord longs for us to come to Him open and ready to fellowship with Him alone. This takes time... it is something we need to make a priority in our lives. Just as we would not neglect our earthly husbands, how much more should we be putting forth effort to love on our Heavenly Father!?
It is so easy to get "washed along" by the day-to-day to-do list, emergencies, etc. The time spent with the Father can supply us with so much more than we can ever supply for ourselves. The Lord will accomplish all that needs to be done each day through us, if we will let Him instead of us trying to do it in our own strength. I know this to be true and often wonder how I can get so off track and carried away by all I need to do without stopping to get filled up and ask for direction from the One who knows best!
Even little things we do throughout the day to acknowledge where the Lord is already working will build up our Spirit. It helps us to keep our hearts focused on who is actually in control of all things! It isn't us, but the Lord! We can walk in joy and peace that comes only from the Lord despite whatever is around us if we will just keep our "heart, soul and mind" focused on the Lord instead of ourselves.
The last few days the kids and I have been studying about loving and obeying our Lord with wholehearted devotion. The verse we worked on today was:
Matthew 22:37-38
Jesus replied, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind." This is the first and greatest commandment.
We also read from 1 Chronicles 28:8-10 which relates David's instructions to Solomon as he is passing the torch of leadership to his son. He admonishes Solomon to seek and serve
the Lord wholheartedly.
It is a really great passage.
Anyway, I hope to share more of what the Lord is teaching me over the coming days. I will also do another post soon about what we are using for our Bible time (in addition to our school related studies) right now.
May God bless you as you make seeking Him a priority in your life!
Help with Healthy Eating/Lifestyle
I wanted to share about a book I received. I had put it aside a couple of months ago, but came across it again a few weeks ago as I started my new eating/exercise plan.
It is a book by Joyce Meyers, called Look Great Feel Great -- 12 Keys to Enjoying a Healthy Life Now.
It is focused on helping you to understand who you are in Christ, helping you to gain a God-given self image, and giving you little steps to move towards having a healthy attitude as well as a healthy body.
I would highly recommend this book for anyone who has struggled at times with not liking themselves, their body or the way they look (whether you at overweight or underweight).
The keys discussed include:
Let God Do the Heavy Lifting
Learning to Love Your Body
Mastering Metabolism
Exercise
Balanced Eating
Water Your Life
Mindful Eating
Curb Your Spiritual Hunger
De-Stress
Right Vision
Make It Easy
Take Responsibility
*Practice What You Preach: Modeling Self-Respect for the Next Generation
I am about half way through the book and it has been helpful so far. I will share more of what I am learning as I go through it.
This was just one of the things God put in my path as I was starting out on this new adventure. I will be sharing some of the other words of wisdom and encouragement the Lord has put before me the past few weeks later today.
God truly is our Father and knows exactly what we need when we need it.
It is a book by Joyce Meyers, called Look Great Feel Great -- 12 Keys to Enjoying a Healthy Life Now.
It is focused on helping you to understand who you are in Christ, helping you to gain a God-given self image, and giving you little steps to move towards having a healthy attitude as well as a healthy body.
I would highly recommend this book for anyone who has struggled at times with not liking themselves, their body or the way they look (whether you at overweight or underweight).
The keys discussed include:
Let God Do the Heavy Lifting
Learning to Love Your Body
Mastering Metabolism
Exercise
Balanced Eating
Water Your Life
Mindful Eating
Curb Your Spiritual Hunger
De-Stress
Right Vision
Make It Easy
Take Responsibility
*Practice What You Preach: Modeling Self-Respect for the Next Generation
I am about half way through the book and it has been helpful so far. I will share more of what I am learning as I go through it.
This was just one of the things God put in my path as I was starting out on this new adventure. I will be sharing some of the other words of wisdom and encouragement the Lord has put before me the past few weeks later today.
God truly is our Father and knows exactly what we need when we need it.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Christian Family Holiday Planner!
I can across this great Holiday Planner designed for Christian families. It is designed to help you start preparing for the upcoming holidays in October, so that the actual holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's) can be stress-free and Jesus focused!
The ebook that you can purchase includes all the directions and pages to print out to make your planning notebook. It also includes instructions, devotions and pictures for making a Jesse tree to keep your heart focused on the Lord through the busy holiday time.
I highly recommend spending the small amount to purchase this planner and devotional. You will be able to use it year after year.
I am working on setting up my notebook right now.
I have used a combination of two other planners in the past and I like certain things about each one. I am looking forward to trying out this new system for this year!
I have found that even if you aren't able to keep up with every suggestion of pre-planning, any pre-planning you do will get you that much closer to having a stress-free holiday season!
I know I will be needing that this year as we will be hosting over 20 people at our home for Christmas dinner this year!
You can find the planner here:
The 12-Week Holiday Planner for the Christian Family
You can view a few sample pages from the planner prior to purchasing here.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Have a blessed Christmas season!
The ebook that you can purchase includes all the directions and pages to print out to make your planning notebook. It also includes instructions, devotions and pictures for making a Jesse tree to keep your heart focused on the Lord through the busy holiday time.
I highly recommend spending the small amount to purchase this planner and devotional. You will be able to use it year after year.
I am working on setting up my notebook right now.
I have used a combination of two other planners in the past and I like certain things about each one. I am looking forward to trying out this new system for this year!
I have found that even if you aren't able to keep up with every suggestion of pre-planning, any pre-planning you do will get you that much closer to having a stress-free holiday season!
I know I will be needing that this year as we will be hosting over 20 people at our home for Christmas dinner this year!
You can find the planner here:
The 12-Week Holiday Planner for the Christian Family
You can view a few sample pages from the planner prior to purchasing here.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Have a blessed Christmas season!
New Way of Eating....
It has been almost a month since I began my journey towards losing the many pounds I have accumulated over the past 12 years! I never had a problem with my weight until I started having kids. After the first two, my body chemistry really seemed to change. Though the gain has been slow over all the years, it has really added up now!
I am happy to say that I have lost 6 1/2 pounds over the past three weeks. Although I took a break for a couple of days because of husband's birthday, I am back on my new eating and exercise plan!
I realized after this weekend how much of a difference it makes to my sleep patterns, among other things, when I eat "bad" versus when I eat more healthy. I had two nights of horrible sleep both days that I didn't watch what I ate. I slept much better last night after eating better yesterday. Hopefully tonight will be even better!
I have a long way to go, but I know that if I keep at it so that the weight slowly but surely continues to drop, I will reach my ultimate goal! I long for the day that I no longer looked "puffed up".
I grew up very active and all through middle and high school never thought of myself as "skinny". It wasn't until I got married and had my first child (and especially now), that I looked back at my pictures and realized how thin I really was--so different from the picture I had in my head of myself all those years!
The Lord has really shown me that in order to succeed, I can't just depend on my own will and self control. I know that I need His help every minute to keep focused on the benefits of "denying myself" now so that I will be around to serve Him and my family for many years!
