It's A Wonderful Life

2011-07-29T11:12:00.002-04:00

Mom's House Rules

1. If you sleep in it......make it up
2. If you wear it......hang it up
3. If you drop it.....pick it up.
4. If you spill it......wipe it up.
5. If you eat out of it.....wash it.
6. If you open it.....close it.
7. If you empty it.....fill it up.
8. If it rings.....answer it.
9. If it howls.....feed it.
10. If it cries....love it.

Menu Plan Monday

2010-11-08T08:57:00.003-05:00

Monday: Eggs, Bacon & Toast
Tuesday: Pan Roasted Chicken with Veggies
Wednesday: Eat @ Pioneer Club
Thursday: Meatloaf with oven browned potatoes & kale
Friday: Sweet N Sour Chicken w/Rice
Saturday: Chili w/ Cornbread

Granola "Bar" Aldi's Style

2010-11-06T13:01:00.003-04:00

Trying to feed your family "healthy" on a budget can be very difficult. One thing I have been thankful for these past years is a Aldi's 5 minutes from home. One of my children's favorite breakfast foods is dry cereal - not exactly healthy but convenient on those busy mornings. My alternative has been to make granola. Since each child has personal likes and dislikes, I have learned to make a granola base with a topping bar of dried fruits and nuts so that each can personalize and all the ingredients are found at Aldi!

Granola Base

1 tub of old fashioned oats (= about 12 cups)
1/2 cup of oil or 1 stick of butter
1 cup of sweetener (honey, maple syrup, brown sugar - I make a brown sugar syrup from a cup of brown sugar and 1/8 cup of water)
1 TBSP of cinnamon (optional)
dash of salt

Mix dry ingredients together then add liquid ingredients. Mix well. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Bake on a flat cookie sheet - spread flat (will need to take turns doing this) until granola starts to brown. Stir in between times. Let cool and store in air tight container.

Keep on had your favorite chopped nuts and dried fruit. Only add a TBSP or 2 / bowl. Top with milk or yogurt or just eat plain.

Layers of the Earth & Volcanoes

2010-09-16T08:40:00.002-04:00

Sapphire Girl is studying Geology & Astronomy this year. For her first science project she had to make a clay model using a different color for the different layers of the earth.

Her volcano project was actually for history where she was studying the destruction of Pompeii. I think it looks pretty cool

Traveling with Children

2010-07-28T15:33:00.004-04:00

I have family that lives all over, so for vacations we do a lot of traveling. We are not hip with the times and do not have a TV & DVD player in van - so how do I survive traveling 10+ hours with 5 children? Here are some ideas:

Play games -

I Spy Alphabet game - who can get through the entire alphabet using letters from road sides only (can include retail businesses as well), first.

I Spy Color game - self explanatory

Card games - great time to play go fish, old maid, crazy 8's etc.

Travel Games - Connect 4, TicTacToe. They even have travel size Scrabble, Monopoloy etc.

I came across a great website called Mom's Mini van. She has games like auto bingo, paper battleship, scavenger hunt lists etc. I printed them out and put them in page protectors. I then put one of each in my child's vinyl folder (with the brads for adding pages inside). My children are color coded, so each child get his/her color folder and dry erase marker. They can play, wipe them off and play again.

Books on cassette/CD. You don't have to spend a fortune of them if you have a good library nearby. Somehow getting lost in the story helps the miles to just melt away.

In my effort to get and stay organized, I have a created a travel bin with the aformentioned items in them. All I have to do is grab it (add the tapes we want to listen to) and go.

Also sing songs - folk songs, kids songs, songs that are playing on your favorite radio station and/or CD.

So have fun and create a lot of good memories traveling in the car!

Ultimate Summer Menu

2010-07-23T12:08:00.002-04:00

Here is my ultimate summer menu with all our favorite dinners on it!

You can download it here: Ultimate Menu

and my shopping list to go with it!

Sunscreen

2010-05-26T07:55:00.001-04:00

I have been looking for some easy homemade recipes for sunscreen this morning and came across a couple this morning that looked interesting.

One uses basic, easy to get ingredients:

How to make natural homemade sunscreen

This one requires a lot more harder to find ingredients (actually you can order all the ingredients from Mountain Rose Herbs ) but uses all natural ingredients

Homemade Herbal Sunscreen

Haven't tried them yet!

Summer Menu Planning

2010-05-24T12:30:00.003-04:00

My goal is to have an "ultimate" summer menu which includes non repetitive meals for a month. Preferably they are quick, easy, healthy, low carb and contain no beans (dh doesn't like them). Here is what I have so far (note that it may not be all healthy or low carb ;0))

Hamburgers (wheat buns or pita)
Gyros (Ground Beef Gyros)
Chicken/Beef Fajitas
Danny's Dinner (taco salad)
Tacos
BBQ Chicken
BBQ Beef on a Bun
Cheesesteaks
Hot Roast Beef Sandwhiches
Kabobs
Fish
Fried Chicken
Chicken Ceasar Salad
Turkey Ham w/ Pineapple & Rice
Tomato Basil Squares
Steak, Potatoes & Salad
Tuna Fish Sandwhiches
Hot Dogs (yeah I know)

Giving Thanks

2010-05-11T07:18:00.003-04:00

"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

After a "difficult" week last week and listening to Phillippians about giving thanks and rejoicing I was convicted that I need to change my attitude toward my circumstances. Well God provided an opportunity for us on Mother's Day. We were taking a drive and were about an hour from home. We decided to investigate a dirt road that went toward the river. It was bumpy but the kids loved it. After we finished exploring we continued down the road to our destination. Suddenly, the right hand side of the vehicle went bump, bump, bump. I said to my dh "flat tire" to which he responded "that is more than a flat tire". He pulled over and took a look at it. The tie rod which connects the wheels to the steering wheel had broken. We had passed an Advanced Auto a couple of miles back so we slowly turned around and headed back to the Auto Parts store. My husband ran in to see if they had the part he needed, while he was in the store the kids started getting restless. This verse about giving thanks popped into my head and I said to the children "What can we be thankful for?". We had answer like "no one was hurt" and "daddy is good at fixing cars". We then sang some songs. When my husband returned (they didnt have the part, but he had some things he thought he could use as a temporary fix) I decided to take the kids for a walk. During our walk, we spotted a playground through the trees and made our way to it going around several blocks. It didn't seem to have an entrance but we finally came to the road that led right into it. We spent about 10-15 minutes at the playground then went back to van (now know the shorter route). He was unable to fix it and called a friend to pick us up and we went to a diner to have dinner and wait for our ride.

The next day my oldest dd said to me "I had a lot of fun yesterday singing and playing and walking". I was thankful the Lord had reminded me of the verse and instead of sitting around and whining about being stuck we were able to create a positive memory with our family.

History Lesson Plans

2010-05-10T14:07:00.004-04:00

I have now finished my lesson plans for history this year. We will be using Mystery of History Vol 2. I will be supplementing with Peril & Peace, Monks and Mystics, Diana Waring's What in the World Vol 2 etc. (there is a complete list of resources used on my lesson plans). Here is the link for download for those who would like copies. :D

MOH2 Lesson Plans

Lesson Planning - Science

2010-04-29T12:51:00.008-04:00

Doing some lesson planning for my 7th grader next year. Thought I would post mine in case they are helpful to anyone. :D

I am using Christian Kids Explore Earth & Space (CKEE&S) and Exploring Creation with Astronomy (ECWA). I am supplementing CKEE&S with "The Weather Book" (TWB), "The Geology Book" (TGB) and "Exploring Planet Earth" (EPE). We are doing Science 2X a week (Tuesdays & Thursdays) for about 30-45 minutes per lesson.

I am having trouble copying and pasting here. So I uploaded it to Media Fire. Here is the link:

Media Fire CKEE&S Lesson Plans

Simplified Economics

2009-09-25T18:32:00.002-04:00

Got this as an email:
An economics professor at a local college made a statement that he had never failed a single student before, but had once failed an entire class.

--------------------------------------------

That class had insisted that Obama's socialism worked and that no one would be poor and no one would be rich - a great equalizer.

The professor then said, "OK, we will have an experiment in this class on Obama's plan".

All grades would be averaged and everyone would receive the same grade, so no one would fail and no one would receive an A.

After the first test, the grades were averaged and everyone got a B.
The students who studied hard were upset and the students who studied little were happy.

As the second test rolled around, the students who studied little had studied even less and the ones who studied hard decided they wanted a free ride too, so they studied little.
The second test average was a D!
No one was happy.

When the 3rd test rolled around, the average was an F.

The scores never increased as bickering,
blame and name-calling all resulted in hard feelings and no one would study for the benefit of anyone else.

All failed, to their great surprise and the professor told them that socialism would also ultimately fail, because when the reward is great, the effort to succeed is great, but when government takes all the reward away, no one will try or want to succeed.

Could not be any simpler than that

Filing Cabinet & Closet Update

2009-09-16T19:26:00.004-04:00

Here are some pics from my closet and filing cabinet organizing:

Front of Closet
Green bin is books to sell & and blue bin is sewing stuff

organized my construction & other papers by color

Mailing supplies drawer (use my old HOP boxes for mailing and cover with brown paper, I almost always reuse my bubble envelopes. Saves money and the environment. :D

Puzzles in front
Bin of Art Supplies in back

School supplies such as crayons, pens, pencils, glue, and scissors etc.

Filing cabinets in the back of the closet

HP Photosmart Premium with TouchSmart Web Printer Giveaway

2009-09-08T21:53:00.001-04:00

To find out how to have a try at winning this beautiful printer, follow this link:

http://domestic-chicky.com/giveaway-hp-photosmart-premium-with-touchsmart-web-printer/comment-page-3/#comment-4377

Using Canning Jars for Organizing

2009-09-02T08:49:00.003-04:00

A friend of mine posted this on her blog and I thought it went perfect with my organizing theme. Thought I would pass it along.

Organizing with Canning Jars

Crockpot Zucchini Bread

2009-08-31T20:26:00.005-04:00

Necessity is indeed the mother of invention, but thankfully there are those who have gone before who have needed first and left their finding for us to use......since I am unable to bake in my temperamental oven, I made zucchini bread in my crockpot from this recipe:

http://southernfood.about.com/od/crockpotdessertrecipes/r/bl19c13.htm

Here are some pics of it:

Filing Cabinets

2009-08-30T12:32:00.002-04:00

I will be spending the next few posts (although I may throw in a recipe here and there) dedicated to organizing. This post is dedicated to filing cabinets.

