When DH and I got married we both fully intended to follow a budget...the intentions went out the window. For to long it seemed as if we both had a different agenda and were running them independently of eachother. That is now out the window.
In November we started working through Dave Ramey's budgeting, now we are on the same page for the first time EVER as far as budgeting goes. I am loving the fact that we have a goal (ok, a lot of goals) that we are working on together, and he is loving the fact that we have recognized a lot of waste. SOOO, on we shall continue with this new journey for us. I love the fact that due to our different abilities I have been put in charge of the paperwork since I tend to do that better than he does.
We have been looking for a new church family and have been struggling with what is available in our town. We are extremely conservative Christians and struggle with how much the world has crept into the church body. We had to leave the church we had been attending for a few years because the pastor was going down the road of the emergent church and even going so far as to decide that the requirements for church leadership did not apply as he try to vet a divorcee as a leader in the church.
Homeschooling is plodding along. Of all the subjects we do, my three love literature the most. We just finished reading Call of the Wild, we are now reading The Odyssey, and the next book will be White Fang (requested by the 12 year old). As they grow, the "schooling" becomes easier for me as they are able to work independently more and more...YEAH!!!
At 14, the oldest is attending a basket ball clinic for the next few weeks to see if he can make the team this coming year. He is sooo excited, especially when he found a friend of his is going as well :) This June, the 12 year old will be attending a volley ball clinic. Nothing yet for the 10 year old who so desperately wants to play soccer.
This will be the first year my oldest attends the annual "Spring Fling"...It is a semi formal dance (prom) for the kids. He is soooo excited, we went out and purchased him new shoes, pants, shirt and a tie (his choice!) He definitely is growing up. How exciting this journey is to see him grow from child to man.
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Friday, December 6, 2013
Thanksgiving....
We were very blessed again to be surrounded by family on Thanksgiving. Through the years, this holiday (as well as Christmas) has migrated to my house on a "permanant" basis. For this, I am grateful, no rushing around to get everyone out on time.
A few days before Thanksgiving, I pulled out our decorations (I don't have many) and realized they had seen better days. So this is where my grandaughter stepped up to the plate. We pulled apart many of the decoration and I had her reconstruct them. I came up with a decorated candle holder, a decorated pumpkin, a wreath and some other small decorative bits. She did an incredible job. I tried to post pictures, but my laptop has seen better days and I will have to look for a way to add those later.
We set 2 tables, a smaller one for the "littles" and the larger one for the rest of us. One day I hope to have a table that I can extend so we can be at the same table, but for now, this will work. My princess again came through decorating each of the tables, setting them and preparing for our feast.
We serve the same dinner every year with little variation. Turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, veggies, cauliflower with cheese sauce (my personal favorite), stuffing, "heavenly hash", pears with cranberry sauce, celery with cream cheese, olives...oh the wonderful olives! Dinner rolls with butter. After everyone has eaten their fill, we then add to the joy with pies, this year was dutch apple, pumpkin and pecan. Then we let the food coma's commence.
My daughter found "crackers' which we usually see only at Christmas. these "pop" as each end is pulled, out comes a hat, jokes and a prize. The kids love these and wearing the crowns for their meal.
A number of years ago, we started doing little slips of paper in which everyone wrote things they were thankful for, we did the same this year. Afterwards we review what was said in prior years. Some responses are quite serious, others a touch of humor. Either way, each one brough a smile of rememberance. Next year I think I shall have princess make a poster instead of slips of paper for a change.
By 4, all the company had gone home, we sat talked, played games and enjoyed being together as a family. What a wonderful day!
RECIPE FOR HEAVENLY HASH
(this is the kids favorite)
Bag of mini marshmallows (must be Kraft or they will melt away)
1 tin of mandarin oranges
1 tin of crushed pineapple
Mix these together and add enough sour cream to moisten. Let sit for a couple hours (in the fridge) prior to serving.
Now the preparation for Christmas begin!!!!
A few days before Thanksgiving, I pulled out our decorations (I don't have many) and realized they had seen better days. So this is where my grandaughter stepped up to the plate. We pulled apart many of the decoration and I had her reconstruct them. I came up with a decorated candle holder, a decorated pumpkin, a wreath and some other small decorative bits. She did an incredible job. I tried to post pictures, but my laptop has seen better days and I will have to look for a way to add those later.
We set 2 tables, a smaller one for the "littles" and the larger one for the rest of us. One day I hope to have a table that I can extend so we can be at the same table, but for now, this will work. My princess again came through decorating each of the tables, setting them and preparing for our feast.
We serve the same dinner every year with little variation. Turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, veggies, cauliflower with cheese sauce (my personal favorite), stuffing, "heavenly hash", pears with cranberry sauce, celery with cream cheese, olives...oh the wonderful olives! Dinner rolls with butter. After everyone has eaten their fill, we then add to the joy with pies, this year was dutch apple, pumpkin and pecan. Then we let the food coma's commence.
My daughter found "crackers' which we usually see only at Christmas. these "pop" as each end is pulled, out comes a hat, jokes and a prize. The kids love these and wearing the crowns for their meal.
A number of years ago, we started doing little slips of paper in which everyone wrote things they were thankful for, we did the same this year. Afterwards we review what was said in prior years. Some responses are quite serious, others a touch of humor. Either way, each one brough a smile of rememberance. Next year I think I shall have princess make a poster instead of slips of paper for a change.
By 4, all the company had gone home, we sat talked, played games and enjoyed being together as a family. What a wonderful day!
RECIPE FOR HEAVENLY HASH
(this is the kids favorite)
Bag of mini marshmallows (must be Kraft or they will melt away)
1 tin of mandarin oranges
1 tin of crushed pineapple
Mix these together and add enough sour cream to moisten. Let sit for a couple hours (in the fridge) prior to serving.
Now the preparation for Christmas begin!!!!
Monday, November 25, 2013
Home Church
Our church is in a bit of mess. The "leadership" has chosen to take the church down the path of the Emergent Church and Seeker church paths. Maybe you are not aware of what this is. The short of it is that this movement turns the church from God Centered place of worship, from a sanctuary to a man centered feel good gathering place. It actually causes the breakdown of the family through pushing ministries over family. Sermons are watered down, speaking of topic more than exposition, and IF there is any expository teaching it is "oversimplified" and turned into a feel good service rather than just holding the word of God on their own.
During this season, a few families are gathering once a month and hold church in our homes. This week was my turn. I was concerned because we had 17 people to fit into my small (and still not quite finished)home. Between 9:30 and 10 everyone arrived, I showed them around (a 3 minute tour tops) and we gathered into the living room/dining room to open our worship service.
My beloved prayed, asking that these members maintain faith during this church crisis, that the young people will learn that it is okay to question leadership (based on James admonition that we prove all things). He prayed for unity among those who desire to see the church corrected, and that the hearts of those who are following this emergent path will be opened to the danger this possess.
