Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Happy New Year!

We are off to the woods for a time of rest, reflection, fishing, family, games, food, campfire, music and anything else that sounds fun.
Hope you ring in the new year with those you love.
May God bless the year to come for His glory and our growth.
Blessings, Lisa

Monday, December 29, 2008

Simple Woman's Daybook

Please note: Peggy is not posting a Simple Woman's Daybook for today.
I had mine completed before I realized this. If I were to remove this post it would create a problem through out my entire blog.
Because of this I am publicly apologizing to Peggy and leaving this post.

FOR TODAY December 29, 2008...
Outside my window...the sky is very blue and the weather is too warm for Christmas.
I am thinking...of and praying for a young lady we go to church with that was in an accident and needs healing.
I am thankful for...God's protection for this young lady, it could have been much worse.
From the learning rooms...Christmas break.
From the kitchen...leftovers.
I am wearing...capri-pants and a t-shirt, it would be nice to need my winter clothes.
I am creating...a scarf (for someone who lives in a colder place?), a quilt and lounge pants.
I am going...to lake camping later this week.
I am reading...The Shack.
I am hoping...the camper repairs we made this week are a huge success
I am hearing...only the hum of the computer, all children that are here are very quiet.
Around the house...the continued feeling of Christmas and the peace and joy that come with the season.
One of my favorite things...conquering a mountain. (camper repair)
A few plans for the rest of the week: Camping and extended family for New Year's.
Here is picture thought I am sharing...camper repair!


To participate in The Simple Woman's Daybook visit Peggy at http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

wrapped in love

Luke 2:10-12
“Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

Merry Christmas to each of you!
May God's gift of love affect every part of your life in this season and the coming year!

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

gingerbread coop

This is our chicken coop all dressed up and it has to be one of only a few though out all the land.

I did not have the ambition to deck the house in lights this year and so the children were disappointed. When they came to ask could they do the coop instead I eagerly replied, "yes!".

I must tell you just how nice it has been to look out the back windows and see this every night.
I would not have seen lights on our house one tenth of the nights I have enjoyed them here.

A new tradition? We'll see.

Goodnight Ladies, lights out.

Monday, December 22, 2008

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY December 22, 2008...
Outside my window...it is very windy and the clothes on the line are drying quickly.
I am thinking...how thankful I am for the true girft of Christmas ~ JESUS!
I am thankful for...the work we have, others around us are struggling.
From the learning rooms...the sewing machine is working and nothing else.
From the kitchen...peanut butter fudge, peanut butter fudge, peanut bitter fudge!
I am wearing...warm up pants and shirt.
I am creating...a quilt and scarf.
I am going...no where and it is wonderful.
I am reading...At the Manger~aloud to our family.
I am hoping...that Jesus will return soon.
I am hearing...quite, the girls are away and the boys are outside.
Around the house...all is ready for Christmas but the wrapping.
One of my favorite things...Christmas music.
A few plans for the rest of the week: Dad is not working, children are home and playing....It is Christmas!
Here is a picture thought I am sharring...

Merry Christmas!


If you would like to participate in this sweet reminder of the simple things in life, visit Peggy here http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/ for all the details.



Thursday, December 18, 2008

progressing


It is very exciting to finally learn how to undo a stitch or two or rows and rows of stitches. My children have stopped asking, "Mom why are you undoing the whole thing?"
I will not give up and I can not wait to finish this first project. A scarf, selfishly kept for myself. If anyone is dreaming of knitting - hurry up and get to it. Be encouraged, I'm willing to cheer you on.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

triple lutz?

Three girls on skates a week before Christmas, who could be happier?
Checking into some instruction and wishing it was just not quite so far.
We will definitely do this more often.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY December 15, 2208...

