Friday, January 06, 2012

Caution: Builders At Work

...Supplies...
...A firm foundation is key...
...Concentration...
...A little extra 'glue'...
...Precision...
...Every house needs a pet...
...Marshmallow chimney & A choir of singing gummy bears...
...Proper placement...
...Squeeze...
...Sweet success...
...Perfect little house...
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Thursday, January 05, 2012

12 Hopes for 2012 by Shane Claiborne

Love this...

12 Hopes for 2012 by Shane Claiborne

by Shane Claiborne on Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at 8:54am

12. Do something really nice – that no one knows about.

11. Spend more money on other people than I spend on my self. Love my neighbor as I love myself. And love myself as I love my neighbor.

10. Laugh often… especially at advertisements that try to convince me that I must buy more stuff in order to be happy.

9. Learn a new life skill – like carpentry, pottery, or canning vegetables. Teach someone else I life skill I know how to do.

8. Love a few people well, remembering that what is important is not how much we do but how much love we put into doing it.

7. Write a letter to someone I need to say thank you to. Write another letter to someone I need to ask to forgive me.

6. Track down a critic or someone I disagree with and take them to lunch. Listen to them.

5. Compliment someone I have a hard time complimenting… and mean it.

4. Choose life. Do something regularly to interrupt the patterns of death – do something to end violence, bullying, war, capital punishment and other mean and ugly things.

3. Pause before every potential crisis and ask “will this matter in 5 years?”

2. Get outside often and marvel at things like fireflies and shooting stars. And regularly get my hands into the garden… so when I type on the computer I can see dirt under my fingernails.

1. Believe in miracles. And live in a way that might necessitate one.

Sunday, January 01, 2012

New Year, New... Me?

2012 is of to a great start.

7.2 miles in 62.22.
.Church.
.Lunch.


I've been stewing over New Years Resolutions... Do I want to make them? Will I keep them if I make them? Will I even remember what they are? I don't know if I kept my resolutions from last year, I can't remember if I made any! I guess maybe I should look back. Maybe I blogged them...
Hey, hey, I did!
I made school related resolutions. You can find the post here. I am pleased to say, most of them I did follow through with and they have become a permanent part of our school life.

But what about personal resolutions...
Do I want to commit to that?
After much thought, I have decided I will.

I have picked three words to define my 2012.

.Deepen.
.Celebrate.
.Courageous.

I will elaborate on the meanings behind each word later.

I have also decided to do 12-in-12.
Each month I will choose one thing to concentrate on all month. I am going to tentatively plan the year, knowing I have the ability to make adjustments as needed.

January is going to be a month of praying about a very specific step of faith I have been struggling with. I am committing to pray specifically for 30 days. After the 30 days, if I feel the Lord is saying go forth, I will take it to my husband.

What about you?
Do you have any goals for 2012?
Do you have a word that will define you in 2012?

Saturday, December 31, 2011

Highlights of 2011

bullet style...
  • Birth of Bristol, our 5th child. Best natural birth experience ever.
  • Watching my children watch what happens to an egg when it is put into the microwave.
  • The refrigerator, freezer & washer all going out with in a 2 week period.
  • Underwear being sucked into the central vac by a child who would not touch another child's, clean underwear. Mom fishing the underwear out with a clothes hanger.
  • Baby turtles!
  • A snake in the kitchen, brought in by my ecstatic son who caught it.
  • House work; electricians, roofers, and carpenters all here at the same time.
  • A beastly hot summer!
  • The cabin is finally finished.
  • Learning to parent an almost teen = 3, maybe 4 showers a day.
  • Repainting the fireplace room.
  • Laughter, a lot of laughter.
  • Friends who come to my rescue when I need then the most.

and many more.

Monday, December 26, 2011

Hello!

...Best.Christmas.Ever...
.
I Loved every minute of spending time with family.
.
I am exhausted today. As in 'Need toothpicks to keep eyes open' exhausted.
.
We are off to our cabin.
.
I am planning to sneak in a nap with the little ones.
.
I will be back next week.
.
....I just might sleep that long....



Thursday, December 22, 2011

.True.Lovely.Right.