In the past weeks as I have started this adventure, He has put in my path several books and devotions that were just what I needed to help me get going and stay focused. Just like anything in life, it is much easier to give up and be "comfortable" than to push forward, leaning on the Lord to get you to your goal. Knowing that what I am working towards is in accordance to God's will also gives me more focus than I have had in the past.
The Lord is faithful and I know that I can do all things through Him who gives me strength!
The more I focus on my relationship with Him, the easier all the "stuff" around me becomes--whether it is getting school done each day, doing daily chores, or sticking to the eating plan I want to follow.
The Lord is mighty and greatly to be praised!
I am happy to say that I have lost 6 1/2 pounds over the past three weeks. Although I took a break for a couple of days because of husband's birthday, I am back on my new eating and exercise plan!
I realized after this weekend how much of a difference it makes to my sleep patterns, among other things, when I eat "bad" versus when I eat more healthy. I had two nights of horrible sleep both days that I didn't watch what I ate. I slept much better last night after eating better yesterday. Hopefully tonight will be even better!
I have a long way to go, but I know that if I keep at it so that the weight slowly but surely continues to drop, I will reach my ultimate goal! I long for the day that I no longer looked "puffed up".
I grew up very active and all through middle and high school never thought of myself as "skinny". It wasn't until I got married and had my first child (and especially now), that I looked back at my pictures and realized how thin I really was--so different from the picture I had in my head of myself all those years!
The Lord has really shown me that in order to succeed, I can't just depend on my own will and self control. I know that I need His help every minute to keep focused on the benefits of "denying myself" now so that I will be around to serve Him and my family for many years!
In the past weeks as I have started this adventure, He has put in my path several books and devotions that were just what I needed to help me get going and stay focused. Just like anything in life, it is much easier to give up and be "comfortable" than to push forward, leaning on the Lord to get you to your goal. Knowing that what I am working towards is in accordance to God's will also gives me more focus than I have had in the past.
The Lord is faithful and I know that I can do all things through Him who gives me strength!
The more I focus on my relationship with Him, the easier all the "stuff" around me becomes--whether it is getting school done each day, doing daily chores, or sticking to the eating plan I want to follow.
The Lord is mighty and greatly to be praised!
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Fun Leader Test!
What Famous Leader are you most like? Try it and post your results in the comments section or leave a link to your site!
What Famous Leader Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com
Friday, October 13, 2006
Too Much Information???
I am posting this in response to a post by a friend that you can find here. My response was a bit long to leave as a comment, so I thought I would post it here instead!
***
I tend to agree with what Sarah has said. Even if you don’t use these words in “normal conversation”, you should have an understanding of what they mean. It will help you to understand where people are coming from when they are talking to you about Biblical things.
All these terms were “made up” by man to help explain/describe different ways of looking at the Bible, the events in the Bible and people’s thoughts about “religion” and “doctrine”. So, although using those words are not necessary for studying God’s Word or telling others about it, it will help you personally to understand various ways of looking at scripture and various beliefs. It will also help you not to feel “lost” when people bring up those words.
I do hear people using these words in ways that aren’t correct—or that don’t explain well what they are saying. They put a different meaning or more meaning into the word than it actually has. To me, that is really annoying and tells me they don’t really understand what they are talking about!
Take for example—hermeneutics—which simply put means a method of interpreting the Bible. But if you look it up here. You will see that that there are many, many different ways of looking at scriptures “hermeneutically”. So you would have to ask a person what they mean by that! Once again, it is man’s way of trying to understand and study scripture in a way they can make sense of it.
You can look up further info on eschatology and orthopraxy .
I enjoy taking the time to look these things up to understand more about where people are coming from. I am not saying that all the ideas listed on these links are “correct” but it does help you to understand what people are talking about!
God desires for us to understand and evaluate His Word from beginning to end. He always “backs himself up”. Our only “interpreter” is supposed to be the Holy Spirit. He will teach and guide us to understand God’s Word. We are to be taught by the Spirit and not by man. John 14:26 & 1 John 2:27
We should always be evaluating what any “person” tells us regarding scripture with God’s Word. It will help you to learn to discern whether people are giving you their opinion or actually sharing what God’s Word says.
Thanks for the great discussion!
***
I tend to agree with what Sarah has said. Even if you don’t use these words in “normal conversation”, you should have an understanding of what they mean. It will help you to understand where people are coming from when they are talking to you about Biblical things.
All these terms were “made up” by man to help explain/describe different ways of looking at the Bible, the events in the Bible and people’s thoughts about “religion” and “doctrine”. So, although using those words are not necessary for studying God’s Word or telling others about it, it will help you personally to understand various ways of looking at scripture and various beliefs. It will also help you not to feel “lost” when people bring up those words.
I do hear people using these words in ways that aren’t correct—or that don’t explain well what they are saying. They put a different meaning or more meaning into the word than it actually has. To me, that is really annoying and tells me they don’t really understand what they are talking about!
Take for example—hermeneutics—which simply put means a method of interpreting the Bible. But if you look it up here. You will see that that there are many, many different ways of looking at scriptures “hermeneutically”. So you would have to ask a person what they mean by that! Once again, it is man’s way of trying to understand and study scripture in a way they can make sense of it.
You can look up further info on eschatology and orthopraxy .
I enjoy taking the time to look these things up to understand more about where people are coming from. I am not saying that all the ideas listed on these links are “correct” but it does help you to understand what people are talking about!
God desires for us to understand and evaluate His Word from beginning to end. He always “backs himself up”. Our only “interpreter” is supposed to be the Holy Spirit. He will teach and guide us to understand God’s Word. We are to be taught by the Spirit and not by man. John 14:26 & 1 John 2:27
We should always be evaluating what any “person” tells us regarding scripture with God’s Word. It will help you to learn to discern whether people are giving you their opinion or actually sharing what God’s Word says.
Thanks for the great discussion!
Sunday, October 08, 2006
First Recital!
My three oldest children had their first music rectial this weekend. It was an informal event as most of the kids have only been taking lessons with this teacher for 6-12 months. She wanted them to get used to playing in front of people before making it a formal event! They will have their formal recital in April 2007.
All the kids were a bit nervous with this new adventure. My oldest was first in the line up, so she was extra nervous! They all did well! It was a small crowd of mainly immediate and extended family--everyone was encouraging of course!
The actual playing time for all 8 children was only about 15 minutes! We had a nice time visiting afterward with the other families.
The Lord has truly blessed us to be able to take lessons from this teacher who happens to be in my homeschool support group. She has been wonderful with the kids and they are loving their lessons.
We look forward to all the wonderful music the children will be learning for the next recital!
Mee-Maw (my mom) gave the kids flowers as they each finished their songs. She had my youngest son hand them out. She also got one flower for him!
This is our entertainer! (He just has to pull his socks up all the way....)
All the kids were a bit nervous with this new adventure. My oldest was first in the line up, so she was extra nervous! They all did well! It was a small crowd of mainly immediate and extended family--everyone was encouraging of course!
The actual playing time for all 8 children was only about 15 minutes! We had a nice time visiting afterward with the other families.
