Thursday, December 31, 2009

Goodbye 2009, Hello 2010

For several years now as a new year approaches, I seek the Lord about what He specifically wants me to focus on that year. Last year the word was, "listen". I will not say I have become an expert listener, but praise God my ears are more open then before and my mouth is more shut. Through listening I have really been able to hear the hurts and hearts cry of some women around me. Listening has led to amazing things that I will save for another post, but now I want to share this years word.

Purposeful

In all honesty that would not be my choice of words, I would much rather have "spontaneous". The majority of my life has been one spontaneous thing after another, it is one of the masks I use to hide behind. This year God is asking me to take off the mask and be vulnerable as He shows me how to be purposeful.

Purposeful with Him.

Purposeful for Him.

Purposeful in my marriage.

Purposeful in my relationships.

What exactly does "purposeful" look like? I'm not sure, but I look forward to year of learning to purposeful with Him as my teacher.

How about you? Is there a specific area that the Lord is targeting this year? Please feel free to share in the comments below, or send me an email. I would love hear from you. :o)

Have a wonderful safe and purposeful new year!! :o)


Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Prayers for 2010

My prayer for the coming year:

* I will really listen to the heart of God and do what He wants me to do.

* My family will grow in Him and really seek after Him.

* The church I attend will blossom and grow spiritually, so it can in fact be the beacon on the hill.

* My Pastor will continue to seek the face of Jesus and continue to be bold in his teaching.

* My friendships will grow according to Gods plan.

* The ladies Bible study will group will continue to grow spiritually and that we will reach out to others. This has been amazing and I look forward to seeing what God is going to do.

* Protection over my family as we live day to day.

* Wisdom from on high as we each make important decisions about the future.

* Salvation for those family members and friends who do not know the Lord.

* Wisdom for the President of the United States and for a true understanding of who Jesus is.

In all honesty I have lots more, but those are ones that come to mind right now. What about you, what are your prayers for the coming year?

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Womens Day Book 12-23-09

Outside My Window... overcast, but yet still sunny and chilly.

I am listening to... the sound of my boys rough housing, ah....such a pleasant sound. ;o)

I am wearing... comfy socks, black jeans, and my Evangel University Mom sweatshirt. :o)

I am thankful... for all the Lord has provided.

I am pondering... my Christmas list.

I am reading... The Left Behind Series. I have read this through years ago, but I want to read it again. I'm currently on the second book, but will be on the third some time today.

From the kitchen... I made popcorn and I think the boys are making eggs.

I am creating... plans for the rest of sons vacation....;o)

I am thinking... that boys love to rough house, no matter the age.

I am going... to go Christmas shopping with hubby tomorrow. Last minute? Yes, but I'm excited!! :o)

Around the house... clean and comfy. :o)

One of my favorite things... reading the Word and soaking it in.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

I purposed in my heart that this year I would not be stressed at Christmas. No matter what came my way, life would go on and stress would not rear its ugly head. Well, life threw many things my way and when I started to feel stress pop up, I would worship the Lord. It may sound simplistic, but it's true. Worship. It is a word that means so much to me, but even more to God. Instead of counting my problems, I started counting my blessings. Literally. I remember before Thanksgiving laying in bed and telling the Lord how great He was. It was a tough time, but yet as I talked to God and thanked Him for who is not to mention all He's done I fell into a deep sleep.

It. Was. Amazing.

This season as things can get so very stressful remember to praise the One whose birth we are celebrating. You may feel you have nothing to praise Him about, then praise Him anyway. Praise Him through the storms. Praise Him in the valleys. Praise Him on the mountains. He is worthy of our praise.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Are You In the Boat?

Have you ever wondered if the storms of life equal you not being in the center of Gods will? I mean, it is easy to believe that if God is there then the storms certainly must not be.

Right?


Not necessarily.

If you have your Bible turn to Matthew 8:23-27 or click here to read the scripture.

Our family has been going through a rough time, financially. When things start to look good, something happens and there goes any 'extra' money we may of had. It has been a frustrating, scary, and at times lonely 3 months. However, in the midst of it all God was there.

Matthew 8: 23

" Jesus got into a boat and his disciples followed him."

These men were with Jesus, God in flesh, and they followed Him into the boat. They did not drag Him behind them or make Him go with them, they followed Him.

Matthew 8: 24

" Without warning, a furious storm came upon the lake."

There was no warning. The storm came out of no where, with apparently no impending signs. Some of the disciples were fishermen and would know how to read the sky for inclement weather, but the Bible says there was "no warning".
How many times do we have, "storms without warning"? It can be a sudden death, a financial crisis, troubles in relationships, and anything that causes our lives sudden shock. I don't know about you, but I like to be in control and when something comes without warning it really throws me off track.

Matthew 8: 24

".... so that the waves swept over the boat...."