“Whatever is true… whatever is lovely… whatever is right… think about such things…” Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

Christmas is almost here. Families will soon be gathering to celebrate. Some will gather in joyous reunions and others will 'just get through it'. Personal values, past issues, marriages, divorces, religious beliefs, political beliefs, financial stress... can cause strain on family relationships. I challenge you this Christmas to leave those things at the door. Set your eyes on
“Whatever is true… whatever is lovely… whatever is right… ”

Search for the good in those you love.
Praise their God given gifts.
Overlook their short falls.
Allow their loose tongue to glide right by you.
Be who God wants You to be & let Him worry about them.

It just might be the Best Christmas Ever.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Midwest Sushi

No, I was not clever enough to proclaim Pickle Wraps as Midwest Sushi, my friend did, but I love it!
Don't write them off until you've had one.
They really are tasty!
  1. Drain the pickles and lay them on a towel to dry.
  2. Lay out 2 slices of Corned Beef, lengthwise. I buy Carl Budding. Over lap 1/8 inch.
  3. Spread with softened cream cheese.
  4. Place pickle on one end and roll up
  5. Chill for several hours.
  6. Slice.


Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Snow Crafts

I am longing for snow.
.Not rain.
.Belch.

We are making our own snow this week.
You can too!

Aren't these the coolest looking snow globes!
.get instructions here.

We are going to make some beaded snowflakes to hang on a few of our little trees.
.instructions for Beaded Snowflakes.

I personally think these snow globes are too cute!
My kids are going to love playing with them.
image credit outbestbites.com
.instructions here.

Let your little ones color, cut and make their own snowman.
.snowman craft here.

A favorite at our house is making 'gingerbread' houses & igloo's out of sugar cubes.

. my icing recipe & instructions here.

How will you make your own snow this week?

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Sunday, December 18, 2011

Scrioture & A Snapshot


Let us not forget the true meaning of Christmas!
Let the light of Jesus shine through you this week as you shop, mail letters, prepare food...

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Land of a Million Sprinkles

The icing bags were filled and ready to be squeezed.
While the cookies sat drying
No one was at ease.

The children were bouncing
pony tails flouncing.
Little fingers waiting to start to squeeze.

At last, the time was here!
The waiting had ended.
The sugar high was near.
Squeeze
Squeeze
Squeeze
The frosting was flowing.
Little children's eyes were glowing.
Details were added with tender care.
Some even ended up in little girls hair.
Then, Out came the sprinkles
Adding more joy to the day!
Cookies
Frosting
Sprinkles
Bouncing every which way.
Yes, it was a good day!
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Sunday, December 11, 2011

Scrioture & A Snapshot

My children bring so much joy into our house.
I could not imagine life without any one of them.

I am cherishing each moment.
Holding on to each a little longer when I tuck them in.
They are growing all to fast.


Friday, December 09, 2011

Top 10 things that *almost* cause me to lose it in December

10. Children side swiping the car with clean winter jackets.
9. 30 minutes to clothe children in winter wear, 5 minutes of children outside.
8. Toys magazines galore in the mail.
7. Wet snow clothes flung all over the garage.
6. The store clerk asking my kids if they were good enough for Santa to come.
5. 'Happy Holidays'
4. Wrapping gifts. I am terrible at wrapping!
3. Cookies, my biggest temptation. I would gladly skip a meal for a 1/2 dozen cookies. Real good example to my kids huh?!?
2. Trying to fit all the extended family Christmas's in without going in sane
1. Children on a Happy Sugar High, anxiously waiting for Christmas morning, who are low on sleep due to extra activities of the season.


Thursday, December 08, 2011

Hope

HOPE

'The act of looking to the future, in confidence, believing it will be better than today.'

HOPE

'Never giving up your dreams of what tomorrow may hold.'

HOPE
'Knowing that His grace is going to give me the strength for whatever I face. Nothing is a surprise to God.'

HOPE
'May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.' Romans 15:3

Tuesday, December 06, 2011

TTT - Gomeschool Helps

The web is a tremendous resource for homeschooling families.
Here are a few of my favorite 'GoTo' sites.