To backtrack a little, we have dumped our satellite service and gone to a Roku. This offers a application called Plex in which we can watch you tube on it. For my time to host, this is what we used to for the sermon and music.
I chose a song by Paul Wilbur. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EDnrwN9DwM I was hoping this would calm hearts and prepare us for the chosen message. We then listened to the message by Voddie Baucham http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mn-GOSdg3FY In this sermon, Dr. Baucham describes what church is suppose to look like biblically. Powerful message when we see that our churches, like the world our minimizing our roles in family. Instead of a closing song we watched "Do you Know Him?", http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sChJUaU5W9I . This is a short and powerful reminder of just who our King is. How powerful, awesome etc. We then shared communion with this beloved church family. Closing prayer and lunch. We did not send the kids off, they sat at the table and colored pictures, being attentive to the message, they were included in the discussion time that followed. A few of them offered input that was welcomed. It was wonderful.
The day before, I cooked up 2 pots of chili (we only needed one but I was concerned about not having enough), another family brought up rice, another cornbread and yet another cake for dessert. I had also picked up hot dogs for those who wanted chili dogs or the just hot dogs. We blessed the food and enjoyed eachothers company. After lunch we watched another 10 minute video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OE1BT_cXzHo that is about the emergent church/seeker church path. At this time we had discussion time.
A little bit of history, my beloved and I have been through this before, this devistation and tearing up of a chuch, leaders who look more like Saul than Jesus. We did end up leaving that church. So we have a very unique perspective in this group. I pray that this time encourge and lifted them.
It was a few hours later that everyone had to head home....this is what church is!!!
Thank you Lord for this time!!!
During this season, a few families are gathering once a month and hold church in our homes. This week was my turn. I was concerned because we had 17 people to fit into my small (and still not quite finished)home. Between 9:30 and 10 everyone arrived, I showed them around (a 3 minute tour tops) and we gathered into the living room/dining room to open our worship service.
My beloved prayed, asking that these members maintain faith during this church crisis, that the young people will learn that it is okay to question leadership (based on James admonition that we prove all things). He prayed for unity among those who desire to see the church corrected, and that the hearts of those who are following this emergent path will be opened to the danger this possess.
To backtrack a little, we have dumped our satellite service and gone to a Roku. This offers a application called Plex in which we can watch you tube on it. For my time to host, this is what we used to for the sermon and music.
I chose a song by Paul Wilbur. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EDnrwN9DwM I was hoping this would calm hearts and prepare us for the chosen message. We then listened to the message by Voddie Baucham http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mn-GOSdg3FY In this sermon, Dr. Baucham describes what church is suppose to look like biblically. Powerful message when we see that our churches, like the world our minimizing our roles in family. Instead of a closing song we watched "Do you Know Him?", http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sChJUaU5W9I . This is a short and powerful reminder of just who our King is. How powerful, awesome etc. We then shared communion with this beloved church family. Closing prayer and lunch. We did not send the kids off, they sat at the table and colored pictures, being attentive to the message, they were included in the discussion time that followed. A few of them offered input that was welcomed. It was wonderful.
The day before, I cooked up 2 pots of chili (we only needed one but I was concerned about not having enough), another family brought up rice, another cornbread and yet another cake for dessert. I had also picked up hot dogs for those who wanted chili dogs or the just hot dogs. We blessed the food and enjoyed eachothers company. After lunch we watched another 10 minute video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OE1BT_cXzHo that is about the emergent church/seeker church path. At this time we had discussion time.
A little bit of history, my beloved and I have been through this before, this devistation and tearing up of a chuch, leaders who look more like Saul than Jesus. We did end up leaving that church. So we have a very unique perspective in this group. I pray that this time encourge and lifted them.
It was a few hours later that everyone had to head home....this is what church is!!!
Thank you Lord for this time!!!
Thursday, November 21, 2013
A grateful heart 931 to
On facebook I belong to a site called the Educational Freedom Coalition. The Author of this site has done a remarkable work contacting curriculum companies to get their stance on Common Core and the implentations of CC standards. It is a wonderful resource for choosing curriculums!
On this site, there are times when posts will be made regarding curriculums presented in public schools. One was on a history book that has an entire chapter dedicated to Islam, not only the Islamic empire, but the religion itself. A muslim stated that we were out of line with it being put in. I asked him if there was a chapter on Christianity or Judiasm. He went on to state that I did not want muslim history taught at all, totally taking my post out of context. I ended the discussion pointing out that if CC standard was separation of chuch and state (taken out of context) this should include all religion. I refused to discuss Christianity vs Islam.
That has caused me to reflect on my Lord and Saviour....
931. Jesus, thank you for giving your life for me.
932. Thank you for the Holy Spirit to guide me
933. thank your word that I may know you better
934. For Christian fellowship
935. for living in a country in which you were instrumental in founding (I only pray that you will correct this nation)
936. For the abilty to teach my 3 charges about you
937. for lessons I learn about who you are and who I am in you
938. for life itself
939. for the internet in which I can use as a tool to "prove all things" as you have admonished us to do
940. For wisdom that I knew when and how to quit this discussion.
On this site, there are times when posts will be made regarding curriculums presented in public schools. One was on a history book that has an entire chapter dedicated to Islam, not only the Islamic empire, but the religion itself. A muslim stated that we were out of line with it being put in. I asked him if there was a chapter on Christianity or Judiasm. He went on to state that I did not want muslim history taught at all, totally taking my post out of context. I ended the discussion pointing out that if CC standard was separation of chuch and state (taken out of context) this should include all religion. I refused to discuss Christianity vs Islam.
That has caused me to reflect on my Lord and Saviour....
931. Jesus, thank you for giving your life for me.
932. Thank you for the Holy Spirit to guide me
933. thank your word that I may know you better
934. For Christian fellowship
935. for living in a country in which you were instrumental in founding (I only pray that you will correct this nation)
936. For the abilty to teach my 3 charges about you
937. for lessons I learn about who you are and who I am in you
938. for life itself
939. for the internet in which I can use as a tool to "prove all things" as you have admonished us to do
940. For wisdom that I knew when and how to quit this discussion.
Friday, November 15, 2013
The impromptu debate
Last night the kids and I were talking of creation vs evolution. We were discussing what the evolutionists believe, and why it cannot be so. We have been reading the Thinking Toolbox, so we started talking about the opposing point of view and how important it was to know what the other side is. We talked of how/why people would believe in evolution etc. My oldest, who did some debating last year in co-op so he suggested a debate.
Because of the age difference, the two younger ones worked together while the older one was on his own. The subject was "Why I should be able to play video games whenever I want" The oldest was pro, the others con.