Next to bookshelves, I think that filing cabinets are my best friend when it comes to organizing and even more versatile than bookshelves. Not only are they great for filing papers, but they are also great for storage of craft, school, sewing and other supplies, as well as clothing, tools, canning jar and equipment, toys etc. They also help to hide the not so aesthetically pleasing plastic bins that are also an organizers friend as well as alleviate the incovenience of having to sift through a stack of bins to find the one you want.. I personally don't like plastic, but in this day and age they are a necessary evil...so I try to hide them when I can. Filing cabinets help me to do this. If you don't think that filing cabinets themselves are attractive, grab a can of $2 spray paint and change the color and add some other decoratives to it to personalize it. Filing cabinets they can become your new organizing friend! :D

Cleaning My Closet

2009-08-29T10:37:00.004-04:00

Well my school room is driving me crazy and all the clutter from the kids so I am starting to go through organize and throw/give away things. I am starting with my closet off the schoolroom for storage to help get me organized. I have already cleaned it out and here are the bare bones of my closet. I am looking for some good organizing ideas. I hope to keep in here my craft/art, sewing and other supplies. I do have a couple of 2 drawer filing cabinets that I am hoping will fit in there. Any ideas will be greatly appreciated!

Inside my cover, hooks to hang coats on and a shelf above

The Bowels of the closet
(yes it is a really old home)

Ground Beef Gyros

2009-08-18T19:55:00.004-04:00

This week I am focusing on Ground Beef and trying new recipes with it. This is one I made tonight. It was yummy. For those on a low carb diet, you can eliminate the pita...make a base salad of lettuce, tomato, cucumbers, and onions (if you like onions), crumble up the meat on the salad and use the cucumber sauce as dressing. I got this recipe off of recipezaar.com.

Ground Beef Gyros

This is a great summer meal and quick and easy to put together and tastes wonderful. Refreshing served with the cucumber sauce and is even low in fat. I think this came from Quick Cooking. It's a favorite in our house. SERVES 4

Ingredients

1 (8 ounce) container plain yogurt
1/3 cup chopped seeded cucumber
2 tablespoons finely chopped onions
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon sugar

Filling

1 lb lean ground beef (I use ground turkey)
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt (optional)
3/4 teaspoon pepper
4 pita breads
3 cups shredded lettuce
1 large tomato, chopped
1 small onion, chopped

Directions

In a bowl, combine first 5 ingredients.
Cover and refrigerate.
In separate bowl, combine ground beef and seasonings.
Mix well.
Shape into 4 patties.
Grill, covered, (you can also use a toaster oven or broil these) over medium to high heat for 10 to 12 minutes or until meat is no longer pink, turning once.
Cut patties into thin slices.
Stuff into pitas.
Add lettuce, tomato, and onion.
Serve with yogurt sauce.

Zucchini Manna

2009-08-07T10:02:00.005-04:00

Do you have zucchini coming out your ears?

Not sure what to do with all the zucchini manna from your garden?

Well it's time to think outside the box......Zucchini, it's not just for eating anymore.

Zucchini Pets

Zucchini Baseball

Carving Zucchinis

and don't forget all the yummy recipes you can make with zucchini.....all you have to do is google "zucchini recipes"!

The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Summer Promo

2009-07-27T20:44:00.003-04:00

The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine is currently running our Summer Bouquet subscription promotion, in which we give away more than $400 in gifts to each of the first 5,000 people who purchase a two-year TOS magazine subscription or renewal. U.S. subscriptions only.

Each of those first 5,000 subscribers will receive 19 great gifts, including:

$20 gift card for DVDs offered by Franklin Springs Family Media
A Cooking with Children CD from SueGreggCookbooks
An online filmmaking course given by Advent Film Group (approximately $49 value)
Gourmet Crepe Mix and Raspberry Cheesecake Blend from Wildtree-YUMMY!!
A 10 x 13 portrait photo free from Sears to YOU (with no sitting fee!)
And much, much more! For a look at all 19 gifts, take a look here.

Each of these 19 gifts has a value of up to $10 to $49! And none of them requires additional shipping charges; for the most part, your only expense will be the cost of the stamp on the envelope or postcard that you mail in to redeem a gift.

Use this code for $5 off your subscription: KDSGL5OFF

Grammatical Thoughts

2009-04-29T06:12:00.004-04:00

One of the places I like to hang out on the web is at a homeschool forum called "The Well Trained Mind". I was reading through a few of the posts and one in particularly on grammar. The poster was using a certain grammar curriculum and after several months felt that her 8 or 9 yo ds was not retaining much from this particular curriculum. This was revealed to her through his writing assignments. She wanted to know if anyone else had this experience. Several people said they had the same problem and one person said it was working well for them. A comment was also made by someone that this is; perhaps, why grammar is taught repeatedly through the school years. A thought of mine that had been simmering just below the surface finally burst through. Ding, ding, the bell sounded off in my mind and my thoughts started flowing rapidly. I hope I can put them down here cleary for you.

As a child, I strongly disliked grammar. I loved math, science and history, but really struggled with grammar. Every year it seemed like we repeated the same thing. Of course their were some new things introduced, but it always covered the basics. One of the things I had a difficult time wrapping my around was direct objects. I just didn't get it..... until eleventh grade. Then it clicked.

Another area in which I struggled was creative writing. I hated it. I was not the kind to make up stories in my head or see a bee and be able to write a story about it. That is just not how my brain worked, never mind trying to remember the grammar rules and apply them.

My point is that a young child in the earlyto middle years of elementary school is probably not going to get most of it. They might understand some of it the way it is used in the book and are able to parrot it back you, but when the time comes to apply it in their writing those rules are not going to be foremost in their mind. What is going on in their mind is "what am I trying to say here and how do I put that on paper?" It is not "Do my sentences begin with a capital letter and end with a punctuation mark?" It is the repeated drilling and growing throughout the years that finally causes the nail to reach it's mark.

So how do I know if a grammar curriculum is right for us? The curriculum used in that tiny Christian school which I attended many yeasr ago was not full of bells and whistles, but it repeatedly represented the subject in a clear, methodical, concise manner and after years of hammering, the nail finally went through. As a homeschool mother, once I purchase I certain curriculum, I usually stick with it for the whole year. Occasionally I might change mid-stride if I feel that it is not for us and will not be beneficial to see it through. Grammar is one of those subject in which I seemed to be unable to stick with. I couldn't find the right curriculum. This was not because a particular book was bad, but because it did not meet my needs as a teacher. One was to scripted, I knew by the end of using it with 5 children (4 in a row) that I would end up in Bedlam. Another jumped around to much and didn't have clear instruction. Others I have skipped (despite their raving reviews) because they were to teacher intenstive or required an overwhelming amount of writing and review. Because of this, my daughter has not had the solid foundation in grammar that I might have wished; however, in fifth grade she has does know the basics and we are slowly proceeding. I am confident that by the time she graduates she will know her parts of speech, how to properly use punctuation and remember that the word "I" is always capitalized! The curriculum I am using now works for me because it meets my needs as a teacher. It is methodical in it's teaching, liberal in it's review and I as a teacher have learned to tweak it in the areas that are not suitable for us.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-22T09:36:00.001-04:00

Judge Orders Home Schoolers into Public School

2009-03-13T12:55:00.002-04:00

Once again our right to decide the best education for our children is being challenged. This time in the state of North Caroline. Here is the articl on World Net Daily:

http://wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=91397

The 999 Book Challenge

2009-03-09T14:50:00.003-04:00

As I have mentioned in a previous post I have been spending some time at librarything.com. I recently joined a group called the 999 challenge. The purpose of this challenge is to read 9 genres, each genre consisting of 9 books this year. or 9/9/09 if you want to have an extra challenge. Here are the 9 genres which I have chosen for this challenge:

1. Biographies
2. Classics
3. Award Winning Books
4. Mysteries
5. Health & Nutrition
6. Fantasy (not a genre I usually read from)
7. Christian Living
8. Christian Fiction
9. Art & Music

Saturday Psalm & Praise

2009-03-07T17:29:00.003-05:00

I was reminded of this song in a "History Stories for Children" and sang it to my children....it has been going through my mind ever since.

Were You There
By: Negro spiritual

Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?

Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they nailed him to the tree?

Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?

Were you there when God raised him from the tomb?
Were you there when God raised him from the tomb?
Oh, sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when God raised him from the tomb?

Lent Update

2009-03-05T10:41:00.003-05:00

I must say giving up facebook is harder than I thought it was going to be (especially since I have given up pogo too), but that goes to show you that it was needed. I have been good and have only gotten on on Sunday as planned. I think what makes it worse is wondering what my brothers are writing all over. Unfortunately I am not spending less time on the computer as was my goal, but I am hoping that over the six weeks this will be the case. I now have almost my entire library online on librarything something I have been wanting to do...

Observing Lent - Day 1 am

2009-02-25T08:30:00.002-05:00

Today is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. I have never observed it before, but as it is a time for prayer, fasting and self-denial, I believe it the perfect time to get my priorities straightened out. So I am giving up facebook and pogo.com where I have been spending to much lately. Our memory verse in Little Hearts this week is "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil. 4:13. How is that for a timely verse, it all makes me wonder what trials I am going to need to be strengthened for.

I was hoping that instead of getting up at 6 or 7am after the baby woke up and blindly going downstairs getting something hot to drink and going on the computer as I usually do, I could actually get in a shower, make my bed etc. Well I woke up to my 7yo screaming about his stomach and vomiting (we had already gone through that this weekend and thought that it was over) and my baby crying because he wants his sister's oatmeal and not his own. I did get my bed made, but I already feel under attack...so please pray, that is what I am going upstairs to do right now (as well as take a shower and try to start over again) and not give into Satan's questioning of "why even bother".

Science links

2009-02-07T10:22:00.002-05:00

I was cleaning up my school room and came across some notes from one of our homeschool meetings which contained a bunch of links for doing science, most of them free. Thought I would post them here.

www.science-teachers.com – worksheets, lesson plans, acativities K-12 – FREE
www.sciencenetlinks.com – Resources for Science & links
www.free.ed.gov – Links to other great rsources – free
www.fi.edu – Franklin Institute – lots of games, puzzles, and resources – free
www.education.jlab.org – videos of experiments, games & puzzles, hands on activites
www.lknowthat.com – videos, interactives, animations – some stuff is free, subscription $5.95/month
www.learner.org – Annenberg Media – lots of videos, movies – high school level – free
www.amnh.org – worksheets, lesson plans, activities k-12 – free
www.howstuffworks.com – anything science! Great resource – free
www.chem4kids.com – cool chemistry stuff, good resource – free
www.biology4kids.com – cool biology stuff, good resource – free
www.cosmos4kids.com – cool space stuff, good resource –free
www.physics4kids.com – cool physics stuff, good resource – free
www.exploratorium.edu – lots of neat science stuff, some in depth explnations – free
www.madsei.org – weird fun stuff, science fair projects - free

I also have in my notes to check out the Franklin Institute, American Museum of Natural History and NASA!

