Gray Matters

2010-07-15T17:18:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I just feel like writing, communicating. Thus I'm here after more than a year away. I'm not into blogging to attract viewers anymore, like a silly popularity contest (which is a hold-over from high school days, I guess).

I'm wondering lately why I don't show my true feelings. I mean even the positive ones. I'm not a positive person by nature. I tend to see what someone has done wrong, or what I've done wrong--I'm just as hard on myself as on anyone else. I am afraid of expressing emotions. Why?

I recently asked my Mom to stop speaking negatively about my Dad and grandparents. I told her I felt she had a bitterness issue. Wow, what an explosion of defensiveness and counterattack that set off. I had no idea. It took me years and years to get up the guts to say something. Why? I wish I'd set those boundaries way back when it started at age 14, and maybe my life would have turned out differently--probably so for the mere fact that I would have asserted myself.

So, why did it take me so long to say something? I would rather suffer than make someone else suffer, so I took the suffering of her negative comments on myself rather than be honest about their inappropriateness and effect on me. Someone told me it was better to live in the truth than the lie, but it doesn't feel like that right now. I was also put in a position of her protector, so I guess it would have been very unnatural to do anything to hurt what you've been charged to defend.

Her reaction has shocked me and left a lot of questions. She is currently refusing to speak to me, saying she "doesn't need the censure." It hurts deeply that she has retreated into defensiveness rather than listen to my hurting heart or taking any responsibility for her actions.

And in addition to the defensiveness, there's been the counterattacks. I did not realize our relationship was on such slippery ground. I always thought she was one of my biggest supporters. Now I'm left reeling and wondering what it's all about. The conclusion I come up with, whether correct or not I don't know, is that by my silence all of these years, she has assumed my complicity in her feelings about my Dad. I do believe that she has purposely set out to damage my relationship with him, and finding that after believing herself successful in that endeavor all of these years, she is shocked and appalled to find out that she's been making a fool of herself.

Or, she's just very deeply deceived. Most likely both. I think she's deceived and confused. I have set the "natural order of things" on its head. I've stepped outside my role. I've called her out on a behavior that she has for so long justified, that she can't handle looking at the truth.

One friend said to me, "no wonder you live in a shell; you're too afraid to come out." Hmmm, hadn't thought of that. Emotions were unsafe in my house; feelings off-limits. We did not talk. No one was interested in talking or knowing each other. My Dad was a selfish alcoholic, my Mom co-dependent on him and too busy with keeping a spotless house to be bothered with kids, and my brother and I just coped in our own ways. (Thank God for grandparents.) We were left on our own, particularly during the formative years of our lives when my parents were divorcing and remarrying and too consumed with their own problems. Emotions scare me. I cannot take much emotionalism for too long, or I have a desperate compulsion to run. This has not served my marriage well. I want to be different, but I fear I'm too deeply conditioned otherwise.

Another friend said, "Yeah for you; you set appropriate boundaries!" Yeah for me? I know she's right, but I don't feel like celebrating. There are lots of great things about my Mom, and I want a relationship with her. Am I willing to continue in a relationship if there is no change or repentance? What do you sacrifice for the sake of family? Where do my boundaries lie permanently? Do I expect her to apologize? Agree with me? What will it take for our relationship to be restored? These are answers I do not have. I do not know what's going on in her mind or heart, but I am praying that the veil of deception and root of bitterness of 30 years is being torn to pieces, and trusting that the Holy Spirit is at work in her life. I am praying that we'll both come out of it healthier; I know I will.

Who are You?

2009-02-15T14:53:00.000-08:00

A Valentine Video from Tim Hawkins

2009-02-14T15:05:00.000-08:00

Our Valentine's Day Table

2009-02-14T14:21:00.000-08:00

To make these cookie bouquets: I made our favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe and stuck a popsicle stick in each cookie before baking. When they were completely cooled I used decorating gel to make hearts on them, then I filled parfait glasses with beads and stuck the cookies in each one. I love it when things work out!

2009-02-08T17:28:00.000-08:00

We presented the boys with throwing knives and a tomahawk this evening, along with Michael Pearl's instructional video and a tripod Tracey made to hold a log slice. They're out in the dark throwing as I type. I stayed out as long as is fit for a Mom. Actually, I would love to throw too, but with only two knives and one tomahawk, I figured I'd wait my turn 'til later. I love having boys.

Parental Rights

2009-02-06T06:52:00.000-08:00

I don't normally get too political, but that may change with this new president. I am deeply concerned about this nomination, and ask you--even if you've never called a Senator before--to take just a moment to do so now. The link will take you to the HSLDA site where you can put in your zip code and find your senator's local number. It will literally take less than 5 minutes of your time, and the future of parental rights is on the line. Here is the information copied from HSLDA:

Dear HSLDA Members and Friends:

David Ogden has been nominated by President Barrack Obama to the
position of deputy attorney general of the United States, the second
highest position in the Justice Department. His hearings are scheduled
for today, February 5, 2009.

*Contact your senators now >>*
<http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=6079 >

*Note:* It would be best to call the local offices of your senators in
your state, as phone lines on Capitol Hill are tied up by voters
concerned about pending economic incentive legislation.

Home School Legal Defense Association urges all of its members to
immediately telephone both U.S. senators from your state to oppose the
nomination of David Ogden.

The most important reason to oppose Ogden’s nomination is his belief
that the rules found in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
<http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=6077> are already binding on the
United States under the doctrines of international law.

In the Supreme Court case of /Roper v. Simmons/, 543 U.S. 551 (2005),
Ogden argued in a brief that the rules banning the juvenile death
penalty contained in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child were
customary norms of international law “binding on all states.”

For background information on this doctrine, see Michael Farris’
article, “A Deeper Understanding of the Threat of International Law”
<http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=6078> in the November/December 2007
/Home School Court Report/.

This means that Ogden believes that the legal rules contained in the UN
Convention on the Rights of the Child are already binding on the United
States, even though this treaty has never been sent to the U.S. Senate
for ratification.

Homeschoolers have long understood the dangers of this international
treaty, which contains the core principle that the government may decide
what it believes is best for each child without any proof of wrongdoing
by the child’s parents. Ogden promoted the use of this UN treaty in the
Supreme Court to reach the conclusion that America’s courts have the
power to overrule state law, using international law as their guidepost
for constitutional interpretation. Unfortunately, he was successful in
doing so in the Roper case.

It also means that Ogden is a proven advocate for the position that
international law should be used to interpret the Constitution of the
United States and bind the decisions of our elected officials.

If this weren’t enough, Ogden has a history of representing /Playboy/
and other purveyors of pornography in high-profile legal cases. He also
challenged the legality of using filters on library computers to protect
children from seeing pornography. It would be hard to imagine how Ogden
would faithfully enforce the nation's pornography laws if he is placed
in this position at the Justice Department.

The United States Senate needs to understand right now that the American
public will not countenance the idea of the nation being led by people
who believe that international law trumps American law.

Please call both of your U.S. Senators today to register your opposition
to David Ogden.

Sincerely,

Michael P. Farris
HSLDA Chairman

Tiny Tips

2009-02-03T17:05:00.001-08:00

I'm joining Grueling Homeschooling's Tiny Tips Tuesday today. Hers is my #1 go-to blog of the day, so I wracked my brain trying to think of how to join her for the inauguration of Tiny Tips Tuesday. Without further ado, my tiny tip is this: I bought some of those "in" boxes that hang on the wall, one for each child and myself. They place any work they've finished and I need to check in my in box, and I place their schedules and returned work in their in boxes. And my desk remains clutter-free . . . well, maybe pile-free . . . or at least the piles are only of my own making and I can't gripe at anyone else . . .

Snow Days

2009-01-29T17:36:00.000-08:00

As the ice began to fall here Monday night we got in the mood by creating our own indoor snowstorm. We used fishing line to tape our homemade snowflakes to the ceiling, and the effect is fun, helping to brighten these gloomy days of winter.

Public school has been canceled here the last three days. A "snow day" for homeschoolers simply means we get much more school done since we're stuck indoors! We'll have "spring days" to distract us later. We did have a snowball fight in the backyard, then went sledding with friends yesterday. Today the snow stuck enough for Micah to make a snowman, which met its end tragically through decapitation. Micah explained he was a sad snowman anyway because he was an archeologist who discovered that snow does not fossilize, but only melts.

My Loser Husband

2009-01-22T13:28:00.000-08:00

I think my husband has been afraid of visiting here one day and seeing that title, so I thought it'd be fun to make his heart skip a beat today--he's young, he can take it.

And here are some of the reasons why my husband is a loser:

He lost a week of vacation to take our son to the San Antonio Film Festival
He loses his Thursday evenings coaching our son's basketball team
He loses every Monday evening taking our sons to Scouts
He loses one weekend a month going on a Scout outing
He loses his evenings to care for us or our home
He loses some of his expendable income to pay for my whims (to which he never complains)
He loses his own time running errands for me
He has lost many arguments because his wife is always right
He's lost owning a truck because we can't afford it on one income
He's lost countless weekends carrying to completion my brilliant home improvement
ideas
He has lost potentially hours of his life listening to my insecurities and complaints
He sometimes loses a wife too absorbed in being a mother--but he loves me anyway

He IS a real Loser!

Make $5 buying Frito-Lay

2009-01-21T19:39:00.000-08:00

I love these kind of deals, and figured you would too, but you only have 'til Saturday to cash in on this one. Walgreens is currently offering a $10 Register Reward (to be used on your next purchase at Walgreens) for buying $20 worth of Frit0-Lay products. They have the Pepsi soda products 5/$15 and Doritos 2/$5. See their online ad here for more specifics.

Then you can print and fill out this form to receive $15 for purchasing the same Frito-Lay products. Read the fine print to determine your best purchase options.

So, $20 purchase at Walgreens - $10 Register Reward - $15 rebate = earning $5 to stock up for the SuperBowl!

I'll Be Honest

2009-01-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

No, I'm not getting ready to pour my heart out, but rather tell you about a plugin you need if you or anyone in your home use Firefox and spend any time on Facebook, MySpace, or YouTube. It's called I'll Be Honest and it will block all objectionable ads on those sites and replace them with scripture! I just installed it, and it works. (We do have an internet filter, but because of the way these three sites work, it does not filter out clickable ads.) With a 14yo son on the internet, this Works for Me!

To My Future Daughters

2009-01-19T10:41:00.000-08:00

Ever try getting two boys into aprons? It ain't easy. So--my future daughter-in-laws--I hope you appreciate it because they did it for you. Here's the story:

I have had this stained tablecloth that was my Grandma Fritz's for many years. Each Christmas I see it in our decorations box, but never know quite what to do with it. I look at it, feel a bit guilty for not using it, then put it away. This year as we were packing up the decorations I was culling such items and nearly decided to throw it away when the thought hit me: make aprons out of it.

Initially I was going to make an apron for myself, but as I was making them the thought occurred to me that although I have no daughters to pass these down to, I will have daughter-in-laws. So, I made these with those two ladies in mind. And I then convinced my (fairly unimpressed) sons that their future wives will love to see what they looked like when their momma made these aprons. So, here we are. I hope you appreciate it, girls.

2009-01-07T21:00:00.000-08:00

I REALLY should be in bed, but had to visit one of my favorite blogs before closing my laptop and came across this that I thought was fun. Copy, bold the items you HAVE done, post and compare!

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity (I’m throwing this question out because I don’t like it) One Thing didn't like it, and I agree with her sentiment, but our financial dude actually said this to us, so I thought I'd bold it anyway. :-)
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain.
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo (you should all be grateful for this one)
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29 Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33 Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41 Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45 Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted (does it count if the artist was 8?)
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris (visited, but didn’t ride)
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie (do home movies count?)
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia (does Kazahkstan count?)
60 Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64 Donated blood, platelets, or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66 Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67 Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79 Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating (ew!)
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life (not to my knowledge)
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person (my husband and son did just this week!)
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a lawsuit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

Microscopic Art

2009-01-04T18:18:00.000-08:00

This is quite incredible.

(Did Charlie Gibbons say "dickens of a time?" Haven't heard that expression in a while.)

