11 September 13

My daughter took her test today and did fantastic!!  It is one of those days that you want to have grandparents to brag to.  Personally, I hate tests.  But, alas, they are required here.  So, I'm glad and proud that she did well.  This year, she did it online so we had instant results.  I recommend it whole-heartedly.  We got her online CAT from Christian Liberty Press, just in case you wanted to know.  We worked very hard in school today up to 10:30 p.m.  We had taken a three day weekend because my husband was free from work and school.  Of course, he had to start back up again today.  We went to a museum about submarines and mines.  It was very well done and interesting.  We then had some delicious baked goods at a near by bakery that we love.  The next day found us out and about doing chores, hanging together, and at our FPU class.  The children were able to attend their own version of the FPU for their age group.  My daughter talked with a girl about her age.  My son sweated it out (after the class) playing ping pong with the guys.  There was a 9th grade boy who told my children that he was sorry that they were home schooled because they could not take part in culinary arts (which they have actually been doing since age 4, respectively).  Then, almost in his next breathe, he proceeded to tell how much he hated his school.  My children thought that was ironic.  I thought so, too.  I'm not really doing reading before bed anymore.  We read so much together during the day.  I'm afraid that it would be overkill.  So, I think we will play a board or card game and then do our family devotions.  Right now, we are studying about the words we say.  That is a tough one.  But, with God's help, we will be speaking like Jesus!!  That's a good goal, don't you agree?  Have a great day!

4 September 2013

Second day of school. Both of my children did a great job today.  We ended the day playing a couple of games.  My daughter had a friend over for a couple of hours.  So, I could call that recess.  They also played badminton.  So, I could call that PE.  Both of my children made me very happy when they told me that most of the time, they find Latin fun.  I know I can get a lot of weird looks because I'm a little, well, bull headed about certain curriculum.  But, then my children say something wonderful like today, and I know we are on the right track.  People may not buy this, but after years of doing Spanish with minimum success, learning Latin has seriously helped us get a hold of not only Spanish but other romantic languages.  I'm thinking about Greek now.  We are also studying the life of Martin Luther.  I may have already said that.  I'm pretty grateful for the book lists I have received over the years, especially Amblesideonline.  Tomorrow is our first Bible Quizzing practice.  It would be so awesome if our entire team could go to Nationals.  Well, the best things is all the Word of God they are memorizing and getting into their heart.  My husband handed his paper in today.  He asked me to proof read it, which is a great honor as his help meet.  Also, I get to read the thoughts of a wonderful man, my husband.  It was a really good and entertaining paper.  I believe that he now gets a two week break.  Then, it's back to school for him.  I love how wonderful and faithful God is to my family.  I pray that your family also knows this wonderful and faithful God also.  Have a great day.

3 September 2013

Our first day of 12th and 8th grade!!  It started pretty well.  Everyone is hopeful and excited.  Over the weekend, we had made a chalk drawing for the neighborhood children, welcoming back to school.  Last night, the rain had washed it away.  But we all believe that everyone who was suppose to have seen it, did.  We also painted some rocks and papers.  We really love painting rocks and putting them in our yard.  We dug those rocks up over the years from our own yard, so they mean more, I guess, than the average rock.  (yep, that's weird{:o).  We played some badminton, blew bubbles, messed around with the cats, played games, and watched movies.  It was a very good day before the new school year.  Last week, we went hiking with some friends up to a waterfall.  It was very beautiful.  Our children were so delightful to watch play and get very soaked.  Yeah, they are all over 11.  The younger ones stayed dry.  The best thing about the hike was the way the other mothers treated me, with kindness and compassion.  I'm not the most sure footed or fastest hiker in the world.  But they were the best.  It reminds me to be a better friend who isn't so selfish and self-centered.  It reminds me of Jesus.  Jesus never puts Himself first.  Ever.  Even when there isn't a reward in the natural, He loved others.  I get caught up with the natural reward sometimes.  I forget the guideline of 1 Corinthians 13.  Well, I will keep on trying, you know?  Today we went for a walk again with our friends.  It is pretty country where we are.  My son got to visit with a friend he hadn't seen in a very long time.  The visit turned out great.  Hopefully time will permit them to get together more often, even though it is their senior year.  We are reading some new nature material that encourages us to look up birds (for now) and plants.  It was fun looking up the birds and their songs.  If it wasn't for our three cats, I wouldn't mind owning a couple of birds.  Well, have a fantastic week.  And be encouraged to love like Jesus!!