The Lord has truly blessed us to be able to take lessons from this teacher who happens to be in my homeschool support group. She has been wonderful with the kids and they are loving their lessons.
We look forward to all the wonderful music the children will be learning for the next recital!
Mee-Maw (my mom) gave the kids flowers as they each finished their songs. She had my youngest son hand them out. She also got one flower for him!
This is our entertainer! (He just has to pull his socks up all the way....)Saturday, October 07, 2006
Mystery Dinner Fun!
My oldest daughter attended her first Mystery Dinner this past Friday hosted by our local homeschool group. Last year, she and I both helped as servers, but this year she was able to "attend" and be part of the fun as a 7th grader.
This is an event that our group hosts each year for our 7th-12th grade children. The parents and graduated teens (of our families) are the ones who put on the event. It is always a blast!
This year the theme was Pirates of the Caribbean. We decorated with "pirate" chests with "jewels, gold and silver", "gold" coins on the tables, etc. Many of the kids and parents dressed up in a pirate theme. Prizes were given for the best costumes (voted on by the kids). They all had a wonderful time!
In case you are wondering what a Mystery Dinner is.... it is a dinner where there is a menu written using names related to your theme (pirates). The kids fill out an order card for 4 items from the menu for each of the 3 courses. They don't know what they are ordering! Utensils are included in the choices, so there is always the chance that you may receive messy food without anything to eat it with! It is always great fun to see how they react when they get their food. The food this year was Mexican themed with additional items like salad, fruit, pudding and brownies.
Here are a few pictures of the event!
This is an event that our group hosts each year for our 7th-12th grade children. The parents and graduated teens (of our families) are the ones who put on the event. It is always a blast!
This year the theme was Pirates of the Caribbean. We decorated with "pirate" chests with "jewels, gold and silver", "gold" coins on the tables, etc. Many of the kids and parents dressed up in a pirate theme. Prizes were given for the best costumes (voted on by the kids). They all had a wonderful time!
In case you are wondering what a Mystery Dinner is.... it is a dinner where there is a menu written using names related to your theme (pirates). The kids fill out an order card for 4 items from the menu for each of the 3 courses. They don't know what they are ordering! Utensils are included in the choices, so there is always the chance that you may receive messy food without anything to eat it with! It is always great fun to see how they react when they get their food. The food this year was Mexican themed with additional items like salad, fruit, pudding and brownies.
Here are a few pictures of the event!
My daughter in her "pirate" outfit--not too piratey but she looked cute anyway!
The whole gang!
My daughter and her friend filling out their menus!
Friday, October 06, 2006
"One Word Game"
My friend posted this on her blog and now I am doing the same. Here's what I want you to do. Describe me in ONE WORD... just one word! Reply in comments section. Then you can email it to your friends or post on your blog to see what your friends say about you. I tag anyone who happens to read this blog!
Try to be nice though! :)
Try to be nice though! :)
Monday, September 18, 2006
Ballet Fun!
My youngest daughter started a ballet class this past Thursday thanks to my friend Sarah!
She had a wonderful time and now my oldest is also going to start ballet classes! I think it will be really good for both of them!
Here is a picture of her first class.
She had a wonderful time and now my oldest is also going to start ballet classes! I think it will be really good for both of them!
Here is a picture of her first class.
Great Field Trip!
We had an interesting week this past week with many activities, field trips and meetings going on!
We visited the Pioneer Farms in Austin. It was a nice visit. It was great to see some actual buildings and people living out the daily life of the mid to late 1800's in Texas as we have just finished up studying Pioneer Life for school.
We ended up walking around with a fellow KONOS user and had a great time getting to know her and her boys during and after our field trip when we visited their home.
The kids were so excited when they also got to visit with her boys again on Thursday evening when their mom came to San Antonio for a meeting I was leading.
Here are a few pictures of the Pioneer Farms trip!
** I will add pictures later as they don't seem to want to load at the moment!
We visited the Pioneer Farms in Austin. It was a nice visit. It was great to see some actual buildings and people living out the daily life of the mid to late 1800's in Texas as we have just finished up studying Pioneer Life for school.
We ended up walking around with a fellow KONOS user and had a great time getting to know her and her boys during and after our field trip when we visited their home.
The kids were so excited when they also got to visit with her boys again on Thursday evening when their mom came to San Antonio for a meeting I was leading.
Here are a few pictures of the Pioneer Farms trip!
** I will add pictures later as they don't seem to want to load at the moment!
Sunday, September 10, 2006
In Memory
Where were you? Do you remember where you were and what you were doing that morning on September 11, 2001? Did you wake up knowing something would happen to change our lives forever?
Someone shared on another blog a link to this video. It is a clip of a longer video, but very good and very hopeful. Check it out for yourself at:
http://www.worshiphousemedia.com/index.cfm?hndl=details&tab=MM&id=5536
I do remember that day. I woke up with no idea what was going on. I was still lying in bed when I received a call from my sister-in-law telling me to watch the news. I then spent most of the rest of the day in my bed watching the news. I didn't want to put it on in the living room where the kids could see it all, so I left it on in my room.
I know I feed the kids and took care of what they needed at the time, but besides the basics, I was glued to the TV, praying for those people, thinking of those in the Pentagon that I or my dad may know, in horror of all that had taken place in such a short time and no one could stop it!
I do remember that day and those that followed. So many of us, even though we were so removed from the actual area, walked around in shock of what was going on. Fear gripped many as new security alerts were issued, flights were stopped and slowly started again.
I was supposed to fly to another state less than 2 weeks after that day for a MOPS Convention, I canceled my plans. The airlines refunded everything because they understood why no one would want to fly! The events of that day changed our lives forever. Some changes occurred right away, some we wouldn't see for years. Some we are continuing to see now as more threats appear in different areas.
We can't be as naive as we once were but we also must remember that we have a God who loves His children and who has a plan. May we allow Him to teach us more about Him and how we can be used by Him in all our circumstances--the good and the bad.
I pray you remember! We will be praying tomorrow for the many left behind after the tragedy of 9-11-01.
Take some time to read through Psalm 91:1 (and the rest of the chapter)--who are you putting your trust in?
Someone shared on another blog a link to this video. It is a clip of a longer video, but very good and very hopeful. Check it out for yourself at:
http://www.worshiphousemedia.com/index.cfm?hndl=details&tab=MM&id=5536
I do remember that day. I woke up with no idea what was going on. I was still lying in bed when I received a call from my sister-in-law telling me to watch the news. I then spent most of the rest of the day in my bed watching the news. I didn't want to put it on in the living room where the kids could see it all, so I left it on in my room.
I know I feed the kids and took care of what they needed at the time, but besides the basics, I was glued to the TV, praying for those people, thinking of those in the Pentagon that I or my dad may know, in horror of all that had taken place in such a short time and no one could stop it!
I do remember that day and those that followed. So many of us, even though we were so removed from the actual area, walked around in shock of what was going on. Fear gripped many as new security alerts were issued, flights were stopped and slowly started again.