Do our sudden storms overwhelm us? Picture being a boat and having the waves sweep over it. That would be a very scary thing!! Talk about not being in control!

Matthew 8:24

"....but Jesus was sleeping."

What was Jesus doing? Sleeping. How could He be sleeping during such a violent storm? Didn't He realize what was going on? Didn't He know how close to death they all were? Why was He not worried? Well, the Bible doesn't specify but I believe that Jesus knew He was in the very center of His Fathers will. He also knew that His disciples were in the very center of His Fathers will. The difference is that He knew it and they did not.

Matthew 8: 25

"The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!"

They were freaking out! There they were, with the same man they had seen do miraculous things and yet when danger knocked on their door they panicked. Not a little scared, but truly panicked. It seems that they thought their lives were in imminent danger.

Matthew 8: 26

"He replied, "You of little faith, why are you afraid?"

Wow! He basically rebuked the disciples for for their lack of faith. He knew all that they had witnessed and yet when their time of turmoil came, they had little faith.

Matthew 8:26

" ...."Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and it was completely calm."

Jesus stopped the storm. It did not fade away leaving remnants behind, it stopped. The turmoil was gone and it was calm.

Matthew 8: 27

"The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and waves obey him?"

The disciples, who had already seen some amazing stuff, were once again amazed. This time Jesus met their need. They were worried and fearful, but Jesus took their anxieties away by taking the storm away.

Does God always stop the storms of our life?
No.

Is God always in the boat with us?
As long as we are doing the will of God, then yes.









Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Days of Naught

I have wanted to get here to this lil' space and share my thoughts for awhile, but since our phone and therefore computer is off, I have not had much opportunity. I wanted to share with my bloggy friends, that I am in fact okay and that life really does go on without a phone or computer. ;o) The phone part, is actually covered by a cheap track phone but the computer part.....

When our service was shut off I must say I certainly went through the stages of grief. However, during that time the Lord has shown me over and over again that though I like the computer it is not a must have. It is not something always edifies Him and in all honesty my time can become consumed by it. He also showed me that in this time of transitioning from one home church to another, less is often better. I cannot explain it, except to say that when I look to people things get crazy and jumbeled, but when I look to God the fog clears. I love people, really I do. However, in the midst of this minor storm my spiritual eyes have become more clear. I want so badly to share it with you, but alas a child needs my help finding a book (we are at the library).

I mainly wanted to let anyone who reads this blog to know that I'm not dead. LOL. Actually to the contrary, I'm feeling more alive and tuned in then I have in a very long time. :o)

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Busy, Busy, Busy

I have noticed among my favorite blogs that many are not posting as much as usual. Could it be that people really don't have anything to tell or could it be that people are just plain ol' busy? In my own life, it is the second choice. Plain. Old. Busy. Ness.

School takes up a good portion of my time.
Weekly Bible study, with my gal pals.
Volunteering at the local Care Net once a week
Not to mention being a wife and mother....

It adds up to less time on the computer, which is probably the way it should be. I want to continue to write here, I enjoy it. I also enjoy visiting my bloggy friend from time and hearing about what is going on in their lives. It is a luxury that I'm not totally ready to do without, but one that I could do less of. :o)

Friday, September 25, 2009

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Tree of Life?


This tree houses the ashes of the man who donated
the park. I will get back to you with more details, after
our wonderful trip to Maine.

Friday, September 18, 2009

Share Your Story

We all have a story to tell.

Today going home from Bible study I was able to share part of my story with my 17 year old daughter. It is a part of my life that I wish I could erase, a part that changed my very being. Yet, at the same time the very worse thing eventually brought me to my knees.

When I was fourteen years old I was rapped by a pastor in the church building.

Charges were never pressed, my family never talked about it, and he went on to do the same thing to another girl.

Guilt.

Shame.

Despair.

Those are words I became familiar with.

As I put on my mask and continued on with my life things drastically changed. I remember literally closing the door to the Lord. As far as I was concerned He abandoned me. He became dead to me.

Over the course of the next year I entered into a life of drugs, drinking, and skipping school. I didn't care.

However, God only let me go so far before He radically brought me back to His side. Almost a year after the rape my grandmother (who I lived with) pulled me out of public school and put me in a christian school a few towns away. My life changed. I received Christ as my Saviour one cold Feb. day on the coast of Maine. I didn't understand it all. I wasn't with people. I wasn't in a church. I was literally outside by the ocean and I stuck my hand in my jacket pocket and pulled out a tract. I read it and figured that I had nothing to loose. Jesus met me there that very day.

I wish I could say that I followed Him wholeheartedly all the rest of my days. Unfortunately I stumbled and fell several times. However, He was there to pick me up each and every time. He is faithful. He is just. He is worthy.

