Daybook
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Outside my window... It’s raining again. Everything is still dark and quiet out.
I am thinking...About husband on his way to work.
I am thankful for...For a Family’s love
From the learning rooms...The world of Sign Language was introduced this week. Monkey is so taken with it, that he keeps pulling the book off the shelf, to learn new words. He has done very well with the alphabet and numbers.
From the kitchen... Homemade Chicken Pot Pie is on the menu for supper tonight. Hopefully, I’ll be able to work in some homemade Pumpkin bread.
I am wearing... I’m still in my Pajamas, since it is still early.
I am creating... A quilt top that is slowly coming together.
I am going... Hopefully nowhere today.
I am reading... Only my Bible this week. I’ve got to stop off at the library tomorrow after church.
I am praying... About a situation at our church.
I am hearing... Silence
Around the house... It’s still early, so Monkey is still asleep.
One of my favorite things... Twinkies
A few plans for the rest of the week… Since today is the last day of the week, I guess I really don’t have many plans for the rest of the week.
I am thinking...About husband on his way to work.
I am thankful for...For a Family’s love
From the learning rooms...The world of Sign Language was introduced this week. Monkey is so taken with it, that he keeps pulling the book off the shelf, to learn new words. He has done very well with the alphabet and numbers.
From the kitchen... Homemade Chicken Pot Pie is on the menu for supper tonight. Hopefully, I’ll be able to work in some homemade Pumpkin bread.
I am wearing... I’m still in my Pajamas, since it is still early.
I am creating... A quilt top that is slowly coming together.
I am going... Hopefully nowhere today.
I am reading... Only my Bible this week. I’ve got to stop off at the library tomorrow after church.
I am praying... About a situation at our church.
I am hearing... Silence
Around the house... It’s still early, so Monkey is still asleep.
One of my favorite things... Twinkies
A few plans for the rest of the week… Since today is the last day of the week, I guess I really don’t have many plans for the rest of the week.
Christ's Servant
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I have been working on my family tree and I have come across the original ancestor who first stepped onto American soil. He was 16 years old and came as an indentured servant. This servitude was due to lack of funds for passage from Ireland to America. I can only imagine what it must be like. To leave your home and everyone you know to come to the New World to try and start a new and prosperous life. But before stepping on the boat and signing yourself into sign several years of servitude to pay for passage.
As Christians, I think about how we are to serve the Lord. It says in I Corinthians 7:22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free is Christ’s servant. That word “freeman” means FREE. Think about it, we are free from the bondage of Satan. We are free to serve the Lord. We are free to serve others.
I think about when Jesus was on earth, He spent a lot of time serving others. We need to follow His example and serve others more.
Make me a servant like you, dear Lord.
Living for others each day.
Humble and meek, helping the weak,
Loving in all that I say.
Living for others each day.
Humble and meek, helping the weak,
Loving in all that I say.
Make me a witness like you, dear Lord.
Showing the love of the cross.
Sharing Your Word till all have heard,
Serving whatever the cost.
Showing the love of the cross.
Sharing Your Word till all have heard,
Serving whatever the cost.
Chorus:
Give me Lord, a servant’s heart.
Here’s my life: take every part.
Give me, Lord, a servant’s heart.
Help me draw so close to you.
That your love comes shining through.
Give me Lord, a servant’s heart.
Give me Lord, a servant’s heart.
Give me Lord, a servant’s heart.
Here’s my life: take every part.
Give me, Lord, a servant’s heart.
Help me draw so close to you.
That your love comes shining through.
Give me Lord, a servant’s heart.
Give me Lord, a servant’s heart.
~Ron Hamilton ( Patch the Pirate)~
A Recommendation
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I have to say when I was preparing for school this year, I was excited about some of the curriculum that I chose. Many of you know, that I am a former school teacher. One of the biggest things that I ran across while teaching upper elementary, was that students did not have enough vocabulary study.
I remember this question being asked," What does this word mean?" I think that the biggest down fall for a Spelling lesson, is that there is not enough vocabulary. Look at the Spelling curriculum that you are using. How much vocabulary is being taught? How much comparison is being provided for your child? Please don't get me wrong. I have been in a position where I took a Spelling book because it came with the curriculum and used it without thinking.