I was supposed to fly to another state less than 2 weeks after that day for a MOPS Convention, I canceled my plans. The airlines refunded everything because they understood why no one would want to fly! The events of that day changed our lives forever. Some changes occurred right away, some we wouldn't see for years. Some we are continuing to see now as more threats appear in different areas.
We can't be as naive as we once were but we also must remember that we have a God who loves His children and who has a plan. May we allow Him to teach us more about Him and how we can be used by Him in all our circumstances--the good and the bad.
I pray you remember! We will be praying tomorrow for the many left behind after the tragedy of 9-11-01.
Take some time to read through Psalm 91:1 (and the rest of the chapter)--who are you putting your trust in?
My Blessings!
Here are a few of the blessings I have received from the Lord!
1. The Lord Himself!
2. My wonderful, caring husband.
3. My four wonderful children who make each day an exciting adventure (to say the least!).
4. The new home we have now been in for 7 months--hard to believe!
5. Wonderful friends who are encouraging, good listeners and helpful for teaching me new things!
6. Rain for my yard--I don't have to water for a few days!
7. Great extended family who want to be involved with our kids!
8. Godly leaders who hear from the Lord and want to share the truth of God's Word.
9. The freedom to teach my children at home as the Lord leads!
10. A Heavenly Father who is right here with me at all times--I just have to remember it!
That's all for today..... I will try to share more and other specific blessings as they come up!
1. The Lord Himself!
2. My wonderful, caring husband.
3. My four wonderful children who make each day an exciting adventure (to say the least!).
4. The new home we have now been in for 7 months--hard to believe!
5. Wonderful friends who are encouraging, good listeners and helpful for teaching me new things!
6. Rain for my yard--I don't have to water for a few days!
7. Great extended family who want to be involved with our kids!
8. Godly leaders who hear from the Lord and want to share the truth of God's Word.
9. The freedom to teach my children at home as the Lord leads!
10. A Heavenly Father who is right here with me at all times--I just have to remember it!
That's all for today..... I will try to share more and other specific blessings as they come up!
Hard Heart or Soft Heart?
Hi, all! I just wanted to share a little about the topic of the sermon from church today. We are studying John 3:16 and today's topic was "Hope for a Hard Heart".
The sermon covered several examples of a hard heart, the product of a hard heart and the prescription for the hard heart. The last part is a good reminder to help us keep focused:
"Remember what God has done for you. Mark 8:17-18
Acknowledge what you have done against God. 1 John 1:10
Give your heart to God."
In the closing, he mentioned a great reminder to help us keep all that happens each day, week, month; in perspective:
"Write your burdens in the sand but write your blessings in stone!"
Things written in sand are quickly washed away and forgotten. Writing in sand is not an effective way to record what goes on to be kept as a reminder for later. Stone is hard and once you make an impression upon it, it can't be removed! What better way to keep our focus on what is most important in our lives!
If you have children, you may have sand around your house/yard. When you are having a particularly hard time with a person, problem or situation--go out there and write it in the sand. Spend some time handing it over to the Lord and then wipe it away! Once we give our burdens to the Lord, they are no longer ours!
Likewise, take time each day, or week to record the blessings in your life from the Lord. Put these in a journal, on your blog or in some place where it will be recorded and saved for future reference. Use it as an encouragement of all that the Lord has done for you in the past and all that He promises to do for you in the future!
We need to do all we can to keep our focus on the Lord and keep our heart open to Him. As humans, we tend to run away from, rather than run towards, the One alone who can help us in all ways! God desires for us to come to Him with all our problems, our joys, our trials and our yearnings. He wants a relationship with us far beyond what most of us can even imagine or are willing to give.
We can start by doing what we can to be open, loving and transparent before the Lord. If we can't be open with Him, how can we be open with others? The more we are open and willing to hand our burdens over to the Lord, the easier it will be to live a life of gratitude toward our Heavenly Father as well as towards those He has placed in our lives!
I will be making a list of my blessings shortly and will also post it to this blog. If you feel led to do the same, just leave a comment letting me know!
The sermon covered several examples of a hard heart, the product of a hard heart and the prescription for the hard heart. The last part is a good reminder to help us keep focused:
"Remember what God has done for you. Mark 8:17-18
Acknowledge what you have done against God. 1 John 1:10
Give your heart to God."
In the closing, he mentioned a great reminder to help us keep all that happens each day, week, month; in perspective:
"Write your burdens in the sand but write your blessings in stone!"
Things written in sand are quickly washed away and forgotten. Writing in sand is not an effective way to record what goes on to be kept as a reminder for later. Stone is hard and once you make an impression upon it, it can't be removed! What better way to keep our focus on what is most important in our lives!
If you have children, you may have sand around your house/yard. When you are having a particularly hard time with a person, problem or situation--go out there and write it in the sand. Spend some time handing it over to the Lord and then wipe it away! Once we give our burdens to the Lord, they are no longer ours!
Likewise, take time each day, or week to record the blessings in your life from the Lord. Put these in a journal, on your blog or in some place where it will be recorded and saved for future reference. Use it as an encouragement of all that the Lord has done for you in the past and all that He promises to do for you in the future!
We need to do all we can to keep our focus on the Lord and keep our heart open to Him. As humans, we tend to run away from, rather than run towards, the One alone who can help us in all ways! God desires for us to come to Him with all our problems, our joys, our trials and our yearnings. He wants a relationship with us far beyond what most of us can even imagine or are willing to give.
We can start by doing what we can to be open, loving and transparent before the Lord. If we can't be open with Him, how can we be open with others? The more we are open and willing to hand our burdens over to the Lord, the easier it will be to live a life of gratitude toward our Heavenly Father as well as towards those He has placed in our lives!
I will be making a list of my blessings shortly and will also post it to this blog. If you feel led to do the same, just leave a comment letting me know!
Pretty Accurate Quiz!
| You Are 48% Control Freak |
 Generally, you are in control but not a control freak. You life is usually in order. However, sometimes you get too obsessed with making everything in your life picture perfect. |
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Monday, September 04, 2006
Fun add-ons for the Mozilla browser!
I just downloaded a new add-on for my Mozilla browser that makes it so much easier to type and post messages to my blog! It is set up to work with blogger.com and wordpress.com.
You can download it at: Deepest Sender
I also found another extension which allows you to take a picture of a website and then you can use it to post on your blog, keep for reference for research, etc. You can download it here.
We will see how they work! So far, the Deepest Sender makes posting text to blogger.com much easier! I haven't worked out adding pictures this way, but maybe it will work better also!
Have fun!
You can download it at: Deepest Sender
I also found another extension which allows you to take a picture of a website and then you can use it to post on your blog, keep for reference for research, etc. You can download it here.
Have fun!
Happy Labor Day!
Just sending a quick note to say Happy Labor Day! Hope you are enjoying a restful day free from labor today!
This is also a test for a new way to post to my blog!
This is also a test for a new way to post to my blog!
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Random Thoughts
Well, I have done more reading and responding to others lately than sitting down to compose my own posts!