The whole point of this post is to be open and honest with those around you. Let them know what God has done in your life. Share the good, bad, and ugly. Be real. When you are real, you give the person opportunity to be real too. God uses our past to heal others, don't hide your past but use it for His glory. There are many people out there that want to hear what God has done. They want to know that there is hope. They want to know that they too will be okay. Listen to Him and be aware of those around you. When He says speak, speak. You never know who will be blessed by hearing what you have to say.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

One Sale A Day

Today over at the, One Sale A Day, website they have an excellant deal on Wii Nunchucks. Till midnight tonight, September 16th, they are $4.99. If you have a Wii lover in your house, or if you're the Will lover head on over and purchase one or two. ;o)

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Monday, September 7, 2009

Tomorrow starts our official first day of school for the 2009-2010 school year. I will have a senior, junior, and 8Th grader. As I have been getting things ready, my heart started to hurt a little. I cannot believe that my baby girl is going to be a senior. I remember starting school with her as a pre-schooler. She was very anxious to do the same things as her big brother. She had her own little desk with her little box of crayons and a big smile on her face. As I start this new year, I look back in awe at the young lady she has become. I want so badly for this year to be full of learning but more importantly I want them to be full of life and love. When she leaves next year for where ever she is headed, I want her to know that her family loves her. Yes, she learned important facts but they can all be forgotten over time. The one thing remains and that's the love that we have for each other.

Have you started your school year yet?
What grades are your 'students' in?

Friday, September 4, 2009

Today I've been cleaning our school room and getting ready for, well, school of course. :o) I'm happy to report that it is a steady process. I have yet to be too distracted, aside from this post of course. K-Love is on and I'm worshiping my Lord as I go about my business. The songs are inspiring me to keep my focus on Him and that is where I need to be.

What are you doing today?
What is your favorite online station?
Leave a comment, I would love to hear from you.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Finding My Mojo

I posted a few days ago but not having any mojo to start school. I'm happy to report that my mojo is s-l-o-w-l-y coming back. First off the month of August was not a good month for me. It was filled with lots of changes, memories, and distractions. I think my feet are back on some what solid ground and I'm ready to move forward. Here are some things I have done to help with the progression.

* Downloaded the free version of homechool tracker. I normally use a teachers lesson planner that I buy at Staple's, but since money is tight I'm going with free instead. I spent yesterday, Tuesday, getting it set up and entered everything for one of my 'students' for the first two weeks of school.

* Pulled out all the curriculum that we have. I need to buy a few more items, but honestly the more I pull out the more I see its not all that much.

* Started working on getting the school room back in order. Always a process, but at least I'm working on it.

* Got our starting date, vacations, and ending date already set up.

* Trying something new this year. We normally school at home, but this year I'm making a list of places that we can take our 'school' to. Every Friday, at least while the weather in nice we will be heading to different parks in our area. We live surrounded by the White Mountain National Forest, so there is quite a few to choose from. When the weather gets colder, I'm looking into different libraries in the surrounding towns. Not sure how that will work, but at least going to try it out.

* Making a "supplies needed list" for school. I think having the kids get excited about picking the 'perfect notebook' and other trinkets will help spur us all on.

That's how I'm finding my mojo. Hopefully I'll keep going in the right direction and maybe I'll be on a roll in no time. :o) If not, then I'll keep pressing on till I find it. ;o)

Saturday, August 29, 2009

What Happens When Mom Doesn't Want to Start School?

I remember as a kid not wanting summer to end. I loved the long summer days of being free to be.....a kid. One would think that being post kid age, I would of given up my rebellious ways. I'm here to testify that I have not. I want to be excited for school to start, but I'm not there.

* I don't have our whole curriculum ordered. We have enough to do school, but there is more I want/need? to get.

* All those wonderful school supplies that I keep seeing at the stores, have yet to make it into the cart. Times are tight, so when I'm looking to buy food or pencils the food always wins out. Unless of course the pencils are flavored, then maybe I would consider it a valid purchase. ;o)

* The school room is so totally not done. Right now the table is covered, and I mean literally covered and stacked with books that need to find a home.

* My mojo is missing and I don't know where I left it. I think the last place I saw it was the end of the school year when I was thinking about .....summer.

So, there it is.

Keeping it real here.

Now, does this mean that I will sit back and not teach my kids? Will I let them just slither off and become, those homeschoolers!!?? You know those ones that you read about in the newspaper, cause you know the newspaper always tells the truth.

No!! I will:

* Use what we have till I buy the rest.

* Use the supplies I have bought through the years and maybe save a penny or two.

* Get the school room ready, and if not then we do have other rooms to use.

* Find my mojo, even if it means heading to the beach to do a unit study on tide pools.