The oldest went first and reasoned with arguments like developing eye hand coordination, developing problem solving skills, social aspect of common ground with friends, time with friends. Pretty good arguements (not that I agree with them). The younger two in combining their efforts came up with time waster, encourages laziness, encourages fighting, and a few other points. Since the younger two have not really reached the "logic" stage of thinking, they did quite well.
The best part was it was so much fun, and they want to do it again...
Because of the age difference, the two younger ones worked together while the older one was on his own. The subject was "Why I should be able to play video games whenever I want" The oldest was pro, the others con.
The oldest went first and reasoned with arguments like developing eye hand coordination, developing problem solving skills, social aspect of common ground with friends, time with friends. Pretty good arguements (not that I agree with them). The younger two in combining their efforts came up with time waster, encourages laziness, encourages fighting, and a few other points. Since the younger two have not really reached the "logic" stage of thinking, they did quite well.
The best part was it was so much fun, and they want to do it again...
Thursday, November 14, 2013
The new kitchen :)
At the beginning of the year, my beloved let me know we had the money to redo my kitchen. It needed it very badly. Our home is a doublewide trailer. The cabinets had been "built" from thin sheet rock and less than quality everything. So we totally gutted it. My beloved re sheetrocked (trailer houses use 1/4 in sheet rock, this has been upgraded to the real stuff at 1/2".) We have put in a new subfloor and flooring, new cabinets, new counters and expanded the kitchen by about a foot. It is amazing how much bigger that makes the kitchen feel!
Here my darling is working on the mud and tap process of the new sheet rock. While this wall was opened we insulated the wall between the kitchen and the laundry room. We also insulated the crawlspace attic, hoping to save on heat loss.
The wall on the right was the wall that was moved out about a foot to make the kitchen a little larger. The 1/2 wall part is to try to keep the kitchen more open to the living area. I needed the wall here as this is where the stove will go and it bothers me that grease etc would splash over into the living area...my pet peeve...
Painting done, new floor in, the cabinets being placed in. I love the new cabinets!!! It took a couple days to get these in since we did the work ourselves...that's okay.
We do have more done as now my kitchen is functional but not yet finished...I will post the results later. We still have to trim out under cabinets, we had to add onto the 1/2 wall by about a few measly inches due to the house not being square, the light fixture will be replaced with a ceiling fan/light fixture, We need the stove fan placed in and that cabinet adapted for that, and I have a tile backsplash to put around the kitchen (we shall do this almost last to keep the grout color true for all the tiles.
I am so grateful that God has given my husband the knowledge to do all of this work. I cannot/willnot complain about the unfinished tasks ahead of us..due to a huge cut in his salary he has taken on a second job while doing this. It will happen in time...
Here my darling is working on the mud and tap process of the new sheet rock. While this wall was opened we insulated the wall between the kitchen and the laundry room. We also insulated the crawlspace attic, hoping to save on heat loss.
The wall on the right was the wall that was moved out about a foot to make the kitchen a little larger. The 1/2 wall part is to try to keep the kitchen more open to the living area. I needed the wall here as this is where the stove will go and it bothers me that grease etc would splash over into the living area...my pet peeve...
Painting done, new floor in, the cabinets being placed in. I love the new cabinets!!! It took a couple days to get these in since we did the work ourselves...that's okay.
We do have more done as now my kitchen is functional but not yet finished...I will post the results later. We still have to trim out under cabinets, we had to add onto the 1/2 wall by about a few measly inches due to the house not being square, the light fixture will be replaced with a ceiling fan/light fixture, We need the stove fan placed in and that cabinet adapted for that, and I have a tile backsplash to put around the kitchen (we shall do this almost last to keep the grout color true for all the tiles.
I am so grateful that God has given my husband the knowledge to do all of this work. I cannot/willnot complain about the unfinished tasks ahead of us..due to a huge cut in his salary he has taken on a second job while doing this. It will happen in time...
Monday, November 11, 2013
Multitude Mondays...11/11
Because I have homeschooled, I have relearned so much history that would be otherwise forgotten. I have read so many books that cover our history accurately, not the watered down and "revised" versions offered through our public school system. Growing up as an "Air Force Brat", the transition from one base to another/one school to another really resulted in some inconsistencies in curriculum. I have learned to love history!
As I stated, my father was in the Air Force, he actually started off in the US Army, got out and joined the AF after he married my mother and I came along. In his desire to support his beloved and me, they choice the AF as the most family friendly of the military services. He and my mom sacrificed their dreams to support his family (my dad wanted to go to medical school but he had a family to support)
921. For my parents, who taught me to love my country
922. being taught never to take my freedoms...our freedoms for granted
923. For the Star Spangled Banner that put tears in my eyes and makes my heart proud to be an American
924. For the Pledge of Allegiance
925. For my parents love of this country (despite the fact that my mom is English)
926. To each and every "radical" that founded our country, surrendering everything they had, including their lives
927. Each and every patriot/hero who serves or who has served to protect our freedoms, and their willingness to lay down their lives
928. To the families of our veterans who sacrifice more than civilians could ever know
929. My beloved, who started serving in the Navy on an Air Craft carrier. When he got out he now serves full time with the Air National Guard.
930. I am grateful to those who see the desecration of our rights and fight to restore them!
May God Bless each of these families today and every day, and may God bless the USA!!!
As I stated, my father was in the Air Force, he actually started off in the US Army, got out and joined the AF after he married my mother and I came along. In his desire to support his beloved and me, they choice the AF as the most family friendly of the military services. He and my mom sacrificed their dreams to support his family (my dad wanted to go to medical school but he had a family to support)
921. For my parents, who taught me to love my country
922. being taught never to take my freedoms...our freedoms for granted
923. For the Star Spangled Banner that put tears in my eyes and makes my heart proud to be an American
924. For the Pledge of Allegiance
925. For my parents love of this country (despite the fact that my mom is English)
926. To each and every "radical" that founded our country, surrendering everything they had, including their lives
927. Each and every patriot/hero who serves or who has served to protect our freedoms, and their willingness to lay down their lives
928. To the families of our veterans who sacrifice more than civilians could ever know
929. My beloved, who started serving in the Navy on an Air Craft carrier. When he got out he now serves full time with the Air National Guard.
930. I am grateful to those who see the desecration of our rights and fight to restore them!
May God Bless each of these families today and every day, and may God bless the USA!!!
Friday, November 8, 2013
Praying for my sister
A long time ago, we as a family use to watch the old tv Hee Haw. There is a song that was sung that became (jokingly)) our family motto....Gloom despair and agony on me. Deep dark depression excessive misery, if it weren't for bad luck I have no luck at all....
This lately seems to have been taken to heart by my sister. About 20 years ago she was diagonsed with a mental illness, after that she was in a car accident that damaged her lower back. As the docs were looking at the lower back they noticed she has a herniated disc and a birth defect where one of the vertebrae is totally missing. Years go by, the pain gets worse and worse to the point simple household chores now take all day, sweeping/vacuuming are out of the picture.