A Webkinz-style Birthday

2008-12-19T18:03:00.000-08:00

Micah and his friend are Webkinz fans, so it was a natural fit to incorporate Webkinz into his birthday. His cake is fashioned to look like the Wheel of Wow on the Webkinz site--a game they enjoy playing. I used M&M's for the different colors. I could have used colored sugars or icing, but I'm all for adding extra chocolate whenever possible.

I made a Wheel of Wow spinner out of a piece of poster board and six colors of paper. I filled six bags with multiple prizes, color-coded to the spinner. They had a fun time spinning and reaching their hand into the bag to pull out a treat. I included packs of gum, webkinz-sized clothes I found at Hobby Lobby and at Deals, silly putty, and bookmarks I made. To make the bookmarks I copied and pasted webkinz characters, wrote a catchy little line (such as "hop into a good book" for the kangaroo), printed, then laminated them.

Next they made collars for their Webkinz. I provided strips of felt ribbon, sharpies, gems, glue, and velcro and let them create.

For the finale, they both received a new lil'kinz which they made a collar for, then ran to the computer to add them and start playing.

Happy Birthday, Micah!

My Sweeties Learn to Disco!

2008-12-19T11:30:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

2008-12-18T10:29:00.000-08:00

What can make me smile on a gloomy winter day? $500 in gas cards, that's what!! Woohoo! That's what you're looking at. I took the plunge and entered this Consumer Rewards program in order to earn these gift cards. To put it in a nutshell, you sign up for "offers" from a long list of companies, making sure to keep thorough records of their cancellation policies, then you cancel those offers at the prescribed time.

I couldn't have done it without the help and advice from this blog. It is imperative that you follow her directions to the letter if you want to pull this off. I was intimidated at first, but it really wasn't difficult, and ended up costing me $76.77. All it requires is careful record and calendar keeping and just a little bit of time and hassle. My time spent was definitely worth $423.23!

Sibling Conflict Action Tool (SCAT)

2008-12-16T16:33:00.000-08:00

I found myself once again at a familiar and dreaded place this morning--called upon to be avenger and judge of a sibling quarrel. I don't like that position. I decided this morning that I was not going to get caught up in the drama of the moment and was definitely not going to play referee. I wasn't as concerned about the details of what had happened as I was about the state of their hearts. I want them to be skilled at reconciliation and forgiveness.

Some time ago I had bought the "Brother Offended Checklist" from Doorpost. My boys turned up their noses at it, and I have to admit that I also felt the cartoonish, juvenile drawings were off-putting. I also felt it needed to be "fleshed out" a bit more; that it was a bit too sketchy to be an easy-to-use tool for a child. So, after I sent the offended brother to his room to cool off, I sat down at the computer and wrote the following: (I am happy to report that it appears to have brought about the reconciliation I was looking for. Having the time to cool their heads played a large part toward that end as well.)

You now find yourself in a quarrel with your brother. Neither of you are relenting, both of you are claiming your own rights and wanting to seek justice for yourself. I understand. However, let’s work to resolve this in a way pleasing to the Lord.

Consider first 1 John 2: “Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him.” Let’s work at coming out of any darkness and into God’s light in this situation. Pray: Lord, please shine your light into my heart, revealing any dark corners where bitterness and anger are hiding.

Do keep in mind throughout this resolution that you are only responsible for your own actions. When you stand before the Lord to answer for your actions of today, your brother will not be there, and no excuses will be allowed. Refresh your mind with these verses first and ask the Lord to help you to be generous and honorable, pleasing in His sight. Proverbs 11:25: “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” Proverbs 20:3: “It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.” Romans 12:21: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Pray: Lord, help me to be generous, to show honor to ______________, and to not seek vengeance. This is not want my natural self wants to do, but I can through your power that strengthens me.

One person cannot be in a conflict. It’s time to evaluate the part you played in this quarrel. Matthew 7 states, “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” I know you do not like being judged harshly or unfairly, and that you appreciate being shown grace and mercy, but the laws of this universe that God has set in place state that you’ll be treated with the same measurement you’re willing to give right now to your brother. Let’s work at removing the plank in your own eye first—not an easy task, but you can do it with the Lord’s help.

1 John 1:8 states, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” Confess now the part you have played in the conflict. Were you possibly: proud, haughty, envious, jealous, selfish, angry, bossy, coveting, gossiping, lying, thinking of yourself first, bitter and seeking revenge due to past unforgiveness toward your brother. Pray, “Lord, please show me my part in this quarrel. Please reveal to me my own attitudes and actions that were not pleasing to you, irregardless of what the other person said or did.” Now listen with an open heart. Please write your answer here:

Now please ask God to reveal to yourself the answers to these questions (and write the answers):

God, was I being easily provoked (Did I have a chip on my shoulder)?

God, was I thinking of myself first?

God, was I guilty of repaying evil with evil?

Our Lord is the God of love and peace, so you have access to that same love and peace—You don’t need to conjure it up yourself. Our desire needs to be to live at peace, particularly in our own home. Romans 12:18: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” 1 Corinthians 7:15: “God has called us to live in peace.” 2 Corinthians 3:11: “. . . be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” Pray: Lord, help me to determine to live at peace with my brother and to promote peace in my home. This is an action of my will, and through Your power I can do it.

Through this time of retrospection, scripture reading, and prayer you can now answer the question: What is at the heart of this quarrel? This should only include your confession and have nothing to do with your brother’s actions. (please write here)

Now it’s time to be a peacemaker. Matthew 18:15 states, "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.” When you and your brother are ready, meet with each other, look each other in the eye, and each confess your own wrongdoing, starting with the oldest. There should be no blame-placing or accusing here. It is ok to say, “When you did ________________, I felt ____________________.”

Now it’s time to forgive. Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Romans 12:19 “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.”

This is not an option! Please state your forgiveness to your brother and release him now from all rights to seek revenge:

Say: _______________, I forgive you for _________________________________ and release all my rights to seek revenge. Your action against me is now in the past and I will not bring it up again or harbor bitterness in my heart, but allow God to be my avenger.

Now hug and rejoice in the Lord’s forgiveness.

Bertolli Coupon Match

2008-12-08T06:53:00.000-08:00

Target has Bertolli dinners on sale this week 2/$12. Here is a $2 coupon you can print after a simple registration process. I don't typically buy prepackaged meals, but if you're like me you'll need a little returning home after holiday travel.

Identity Crisis

2008-12-02T17:39:00.000-08:00

I have come to believe that knowing our true identity in Christ is essential for living a victorious Christian life. This compilation of identity statements is life-changing. Read them each day--and believe it!

I am Accepted . . .
I am God's child. Jn. 1:12
I am Christ's friend. Jn. 15:15
I have been justified Rom 5:1
I am united with the Lord. 1 Cor 6:17
I am bought with a price; I belong to God 1 Cor. 6:19-20
I am a member of Christ's Body. 1 Cor. 12:27
I am a saint. Eph. 1:1
I have been adopted as God's child. Eph 1:5
I have access to God through the Holy Spirit. Eph 2:18
I have been redeemed and forgiven. Col 1:14
I am complete in Christ. Col 2:10

I am Secure . . .
I am free forever from condemnation. Rom 8:1-2
I am assured all works together for good. Rom 8:28
I am free from any charge against me. Rom 8:31-34
I cannot be separated from the love of God. Rom 8:35-39
I am established, anointed, sealed by God. 2 Cor 1:21-22
I am hidden with Christ in God. Col 3:3
I am confident that the good work God has begun in me will be perfected. Phil 1:6
I am a citizen of heaven. Phil 3:20
I have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. 2 Tim 1:7
I can find grace and mercy in time of need. Heb 4:16
I am born of God; the evil one cannot touch me. 1 Jn 5:18

I am Significant . . .
I am the salt and light of the earth. Matt 5:13-14
I am a branch of the true vine, a channel of His life. Jn 15:1,5
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit. Jn 15:16
I am a personal witness of Christ's. Acts 1:8
I am God's temple. 1 Cor. 3:16
I am a minister of reconciliation for God. 2 Cor 5:17-21
I am God's co-worker. 2 Cor 6:1
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realm. Eph 2:6
I am God's workmanship. Eph 2:10
I may approach God with freedom and confidence. Eph 3:12
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil 4:13

Amy's Humble Musings

2008-11-25T05:11:00.000-08:00

Amy's blog is one of my favorite--definitely worth a bookmark. She has recently done a series of articles titled "How We Did It" that are worth reading.

Christmas Cards

2008-11-23T17:04:00.000-08:00

While you're addressing your Christmas cards this year (you do still send Christmas cards, don't you?), add in an extra one or two for an American soldier and send here:

Holiday Mail for Heroes
PO Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

From the American Red Cross website:

Card Guidelines

Please follow these guidelines when mailing a card to ensure that your card will quickly reach service members, veterans and their families. Every card received will first be screened for hazardous materials by Pitney Bowes and then reviewed by Red Cross volunteers working in one of 16 sorting stations around the country.

All cards must be postmarked no later than Wednesday, December 10, 2008. Cards sent after this date will be returned to sender.
Participants are encouraged to limit the number of cards they submit to 25 from any one person or 50 from any one class or group. If you are mailing a larger quantity, please bundle the cards and place them in large mailing envelopes. Each card does not need its own envelope or postage.
Please ensure that all cards are signed.
Please use generic salutations such as “Dear Service Member.” Cards addressed to specific individuals can not be delivered through this program.
Please send cards as opposed to long letters which delay a quick review process.
Please do not include email or home addresses on the cards, as the program is not meant to foster pen pal relationships.
Please do not include inserts of any kind, including photos, as these items will be removed during the reviewing process.
All cards received may be used in program publicity efforts, including appearing in broadcast, print or online mediums.

You can also send gift cards or care packages, but not to the above address. Go here for more information.

Being the Mom My Kids Deserve

2008-11-07T06:44:00.000-08:00

Dana at Are We There Yet? has made me think about the question: What kind of Mom do my kids deserve? If I were to put a want ad in the paper for a Mom for my kids, what would be the qualifications? I so often have a hard time keeping my focus during the day. I'm easily distracted and often have a one-track mind. I find myself occasionally wondering how the time has gone so quickly, and realizing that I have not made time for my kids. I guess that probably sounds like an odd thing to say from someone who spends nearly all her time at home, but being at home and being focused on my boys are two different things.

Wanted: Mom for Noah and Micah.
Ability to . . .
walk into a messy boy's room and not nag.
discern the heart behind the action, then respond in wisdom and patience.
pray scripture over each boy daily.
model self-control.
correct without cutting down.
encourage the character, not just the actions.
use a gentle answer to turn away wrath.
model forgiveness.
stop your busy-ness and look each boy in the eye as he's speaking.
know their love language and fill their tank daily.
be their best cheerleader.
let them know you're on their side.
be in the Word and prayer daily so you're prepared to guide and correct in Christ-likeness.
ask forgiveness when necessary.
take every opportunity to point them to God.
model love in speech and actions.
be honest in all things great and small.

I'm sure more things will come to mind. But one thing that strikes me is that nothing on this list has to do with how well I'm homeschooling, how clean my house is, or how many vegetables my kids have eaten each day. While all those things are important and needful, I need this reminder that how I do these things and how I'm relating to my children while living our lives together is what ultimately matters.

Why this is so hard to keep in mind, I do not know. Why I get so wrapped up in my own selfish pursuits day by day is a mystery. But one thing I do know, is that it is Christ in me that makes me able to do all things, so I will not beat myself up over the past, but ask Him to come front and center in my life today and help me to be the Mom He desires for Noah and Micah.

Cats

2008-11-05T18:12:00.000-08:00

The cats have gained another life. I have been desperately wanting to find another home for these cats, but just as desperately don't want to break the hearts of two boys. One of my problems with these felines is the litter boxes. Because we do not have a utility room, the litter boxes were in each boy's room. Not only is odor a problem due to the fact that I have a bionic nose, but they were tracking litter onto the hardwood floors throughout the rest of the house. I guess I must walk with my eyes permanently scanning the floor, because not a speck escapes my attention, and it was driving me crazy.

My hubby installed the cat door on Sunday, the litter boxes and food were moved to the garage, and I now have litter-free floors!!

Getting this picture of Ginger in the garage was not easy. "Sit, stay" is not in a cat's vocabulary.