Ahh, yes....... my type of schooling.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

I am very fortunate to be able to attend a small women's Bible study and prayer group once a week. Last week we discussed the book of Ruth, and it was very interesting and enlightening. The leader gave 4 points about the book which are examples of the christian life.

1.) The Christian life is a life of choices

2.) The Christian life is a life of work and obedience

3.) The Christian life is a life of dependence

4.) The Christian life is a life of reward

Each of these points goes along with the four chapters in the book of Ruth.

Lets take point one, "The Christian life is a life of choices."

The text is from Ruth chapter one.

Ruth was in a place in her life where she had a couple of major choices. She could stay in her homeland and perhaps get remarried or go with her mother in law Naomi to a land she never knew. I don't know how long Ruth struggled with the issue, but I do know what her choice ultimatly was. " Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, of anything but death separates you and me". ( Ruth 1: 16-17 )

Ruth left her homeland, her family, her gods, and her security to go to a new place. She made a tough choice. When they got to Bethlehem the whole town was stirred up. They talked among themselves about if that was really Naomi and what happened to her. Naomi told them that the Lord had afflicted her and brought her back empty. Then the two women, Naomi and Ruth the Moabite, started their life again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Choices. I know we all have to make choices every day, but what happens when those choices become life changing ones? Are we ready and willing to step out and follow the Lord, despite how it may appear? Do we want to please so many people that we forget about pleasing and doing the work of the Lord? Ruth's choice was obvious, stay or go. Yet, her choice affected the rest of her life and also the lives of countless others. Our choices matter. We cannot decide for other people, just as Ruth could not decide for her sister in law. We can only decide for ourselves and do what the Lord wants us to do.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Have you had any major choices to make? How did you go about choosing which way to go? How did your choices affect those around you? If you could make your choices over would you change your decisions? How would that affect your life now?

Please take time to read the first chapter of Ruth and answer the questions.

Friday, August 21, 2009

All the Way My Saviour Lead Me

I love that song and it has meant more to me this summer then at any other time in my life. Here is the link to video... HERE

I am so happy that my Saviour is leading me. :o)

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

My Birthday

I normally don't blog about my birthday, but yesterday was too great a day not to blog about!! :o) I turned 42 yesterday and my girls took me to North Conway, which is a town about 45 minutes from us with all kinds of outlet stores and little shops. The girls, who both work, took me shopping. I tried not to get too crazy, but I got a Clean Cotton candle from Yankee Candle and random things from the other stores. After we shopped the girls took me out to lunch at Friendly's. Not only was the food yummy, but the conversation was great!! There is nothing better then sitting in a restaurant with your daughters and chatting like there is no tomorrow. There were no awkward silences, no rolling of the eyes, and no feeling that these two teenagers would rather be somewhere else. ;o) After lunch we headed to the center of North Conway and walked the main street with all the little shops. The girls got some things for themselves, we chatted more, and laughed a lot!! It was a blessed day and I'm so glad I got to spend it with two of my most favorite people in the whole wide world. :o)

Monday, August 17, 2009

My 'Students'

Me and my dd Shannon
My dd Emily last spring before the 'Senior Ball'


DS, Duncan last winter


DS, Max with his cousin who is in the army.
















This was taken last fall and is of Duncan.








This is one of my dds, Emily, senior pictures.







Shannon practicing the piano at church.









Duncan at the old craft fair last fall.









All the kids plus Max's girlfriend Lindsay
My 'students' are: Emily who is 17 and is a senior this year. The picture of her in the gown is from going to the Senior Ball with a public school friend.
Shannon is 15 and is a junior.
Duncan is 13 and is in 8th grade.
Max is our first graduate and is starting his second year of college.
Head on over to mythreeboybarians in join in the Not Back to School Month fun!! :o)






































Monday, August 10, 2009

Not Back to School~ Week 2~ School Rooms






























It is 'Not Back to School Month' over at mythreeboybarians, and this weeks theme is school rooms or where you school. We school pretty much all over the house, but we do have a contained area for schooling and school stuff. We also have a large table, futon, and a big comfy chair which for some reason were camera shy. ;o)

These are pictures of our school room were taken last winter. If was to take pictures today and post them, it would look very different. Our son is currently using the school room as a bedroom until his brother goes back to college. So you would see a futon that is unmade and clothes scattered on the floor. :0/
Head on over here and join in the fun!! :o)

*** I wanted to share that the room has not been painted in a long time. It used to be the girls bedroom. :o)





Sunday, August 9, 2009

Learning to Lean

Learning to lean,
Learning to lean,
I'm learning to lean on Jesus.
Finding more power,
Then I've ever known,
I'm learning to lean on Jesus.