Recently she got a new doc, he was running MRI's on her back and found an adrenal tumor. He reviewed her records and found this noted back in 2008, however it was also noted that the patient (my sister) was not informed. The tumor is now huge! It covers part of her kidney, around her spine resulting in it being in both sides of her body...thus he effectivly found a huge source for the back pain. December 3 she goes in to have the tumor and the adrenal gland removed, possibly one kidney as well depending on what they find once they get inside.
Here's the catch, the doc says the tumor is active and has probably been there for 15-20 years...it means that the mental illness may actually be caused by the tumor producing huge amounts of hormones (she has had so many tests through the years for hormonal imbalance but no doc ever looked for this). So for the past 20 years she has lived a life of poverty and pain because of the inablity to work and this may have all been in vain.
Poor woman!!! I pray that this surgery will restore her physically and mentally, that she will come out stronger than ever and really begin to be able to live again! I pray that it is not malignant (statiscally it will be) as she has had enough. I pray that by the beginning of the new year she will be able to start fresh.....
This lately seems to have been taken to heart by my sister. About 20 years ago she was diagonsed with a mental illness, after that she was in a car accident that damaged her lower back. As the docs were looking at the lower back they noticed she has a herniated disc and a birth defect where one of the vertebrae is totally missing. Years go by, the pain gets worse and worse to the point simple household chores now take all day, sweeping/vacuuming are out of the picture.
Recently she got a new doc, he was running MRI's on her back and found an adrenal tumor. He reviewed her records and found this noted back in 2008, however it was also noted that the patient (my sister) was not informed. The tumor is now huge! It covers part of her kidney, around her spine resulting in it being in both sides of her body...thus he effectivly found a huge source for the back pain. December 3 she goes in to have the tumor and the adrenal gland removed, possibly one kidney as well depending on what they find once they get inside.
Here's the catch, the doc says the tumor is active and has probably been there for 15-20 years...it means that the mental illness may actually be caused by the tumor producing huge amounts of hormones (she has had so many tests through the years for hormonal imbalance but no doc ever looked for this). So for the past 20 years she has lived a life of poverty and pain because of the inablity to work and this may have all been in vain.
Poor woman!!! I pray that this surgery will restore her physically and mentally, that she will come out stronger than ever and really begin to be able to live again! I pray that it is not malignant (statiscally it will be) as she has had enough. I pray that by the beginning of the new year she will be able to start fresh.....
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Multitude Monday 911 -
As a Christian, God will often teach me things that can rattle what I thought was true because a pastor spoke it or a christian author wrote it. Recently I was introduced to the preaching of Voddie Baucham and a couple of other pastors who highlighted the erring ways of the church. When my 3 grands were little, I did not send them off to "children's church" but expected them to stay in the santuary and worship with us. I could never find a biblical basis for separating the family.
As I read the bible versus things being taught in the churches, they contradict. One thing Baucham pointed out is how our churches are sissifiying Jesus. "Jesus needs you, Jesus wants you" Jesus loves you....they have removed the fact that God is not just a little old man "up there" looking down on his children and saying "kids will be kids" to the contrary, God is Judge, God will discipline, God will correct and it will hurt!!!! There is so much on this my head is reeling, I will have to go back and listen to the sermon "Brokenness" again (this is available on youtube)
In the meantime...
911. Thank you Lord, for correcting wrong lessons learned
912. For home churches where we can go in depth into your word, not just have our ears tickled
913. for friends willing to step up and a willingness to hold us all accountable
914. For new portraits of my 3 grands!
915. For the oldest going out hunting and his papa and friend who are so eager to teach him.
916. for the group of men who meet to help eachother overcome their sinful pasts that they may become the husbands/fathers/servants you want them to be.
917. for the visible growth I see in my beloved,
918. for him realizing he is a mentor to young men, a role he did not realize he even had
919. for Tony and his families trip to UT
920. for each breath you have given to me this day!
Tony...how my heart is in awe. By any standard man puts in place, this young man should not be alive....yet through God's perfect timing, God's perfect plan, he is healing. His mom, his dad and sisters have truly experienced the peace given by our Lord Jesus. This week he is going for a checkup...They remain in prayer for this checkup and trip home :)
As I read the bible versus things being taught in the churches, they contradict. One thing Baucham pointed out is how our churches are sissifiying Jesus. "Jesus needs you, Jesus wants you" Jesus loves you....they have removed the fact that God is not just a little old man "up there" looking down on his children and saying "kids will be kids" to the contrary, God is Judge, God will discipline, God will correct and it will hurt!!!! There is so much on this my head is reeling, I will have to go back and listen to the sermon "Brokenness" again (this is available on youtube)
In the meantime...
911. Thank you Lord, for correcting wrong lessons learned
912. For home churches where we can go in depth into your word, not just have our ears tickled
913. for friends willing to step up and a willingness to hold us all accountable
914. For new portraits of my 3 grands!
915. For the oldest going out hunting and his papa and friend who are so eager to teach him.
916. for the group of men who meet to help eachother overcome their sinful pasts that they may become the husbands/fathers/servants you want them to be.
917. for the visible growth I see in my beloved,
918. for him realizing he is a mentor to young men, a role he did not realize he even had
919. for Tony and his families trip to UT
920. for each breath you have given to me this day!
Tony...how my heart is in awe. By any standard man puts in place, this young man should not be alive....yet through God's perfect timing, God's perfect plan, he is healing. His mom, his dad and sisters have truly experienced the peace given by our Lord Jesus. This week he is going for a checkup...They remain in prayer for this checkup and trip home :)
Home Church
My darling and I have been to so many churches in our home town, but they all seem to lack substance, they either have jumped on one bandwagon or another, or they are stagnant. Currently the church we are attending is going through turmoil (as are so many churches here....definately feel as if they are all under attack)
Sermons lack substance, "bible studies" are either way off track or they follow a particular author rather than the bible, "small groups" become cliques in which we see these groups separated on Sunday mornings with no interaction with the rest of the congregation. Youth groups....nothing more than social events with little to no scripture (statisically these "graduates" are dropping out of churches as an alarming rate).
Some friends and my family longing for "meat" and biblical truth have started to meet once a month to worship God in our homes. We have only had one meeting so far for October and there was more truth spoken in those few hours than in a month of Sunday's at church. What are the seminaries teaching the pastors? To coddle, not to offend, to tickle the ears of the congregation....
In November, we shall meet at my home. We are going to listen to Voddie Baucham on "you tube", sing songs that truly praise God rather that focus on man in the God/Man relationships. After we have been fed by the word of God, we shall feed our bodies. I am cooking up a huge pot of chili and some rice, others are bringing "fixings" for the chili, another is bringing cornbread, another desert. I volunteer to do this thinking there would only be 12 total including us. This has now blossomed to 20! wow...