Outside my window...it is cloudy, and the chicken coop is decorated in lights, it looks like a gingerbread house.
I am thinking...I need a little more time today.
I am thankful for...the wonderful season of Christmas, which brings around family and friends.
From the learning rooms...a snow globe, sewing and scrapbooks.
From the kitchen...a gingerbread house, fudge, cookies and a dinner for friends that just brought home a new little brother.
I am wearing...my jamies ~ still.
I am creating...a cozy Christmas home.
I am going...to an Orchestra Concert tonight.
I am reading...At the Manger as a read aloud.
I am hoping...to have all my Christmas shopping complete by December 25th.
I am hearing...a child repeat she is hungry.
Around the house...several lists are reminding me of things that need to be done.
One of my favorite things...is movie night for the whole family.
A few plans for the rest of the week: more movie and game nights. A Charlie Brown Christmas.
Here is picture thought I am sharing...
If you would like to participate in The Simple Woman's Daybook visit Peggy here:

Saturday, December 13, 2008

another birthday

Today this boy turns thirteen.
That's right, I am officially now the mother of three teenage boys.
I knew this day would come and yet it does not seem real.
Caleb, you are a boy, or is it man, full of life.
You live every day to it's fullest and then some.
On many days this is a blessing and on others you manage to stay in trouble.
You are a hard worker and most times prefer to be the Foreman.
One of my favorite things to watch you do is teach.
You are a good instructor and then allow your student to try without becoming impatient with them.
It is fun to see you eager to lean anything that you can do with your hands.
You will never be bored because you love to learn and do.
Play all of your music for His glory, just remember I love listening too.
It has been a joy to watch you grow, it has required me to do a lot of growing as well.
I am praying you will listen to the voice of God and that you will walk the path that He calls you to.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

happy birthday Mom


What's fun to do on a Thursday night in December?
A birthday surprise for Nana was our outing tonight.

They had no idea we were coming or that we were bringing dinner, dessert,(birthday cake of course), and presents.
We arrived with Aunt Karen, rang the doorbell and sang Happy Birthday!

A very fun time was had by all.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

"romantic" anniversary

A funny little thing happened at the end of our anniversary celebration.
After our wonderful dinner we decided to go to the coffee house. (we had never been there before.)

We walked in, and much to my amazement, right there before my very eyes, was a knitting club. Now what you may not realize is that I have been wanting to learn how to knit since FOREVER! I could not help myself, once my wonderful husband had purchased my coffee, I was eagerly asking what I had to do to participate in this little group.

Did I mention it was our anniversary?

Well, before I had a chance to remember it was my anniversary, I was after all suffering from knitting hyper ventilation, I had lovely wooden needles in hand and not one, but two separate yarns I was knitting together.

The girl leading the group, OK - my guess is she was younger than me, so girl it is, said, "We meet every Tuesday night, you must buy a cup of coffee, please come join us."

Please, tell me tomorrow is Tuesday.

Oh, did I mention it was my anniversary?

Yes, we were there 54 minutes (which was 54 minutes after closing, we had no idea the closed when we walked in) and my husband did not mind a bit. We had a good laugh and he could not have given me a better gift if he had tried.

So if you call and I do not answer, if you drop by and the laundry is blocking the hallway, you will know why.

In the middle of the summer,when I am wearing an ocean blue colored scarf, maybe we can go for another cup of coffee and a new knitting project.

Photo by Seth

Tuesday, December 09, 2008

wedded bliss


Once upon a time...
December 9, 1989, a Nor'easter was blowing in, the temperature was 32 degrees and the ceremony would go on - horse and buggy ride included.

Flash forward 19 years, the high today will be 80 degrees and we will go to dinner at the beach, maybe stop for a cup of coffee or go for a walk.

Thanks for all the children and memories. It is a huge blessing to say I have a happy life.

May the next 19 years be even more sweeter than the first! I love you!

...And they lived happily ever after.

Monday, December 08, 2008

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY December 8, 2008...
Outside my window...clothes are dancing on the clothesline, cool and sunny.

I am thinking...I need it to be two hours earlier than what it is. (my sweet husband offered to turn the clocks back for me)

I am thankful for...a loving marriage.

From the learning rooms...all is quiet.

From the kitchen...popcorn and cranberry garland.

I am wearing...jeans and a very sweet old fashioned looking shirt.

I am creating...a dishcloth during string lessons today.

I am going...out for seafood tomorrow night.

I am reading...and advent devotional.

I am hoping...a simple Christmas will long be remembered.

I am hearing...the piano being tuned. Yeah!

Around the house...decorations are almost complete, only the tree left to decorate, it looks festive and smells of the season.