August 22. 2013

What a toasty day today was.  I tried a new eating plan today, but I'm going to have to try again because... well, let's just say I have to try again.  I wrote up our CM days for the year and started on my daughter's stuff for school.  I really am hopeful about this year.  It's my son's last.  We are going to stay focused and on fire for the Lord and learning.

August 16th, 2013

Well, here it is.  It has happened.  My son is 18 years old!!!  And his first thought is where can he register to vote and when does he get to?  I love my children.  This week brought fun things.  We spent 2 1/2 hours picking free blueberries at a park.  We were treated to frozen yogurt by my daughter who won a gift card at our game tournament.  She even treated her dad today when they went out on a "date" together.  My husband had been away for a few days.  So, we were very happy to see him come home yesterday.  My son and I went for pizza on our own "date" while my daughter got to spend some time with her friend.  We went to a really fun park (even though it was raining) and a small museum with some friends.  And today, because my husband was home, we had my son's cake.  Except for my daughter, who knows how to say no!  And now I'm listening to a video my son made for us all before we go play games until midnight.  How I can ever doubt God's love when He has surrounded me with such wonderful people?  I'm so blessed.  Thank You, Lord Jesus.  Have a great week, everyone!

August 4th, 2013

Today was not as restful as I would have liked it.  Our family tries to rest on Sundays to honor the Sabbath.  I know this sounds weird, but I have a hard time resting when I haven't chosen something to do.  I mean, how many movies, naps, books, can you do in a day?  I had little imagination today.  I had no purpose in my rest, and so, the day proves more stressful than restful.  Life, for me, needs a plan.  Nothing carved in stone that can't be altered if opportunities arise.  Just a basic plan, and then plans for rest, work and play.  That's how it works for me.  What about you?  Don't forget to trust God with your plans this week.  It is amazing what He can do.  Have a great week.

July 14, 2013

We had a delightful Sunday.  We went to Church last night so our Sunday was free.  We slept later than our children.  So, my daughter took it on herself to make our family breakfast.  Then, we went for a nice family walk.  The children talked about my daughter's upcoming birthday party, and my husband and I talked about grace.  We brought my husband home so that he could do school.  He actually cleaned the garage floor (we have three cats), cleaned up the breakfast dishes, put beans on the stove for lunch, and then did school.  My children and I took the opportunity to use our only car to go for a walk on a wonderful trail.  It was pretty crowded with bicycles, joggers, and other walkers.  We talked more about my daughter's birthday.  It's in September, but we should all have a plan.  After seeing my husband off to work, I wrote out next weeks agenda, my son fixed up their YouTube account, my daughter wrote out her birthday plans and read.  My children really enjoy and are very good with making bread in our bread machine.  Today, they are making one that involves mustard!!  Well, I'm going to go play a video game with them.  Have a great week.

Happy Birthday, Donald Duck!