This year, we are using Wordly Wise 3000. After a couple a couple of weeks of using this program all I can say is that I love it. Monkey has really enjoyed NOT having to just spell words. He told me yesterday, that he likes being able to think about the meaning of the words. And see them being used in "everyday" sentences, not something that has been made up.
These are words that normal everyday people use. These are not the kind of words that are being spelled at the National Spelling Bee. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that the participants of the Spelling Bee are not normal everyday people. Hopefully, you get my point.
For our Bible lessons this year we are using Building Life Castles from Positive Action. This is a New Testament Survey. Right now we are studying about the life of Christ. We have been able to learn about the prophecy regarding Christ's life. This is written on a fourth grade level. I have to say that I am re-learning so much that was taught to me when I was a child.
I almost forgot to mention, that Character Traits are taught. Each week/lesson a new one is reinforced.
The past years in homeschooling, we have either worked on a daily devotional book, our Awanas book or I have taught different Bible stories. Now that Monkey is getting older, he needs to learn more than just a story. He needs to learn that Christians have to study the Bible in depth so he can grow stronger for the Lord.
For Science we are using Exploring Creation with Astronomy by Apologia. Monkey has been interested in astronomy for several years. I looked at the books that Apologia offers and was down right afraid to try something like this in the past. I finally stiffed my nerves and decided to try it.
After viewing a couple of DVDs regarding astronomy and space while studying the first chapter, Monkey and I were almost speechless. I had always known that our universe is HUGE! But it did not really sink in, until after we started working through the book. Totally Amazing!!!
Do you have any books or curriculum that you use and would like to recommend? Let me know, I'm always ready to learn about something new.
I remember this question being asked," What does this word mean?" I think that the biggest down fall for a Spelling lesson, is that there is not enough vocabulary. Look at the Spelling curriculum that you are using. How much vocabulary is being taught? How much comparison is being provided for your child? Please don't get me wrong. I have been in a position where I took a Spelling book because it came with the curriculum and used it without thinking.
This year, we are using Wordly Wise 3000. After a couple a couple of weeks of using this program all I can say is that I love it. Monkey has really enjoyed NOT having to just spell words. He told me yesterday, that he likes being able to think about the meaning of the words. And see them being used in "everyday" sentences, not something that has been made up.
These are words that normal everyday people use. These are not the kind of words that are being spelled at the National Spelling Bee. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that the participants of the Spelling Bee are not normal everyday people. Hopefully, you get my point.
For our Bible lessons this year we are using Building Life Castles from Positive Action. This is a New Testament Survey. Right now we are studying about the life of Christ. We have been able to learn about the prophecy regarding Christ's life. This is written on a fourth grade level. I have to say that I am re-learning so much that was taught to me when I was a child.
I almost forgot to mention, that Character Traits are taught. Each week/lesson a new one is reinforced.
The past years in homeschooling, we have either worked on a daily devotional book, our Awanas book or I have taught different Bible stories. Now that Monkey is getting older, he needs to learn more than just a story. He needs to learn that Christians have to study the Bible in depth so he can grow stronger for the Lord.
For Science we are using Exploring Creation with Astronomy by Apologia. Monkey has been interested in astronomy for several years. I looked at the books that Apologia offers and was down right afraid to try something like this in the past. I finally stiffed my nerves and decided to try it.
After viewing a couple of DVDs regarding astronomy and space while studying the first chapter, Monkey and I were almost speechless. I had always known that our universe is HUGE! But it did not really sink in, until after we started working through the book. Totally Amazing!!!
Do you have any books or curriculum that you use and would like to recommend? Let me know, I'm always ready to learn about something new.
Daybook
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Outside my window... Cloudy, cool and very peaceful.
I am thinking... About finishing up laundry so I can go to the Yellow Daisy Festival.
I am thankful for...God shedding His grace on me and my family.
From the learning rooms... We are trying to catch up on some of our work. Since we had to go to Montana the first week and half of school, we are trying to not fall behind on any work. Thank goodness we were able to use a couple of days of the trip as school related -field trips.
From the kitchen... I can't decide on which to make - Blueberry Muffins or Peach Muffins. Who knows maybe both.
I am wearing...My all time favorite pj's. You know you have a favorite too!
I am creating... A rag quilt for my husband. For some reason, I just can't keep the afghan going. I guess, I'll have to let the afghan be an ongoing project until it gets finished. Hopefully, it will be finished before our 15th wedding anniversary - in 4 years. :)
I am going... To have lunch with my husband today at our favorite little Chinese restaurant in town.
