TV Thoughts

Okay, so, my plan for not having a TV in the house failed miserably.  Totally no support on that one.

We've been paying for TV for all of three weeks now.  I'm learning a few things...

I can't watch the Food Network; it  just makes me hungry.  In no way does it make me want to get in the kitchen and cook something up.  All I do is think of restaurants that I could go to and have someone else make me something like I just saw on the show!

People on TV have potty mouths.  Can't watch some shows without incessant beeps, shows that would otherwise be really interesting to watch.

Also, the reality surrounding these supposed "reality" TV shows is that they are totally CONTRIVED!  Right now we just watched this guy on a survival show cut his own arm and then basically set it on fire with gun powder and fire in order to display his super awesome survival skills.  That's just dumb.  And how are they filming these people doing illegal activities (did you know there is a whole show dedicated to moonshiners?) and at the same time filming the authorities trying to track them down?  Whatever!

On the flip side.....I'm totally not going to complain (just keep it in check), because I'm getting high speed internet in the bundle.  Yeah, the Wades have advanced about a decade and a half in the technology department in the last 3 weeks!  Several shows are like a field trip on film, actually very educational; thankful for that.  And I love being able to watch better movies on TV (love the old black & whites!), The Walton's, Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, and soon Little House on the Prairie.

Oh, and now I think I believe in Big Foot.

Boxes and Paper and Bows Oh My

It's quite comical unwrapping gifts around here.

My job is to wrap and make the boxes pretty.  I enjoy wrapping packages, making them look all festive.  Hobby Lobby has the best paper, and I love using fabric ribbon, it's my "one weakness" when it come to gift wrap.

But before I get them, they have to go through Rick.  His job is to box up the presents.  He likes to disguise the gifts so the boys can't guess what they are.  He even goes to the trouble of adding weight like rocks or some random object from his tool box, and lots of paper, excuse me, grocery bags - his idea of recycling - so they don't shake, to try to throw them off.

The boxes are what crack me up.  Some we've used for years now, like a certain "Stinger" flashlight box, one of the more durable ones. Dad always gives the warning before the boys open though, "Be careful.  I'm gonna need that box back."  This year came a few new ones though.  Let's see.  There was a Badger brand sink dispose-all box that Brock unwrapped, my 'couch mouse' was in a light fixture box, and I think someone else opened up a gift that was in a nail gun nail box.  Then there were the Christmas light boxes and my MUS box too.  The best one though was Braden's t-shirt that was boxed and wrapped in a toilet installation kit box!  It always makes for extra laughs on Christmas morning.

Mine Eyes Have Seen

Luke 2:25-33

 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.  

I love these scriptures.  I saw a painting several years ago, must have been about six or seven years ago, depicting Simeon holding baby Jesus in his arms.  It was very moving.  

I had never thought of these scriptures as being a part of the Christmas story until then. Simeon declared "mine eyes have seen thy salvation" and  that's just the point of Christmas, and why we celebrate.  Salvation, Jesus, had come.  And just as Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and the wise men all knew it, so did Simeon.

Praying you have seen His Salvation.

Merry Christmas!

911, A First For Me

It just wouldn't go out!

Ribs were in the oven last Friday night.  I had just put the sauce on to cook a little longer.  I look over and there's a little flame in the bottom of the oven.  I thought, "surely it will burn out in a few seconds."  I kept watching.   It didn't.  It was burning along the heating element and kept going.  I grabbed the extinguisher and sprayed....what a mess.  It still wouldn't go out.  I tried water...apparently not supposed to do that.  Still wouldn't go out.  My only alternative, since I didn't want it getting any bigger or in the walls...call 911.

Fortunately, it did end up going out on it's own, right as the firemen arrived.  Sometime during all that, I turned the oven off, and ended up shutting the oven door, which was probably the best thing to do.  They checked to make sure it hadn't spread through the wires or anywhere else, and gave me the "all clear."  They even offered to help clean-up.  I just told them to go help someone who really needed it!  I felt a little silly.  It was a small fire, but scary none the less.  And I guess they always have the potential to spread.

It took me the better part of 2 days to clean up the powdery residue from the extinguisher, or should I say non-extinguisher?!  The oven wasn't damaged, except for the heating element.  Rick replaced it.  I gave it a good cleaning, and now it's working just fine.  I've very thankful; it could have turned out much worse.