I have not had an open home before now, the house was a remodeling disaster....I will post on that later. We have not finished, but it is now the the point that it looks more like a home than a construction zone. This will be a new experience for me, however I know God is with us!
For now, this is a temporary thing as we pray over the church, praying God will correct it without the church crumbling, however, if the church fails, we will continue this and rotate homes each week.
Sermons lack substance, "bible studies" are either way off track or they follow a particular author rather than the bible, "small groups" become cliques in which we see these groups separated on Sunday mornings with no interaction with the rest of the congregation. Youth groups....nothing more than social events with little to no scripture (statisically these "graduates" are dropping out of churches as an alarming rate).
Some friends and my family longing for "meat" and biblical truth have started to meet once a month to worship God in our homes. We have only had one meeting so far for October and there was more truth spoken in those few hours than in a month of Sunday's at church. What are the seminaries teaching the pastors? To coddle, not to offend, to tickle the ears of the congregation....
In November, we shall meet at my home. We are going to listen to Voddie Baucham on "you tube", sing songs that truly praise God rather that focus on man in the God/Man relationships. After we have been fed by the word of God, we shall feed our bodies. I am cooking up a huge pot of chili and some rice, others are bringing "fixings" for the chili, another is bringing cornbread, another desert. I volunteer to do this thinking there would only be 12 total including us. This has now blossomed to 20! wow...
I have not had an open home before now, the house was a remodeling disaster....I will post on that later. We have not finished, but it is now the the point that it looks more like a home than a construction zone. This will be a new experience for me, however I know God is with us!
For now, this is a temporary thing as we pray over the church, praying God will correct it without the church crumbling, however, if the church fails, we will continue this and rotate homes each week.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
I missed Mondays....901-909
One of the things I missed while I could not figure out the formatting was the list for Multitude Mondays. I got up to 900. I tried to journal in a notebook, but I find that notebooks don't work for me. I must have 4-5 floating around the house but I never remember to pick them up, and when I do, I can type a whole lot faster than I can write so I found it frustrating. SOOOO...here are the next 10...since it is now midnight and I have to get to bed...
901. My blog being back in action
902. My beloveds job (this one ends in December, so we shall see what God has in mind)
903. Homeschooling...I learn so much, and it is such joy watching them grow and learn.
904. A warm house during our recent winter weather
905. The ability to help my mom
906. kids around the table playing silly games and eating popcorn
907. my beloved willing to work 2 jobs so I can stay with the kids
908. My oldest ones first successful deer hunt
909. "family game nite" cutting and freezing the deer
910. A family friend who was by the side of my oldest as his first deer was taken.
Lord, you have blessed me with so much, there is no way I can realistically list all of the blessings, but I pray this blog will keep going so that I can try :) Thank you Father God for all you have given me, this is not what I deserve, you see fit to bless me anyway.
901. My blog being back in action
902. My beloveds job (this one ends in December, so we shall see what God has in mind)
903. Homeschooling...I learn so much, and it is such joy watching them grow and learn.
904. A warm house during our recent winter weather
905. The ability to help my mom
906. kids around the table playing silly games and eating popcorn
907. my beloved willing to work 2 jobs so I can stay with the kids
908. My oldest ones first successful deer hunt
909. "family game nite" cutting and freezing the deer
910. A family friend who was by the side of my oldest as his first deer was taken.
Lord, you have blessed me with so much, there is no way I can realistically list all of the blessings, but I pray this blog will keep going so that I can try :) Thank you Father God for all you have given me, this is not what I deserve, you see fit to bless me anyway.
It's Working!!!.....
Well, the paragraphs finally have been corrected! Hopefully...
I missed random posts about things we do/experience/witness.
Our Academics!!!
Since I last was able to post consistently....the co-op the kids were attending has disbanded. The workload to much for many. Over the 2012-2013 the co-op offered a writing class through Instutute for Excellence in Writing (IEW). What a difference this program has made for these three, especially the oldest. The kids did science class, History class, Literature and Writing, the oldest added Logic into the mix. This year, we miss the once a week companionship, we miss seeing these people on a weekly basis, but academically we were ready to be done with trying to work on someone elses schedule.
One other thing that happened...we were using Switched on Schoolhouse for math and language arts. While we were in San Diego we found some inexpensive laptops at Best Buy, they lasted just shy of a year and 2 of the 3 hard drives died within a week (they were different makes/models so I think the boys were probably to rough on them) Since I could not get them fixed nor replaced right away I switched their math to Saxon, by doing this I found that they were not retaining the SOS very well. Since switching, their maths have florished, so we will be sticking with Saxon.
For the Language Arts, I have combined multiple curriculums. Spelling is done through Spelling Power, Grammar is IEW Fix it, Writing is IEW Bible Theme. The spelling and Grammar only take the kids 10-15 minutes per day, however the writing is more time consuming.
Literature is based primarily following their history classes. Among some of the books we plan on, Across Five Aprils, Call of the Wild, The Diary of Anne Frank. There are others on the list as well but this is our starters, currently we are reading Across Five Aprils and the kids are enjoying it.
We are using Route 66 for our bible study, the kids are loving this as it is a overview of the entire bible. I think this book is our favorite time together.
For Science, the oldest is doing Apologia's physical Science. It is odd having him do this on his own. I have found his retention is better when it is read to him and he follows in the book, so we have the audio CD for him to listen/read. The younger two are currently working Anatomy (again Apologia). We are working with another family who is also using this book. We read at home and find a project/experiment to do on Mondays.
History also is done on two separate cycles. Last year for History the oldest did All American History 1 so this year we are following up with Volume 2. This is by far his favorite subject as I incorporate different video links for him to watch in conjuction with the reading/workbook. The younger two are reading Story of the World vol 4. I have the activity books for them but when I can I adapt the crafts/drawings to something more interesting for them, for example we took a color page for Japanese Coins and outlined the markings with glue. After the glue was dried, (the next day) the kids painted them so now they are more 3d.
God has blessed us with another year of homeschooling, each day I am grateful for the chance to watch the light bulb moments as a new concept or idea takes root. Yet through teaching them, I am the one who learns. How incredible this journey is.
I missed random posts about things we do/experience/witness.
Our Academics!!!
Since I last was able to post consistently....the co-op the kids were attending has disbanded. The workload to much for many. Over the 2012-2013 the co-op offered a writing class through Instutute for Excellence in Writing (IEW). What a difference this program has made for these three, especially the oldest. The kids did science class, History class, Literature and Writing, the oldest added Logic into the mix. This year, we miss the once a week companionship, we miss seeing these people on a weekly basis, but academically we were ready to be done with trying to work on someone elses schedule.