I am reading... Whispers of Moonlight by Lori Wick
I am hoping...That Monkey has a wonderful day with Paw Paw and Granny fishing, today.
I am hearing... The hum of the ceiling fan.
Around the house... I have finished washing Mt. Washmore, now I have to work on Mt. Putawaymore.
One of my favorite things... Fresh smell after it has rained.
A few plans for the rest of the week... Not too much. Hopefully I will be getting that quilt top finished this week.
Here is a picture for thought I am sharing...
This was taken a couple of years ago. It seems funny to see Monkey so little. He is now almost as tall as me. (I'm sitting on a stool in the picture.)
I am thinking... About finishing up laundry so I can go to the Yellow Daisy Festival.
I am thankful for...God shedding His grace on me and my family.
From the learning rooms... We are trying to catch up on some of our work. Since we had to go to Montana the first week and half of school, we are trying to not fall behind on any work. Thank goodness we were able to use a couple of days of the trip as school related -field trips.
From the kitchen... I can't decide on which to make - Blueberry Muffins or Peach Muffins. Who knows maybe both.
I am wearing...My all time favorite pj's. You know you have a favorite too!
I am creating... A rag quilt for my husband. For some reason, I just can't keep the afghan going. I guess, I'll have to let the afghan be an ongoing project until it gets finished. Hopefully, it will be finished before our 15th wedding anniversary - in 4 years. :)
I am going... To have lunch with my husband today at our favorite little Chinese restaurant in town.
I am reading... Whispers of Moonlight by Lori Wick
I am hoping...That Monkey has a wonderful day with Paw Paw and Granny fishing, today.
I am hearing... The hum of the ceiling fan.
Around the house... I have finished washing Mt. Washmore, now I have to work on Mt. Putawaymore.
One of my favorite things... Fresh smell after it has rained.
A few plans for the rest of the week... Not too much. Hopefully I will be getting that quilt top finished this week.
Here is a picture for thought I am sharing...
This was taken a couple of years ago. It seems funny to see Monkey so little. He is now almost as tall as me. (I'm sitting on a stool in the picture.)
Be Content
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Learning to be content is not an easy thing. But it is a vital characteristic everyone needs to learn. Be content.
For the past 18 months, I have had to learn to be content. Don’t misunderstand me… I have had to be content with knowing that the majority of our family’s belongings were 2,400 miles away. When those things were left behind when we came home, we really felt that we would come home and get a hold of the situation that we were facing and quickly return. Well, days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months.
There were days when I longed to pull out my box full of fabric and work on a quilt or work on some of our scrapbooks. I have to honestly say that I even questioned the Lord about the situation that we went through. Each time, I heard a small sweet voice say,” Be still, and know that I am God.” I also heard that voice say,” I’m here and I have not left you.”
For whatever reason, the Lord opened the door for us to leave on August 11, and drive those 2400 miles to retrieve our (can not live without) things. Knowing that we had many irreplaceable items, I prayed the whole way there, that God would give us peace about what we were going to have to sell or donate.
To make a long story short, we took a 10×20 storage unit and “weeded” through all our belongings. We were able to put our things in a 5×8 trailer and bring them home. The Lord gave us such sweet peace about selling and donating items, that I really can’t remember what we left behind.
I look at this situation as the Lord allowed us come home with 15 boxes and several of pieces of antique furniture. He could have allowed us to lose everything we owned. I thank the Lord, He did not see fit for this to happen to our family.
Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Psalm 46:10a Be still, and know that I am God.
For the past 18 months, I have had to learn to be content. Don’t misunderstand me… I have had to be content with knowing that the majority of our family’s belongings were 2,400 miles away. When those things were left behind when we came home, we really felt that we would come home and get a hold of the situation that we were facing and quickly return. Well, days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months.
There were days when I longed to pull out my box full of fabric and work on a quilt or work on some of our scrapbooks. I have to honestly say that I even questioned the Lord about the situation that we went through. Each time, I heard a small sweet voice say,” Be still, and know that I am God.” I also heard that voice say,” I’m here and I have not left you.”
For whatever reason, the Lord opened the door for us to leave on August 11, and drive those 2400 miles to retrieve our (can not live without) things. Knowing that we had many irreplaceable items, I prayed the whole way there, that God would give us peace about what we were going to have to sell or donate.