Crafty News

Hats seem to be the hot ticket item around here right now!  I've sold a few at The Crafter's Co-op, and had some special orders, too.  

We were able to join a few of the other co-op crafters last weekend for an Arts Festival in our downtown.  We had a great time with the other crafters and meeting all the people who love handmade stuff.

This is one of the hats that was a custom order from the festival.  

A New Adventure

Well, these past few months have been busy ones.  On top of homeschooling, children's ministry and just general daily life I've added in even more crafting. Yes, more crafting!  Now you're thinking that should probably have gone the other way.  An opportunity presented itself for my sister and I to share a couple of shelves in a new store in our downtown area.  So we joined creative forces and are now Spotted Owl Handmade Giftables.  We don't have a certain set of crafts we do, we just craft as we please and hope others enjoy.  Not sure if this will be a long term project or not, but we are having fun with it for now.  If you are on facebook we'd love it if you would 'like' us, or follow us on Twitter.  Even if you are far away and can't visit our shelves, we'd love your feedback on items, input and encouragement.       

facebook.com/SpottedOwlGifts or on Twitter @SpottedOwlGifts

Time Flies

I keep this little shoe on the book shelf in my room, because it's so darn cute! 

This is one of Brock's first "Benny shoes."  His favorite movie has always been The Sandlot. (File that one under "parenting fail", but that's a whole other post...)  I think Brock wore these when he was about 3 or 4, there have been many other pairs just like these, in just about every size since then.  I'm not sure, but there may have been an even smaller pair. 


Well, Brock is now 10 years old, and growing FAST!   This is somewhat of a milestone in his life.  He's always wanted the black on black chucks.  We actually spent a whole Saturday several years back looking for them, only to be told near the end of our day, "they don't make those in kids' sizes."  Great! 

Guess what?!  He can wear men's size shoes now.....

Baby Shower Diaper Craft

Is this not the cutest little thing?! 

I was all set to give making a diaper cake a try when my sister showed me a pic of one of these.  Forget the diaper cake!  This is just too cute to pass up. 

We sort of got a little out of hand - we made three of these and a mini diaper cake, too! 

I'm always on the look-out for cute shower decor.  Do you have any cute ideas to share?

Sunshiny Burp Cloth

I just love this brown and yellow together!  Not a huge fan of yellow, but I love brown; so together I guess it's a winner!

That's cotton yellow polka dot fabric with a hand stitched monogram and ribbon accent (the first time I've done ribbon like that), backed with smiley sunshines and bugs flannel backing.

It's of course not perfect, but then again it's for wiping drool and spit up... 

A Virtuous Example

I have a hard time choosing favorites when it comes to Bible verses, books of the Bible or men & women of the Bible.  I would have to say that the book of Ruth is really high up there.  I may even say it's my favorite (for now!) and I'm really encouraged by Ruth's testimony of love, obedience and hard work.  I'll not retell the story of Ruth here.  If you're not familiar with it, I encourage you to read it straight from the source.  The book of Ruth is only four chapters long.   Be blessed!

No doubt the Lord God is the hero of the Bible, and we should focus not so much on the people of the Bible, but rather on who God is and how he deals with those people.  We are called to be like Jesus (who is God) not like Bible characters (...be conformed to the image of his Son.  Romans 8:29).  However, I do believe they are there for an example and to be an encouragement to us.      

I love the following passage from Ruth.  

And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:  Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.  Ruth 1:16-17

I also love what Boaz said to Ruth. 

And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich.  And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.  Ruth 3:10-11

Embracing the Seasons

I'm not a fan of summer.  The best thing about summer is when it's over.  Despite my great dislike of summer, I choose to embrace certain aspects of the season.  I enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool, and  the excessive rest and relaxation that comes from being able to sleep in most summer mornings and even the warm, I'm mean HOT, sun shining on me after being in the COLD a/c.  And Snow Cones!  Yes, snow cones are great in summer! 

Okay, so maybe I don't loathe summer as much as I thought.  But you know what?  It's a choice.  I made the choice to alter my attitude and embrace the best of summer.  If I didn't I would waste the entire season feeling miserable.