One of my favorite things...Christmas music played by my children.

A few plans for the rest of the week: family time, healing for sick people, soup on the table ~ all of the above with love.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...family trip to Disney 2006 (Caleb's at football paractice)
If you would like to share in this reflective activity visit the Simple Woman at the following link... http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Sunday, December 07, 2008

let the decorating begin

We have begun decorating for Christmas.

It seems a labored activity and yet when completed brings warmth to our home.

Hoping you are spending family time praying, playing board games, playing card games, drinking cocoa, watching seasonal movies, reading aloud a great Christmas story, singing and playing songs, and treasuring all things Christmas.

Shalom

Saturday, December 06, 2008

thrifting

I have an affection for junk store finds.
Unfortunately, I do not live where there are an abundance of there little places.

Fortunately there is a wonderful thrift store right down the road and it is a rare occasion I come away without a gem.

Toady's blessing was an ornament with a violin on it, a puzzle, a game for the children, a craft for Hannah, soap dishes for the girls bathroom, a cute little butter spreader and a model care for Caleb. He already had it put together before the picture was taken.

The rest of the day was given to picking up a Christmas tree and football game.

Our house is full of sick people from the stomach bug, to cold, to Dad's 3 week old cough.

Praying for healing here!

Friday, December 05, 2008

spreading a little Christmas cheer


Much of this week was spent preparing a musical set that would serve as a backdrop to a large church activity.

This was a good opportunity for some stage time and experience without the pressure of a large audience expecting some great performance.

We did overcome a few obstacles that were out of our control.

With only a small area, how would the set up of chairs and instruments come together?

What adjustments need to be made because the string players are struggling to hear each other?

What happens when the piano drowns out the stings and the musician there can not hear any strings.

In the end the ~ musicians had a great time, were thankful for the opportunity and hopefully the
people who allowed them to perform were pleased.

I am thankful for the willingness of the children to give a little Merry Christmas!!

Thursday, December 04, 2008

making a joyful noise

In spite of illness and all the pressing things that need to be accomplished --
Christmas Concert rehearsal is at the top of the list today.
The children, and good friend Nathan, will perform a thirty minute block of time at a local church.
What a joy to watch them give of their talents to the community at Christmas time.

The house has been filled with all things Christmas hymns and what a glorious sound that is.

Check back for pictures within the next couple of days.
Goodnight!

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

rambling

Oh my! How does this happen? I am trying to figure out how to make posting a habit. I know, they say you must do something for twenty one days for it to become a habit.
I decided it is a new month, no football, no educational co-ops, most activities slowed due to the wonderful season we are beginning, surely I will have time to visit this little space and leave a sweet remembrance of what is happening on our journey.

Ugh! I already messed up and it was only day TWO.
Remembering my original goal of documenting, for my children, in word and picture the ordinary happenings of life, it is comforting to know they will not be bothered by this mishap.

So, I would like to cash in my new mercy for today and carry on.

Today is cold, inside the house and out. It has been many years since we have had such a cold beginning to winter (or is it end to fall?). Be careful what you wish for.

A couple of us have had the stomach bug and several of us have colds.
Bring on the garlic and chicken soup. Dad has assured me we will not have a problem with vampires.

In the kitchen...a large pot of spaghetti and fresh bread.
Talk of Christmas cookies has begun.

Catching up on laundry after Thanksgiving travel.

Until tomorrow.....yes tomorrow!

Monday, December 01, 2008

Simple Woman's Daybook


FOR TODAY December 1, 2008...
Outside My Window...it is dark and the air is chilly.
I am thinking...I wish I had gone to get a Christmas tree today.
I am thankful for...family and time spent laughing and playing together.
From the learning rooms...we are correcting much work neglected from a very busy fall season.
From the kitchen...not much is happening...some of us have had the stomach flu.
I am wearing...jeans and very comfy shirt.
I am creating...a quilt!
I am going...to stay home~after two trips, of significant distance, in November.
I am reading...Message in a Bottle
I am hoping...for a relaxing and home bound December.
I am hearing...a lot of Christmas piano and string music.
Around the house...things are messy due to traveling over Thanksgiving.
One of my favorite things...is our bed. Our children commented recently, "You are addicted to your bed.", Yes we are!
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:
rehearsal, rehearsal, rehearsal...we have a Christmas performance coming up,
quilting, quilting and more quilting~I do not do much else when I am working on a quilt,
Here is picture thought I am sharing...Our Thanksgiving Dinner