Works for Me Wednesday--Toys Worth Owning

2008-11-04T18:28:00.000-08:00

Rocks In My Dryer is hosting a themed edition of Works for Me Wednesday--Toys Worth Owning--just in time for Christmas! So here's my list of family favorites:

K'nex
Legos
Kapla
Tinker Toys
Capsela
Thomas the Tank trains
Marble tracks (build your own)
Ride-on toys
Hoppers (that you sit on, hold the handle, and hop)
Kitchen and play food
Toy cars
Art supplies
Toy farm or house

I always tried to pick toys that used imagination and creativity and stayed clear of "program" toys or tv/character theme toys designed to do just one thing. As I look over this list, I am gratified to realize that my choices paid off: none of the electronics or "bells and whistles" toys made it to our Toys Worth Owning list.

And as my boys are now 9 and 14, we are reaching past the toys stage and need to be even more creative in what we ask for from grandparents. But for the four of us, we have decided that we each really have enough and have instead bought each other gifts from the Samaritan's Purse Christmas Gift catalog for the last several years. It helps keep our focus off the gimme's of Christmas, and also keeps us out of the return lines!

Need a Laugh?

2008-11-04T16:45:00.000-08:00

We had the awesome privilege of seeing Tim Hawkins perform last night at College of the Ozarks. It was a solid hour of laughter! He is hil-ar-i-ous! I thought we could all use a bit of humor today, so even though I've posted this before, I thought it worth a rerun:

An Incentive to Vote

2008-11-03T06:17:00.000-08:00

Krispy Kreme has added an extra sweet incentive to vote tomorrow:

2008-10-31T10:05:00.000-07:00

Five Minutes of Bliss

2008-10-31T06:53:00.000-07:00

I'm a softee, especially when it comes to my kids. So, in the excitement of Halloween, I have a hard time saying no to that sweet little costumed face that says, "just this one more little one?" Several years ago we took a clue from friends of ours, and it has worked out well ever since:

After they've spread out their haul and organized it into kind and traded off what they don't like (I'm wondering as I type if all kids do this or if I've just revealed a disturbing obsession with sweets in our home), we set the timer for 5 minutes. They can eat as much as they want in that five minutes, then the candy is put away. It goes into the community candy jar (where Mom swipes all the chocolate out of it in the middle of the night).

But, on a sad side note, this will be the first year my 14yo is not participating with us. He has chosen instead to attend a corn maze with the church youth group. *sigh* I am going kicking and screaming into the old-lady-with-a-teenager-who-won't-be-here-too-much-longer phase of life.

Happy Halloween!

Free Chocolate

2008-10-29T15:10:00.000-07:00

Yeah, you read right, FREE Chocolate! Haydee Chocolatier (even sounds yummy) will send you a free sample of 8 assorted truffles. Thanks to Mommy Snacks for the alert on this one.

Christmas Shopping

2008-10-25T06:19:00.000-07:00

Two months 'til Christmas! Is your shopping done? If not, I have a suggestion. For the last several years we have done our Christmas shopping through the Samaritan's Purse catalog. Each person in our family chooses our gifts from this catalog. Guaranteed to fit! No returns required.

Homeschool Freebies

2008-10-24T07:01:00.001-07:00

The Old Schoolhouse has developed a directory of Freebies that companies offer to entice you to use their products. However, I did find one--American Heritage--that is a completely free curriculum. What I really need is a free housekeeper! Or cook. I'd take either. :-)

Motivation to Learn how to Swallow a Pill

2008-10-22T06:06:00.000-07:00

I thought it was about time my 9yo learned to swallow a pill, and what better motivation than chocolate? I bought a single-size bag of M&M's and told him once he had swallowed two he could have the rest of the bag to eat. I was beginning to doubt he was going to get it, but finally he found his own method (swallowing the "pill" first, then following that with a drink of water). Voila! Mission Accomplished.

For more Works for Me Wednesday, check out Rocks in My Dryer

Picturing America

2008-10-21T17:39:00.000-07:00

I came across a FREE art curriculum that I'm excited about. It's called Picturing America, and produced by the National Endowment for the Arts (I might as well get some benefit out of my tax money, I figure). Since we're studying American history right now, I was thankful to find this resource. I printed the entire curriculum manual, which was 89 pages, but you could also read it online--I'm just a snuggle-on-the-couch-with-book-in-hand kind of person. I am supplementing by finding more art from each artist off the 'net (I love Google) and a few library books.

And since I'm thinking about our morning routine, I might as well share it:

We have a devotion time each morning. Right now we're reading through the Old Testament on Mon., Wed., and Fri. We just finished Pilgrim's Progress today, so I'll replace that with Character Sketches on Tues., and Thurs. I also read from a book that collects the Proverbs into topics nearly every day. We keep a prayer journal during this time as well.

Following our Bible reading and prayer, we work on memorization (I shared my system here). We practice and learn root words from English from the Roots Up and the above-mentioned Art three days week. And we alternate one day a week each for: Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends, Praying the Bible with Your Children, Voice of the Martyrs Kids of Courage, and Hero Tales.

Of course, this is what happens most of the time, and is not shared to put a burden on anyone. We have "those days" also where everything seems to be out of whack and I feel relieved just to make it successfully to bed time where I can wind down with a good book (currently Charlotte Bronte's Villette).

I GOT IT!

2008-10-18T17:40:00.000-07:00

I have had a breakthrough this week in my understanding of my position in Christ. We've been attending a small group going through Neil Anderson's Freedom in Christ material. What finally broke through to my heart was doing this exercise:

Insert your name in the blanks--and believe it!

Blessed be the God and Father of _______ Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed ______ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose ____ in Him before the foundation of the world, that _____ should be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined _____ to adoption as a son/daughter through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on _____ in the Beloved. In Him _________ has redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon _______. In all wisdom and insight He made known to ______ to the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him. In Him also _______ has obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose Who works all things after the counsel of His will, to the end that _____ should be to the praise of His glory. In Him _____ also after listening to the message of Truth, the gospel of _______ salvation, having also believed, _____ was sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of _______'s inheritance. And ______ was dead in trespasses and sins, in which ______ formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them all _____ too, formerly lived in the lust of _____'s flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and was by nature a child of wrath, even as the rest. But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved _____, even when _____ was dead in _____'s transgressions, made _____ alive together with Christ and raised _____ up with Him, and seated _____ with HIm in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, in order that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward_____ in Christ Jesus. So then ______ is no longer a stranger and alien, but ______ is a fellow citizen with the saints and is of God's household. . . for He delivered _____ from the domain of darkness and transferred _____ to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in Whom ______ has redemption, the forgiveness of sins . . . See how great a love the Father has bestowed upon ____ that _____ should be called a child of God, and such _____ am! For this reason the world does not know ______, because it did not know Him. Now ______ is a child of God and it has not appeared as yet what ____ shall be. ____ knows that when He appears, _____ shall be like HIm, because _____ shall see HIm as He is. And _____, who has this hope fixed on Him, purify ______, just as He is pure."
(Excerpts from Ephesians 1 & 2, Col. 1, and 1 John 3)

Thank you, Jesus! I am sealed with Him! I may sin, but I am not sin. And what's more, since I am a Child of God and Princess of the King, I will not be led around on a leash by that tiny, snivelling, disgusting, weak Satan.

Culvers $1 Day

2008-10-04T19:16:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, October 7, 2008, Culver's is celebrating their 24th anniversary by offering their single ButterBurgers for $1 each. Limit 5. More details here.

And after your $1 ButterBurger, you can do your patriotic duty by voting for your favorite candidate:
· Republican Representative: Reese E. Buttercup – Vanilla Custard with the traditional
toppings of hot fudge and Reese’s® peanut butter cup chunks.
· Democratic Representative: Heath Toffeebits – Vanilla Custard with the alternative
toppings caramel and Heath® bar.

Culver’s guests can participate in the Custard Election by purchasing their favorite
candidate’s sundae in-store or by voting online at www.votecustard.com.

Our Vacation

2008-09-30T19:01:00.000-07:00

I've got a good case of the after-vacation blues, and who wouldn't after the awesome vacation we've just experienced? We spent one week in Williamsburg, Virginia, and one week in Washington, DC. It was all we expected and more. After a week of Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown, Monticello, and Mt. Vernon, our heads felt like they were "plum full" of history. So it was a welcome relief to switch gears to a week in DC of admiring monuments and oohing and aahing our way through museums.

I am so thankful we went in September. Not only was the weather absolutely perfect, but there were no crowds at all. All those attractions that the guidebooks warned we'd be waiting hours to see IF we arrived by 7:30 a.m., we waltzed right up to at any time of day.

We crammed so much into two weeks: Virginia Beach, two days at Colonial Williamsburg, Monticello, Jamestown, Yorktown, Mt. Vernon, the DC Memorials and Monuments, Natural History Museum, Zoo, Air & Space Museum, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, National Gallery of Art, Spy Museum, Archives, Library of Congress, a White House Tour, and a Capitol Tour.

Two highlights definitely worth mentioning happened on the same day. While we were standing in the Red Room of the White House, we saw three helicopters approaching, one land, and then watched the President get off and walk into the West Wing. Wow!! That afternoon we went for our guided Capitol Tour, and unexpectedly got to meet Rep. Blunt. He was such a nice man too. He spoke with us for a few minutes rather than just the obligatory photo-shoot. We felt welcomed.

I am still marveling at the Lord's hand moving through our entire vacation, from the unexpected upgrade to a Toyota Highlander with GPS (which the Lord knew we needed to find our way out of DC) to getting to see the President!

Here are some highlights in pictures:

The boys loved the ocean. I wasn't sure we'd get Micah to leave!

Patrick Henry giving his "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" speech in Colonial Williamsburg

Monticello! He was such a brilliant man, and touring his home only confirmed his genius.

A replica of the Susan Constant that carried settlers to Jamestown

The point where the settlers of Jamestown first landed.

Mt. Vernon

So many things on this trip fulfilled my "to see" list, and this was at the top.

The final page to THE Constitution!

Talking with Representative Blunt

Standing at the point in the Capitol Building where all streets in DC converge.

Touching a Moon Rock

The Apollo 11

Even though I took over 300 pictures, it still doesn't seem like I've captured the full scope of our vacation. We've come home with a deeper sense of patriotism and appreciation for our founding fathers and for God's providential hand on the history of America.

Thursday Thirteen

2008-09-18T11:42:00.000-07:00

Thirteen Random Things about Me


1.  I like a clean car, though you could hardly tell it sometimes!

2.  I like to plan and organize, better than the follow-through.

3. I have SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and hate winter. I begin feeling apprehension in the autumn when the leaves begin to fall and nurseries close.

4. I have a stronghold of inferiority that I am attempting to overcome with the Lord's help and the Identity in Christ study we're doing in a small group at church.

5. We have been attending Christ Community Church for a year in October. I am so thankful we finally found a church home after a two year search.

6.  I'm an anglophile.  I love British TV, movies, and novels.  I've been there twice and hope to take my kids there again.

7.  I hate ironing.

8.  Disorder and chaos in my environment cause my brain to feel the same.

9.  I love my laptop--thank you hubby.

10.  I'm an introvert.  As fun as it is to be with others on occasion, I must come home and wind down.

11.  I hate to cook, but like to bake (especially if someone else is doing the dishes).

12.  I do not like shopping.

13.  I must read before I can go to sleep at night.

Literature Reviews

2008-09-16T11:15:00.000-07:00

Noah was interested recently in reading the book Twilight, which a friend of his raved about. I felt a bit uneasy when I saw it was a 500 page hardbound book, and the cover depicts a woman's hands holding a tempting-looking apple. The Mommy alarms were going off.

So I set about finding book reviews. I was hoping to find something along the lines of www.pluggedinonline.com for movies. I only found a few things, but what I did find helped make my decision that Noah is not going to be reading this book for now.