Even now I am sitting here in a half daze, tired but not wanting to go to bed yet. Trying to make sure the kids get in bed and go to sleep. Oldest daughter is reading books to the youngest right now. It has become a beloved time for them with youngest son really becoming attached to oldest daughter now.
My computer is in the loft, so I can hear all to make sure they are where they are supposed to be. Oldest son is watching football with Dad--his new "privilege" now that he is 10 and understands what is going on! Dad has even set up a Fantasy football league and oldest son gets to try out having his own team! It's a father/son thing that is good for oldest son.
I have shared some comments with a cyber "friend" on her site that you can read here and here. They are related to homeschooling and the challenges we face.
I hope to spend some time collecting my thoughts about some topics I would like to share about so that it will come out right! I have a tendency to say things in the wrong way at the wrong time if I am not careful!
The Lord has really been showing me things and pointing out verses and areas I need to study and work on. I am so glad that He is faithful even when we aren't as we should be. That He is always there ready to help, redirect and encourage us when we take the time to ask! He wants so much for us to keep our whole selves focused on Him at all times. The more we focus on the Lord instead of ourselves and our "to-do" lists, the better things can run--not necessarily in the way we expect, but definitely for the better in the long run.
I am happy to be available to help my friends when I can--giving my time to watch children, take them places, etc. is something I love to do and doesn't cause me any stress. (Thankfully my one friend is out of the hospital now. The Lord was good in this situation and she is doing much better resting at home.) It may cause "my" plans to be changed, but I have learned that as I serve others, the Lord will make up for the time we "lose" from our schedule in ways I never expected.
Like noticing yesterday that oldest son is reading to youngest son. Youngest son says, "He is teaching me to read!" They have been reading the book over and over and oldest son is trying to help him recognize the words they are reading. The way my kids have finally sprouted a great desire to read and to learn to read better has been exciting! They don't see their reading lessons as lessons--just as a fun time to read. They are improving more and more and I love it!
I love how my kids are so creative and love to come up with "games" to play together. These are usually play-acting type games. Sometimes related to things we study, sometimes things they just come up with themselves, some are recurring themes like superheroes. They all have roles and work out who does what next, etc. This usually occupies them for a long time on a good day! They will also do things like play store. The boys one day (the youngest started this) made a store in their room and actually priced items that they set out, brought you in to show you the merchandise and then wanted us to pay them for things. It was fun and he had written the signs himself after copying the numbers from price signs Dad had brought home from work.
I feel like I learn something new every day about my kids. The Lord seems to really be pointing out certain unique qualities and needs in each of my children. I am trying to pay better attention to these areas and be sensitive to their needs. Oldest daughter is almost a teen and has come through some big changes recently. I am trying to be encouraging and supportive to her in these areas. She has a great heart for the Lord and we will be spending some one on one time each week studying the word together soon. This will give us more time to talk. It is difficult to have good "talks" with 3 other kids running around. The only time ends up being late at night, but she needs her sleep almost more than the younger ones!
Oldest son is now 10. He also seems to be going through some changes in interests, thought processes, etc. We are working on making sure he has time with mom and dad so he, too, can express his thoughts and feelings. He tends to keep everything to himself but will sometimes get very upset and we don't know what led up to it.
It is an exciting time right now in so many ways! I look forward to seeing the Lord work on our lives each day. I am excited about what He is showing me in His word. I hope to post some of my thoughts soon!
That's it for now.... :)
Even now I am sitting here in a half daze, tired but not wanting to go to bed yet. Trying to make sure the kids get in bed and go to sleep. Oldest daughter is reading books to the youngest right now. It has become a beloved time for them with youngest son really becoming attached to oldest daughter now.
My computer is in the loft, so I can hear all to make sure they are where they are supposed to be. Oldest son is watching football with Dad--his new "privilege" now that he is 10 and understands what is going on! Dad has even set up a Fantasy football league and oldest son gets to try out having his own team! It's a father/son thing that is good for oldest son.
I have shared some comments with a cyber "friend" on her site that you can read here and here. They are related to homeschooling and the challenges we face.
I hope to spend some time collecting my thoughts about some topics I would like to share about so that it will come out right! I have a tendency to say things in the wrong way at the wrong time if I am not careful!
The Lord has really been showing me things and pointing out verses and areas I need to study and work on. I am so glad that He is faithful even when we aren't as we should be. That He is always there ready to help, redirect and encourage us when we take the time to ask! He wants so much for us to keep our whole selves focused on Him at all times. The more we focus on the Lord instead of ourselves and our "to-do" lists, the better things can run--not necessarily in the way we expect, but definitely for the better in the long run.
I am happy to be available to help my friends when I can--giving my time to watch children, take them places, etc. is something I love to do and doesn't cause me any stress. (Thankfully my one friend is out of the hospital now. The Lord was good in this situation and she is doing much better resting at home.) It may cause "my" plans to be changed, but I have learned that as I serve others, the Lord will make up for the time we "lose" from our schedule in ways I never expected.
Like noticing yesterday that oldest son is reading to youngest son. Youngest son says, "He is teaching me to read!" They have been reading the book over and over and oldest son is trying to help him recognize the words they are reading. The way my kids have finally sprouted a great desire to read and to learn to read better has been exciting! They don't see their reading lessons as lessons--just as a fun time to read. They are improving more and more and I love it!
I love how my kids are so creative and love to come up with "games" to play together. These are usually play-acting type games. Sometimes related to things we study, sometimes things they just come up with themselves, some are recurring themes like superheroes. They all have roles and work out who does what next, etc. This usually occupies them for a long time on a good day! They will also do things like play store. The boys one day (the youngest started this) made a store in their room and actually priced items that they set out, brought you in to show you the merchandise and then wanted us to pay them for things. It was fun and he had written the signs himself after copying the numbers from price signs Dad had brought home from work.
I feel like I learn something new every day about my kids. The Lord seems to really be pointing out certain unique qualities and needs in each of my children. I am trying to pay better attention to these areas and be sensitive to their needs. Oldest daughter is almost a teen and has come through some big changes recently. I am trying to be encouraging and supportive to her in these areas. She has a great heart for the Lord and we will be spending some one on one time each week studying the word together soon. This will give us more time to talk. It is difficult to have good "talks" with 3 other kids running around. The only time ends up being late at night, but she needs her sleep almost more than the younger ones!
Oldest son is now 10. He also seems to be going through some changes in interests, thought processes, etc. We are working on making sure he has time with mom and dad so he, too, can express his thoughts and feelings. He tends to keep everything to himself but will sometimes get very upset and we don't know what led up to it.
It is an exciting time right now in so many ways! I look forward to seeing the Lord work on our lives each day. I am excited about what He is showing me in His word. I hope to post some of my thoughts soon!
That's it for now.... :)
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Wordless Wednesday!
Thanks for the idea Grafted!
Yes, this is our 24 pound (no kidding) cat Tigger! She reminds me of what we learned when we studied about sheep--and what happens when they get stuck on their backs....!
Yes, this is our 24 pound (no kidding) cat Tigger! She reminds me of what we learned when we studied about sheep--and what happens when they get stuck on their backs....!