One other thing that happened...we were using Switched on Schoolhouse for math and language arts. While we were in San Diego we found some inexpensive laptops at Best Buy, they lasted just shy of a year and 2 of the 3 hard drives died within a week (they were different makes/models so I think the boys were probably to rough on them) Since I could not get them fixed nor replaced right away I switched their math to Saxon, by doing this I found that they were not retaining the SOS very well. Since switching, their maths have florished, so we will be sticking with Saxon.
For the Language Arts, I have combined multiple curriculums. Spelling is done through Spelling Power, Grammar is IEW Fix it, Writing is IEW Bible Theme. The spelling and Grammar only take the kids 10-15 minutes per day, however the writing is more time consuming.
Literature is based primarily following their history classes. Among some of the books we plan on, Across Five Aprils, Call of the Wild, The Diary of Anne Frank. There are others on the list as well but this is our starters, currently we are reading Across Five Aprils and the kids are enjoying it.
We are using Route 66 for our bible study, the kids are loving this as it is a overview of the entire bible. I think this book is our favorite time together.
For Science, the oldest is doing Apologia's physical Science. It is odd having him do this on his own. I have found his retention is better when it is read to him and he follows in the book, so we have the audio CD for him to listen/read. The younger two are currently working Anatomy (again Apologia). We are working with another family who is also using this book. We read at home and find a project/experiment to do on Mondays.
History also is done on two separate cycles. Last year for History the oldest did All American History 1 so this year we are following up with Volume 2. This is by far his favorite subject as I incorporate different video links for him to watch in conjuction with the reading/workbook. The younger two are reading Story of the World vol 4. I have the activity books for them but when I can I adapt the crafts/drawings to something more interesting for them, for example we took a color page for Japanese Coins and outlined the markings with glue. After the glue was dried, (the next day) the kids painted them so now they are more 3d.
God has blessed us with another year of homeschooling, each day I am grateful for the chance to watch the light bulb moments as a new concept or idea takes root. Yet through teaching them, I am the one who learns. How incredible this journey is.
Saturday, October 26, 2013
I miss my blog
Again putting in to see if somehow it miraculously fixed itself. My oldest...now 13, will be 14 in January has taken another step in growing up. Youth hunting day my darling and a good friend took him out and he got his first deer! Incredible feeling for this young man who has now helped in providing food for the family.
Today, the actual start of hunting season, a dear friend has taken him out again, however my beloved cannot go. He is now working two jobs to sustain our family and has to work. The sadness in his eyes as the oldest walked out the door this morning, leaving Papa behind to head to his second job.
Two deer now hang in the garage, both taken by our friend to feed his family, my oldest never had a good shot...that is okay, he still has time.
Now I am hoping this is not one long writing with no breaks
Today, the actual start of hunting season, a dear friend has taken him out again, however my beloved cannot go. He is now working two jobs to sustain our family and has to work. The sadness in his eyes as the oldest walked out the door this morning, leaving Papa behind to head to his second job.
Two deer now hang in the garage, both taken by our friend to feed his family, my oldest never had a good shot...that is okay, he still has time.
Now I am hoping this is not one long writing with no breaks
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Friday, December 7, 2012
problem with Blog...
I keep coming back to this, but every entry I make deletes/removes or does not acknowlege the paragraph breaks...THIS IS DRIVING ME NUT!
It is okay if I enter pictures only but where I have a larger event to write about, I love paragraph breaks!
aaarrrgghhh!
Sunday, October 21, 2012
The Hangar
My mom has a place up in the mountains. It is not a fancy, expensive cabin, but just a small 2 bedroom trailer house, which works well for it's location. In order to give some sort of "garage" space, they bought an aluminum carport wich we have always called the hangar since it looks like the hangars on a military base.
Last Thursday we got a call from a friend up there that the cabin had been moved by the wind. We did not anticipate that it had been flipped upside down and rested on another old delapidated on building on the property.
>
Here you can see my beloved as he stands on top trying to figure out what we are going to do.
>
We tied it to the van and slowly inched it forward onto its end.
At this point we were concerned that it was going to flip over onto the trailer, but really we had not choice.
So after much thought that quickly turned to prayer, we continued to pull it over.
It could not have landed better! It is about 2 feet off its previous location, however, it is bare ground underneath, so we shall leave it where it sits !!! With all that could have gone wrong, the hangar is in tact. Two small holes on the back end and a wrinkle on the roof where it set on the building. What a way to spend the afternoon!
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Reprieve...
My beloved has been working "temporary jobs" with the military for 12+ years now. On October 1st, for the first time ever his "waiver" was denied (these temporary positions are suppose to have a 6 mo break in between each year of work and we have never been without orders?) He is in the National Guard and they have been able to get him 3 months of orders so he is currently employed until February...or he will be starting October 23. Thus our Reprieve. With today economy and unknown of what will happen during the election, it is not a good time to be unemployed. Needless to say we have been looking for more ways to cut our spending. We both tend to "impulse" buy items which can create problems, but we both know when to cut it out. And we have been doing a lot of cutting lately. Frugal things we already do:
*** I make our own laundry soap and cleaners. This has had an added benefit of fewer asthma attacks for my youngest.
*** The bountiful baskets save money as the weekly "delivery" not only saves me money up front, but often I end up with "leftover" fruit that I can or dehydrate. As I sit here typing this, my 3 are having a snack of apple chips. I find this saves time to as I don't have to run to stores to fill a list, and I find that we are eating more fruits and veggies (this limits the opportunity to impulse buy as well).
***Bountiful baskets also has extras (you have to watch the price tho') I have canned pineapple, jams, jellies, peaches, pears, apples plus some. I purchased a flat of strawberries, and made 2 dozen pints of strawberry jam. If I recall right it cost me about 1.20 per jar, and I know what is in it. I have enough canned jam that we won't have to buy that for at least a year.
***I limit the trips into town because of the cost of gas. Monday's for Co-op and Sundays for Church are a given. Often these are the only days we go into town. ***Meats, I purchase what I do buy at a local butcher shop which is less expensive than any other store in town. This has an added benefit of being locally grown. My beloved is a hunter and we pray he will fill his tags this year. This year is also the first time hunting for our oldest. He has an Elk tag and three deer tags. Prayerfully they will fill our freezers. (Hunting youth day starts tomorrow, then my beloved can start on Saturday.) *** To save processing fees, we butcher our own. Because I don't like waste, I even take the bones, roast them to make broth then can that. I am hoping to can about 1/2 of whatever the boys bring home. The only processing we will have done is to make pepperoni sticks which are a favorite here, but that will be IF all the other tags are filled.
***If I can make it at home, I do. I have tried homemade yogurt, but the kids wont eat it, but I often make our own bread and bread products.