Saturday Psalm & Praise

2008-12-13T13:56:00.003-05:00

I watched the first couple of chapters of "Under the Greenwood Tree" on Youtube (I have seen the whole thing on DVD and it's a good clean BBC period drama). The movie starts off on Chrismas eve and they sing an old hymn that you don't here now adays. That song has been going through my brain ever since......even after singing other wonderful christmas songs at our church's ladie's tea this morning (which was wonderful I might add)

“Remember Adam’s fall,
O thou Man:
Remember Adam’s fall
From Heaven to Hell.
Remember Adam’s fall;
How he hath condemn’d all
In Hell perpetual
There for to dwell.

Remember God’s goodnesse,
O thou Man:
Remember God’s goodnesse,
His promise made.
Remember God’s goodnesse;
He sent His Son sinlesse
Our ails for to redress;
Be not afraid!

In Bethlehem He was born,
O thou Man:
In Bethlehem He was born,
For mankind’s sake.
In Bethlehem He was born,
Christmas-day i’ the morn:
Our Saviour thought no scorn
Our faults to take.

Give thanks to God alway,
O thou Man:
Give thanks to God alway
With heart-most joy.
Give thanks to God alway
On this our joyful day:
Let all men sing and say,
Holy, Holy!”

Here is the link to Part 1 on you tube....the song can be found around the 7 minute mark.

Getting Rid of a Bug

2008-12-12T09:00:00.004-05:00

or a malware pop up ad in this case. A couple of days ago, I started to get this pop up

“Security center alert
Do you want to block this suspicious software?
Name: Trojan.Zlob.G
Risk Level: High
Description: Trojan.Zlob.G is a trojan program that records keystrokes and takes screen shots of the computer, stealing personal and financial information.”

It looked very official, so I followed the link (DON'T) and downloaded the program....I was just getting ready to install it when my senses kicked in and I thought to myself "Better investigate this" Sure enough it was a malware program. I quickly deleted what I had downloaded but still was bothered by those pesky popups.

I then downloaded Avast free antivirus software and deleted the useless Norton software that came with the computer (should have done this months ago....Avast is the only antivirus software that I have used that has kept my computers virus free...not that there aren't others out there)

Spent all day yesterday look how to get rid of Perfect Defender 2o09, trying what was recommended with no sucess....turns out I didn't actually have that trojan. So this early a.m. I searched for the removal of those security alerts (wish I had taken a screen shot so I could show what they look like) Between two different sites I was able to eradicate the pest. Here is the combined knowledge that I learned.

1. Turn off your computer

2. Restart in Safe mode

click F8 after you hear the first beep when you turn it on
using your arrow keys, highlight "Start in Safe Mode"
Hit Enter ~ your computer shall now proceed to boot up.

3. Set your system to show all files.

Click Start.

Open My Computer.

Select the Tools menu and click Folder Options.

Select the View Tab. Under the Hidden files and folders heading, select Show hidden files and folders.

Uncheck: Hide file extensions for known file types

Uncheck the Hide protected operating system files (recommended) option.

Click Yes to confirm.

Click OK.

Then, navigate to the following folder:

C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Application Data\Google

click on "Start"
click on "My Computer
click on "c:"
click on Documents and Settings
click on User (or username)
click on Application Data
click on Google

4. Delete the following items

kjzna1562565.exe
spcffwl.dll
T-Scan (entire folder)

you can delete by holding your mouse over the item, right clicking on your mouse and hitting "delete"

5. Close out the box.

6. Click on your recycle bin

7. Empty recycle bin

8. Reboot your computer, it should automatically start up in Normal mode.

The popup should be gone! :)

Breakfast Recipes

2008-12-09T07:00:00.004-05:00

When we celebrate Christmas at home one of our traditions after opening the gifts is to have brunch. These are the recipes I usually make:

SAUSAGE & EGG CASSEROLE:

Make the night before

6 Eggs slightly beaten

6 slices of bread diced

1 c. garted cheddar cheese

1 LB of Bulk Sausage

2 c. milk

1 tsp salt

1 tsp Dry Mustard

Brown sausage. Drain Grease. Mix together wtih all the other ingredients. Place in a buttered 8" dish for 12 hours or overnight.

Bake 350 degrees for an hour or until firm in center.

HASHBROWN CASSEROLE

2 lbs frozen hashbrowns ~ THAWED

1/2 c. melted butter

1 pint Sour Cream

1 Can Cream of Mushroom Soup

1/2 c. chopped onion

2 c. grated cheddar cheese

Defrost Potatoes. Add everything together. Mix well. put in a butter flat casserole. bake for 1 hour @ 325 degrees until brown on top

My father was a chemist and loved to experiment in the kitchen. He created a simple pancake recipe that is easy to remember because you just use 1 of everything. I usually triple it for my family.

1 cup flour (I use whole wheat flour)

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt (I usually halve that)

1TBSP sugar (I usually skip this)

1 TBSP oil (I use melted butter)

1 cup milk (Buttermilk, kefir, sour cream, yogurt or any combination work great, he usually used yogurt)

1 cup bluberries (optional)

Mix dry ingredients together in a bowl. Add oil and milk. Mix well (I like to mix it in the food processor or blender). heat griddle. add ladleful to hot buttered griddle. Flip when bubbles start to form. finished when brown and cooked through. Serve with syrup or your favorite topping.

New Blog

2008-11-19T10:49:00.001-05:00

Hi,

I have started a new blog just for my homeschooling experiences. I know I haven't blogged a lot about it, but I am really enjoying the curriculum guides that I am using this year and want to share some of the activities and things we are doing and learning with it.

Here is the link to my new blog:

Having fun with Heart of Dakota

Also, the I just did an update on the Grublet's blog.

Memoirs of a Grublet

Special Offer from Trivium Pursuit

2008-11-15T21:35:00.001-05:00

Special Offer from Trivium Pursuit and Christian Logic

Our readers have the opportunity to receive two free ebooks from Trivium Pursuit.

1.The 73 page ebook of the entire text of Chapter Twelve: Ten Things to Do With Children Ages Ten Through Twelve from the book Teaching the Trivium: Christian Homeschooling in a Classical Style by Harvey and Laurie Bluedorn

2.The new 94 page ebook Ancient Literature: Significant Excerpts from the Books of Classical Authors Which You Can Use to Supplement Your History Curriculum - Volume Two: Alexander the Great.

You will receive both of these ebooks when you subscribe to the Homeschooling with the Trivium newsletter. This offer is only for new subscribers to Homeschooling with the Trivium and is good only through November 30. Go here to subscribe.

http://www.triviumpursuit.com/list/

In addition, if you subscribe to Christian Logic's Fallacy Detective News you will receive two lessons from the logic textbook The Thinking Toolbox by Nathaniel Bluedorn and Hans Bluedorn (Lessons 12 and 13, along with exercises and answer key). This offer is only for new subscribers to The Fallacy Detective News and is good only through November 30. Go here to subscribe.

http://www.fallacydetective.com/news/

You are my Peace

2008-11-13T17:29:00.002-05:00

During these turbulent times, it is good to remember where our source of peace comes from. This music video have family pictures set to music that the Lord inspired my sister to write.

Enchiladas

2008-11-11T12:14:00.003-05:00

I guess I should put my Enchilad recipe here too, but I never make enchiladas the exact same way twice, but tbe basics are the same.

ENCHILDAS Via Kay in PA

1 pack of flour tortillas (8 large or 10-12 small) (or make your own tortillas...see recipe below)
2 cans of enchilada sauce or make your own....I do it 1 of 2 ways, buy 2 8oz cans of tomato sauce add either salsa, cumin, salt, chili powder & garlic powder or buy 2 cans of 8 oz tomato sauce and add canned chili peppers (or add cooked diced green pepper), sauted onions, stewed or diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, salt, garlic powde.
1 pound of cooked meat (either ground beef or chicken)
8 oz of cheddar, colby, or montery jack (or any combination of)
sour cream (optional) I usually just place the sour cream on the table for anyone who wants to add it.
I would also add corn to my sauce but dh doesn't like it.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. add a little bit of sauce to the bottom of a 9X13 pan. place 2 large or 3 small tortillas on the bottom of the pan, add 1/3 of the meat, 1/4 of the cheese and 1/4 of the sauce on top of the tortillas, add another layer of tortillas, again 1/3 of the meat & 1/4 of the sauce & cheese, another layer of tortillas, rest of the meat, 1/4 of the sauce and cheese, another layer of tortillas then add the rest of the sauce & cheese. Bake for about 15 - 20 minutes or until bubbling along the side. You can also take some of the meat, cheese and sauce and roll them up in the tortillas and then top with sauce and cheese. As you can see, it's pretty flexible meal (has to be for me to use it. :)

Danny's Dinner & Tortillas

2008-11-10T20:53:00.003-05:00

Danny's Dinner is a traditional meal in my family. It started when my parents & sibs went to a bachelor friends place for dinner and he made this meal (his name was Danny) It has been called that in our house ever since. It is very similar to taco salad.

Here is the original recipe, my changes are in parenthesis.

DANNY'S DINNER

1 bag of Fritos (Tortilla chips)
1 can of Pork N Beans
1 lb of Ground beef
Salad (I usually just cut up lettuce & tomato, but my mom would use leftover salad)
Cheddar Cheese
Sour Cream
Taco Sauce (salsa)

Brown ground beef (I add taco seasoning). Place ground beef in a bowl or serving dish, same with pork n beans. Everybody makes there own. Start with the chips on your place, then add the ground beef, then pork n beans, salad and any of the toppings that you wish. Pick up your fork and enjoy.

TORTILLAS
(from More-With-Less cookbook)

Combine in mixing bowl:

2 c. unsifted flour
1 t. salt
cut in with pastry blender:
1/4 c. lard or shortening
When particles are fine, add gradually:
1/2 c. lukewarm water

Toss with fork to make a stiff dough. Form into a ball and knead thoroughly on lightly floured board until smooth and flecked with air bubbles. To make dough easier to handle, grease surface, cover tightly, and refrigerate 4-24 hours before using. let dough return to room temperature before rolling out. (I dont bother with the fridge part)

Divide dough into 8 balls for large tortillas, or 11 balls for common 8 inch size. Roll as thin as possible on a lightly floured board, or between sheets of waxed paper. Drop into a very hot ungreased griddle. bake until freckled on one side (about 20 seconds) Lift edge, turn, and bake on second side. To serve at once, fold each limp tortilla around small lumps of margarine/butter. Or cool tortillas, wrap airtight, and refrigerate or freeze. To serve later, place in tightly covered baking dish and warm in oven, or fry briefly on hot shallow oil.