Go here to read more Simple Woman Day Books or to create one of your own http://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

One of three beautiful quilts you can enter to win at http://oldredbarnco.blogspot.com/
Each of these quilts has a story behind the fabric designer, "the artist" that created it and the wonderful Dana who but this opportunity together. So, what are you waiting for? Hop on over and put your name in the hat.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY , November 10, 2008...
Outside my window...it the color of night and cool.

I am thinking...how tired I am and wishing a headache would go away.
I am thankful for...provision of all things necessary.

From the learning rooms...we are behind. A nice mess is covering all of the tables in the school room and work needs to be corrected and revised.

From the kitchen...a cookout, complete with campfire and marshmallows??

I am wearing...jeans with my hippie shirt ~ but my body is screaming "where are the p.j.s?".

I am creating...a pumpkin log.

I am going...to bed soon.
I am reading...Psalm 37, God is in control and He has a plan for my life.

I am hoping...I can make it to the end of football season and that I can come up with a couple of activities for 13 children to do on Thanksgiving Day ~ keepsake and reminder of a large family gathering this year.

I am hearing...The Walton's theme song.

Around the house... splashes of Thanksgiving remind me to be grateful.

One of my favorite things...a good cup of coffee!

A few plans for the rest of the week: cleaning, schooling, planning for another trip, fellowship.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...Let Freedom Ring!!!!!
If you would like to read more Simple Woman's Daybook, go here: http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Friday, October 31, 2008

ordinary days

Every now and then, someone will ask me what an ordinary day is like on our journey of home educating.

I do not always know how to answer this question. I could list curriculum, give an account for the normal progression of daily activities, provide a list of reasons why the choice has been made to do this, or any number of other random answers.


Today, after the children were off to see what dad had cooked up for lunch, I stood and crossed the room. Much to my surprise, an answer to "what an ordinary day of school looks like at out house", was perfectly displayed across the floor.


This was the spot where we had been living this morning. These were the things the children had chosen to add to science and history.

Today our "desk" was a comfortable rug in our school room. A place to study Stonehenge, 7 continents, the Nile and Amazon Rivers, the tallest Mountains, and without my even realizing, ukulele, butterflies, cowboys, and motherhood. Oh, and someone was thirsty.


Just in case you were still wondering, I am not able answer what an ordinary day of home education looks like, but I can tell you that today it looked like this. It was a sweet reminder to, drink it in, enjoy them, for this journey will end before I am ready.
What did your home education journey look like today?

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Sunday Afternoon Concert

Several weeks ago... cookies set out, coffee brewed, grandparents and friends assembled, concert performed.


Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing


Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,

Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;

Streams of mercy, never ceasing,

Call for songs of loudest praise.

The Baptist Hymnal

Monday, October 27, 2008

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY........
Monday, October 27, 2008
Outside my window...it is quiet and dark, at daybreak two deer were at the pond.
I am thinking...what a busy and full week this will be.
I am thankful for...fall, which seems to have finally arrived yesterday.
From the kitchen...pilau (pronounced per low), an ethnic meal from Dad's family. Jacob is giving a speech on it this morning. He needed enough for thirty classmates to taste.
I am wearing...sweats, remember fall finally arrived.
I am creating...a fall post and pumpkin butter.
I am going...to orchestra rehearsal (a most worthy way to spend my time).
I am reading...A Woman's Guide to Hormone Health: The Creator's Way For Managing Menopause, by Ron Eaker,MD.
I am hoping...that I can find answers and some solutions from this book I am reading.
I am hearing...the train in the cold still morning.
Around the house...things are a mess and need to be put back together.
One of my favorite things...a new day, His mercies are new also.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week... cleaning, no school co-ops. Football practice, and orchestra are the only outings. The cool weather will inspire us to get busy, things are changing. A steadfastness to prayer for our great country. Eight days of constantly crying out that God will be merciful and turn the hearts of His people back to Him.
Here is picture thought I am sharing...