And so it is with motherhood.  Certainly those sleepless nights, days of spills, messes and meltdowns (don't forget the meltdowns!) are less than likable.  But still, during those early years there are cuddles, hugs and kisses, bedtime stories and other lovables and likables to embrace.  I even learned to cherish middle of the night feedings.  Praying and singing softly in my littles ones ears are fond memories.  So, yes, you can even embrace the more difficult aspects of the seasons of motherhood.     

If I had one piece of advice to pass on to young mothers (besides PRAY!) it would be to embrace each season of motherhood with all that you have.  Particularly those early years.  Do your best to "redeem" those less than likable times, turn them into irreplaceable memories.  Unlike our yearly seasons that come and go and come back again for a lifetime, most of us only get one shot at these seasons of motherhood.  Don't waste it feeling miserable.  Choose to embrace it - choose joy!

How about you, what advice do you pass on to young mothers?  Or perhaps you are in another season of motherhood.  What challenges are you doing your best to embrace?

Getting It All Together

Behind me sits most all our books for the upcoming school year.  Gathered together it seems like a lot! 

I just checked HSLDA's website and pulled up Texas' requirements.  We are very blessed here, with little to no restrictions.  The HSLDA analysis says, "Homeschools can legally operate as private schools in Texas" and "Homeschools must be conducted in a bona fide manner, using a written curriculum consisting of reading, spelling, grammar, math and a course in good citizenship; no other requirements apply." 

I think we have our bases covered.  Here's what we have:

Braden 13years
Bible/History/Geography/Literature - Notgrass America the Beautiful
Math - BJUP Fundamentals of Math
Grammar - Step by Step Grammar Vol. 1
Science - Apologia General Science
Vocab/Spelling - Critical Thinking Word Roots

Brock 10years
Bible - BJUP Bible Truths 5
History - BJUP Heritage Studies 5
Math - BJUP Math 4
Grammar/Writing/Reading - BJUP English 4
Handwriting - BJUP Handwriting 5
Spelling - Sequential Spelling
Science - Abeka Investigating God's World

For our planning this year I bought them each 'The Homechool Student Planner'.  Of course I'll be right alongside them and giving them the materials I choose for them; but I want to slowly work towards them keeping track and setting their own goals. We'll see how that goes! 

How's your school year coming together?

Majority Rule?

This past week during the B90Days reading we read the account of the twelve spies the Lord had Moses send to check out the land of Canaan.  I like this story...it reminds me that the majority is not always right, at least not when God is on your side.

I've had a couple of occasions to be encouraged by the testimony of Caleb & Joshua to trust in God's word.  Not that I'm a super christian by any means, but encouraged to stick to my guns none-the-less when I'm in the minority in certain situations.   

The Lord promised the Israelites that land, and Caleb and Joshua trusted him for it.  Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not. Num. 14:9  They knew what God had said regarding posession of the land and they believed he would do what he said.  Plain and simple. 

Too bad the majority didn't agree.

B90Days Day 8

I'm right on schedule with my reading, at least as long as I complete today's portion before midnight. Sundays and Mondays are hardest for me.  They are  busy days for me with work at church.  But that's no excuse -I will perservere!

Well, I have to say that I love the Old Testament.  I've always enjoyed history, so I guess that's no surprise.  Genesis is probably my favorite book. 

It's always been said that no matter how many times you read scripture your bound to find something new.  Or maybe something you knew will hit you in a new way.  Something that keeps coming to mind the last week is the following scripture where God is speaking to Abram:

Genesis 15: 13-14 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.

Now I've read it before, but didn't give it much thought.  God just out and out tells Abram that his decendants will be in bondage in strange land!  I wonder if that is information that Abraham passed on?  Did his sons and grandsons, etc. know what their extended family was headed for?  hmm

For Christians, one thing I'm sure of is that even when the bad happens in our lives it is for our good.  God has a plan.  We may not see or understand all the ins and outs of what is going on, but for certain in the end we will be better for our experiences.  It doesn't mean we have to like it, but we do need to trust in him throughout it all.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  Romans 8:28


A lot of people refer to God as the Potter and refer to us as the clay Jeremiah 18:1-6 -  Now I bet if clay had feeling it wouldn't always feel too good - oh at times I'm sure it would feel like a nice and realxing massage - but at other times to get spun around and manipulated and then thrown into the oven, not so much.  But I bet we would all agree the end result is spectacular!

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.  James 1:2-3

Praise God for the good, and trust Him for good to come out of the bad.