No Matter who Won

2008-11-05T21:55:00.002-05:00

1. The Bible will still have all the answers.

2. Prayer will still work.

3. The Holy Spirit will still move.

4. God will still enjoy the praises of His people
5. There will still be Spirit-anointed preaching.

6. There will still be singing to the glory of God.

7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.

8. There will still be room at the Cross.

9. Jesus will still love you.

10. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.

ISN'T IT GREAT TO KNOW WHO IS REALLY IN CHARGE

Amen

Obsession

2008-11-03T07:21:00.002-05:00

If you haven't seen this movie (a lot of people got them in the mail) check it out on youtube! It makes you think twice about Obama's muslim connections:

Bloggy Giveaway

2008-10-29T20:04:00.002-04:00

Penny @ Jumpinbloomers.com is having a bloggy giveaway! If you like old fashioned clothing, be sure to check it out!

http://pennyraine.com/blog/2008/10/bloggy-giveaway-9-granny-cap-from-jumpinbloomerscom/

Who Do You Want to be President

2008-10-21T10:42:00.000-04:00

http://abcnews.go.com/politics/MatchoMatic/fullpage?id=5542139

Take the ABC quiz!

10 Random Things

2008-10-08T09:29:00.002-04:00

Here's how you play: Once you've been tagged you have to write a blog with 10 weird/random facts about you. At the end you choose 10 people to tag. List their names and the reason why you're tagging them. Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them that they have 'been hit' and to read your blog. You cannot tag me back. Let me know when you are done, so I can come read yours.

1. I dream of making good clean movies from books I love.
2. My 2nd toe is longer than my big toe
3. I took piano for 10 years and am still only "tolerable"
4. I used to want to be a cowgirl in Montana (I grew up far away from Montana)
5. I would like to go handgliding sometime.
6. I would like to live on a farm with chickens & horses,a cow, garden & orchard
7. I am tall
8. I am into herbs and natural health
9. I spend way to much time on the computer
10. I love Jesus!

people I tag:
Jen M.: because she will probably do this
Emily D.: for fun
Grace G.: Because she is a wonderful niece and will probably do it (some of my wonderful nieces won't so that is why I didn't tag them)
Jillian M.: because we have a lot of fun teasing each other
Hannah G: Because she is a wonderful niece and will probably do it (some of my wonderful nieces won't so that is why I didn't tag them)
Kimberly E.: because Angela already tagger her....and she could kill 2 birds with 1 stone
Penny R.: ditto Kimberly's
Holly F.: for fun
Linda M.: for fun

Go Fish, Peanut Butter & Lacto Fermented Sodas

2008-09-24T22:15:00.002-04:00

I have discovered 2 things today. 1) I can make my own homemade Peanut Butter in a matter of minutes and 2)It is possible to play "go fish" sitting in the middle of my living room floor with a toddler roaming about. The peanut butter is easy, you just buy a jar of salted (or unsalted) roasted peanuts, put them in the food processor and in a couple of minutes, "ouila" you have peanut butter. Playing "go fish" with a toddler crawling around is a bit of a challenge. You have to be constanlty be watching him, making sure he doesn't see where you put your sets when your done, and you have to find a creative way to keep moving around the "pond" (where you keep the fish, so he doesn't pick it, all the while guessing who has what card and responding to their guesses. (I am not going to mention some of my hiding spots), but sitting on your doubles seems to work the best, or placing them between pages of a book or newspaper that is laying nearby.

As for the lacto fermented sodas, I made my starter last night and will let you know in two weeks (if I remember) how they turn out. In the meantime, here is where I got my recipe:

http://www.learningherbs.com/news_issue_20.html

Sherlock Holmes

2008-09-15T22:51:00.002-04:00

I have recently finished all the Sherlock Holmes books by A. Conan Doyle and came across this on a friends site. I thought it was hysterical.

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson went on a camping trip. As they lay down for the night, the fire dwindling nearby, Holmes said: "Watson, look up and tell me what you see".

Watson said "I see a fantastic panorama of countless of stars".

Holmes: "And what does that tell you?"

Watson: "Astronomically, it suggests to me that if there are billions of other galaxies that have roughly similar stellar population densities as represented by my view, that, potentially, trillions of planets may be associated with such a galactic and, therefore, stellar population. Allowing for similar chemical distribution throughout the cosmos it may be reasonably implied that life-and possibly intelligent life-may well fill the universe.

Also, being a believer, theologically, it tells me that the vastness of space may be yet another suggestion of the greatness of God and that we are small and insignificant.

Meteorologically, the blackness of the sky and the crispness of the stellar images tells me that there is low humidity and stable air and therefore we are most likely to enjoy a beautiful day tomorrow.

Why? - What does it tell you, Mr. Holmes?"

Holmes: "Someone stole our tent".

Saturday Psalm & Praise Meme

2008-09-06T15:33:00.001-04:00

Before The Throne Of God

Before the throne of God above I have a strong,
a perfect plea A great High Priest whose name is
Love Who ever lives and pleads for me

When Satan tempts me to despair and tells me
of the guilt within Upward I look and see Him there,
Who made an end to all my sin

Because the sinless Savior died my sinful
soul is counted free For God the Just is
satisfied to look on Him and pardon me To look on Him and pardon me

Before the throne of God, I come
Before the throne of God, I come

Behold Him there, the risen Lamb my perfect spotless righteousness
The great unchangeable I Am, the King of glory and of grace

My name is graven on His hands
My name is written on His heart
I know that while in Heaven, He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart

One with Himself I cannot die
My soul is purchased with His blood
My life is hid with Christ on high
With Christ my Savior and my God
With Christ my Savior and my God

First/Second Week of School

2008-08-30T05:44:00.003-04:00

I started school with my girls this week and this was my second week of school with the boys. I am using the Heart of Dakota curriculums ( http://www.heartofdakota.com , Little Hearts for His Glory with the Boys & Preparing Hearts for His Glory with the girls. School with the boys is going really well, while we have not gotten into a scheduled routine, they seemed to have gotten into the groove of things and we are finishing school in 1 hour...YEAH. While not perfect our first week of school with the girls, it went relatively well. I think Abigail should really be in Bigger, but because of financial restraints that is not possible right now. She is doing well; however, and I simplify for her. I think I should have her checked out for a visual learning disability. She still struggles with "b" & "d", reverses numbers (12 for 21) and writes almost all her numbers backwards. She is a smart girl though but easily frustrated and a "Perfect Paula". My sociable sue is thriving with school and I really think we are going to enjoy this year. I am reteaching handwriting this year. I never spent the time to make sure it was done well before and we are going back to italic so my 6, 8 & 10 year old are all on the same page. Well nothing really exciting to report still need to figure out what to do with my toddler, but I have some ideas rolling around.

Therese's Muffins

2008-08-19T07:35:00.004-04:00

These are soy free, egg free and dairy free and absolutely yummy.
2 cups flour (I use whole wheat flour)
1/3 c sugar (I use sucanat)
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt (I recommend 1/2 tsp salt)
1 c milk (T uses goat's milk for her ds)
2 Tbsp oil of your choice
4 Tbsp natural applesauce (or you could use 1 egg)
3/4 c blueberries (I use frozen)
1/4 scant cup dried cranberries

Oven at 400 degrees. Mix dry ingredients in large bowl. Mix wet ingredients in smaller bowl. Mix dry and wet together just until moist. Stir in fruit. Spray or grease muffin tin or muffin liners. (They will stick to the paper.) You can substitute orange juice for the milk but it will make them alittle rubbery - but tastey nonetheless.

Bake regular size muffins at 400 degrees for about15-25 minutes? Sorry. I can't remember. I wait until they are slightly brown on top and see if they spring back in the center of the muffin. If so, they are done.

Organizing my School Room

2008-08-18T21:02:00.005-04:00

Someone in my Little Hearts for His Glory Yahoo group is creating a website to help homeschoolers get organized, learn about curriculum etc. Since I have been reorganizing my school room, I thought I would post some pictures and talk about how I have organized. I know, yawn, yawn.

Our school room is actually what used to be our dining room. We have a large kitchen with and eat-in area, so don't really need a dining room. Here is a picture of my husbands and my computer desks, because the lamp was on the flash didn't go off. My desk is to the left and my husbands desk is to the right. (If you click on the pictures you can see a bigger version of them)

To the right of my computer desk is a two drawer filing cabinet with my printer/copier/scanner on it (a must for every homeschool if you can). Before this year I had a notebook that I would put my daughters' work in, but sometimes it wouldn't get in it promptly and would get lost, dirty torn etc. Since I have to hand in a portfolio to the school district every year, this is important. This year I made up a file for each subject and then put a folder for each child in that file. Then as they finish their work I can file it (more likely to do) until I am ready to assemble their portfolio.

I love to look at people's bookshelves. It is probably one of the first things I do when I go to someone's house, so instead of a distant shot of my bookshelves I thought I would try and get some closeups in case you want to try and check out titles (I did do a couple of distance shots for a couple of my bookshelves. I have four 6' to 7' bookshelves in my school room.

You can't see the titles to clearly in the above picture but this is my landmark book collection. Great history reads for the 5th -8th grade age.

This is the top shelf of one of my bookshelves. it contains student Bible materials & books, homeschool & child help books and Christian biographies.

The second shelf of this case contains the books that we are using this year (LHFHG, PHFHG & Handbook of Nature Study, MUS). The Teacher books are laying on their side in a stack. The rest are texts. My children each have their own bin in which they keep their school supplies and workbooks. ( I haven't organized that desk yet so don't have a picture) in which they keep their particular books.

The third & fourth shelves contains other years Teacher's manuals (again on the side) and then the my history and geography books as well as atlases and dictionaries. I did have my books organized dewey decimal but that just wasn't working for me. So this time I organized them by era (which we will be studying them by) All Ancient resources, craft books, biographies and other books on the era are together, same with Middle Ages & American History. I see now that I have taken the photo that my children have already started to mess up my shelves again.