Here are a few sites if you find yourself in this same predicament:

TeenLit Review
Common Sense Media

Thursday Thirteen (a day late)

2008-09-12T10:55:00.000-07:00

Thirteen Things We Plan to Do in the Next Two Weeks

1. Stroll the boardwalk and wade in the ocean in Virginia Beach.

2. Be immersed in the living history of Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown.

3. Enjoy our tour of Monticello despite the revisionist history.

4. Help Micah overcome his fear of flying and have safe and uneventful air travel.

5. View the magnificance of the Washington and Lincoln Monuments.

6. Spot the president on our White House Tour (I know there's no chance, but wouldn't that be awesome??

7. Learn something natural at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum.

8. Be impressed at the Air & Space Museum.

9. Be humbled and grateful at the Arlington Cemetery.

10. Get our own stash of shredded money at the Bureau of Engraving & Printing.

11. Be awed at viewing real live da Vinci's, Rembrandt's, Roudin's, Homer's, van Gogh's, Vermeer's, and more at the National Gallery of Art.

12. Honor and appreciate the signers of the Declaration of Independence and Constitution at the National Archives.

13. Come home with a renewed love and appreciate for this great country and God's providential hand in its formation.

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SuperMom

2008-09-12T09:37:00.000-07:00

I had heard rave reviews about the SuperMom vitamin for some time before I decided to give it a try. I immediately noticed that I had more energy and no longer felt compelled to take a nap in the afternoon, but just got used to the feeling and took it for granted. You don't really appreciate something until you lose it.

I saw that I was coming near the end of the bottle, didn't have time to order more before vacation, so stopped taking them to save them for my higher-energy needs on vacation. It took me a few days to realize why I was sooo tired everyday! I realized there was no way I could do vacation without these vitamins. I frantically got on the phone and tried to find a local retailer to no avail, and neither could I get the company to overnight a supply, SO I ordered them and had them mailed to our hotel in Virginia. That's how desperately I need these vitamins!

I'm sure the vitamins contribute generously to the health of my body in other ways that I am completely unaware of. And I imagine a parallel could be drawn to other areas in my life: eating healthy, keeping right relationships, spending time in the Word and prayer. The results are not always immediately obvious (no Moses glow here), but the behind-the-scenes work is happening and contributing to my character and the person/friend/mother/wife I am.

Goals

2008-09-09T18:53:00.000-07:00

Goals: What you and God can accomplish together.
Desires: What you would like to do or be, but can be blocked by others.

A bad goal: Creating a peaceful and harmonious home.
A good goal: Being the best Mom I can be.

If we perceive our goal as impossible, our emotional response will be depression.
If we perceive our goal as uncertain, our emotional response will be anxiety.
If we perceive our goal as blocked, our emotional response will be anger.

Our First Term

2008-09-08T08:31:00.000-07:00

We are in full swing of our first term of school. Just in time to break for a two week vacation! More on that later. I know homeschoolers love to see what others are doing, so I thought I'd share what we're doing this term. I'm not going to share the whole year because things change so quickly, and I don't have everything mapped out that specifically.

We joined a co-op this year called Lighthouse Gang. It's incredible. Last week was our first week, and we all had a great time. There are over 120 families, and being that homeschoolers seldom have small families, you can imagine how many kids! The elementary students all do history, science, music and art and put on a huge musical production at the end of the year. Micah's 4th grade class is focused on Missouri history. The jr. high and sr. high students get to choose from a large variety of classes. Noah is taking Computer Graphics II, Christian Worldview, Physical Science, and U.S. History. One aspect I particularly like about a co-op is that my kids are being held accountable by someone else other than Mom. It is oftentimes difficult to wear the hat of Mom and teacher at the same time.

At home, this is what Noah (9th grade) is working on:
Government studies written by Mom (which I really thought I shared here but can't seem to find)
Are You Liberal, Conservative or Confused? by Richard Mayberry
Passion and Purityby Elizabeth Eliot
VideoText Algebra
Christianity 101 followed by Dig Deepfor personal devotions
Spelling Power
Dynamic Memory and Study Skills
The Count of Monte Cristo on audiobook
Utopia
The Innocence of Father Brown
The Good Earth
English from the Roots Up
The Fallacy Detective
Paradigm Writing Assistant
Written Narration three times a week
Rosetta Stone Spanish

And here's what Micah (4th grade) is doing at home:
Math U See Delta
English from the Roots Up
Typing Tutor
Apologia's Flying Creatures of the 5th Day
Christian Liberty Nature Reader
It Couldn't Just Happen
Copywork four days a week
Spelling Power three days a week
Bambi
At the Back of the North Wind
Robinson Crusoe
The Borrowers
Chronicles of Narnia
Gentle Ben
Great Americans and their Noble Deeds
The Age of Fable
Trial and Triumph
Poor Richard
A Child's Geography of the World by Hillyer
Madam How and Lady Why by Kingsley
This Country of Ours by Marshall
Mom's government studies
Poet: Alfred Lord Tennyson

?

2008-09-06T08:59:00.000-07:00

I understand that America has produced some weird and wacky things, but really I don't think we've ever topped anything like this video from India. Watch if you can stand it. And then someone please explain it to me!

2008-09-06T08:44:00.000-07:00

There is a beautiful post at One Thing that is worth reading, particularly if you have Depression or love someone who does. I'm still in awe of how well she captured it.

Candied Almonds

2008-09-05T16:15:00.000-07:00

My friend Angela suggested that I post my "how-to" (because it's really not a recipe) for candied almonds that I serve on salads. I make a frying pan full and then store them in a glass canning jar. Here's how I do it:

Set a non-stick frying pan on medium heat. Throw in some sliced almonds and sugar--whatever looks good to your eye. Stir it occasionally until you begin to see that the sugar is melting, then stir constantly. As the almonds begin to turn brown, take them off the heat, but continue to stir since they will continue to cook for a while. Allow to cool and place in a glass jar. Voila! Fancy and delicious almonds to add a sweet crunch to your salad.

Works for Me Wednesday Backwards

2008-09-03T11:13:00.000-07:00

Rocks In My Dryer is posting a backwards Words for Me Wednesday today. The premise is that instead of stating what does work for you, you ask a question. Very interesting stuff if you have the time to peruse!

Shannon's question is about how to keep socks white. It appears by the comments that OxiClean is the top choice. I have been trying to soak white socks in hydrogen peroxide before washing. I haven't done it long enough to say it's the perfect solution, but it does seem to be working.

My dilemma also has to do with laundry, and that is cleaning the armpits of my husband's work shirts. I wonder if OxiClean is the solution there too. I'd love to find out if anyone else has solved this problem.

Walgreens Coupon

2008-08-29T17:03:00.000-07:00

Here is a Walgreens coupon good only Friday and Saturday for $10 off a $40 purchase. I didn't consider using this at first, but there are a few good scenarios listed here. These two days happen to be the overlap between the August and September EasySaver booklet, so you can "double dip" into the coupons and rebates.

Noah's Last Piano Recital

2008-08-27T13:10:00.000-07:00

Last night was Noah's last piano recital. If I had to give my opinion on piano lessons before we had kids, I would have told you that they should have a decent grounding in piano, but then they should be allowed to quit or move to another instrument. That was before our little prodigy started plinking out Silent Night by ear at age 4.

Noah and Piano have been synonymous. Piano has been his life's passion. He could barely stand to be away from the piano for a day, and would rush in to begin playing as soon as we arrived home from any extended time away. We would have to arrange for a keyboard to be taken to my Mom's when we were visiting for more than a few days. He would claim the piano as his most prized possession. He got the highest marks in every competition he entered, and last year won 1st place in his age division at the state MMTA. I was keeping a resume for him; adding each accomplishment to it and keeping a folder of all his certificates. His music has been filling our home seemingly for always, and he has talent!

Noah's trophy and certificate for 1st place in the 8th grade division of the State MMTA

Then he turned 14. He asked if he could quit, to which I immediately replied, "no." Then he e-mailed his Dad. He used words like "hate" and "curse." Those words got my attention and I began to cave. I have always protected his interest in piano. I tried to never interrupt him for any other task while he was playing. I never (or nearly never) forced practice or made it a chore. I didn't let him enter competitions until he was older so no judge could squash his enthusiasm. We've traveled to state and local competitions, and endured many, many recitals.

So, we allowed him to make the decision to quit on the condition that he 1) listen to our long lecture and 2) listen to whatever his piano teacher had to say before making his decision. He did both, and contemplated his decision while hiking in the Appalachians (while I was home praying he would decide to continue). He came home and said that he decided to quit.

Is it my own dreams and hopes and assumptions being crushed that makes it hurt? Is it grief that an era in our life has passed, and sooner than I expected? Is it a reminder of how quickly my boy is growing up and making his own decisions? I have the nagging fear that we have made a colossal mistake for him. He's too young and immature to see how beneficial his piano career could be and how much more he has to learn. He's only got four more years of lessons. Just four. Shouldn't we have made him stick it out through this rough time for his own good? Don't we do many things that are uncomfortable, but are ultimately for his own good? Why did God give him such musical talent?

He is still playing the piano, but with much less frequency. His Dad brought home a thrift store guitar for him last night and he's been excitedly plinking away at that at every spare moment. It's bittersweet.

I guess time will only tell if we made the right decision. I guess most of parenting is like that.

What Do You Need God to Be For You Today?

2008-08-23T09:21:00.000-07:00

Strong One (Elohim) Romans 9:5, 1 Tim. 6:15, Isaiah 60:16

Friend

Redeemer Do you need forgiveness? Romans 11:26 Genesis 2:4 Job 19:25

Wonderful Counselor Do you need guidance? Isa. 42:16-17, James 1:5, 1 Peter 5:4, Isa. 9:6, Romans 9:5 John 14:6

Wisdom 1 Cor. 1:24

Provider Do you have a need? James 1:17, Ps. 34:10, Genesis 22:13-14

Healer Exod. 15:26, Jer. 17:14.

Comforter John 14:26

Hope Titus 2:13

Love 1 John 4:8

Mercy Jeremiah 3:12

Strength Genesis 1:1, Psalm 19:1 Genesis 16:13

Power 1 Cor. 1:24

Shield Genesis 15:1

Peace Judges 6:24 Ephesians 2:14

2008-08-21T19:22:00.000-07:00

We took a day-trip to Aunts Creek near Branson on Sunday. The boys played in the lake for a while, then we made a fire and roasted s'mores. It was a beautiful day for a Sabbath rest.

Walgreens Coupon

2008-08-21T14:40:00.000-07:00

Here is a $5 Walgreens coupon good for Friday and Saturday only. Unfortunately, I've already done my Walgreens shopping for the week. But hopefully someone else can use it.

Divine Control

2008-08-20T04:46:00.000-07:00

This issue of divine control has been weighing on my mind. I mentioned previously that I wasn't really sure how much God had to do with the random circumstances of our lives. I've always tended to think that things just happen because we live in a fallen and corrupt world, then I guess God just goes behind doing "damage control" working everything out for the good. However, this theory--at least how it's worked out in my life--has a lot of contradictions in it. So, I decided to begin searching for truth, and must now admit that I was wrong.

Here are a few things I have found, starting with Hebrews 12:

"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline,and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."
Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. "Make level paths for your feet," so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

What I was rebelling against in my belief that God is not in control of every detail was God's discipline to bring me into holy living.

Here is a sermon by John Piper on this passage that is well worth reading.

I was directed to the July 16 entry in My Utmost for His Highest:

The Notion Of Divine Control

“How much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him?”
Matthew 7:11

Jesus is laying down rules of conduct for those who have His Spirit. By the simple argument of these verses He urges us to keep our minds filled with the notion of God's control behind every thing, which means that the disciple must maintain an attitude of perfect trust and an eagerness to ask and to seek.
Notion your mind with the idea that God is there. If once the mind is notioned along that line, then when you are in difficulties it is as easy as breathing to remember - Why, my Father knows all about it! It is not an effort, it comes naturally when perplexities press. Before, you used to go to this person and that, but now the notion of the Divine control is forming so powerfully in you that you go to God about it. Jesus is laying down the rules of conduct for those who have His Spirit, and it works on this principle - God is my Father, He loves me, I shall never think of anything He will forget, why should I worry?
There are times, says Jesus, when God cannot lift the darkness from you, but trust Him. God will appear like an unkind friend, but He is not; He will appear like an unnatural Father, but He is not; He will appear like an unjust judge, but He is not. Keep the notion of the mind of God behind all things strong and growing. Nothing happens in any particular unless God's will is behind it, therefore you can rest in perfect confidence in Him. Prayer is not only asking, but an attitude of mind which produces the atmosphere in which asking is perfectly natural. "Ask, and it shall be given you."