To make a long story short, we took a 10×20 storage unit and “weeded” through all our belongings. We were able to put our things in a 5×8 trailer and bring them home. The Lord gave us such sweet peace about selling and donating items, that I really can’t remember what we left behind.
I look at this situation as the Lord allowed us come home with 15 boxes and several of pieces of antique furniture. He could have allowed us to lose everything we owned. I thank the Lord, He did not see fit for this to happen to our family.
Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Psalm 46:10a Be still, and know that I am God.
An Unexpected Trip
/Hey, I just wanted to drop in and tell you where I am. We have had to take a much unexpected trip to Montana, to save our belongings that have lived there.
We left on Tuesday morning and drove all day and night and made it to Mitchell, South Dakota, where we stopped to see the Corn Palace. Then we spent all day Wednesday, driving across South Dakota and Wyoming and then up to Billings, Montana. We finally made it to our destination - Hamilton, Montana around 2:00 on Thursday.
We spent Thursday afternoon and all day today going through our things and trying to decide what to get rid of. I can't believe all the real JUNK that we have collected over the years. I can honestly say, that purging the JUNK you can live without, is quiet relaxing. Yes, I said relaxing. Now, when we get back to Georgia, I won't have to worry about storing JUNK that we don't need.
I did take pictures while driving out and I can't wait to post them. I can't wait to post the pictures from the History Center from Monday. I do have to tell you that we have seen snow on some of the mountains - just beautiful! Hopefully, we will be leaving out tomorrow afternoon. We have to pick up the trailer around 1:00.
I hope you all have had a wonderful week and that you all have a wonderful weekend. I'll see you when I get back home.
It That Time Again...
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Homeschool starts tomorrow. I can't believe how the last couple of weeks have flown by. It seems like yesterday that I was just way too excited about starting. Now that the time is upon us, I'm not too crazy about the thought of having to get up one and half hours earlier. But life goes on.
I had heard about the free homeschoolers day at The Atlanta History Center for tomorrow. Well, I thought that it would be appropriate to start the school year off on the right foot - a field trip.
I have to tell you that I am really excited about school this year. I'm excited about using the Charlotte Mason approach for Science and History. I went yesterday to pick up our books from the library that we will be using for the first couple of weeks of school. When Monkey saw the books and Dvds on Astronomy, he showed some signs of excitement. I am so happy for this excitement, since I know that it can be discouraging to see a child who is not excited about school.
I almost forgot to tell you about our trip to Washington, Georgia, on Friday. (I did take pictures, I'll have to post them some time later this week.) We went looking for the lost Confederate gold, that is supposedly still buried somewhere around there. We were hoping that we would stumble over it somewhere around the town. Not really! Actually, there is a shipment of lost Confederate gold somewhere. The citizens of Washington, like to think that it is in the area.
We did go and see some of the old houses and Kettle Creek Battlefield. We did not go down to the actual creek, since it was way too snaky. We are planning on going back in February to watch the placing of the wreath from the Daughters of the Revolution and then we will go down.
We also toured the Callaway Plantation. The picture at the top is the one room school house that is located on the Plantation.
I had heard about the free homeschoolers day at The Atlanta History Center for tomorrow. Well, I thought that it would be appropriate to start the school year off on the right foot - a field trip.
I have to tell you that I am really excited about school this year. I'm excited about using the Charlotte Mason approach for Science and History. I went yesterday to pick up our books from the library that we will be using for the first couple of weeks of school. When Monkey saw the books and Dvds on Astronomy, he showed some signs of excitement. I am so happy for this excitement, since I know that it can be discouraging to see a child who is not excited about school.
I almost forgot to tell you about our trip to Washington, Georgia, on Friday. (I did take pictures, I'll have to post them some time later this week.) We went looking for the lost Confederate gold, that is supposedly still buried somewhere around there. We were hoping that we would stumble over it somewhere around the town. Not really! Actually, there is a shipment of lost Confederate gold somewhere. The citizens of Washington, like to think that it is in the area.
We did go and see some of the old houses and Kettle Creek Battlefield. We did not go down to the actual creek, since it was way too snaky. We are planning on going back in February to watch the placing of the wreath from the Daughters of the Revolution and then we will go down.
We also toured the Callaway Plantation. The picture at the top is the one room school house that is located on the Plantation.