This shelf is under my landmark books. It is my science shelf organized by types of science: Physics, Chemistry, Earth & Sky, Biology, inventors ( I decided not to include them in the history section) and field guides. They are very tight and I definitely need more room.
Here we have our Character Sketches (because I haven't found a good bplace for them yet) alon with my art books, folklore, poems, and music books (again biographies of the composers are included in this section rather than the history section to make it a bit simpler)

This bookshelf is my reading bookshelf. It contains my literature books (Dickens, Austen, Alcott etc) my Junior Fiction and Easy readers. The bottom shelf are my husbands books and I told him he needs to build himself a bookshelf because I will soon be kicking them off ;)

Here is my ever important set of World Book encyclopedias. I used to have a set of Britannicas (they had belonged to my husbad when we got married), but did not like them (I grew up with World Book)

This used to be a pass through window to our kitchen which my husband blocked off (he is a contractor by the way). Here I keep more of my paperback books as well as CD's & tapes (and there is a puzzle in that can).

Below are a couple of drawers in my four drawer filing cabinet. They each have a large plastic bin (with a lid if I can find them) and a metal bin. In these drawers I keep my craft and basic school supplies.

The last of my book shelves in my schoolroom contain the "adult" section of our home library. This has our Bible Reference, herbal medicine, sewing, Christian Fiction, christion living and field guides.

I hope you have enjoyed touring our school room. I will try to get a picture of the children's area when I have it organized.

Lemon Pepper Filets on a Bed of Mushrooms & Spinach

2008-08-17T17:27:00.003-04:00

2 Gortons lemon Pepper or Garlic Butter Grilled Filets (I use just whiting or talapia with my own lemon pepper or garlic butter on top)
2 TBSP butter or margarine
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 packge (10oz) frozen spinach, thawed and drained
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp groun black pepper

Cook fish according to package directions.

Meanwhile in a 10 inch skillet, melt butter over medium heat and cook onion 2 minutes.
Add mushrooms and garlic and cook 4 minutes or until tender.
Add spinach, salt & pepper an continue cooking 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve hot fillets over spinach mixture.

Makes 2 servings.

30 Minute Taco Bake

2008-08-17T17:21:00.002-04:00

30 Minute Taco Bake
from Kraft

1lb of ground beef
1 pkg Taco Bell Home Originals Soft taco dinner kit OR
1 pckg of soft flour tortillas, packet of taco seasoning & taco sauce
1 pckg Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Brown meat; drain. Add Seasoning Mix and 3/4 cup water. bring to a boil, reduce heat; simmer 10 minutes, stirring occassionaly.

SPRAY 12X8 inch baking dish (I use a 9X13) with no stick cooking spray. Line baking dish with 6 tortialls; sprinkle with 1 cup of the cheese; top with remaining tortillas. drizzle with taco Sauce.

BAKE at 350 degree F, for 15 minutes. sprinkle with remaining cheese. bake an additional 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Where's Nathanael

2008-08-15T08:57:00.002-04:00

I think I now know why (after 5 children) that young children only think you can see them if they see you. We teach them that at an early age....I was playing the game where you throw a towel, washcloth, small blanket (something light that won't suffocate them) etc over your 1 yo face and say "Where's Nathanael?" you or he pulls it off and says "There he is?" and they love it, but they also can't see you and probably think that you can't see them. Well it's a theory anyway!

Catching up!

2008-08-07T09:06:00.004-04:00

It has been ages since I have blogged and my readership (large as it was ;) ) has probably disappeared (except for Jen, she is always so faithful....waving at you Jen) Anyway, our summer is winding down to an end and we will be starting school in a little more than 2 weeks.

I did something drastic regarding school this year. I am always a planner in this area and usually have all my curriculum picked out and purchased before the end of May. I had that done this year. I was going to use MFW for Em & Ab, something I had always dreamed of doing, I had everything purchased, it looked like a great curriculum except for a couple of things (no curriculum is perfect) For some reason I was not excited. I am going to use Little Hearts for His Glory by Heart of Dakota for my boys (1st & K)....very excited about that and I kept looking at the curriculum that was coming out this year....and it looked great, but that would mess up my 4 year history cycle. Well I kept reading the HOD boards and learning about the new curriculum that was being planned for next year and it sounded wonderful (almost perfect), so I prayed about it, consulted my dh and ds (dear sister) and did something I never did before....3 weeks before I am to start school, I sold my dream curriculum and purchased the HOD curriculum !!! I am VERY EXCITED about it! Can't wait until it gets here and when we can start.

We finished our Summer Reading program on Monday. They had a huge party with a game show. My daughter Em & Son Zach were both contestants (they did it according to grade, so they weren't contestants at the same time). Emily did very well, her only problem was she wasn't quick on the button. It was Zach who surprised me most (although it shouldn't have). He was not shy at all, quick on the button and knew the answers and he won his round! It was so funny to see my little boy (okay he is 6) just holding his own.

Not a very good picture, but you get the general idea (he is the one behind the green triangle all the way up front on the left

I did end up having a garden this year, not a huge one but we have some corn, green beans, tomatoes & cukes. I also have some herbs, mint & dill that grew back from last year, echinacea...did extremely well, lemon balm, calendula & basil.

I did get all my state requirements for homeschool done this year, so we are all ready for the coming season, both girls have to be tested for their grades so we will be doing that in the fall.

Not much else comes to mind. Hope you all are having a good summer.

I am still alive

2008-06-17T05:47:00.002-04:00

just haven't been in blogging mode! Hope all is well with my friends and readers!

Ergo Baby Carrier Contest

2008-05-09T14:31:00.000-04:00

Win a Free Ergo Baby Carrier from Along for the Ride

Elderely Woman Witnesses to Man who tries to Rob Her

2008-05-07T09:33:00.001-04:00

10 Homeschooling Tips

2008-05-01T08:59:00.004-04:00

I found this in the save file of my email from 3 years ago, I thought it had some good advice (not that I follow all of it LOL).

1) Keep everything as simple as you can. Jesus wrote with a stick in
the dirt, and He was the greatest teacher that ever lived. He used
no curriculum or flannel graphs or lesson plans. Homeschooling can
be made far more complicated than it should be. A simpler approach
is much more effective.

2) Stick to the 3 R's. They form the foundation of life-long
learning in every field because they are the tools of study. There
will be no need to formalize any other subject if the children are
doing their best in these 3, because people who are well grounded in
reading, writing and math will approach other subjects boldly,
independently and confidently.

3) Let the children teach themselves as much as they are able to.
This teaches them responsibility, intellectual independence, and
builds confidence. It's also better for the parent/child
relationship because you can focus on parenting instead of playing
schoolteacher.

4) Use the most direct method available. For reading, read. For
writing, write, for math, do it, and for Bible, read it. Don't fall
for catchy curriculums or methods that are really just something
else for you and your child to learn.

5) Don't worry about your child's age or grade. Just let him do the
best he can each day. Children grow intellectually like they do
physically: in spurts. Although we may have an audience of skeptical
relatives, homeschooling is not a circus, and we refuse to train our
children to do tricks for people.

6) Minimize distractions in the home. Watch for excessiveness in
entertainments, snacking, outings, phone conversations, internet and
computer time, and the like. These sorts of things can easily get
out of hand and compete with the effectiveness of a homeschool and
sap the family of time and energy.

7) Seek quality over quantity. A few tapes of great music, a small
case of carefully chosen books, a few special play mates, and an
occasional outing is better than a large, but poor quality
collection.

8) If you must document your school activities, do it after the
fact. This way you will not make promises you cannot keep. If you
are required to make lesson plans, be as vague as permissible. Don't
let transcripts, diplomas, records and tests determine your academic
plans. Focus on learning and the rest will follow.

9) Put the needs of your youngest, most vulnerable children first.
If an older child gets a little behind in school, I'm sure you can
forgive yourself, and catching up and regaining ground is not
impossible, and simply is a part of life, and that in itself will be
a valuable skill taught to them! But if something happened to the
toddler while you were busy homeschooling, or if you'd missed
precious nurturing moments for those who need attention the most at
the moment, it's harder, if not impossible to regain those things!

10) Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and soul and
don't neglect to seek him early...giving him the first fruits of
your day and teach your children to do the same. I know that you are
tired and that there aren't enough hours in your day, but we serve a
God who can make the sun stand still.

On the Subject of Art

2008-04-21T08:26:00.007-04:00

I am not a very creative type person, and definitely am not artsy. I have difficulty thinking outside of the box, so when it comes to teaching art, I need help and lots of pictuers (I am a visual learner). With 5 children, I also need something that is not consumable (except supplies of course) that I can use over again. Here are some books that I have found very helpful.

For learning art techniques:

Evan-Moor's "How to teach Art to Children"
This book teach's color, line, texture etc. It also has a section of books recommended for art appreciation and then projects that you can do to imitate that artist. Evan-Moor also has a good book called "ArtWorks" that are projects that you can do with your children.

Another good book for children to learn art by styles & artist is "Discvoering Great Artists: Hands-on Art for Children in the Styles of the Great Masters" by MaryAnn F. Kohl & Kim Solga

There are seems to be a lot of good books on art appreciation being published for children. One series that I recently discovered (I had heard of it before, but not checked it out until recently) is "Come Look with Me". We are currently using there book on Art in Early America. It contains about a dozen pictures from different well known artists. Devoting one picture to a page and on the opposite page it contains some questions about the picture and then a short biography on the artists life.

For very young children (preschool to early elementary...although my 9yo loves them to) are the "Katie" series by James Mayhew. They include: "Katie and the Impressionists", "Katy and the Sunday Afternoon", "Katie and the Mona Lisa" just to name a few. They are cute stories about a girl named Katie and her grandmother who go to the art museum. While they are looking around (Grandma is usually dozing on a bench), it shows Katy going inside the pictures and having an adventure.

If you want to read about individual artists check out the "Anholt's Artist Books for Children" by Laurence Anholt or "Getting to Know the World's Greatest Arists" series by Mike Venezia.

The National Gallery of Art has an extension program where you can borrow their resources for only the cost of return shipping. We used this at the beginning of the year and it was great. We would watch the DVD about the artist, then look at the pictures by that artist that was included and then have my daughter try to imitate something in that style.

If you want a packaged art curriculum here is a list of some that I have seen recommended.

How Great Thou Art
which includes (but is not limited)
God & The History of Art (4 year program)***
I can do all things
Lambs Book of Art

***you can purchase the pictures postcards as well as the painting/marker cards from Millers Pads and Paper (great art supplies resource).....

Artistic Pursuits

Meet the Masters

Artelier (this is a neat art program....I couldnt find it, but there used to be a sample of one of the demo's)

Art Websites:

Masterpiece Art Instruction

Garden of Praise

Every Day Art

National Gallery of Art

Room Service

2008-04-14T11:09:00.001-04:00

I got this picture from a group that I joined on facebook.