God has given us this rule of conduct: to always remember He is there and is in control.

I have depression. It's something I don't want to consider that God intentionally gave me. That makes Him seem very unjust. I don't understand it, and it makes me very angry with God that He won't just heal me. But my anger at God is always a statement that God is unfair. When I don't like my life and what God has allowed into my life, I am being demanding of life, and ultimately of God. I am demanding my will, not His will. I still don't have this all worked out. I am struggling, which is a large part of my reason for quietness here. But I think struggling is okay; in fact, I think it's just where God wants me to be.

He's Back!

2008-08-09T19:30:00.001-07:00

Noah returned home today from his one-week hike on the Appalachian Trail with his Boy Scout troop. I am so thrilled to have him safely home! A few years ago I would have never thought I'd let a child of mine that far from me on that adventurous of a journey. However, I am thankful to find that as he gets older, I am able to release him little-by-little. I'm not the best at it, and never will be, but I'm growing up along with my boy.

Part of that growing up is learning to trust God. I have foolishly believed in my heart that if I kept my kids close enough to me, then I would be in control and could keep them safe. Please don't get me wrong--I believe we are to protect (over-protect by today's standards) our children. However, God is in control whether I am two feet or two hundred miles away from my children. There is nothing that surprises Him. He will never say, "Wow, I didn't see that coming. What are we going to do now?"

But back to Noah for those (grandparents) would who like to hear more about his adventure. They did not meet their 50 mile goal due to unforeseen circumstances, but did hike 42 miles. Due to a very slow hiking speed their first day, they did not meet up with their resupply trailer and ended up having to skip a meal and snacks. This would be tragic for any teenage boy, but for one hiking in rough terrain carrying 30 pounds on his back, this was an event worthy to be given the ominous name "death mountain." They met no bears, but did have to hang all their food up in trees each night just in case. They did meet deer and wild ponies, which ate from their hands! How cool is that?

Noah went on and on about how beautiful the scenery was. He filled three disposable cameras; however, we're not sure yet how well the pictures are going to come out since they got soaking wet. On their last full day of hiking, they survived a thunderstorm, hail, and nearly getting struck by lightning. They had to lay on their backpacks on the ground, covered with rain ponchos. They were scheduled to camp that night and do a short hike the next day before hitting the highway to Tennessee, but after that ordeal, and all of their possessions being drenched, they choose to end the hike and go to a hotel. I don't blame them! He's sore, particularly his knees (one of them is swollen from falling). He says he would do it again, but not for a while!

What is strange for me as his Mom is that this experience is uniquely his own. I will never know it or share it. It's a part of growing up that I hadn't considered until now. It's exciting and scary at the same time. But for now, I'm so glad to have him home!

My Utmost for His Highest

2008-08-06T15:06:00.000-07:00

"Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him." Then why ask? The idea of prayer is not in order to get answers from God; prayer is perfect and complete oneness with God. If we pray because we want answers, we will get huffed with God. The answers come every time, but not always in the way we expect, and our spiritual huff shows a refusal to identify ourselves with Our Lord in prayer. We are not here to prove God answers prayer; we are here to be living monuments of God's grace.

This is a quote from yesterday's entry in My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers. You can subscribe to receive each day's devotional e-mailed to you here.

Backyard Chickens & Garden

2008-07-31T10:28:00.000-07:00

As promised, here are some pictures of our backyard chicken coop. I was waiting for the coop to be painted and spiffed up a bit, but it doesn't look like that is going to happen any time soon, so here it is:

There is a hatch on the left side that is hinged on the top. Right inside this hatch are four laying boxes, two on top of two. This hatch is raised to collect the eggs. If you look closely on the left side just under the hatch is the front of a "drawer" that is the floor of the coop. It can be pulled out to be cleaned. The door on the side (facing in the picture) is identical to another one on the other side and is used as access to the coop to refill the food and water. At the bottom, just out of the picture, are wheels . . .

The two posts that run through the coop and out of the "run" work similarly to a wheelbarrow. By lifting these and pulling or pushing, the coop can be moved around the yard so that the chickens can "free range," but still be confined so they do not destroy my garden. You can see toward the right of the coop the small door that can be latched if necessary. The door itself is open and cannot be seen clearly in the picture. This is where the chickens enter and exit their coop. There's also a door in the run (left in the picture) that we use for access to the run and to let the chickens out.

And speaking of the garden . . .

Here is Micah on the edge of his portion of the garden. He has planted zinnias (behind him), watermelon (to the left) and marigolds behind the watermelon. To the left are his sunflowers (below).

Circumstances

2008-07-29T12:45:00.000-07:00

Two blessings this week I thought I'd share with you.

First, in planning our DC/Virginia vacation this fall, we had booked our flight into Baltimore/Washington airport because it was significantly cheaper. However, upon further planning we discovered this was actually going to be a huge hassle and end up costing us money in the long run. To change the tickets to Ronald Reagan airport would be $600, plus the fare difference. Bummer.

Then we get an e-mail saying that our flight has been changed to include a stop in Chicago. Our youngest is terrified of flying, so we did not want any stops. We called, and they willingly changed our flight to Ronald Reagan airport at no charge! Same fare and everything!! Wow.

Second, I saw an ad in the paper Sunday for a rug store auction. I went this morning and bought a $685 rug for $150 to put in our "new" family room (that is still in progress, btw).

I know these are small things, but it's really nice when life works out well sometimes. Is it fair to say God is good when circumstances work out in my favor? Yes. But if I'm going to say that, then I also have to say God is good when circumstances do not work in my favor. His goodness has nothing to do with circumstances. I honestly don't know how much God "interferes" in these little (or big) happenings in our life. My philosophy tends to be that we're living in a fallen and corrupt world, so sometimes bad things happen and sometimes good things happen; it's just the nature of living in a world we were not created for. How much bad or good God allows, no one really knows. But we can know that He works all things for good to those who love Him. (Romans 8:28)

Six Quirky Things

2008-07-25T18:38:00.000-07:00

The Momma tagged me with this Six Quirky Things about Yourself meme.

1. I hate repeating anything. The thought of teaching another child to read nearly paralyzed me. (Fortunately he caught on very quickly and it was a breeze.) When I had to paint my family room and kitchen twice in two weeks it was nearly the undoing of my temper. I seldom cook the same thing in a 5-6 week period. I do not watch reruns.

2. Tea makes my tongue burn. And if anyone knows a solution to prevent it, I'll drink every subsequent glass of tea in your honor. I think I was weaned from the bottle to a glass of iced tea, but then all of a sudden, it makes my tongue burn. I have my hot cuppa in the morning and that's it; any more than that and I'm livin' with the burn all day.

3. I have only gone to bed one time since I was 12 without washing my face and brushing my teeth. My husband finds this hilarious.

4. I do not like to talk. There are a few people who can get me going, especially if it's a topic I'm passionate about, but otherwise I'm a very quiet person. I worried that my first son wouldn't learn to talk since he had mainly me for company. Alas, my fears were unfounded. His vocabulary was extensive at an early age; that is until the teenage gremlin stole it and replaced half his words with "uh," and "um."

5. I am a total priss about touching unpleasant things, and will never be accused of being a "touchy-feely" person. However, the one thing I will not touch is feet. I will touch my own feet, and I will touch my kids' feet until they get too big and start looking all bony and grotesque. I could never be a nurse. And that's okay.

6. Ready for weird? I "type out" many of my thoughts and things I read. It is an imperceptible muscle twinge of my fingers. I also have to type out words similarly when I'm thinking of how to spell them. I like to type, and I type fast.

You asked for quirky, and you got it!

Here are the rules of the tag:
Here are the rules:
1) Link to the person who tagged me.
2) Mention the rules.
3) Tell six quirky yet boring, unspectacular details about myself.
4) Tag 6 other blogger´s by linking to them.
5) Go to each person’s blog and leave a comment that lets them know they’ve been tagged.

I've tagged:
Tammy's Recipes
Bona Vita Rusticanda Est
Higher Up and Further In
Like Merchant Ships
Amy's Humble Musings
The Cannon Family

Kitchen Tip Tuesday

2008-07-22T09:04:00.000-07:00

When I burn something badly to the bottom of my stainless steel cookware (yeah, it happens), I boil a small amount of water then add baking soda. I let this boil for a short time, then dump it in the sink and, usually, the burned material comes right off.

For more kitchen tips, visit Tammy.

liberty cannot exist apart from transparency

2008-07-19T22:00:00.000-07:00

". . . inauthentic people are ineffective people
. . . liberty cannot exist apart from transparency."

I read that this evening in Beth Moore's Get Out of That Pit. It really hit a cord with me, and resonated with what I've always believed and have attempted to live. I have sometimes taken huge risks to share myself honestly because I believe that we really cannot grow until we do. We cannot live in authentic community with others, particularly in the Church, if we do not allow some vulnerability.

I find it very difficult when I have friends who seem to hold up barriers, usually in the name of privacy. Certainly modesty should always be observed, as well as an avoidance of slander or gossip. There are lines of what should and should not be shared, particularly when it involves another person. But those instances aside, I do believe we're doing ourselves and others a disservice when we keep all our struggles neatly packaged away, only to be brought out in moments of solitude.

God is the only healer, but He often uses others as the helping hand out of the pit. Relationships are God's design. What could you be missing by not being authentic? Think about it.

2008-07-18T16:30:00.000-07:00

I know I have sadly neglected this blog the last month. I'm afraid to look at my hit statistics. Which brings up an interesting question: Who do I write for? And why? I'm not going to answer that question here, but it's still an interesting one.

We're (still) in the middle of a house remodel and it's sapping the life out of me, particularly when I just discovered yesterday that the paint store (Sherwin Williams) gave us flat paint instead of the semi-gloss we asked for, so now I have to repaint my entire family room and kitchen!! That just whipped the air right out of me, knocked me to my knees, broke the camel's back . . . you get the idea. I'm tired.

I have discovered two things about myself through this remodel: I do not deal well with disorder. Not at all. Living in chaos causes my mind to feel in chaos as well. I'm finding it hard just to do the basic things, like make dinner. Our eating out budget has surpassed all limits, and so has my wasteline. This realization (and the condition of my son's room) has caused me to contemplate how our God created the world in such perfect order. It's no wonder that we function best in order.

The second thing I've discovered about myself is that I have somewhat of a one-track mind. Sure, I'm a Mom and can multi-task like the rest of the species, but I'm having a very hard time keeping concentration and giving serious thought to school planning, vacation planning, meal planning. Hmmm, I seem to do a lot of planning.

I wish I had all kinds of witty communication to offer you. I really do. You'd think I would have all kinds of household tips and anecdotes about this remodel, but they're alluding me if they're there. Let me think . . .

. . . if you leave your newly stained baseboard trim outside the birds will make target practice out of it. Seriously, do we walk around on that much poop? That reconfirms my conviction to not wear shoes in the house.

. . . kids grow out of their desire to be helpful, so take advantage of it while you can. Unfortunately, it's right when their assistance is really the most helpful that they decide their ipod is way more interesting than your project.

. . . take your estimated expenses and triple them. Then double that. There you've arrived at what you'll actually spend.

. . . when you find yourself saying, "well, since we're doing 'x' we might as well do 'y'" that is time to throw out the caution flag, then use it to stuff your mouth with.

. . . comfort food is appropriately named. Comfort food for me is anything that contains sugar or melts in your hand.

I'll leave you with a peaceful Van Gogh:

Shameless Plug for my Son's Video Career

2008-07-13T20:00:00.000-07:00

My son Noah has entered the library TeenTakes video contest. The winner is determined on votes and judging, so please go here to place your vote for "Full Color" by Gray Film.

Thanks!

Camp Cousin

2008-07-09T18:34:00.001-07:00

We're on our last evening of Camp Cousin. We're stuffed with pizza from our favorite place (Pizza World), we've removed the hot glue residue from our fingertips, and now we're settled in to watch a movie. Here are a few pictures from our week.

Laser Tag at The Edge in Belleville

The best ice cream ever at Dairy Bar!