The girls, with cousin Libby, The 2007 Cotton Pickin' Fair, Gay, Georgia. A whole lot of fun was had by all!

~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Friday Night Lights

A fall Friday is not complete without a good game of football. Seth's first year on this team has been a good thing for him. He has enjoyed playing with this group of young men at a private school near us. This Friday night was a little extra special due to an opportunity to start in this game.

We are blessed to live in a state that allows homeschooled students the opportunity to participate in extra-curricular activities.

These are poor pictures at best, but they are the best I could manage.


Seth............#10

Victory is sweet........41 point win!

Monday, October 13, 2008

Quilt Giveaway!!

You do not want to miss this chance.
Visit Pigtail and Snails and you might win
this pretty little quilt to cover up with this fall.

Friday, October 10, 2008

victory!

Fall means, among other things, football, friends and fellowship. Tonight, with dampness in the air and a slight breeze, it even felt like fall. When the final bell rang we were up by 46 points. The old saying is true.......the thrill of victory sure beats the agony of defeat.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

a gentle reminder

A sky like this reminds me:
~it is not all about me
~I am not in control
~nature sings His praises
~I worship the Creator and not the creation
~this is my favorite star
~fall must be coming (the sky is starting to change)
~night brings rest
~He is the ultimate artist

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

feathered friends


These sweet little zebra finches came to reside at out house this week. They are fun to watch. And Emma is even more fun to watch, just watching them.

We have not done birds before, so this is a brand new experience.

We were told when we got them they are quiet but this is not the case at our house. They sound exactly like Emma's squeak toys, just not quite as loud.

Dad asked if we got the birds just because the fish had died.

Yes, the fish that had survived a week long fast, being dropped in hot soapy water and always behind on water changes. Poor fish, we hope he just died of old age. He was entertaining and fun to feed. If you were very quiet when you fed him you could hear him chewing.
We will miss Gator and hope we do much better with Chip and Claire.

Monday, September 01, 2008

happy labor day

Good morning from the shore!


We began the day on about three feet (literally) of beach due to an angry hurricane ocean. After about two hours we had progressed to about five feet. This, of course, did not deter the children in there beach going experience. For those of us not swimming, this kept us very close to the children should anyone need rescuing. The flag on the pier is the American flag and the children were quick to point out they did not even bother flying one that indicates the surf conditions. Following are photos of us eking out the very last moments of out "official summer"






Taking a much needed break from an over active surf!





Dad treated us to Domino's for lunch and the day is progressing along quite nicely.




After lunch and a break, it's out to the chicken coop for some mending and cleaning. The new biddies will be here in a week and nesting must begin at home. With two old ladies (the only remaining chickens from the summer slaughter) we had to figure out what we were going to do with them before we took their space. They now have the large run on one side of the coop, complete with roost, food, water, and laying box. The chicks will go in the coop, completely enclosed, and this means I won't have them, or their mess, in the garage. I will miss those sweet little peeps every time open that door.





Work all done on the coop, the only remaining question of the day is, "What's for supper?"


I don't know, but this was supper last night. From the picture, as you can see, it was not only a very yummy Sunday Supper, but also a very Summer Supper. Man, I'm gonna miss summer!

Saturday, August 30, 2008

homemade syrup

It's been a while since I've had all the ingredients to make "maple syrup". Due to the rising cost of real maple syrup, I have been working on an all natural recipe that my family would eat and enjoy. This one is pretty good.

Tonight for supper it was french toast covered in syrup.
All natural syrup recipe
2 cups sucanat
1 cup sucanat with honey
41/2 cups water
3/4 cup barley malt syrup
3/4 cup honey
Bring ingredients to a boil.
Remove from heat and and add 3TBS frontier maple flavor
Sometimes I add a little butter to the syrup pitcher for a nice richness.
Easy, delicious and a little less expensive!

Two posts in one night. I wish I had time to get one in daily. Still ironing out the fall schedule and trying to adjust to the many activities we are involved in.

growing

What a difference a week makes.
Rebeka's seeds are growing and she is watching.
It is fun to see such changes over night, and fun to watch the roots too.
This photo was taken by her.