Heart of Wisdom
Bible Memory Printable Cards

Character Trait Check Lists

Bible Memory Printable Match Game


Printable Chore Charts


Bible Worksheets


Writing Prompts


Homeschool.com
Printables for all ages and grade levels, including parents

Helpful Articles


Curriculum Reviews


Discussion Forums


Donna Young Printables & Resources
Everything!
Help for all subjects, household chores, recipes...
Printable calendars

First School
Tons of themed activities, writing pages, coloring pages & crafts
*I print from here almost daily

TheHomeschoolMom
Similar to Donna Young's site. A wealth of information.
Local Resource Links.
Fabulous theme ideas.
Check out her amazing Celebrating Christmas with School page.

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Monday, December 05, 2011

I Need a Silent Night Amy Grant

My new favorite Christmas Song!





I Need A Silent Night
Lyrics

I've made the same mistake before
Too many malls, too many stores
December traffic, Christmas rush
It breaks me till I push and shove

Children are crying while mothers are trying
To photograph Santa and sleigh
The shopping and buying and standing forever in line
What can I say?

I need a silent night, a holy night
To hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise
I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here
To end this crazy day with a silent night

December comes then disappears
Faster and faster every year
Did my own mother keep this pace
Or was the world a different place?

Where people stayed home wishing for snow
Watching three channels on their TV
Look at us now rushing around
Trying to buy Christmas peace

I need a silent night, a holy night
To hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise
I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here
To end this crazy day with a silent night

What was it like back there in Bethlehem
With peace on earth, good will toward men?

Every shepherd's out in the field
Keeping watch over their clock by night
And the glory of the Lord shone around them
And they were so afraid

And the angels said fear not for behold
I bring you good news of a great joy that shall be for all people
For unto you is born this day a Savior, who is Christ the Lord
And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace

I need a silent night, a holy night
To hear an angel voice through the chaos and the noise
I need a midnight clear, a little peace right here
To end this crazy day with a silent night
To end this crazy day with a silent night

Friday, December 02, 2011

You Are More ~ Tenth Avenue North



'You are more than the choices that you've made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.'

We had our first dusting of snow last night.
God could not have sent it at a more perfect time.
It is beautiful!

A fresh snowfall always reminds me of this verse...

Isaiah 1:18
“Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool."

Now, Go, knowing your past sins do not define you.
You have been remade.
The Lord has taken your sins, suffered for you on the cross, and made YOU pure and clean like a fresh snowfall.
Rejoice!

Thursday, December 01, 2011

December 1st

It is....
'Go Pick Out Christmas Tree Day'
at our house.
Yippee!

I love the smell of fresh pine.

The 5 children and I will pile into the truck later today and head out to go find a tree. Last year it was snowing on December 1st, Tree Day. I can only hope today we will be blessed as well.

The Christmas CD is already packed.
The tree stand is clean and waiting to be filled.

Oh how I love this time of year!


Is it fresh or fake in your house?
When do you put your tree up?



Wednesday, November 30, 2011

This made me smile

Yes, I took this picture 2 weeks ago...

Even my Heart Rate Monitor knew when it was my birthday.
And it's not even on Facebook.

It gave me a little extra get up and go during my morning workout.
Just what I needed.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

TTT - Word Fun

Two weeks ago, I mentioned I was
'bursting at the seams with excitement'.
My excitement...I flew to VA to visit a dear friend who is on bed rest with her second child.
I surprised her!
It was great!
She is a school teacher, and is a wealth of knowledge. I enjoy picking her brain about school things. She introduced me to Wordle.

You can create things like this

  Wordle: Instruments of the orchetra

Go to www.wordle.net, click 'create'. Then start typing words.
The number of times you type the same word,
on the same line, determines the word size.
The greater the number, the larger the word

I plan to use Wordle as an aid while teaching parts of speech, in creative writing
and as a tool to help study for tests.

Go check it out and let me know how you would use Wordle for learning.

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Sunday, November 27, 2011

Scripture & A Snapshot

I know the Lord wasn't directly talking about my laundry pile, but I think it applies. It isn't always something BIG that overwhelms me. Often it is 10 smaller things, all needing done, while tending to school and small children.

One step at a time, and by His strength, it will get done.