I AM learning to lean on Jesus. I have no clue what I'm doing at all. I pray that He will take my life and make it Holy and acceptable to Him. I am nothing. My only hope is in the One who created all things, and I put my trust in Him. Not man. Not money. Not family. Not friends. Only. In. Him.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Simple Woman's Daybook~ Aug.7th


Outside my window... a little sun, a little rain, and a lot of green trees.
From the learning rooms... learning about myself and the woman God wants me to be.
I am thankful for... the infallible Word of God.
From the kitchen... not much going on there. :0/
I am wearing... my dds youth group hoodie, jean skirt, and a pair of flip flops.
I am reading... 2 Chronicles, Care Net Notebook, Beauty for Ashes, and The Flames of Rome ( for kids school)
I am hoping... that as I tread out on unknown paths that God will direct my steps.
I am creating... songs of healing.
I am praying... for wisdom in talking to my Pastor (we are leaving the church).
Around the house...getting ds ready to head off to camp tomorrow, going to pick up hubby from work (his cars in the shop), and hopefully spend a little time with him.
One of my favorite things... the smell of camp fire smoke on clothes. :0]
A few plans for the rest of the week... cleaning the house, picking out worship music for Sunday, perhaps talking to Pastor, and working on lesson plans.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Market Basket Sales~~ Aug.1st-8th

These are taken from the Market Basket flier:

Shell Sirloin Steak   $2.99 lb.4
Fresh Ground Beef in 10 lb. Tubes   $1.79  
Cooked Ham  $2.99 lb.
Market Basket American Cheese  $1.99 lb.
Market Basket Milk (Whole, 1%, 2%, Skim)  $1.99
Schrod Haddock Fillets  $4.99 lb.
Dunkin Donuts Coffee 12 oz. bag  $4.99
Red and Green Seedless Grapes  .99 lb.
Wishbone Salad Dressing 16 oz. bottles  2/$3.00
Honey Dew Melons 2/$4.00Wes
Crystal Geysar Water  35 Pack 16.9 oz. bottles  $3.99
Mama Rosie's Spinach Ravioli  13 oz. pks.  5/ $5.00
Welch's Grape Blends 64 oz. 2/$4.00
West Soy Organic Beverages 32 oz. 2/$4.00
M&M's Extra Large Bag Candies 27 oz. bag  $3.99
Tide Laundry Detergent ALL Varieties  100 oz bottle  $10.99
Cascade Dish Detergent 75oz. $3.99
Kellogg's Cereal 
Frosted Flakes, Froot Loops, Apple Jacks, Corn Pops, Rice Krispies, Raisin Bran
$2.99 use the $1.00 in store coupon, final price $1.99
Kellogg's Frosted Mini Wheats  2/$5.00
Kellogg's Pop Tarts 16 Pack 2/$6.00 
There is also a $10.00 Rebate Check Form for when you buy certain Kellogg's items. 
Perdue Breaded Chicken 12 oz. pks. $1.99
Fun Shape Nuggets, Chicken Nuggets, or Cutlets 
Family Pack Nibblers or Patties  35oz. pkg. or 28 oz. chicken strips $3.99
Fresh Chicken Breast Bone In Whole or Split  $1.29 lb.
Boneless Chuck Pot Roast  $1.89 lb.
Ice Cream 56oz. pks.  2/$3.00
Eggo Homestyle Waffles  2/$3.00 
Romaine Lettuce  79. 

That's pretty much the highlights from this weeks flyer. I know there have been some great coupons, that would match the sales. I will try to post the matches about next weeks flyer. 





Mountain Experience

It has been a couple days since the ending of Soul Fest and I have had time to get things back in order here and reflect on what the Lord has been speaking to me. I went to Soul Fest with an attitude of protection for my daughter, there were things that went on which led up to this attitude.  My heart and mind were ready for a fight and totally on the offensive. The longer I was there the more I realized that the junk of this world doesn't matter. It is temporal, not eternal. That does not mean that injustices should not be dealt with, but God is big enough to handle the injustices. He knows everything about us, and the Bible tells us the rain falls on the just and unjust alike. The Bible also tells us the He works on behalf of those that are Innocent

Praise God for His faithfulness!!

This week was filled with worship, Bible reading, listening to different ministries, visiting with friends, and spending time with my girls. It was great!! :o)

Here is a list of the groups I saw:
Family Force Five (they put on a great show, but really they were all about the show and there was not much ministry)
Skillet (they had an awesome show and they did speak the Word)
Paul Coleman (he used to play with the News Boys)
Newsboys (their new lead singer is the guy from DC Talk. I liked him, though many others there did not. He talked a lot about the Lord and pointed people to Him.)
Alabaster Box (I heard them from my van as I was trying to take a nap. I loved them!!)
Nathalie Grant (Phenomenal singer and another awesome worship time!!)
Casting Crowns (My personal favorite.)
Sanctus Riel (I'm not sure if that's how you spell it. They were incredible!! They totally have hearts for the Lord and it shows in their music.)
Third Day (This is another favorite group of mine. They were really great!!)
Maeve (This is a women's group out of Mass. and boy can they sing!!)