***When I do buy something, I do look for sales, coupons and any other way I can save money (I take the "extra" money as change and keep it set aside as a rainy day fund)
***Last year I tried a garden, but it failed! Hopefully I will have better luck next year.
*** Rarely do I buy new clothes (however I have found that some stores have clothes on sale cheaper than our 2nd hand shops, so I watch for those sales). I take clothes that can no longer be repaired and use them for other purposes. (Ie rags, quilt scraps etc). I am also practicing knitting and crocheting, working to make more of our sweaters, socks etc. I have found that I can pick up enough yarn to make socks for pennies at 2nd hand stores.
***Always on the lookout for ways to save money. My Mother in law was clearing some space in her garage and she found some old canning jars, including some way olds lids (made from aluminum and glass) while I cannot use these for actual canning, I will use them for dry goods. Since we live amongst mice and bugs in the country, these are mouseproof! She also has another canner. I need to replace the gasket and guage, but now I have 2 pressure canners! whoo hoo. Total cost to bring the canner to working condition is about $20..I win! My beloved will continue to watch for things she may toss that are hand operated (aka no electric)
*** I homeschool 3, so I look for used curriculum whenever I can, I also look for curriculums that dont have expensive consumables that need to be purchased. For Math and Bible, the kids use SOS, I only have to buy these once then can use for all 3. We have been in a co-op and there are cost's involved with those that I would not normally have, but the kids love it so it is worth the trade.
SO, I have a long way to go to get where we want to be, but it is quite the journey to get things we need at the lowest cost we can. I want to put up a clothes line for laundry, however I will not give up my dryer yet as I love my blankets and towels dried in a dryer. I am already planning for and laying out garden (s) for next year. We are converting a 1/2 bathroom into a storage room for canning supplies, so I can continue to set aside "extras" when God provides.
*** I make our own laundry soap and cleaners. This has had an added benefit of fewer asthma attacks for my youngest.
*** The bountiful baskets save money as the weekly "delivery" not only saves me money up front, but often I end up with "leftover" fruit that I can or dehydrate. As I sit here typing this, my 3 are having a snack of apple chips. I find this saves time to as I don't have to run to stores to fill a list, and I find that we are eating more fruits and veggies (this limits the opportunity to impulse buy as well).
***Bountiful baskets also has extras (you have to watch the price tho') I have canned pineapple, jams, jellies, peaches, pears, apples plus some. I purchased a flat of strawberries, and made 2 dozen pints of strawberry jam. If I recall right it cost me about 1.20 per jar, and I know what is in it. I have enough canned jam that we won't have to buy that for at least a year.
***I limit the trips into town because of the cost of gas. Monday's for Co-op and Sundays for Church are a given. Often these are the only days we go into town. ***Meats, I purchase what I do buy at a local butcher shop which is less expensive than any other store in town. This has an added benefit of being locally grown. My beloved is a hunter and we pray he will fill his tags this year. This year is also the first time hunting for our oldest. He has an Elk tag and three deer tags. Prayerfully they will fill our freezers. (Hunting youth day starts tomorrow, then my beloved can start on Saturday.) *** To save processing fees, we butcher our own. Because I don't like waste, I even take the bones, roast them to make broth then can that. I am hoping to can about 1/2 of whatever the boys bring home. The only processing we will have done is to make pepperoni sticks which are a favorite here, but that will be IF all the other tags are filled.
***If I can make it at home, I do. I have tried homemade yogurt, but the kids wont eat it, but I often make our own bread and bread products.
***When I do buy something, I do look for sales, coupons and any other way I can save money (I take the "extra" money as change and keep it set aside as a rainy day fund)
***Last year I tried a garden, but it failed! Hopefully I will have better luck next year.
*** Rarely do I buy new clothes (however I have found that some stores have clothes on sale cheaper than our 2nd hand shops, so I watch for those sales). I take clothes that can no longer be repaired and use them for other purposes. (Ie rags, quilt scraps etc). I am also practicing knitting and crocheting, working to make more of our sweaters, socks etc. I have found that I can pick up enough yarn to make socks for pennies at 2nd hand stores.
***Always on the lookout for ways to save money. My Mother in law was clearing some space in her garage and she found some old canning jars, including some way olds lids (made from aluminum and glass) while I cannot use these for actual canning, I will use them for dry goods. Since we live amongst mice and bugs in the country, these are mouseproof! She also has another canner. I need to replace the gasket and guage, but now I have 2 pressure canners! whoo hoo. Total cost to bring the canner to working condition is about $20..I win! My beloved will continue to watch for things she may toss that are hand operated (aka no electric)
*** I homeschool 3, so I look for used curriculum whenever I can, I also look for curriculums that dont have expensive consumables that need to be purchased. For Math and Bible, the kids use SOS, I only have to buy these once then can use for all 3. We have been in a co-op and there are cost's involved with those that I would not normally have, but the kids love it so it is worth the trade.
SO, I have a long way to go to get where we want to be, but it is quite the journey to get things we need at the lowest cost we can. I want to put up a clothes line for laundry, however I will not give up my dryer yet as I love my blankets and towels dried in a dryer. I am already planning for and laying out garden (s) for next year. We are converting a 1/2 bathroom into a storage room for canning supplies, so I can continue to set aside "extras" when God provides.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Bountiful Baskets
Today was the pickup day for Bountiful Baskets. We have been getting these all summer and what a huge blessing!
The way this works is that it is a co-op staffed by volunteers. Orders are taken on Mondays a www.bountifulbaskets.com I have learned that although they are open for taking orders for over 24 hours, the baskets in our area frequently sell out after about 15-20 minutes. No time for procrastination with these.
This morning the kids and I went to volunteer and they were such a blessing in getting the food unloaded, getting the items distributed through the baskets and breaking down boxes. They really worked hard. For volunteering we got a couple of extra pears, a cucumber and honeydew melon.
This week I only purchased 2 baskets (each basket is designed around a family of 4) We recieved collard greens,english cucumbers, fresh yams, honey dew melons, tomatoes, carrots, bananas, limes, avocado (they were huge!!) celery and pears. Because of the quantity, some of this fresh goodness went to my mom :) She love avocados and no one here does.
All this for $15 a basket, and easily it would run $40-50 in the stores.
Tonight I cooked up our dinner and realized that none of it was purchased in a supermarket. Venison backstrap that had been marinated in garlic and pepper (okay the pepper was storebought), corn on the cob (left over from last week) and baked sweet potatoes. For dessert the last of the water melon we got last week.
With the baskets there are offers of extras, I have purchased their tortilla packs, however there are a lot of corn tortillas which are not favored around here. I have purchased cases of blueberries, apples, peaches and pears, making a variety of jams and jellies. I even made a batch of orange jelly, and we had so many mangos at one point I made peach mango jam...we will not have to buy jelly for a long time!
I have also canned just plain peaches and pears for us to enjoy throughout the winter, along with a case of pineapple (that cost was only $20). On Tuesday I am going to take one of the cucumbers and make refrigerator pickles (since they aren't true pickling cucumbers.