Is the Phantom a Good Guy or a Bad Guy?

2008-04-12T08:23:00.002-04:00

We just watched the movie "The Phantom of the Opera" this week, and while I didnt think my children would enjoy an opera, I was actually surprised at there response. The question I kept getting from my children at the end of the movie was "Is the Phantom a Good Guy or Bad Guy". While you not sure you want Christine to end up with him, you are caused to feel sympathy for him.

My boys are typical boys, they love to play firement & army men....to them there are always good guys and bad guys. I try to teach them that God does not want us to kill the bad guys, but teach them about Jesus so they can become good guys.

So my answer to them is that he was both. He was human. He loved Christine, but he let jealousy and anger and bitterness consume and control him and it turned her against him. In the end he shows repentance and asks for forgiveness, which is what God wants us to do.

The Hundred Year Lie

2008-04-08T17:18:00.004-04:00

Anyone who knows me, knows that despite my inconsistent eating habits, I am very interested in health and nutrition and the affect of processed foods on our body. I recently read the book "The Hundred Year Lie" by Randall Fitzgerald and thought it was one of the best books that I had read for showing a correlation between the introduction of processed foods and synthetic drugs and our nation's current downhill decline of health. Randall Fitzgerald is a newspaper reporter who became interested in the patterns of disease and food through various family members and friends becoming sick.

This books is worth the read for chapter 3 alone which goes through a timeline which shows the low rates of death through cancer, diabetes and asthmas in 1900 and it's gradual rise through the introduction of refined sugar and other processed foods, chemical pesticides as well as the push of drugs from the pharmaceutical industry. While Mr. Fitzgeralds book does focus on the negative effects of these foods/drugs/chemicals in our lives for a majority of the book and some people may call him an alarmist, he does open our eyes to these danger and show us the road on how to detoxify our bodies and set ourselves on the road to health.

If you want more information on eating a healthier diet good book is "What the Bible says about Healthy Living" by Rex Russel, MD.

Be a Pioneer to Mars!

2008-04-01T09:05:00.002-04:00

Think I am joking, then check out this link to google's Virgle.

Oh by the way happy April Fool's Day (there really is a link on google)

2008-03-22T23:08:00.000-04:00

Wishing everyone a Happy Resurrection Sunday! HE IS RISEN!

Homeschool Freebies

2008-03-19T22:02:00.002-04:00

Here are some free websites that I have come across in my travels or have been recommended to me. They include missions curriculum, kinder games, reading quizzes etc.

Wycliff Kids

Kinderweb Free Children's Games

TVO Kids

Book Adventure

CPR & First Aid

2008-03-12T12:08:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, my dd's and I took a first aid/CPR class. This has been something I have been wanting us to learn, especially the CPR. Having looked at classes that cost almost $100 to attend, I was blessed to have something for FREE, although it was not certified. I know others may not have this opportunity so I thought I would share some resources for being able to do this inexpensively:

http://www.cpranytime.us/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3033740

You can order the Manikin and DVD here for $30, this will teach you child/adult, they also have an infant course for $45.

http://saturn.igetsmart.com/servlet/loaddaemon?Type=92&Load=ahacpr&Field1=62942&Field2=0&Field3=0&Field4=0&Field5=1

Here is a website I found for helping to teach first aid:

http://www.firstaidweb.com/first_aid.php

NOTE: Snuff's Girl whose husband is a fire fighter also left this comment, which I thought was good to know:

"Check with the fire dept in your area and ask them when they have CPR classes....

Quite a few of our firefighters are certified to teach CPR/First aid if you check with the FD they can probably get you in touch with some of these guys, find out where they are teaching and you should be able to go. FREE, or just the cost of the card which is 5-10 bucks."

Homemade Birthday Candles

2008-03-10T11:00:00.001-04:00

Since we are learning American History, one of our projects for homeschooling was making hand dipped candles. They didnt come exactly like we expected, but they made some cool birthday candles.

King of the Jungle

2008-03-05T11:20:00.002-05:00

This is my latest upload to Youtube about our trip to the Bronx Zoo in 2005

Mozilla Firefox

2008-03-03T09:00:00.002-05:00

Does anyone else have this problem? I have been using Mozilla Firefox browser for several years now. When I first started using this it was great! But for the past 6 months (or longer) I have noticed that every couple of months when it upgrades (and it seems to upgrade almost every week) everything gets deleted. My bookmarks, my tabs that I have saved etc. Am I the only one that Mozilla does this to, or are there others? It is very frustrating! Maybe I should switch back to Internet Explorer.

Saturday Psalm & Praise Meme

2008-03-01T13:10:00.003-05:00

We sang this song at church on Sunday and then again at the ladies Bible Study and it has been on my mind ever since!

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom
(REPEAT)

David Attenborough Videos

2008-02-28T15:36:00.001-05:00

My sister told me about these fun clips of David Attenborough, naturalist on You Tube....embedding as been disabled, so I will send you there by link....http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=attenborough&search=Search

Check these out, my kids loved them. They are great for a nature study if you can't make it outside.

Wordless Wednesdays (DS's BD yesterday)

2008-02-13T14:18:00.004-05:00

Above Rubies Auction

2008-02-12T14:59:00.000-05:00

I am auctioning off 7 of my back issues of the Above Rubies magazine. All proceeds (minus expenses) will be donated back to the Above Rubies ministry.

Here is the link if anyone is interested:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130197830138

A Story of Two Girls

2008-02-07T19:58:00.000-05:00

I was cleaning out some stuff and I came across this story that I had written for my daughters last year.....it is a "Choose your own ending" type of story.

A Story of Two Girls

Once upon a time, two girls were playing contentedly. One was being creative with her coloring book, crayons and scissors. The other didn’t seem to know what to do with herself, so she started playing with the curtain rod that the boys had left in their wake. Suddenly mom awakened from her preoccupation and asked the dreaded four word question, “Is your room clean?” “Ah, um,” said the girl who wasn’t busy creating a game book. She knew if she didn’t come up some sort of distraction quickly that mom was going to give that dreaded four word command. She couldn’t come up with anything and mom said “Go clean your room” “Yes mommy” came the humble reply and she went to obey. The other daughter thought her occupation would keep her from being involved in the command, to her disappointment it did not.

Endings

Ending #1) So the two girls went up and cleaned their room as mommy said and lived happily ever after.

Ending #2). The two girls went up to clean their room, but were soon distracted and started playing, and weren’t allowed to have dessert so there was much weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Which ending will you choose?

Little Hearts for His Glory

2008-02-06T08:44:00.000-05:00

It is the time of year for me to start thinking about next years curriculum. I have already decided to do "My Father's World: Creation to the Greeks", but was unsure what to do with my younger boys. I wanted to do MFW for them to, but the cost of both Kindergarten & 1st grade put me off. I then discovered "Little HEarts for His Glory" . So far it seems perfect, not as expensive as MFW and I can use it for both boys. I am so excited I went searching for a yahoo group. Not finding one, I decided to start my own. So if any on is interested, check it out:

Click to join LittleHearts4HisGlory

Easy Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies

2008-01-24T11:49:00.001-05:00

Nice simple recipe that I got from http://www.cooks.com

EASY CHEWY PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES
--------------------------------

1 c. peanut butter
1 c. sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla

Mix ingredients and roll walnut size balls. Bake at 325
degrees for 13 minutes.

The Ten Commandments

2008-01-24T11:07:00.000-05:00

I thought this was a good way to help your children learn the 10 Commandments.

| View | Upload your own

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

2008-01-23T09:27:00.001-05:00

I was complaining to my mother the other day how much I liked oatmeal raisin cookies but couldnt find a recipe to my liking. She said that my sister had made her cookies for Christmas and they were very good. So I called my sister for the recipe and have just tasted the results....this is the recipe I have been looking for!

2/3 c. white sugar
2/3 c. brown sugar
1 c. butter (or 1/2 c. butter & 1/2 c. shortening)
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 Large Eggs
3 c. oats
1 c. flour
1 c. raisins (nuts, dates or choco chips)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Stir together everything but the oats, flour & raisins. Add remaining ingredients. Place 2 TBSP cookie dough 2" apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 9-11 minutes or until lightly browned. Quickly move from cookie sheet to cooling rack.

My batch made about 3 dozen (but they were slightly bigger than 2 TBSP)

Winter Time Blues

2008-01-18T05:54:00.000-05:00

We actually got a couple inches of snow yesterday.....which I am glad my children took full advantage of. I let them play outside until bedtime, being in the dark didnt seem to bother them. Nnow the rain come and turn it into slush. I think I need to start taking my iron supplement again (I usually only need it when I am pregant). I have really been lathargic the past couple of months. I am not sure if it is because I am lazy, not getting enough sleep at night (baby is still getting up during the night, I think he is teething), to many carbs or I need more iron. Maybe it is just the January blues. I have been taking my vitamins and while I can see the difference when I take those and when I dont....I still feel unmotivated. Perhaps this is just something God is trying to get me to overcome......my feelings....doing things whether I feel like it or not. I just seem unmotivated to do more than the basics. Well "Mind over matter will make the Pooh unfatter" is probably the best advice I have gotten from Winnie the Pooh and I need to take it. Some prayer, attitude adjustments and sleep will probably help to as well as walking away more of those pounds.

Homeschoolers Mock Poll

2008-01-15T20:32:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 1/15/08

HOMESCHOOLERS INVITED TO VOTE IN THIR VERY OWN MOCK PRIMARY ELECTION.
THE POLLS ARE OPEN NOW!