He debuted in 1934 on June 9th in the Silly Symphony cartoon "The Wise Little Hen".  But this is just his film debut.  The actually "birthday" may be March 13th with the year a little puzzling.  Well, I think I'll just wish this duck "Happy Birthday" today since I missed March 13th.
You know, we look at Donald Duck and think he must be the ultimate impatient, hot- tempered duck ever.  I mean, everything sets this guy off.  And if you seen any of his cartoons, it seems everyone around him enjoys setting off his buttons.  Admittedly, it is rather funny to watch Donald go nuts and quack like only he can.  Okay, I know.  Lots of people like to copy Donald Duck's voice.  But, I'm sure we can all agree that copying his behavior is another matter.  His friends must really love this duck.
Now, it's time to fess up.  Any of us parents ever acted like this duck?  Ever lost it?  Do you ever feel like everything seems to set you off.  Doesn't it seem like our children and spouses enjoy setting off our buttons?  Do they think it's funny watching us go nuts and yell like only we can?  Hmm?  Do you ever feel this way?  Right now, you know that your family isn't trying to upset you.  But, it can make you feel down trodden when your youngsters end up copying not only your voice, but also your behavior.
I believe there is some good news here.  It's this.  Your family really loves you.  But, even better, so does your God.  Seriously!! " How?" you may think.  They choose to.  That's what life is all about.  You see, Donald Duck was created to make us laugh by having temper tantrums.  He has no choice.  But us.  Well, we have been giving the great gift of choice.  In the Bible, it says:

Deuteronomy 30:19

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁹ I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.
Listen to how the Lord says that He has giving us choices, and He REALLY wants us to choose life.  He wants us to choose His way, His blessing, His life.  How?  Firm decisions, faith, and one step at a time, mom and dad.  Don't be stuck if you have been copying old Donald Duck.  Repent, seek forgiveness, get help if you need it, and walk on.  You aren't a cartoon character doomed to entertain the world with your weaknesses.  You are a child of the Creator of us all Who thinks you are so special, He went all out for you.  You can do this one choice at a time!!  God bless you and yours.

Unusual Holidays

Hi everyone,

     So, reading an email today, I was encouraged to celebrate with my children, and not just the normal holidays, but the ones people may not know about.  When they were younger, I use to do that.  Yeah, yeah, I know, life is busy.  But, it should also be peppered with a little (or a lot) of celebration, don't you think?  I use to wonder why the Lord always wanted the Israelites to remember all their special days.  Because, frankly, it helps us enjoy His gift- our lives. I spent some time gathering a few "holidays" that I would like to pass on to all of you.  If you have any, I sure would love to have them so I can add them to our family's calendar. Also, I got these days from another site.  If I'm wrong about the day, please feel free to correct me.  Oh, and some holidays repeat themselves!! Here is the unusual holidays for this week and an idea or two your family may want to use to celebrate.  Our family is also open to your family's celebration ideas.

April 22, Monday

Earth Day-  hmm.... well, we will be actually praying for it.

April 23, Tuesday

William Shakespeare was born this day in 1564-  reading his history and his plays, except Romeo and Juliet.

Of course, we can't possible read all his plays.

April 25, Thurday

Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day- this year my children will be going to work with me.  I'm a professional homeschool mom.

National Telephone Day- Looking into the history, calling a friend, making a tin can phone, etc.

ANZAC Day- We just got done with our study on Australia. Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand, originally commemorated by both countries on 25 April every year to honour the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought at Gallipoli in the Ottoman Empire during World War I. 

April 26, Friday

Arbor Day- this sounds like a good day to Plant a Tree (not my idea).

Hug a Friend Day-  Self explanatory...

National Pretzel Day-  Find out their history, make or buy one, eat it!! (with mustard).

April 27, Saturday

Tell a Story Day- Oh, look, another self explanatory.  Cool.

     Well, that's this week.  Have fun celebrating.

7 April 2013

Well, I have seriously got to catch up with my children.  They are blogging maniacs. That is really terrific because I believe that they are both talented and kindhearted writers.  I'm the homeschool Mom of a 12 year old and a 17 year old.  I've been married to my husband, Mr. Wonderful, for twenty years.  We like spending a massive amount of time together as a family.  We own three cats, who I believe some of you have met, and 5 goldfish.  I also have a few Christmas and other cacti that I'm fond of.  Whenever anyone ask me about myself, I basically tell them that I keep everyone doing school, including my husband who is working on his Masters.  Well, that is it for now.  I think I will watch Parental Guidance for the third time.  That movie makes me cry and laugh.  Have a great week.