Sunday, August 27, 2006
5 Things...
Here was a silly MEME I found on Sarah's website.
5 Things in my Freezer: Frozen Kefir cubes, organic corn, fajita vegetables, ice packs and chicken
5 Things in my Closet: clothes, shelf of photo ablums, costumes (from school related projects), shoes, tons of fabric and sewing supplies
5 Things in my Purse: wallet, cell phone, checkbook, calendar, pens, etc.
5 Things in my Wallet: driver’s license, receipts, Sam's Club card, change, Borders teacher discount card
5 People I Tag: Everyone on my Links List. And anyone else who reads it.
5 Things in my Freezer: Frozen Kefir cubes, organic corn, fajita vegetables, ice packs and chicken
5 Things in my Closet: clothes, shelf of photo ablums, costumes (from school related projects), shoes, tons of fabric and sewing supplies
5 Things in my Purse: wallet, cell phone, checkbook, calendar, pens, etc.
5 Things in my Wallet: driver’s license, receipts, Sam's Club card, change, Borders teacher discount card
5 People I Tag: Everyone on my Links List. And anyone else who reads it.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
The Grocery Game
Hi, all! I did my first "official" grocery game shopping trip on Tuesday evening.
It went fairly well. I ended up saving about $57.00 buying mainly things I always buy. Since I am just getting started with this "game", I only have a certain selection of coupons built up so far. I am sure it will get better as we go along and I can stock up on the things on sale instead of just what we need right now! This was a big shopping trip for us with many things I had to buy now that I didn't have coupons for yet.
You can learn more about about the grocery game at: www.thegrocerygame.com
If you decide to try it out, please use me as a referral: wencla2004@earthlink.net
I will post updates about this "experiment" as I make shopping trips! It has helped me to be more aware of what is on sale and what is available.
It went fairly well. I ended up saving about $57.00 buying mainly things I always buy. Since I am just getting started with this "game", I only have a certain selection of coupons built up so far. I am sure it will get better as we go along and I can stock up on the things on sale instead of just what we need right now! This was a big shopping trip for us with many things I had to buy now that I didn't have coupons for yet.
You can learn more about about the grocery game at: www.thegrocerygame.com
If you decide to try it out, please use me as a referral: wencla2004@earthlink.net
I will post updates about this "experiment" as I make shopping trips! It has helped me to be more aware of what is on sale and what is available.
Friday, August 18, 2006
Thoughts...
It has been awhile since I have had time to write here. I have been busy trying to get going with school, keeping up with the work I do from home, planning and carrying out parties, etc., etc.!
So much to do and so little time!
I am realizing that I really still have some more planning to do for school to help things run more smoothly and to fit everything in each week. I am definitely working on a more rotating schedule to make things work!
You can read some of what I have been posting planning on my homeschool blog at:
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/wencla
and at my KONOS support group website at: www.konoskarats.com/id6.html
Many things have been going on in our life also that have been making me feel somewhat overwhelmed and wondering just how to "get out of it".
Our Bible Study tonight was awesome as it directly addressed this issue of understanding what faith truly is, where it comes from and how things really work with God. It's too hard to explain tonight, but I will try to share more later when I have some time to review my notes and listen to the message again (I record all of them so we can share them with others).
Our pastor's wife also shared about a dream she had a bit ago that really was an example of what they and us have been going through recently. She was dreaming that her family and our family were in a house (not either of our current homes) and there were tornadoes coming. There would be a round of tornadoes that we thought for sure was going to hit us but then they moved away, then there was another round of tornadoes that we thought were going to hit us, but then they also moved away. The tornadoes never overtook or touched us or the house we were in. Our pastor said it was God showing her that we will not be overcome by those things that we see/feel may overtake us/destroy us. God has promised us His protection and to see us through whatever comes our way---even if it looks to us like a devastating situation.
It was encouraging tonight. I do want to share more, but I can hardly type at the moment!
I am off to bed so I can get up early to mow and water my yard before it is too hot! Don't you just love the wonderful Texas summer weather!
So much to do and so little time!
I am realizing that I really still have some more planning to do for school to help things run more smoothly and to fit everything in each week. I am definitely working on a more rotating schedule to make things work!
You can read some of what I have been posting planning on my homeschool blog at:
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/wencla
and at my KONOS support group website at: www.konoskarats.com/id6.html
Many things have been going on in our life also that have been making me feel somewhat overwhelmed and wondering just how to "get out of it".
Our Bible Study tonight was awesome as it directly addressed this issue of understanding what faith truly is, where it comes from and how things really work with God. It's too hard to explain tonight, but I will try to share more later when I have some time to review my notes and listen to the message again (I record all of them so we can share them with others).
Our pastor's wife also shared about a dream she had a bit ago that really was an example of what they and us have been going through recently. She was dreaming that her family and our family were in a house (not either of our current homes) and there were tornadoes coming. There would be a round of tornadoes that we thought for sure was going to hit us but then they moved away, then there was another round of tornadoes that we thought were going to hit us, but then they also moved away. The tornadoes never overtook or touched us or the house we were in. Our pastor said it was God showing her that we will not be overcome by those things that we see/feel may overtake us/destroy us. God has promised us His protection and to see us through whatever comes our way---even if it looks to us like a devastating situation.
It was encouraging tonight. I do want to share more, but I can hardly type at the moment!
I am off to bed so I can get up early to mow and water my yard before it is too hot! Don't you just love the wonderful Texas summer weather!
Friday, August 04, 2006
Family Photo!
Here is a pretty current picture of our family! This was taken at the McNay Art Museum by my friend's husband. He does great pictures!
Checking In....
Things have been a bit crazy the last couple of weeks. I am not sure what made me decide to try to start our new school year in the same week that I am hosting a Baby Shower for a friend on Saturday and having my son's tenth birthday on Sunday! What was I thinking....!
So, now I am running around like a crazy person trying to prepare for this Baby Shower--the first one I have ever hosted by the way, and my son's birthday party, clean the house, do school with the kids, etc., etc. I should be in bed right now but I decided to just do a quick post since I haven't updated in a while!
I plan to update my homeschool blog after this fun weekend with our plans and get some things posted here that I have been thinking about!
God works in such mysterious ways.... I just recently was put back in touch with a good friend that I haven't seen much of the past couple of years. It is weird how that happens even when you live in the same town! But different lives and changes cause it. We used to work together and attend the same church but things changed. It was great meeting with her tonight to get caught up on the past two years and make plans to see each other more.
We actually live a bit closer now that we have both moved to new houses. It is fun to see how much the kids have grown up! Anyway, it is just interesting to see how things come about in our lives. We definitely have a good Father watching over and directing our lives!
I am off to bed so I can get up early to run errands and clean house before pool time tomorrow!
The kids are doing great and seem to be learning by leaps and bounds in various areas they had previously struggled in. It is so true that once they hit their maturity level, their learning multiplies!
Blessings!