For the first time ever, Homeschoolers are invited to make their
voices heard and take part in HomeschoolEstore' s Non-Partisan Mock
Primary Presidential Election! Homeschoolers ages 7-17, who are
United States residents, will learn about the election process and
the 2008 presidential candidates when they cast their vote, anytime
between now and February 4th. Results of the election and exit
polling results will be available, real-time. Final results will be
posted on Monday, February 4th, the day before Super Tuesday. You
must have a free HomeschoolEstore account in order to participate.
Click here to make your voice heard!

http://www.homescho olestore. com/catalog/ hses_mock_ primary.php

Don't miss this opportunity to choose from great discounts on
political and patriotic curriculum now at HomeschoolEstore. Discounts
up to 50% off, now through February 4th.

http://www.homescho olestore. com/catalog/ election_ sale.php

Homeschoolestore is the only retailer of homeschool notebooking
pages, unit studies, work books, testing material, mp3 audio and
more, all in immediately downloadable, digital format, and all up to
30% below retail prices! Thousands of great titles to choose from,
all from the most popular publishers. Plus, a new FREE title, every
week!
http://www.homescho olestore. com

Oatmeal Raisin Scones

2008-01-14T10:03:00.000-05:00

Trying to get back on track with excercising, cleaning house and homeschooling (homeschooling is going pretty well actually). Here is a yummy recipe I came across this weekend:

1 cup flour
3 TBSP brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/3 c. butter
1 c. oatmeal
1/2 c. raisins or chocolate chips
1 beaten egg
1/4 c. milk
Milk

In a bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon. Cut in butter till mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in oats and raisins. Combine egg and 1/4 c. milk, add to flour mixture. Stir just till moistened (will be sticky). On a lightly floured surface, pat dough into a 7 inch circle. Cut into 12 wedges; place on a baking sheet. Brush with milk. Bake in 400 degree oven for 10-12 minutes or until light brown....Serve warm. Makes 12

Attention Jane Austen Fans

2008-01-08T12:29:00.001-05:00

Masterpiece Theatre
The Complete Jane Austen
Premiering Sunday, January 13, 2008

The Complete Jane Austen, beginning Sunday, January 13, 2008, features all new productions of Persuasion, Northanger Abbey, Mansfield Park, and Sense and Sensibility. The lineup also includes the acclaimed Emma staring Kate Beckinsale, and the Emmy Award-winning Pride and Prejudice that made Colin Firth a leading man. Four of the titles -- Emma, Northanger Abbey, Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility -- were adapted by celebrated screenwriter Andrew Davies.

Persuasion
January 13, 2008

Northanger Abbey
January 20, 2008

Mansfield Park
January 27, 2008

Miss Austen Regrets
February 3, 2008

Pride and Prejudice
February 10, 17, + 24, 2008

Emma
March 23, 2008

Sense and Sensibility
March 30 + April 6, 2008

The Gratitude Campaign

2008-01-06T12:06:00.001-05:00

More on Ron Paul

2008-01-01T13:47:00.001-05:00

I occasionally read comments about Ron Paul's view of things.....some of which I believe are misunderstood.....I recently read a comment on Home Where They Belong's blog that articulately answers some of the questions that people have asked or made in regards to him. I am unable to get in contact with the writer of these comments....but am giving links to her/his comment on the blog as well as copying it here.

"A concern early on in this blog was raised about the apparent lack of any overt mention of Christianity on Ron Paul's site.

Hearing or reading Paul answer these questions himself far exceeds my attempt to answer for him (www.ronpaul2008.com; www.ronpaullibrary.org; www.lewrockwell.com; www.ronpaullibrary.com), but I'll try my best.

(1. He doesn’t mention faith or being a Christian anywhere on his issues page).

Somebody has already posted his statement of faith on this blog. (Kay inserting here: here is the comment that is being referenced "t has been questioned whether Ron Paul is Christian and according to him he is. Here is a quote from Ron Paul, "I have never been one who is comfortable talking about my faith in the political arena. In fact, the pandering that typically occurs in the election season I find to be distasteful. But for those who have asked, I freely confess that Jesus Christ is my personal Savior, and that I seek His guidance in all that I do. I know, as you do, that our freedoms come not from man, but from God. My record of public service reflects my reverence for the Natural Rights with which we have been endowed by a loving Creator." This can be found at:
http://www.ronpaul2008.com/articles/87/statement-of-faith/

Keep in mind that he's not running for pastor - he's running for President. The President swears to uphold and defend the Constitution - which means making sure you have the right to worship anyway you want to. As long as he follows this, his faith is irrelevant. (Even an atheist could defend my right to follow Jesus if s/he was a Constitutionalist). Paul even said Romney should not have had to address his Mormonism - unless he plans on forcing his beliefs on us, it's irrelevant.

Again, that's not to say Paul believes his faith is irrelevant. But it's reflected in the way he lives his life rather than verbally having to tell you (our works prove our faith, not the other way around).

He believes we walk a slippery slope when we start using our Christianity as a way to 'get votes.' Especially since the President represents all the people.

Supreme Court Judge Clarence Thomas said recently that he doesn't rule based on his faith (or his gender or race). He rules based on what he believes is Constitutional. But his faith validates what he does.

And ruling based on the Constitution sometimes means not following how one 'feels.' (The church could learn something if we applied following God's Word as written rather than how we 'feel' about it)

(2. He says he’s pro-life).

As a baby doctor, Paul has delivered 4,000 babies in his life, and has never seen a need to perform an abortion. He is 100% pro-life.

You may not know that Congress has the ability to override rulings of the Supreme Court. (I think it's more complicated than that, but that's the essence of it) More than once, Paul has introduced legislation that would overturn Roe vs. Wade, establish the fact that the Fed Govt recognizes life begins at conception, and remove the Fed Govt from the debate (sending it back to states to decide). This would also eliminate use of all funding of abortions with Fed tax money (our money).

My understanding is that at least 40% of the states would almost immediately put restrictions on abortion - something they can't do now because Roe vs. Wade was a Federal decision.

If you've never heard of Paul's legislation, it's because it never makes it out of committee. None of the so-called pro-life Congressmen nor President Bush have seen fit to support this legislation.

And we see how much progress has happened in terms of getting an amendment banning abortion. An amendment is not going to happen - it's just convinient for candidates to say that they support one..

(3. He doesn’t even talk about gay marriage at all. That’s a bad sign if you ask me!)

He has talked about this. In fact, when asked about a constitutional amendment defining what marriage is, he doesn't see a need for it - because marriage is already defined as a man and a woman. The fact that people want to redefine it doesn't legitimize it.

He believes marriage should return to the jurisdiction of the churches, completely out of the hands of the government. The fact that the govt is involved right now is a big reason why gay marriage is becoming 'acceptable' - the govt is redefining it.

Paul also believes the Fed Govt doesn't have a right to be a moral judge and jury - again, this issue also goes back to the states.

One other note about amendments. Paul has stated we need to approach amending the Constitution very carefully. When the government starts telling others what they can't do, the same principle applies in that they can also start telling us what we can't do as well.

(4. He wants to withdraw all troops from the Middle East immediately. He’s trying to repeat the disaster that happened in Vietnam and wipe out everything we’ve worked for in the Middle East. He wants to leave the terrorists alone. Then, they can develop nuclear power and kill millions.)

Actually, quite the opposite. He wants to bring troops home from the Middle East so we can avoid another Vietnam... it's too late to avoid a disaster.

According to former CIA terrorist analyst Michael Scheuer (among others), the US is not in the Middle East to defend our freedoms - we're there because of business interests like oil. And being there is helping Al Quida recruit more people.

Even Benazir Bhutto - killed in Pakistan 12/27/07 - said that she believes US military involvement has helped to promote terrorism in Pakistan.

US foreign policy either installs and/or gives money to governments like Pakistan, and then when they don't do what we ask, we go to war, remove them from power, and start over. It happened in Iran, it happened in Iraq, it's happening in Pakistan.

Where in the Constitution does it give the US the right to do any of this?

And if you think we went to war with Iraq because of 9/11, think again. It has been the policy of the US to have 'regime change' in Iraq since 1997. Both the CIA and people on the ground in Iraq before the war started said there was no real evidence pointing to WMD's in Iraq. And now plans are for us to be there another 20-50 years - our embassy being built right now is as large as the Vatican and will cost $1.5 billion yearly to operate.

And if you think we need to fight them over there instead of over here - not only is it a fallacy to believe those are the only two options, the fact that 'they're' already here shows how wrong that thinking is.

We're doing nothing to protect our borders. And our defense is the weakest is been in a long time. Shouldn't this be our priority - rather than forcing democracy down the throats of a sovereign country using the barrel of a gun?

There was a concern raised about Paul's apparent lack of support for Israel. Let's first look at current US policy.

We do not respect Israel's sovereignty. They can make no decisions without checking with us first. They can't defend themselves... they can't enter into peace treaties unless we approve it. I believe they have to purchase all their weapons from us. And they have started asking us to fight their wars for them.

And we give more money to Israel's enemies than we do to Israel.

None of this sounds like 'support' to me.

And the Fed Govt doesn't have the right to 'support' anyone financially. That's our money. The Fed Govt is supposed to protect my right to support Israel - or not support them.

Please remember that the same type of 'support' the Fed Govt gives Israel is the same type of 'support' they give to performing abortions - our tax dollars at work as they see fit.

Let me - my group - my church - support Israel. The Fed Govt is only there to protect my God-given right to do this.

Paul believes we should be friends with as many as possible (harder to go to war with friends), free trade (not managed trade like NAFTA) with as many as possible, and set the good example. But stay out of entangling alliances. Let countries deal with their own problems. And if Congress, representing the people, wants to declare war, they can.

Remember that US foreign policy has typically been non-intervention, fighting only when necessary to defend yourself. To protect life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all Americans. We've allowed ourselves to be convinced that there's a terrorist behind every door, an 'undefined enemy,' and we'll have to give up some of our liberties to be safe. Because of that, Benjamin Franklin said we will have neither.

Outside of saying he's pro-life and pro-marriage, Mike Huckabee's record is not 'conservative.' He has the support of the New Hampshire NEA. He believes he can decide 'what is right' (an answer in a debate) rather than follow the Constitution. He believes it's okay for the Fed Govt to ban smoking in all 50 states.

Regarding homeschooling, Ron Paul believes that:
1. Parents should make decisions about their children (defending life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness).
2. The Department of Education should be eliminated (same position as Reagan prior to his election), sending all Ed. decisions back to the state and local levels.
3. As long as there is an Fed Income Tax, homeschooling families should receive tax rebates for homeschool expenses.

And he has stood up for these rights consistently.

It doesn't get much more pro-homeschool than that.

Thanks for letting me share,
Wade0520

Happy New Year

2008-01-01T13:46:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone is having a happy new years day!

Jesus vs Santa

2007-12-28T11:01:00.000-05:00

I copied this from Jen's Blog and added a line:

Santa lives at the North Pole.JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh

JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year

JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies

JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited

JESUS stands at your door and knocks.. and then enters your heart.

You have to stand in line to see Santa

JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap

JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn’t know your name, all he can say is “Hi little boy or girl, What’s your name?”

JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly

JESUS has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO

JESUS offers health, help and hope.

Santa says “You better not cry”

JESUS says “Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.

Santa’s little helpers make toys

JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but

JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree

JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.

Santa is a lie

JESUS is the TRUTH

It’s obvious there is really no comparison.

We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.

We need to put Christ back in Christmas.

Jesus is still the reason for the season.

on my to see list

2007-12-27T23:15:00.001-05:00

Pictures from Christmas!