Ultimate Frisbee!

Personalized pillowcases

Our art projects this time were painted pillowcases, beaded sunglass holders, and flower pots decorated with beads and rocks. I take pictures of all their activities, have the photos one-hour printed, and they work on individual scrapbooks. If anyone doubts the difference in boys and girls, they need to spend some time sitting at our craft and scrapbook table!

Five Ingredients or Less

2008-07-02T10:12:00.001-07:00

Today's works-for-me-wednesday is five-ingredients-or-less recipes. Here are those my family enjoys:

Parmesan Garlic Chicken

1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1 envelope Good Seasons Italian salad dressing
6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/2 tsp garlic powder

Mix cheese, dressing mix and garlic. Moisten meat with water; coat with mixture. Place in a shallow pan and bake @ 400 for 20-25 minutes 'til done. Brown under broiler if desired.

Cheesy Chicken Vermicelli

1 lb vermicelli or angel hair pasta cooked
3 cups cubed cooked chicken
5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup milk or half & half
italian seasonings, salt & pepper

Greast a 9x13 casserole. Layer chicken, seasonins, and cheese several times. Just before baking, pour milk over top. Cover with foil. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.

Southwest Roll-ups

salsa
refried beans
1 cup chicken, cubed and cooked
tortillas
shredded cheese

Mix 2 Tbsp salsa, 1 can refried beans, and 1 cup chicken (cooked and cubed). Spoon mixture onto tortillas, placed seam-side down in a 9x13 pan. Bake 350 for 20-30 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese.

Sweet and Sour Roasted Chicken

1 chicken cut into pieces
3/4 cup bottled chili sauce
1/3 cup grape jelly
2 tsp. dry mustard

Preheat oven to 350. Coat a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray. In a medium bowl, combine chili sauce, jelly and mustard; mix well. Place chicken in the baking dish. Spoon the chili sauce mixture over chicken and bake 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours.

Burger Breakfast Scramble

1/2 lb. ground beef
2 Tbsp onion, minced
3 ounces cream cheese
3 large eggs
salt & pepper to taste

Brown ground beef with onions. Add cream cheese and cook over low heat until melted. Beat eggs with about 1 Tbsp water, salt and pepper and pour into skillet with beef. Scrambled to desired doneness.

French Dip Roast for the Crockpot

Roast
1/3 cup soy sauce
1 package onion soup mix

Combine soy sauce and soup mix in crockpot. Add the roast, then add water to cover the roast. Cook on low for 12-24 hours.

Crockpot Tangy Rump Roast

3-5 lb. rump roast
1 pkg. onion soup mix
1 can jellied cranberry sauce
2 Tbsp butter, softened
2 Tbsp flour

Rinse rump roast and pat dry. Sprinkle the onion soup mix in the bottom of the crockpot. Place the rump roast in next. Spoon the cranberry sauce around and over the roast. Cover and cook on low 10-12 hours. Remove roast and allow to rest while you thicken the gravy. Turn the crockpot on high. Blend the softened butter and flour into a paste and whisk it into the gravy Cover and cook on high for about 10 minutes, until thick. Slice the roast into 1/4" thick slices and serve with gravy. The slices may be frozen in the gravy.

Barnes & Noble Summer Reading

2008-07-02T07:52:00.000-07:00

Barnes & Noble offers a summer reading program for kids in Grades 1-6. The kid reads 8 books, fills out a journal, parent signs it, then they take it to their store before Sept. 2 to choose a free book. The pickings are a little slim for this Mom who hates twaddle, but Noah did get Gregor the Overlander there one year, which ended up being one of his all-time favorite books.

My son the Filmmaker

2008-06-30T21:06:00.000-07:00

Here are Noah's entries into the TeenTakes Springfield-Greene County Library video contest

Free Download

2008-06-26T13:10:00.001-07:00

Here is a free mp3 download of We Hold These Truths to be Self-Evident just in time for 4th of July. Great listening if you're traveling during the holiday weekend, or as a supplement to your American Government/History studies.

It includes:

1. Introduction
2. The Declaration of Independence
3. Preamble Introduction
4. The Preamble to the Constitution
5. Gettysburg Introduction
6. The Gettysburg Address
7. Second Inaugural Introduction
8. Lincoln’s Second Inaugural
9. Conclusion

God's Promises

2008-06-24T19:43:00.000-07:00

My dear friend Vicki shared this collection of God's promises with me today. God's Word is alive and powerful. I hope these touch your heart as they did mine.

1Peter 5:7:
⁷ Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

Psalm 138:3:

³ As soon as I pray, you answer me;
you encourage me by giving me strength.

Isaiah 40:29-31:

²⁹ He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
³⁰ Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
³¹ But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.

Isaiah 43:2:

² When you go through deep waters,
I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
you will not be burned up;
the flames will not consume you.

Romans 8:18:

¹⁸ Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.

Romans 8:24:
²⁴ We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope^[a] for it.

Romans 8:28:
²⁸ And we know that God causes everything to work together^[a] for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

John 14:18:
¹⁸ No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you.

Psalm 147:3:

³ He heals the brokenhearted
and bandages their wounds.

Matthew 11:28:

²⁸ Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

1 Peter 2:20:
²⁰ Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you.

Psalm 46

¹ God is our refuge and strength,
always ready to help in times of trouble.

Psalm 50:15:

¹⁵ Then call on me when you are in trouble,
and I will rescue you,
and you will give me glory.”

Psalm 91:15:

¹⁵ When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.

Psalm 138:7:

⁷ Though I am surrounded by troubles,
you will protect me from the anger of my enemies.
You reach out your hand,
and the power of your right hand saves me.

Psalm 121 :

¹ I look up to the mountains—
does my help come from there?
² My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth!

³ He will not let you stumble;
the one who watches over you will not slumber.
⁴ Indeed, he who watches over Israel
never slumbers or sleeps.

⁵ The Lord himself watches over you!
The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.
⁶ The sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon at night.

⁷ The Lord keeps you from all harm
and watches over your life.
⁸ The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go,
both now and forever.

John 14:27:

²⁷ “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

Nahum 1:7:

⁷ The Lord is good,
a strong refuge when trouble comes.
He is close to those who trust in him.

Numbers 23:19:

¹⁹ God is not a man, so he does not lie.
He is not human, so he does not change his mind.
Has he ever spoken and failed to act?
Has he ever promised and not carried it through?

1 Kings 8:56:

⁵⁶ “Praise the Lord who has given rest to his people Israel, just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the wonderful promises he gave through his servant Moses.

Psalm 9:10:

¹⁰ Those who know your name trust in you,
for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.

Psalm 89:34:

³⁴ No, I will not break my covenant;
I will not take back a single word I said.

Hebrews 6:12:

¹² Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance.

James 1:12:

¹² God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

John 10:10:
¹⁰ The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

Psalm 29:11:

¹¹ The Lord gives his people strength.
The Lord blesses them with peace.

Isaiah 26:3:

³ You will keep in perfect peace
all who trust in you,
all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

John 14:27:

²⁷ “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

Romans 5

¹ Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.

Psalm 37:3:

³ Trust in the Lord and do good.
Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.

Joel 2:26:

²⁶ Once again you will have all the food you want,
and you will praise the Lord your God,
who does these miracles for you.
Never again will my people be disgraced.

While You're Watching the Olympics

2008-06-22T20:19:00.000-07:00

I know some people are die-hard olympic fans, but this year I'd like to ask you to reconsider. China's government violates human rights, with a history of violence towards Christians. The persecution has intensified in preparation for the olympics. There have been heavy crackdowns, including the expulsion of 100 suspected missionaries. China has banned Bibles from the Olympic village. A Christian was even jailed for walking too near an olympic hotel.

From WorldNetDaily:

A Chinese man has been taken into custody and faces a possible sentence of death for charges alleging "subversion of the national government and endangering national security." But several Christian organizations that monitor human rights activities in China say Alimujiang Yimiti could face the penalty simply because he is a Christian.

"In the months now leading up to the Olympic Games, we actually see things getting worse," said Todd Nettleton, a spokesman for Voice of the Martyrs. "There are more raids, foreign Christians are not having their visas renewed and are being forced to leave the country. There are numerous circumstances where the churches are under attack by the government."

If you do choose to support the olympics this year, please let it remind you to pray for our brothers and sisters who are suffering severe persecution, imprisonment, and even martyrdom in China.

Dough Conditioners

2008-06-21T20:08:00.000-07:00

I love baking homemade bread, and although the loaves usually go pretty quickly around here, it is often too crumbly to work as sandwich bread. Joshua at Tammy's Recipes explains the chemistry behind dough conditioners and what they have experimented with to get a no-crumble loaf of bread.

The House that Jack Built

2008-06-19T11:11:00.000-07:00

Remember the old nursery rhyme about the house that Jack Built?

Here's my version, and one reason why this blog has been so quiet:
This is the toilet that sprang a leak
That seeped under the linoleum into the hall
That ruined the flooring connected to all.

This is the hall and front room
That currently have no flooring
That we might as well (while its empty) start painting.

This is the kitchen cabinet door
That I have to detach
That I carry around to find flooring to match

This is the baseboard and door trim (turn your head sideways)
That we decided we should take this opportunity to replace
That necessitates buying new doors to match our new place.

This is the family room carpet that needs to be replaced
That adjoins the soon-to-be new kitchen floor
That we would be silly to ignore.

This is the wall made of paneling and spackling
That makes sense to tear down while the floor is bare
That we'll hire to have drywalled because we don't dare.

This is half of the built-in shelving
That will need to be torn down to put in the new drywall
That will have to be rebuilt after all.

This is the ceiling of family room and kitchen
That we scraped off the popcorn and really messed up
That is time to get fixed while the rooms are torn up.

This is the ceiling of the bathroom
That we tried again to scrape off the popcorn
That we thought we could paint but were wrong.

This is wall of the bathroom
That needs to have the tiles taken off and be re-drywalled
That will then allow the floor tiles to be installed.

This is the sad, tired curtain in the front room
That is time to replace
Since we're improving our space

This is the desk currently displaced to the garage
That is too big for our room, (we've known for a while)
That we're trying to find a replacement for with function and style.

Bills IQ

2008-06-16T06:43:00.000-07:00

See how financially fit you are with this Bills IQ test. It takes less than five minutes to do, and gives tips and suggestions at the end. No obligations.

Bibliochaise

2008-06-15T18:40:00.001-07:00

Now this is my kind of chair!! All it lacks is a drink holder and a foot rest. I love it!

Christian Audio Book Sale

2008-06-13T18:34:00.000-07:00

Christian Audio currently has all digital downloads on sale for $9.49 through June 22.

Save $5 at Walgreens today only

2008-06-13T09:08:00.000-07:00

Here is a coupon for $5 off a $20 purchase at Walgreens that is only good today, Friday, June 13.

Fun Travel Idea

2008-06-09T14:47:00.000-07:00

We accidentally found a fun way to spend some time in the car today: a sound effects cd from the library. Noah is into filmmaking, so he borrowed the cd for his movie-making endeavors. We had fun on the drive home trying to identify what each sound was! It is much harder than you think! There are 400 sound effects on 4 cds--enough for a good, long trip.

Summer Recipe

2008-06-06T13:31:00.000-07:00

With the temperatures rising, my goal is to never turn on the oven. Our poor old a/c has a hard enough time keeping up without me pushing its limits. That's not to say that I don't cook (oh, how I wish), but I stick to stove-top and crockpot recipes. Here is a favorite:

Beef and Broccoli over Rice

1 pound boneless top round steak
3 Tbsp soy sauce
3 cups broccoli flowerets
3/4 cup red bell peppers
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp cornstarch
1/4 tsp. beef bouillon
1/2 tsp dried crushed red pepper
1/2 tsp sugar
1 cup water
1 cup green onion, sliced
2 cups hot cooked rice

Slice steak diagonally across grain into thin strips; place in a shallow dish. Coat with soy sauce; cover. Chill 30 min.
Coat a dutch oven with cooking spray; place over med. heat until hot. Add meat and cook, stirring until browned. Reduce heat, cover and cook 10 min. Stir in broccoli, red pepper and garlic; cook and cover 5 min.

Combine cornstarch and next 4 ingredients, stirring until smooth. Stir into meat/veggie mixture. Add green onions; bring to a boil.

Cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Serve over rice.

The View Out My Kitchen Window: Our Backyard Chickens

2008-06-06T12:44:00.000-07:00

Look at the adirondak chair on the left to see our six chickens all resting on the chair. The pic is a little fuzzy since I had to take it through the window, but Buffy sat up straight to pose for me.

Wow Hits 1

2008-06-05T11:07:00.000-07:00

Rocks in My Dryer is doing a giveaway of Wow Hits 1 17 CD set. That is a LOT of songs! Naturally, I jumped to their website quickly and found that you can also watch videos from artists such as Chris Tomlin's Amazing Grace.

American Government Resources

2008-06-04T13:35:00.000-07:00

I have compiled a list of American Government sites and resources to share with you today. Even if you don't have kids, some of the information and quizzes can be quite interesting.

Sites for information on each president:

http://www.americanpresidents.org/

Watch c-span video program for each president: http://www.americanpresidents.org/presidents/yearschedule.asp

Good portrait pages: http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/

Black & White portraits: http://www.historyplace.com/specials/portraits/presidents/index.html

Presidents of the United States: http://www.potus.com/

Good president bio page, includes famous quote and major achievements: http://library.thinkquest.org/11492/index2.html

http://library.thinkquest.org/11492/oval_office/

General Information on the Presidential Office:

Listen to Hail to the Chief in different styles here: http://www.proteacher.com/cgi-bin/outsidesite.cgi?id=10197&external=http://school.discovery.com/lessonplans/activities/hailtothechief/index.html&original=http://www.proteacher.com/090055.shtml&title=Hail%20to%20the%20Chief then create your own style.

Traditional style here: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/ihas/loc.natlib.ihas.100010434/default.html

Apply for President’s job: http://pbskids.org/democracy/presforaday/index.html

So you want to be president? by Judith St. George

President’s quiz: http://library.thinkquest.org/11492/cgi-bin/pres_quiz.cgi

Learn the president’s duties: http://library.thinkquest.org/11492/convention/

Online presidential quiz: http://www.surfnetkids.com/quiz/president/

Duck for President by Doreen Cronin

Jobs of the President: http://bensguide.gpo.gov/6-8/government/national/president.html

How caucuses work: http://www.howstuffworks.com/question721.htm

How the Electoral college works: http://ap.grolier.com/cgi-bin-unauth/dated_article_news?templatename=/news/news.html&assetid=apn20050223.04&seq=5&assettype=0tdnp

Mt. Rush more blast trivia game: http://www.americaslibrary.gov/aa/game/rushmore_game.html

The President’s cabinet described: http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0775305.html

Make a list of who sits on the current cabinet. http://www.whitehouse.gov/government/cabinet.html and http://bensguide.gpo.gov/3-5/government/national/cabinet.html

Read The President’s Cabinet and How it Grew by Nancy Winslow Parker

Find out what the President did this week: http://www.gpoaccess.gov/wcomp/index.html

Branches of the Government:

How laws are made interactive site: http://clerkkids.house.gov/laws/index.html

http://bensguide.gpo.gov/3-5/government/branches.html

White House and DC:

Virtual tour of the white house: http://www.whitehouse.gov/kids/tour/

Worksheet for map of DC: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/usa/statesbw/dc.shtml

Constitution:

A More Perfect Union DVD and Teacher’s Guide can be purchased here: http://www.xmission.com/~nccs/constitution-week/a-more-perfect-union.html

We the People song: http://www.school-house-rock.com/sounds/prea.wav

Entire Schoolhouse Rock song here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_TXJRZ4CFc

Miracle at Philadelphia by Catherine Drinker Bowen

Site for Constitution education: http://www.usconstitution.net/constkids4.html

US Landmarks:

Map the US landmarks: http://lrs.ed.uiuc.edu/students/halasiku/tourresources.html#cat1

Other Resource:

Drive Thru America from National Day of Prayer can be purchased here: http://www.dthamerica.com/curriculum/index.cfm

Camp Cousin

2008-06-03T20:31:00.000-07:00

"I'm bored" is a phrase that can cause me to utter one of "those" responses. You know the response I'm talking about--the things you never thought you'd say to your own kids--the total confirmation that you are, indeed, a parent. When I hear, "I'm bored," my typical response goes something like: "Well, I've got plenty of things you can do" (add evil, greedy smile). That's usually enough to send my boys running and find themselves suddenly busy.

I must say that I am a bit amused at the idea that parents find the need to occupy their children's time. Really, this has to be the first generation of kids whose parents have even given a thought to how to keep their kids occupied and happy. Since when did that become our job or their expectation? Maybe it's a sign of our times; we've become so entertainment and electronic driven that our children have lost their own creativity. Or maybe it's because we've lost the "neighborhood" where a kid could disappear for a full day of self-made entertainment and come home just in time to add another ring to the tub.

Well, off my soapbox. There is one thing I do each summer for the benefit of my sons and nieces: Camp Cousin. For one week our home becomes Camp. I typically plan a variety of activities throughout the day, including an outing, a creative project, a game, and scrapbooking time. I take pictures of them all day, then get them one-hour developed at Walgreens. Several nights during the week we pull out our scrapbooks and supplies (I buy them a new book each year) and record our Camp Cousin adventures. (I was honored when one of my nieces took her Camp Cousin scrapbook to school for show-and-tell the following year.)

During the week we take advantage of the sites and activities around our city. There are often special summer activities if you'll check your city's calendar of events. For instance, our city offers family movies under the stars in the park on Friday nights. Several public pools offer a "get in free with a canned good" day. Scour your city's activity calendar and watch the newspaper for special events. Also consider those kid-friendly and touristy attractions your city offers that you may not have taken advantage of in a while.

I try to keep the creative project useful. They love to paint shirts, so that is a project I've repeated frequently. Search the 'net at places like familyfun.com or peruse up and down the aisle of your favorite craft store for inspiration.

It's also easy to find summer game ideas by doing a google search or using the above-mentioned familyfun site. Search for party games and find ones that suit your family and budget.

I sometimes develop meals for them to make. Okay, so this isn't a healthy meal, but it's one of their favorite activities (memories) that they request each year: cream cheese and nutella sandwiches on white bread served with chocolate-dipped strawberries. Hey, that's what vacation is for, right?

I try to pick up things throughout the year, particularly at Target's dollar section. Punching balloons, beach balls, cute pens--those little treats that will keep them occupied or I think I can create a game out of.

It's an exhausting week, for sure, but their anticipation and appreciation of this annual tradition is well worth it!

Check out Rocks in My Dryer for more Works for Me Wednesday--The "Mom, I'm Bored" Edition.

How To (and Not To) Treat Your Homeschooler

2008-06-01T20:09:00.000-07:00

If you claim a homeschool Mom as a friend/sister/daughter, I hope to give some insight into her life and how you can best support her.

Homeschooling/homemaking is a full-time job. Just because we are home, does not mean that we are available to 1) babysit 2) volunteer 3) answer the phone every time it rings. We are called to our families first. So don't be upset when we screen our calls or let the answering machine do its job. Remember, we're doing our job.

Homeschooling means that we're home. A LOT. That means that our house is a mess. A LOT. We cannot keep a Good Housekeeping home and live by the priorities we've been called to. This is huge for me, and I have a feeling for many other homeschool Moms. Homeschooling only adds to the clutter, with all the books, science experiments, books, nature finds, books, pencils/pens/crayons, and books (I think you get the point).

God has called us to homeschooling, so realize that by serving our families, we are serving God. It is not being selfish, unsocial, or reclusive to spend our child-raising years focused first on our family. Comments like, "when are you going to take some time for yourself" are not helpful or encouraging, but rather promote a selfishness that is tempting, but not God-honoring.

Just because God has called us to homeschool does not mean that it's a smooth ride. If we share a struggle or frustration with you, please do not offer comments such as, "maybe it's time you put the kids in school." This only adds to our frustration and creates a barrier in our relationship, precluding future communication.

We love our own kids, but that does not mean we are "kid people" who enjoy spending our time with everyone else's kids. The choice to stay home and raise our own children is a sacrifice of love and does not automatically mean that we're eager to babysit, teach Sunday school, be the adult who occupies all the little ones at a party, or work in the nursery. Quite the opposite may be true: we need time at church and other social occasions to be with adults and have adult conversation. This can be vital to our sanity!

We do not receive any curriculum or assistance from the government schools. Nada. Zip. Nothing. Now, I'm not complaining (though a tax break would be nice). Personally, I'm glad. One of the main reasons we homeschool is because we feel we can give our kids a better education than the government school system can, void of political correctness, revisionist history, evolution, "character" training, sex mis-education, and boredom! Thank God for every freedom we enjoy as Americans!

Homeschooling is a huge sacrifice. Not only is the family typically living on one income, but they are buying all of their educational supplies (in addition to funding the public school). If you'd sincerely like to help, some practical ways would be to ask if you could purchase something on her wishlist, or even just take her out for an evening. Many activities two-income families take for granted are not possible for one-income families.

If you are ever tempted to utter the phrase, "what about socialization," slap your mouth shut first and bite your tongue 'til it bleeds. Okay, maybe that's a bit extreme, or maybe not, but you get my point. Since when is being trapped in a room with people all your own age socialization? Think about it.

Don't accuse us of being over-protective--as if that's a bad thing! We are protective. It is what God has called all parents to be. Romans 16:19b: "but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil." 1 Corinthians 15:13: "Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'" Matthew 18:6: "But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 is too long to post here, but you may look it up here.

If you would like to buy our children birthday or Christmas gifts, please feel free to ask what would be most beneficial. We usually do have a wish list of resources, games, books, and videos we would appreciate. But please do ask before you bring the latest pop-culture fad into our homes.

Do not say, "I wish I could homeschool." If you want to, you can. It is legal in all 50 states. It implies that we've been given some special dispensation. The fact is, we make huge sacrifices.

Along the same lines, do not "accuse" her of having some special allocation of patience that you do not possess. I am not a patient person (just ask my kids). It is only through my reliance on Christ and my love for my kids that I can homeschool. I have a feeling the same is true for most homeschool moms. God does not give us patience before we need it, but rather gives us the opportunity to develop patience. Homeschooling is an incredibly growing and challenging occupation!! Check out this clip from Evan Almighty.

Just for your information: every state has their own homeschool laws. Some require testing, many do not. The government does not know my children exist, and I like it that way. Public schools are a very new invention, so do not fall into the misguided idea that publically-funded, government-run institutions are the only ones capable of teaching. No one can love, know, or guide my child like I can.

Homeschooled kids do not require a GED. And they do not have to meet state requirements for graduation. Universities, for the most part, are willing and eager to accept homeschooled students based on the same criteria as other students: transcripts, ACT/SAT, and portfolio. Read this article about homeschoolers at Harvard.

Don't bring up the homeschooler in the news when they've been caught in a wrongdoing, unless you're also keeping tabs on the public schoolers in the news as well. It's unfair to generalize a group of people based on one shared criteria. We're already under enough pressure without having to carry the weight of the reputation of every other homeschooler anyone else has ever known or heard of!

Finally, please do attempt to put aside any fears you have that learning cannot take place without a certified teacher. I believe this is a myth that is on its way out as the statistics keep rolling in. Here are a few from HSLDA.

I hope this has been helpful. It is not meant with any guile whatsoever, but simply with the aim in mind to providing a peek into some of the struggles of homeschoolers and what you can do (and not do) to be the best friend/sibling/parent you can be!

2008-05-30T04:19:00.000-07:00

The Old Schoolhouse is sponsoring a Summer Reading Splash May -July. They are giving away books each week. Simply have your child answer the week's question and they'll be entered to win. This week's contest ends this evening at midnight, so head on over there today. Download bookmarks and record keeping forms here.

Fairy Tales

2008-05-29T14:41:00.001-07:00

"Fairy Tales are more than true;
not because they tell us that dragons exist,
but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.”
G.K. Chesterton

I am saddened when I hear some Christian parents say they do not allow their children to read any fantasy or fairy tale literature. I am not eloquent enough to put into words why I think these children are missing out, and why I think they will be at a disadvantage not only in life, but in their spirit. Without imagination, we cannot fathom the mysteries of Christ. Without imagination, we cannot conceive of the Spirit world, of the forces of good and evil.