My Owly Craftiness

I've developed quite a thing for birds here lately.  So when I saw this pattern from Sublime Stitching and then the tote a few weeks later, I knew I had to give it a stitch.

This was my first go 'round with the "Owlbert" pattern.  He's a little lost on the huge kitchen towel, but not bad for practice.  Can you see that I figured out how to do french knots!  I added a few for a bit of a starry effect and went a little knot crazy!

And here's the tote.  I used a variegated thread on the body, but I don't think you get the full effect unless you are filling in your work.  I'm not ready for that yet.  It was all I could do to get through satin stitching the moon - my first attempt at the satin stitch. 

B90Days Day 1

I'm happy to have started back on the Bible in 90 Days challenge today.  It was such a great experience last time and a neat feeling to have completed the challenge last summer.  I kept a few things in mind that help me get through the challenge that I'm hoping will help me again this time around. 

The first thing I did was set aside all other reading. Last week I checked out a book I've been wanting to read for a long time.  Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers.  I got through the (very long) prologue last week and that was about it.  I just knew with B90Days starting in just a few days I wouldn't make it trying to read both.  I'll have to take it back to the library and check it out another time. 

Next, read before doing extra activities.  I love to craft, but no crafting until my reading for the day is done!

Also, read a little ahead when possible. Today, I finished my reading by about 4:30pm.  Tonight I will most likely read at least 2-3 chapters of tomorrows reading.  I don't always know exactly what the next day will hold for me.  So at any opportunity I'll sneak in a few extra chapters, or even just a few verses to get a little ahead.  If tomorrow turns out to be pretty busy, I'll have a little less to do in order to complete the days assignment.  And if for some reason I don't finish that days reading I won't be as far behind as I might have been.

********************************************************

Righteous - that word stood out as I read today.  God told Noah in Genesis 7:1 for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.  God saw something in Noah that others didn't have.

I think about my righteousness, or lack thereof, and am grateful for God's salvation through Jesus Christ.  The Bible says that my righteousness "is as filthy rags" Isaiah 64:6 and that "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23.  Praise Him for Jesus who is "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" John 1:29.  Try as I might I can never be good or do enough good to be reconciled to the Lord God.  "For by grace are ye saved through faith; it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast."  Ephesians 2:8-9

Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.  For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.  Romans 5:18

I'm so thankful that when God looks at me for righteousness - it's not me he sees, but Jesus.



  

Catching Up

Well, apparently I need to re-title my blog - RandomShares at RandomTimes or the Consistently Inconsistent Blogger!  haha!

I'm having a wonderful, mainly event free summer break.  We are taking several weeks off from lessons, and it is feeling good not to have to hit the books everyday!  I have all we need for the next school year which is a big weight off my shoulders.  I really feel like I'm getting a break!  At least from book work anyway, "lessons" are always taking place.

I've been pretty crafty lately, summertime is usually when the craft bug bites.  I've done some more embroidery and will be doing some easy sewing for a few babies that will be born pretty soon. 

I'll be participating in the Read the Bible in 90 Days challenge again.  I really thought it would be a while before I tackled that again, but I saw a few posts here and there about it and felt a strong desire to go for it again.  It starts Monday.  :-)

Love the Lord

And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.  Mark 12:29-30

Heart - core of identity or deepest identity; the source of our thoughts, words, actions

Soul - emotions

Mind - will; power of intention (i.e. I've made up my mind)

Strength - physical energy

These are some of my notes - listening to a sermon on the internet today while answering the phones at church.

Praise

Computer troubles and lots of things going on lately are keeping me from blog land.  It seems I tend to have only little season of blogging! 

I love it when I clearly see God moving and working.  I had looked into joining a homeschool group in my area and also possibly helping to start a homeschool co-op in our church.  Well, the Lord clearly shut the door to the whole co-op thing for the time being.  That was a good thing, and felt so by all involved. 

I did join the HS group and what a blessing that has been, even in the short amount of time I've been a member.  I don't think I realized how much I needed "face time" with other homeschooling moms!  There are so many opportunities to fellowship with other homeschoolers, but in a relaxed environment and without having to make a weekly committment.  We've played soccer, went crawdad fishing, and already made new friends.  Praise God, he meets needs I didn't even know I had! 

He is Risen! 