I also saw smaller and less known artists, but they radiated the love of Jesus. It was an amazing 'sicknasty' time!!! :)

If I took anything away from this its to LOVE. Love covers a multitude of sins. Not to judge others. There were some majorly heavy metal bands there, which my 15 year old daughter loves. She told me how they prayed, shared testimonies, and lifted the name of Jesus up. 


Monday, August 3, 2009

Not Back to School (Week One Curriculums)

Darcy over at mythreeboybarians is hosting the "Not Back to School" month long meme. Every week will be a different theme starting with this weeks, Curriculum Choices. 

This year I will have 3 homeschoolers in grades 7th, 11th, and 12th. It is funny how now instead of adding 'students' they are graduating and my 'classroom' is getting smaller by the year. We are entering our 14th year of homeschooling, that just blows me away to even to write that out! I cannot believe it has been that long, it seems like just yesterday we started. In our home school journey we have used many different curriculum's, we are a very eclectic home school family. I want to share what we will be using this year, but I will be writing a series on all the curriculum's we have used through the years. I will share the good, bad, and ugly. ;o) My hope is that someone can benefit from our experiences. 

2009-2010 School Year

12th Grader:
SAT Workbook
Write Stuff
Aplogia Chemistry
SAT Math DVD
Teaching Textbooks Geometry
History of Gods Kingdom (Sonlight)
Physical Education
Digital Art
British Literature
New Testament Theory (I'm not sure what I'm using for this, but her hearts desire is missions so this will help her)

11th Grader:
Teaching Textbooks Algebra 2
History of Gods Kingdom (Sonlight)
ABeka Grade 11 Grammar
Physical Education
Writing (this is my daughters passion, so she will be doing a lot of writing through blogging and other things)
Apologia Chemistry
Latin 4 (this is an outside class)
British Literature 
Web-Site Design 

7th Grader
ABecka Grammar
Physical Education
Apologia Astronomy
Saxon Math
Saxon Phonics Program--We have been using this for a couple years and it is really helping him to read better. I highly recommend this for children with learning disabilities. 
Around the World in 180 Days-- We used this years ago with the older children and loved it!! :o)
Typing Tutor
Piano

I will add and subtract as necessary throughout the year, but that is a basic list of our curriculum choices for the upcoming year. How about you, what are you using this year? Head on over to Darcy's site and add in your thoughts. 







Sunday, August 2, 2009

Soul Fest 2009--Weather

The girls and I got back from Soul Fest and have had several inquiries about the weather, of all things. Here is an overview of the weeks weather, for those who may be interested.

Wednesday~~ We got there and it was gorgeous and very dry. We were able to set up camp with no mud puddles. As the day progressed the clouds moved in and by the evening we were experiencing torrential down pours. Family Force Five and Skillet were on the main stage, and the rain did not stop them from putting on a great show. I actually think the rain enhance the show, if that's possible. Yes we were soaked, even with rain gear but it was so much fun!! :o)

Thursday~~ This was a gorgeous day. Lots of sun to dry up all the wet stinky mud and there was LOTS of wet stinky mud.

Friday~~ Rainy. It rained all day right up till a couple hours before the headline band the Newsboys. It was a dry concert, aside from the massive mud.

Saturday~~ Another beautiful day. It was hot and sunny all day long. The mud finally dried up and my sneakers were no longer sopping wet.

Sunday~~ When we packed up this morning everything was nice and dry. :o) It did rain tonight though, but I'm now safe and snug in my own home not in my van. ;o)

So, there you have the weather for the week of Soul Fest 2009. :o) I will post about our trip later in the week for any inquiring minds.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Heading Out

Me and my girls are head to Soul Fest for four fun days filled with teachings and great worship. I love Casting Crowns and they will be there, along with lots of other great groups. The boys are here with dad and I'm sure they will have a good time too.
See ya on Monday!! :o)

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Weight Watching ~~ Week 3

I seem to have fallen slightly off the wagon this week. My eating has been good, I have really kept my portions down. My exercising has been a little less, but at least I did not stop all together. 

Monday~~ 30 minutes of walking ( my lower back was really sore )
Tuesday~~ 30 minutes of walking + light stretching 
Wednesday~~ 30 minutes of walking 
Thursday~~ 30 minutes of walking
Friday~~ Walk Away the Pounds 2 Mile Walk (30 minutes)
Saturday~~ Stretching + 30 Minutes of Walking 

I hope to be back up to 40 minutes again, but my lower back was hurting for some reason. 
How did you do this week? Are you meeting your goals? 