My darling has started hunting season...bow hunting, and has started stocking our freezer with our first deer. Normally we like these to hang for a few days, however the temperature has been so warm we dare not lest it spoil.
SOOOO last nite we had Family Game Night around the table...cutting up the "game" for the freezer...games on!!!! We pulled off a couple of beautiful roasts, steaks, and ground over 10 pounds of meat. I had my beloved cut up the bones, and when it is a little cooler I will take those out of the freezer and make and can broth. I have not done this before, but IF it works out I will continue to save the bones.
My prayer is that both he and the oldest will fill their tags. I hope to put one up for ground only (since I use it most) and one up to have pepperoni stick made. We shall see what God will provide my hunters with this year.
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Canning...a hobby?
Since my last post, I have still been purchasing Bountiful Baskets, occassionally buying a case of extras.
I have learned to make and successfully canned peach jam, peaches, pears, bananas (yes, you can can bananas for banana bread/muffins etc) and made strawberry jam. I am growing to love the "ping" of the seals taking after I pull them out of the pot to let them sit.
The kids are loving this, as they are my taste testers. Occassionally I dont have enough for a full jar so that is left for them to enjoy now. My youngest wanted a jar of peach jam for himself for lunch....nothing else, just jam.
As I type this I have made my first batch of Pear Butter. My beloved tried it and gave his thumbs up...
Archery season has started. My beloved has been out a couple of times, but to no avail so far. I am praying he fills all of his tags. I will can at least 1/2 of what he brings to us, and freeze the rest. I have to find the instructions again, but I once read that I can take the bones and roast them, and make venison broth. I want to try this rather than buying beef broth.
In today's basket we got leeks and potatoes. Tomorrow I shall make a huge batch of soup and freeze part of it for use later. We also got leaf lettuce, tomatoes, corn on the cob, plums, peaches, bananas, and broccoli. I also got the "italian pack", which contained onion, garlic, zucchini and eggplant. The eggplant went to my mom as no one here likes it.
I love the baskets, they feed my family and I am always able to send some down to my mom. She loves it!!! and I love doing for her. With each batch of jam, I have been sending her down jars as well and she has enjoyed the fruits of my labor!
With co-op starting on Monday, I have been pulling together the final bits for our science class (I am teaching this). I have gathered together all the binders and bits for the kids that they will need, and last week we actually started our schoolwork.
We are off to a slow start. My oldest is feeling a bit overwhelmed as he is taking some classes that are totally new to him, including Institute of Excellence writing and literary analysis. Because he struggles with his handwriting, I have purchased a voice program for his laptop, his "writing" will be done on this while we concentrate on handwriting as a separate subject. He did his first writing assignment on this and was thrilled as he did not have to write it out, so the project was more managable for him.
The other two will also be doing writing this year, which is not much different than we have done in the past. Lil miss is also doing a Thomas Kinkade drawing class and she is soooo excited. Even after just four lessons, she is thrilled with what she has learned.
The youngest is starting guitar, he is excited to be learning an instrument, and he hopes to do this for one semester then move to the harmonica.
In the meantime. My garden this year was just a battle that I gave up on. Over the next couple of weeks I am going to kill off the canadian thistles which are the only thing that have prospered. I have ordered some hazelnut seeds and need to have everything prepared to plant those in a few weeks to overwinter then start growing in the spring. I have also ordered a some heirloom seeds rather than the GMO/hybrids that our stores offer. I have already starting planning next years garden so we shall see what we can do.
My mom has returned from her trip overseas. She truly enjoyed visiting with her sisters and niece and nephews...along with their families. She brought me back a couple of treats, but with the weight restrictions in place from the airlines, no where near what she wanted to. I did not get done all that I wanted to, but I did get her garage cleaned out and most of the yardwork done.
God is good with the provision of food for me to can, health to work and never ending faithfulness toward me.
Monday, August 20, 2012
I'mmm back!!!
I forgot again :) This blog that is...
In May we took my daughter and 3 grandkids down to San Diego. We found a 2 bedroom beach front cottage (through the Navy) to stay in. Was incredible waking to the sound of waves in the morning. Sitting on the porch and enjoying the silence.
We took the kids to Sea World, San Diego Zoo, and the Safari Park. We saw a naval aircraft carrier returning home, families and friends waiting on the dock, knowing that very soon their loved ones would be in their arms. AWESOME EXPERIENCE!
The time went so quickly!
At each of the parks we attended some of the backstage items. I was so thrilled as the kids each told us of what they wanted most to experienced...and it all came soooo true!
At the Zoo the oldest got to see a cheetah. It was the last animal brought out at the Backstage Pass. As they were introducing the fastest animal, I heard him, in no more than a whisper "a cheetah"...then they brought out a dog. Actually the dog is a companion to the cheetah.
From the time the youngest could talk, he has been in love with and adored dolphins. Here they each got the chance to learn some of the commands as well as pet the dolphins!!!!
At the wildlife park, we each got a turn at feeding giraffes...the rule was they can pet us, but we could not pet them. I was so hard not to reach up and pet these beautiful creatures!
And the princess got to see a panda..the hightlight of her trip!and her wish fulfilled!
*********************
June saw no real adventures, felt like a bit of a let down after the trip.
July I started getting our vegetables and fruit from Bountiful Baskets. I love it! We have tried things that I don't normallly pick up and it is nice to not have to choke each time I try to get veggies from the store. I quickly learned that I can buy additional items for canning. Since I started doing this, I have canned a case of pineapple, blueberry jelly, peach jam, mango peach jam, and today I have just made my first ever batch of ketchup (It still has to cook down before I can put it in the jars, but the kids all sampled it and love it). I still have an entire case of tomatoes for another batch.
Today I ordered our basket and have 38# of pears coming to can. YEAH!
We had acquired soooo many onions that I have resorted to dehydrating some of them so they don't go bad.
The kids have tried and love plantains, spaghetti squash and other squashes that I just dont tend to pick up.
It is getting tough to get these as they run out quickly and are limited in quantity. so I have set my alarm so I can get on in time to get them. I do order two as I can dehydrate/can/freeze anything that may not get used in time.
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We attended an appleseed shoot that was a bunch of fun. We were taught marksmanship and history. I would recommend this to anyone who has the opportunity to attend one.
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Of course there is homeschool prep...that will have to be a whole other post!!!
My mom has gone on a trip and will be gone until the first week in September. Since the death of her beloved, she really struggles with doing anything other than keeping the house up. Her yard had become overgrown, and many little repairs. SOOOO...I have to go down there to feed her cats, in the morning the kids and I have been working on her yard, so much to do to get it nice again, then in the evenings, I spend 2-3 hours doing jobs around the house that need doing.
My beloved has taken on the task of repairs to siding and gutters that needed work, along with some preventive maintainance on her fence.
I just pray that when she returns she will be truly blessed by this!
While there, I have been jotting down ideas for Christmas for her :)
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