     

Tea Time

Music, Bible teaching, food and lots of fun ladies = wonderful morning fellowship!  I named my table Simple Elegance. 

Super Duper Busy

"I'm running around like a chicken head" - say that in an Indian (from India) accent - I used to work for a doctor and when we got really busy that's what she would say.  It still cracks me up just thinking about it!  She was so cute.  Anyway...... 

That's me this week, at least I still have my head, I think!  I've had work days and meetings at the church this week.  Hopefully, we will be getting a new pastor soon.  We are also preparing for our Ladies Tea, or Simplici-Tea, as we are calling it this year.  Amidst all that I'm trying to deal with our math woes.  I think I have that figured out though.  Math-U-See should be arriving tomorrow for Braden.  Hopefully by Saturday afternoon I'll be able to take a breather!

New 'do

Please excuse the groggy eyes - it's a little early for pictures!  Oh, well.  Jenn and Melissa asked so here's my new hairdo:

It's a little short, but I like it for a change.  She cut off seven inches to start with and went from there.  It probably ended up being around 7 and a half inches.  I had planned on donating it to Locks of Love, but that requires 10 inches.  I was a little disappointed I couldn't do that.  But I would have ended up being "scalped" and dh would absolutely not go for that!  Me either, really.    

Girly Craft

Pillowcase Dress - Gracie pattern

I made this for my one of my nieces, her birthday is this coming Saturday.  I have three nieces now, I'm sure I'll be making more!  While the soon-to-be four-year-old was trying it on, the two-year-old was already saying, "I wear it, I wear it."

I hated to show it to her ahead of time, but I had to know if it was even close in size.  It looked so cute!  And she's four, she probably won't care.  Still, I may try to make another for a bit of a surprise when she unwraps it. 

Springing and Reading

Well, spring is "springing" down here! We had some pop-up storms yesterday afternoon, which is typical of our North Texas springtime.  I think we must have had a tiny little downburst or whirlwind or something yesterday, because I've never heard the wind come through our chimney like I did yesterday.  I thought the chimney was getting torn off.  Several things were "taken" from our back patio and window screens were torn off too. 


Reading is slow right now. Haven't felt well and my mind has been swirling the last several days. I've been tweaking our schedule and materials a little. I think I'm finally settling down though.  I had to take a step back and really remember the why and the goals for our homeschooling.  That's another post when I have more time. 

I finished "Amish Love". It was so nice of Jenn to share it with me.  It was a good, late night, mindless read. I agree with Jenn it was not very well written, but I did enjoy it.

If anyone is ever interested in reading "Amish" novels I recommend Beverly Lewis. She really incorporates the Amish culture and history into her writing. I feel like I "know" the Amish from reading her books. Her books are very different from books like "Amish Love". I don't consider her books to be "romance" novels at all. I always come away from reading her books wanting to work a little harder and appreciate nature a little more. She is spiritually encouraging as well.  The first series of hers I read was Abram's Daughters beginning with "The Covenant".  That series remains my favorite.     

A few books I have going right now are "Little Men", although I'm not that far into it. I've been reading some Catherine Levison books on Charlotte Mason Education right now too.  As well as "Hearing and Reading, Telling and Writing" by Sonya Shafer from Simply Charlotte Mason.  These last few are helping me to regroup and gather my wits about me!   

I'm Melting, Melting

You know like from the Wizard of Oz   hehe :-)  I've been trying this past week to pull myself out of my "meltdown".  Have you had a homeschool mom meltdown?  You know where you panic, even ever so slightly, that your doing it all wrong.  Well, that's been me this past week.  I think I'm on the upswing now of my little down turn, sticking to my course and really praying for guidance for any changes that need to be made, or none at all.  I'm finding it hard to put into words right now so I'll just keep praying... 

I walked out the back door other day to this scene.  I thought it was funny, took the picture and then got on to them for climing with their guitars in hand.  :-)

Fourteenth Anniversary

We recited these verses during our wedding ceremony fourteen years ago today.  

Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:  Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.  Ruth 1:16-17

Yes, We Still Homeschool

I just realized that from reading my blog you might think all I do is sit around crafting all day.  Not so!  Yes, we are a homeschooling family! 

Currently most days go something like this:

Start the "school" day out around 9am.  Actually, ALL day is considered as a learning oppprtunity, but what I mean here is formal lessons or table time and couch time.  Those are the places we choose to do most of our lessons. 