Friday, July 24, 2009

My Testimony (Part 1)

" But by the grace of God, I am what I am. His grace which is within me, was not in vain. Though I labored more abundantly then they all, not I but by the grace of God that was within me." 1 Corinthians 15:10


That is my life verse.

I was born in August of 1967 to an unwed mother, my father had been a married man, though not married to my mother. When my mother was 3 months pregnant with me he died suddenly. I'm sure his wife, as well as my mother were devastated. His wife was left with 6 young children and my mother had a toddler and was pregnant with me. Turbulence, shame, and guilt are a few things that come to mind.

In 1967 abortion was illegal, so she did not seek out that option. No one in her family knew she was pregnant and adoption became a real thought. I'm not sure how my mother hid her pregnancy from those around her, but she did. It wasn't up till hours after I was born that she decided to keep me. My understanding was that she overheard a nurse talking about how women have babies and then give them up and she didn't understand it. Apparently it hit her heartstrings, because she took me home.

Through the years, my mother did the best she could. She was single, in a time when being single was not in fashion. She also had committed the sin of adultery and had not one but two children as a reminder. As tough as it must of been she always took us to church and made sure we knew about God. We prayed over our meals, prayed at bed time, and read the Bible stories. My mother planted seeds that stayed with us forever.

As time went on she found a man. This man desired my mother, but not her children. She made a choice, and that choice was him. For at least a year my sister and I basically lived alone. I was seven years old and she was nine. Our lives consisted of going to school, going to day care, heading home to eat a frozen meal, television, maybe homework, and bed. We rarely saw our mother and when we did she would take us to her boyfriends house. He was not a nice man and I have many bad memories of him, which I'll share later.

After about a year, our grandmother came to visit. She must of realized something was up, because she came back to live with us. I can tell you that having a loving adult influence made a huge difference. My grades were terrible, from lack of trying and I'm sure my attitude was worse. She got me caught up in my schoolwork and in no time I was with or even ahead of my peers. The teachers were amazed and actually asked her to tutor other students!! I think that's where my love of homeschooling started. ;o)

My grandmother lived with us for about a year, and then decided to head back to her own home. We lived in Massachusetts and she lived in Connecticut. She asked my mother what she wanted to do. Was she ready to make a decision and could she live with the decision she would make? I would like to think my mother agonized over this, but in truth she did not. Her and her boyfriend drove off and we were headed toward a new life without her............ (to be continued)


Thursday, July 23, 2009

Simple Womans Day Book (July 22, 2009 )

For Today... July 22, 2009

Outside my window... green trees blowing in the wind.

From the learning rooms... taking a little break from schooling.

I am thankful for... a great group of ladies that the Lord has brought into my life.

From the kitchen... my son made tater tots for me for lunch. Does that count? :o)

I am wearing... a pair of brown jean type pants, a red short sleeved shirt, a red zippy, and my dds sneakers.

I am reading... 2 Chronicles, The Flames of Rome (for the kids upcoming school year), The Care Net Handbook, and Worship Warriors.

I am hoping... that God will use the broken pieces of my life for His glory.

I am creating... songs of healing.

I am praying... the same thing I'm hoping for. That God would use my broken life for His glory.

Around the house... DDs are at work, DS is a friends, and my other DS is upstairs in his room.

One of my favorite things... worshiping the Lord in song.

A few plans for the rest of the week... heading to ds physical therapy, getting ready to go to Soul Fest next week, and hopefully going to the 'street fair' on Saturday.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Splinted Goat





This morning I was woken up bright and early by my son saying, "Dad I think there's an animal in the barn after the goats." My husband looked at me and said, "What did he say?", I asked again and he repeated the same thing. We both jumped up, but hubby is more practical then I am and put on his sneakers and got bullets for the gun. I, on the other hand, ran up the stairs and out to the barn with nothing on my feet and no protection at all. When I got to the barn I heard the goat baaing (is that even how you spell it?) like crazy. All the other goats were standing around, but were joining in the chorus. I couldn't see where the goat was, she is smallish and black. Then I saw her in the back corner of the barn hanging from her right leg!!


She was flipping out, and when she saw me she flipped out even more. I went to get to her and the plan was to attempt to hold her so she wasn't hurting her leg. The plan failed. She squirmed and before I could actually get there I heard a snap and she fell to the ground. I was pretty certain she broke her leg and it was later confirmed that I was right. :o(

My husband, being the avid researcher that he is, found out some great information about broken goats legs online. Apparently it is not uncommon for goats to break their legs, because they are mischievous and often get stuck. Who knew?

We got the stuff together for a splint and went over what we were going to do before we headed to the barn. Kind of like how the doctors go over their surgery beforehand. My only job was to hold the goats head and try to keep her calm. My sweet husband did all the other things, and now we have a goat in a home made splint. She is up and walking around, so we are praying that she heals up good.