2007-12-26T23:46:00.001-05:00

Check out my Slide Show!

2007-12-26T23:45:00.001-05:00

A Homeschool Family

2007-12-22T06:33:00.000-05:00

I thought this was hysterical!

Is Mike Huckabee Homeschool friendly?

2007-12-19T13:15:00.000-05:00

I just read an interesting article about Mike Huckabee. Thought I would pass it on.

http://www.lewrockwell.com/orig8/kluck1.html

Feeling Blah

2007-12-17T11:18:00.000-05:00

I have been feeling pretty lathargic lately. I think we are still fighting some illness. Hopefully we will feel better soon.

We have given away our chickens. I think we will wait until we have more property before getting chickens again. It was fun having them, but sometimes good things must come to an end.

I have finished most of my Christmas shopping, just waiting for dh to give me the green light to finish ALL of it. What gifts I have purchased are already wrapped.

Not much else going on and haven't been inspired much lately to blog. I did update Nathanaels blog with a cute pictures.

Christmas Quiz

2007-12-10T10:45:00.000-05:00

Angela didnt tag me, but I am pretending she did...okay so I am just being a copycat.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?

2. Real tree or artificial? We dont always get a tree but when we do we get a real tree....sometimes a live one that we can plant.

3. When do you put up the tree? Depends when dh goes out and gets it, sometimes a week or two before, sometimes on Christmas eve.

4. When do you take the tree down? Usually within two weeks after Christmas, depends when we got it.

5. Do you like eggnog? Yes (w/o the alcohol)

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Can't remember

7. Do you have a Nativity scene? Absolutely....a porclein one and a banner.

8. Hardest person to buy for? My brothers

9. Easiest person to buy for? My girls

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Can't remember

11. Mail or e-mail Christmas cards? I used to mail them out...but my list was always 60-100 peoples, so now I just email.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? It's A Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol (with Alistair Sims), "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas" with Boris Karloff

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? September

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Maybe once or twice

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Cadbury Bar

16 Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear

17. Favorite Christmas song? Not Sure, I like most Christmas Carols. I like "O Come, O Come Emmanuel", "What Child is This (Greensleeves)" "Hark the Harold Angels Sing"....I used to not like the last one....but one year I really paid attention to the verses and have loved it ever since.

18 Travel at Christmas or stay home? Both, some years we travel to Kentucky otherwise we stay hom,

19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Comet, Blitzen, Rudolph..no I guess I cant

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star....

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas Morning

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Commercialism

23. Favorite Christmas tradition? I started a new one for the children last year and they loved it...instead of stockings (we try to stay away from the candy)....I dont put baby Jesus in the nativity until Christmas morning, so last year I hid him and left clues around the house.....along the way there was a small present for each of them to open, then they put Jesus in the Cresh...I also leave a fruit and nut bowl out that they can have as much as they want (which is a treat, because usually fruit is rationed)

24. Up early or sleeping in? I like to sleep in a little bit....I am usually the first one up, but now my girls are getting old enough to beat me to it.

25. Who hands out the gifts? The kids and daddy.

26. Does Santa wrap your gifts? Who's Santa?

27. Do you tell the Christmas story? Dh does before they are allowed to open their gifts.

28. Do you leave cookies for Santa? Are you kidding.....cookies have sugar in them. ;)....and who is Santa? LOL!

Twelve Days

2007-12-03T11:13:00.001-05:00

Pennies

2007-11-29T12:35:00.000-05:00

You always hear the usual stories of pennies on the sidewalk being good luck, gifts from angels, etc. This is the first time I've ever heard this twist on the story. Gives you something to think about.
Several years ago, a friend of mine and her husband were invited to spend the weekend at the husband's employer's home. My friend, Arlene, was nervous about the weekend. The boss was very wealthy, with a fine home on the waterway, and cars costing more than her house
The first day and evening went well, and Arlene was delighted to have this rare glimpse into how the very wealthy live. The husband's employer was quite generous as a host, and took them to the finest restaurants. Arlene knew she would never have the opportunity to indulge in this kind of extravagance again, so was enjoying herself immensely.

As the three of them w ere about to enter an exclusive restaurant that evening, the boss was walking slightly ahead of Arlene and her husband.
He stopped suddenly, looking down on the pavement for a long, silent moment.

Arlene wondered if she was supposed to pass him. There was nothing on the ground except a single darkened penny that someone had dropped, and a few cigarette butts Still silent, the man reached down and picked up the penny.

He held it up and smiled, then put it in his pocket as if he had found a great treasure. How absurd! What need did this man have for a single penny? Why would he even take the time to stop and pick it up?

Throughout dinner, the entire scene nagged at her. Finally, she could stand it no longer. She casually mentioned that her daughter once had a coin collection, and asked if the penny he had found had been of some value.

A smile crept across the man's face as he reached into his pocket for the penny and held it out for her to see. Sh e had seen many pennies before! What was the point of this?

"Look at it." He said. "Read what it says." She read the words "United States of America"
"No, not that; read further."
"One cent?" "No, keep reading."
"In God we Trust?" "Yes!" "And?"
"And if I trust in God, the name of God is holy, even on a coin. Whenever I find a coin I see that inscription. It is written on every single United States coin, but we never seem to notice it! God drops a message right in front of me telling me to trust Him? Who am I to pass it by? When I see a coin, I pray, I stop to see if my trust IS in God at that moment. I pick the coin up as a response to God; that I do trust in Him. For a short time, at least, I cherish it as if it were gold. I think it is God's way of starting a conversation with me. Lucky for me, God is patient and pennies are plentiful!

When I was out shopping today, I found a penny on the sidewalk. I stopped and picked it up, and realized that I had been worrying and fretting in my mind about things I cannot change. I read the words, "In God We Trust," and had to laugh. Yes, God, I get the message.

It seems that I have been finding an inordinate number of pennies in the last few months, but then, pennies are plentiful! And, God is patient..
The best mathematical equation I have ever seen:
1 cross
+ 3 nails
--------
4 given

That's the whole gospel message simply stated

Chicken Broccoli Casserole

2007-11-28T02:53:00.000-05:00

When my son Zach was born a friend of mine brought me this casserole....I have made a couple of "improvements" to it. I had forgotten about this recently until we were given a can of French Onions and since I dont make the traditional green bean casserole I was trying to remember what I used them for. Here is the recipe:

2-3 cups of cut up cooked chicken (I usually use the breast meat, but you can use left overs from a roast chicken)

1 head of broccoli cooked (or package of frozen broccoli thawed)

1 can of cream of chicken or mushroom soup

milk (I usually measure 1/2 - 1 soup can's worth)

1 cup of cheddar cheese

1 -2 cups of french onions

Put chicken and broccoli in a casserole dish (I can fit this in a 8X8). In a separate stir together soup and milk and then pour into casserole dish. Sprinkle cheese on top, and then the french onions on top of the cheese. Bake for half hour in a 350 degree oven.

Thanksgiving Potato Casserole

2007-11-21T09:50:00.001-05:00

THANKSGIVING POTATO CASSEROLE

5 LBS Potatoes, pared and quartered

2 tsp salt

2 pckgs Cream Cheese (# oz) with chives, cubed (if you cant find, used dried chives)

4 TBSP Buter

½ tsp Garlic Powder

Pepper and Salt to Taste

2 Cups Heavy Cream

2 more TBSP Butter

Paprika

Cook Potatoes with salt in boiling water until tender. Smash Potatoes until smooth (or put through a potato ricer). Add cream Cheese, 4 TBSP Butter, Garlic, Pepper, and salt; Mix until smooth. Put mixture into greased 13X9X2” Baking dish. Refrigerate overnight covered with foil. Dot Top off mixture with remaining 2 TBSP of Butter. Sprinkle with Paprika. Bake in a 325 degree oven for 1 hour. 12 servings.

Swiss String Beans

2007-11-21T09:47:00.001-05:00

This is not your mother's green bean casserole!

SWISS STRING BEANS

Make White Sauce of:

2 TBSP Flour

2 TBSP Melted Butter

1 Tsp salt

¼ tsp Pepper

Add

1 TBSP Sugar

½ TBSP Onion

1 Cup Sour Cream

Gradually stirring until thick and Creamy

Fold in Gently: 4 cups Cooked French Cut Green Beans

Heat Thoroughly and Pour into 1 ½ quart Casserole dish.

Grate ½ LB Swiss Cheese over Beans.

Cover with 1 cup crushed corn flakes mixed with 2 TBSP Butter.

Bake a 400 degrees for 20 minutes.

Pumpkin Bread

2007-11-19T08:14:00.000-05:00

Pumpkin Bread

To make this a bit healthier, I cut the sugar back by 1/2 cup and used sucanat. I used freshly ground wheat flours.

2 1/2 c sugar
3 1/2 c flour
2 t. baking soda
1 t. cinnamon
1 t. nutmeg
1 1/2 c raisins (optional)
1 c walnuts (optional)
2 c cooked, mashed pumpkin
1 c oil
1/3 c water
4 eggs

350'F for approximately an hour depending on the size of the pans. Smaller ones could be quite a bit less. I use normal bread load pans and that is about an hour.

Life as usual

2007-11-17T20:06:00.000-05:00

I have a cold and feel very uninspired.

I did cut up a pumpkin and process it today so I made two pumpkin pies.....with eggs from my chickens, kefir & sucanat everything is healthy except the store bought crust. I strongly dislike making pie crust.

My spacebar sticks so it is very annoying to type.....I think I might swap it out for the kids keyboard which is practically brand new. As you can see my life is very exciting right now. I don't even have to plan for Thanksgiving. My SIL is hosting and I only have to bring a sour cherry pie & a green bean casserole (not the traditional ones). I should post recipes for both the pie and the green bean casserole.

I'm Back

2007-11-13T12:34:00.000-05:00

Just returned from my niece's wedding in North Carolina. Had a lot of fun and arrived safetly home.

Facebook

2007-11-03T00:08:00.000-04:00

I have been hanging out over at facebook during my computer time having a blast and bad about keeping up with my blog friends lately. I realized just what bunch of computer dead beat friends (in real life) I have, with a few (and I mean 3) exceptions most of my real friends are not into the computer scene.....they barely email, they dont blog and they dont have FACEBOOK (which by the way is so much fun when you have some friends), okay so maybe they have a REAL life and I am a deadbeat...anyway, so most of my friends consist of my college age nephews and nieces and a couple of their friends....so am I acting immature for my age by doing this? or do I need to make some new friends. (Of coures I will keep my deadbeat ones too!)

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