So, now I am running around like a crazy person trying to prepare for this Baby Shower--the first one I have ever hosted by the way, and my son's birthday party, clean the house, do school with the kids, etc., etc. I should be in bed right now but I decided to just do a quick post since I haven't updated in a while!
I plan to update my homeschool blog after this fun weekend with our plans and get some things posted here that I have been thinking about!
God works in such mysterious ways.... I just recently was put back in touch with a good friend that I haven't seen much of the past couple of years. It is weird how that happens even when you live in the same town! But different lives and changes cause it. We used to work together and attend the same church but things changed. It was great meeting with her tonight to get caught up on the past two years and make plans to see each other more.
We actually live a bit closer now that we have both moved to new houses. It is fun to see how much the kids have grown up! Anyway, it is just interesting to see how things come about in our lives. We definitely have a good Father watching over and directing our lives!
I am off to bed so I can get up early to run errands and clean house before pool time tomorrow!
The kids are doing great and seem to be learning by leaps and bounds in various areas they had previously struggled in. It is so true that once they hit their maturity level, their learning multiplies!
Blessings!
Monday, July 24, 2006
50 Things MeMe
1. FIRST NAME: Wendy
2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE : nope
3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? a couple of weeks ago
4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? depends on the day!
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT? ham or genoa salami
6. KIDS? yes - 4
7. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? I would hope so....
8. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? Yes, but I am not regular with writing in it, plus I have blogs now also!
9. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? not much
10. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? yes
11. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? NEVER
12. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Organic Raisin Bran or something with flakes, nuts, etc.
13. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? depends on if I am in a hurry or not...usually no.
14. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? physically? not much any more, Emotionally? Yes. Spiritually? Yes. Most of the time!
15. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? mint chocolate chip
16. SHOE SIZE? 7 1/2 - 8
17. RED OR PINK? pink
18. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? I can speak before thinking...has led to problems but I am much better than I used to be! I also tend to become overcommitted!
19. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? my mom
20. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? of course!
21. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? blue jean shorts, bare feet
23. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Nothing at the moment...kids just went to bed, the online conference I was listening to is now over--just the hum of the computers and the fan in the room!
24. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Maroon or purple
25. FAVORITE SMELL? baked food like--cookies, pies, etc.; cinnamon, apple
26. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Someone wanting to order milk!
27. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO? personality
28. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? OF COURSE!!!
29. FAVORITE DRINK. water, sweet tea
30. FAVORITE SPORT? to do or watch??? Used to be playing soccer, I like watching football now and sometimes basketball---but not much!
31. EYE COLOR? Hazel -- green and brown
32. HAT SIZE? no idea!
33. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Yes
34. FAVORITE FOOD: Italian & Chinese
35. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDING? Mainly happy endings now--used to be scary movies
36. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED AT THE MOVIES? Cars -- we took the kids for family day!
37. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? maroon
38. SUMMER OR WINTER? Winter
39. HUGS OR KISSES? hugs!
40. FAVORITE DESSERT? chocolate chocolate cake or cheesecake
41. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? don't know!
42. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? don't know!
43. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? Home Spun Schools by Dr. Raymond Moore; The Way They Learn by Cynthia Tobias
44. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? don't have one
45. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT! a movie with hubby--Firewall
46. FAVORITE SOUNDS? Christian music--many kinds--favorite right now is Kutlass--Strong Tower
47. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? neither!
48. THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME? from current home? Switzerland when I lived in the Netherlands.
49. WHAT IS YOUR PRESENT OCCUPATION? Mom, teacher, bookkeeper, support group leader, etc., etc. :))
50. BOXERS OR BRIEFS? for me?? neither!!
If you read it...you're tagged....post a comment here with your blog address so I can come read your list!!
2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE : nope
3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? a couple of weeks ago
4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? depends on the day!
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT? ham or genoa salami
6. KIDS? yes - 4
7. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? I would hope so....
8. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? Yes, but I am not regular with writing in it, plus I have blogs now also!
9. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? not much
10. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? yes
11. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? NEVER
12. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Organic Raisin Bran or something with flakes, nuts, etc.
13. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? depends on if I am in a hurry or not...usually no.
14. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? physically? not much any more, Emotionally? Yes. Spiritually? Yes. Most of the time!
15. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? mint chocolate chip
16. SHOE SIZE? 7 1/2 - 8
17. RED OR PINK? pink
18. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? I can speak before thinking...has led to problems but I am much better than I used to be! I also tend to become overcommitted!
19. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? my mom
20. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? of course!
21. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? blue jean shorts, bare feet
23. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Nothing at the moment...kids just went to bed, the online conference I was listening to is now over--just the hum of the computers and the fan in the room!
24. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Maroon or purple
25. FAVORITE SMELL? baked food like--cookies, pies, etc.; cinnamon, apple
26. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Someone wanting to order milk!
27. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO? personality
28. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? OF COURSE!!!
29. FAVORITE DRINK. water, sweet tea
30. FAVORITE SPORT? to do or watch??? Used to be playing soccer, I like watching football now and sometimes basketball---but not much!
31. EYE COLOR? Hazel -- green and brown
32. HAT SIZE? no idea!
33. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Yes
34. FAVORITE FOOD: Italian & Chinese
35. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDING? Mainly happy endings now--used to be scary movies
36. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED AT THE MOVIES? Cars -- we took the kids for family day!
37. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? maroon
38. SUMMER OR WINTER? Winter
39. HUGS OR KISSES? hugs!
40. FAVORITE DESSERT? chocolate chocolate cake or cheesecake
41. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? don't know!
42. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? don't know!
43. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? Home Spun Schools by Dr. Raymond Moore; The Way They Learn by Cynthia Tobias
44. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? don't have one
45. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT! a movie with hubby--Firewall
46. FAVORITE SOUNDS? Christian music--many kinds--favorite right now is Kutlass--Strong Tower
47. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? neither!
48. THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME? from current home? Switzerland when I lived in the Netherlands.
49. WHAT IS YOUR PRESENT OCCUPATION? Mom, teacher, bookkeeper, support group leader, etc., etc. :))
50. BOXERS OR BRIEFS? for me?? neither!!
If you read it...you're tagged....post a comment here with your blog address so I can come read your list!!
Monday, June 19, 2006
Great Read Aloud!
I wanted to share about the book I have been reading to the kids in the mornings before we do our summer school lessons.
We are taking a break from our "normal" Bible time readings to read Dangerous Journey -- The Story of Pilgrims' Progress arranged by Oliver Hunkin, illustrated by Alan Perry. This is a picture book version with the story of Pilgrim's Progress thoroughly illustrated on every page. It is one of the best versions I have come across for sharing the story of Pilgrim's Progress with children.
You can find the book on amazon.com : http://tinyurl.com/glk62
We are reading a chapter each day.We just finished up Chapter 4 today. It was so funny when we first started because my boys (9 1/2 and 6) just couldn't understand why Christian couldn't take the huge burden that was tied onto his back off! I had to keep telling them what it represented and saying "just wait to see what it all means"!