I will try to post pictures later on so you can see the great job that hubby did. :o)

Monday, July 20, 2009

Ramblings for the Week

This week will be filled with:
house cleaning
barn cleaning
chicken coop cleaning
menu planning
coupon learning
swimming
walking
laundry
bringing ds to physical therapy
getting ready for Soul Fest
making a menu for Soul Fest
visiting a brand new friend (I'm excited about this!! I have really been stepping out of my comfort zone and have been getting to know new  people. This new friend is one of my dds best friends mothers. I have only met her once, so I look forward to having coffee with her and getting to connect with her.)
reading 
and of course spending time with family. :o)

What are your plans for the week? Are you doing something new this week? 


Friday, July 17, 2009

Praise God for His Blessings!! :o)

I want to praise God today for His blessings that He has bestowed upon us.

Yesterday I was in need of milk, and seeing as I had just paid the mortgage our checking account was almost bare. I did not mention this to anyone, but the Lord knew. I got a phone call from a friend who had used her WIC vouchers and got 4 gallons of milk of which 2 gallons she wanted to give to our family. I was blessed!! :o) When I went to her house to get the milk, I told her what a blessing it was.

Today I was checking my email, and found out that I had won a free ticket to the Heart of the Matter Online Homeschool Conference!! :o) I am so very excited, because I wanted to attend but really could not squeeze it into the budget right now. By the way the gal running the concert is Masha and here is a link to her blog if you want to go check it out and say hi. Click HERE.

A third blessing came awhile ago, but I haven't shared it here yet. Me and my girls will be attending Soul Fest, a 4 day christian concert event. We were blessed with three half price tickets, and my 17 year old paid for our campsite!! :o) Now I get to spend 4 days with my girls as well as other friends, worshiping the Lord. God is so good!! :o)

How about you? How has God blessed you this week? I know that its not about the blessings, but it sure is nice to "count your blessings". Praise God in the big and praise Him in the little. Praise Him in the calm and praise Him in the storm. Leave a comment below, I'd love to hear from you. :o)

Thursday, July 16, 2009

The Abortion Lie (Part 1)

Information is a good thing, the more informed you are the better able you are to make a decision. It is that way in all areas of our life, from the very big to the very small. However, there are some people out there who think the less you know the better off they are. What exactly am I talking about?

Abortion.

Let me start by saying that I volunteer for Pathways Pregnancy Care Center which is part of Care Net. I am currently going through training, specifically in the area of abortion and post abortion. I will share my story about how I got to that point in a later article. For now I want to discuss some of the things I learned today.

Let me start with some facts:

"In 1973 in the now famous case of Roe vs. Wade, the United States Supreme Court ruled that state law banning abortion was unconstitutional."* Basically the right to privacy for a woman was more important then providing for the unborn baby. It is important to note that during this time, abortion was outlawed and those who performed abortions were treated as criminals.

There was a woman named, Norma McCorvey, who already had two children (which she did not have custody of) and now was pregnant with a third. She wanted an abortion and sought to get one at ONE clinic, which was closed. This young woman was referred to two lawyers, Sarah Weddington and Linda Coffee. At the time that Norma went to see them, these two lawyers were already working on a case to have the Texas abortion law overturned. The Texas law stated that abortion was permitted only to save the mothers life. They found who they needed in Norma McCorvey.

She willingly changed her story to make it more appealing and compelling. Instead of her being a young woman you accidentally got pregnant, she now became a young woman who had been brutally gang raped. She also claimed that she had sought numerous doctors to perform the abortion, which she hadn't.

It went to court and low and behold the rules changed. Now the fate of the unborn was not so crystal clear. In a 7-2 ruling the Supreme Court ruled that:

* "A woman's constitutional right to privacy includes the right to determine the outcome of her pregnancy."

* "An unborn person is not a "person" within the meaning of our Constitution."

* "A state may only ban abortions in cases when the unborn child has already reached viability and there is no threat to the woman's health."

This is just one example of the many lies that surround a woman's "right to choose". I will be exploring more and doing a weekly posting on them over the course of the next six weeks. Please feel free to leave a comment, just try to be kind. I know this topic can be heated, but believe me I am judging or condemning anyone. My reason for doing this is to give whole information, which is often not given out today. Many just accept Roe vs. Wade as standard law, but never really wonder why or what the ramifications are. I think as we look at it, we will see that things are not always as they first appear.

* Serving With Care and Integrity, A Training Resource for Pregnancy Center Volunteers.

* Norma McCorvey became a christian, converted to the Catholic faith, and now is an avid speaker against abortion. You can find her web-site here. She was also arrested for protesting at the Sotomayor confirmation hearing, you can check that out here.

I love this picture. It is of my 15 year old dd and she at Lower Falls. Just thought I'd share.