The boys like to get a few independent things completed first.

Brock - Handwriting/Copywork, Spelling, Silent Reading & Typing

Braden - Spelling, History, Math, Literature & Typing

Around 9:30 we meet on the couch and read/recite and discuss our Scripture Focus.  Then I read aloud, our current book is Hero Tales (missionary stories). We also read and discuss Science at this time and review our Greek and Latin roots.  Read various poetry selections, too. 

When we are finished with our couch time the boys go back to their independent work and I take turns working with each as needed. 

Brock and I read his history lesson together and discuss/narrate.  We also take turns reading aloud a literature selection, right now it's Farmer Boy.  After that we go over the days math lesson and he goes back to working independently.

Braden and I will work together on grammar, spanish, and starting next week, logic and reasoning excercises using The Fallacy Detective.  We also discuss his history lesson and anything else that needs clarification.

The boys like to be finished by lunch time.  Sometimes that happens and sometimes it doesn't.  I think Braden would wake up at 'dark-thirty' just to make sure he finishes early though!  He's my get-it-done boy.  Brock's my dawdler (I try, I try, *sigh*), he's slowly starting to 'get it' though.  He can't stand it when Braden is finished up and he still has lessons to complete.

The afternoon is usually left open to creative pursuits.  Right now that is mostly music related.  Braden is learning guitar and Brock is drumming. Yes, you read that correctly - drumming!  I know, we are crazy people.  I do love hearing him beat it out while singing "There is a Fountain - who is the Ki-i-ing - victorious Warrior - my God and Lord of Everythi-i-ing - My Rock, My Shelter -(a big BOOM, BOOM, BOOM goes here) My very o-o-own Blessed Redeemer - Who reigns upon the thro-o-one"  Good stuff!  Braden's still trying to put it all together but has come up with some little tunes of his own and is learning some worship songs and hymns.  I'm impressed with his progress as he's teaching himself with some help from his uncle.  I'm toying with the idea of downloading Penny Gardner's Nine-Note Recorder Method.  I have some funny desire to try it out for myself.  I would like to learn to play hymns and use it for our hymn study.  

I haven't been a part of a homeschool group in several years and have felt like it's time.  I hope to attend a meeting in March and see what I think.  Also, a few ladies from church are looking to get a homeschool co-op organized.  If anyone has any tips - let me know.  Or if you have posts on your blog regarding co-op experiences let me know.

Well, that's my homeschool ramble for now.  I think I'll play with the page feature here on Blogger and add a homeschool page with the curriculum we are using.        

With a Cherry on Top!

(Click to join the fun!)

Finished!

I want to have it framed, I think. 


So I finished up my sampler and went right into embroidery. 

It was fun!  Such a cute little chocolate cupcake with a cherry on top.  The pattern is from the book, Sublime Stitching. (I like the book better than I though!)  I just have no idea what to do with this darling little cupcake now.  I think I will just use this piece of fabric, which is quite large, to just practice.  My stitches need to be more uniform, but that will come with time I suppose.  I tried the split stitch and backstitch on this little cupcake with some "seed" stitches thrown in as sprinkles.  Hmm, what to try next.  Maybe a pretty little birdy.

I found some textiles for sale at the Sublime Stitching embroidery site I might like to try, once I get a few practice projects under my belt, a half apron and kitchen towels.  
  

Broken Bloom still BLOOMS

y So I have to tell this story  It probably won't mean much to anyone else but I don't want to forget it! 

My 10 year old, Brock, with his own money, picked out a rose for me today.  Too sweet, right?!

Bittersweet to him....He pointed out that it was taped near the top.  His brother, being silly, accidentally knocked the bloom clean off the stem.  Braden felt awful.  Brock was devastated.  His dad offered a rose from his bouquet, he wasn't going for that though - this was the one HE picked!  A little doctoring by dad with some scotch tape - good as new. 

I probably would have never know if he hadn't pointed it out; except that he looked so sad and teary eyed when he gave it to me.  I could feel his disappointment.  It brought tears to my eyes as he told me what happened.  Of course not because my flower was broken, but because it obviously meant a lot to his 10 year old little heart.  He will realize someday, it's not really the actual flowers that matter, but the heart behind it. 

My heart sure was in bloom!

Happy Valentine's Day

Love this vintage Valentine!  I just stumbled upon it - here. 

Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied. Jude 1:2

 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8



Cross Stitch

(Click to join the fun!)

I guess I feel most connected to the FarmGirl within and the past through my crafting.  I picture farm ladies of old sitting by the fire with their needle and thread in hand darning socks, or working up a homespun crochet or knit piece to keep their farmer husband warm as he works in the winter cold.  I dream of what it would have been like to live on the prairie like Laura Ingalls.  My husband assures me I'd never make it.  Still, I continue to dream.

Here is my latest "FarmGirl" crafty endeavor:

I thought I would start out with a stamped cross stitch pattern, or rather re-start, to get back into needlework.  I did counted cross stitch as a teenager.  I plan to try out embroidery next.  I've only made one or two attempts at embroidery with poor results.  I found a book to help me out, Sublime Stitching.  Not crazy about it, but the price was right and I had a coupon.  It should be enough at least to get me started.  It has all the basics.   And a few cute patterns, too.        

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

Scripture Focus

Romans 12:1-3

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

I know a lot of people have a "life verse", and many times I've tried to pick one but I can never seem to narrow it down!  I tend to have verses for different seasons in life.  My favorite verse usually depends on where I'm at or what I'm going through in life at that particular moment.  I'm sure that is true for many.  But instead of having a 'life verse' I guess maybe I just have 'Scripture Focus'.  Right now Romans 12:1-3 is my Scripture Focus.   

I also plan to use it with the boys as well.  Reciting and memorizing it together and using it for copywork.

 

Snow Icing

Well, apparently, 4-5 inches of SNOW, yes, REAL, BEAUTIFUL, POWDERY SNOW, is the icing on our icy cake this week! 

Looks like I need to go clean out the birdfeeder.  I love those snow flocked evergreen trees in the background.  Snow is better than ice!

Birdy Cakes

       (click to join the fun!)

I don't have a barnyard to tend to but do have a few featered friends fluttering around the yard from time to time.  I decided I would leave them a little treat during our icy cold weather.  It gave me a little something to do as I was going a little stir crazy.  Yes, I suppose I could have cleaned out the closets, reorganized the bookshelves, or some other long-time neglected household chore, but what's fun about that?! hehe

Of course I filled the feeder in the back yard Red Oak.

I also made some little birdy cakes and decorated the backyard tree and a few front yard bushed.

I mixed a half cup of boiling water with 2 packets of Knox brand Gelatine and then added birdseed until it was more dry than liquid.  Not precise, I know.  But it worked.  I lined a cake pan with wax paper and put a few heart shaped cookie cutters in it and filled the shapes with the mixture and patted it down.  I stuffed the yarn into it and mashed a little more mixture on top to secure it.  I let them set up in the garage.  (I get a daily email from TipNut.com with all kinds of crafty links and this was one of them.  Sorry I don't have the actual link.  Their instructions were about as precise as mine though ;-) ) 

The next day I trudged outside and hung them.  I forgot gloves and my fingers 'bout froze off the first time I went out.  I remembered gloves the second time! :-)  I keep looking out to see if my birdy friends are up for a treat, but I think they are staying cozy in their nests.  I don't blame them.  

(This one I just used a shallow berry bowl - ran out of cookie cutters to fill.) 

I also made treats for the people too!  Homemade Chocoate Chip, mmm-mmm



Tea Talk

I'm Having:  green tea with honey in one of my Oma's mugs.  Ever since I can remember she served coffee in these mugs.  It's nothing fancy.  There is no marking on it.  It was part of a larger set, probably mass produced.  I only have the one mug though.  I think it was one of the last things I took from the estate sale.

I'm Feeling:  stir crazy!  Being iced in is no fun.  Not sure if dh will let me out today or not.  The roads are still icy in some spots.  My guess is he won't.  :-(  Also, a mix of emotions for several friends.   

On My Mind:  A dear friend who lost her father this week.  And four families at church with babies on the way this year!