It has been great fun and has opened up opportunities to discuss what becoming a Christian is all about and why the journey doesn't just end when the burden falls off at the cross!
God is so awesome and He can use everything around us to teach us so much! We just need to be aware of what opportunities He lays before us and do our best to use them for His glory!
We are taking a break from our "normal" Bible time readings to read Dangerous Journey -- The Story of Pilgrims' Progress arranged by Oliver Hunkin, illustrated by Alan Perry. This is a picture book version with the story of Pilgrim's Progress thoroughly illustrated on every page. It is one of the best versions I have come across for sharing the story of Pilgrim's Progress with children.
You can find the book on amazon.com : http://tinyurl.com/glk62
We are reading a chapter each day.We just finished up Chapter 4 today. It was so funny when we first started because my boys (9 1/2 and 6) just couldn't understand why Christian couldn't take the huge burden that was tied onto his back off! I had to keep telling them what it represented and saying "just wait to see what it all means"!
It has been great fun and has opened up opportunities to discuss what becoming a Christian is all about and why the journey doesn't just end when the burden falls off at the cross!
God is so awesome and He can use everything around us to teach us so much! We just need to be aware of what opportunities He lays before us and do our best to use them for His glory!
Reading Time Update
I just have to share that Daddy is continuing to be faithful with reading to the kids every night! The boys always ask for it and are loving the special one on one time they get with Dad just before bed!
It still touches my heart every time they ask to be read to and when I hear my husband remind them that they better get in bed if they want to hear their story. I have also read to them when Daddy was working a few evenings last week. They definitely are loving our return to our bedtime tradition!
The time we take to read to our children is so important and can be such a blessing to us as parents also!
It still touches my heart every time they ask to be read to and when I hear my husband remind them that they better get in bed if they want to hear their story. I have also read to them when Daddy was working a few evenings last week. They definitely are loving our return to our bedtime tradition!
The time we take to read to our children is so important and can be such a blessing to us as parents also!
A New Pet!
"Mr." Pounce
My youngest son just received his first pet! He now has a rabbit that he named Pounce (because he pounces when we runs in the back yard!).
He is so excited to have his very own pet to take care of and is so cute with him!
Pounce is a very friendly little guy. He likes his cage but doesn't really like hopping on the kitchen floor! Zachary takes him outside in the back yard on a harness and leash (just so he is easier to catch) every day. Pounce loves running in the grass in the back yard. After a time of "pouncing" through our (currently very tall) grass, he will stop to rest and eat some of the grass.
We are enjoying him so far!
Friday, June 09, 2006
Daddy's Reading Time!
I just have to share how much my kids, especially the boys, are loving having their dad read to them at bed time!
This is a "new" (really a return) to what we used to do with the kids. Last week over dinner out, I was talking to my husband about wanting to get back to a more consistent bedtime routine which included reading to the kids. This is something I used to do more consistently but with many changes in our life, home, etc. in the last year, things had gotten kind of crazy. I love this because, he started it that next night while I was out scrapbooking with a friend! The boys are asking him to read to them every night! I love it! I am always looking for ways to get my husband more involved with what we are doing and the kids relish the time Daddy spends with them, so this is great!
He is reading to them right now! Yes, it is late, but we had Bible Study tonight and the kids went with us (usually they are with Grandparents on Friday nights). There isn't much for them to do so they were actually all asleep by 8:30! We had to wake them up to come home, so they asked Dad to read to them--so he is! I just love hearing him read to them!
I just had to share because the fact that he is doing this on his own with them is so encouraging! They get to listen to me read to them all day long, but not Daddy!
Have a blessed night!
This is a "new" (really a return) to what we used to do with the kids. Last week over dinner out, I was talking to my husband about wanting to get back to a more consistent bedtime routine which included reading to the kids. This is something I used to do more consistently but with many changes in our life, home, etc. in the last year, things had gotten kind of crazy. I love this because, he started it that next night while I was out scrapbooking with a friend! The boys are asking him to read to them every night! I love it! I am always looking for ways to get my husband more involved with what we are doing and the kids relish the time Daddy spends with them, so this is great!
He is reading to them right now! Yes, it is late, but we had Bible Study tonight and the kids went with us (usually they are with Grandparents on Friday nights). There isn't much for them to do so they were actually all asleep by 8:30! We had to wake them up to come home, so they asked Dad to read to them--so he is! I just love hearing him read to them!
I just had to share because the fact that he is doing this on his own with them is so encouraging! They get to listen to me read to them all day long, but not Daddy!
Have a blessed night!
Hello!
Well, I am starting this blog after being inspired by several friends who have them! I don't know if I will be able to keep up with this like they do, but I like the idea of being able to let people know what is going on with our family and discuss relevant topics in a new way!
Hope this isn't too boring!
I am a homeschooling mom to 4 children. In addition to being a mom, wife, etc. I also work part time doing bookkeeping, coordinate a local support group, help with another homeschool group, etc., etc.!
Just when I thought I was eliminating some things in my life, my husband pointed out last night that I have already filled some of those "eliminated duties" with something else already!
I have to admit that I learned that from my dad! He could never keep still or relax. If he wasn't away from home working, he was home working outside in the yard or on the car!
I always have a constant to-do list running in my head and find it harder and harder to take the time for relaxation or hobbies for me to do! I am finally making the effort to work on scrapbooking after years of "collecting" but not doing anything with it! I have AA and SW to thank for the encouragement in the area and the inspiration to work on Faithbooking over "foo-foo scrapbooks"!
I love to read and rarely take the time to do it other than Bible study and homeschool related books! Once I do take time to start reading, I tend to get totally engrossed and just have to finish before I can go on with my life! I especially like Christian Historical Fiction now.
I also love art and drawing but I haven't had/made time to work on that much at all since I have had children--other than nature study journals from time to time and teaching Art Classes at our homeschool co-op! One day I will take the time to do it again!
That's all for now!
Hope this isn't too boring!
I am a homeschooling mom to 4 children. In addition to being a mom, wife, etc. I also work part time doing bookkeeping, coordinate a local support group, help with another homeschool group, etc., etc.!
Just when I thought I was eliminating some things in my life, my husband pointed out last night that I have already filled some of those "eliminated duties" with something else already!
I have to admit that I learned that from my dad! He could never keep still or relax. If he wasn't away from home working, he was home working outside in the yard or on the car!
I always have a constant to-do list running in my head and find it harder and harder to take the time for relaxation or hobbies for me to do! I am finally making the effort to work on scrapbooking after years of "collecting" but not doing anything with it! I have AA and SW to thank for the encouragement in the area and the inspiration to work on Faithbooking over "foo-foo scrapbooks"!
I love to read and rarely take the time to do it other than Bible study and homeschool related books! Once I do take time to start reading, I tend to get totally engrossed and just have to finish before I can go on with my life! I especially like Christian Historical Fiction now.
I also love art and drawing but I haven't had/made time to work on that much at all since I have had children--other than nature study journals from time to time and teaching Art Classes at our homeschool co-op! One day I will take the time to do it again!
That's all for now!
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