I've collected a few resources if this piques your interest and you'd like to read what others have to say. I have given you a quote from each resource, so if you'd like to read the article in its entirety, click on the link.

Credenda Agenda:
"A well-exercised imagination is crucial to making moral and rational judgments. Both ethics and logic assume imagination as a starting point. Those who lack a dynamic imagination will never be able to grow into mature wisdom. They will always be stuck in very narrow, self-centered mental grooves, following infantile rules.

Chesterton:
“Exactly what the fairy tale does is this: it accustoms him for a series of clear pictures to the idea that these limitless terrors had a limit, that these shapeless enemies have enemies in the knights of God, that there is something in the universe more mystical than darkness, and stronger than strong fear.”

“Fairy tales, then, are not responsible for producing in children fear, or any of the shapes of fear; fairy tales do not give the child the idea of the evil or the ugly; that is in the child already, because it is in the world already. Fairy tales do not give the child his first idea of bogey. What fairy tales give the child is his first clear idea of the possible defeat of bogey. The baby has known the dragon intimately ever since he had an imagination. What the fairy tale provides for him is a St. George to kill the dragon.”

Parents Review (1916 article edited by Charlotte Mason):
Yet, if [imagination is] left unhindered, this tendency grows into the habit of exaggeration and inaccuracy. We solve the problem by taking the child into a wonderful world of unfettered fancy, where he meets gnomes and goblins, mermaids and fairies, brave princes and terrible dragons, beautiful princesses and horrible witches--a world in which good is never unrewarded and wrong is never unpunished. In it he learns that the dewdrop in the leaves of the rose is a fairy's tear, and the gaunt tree waving its branches so wildly a wicked witch being punished for her sins, that every thicket may hold a beautiful princess to whose rescue a fearless prince is riding. All the wonderful people in fairy- land are there and his imagination is busy and happy living their lives, sharing their adventures.

P.N.E.U. Conference:
The hunger of the child for stories is the hunger of the race for knowledge. All great teachers have been great story-tellers, and our Lord was the greatest of all. A mere statement of divine truth would never have impressed the simple uninformed minds of His hearers as the parables did. Truth is absorbed and becomes a part of the child's self when enshrined in the form of a story.

Awakening the Moral Imagination:
"Stories capture the meaning of morality through vivid depictions of the struggle between good and evil, where characters must make difficult choices between right and wrong or heroes and villians contest the very fate of imaginary worlds." Fantasy stories can help us to retain our sense of the mysteriousness of life. College professors have discovered that ethics and moral character can't be learned from lessons that define what they are, and give practical examples. "Instead, a compelling vision of the goodness of goodness itself needs to be presented in a way that is attractive and stirs the imagination."

Whole Life Stewardship:
And so these tales teach us the lessons of character we need to pick up and keep on going. They teach us persistence and faithfulness, the ability to keep trying against all odds and in spite of repeated failure; they teach us kindness and compassion, the ability to forgive others’ failings and weaknesses; and, above all, they teach us love, the willingness to sacrifice our own happiness for someone else’s. In fairy tales, the burden of these lessons for living is lightened by the wings of story.

History.com E-mail and Study Guides

2008-05-28T13:43:00.000-07:00

This month the History Channel is rebroadcasting Band of Brothers, as well as a documentary by Tom Brokaw on 1968. (You can check your local listings at History.com.) Both look intriguing, and you can find study guides to these and many other programs here. Do be aware, however, that both of these programs are suitable for mature high school students.

You can sign up at History.com to receive e-mail updates on their programming, which will include links to their educational study guides.

True Lemon

2008-05-27T21:49:00.001-07:00

True Lemon works for me. It is crystallized lemon. No sugar, no artificial sweetener. Just lemon (or lime or orange). I've been longing for flavor in my drink since giving up Diet Pepsi, and this has fit the bill, just in time for summer when a glass of lemon water is so refreshing. Each packet is equal to one wedge of lemon--just stir and drink. Print a coupon here, or sign up for a free sample (and search for stores near you that carry True Lemon) here.

2008-05-26T19:06:00.000-07:00

You may have

tangible wealth untold:

Caskets of jewels
and coffers of gold.

Richer than I you can never be-
I had a mother who read to me.

- Strickland Gillilan

2008-05-26T11:42:00.000-07:00

This video needs no words. I will only preface it by saying that the Dad trained and participated in a triatholon so that his son could experience it. Grab a kleenex before you push play.

Memorial Day

2008-05-26T07:28:00.000-07:00

Here are the boys helping to place flags at the National Cemetery on Thursday.

Memorial Day
Edgar Guest

The finest tribute we can pay
Unto our hero dead today,
Is not a rose wreath, white and red,
In memory of the blood they shed;
It is to stand beside each mound,
Each couch of consecrated ground,
And pledge ourselves as warriors true
Unto the work they died to do.

Into God's valleys where they lie
At rest, beneath the open sky,
Triumphant now o'er every foe,
As living tributes let us go.
No wreath of rose or immortelles
Or spoken word or tolling bells
Will do to-day, unless we give
Our pledge that liberty shall live.

Our hearts must be the roses red
We place above our hero dead;
Today beside their graves we must
Renew allegiance to their trust;
Must bare our heads and humbly say
We hold the Flag as dear as they,
And stand, as once they stood, to die
To keep the Stars and Stripes on high.

The finest tribute we can pay
Unto our hero dead today
Is not of speech or roses red,
But living, throbbing hearts instead,
That shall renew the pledge they sealed
With death upon the battlefield:
That freedom's flag shall bear no stain
And free men wear no tyrant's chain.

Here is a song for Memorial Day.

2008-05-25T13:55:00.000-07:00

Rebeka Walker, daughter of The Color Purple author and feminist Alice Walker, writes "I believe feminism is an experiment, and all experiments need to be assessed on their results. Then, when you see huge mistakes have been paid, you need to make alterations." Read the full article here. It is a very honest look at being raised in a world ruled by feminism.

I applaud Rebeka's honesty and feel compassion for the difficult journey she has traveled, but do pray that she comes to realize that while a happy family is a great blessing, that is not what really matters--it is Jesus Christ and living for His glory. I hope Rebeka will one day receive the full healing the Lord is so ready to give her aching heart.

Confessions of a Book Addict

2008-05-24T15:56:00.000-07:00

A Book

There is no frigate like a book
To take us lands away,
Nor any coursers like a page
Of prancing poetry.
This traverse may the poorest take
Without oppress of toll;
How frugal is the chariot
That bears a human soul!

Emily Dickinson

It's that time of year again--time for the Book Shuffle. We've ended our school year, so it's time to pack away the old, decide what needs to go, and pull out the next year's books from storage. The boxes of books above are what I'll be selling (hopefully) at the SHEM Used Curriculum Sale on June 5.

Some of the books are hard to part with; however, I've tried to steadfastly hold to my resolve to pare down my book collection. But it hurts. Not only have we developed relationships with these books, but these things go through my mind: what if one of my kids wants to look at this book again? what about my grandchildren? what if we would happen to have a foster or adopted child later in life that we do not foresee right now?--these arguments are enough to make me want to jump up and unpack all those books!

I have to remind myself that I could purchase these books again, and the price of storing them has its own costs. I actually considered renting a storage facility for books and other such stuff that I want to hold on to, but that are crowding us out of our 1200 sq. ft. home. Then the thought occurred to me: What is worth $50 a month to store? Nothing that I couldn't buy again if need be! Right?

Frugal Friday

2008-05-22T16:56:00.000-07:00

Frugality is certainly a hot topic these days. The price of gas and our sluggish economy seems to be causing more people to look for ways to cut their costs, particularly those families like ours who live on one income in a two-income economy. I consider the time I spend in frugal shopping to be my "job," or financial contribution to our family. Here are some of the sites I have found most helpful in my search for frugality:

www.moneysavingmom.com
www.biblicalwomanhood.com
www.imommies.com
www.slickdeals.net
www.freebies4mom.blogspot.com
www.frugalupstate.blogspot.com
www.rocksinmydryer.typepad.com
www.tammysrecipes.com
www.mimisjewelbox.blogspot.com
www.freecycle.org
www.craigslist.org

Spirulina

2008-05-21T14:35:00.000-07:00

Spirulina! By taking Spirulina, I have been able to go off anti-depressants now for 7 weeks! And I'm doing great! I never would have thought it possible. That is not to say that I have no struggles and life is just hunky-dory, but it is very manageable. I previously blogged about Spirulina and its benefits here.

During the times of greater struggle, I meditate on one of these Scriptures:

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5

Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:8-10

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14

It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. Psalm 119:71

I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints . . . Ephesians 1:18

If you are struggling with depression, it is well worth trying Spirulina. And I'd love to hear your success stories!

2008-05-18T19:35:00.000-07:00

Rosaceila is "our girl" in Bolivia. The boys and I call her "Rosa." Rosa couldn't write when we began as her sponsor, so we just got pictures drawn by her, along with letters from her mother. Getting her first hand-written letter was sweet, and she still includes drawings as well. It is thrilling to hear of her love for the Lord and how well she is doing in school, and humbling when we write to her to be sensitive of the cultural and economic differences between us.

Sponsoring a child is $32 a month, or you can make a donation of any size to Compassion. You can search for a child to choose for yourself, or have Compassion choose one for you. Your $32 a month provides:

Educational opportunities
Health care and supplemental nutrition
Opportunities for safe recreation
Opportunities to learn about important life skills
Most important of all, sponsoring a child will allow your child to hear about Jesus and be encouraged to develop a lifelong relationship with God.

"Charity Navigator, an independent charity review group, has given Compassion their best rating five years in a row. That places Compassion among the top 1 percent of the thousands of non-profit charitable organizations they review. Compassion is also a good-standing member of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance." (Compassion website)

2008-05-18T10:26:00.000-07:00

This is Sunday's cartoon from Speed Bump. There are kids sitting in a minivan watching Spongebob on their pull-down screen, and the caption from the Bookmobile lady reads, "Do you know why I pulled you over?" I love it! Glad to see I'm not the only one who feels a bit sad at seeing kids sitting in a van watching TV! Can we not get away from our electronic entertainments?

Prince Caspian is here and we've got our tickets!

2008-05-15T20:47:00.001-07:00

Playlist.com

2008-05-15T20:12:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed that I've added a new feature in the sidebar. It's from Playlist.com. This site legally gathers and stores music, allowing you to search and create your own playlist. You can then post your playlist to MySpace, your blog, even get a ringtone. It's pretty cool, and it's free!

I love the arrangement Jars of Clay does to They'll Know We Are Christians by Our Love. I heard it a few weeks ago at a ballet recital, and have wanted to hear it again ever since.

Aldi

2008-05-13T16:29:00.001-07:00

Aldi is an international food market that entered the U.S. in 1976. They carry approx. 1,300 of the most frequently used grocery products. It is a no-frills market, which means you have to bring a quarter to release your shopping cart (you get it back when you return the cart) and bring your own bags (or you can buy paper bags for $.05 a piece). You bag your own groceries as well.

The cost-savings at Aldi is significant, and the quality is equal to any other grocery store. There are no "sales" and they do not accept coupons--they truly do employ "everyday low prices." They do accept food stamps, debit cards, Discover card, and cash. In fact, they have a double money back guarantee--if you get a bad product, they will replace it, plus your money back.

The Aldi website has a page of recipes too! You may have to sign up on the site to access the page. They offer a meal planner, customized shopping list, and customized cookbook.

Here is the main Aldi USA home page, where you can view some really corny commercials. Or go here to choose to view the Aldi site in one of the 17 other countries where they exist.

Etsy

2008-05-11T20:34:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of Etsy? I just visited there for the first time, and I am so excited to share it with you! Etsy is "Your Place to Buy and Sell All Things Homemade." If you've read my rant (below) about Wal-Mart, you know why this particularly excites me. It is incredibly encouraging to see this type of entrepreneurship happening in America and around the world.

You've got to check it out!

2008-05-11T18:07:00.000-07:00

Christianaudio has over 500 Christian audio books, and what excites me even more is they offer one free each month! Sign up for the newsletter and they'll send you reminders each month.