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance... Ecclesiastes 3:1-4

  Reading over this, I realized how depressing it sounds.  Certainly not my intention, especially for my first ever Tea Talk!  I assure you there is still joy in my heart; and there is a bit of excitement in this icy weather we are having, believe it or not.  And I certainly don't want to be a 'downer' to anyone today, so let me end on a more joyful note:

Thou wilt shew me the path of life:  in thy prescence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.  Psalm 16:11

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.  Habakkuk 3:18

   

Icy Cold

It was January in northern New York State, sixty-seven years ago.  Snow lay deep everywhere.  It loaded the bare limbs of oaks and maples and beeches......"  So begins Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Brock and I could not have picked a better day to begin reading this book.  Although, it is February and it's ice here, not snow!  The boys got a good taste of the cold this morning when they tried to recess outside.  That didn't last long.  It made reading about Almanzo keeping warm in "his good woolen clothes" his mother had made hit home.

(Ice, not snow)

I've never read the Little House Series.  I decided, since I have most of the books, Brock and I would read through them to help with his fluency.  We will take turns reading - a paragraph or two at a time.  Thanks to Mary for the idea.  It's a tradition in her home to read through the series with her boys.  And to Jenn, too, for encouragement and also suggesting to begin with Farmer Boy, which is usually considered to be geared more towards boys.  I can't wait to continue tomorrow.           

We are experiencing historic low temps here.  We are expected to spend the next two nights in the single digits, not wind-chills, but actual temps.  That's COLD for us!  DFW airport actually closed down today, the only other time it's been closed was 9/11.  It's that bad.   

(just one of our wood piles)

So happy to have some firewood!  I'm looking forward to our evening fires.  I wish we had an unlimited supply of wood, I'd have a fire all day long!  We actually didn't have any wood and weren't going to be able to get any more, but the Lord blessed us BIG time!  Rick was finishing up a job last week and the guy just gave him a truckload of firewood.  Just in time.  Even when it comes to the little things - God is good!  He knows how much I enjoy the coziness of a fire. 

Simple Black Check Chair Pillows

Well, I did it!  I got out the sewing machine and went at this afternoon. 

I actually just covered pillow forms, instead of real chair pads.  And I found matching ribbon on sale to use instead of making those tedious ties.  I was going for simple!  I wish I had a bigger checked print and a bit larger pillow form, but I was at the mercy of  "the sale".  Can't afford to be too picky!

( I promise they don't have such a dizzying look to them in real life!) 

I'm pretty happy with them, they have a primitive look to them, which I like.  Maybe I need to find some blackbirds to add to my decor.  I always see blackbirds in the primitive displays in my catalogs.

 

I may add a button to the center to give it a little extra something, but haven't decided yet.

Recent and Hopeful Craftiness

Click to Join the Fun



I just thought I'd take a few minutes to show a few things I've finished up in my little crochet corner. 

I had so much fun with my new little niece the other day.  Here is a little cocoon set I made her:

I also finished that wrap I mentioned last week:

You will notice that the top edge is a bit more ruffled than the bottom.  It's supposed to be a more subtle edging like the bottom.  Oops!  Oh, well I made it my own and it adds a little extra something, I guess.

I'm hoping to get my sewing machine out, maybe tomorrow, or hopefuly somtime next week.  I'm needing new chair pads for the kitchen table.  I have what I need, I just need to do it!  I also want to make a pillowcase dress and leggings for my oldest niece.  She's three, soon to be four, and I thought those would make a nice birthday present. 

Here's to happy crafting! :-)

Oatmeal Cookies, Chicken 'n Dumplings and Crochet

Sounds pretty farm-girly to me! 

Click to join in the fun!

You know I have never made an oatmeal cookie.  At least not the kind you bake.  I've made the kind on the stovetop with oatmeal, peanut butter and cocoa, etc. - you mix it all together and then drop them on a cookie sheet to cool.  But a baked oatmeal cookie - this is a first for me.

I had no raisins, which is fine with me, I much prefer chocolate chips anyway, so I subsitituted the chocolate chips for raisins.  They were a big hit here at home and at my sister's and mom's.  I took a plate over this afternoon when the boys and I went to visit.  My sister just had a baby a couple of weeks ago, so I thought they might like a homebaked treat for an afternoon snack.  Yum!

I need to get going.  I have chicken and dumplings on the menu for tonight and it's about time to de-bone the chicken.  It's been rather cold here, for us anyway. 24 degrees this morning.  I thought it would warm us up as we settle in for a cold winter's evening.

Here's what I have on my hook - it's going to be a small half-circle wrap.  I'm trying to use what I have on hand.  So I'm specifically looking for patterns that go with the yarn and specific amount I have.