justpitchingmytent

My Day at the State VBS Clinic

2012-02-23T08:30:00.000-06:00

In April, I will be leading a workshop for VBS Kindergarten teachers for our Baptist association. This is my first year to lead something like this at the associational level. I'm excited and nervous all at the same time. All day Wednesday was spent preparing preparing for that. I really enjoyed my time at the State VBS Clinic, and wanted to share some of the sights with you!

(By the way: Lifeway's theme this year: Amazing Wonders Aviation!)

First off, was the Worship Rally~of course.

But...this worship rally was with Jeff Slaughter himself!!! (You may not know who this is ---he is a bit of a Baptist celebrity, or at least a VBS celebrity.) It was really neat to have him actually lead our worship. Sadly, this is his last year. I'm glad I had the opportunity to met the man who has had an impact on so many children.

A skit

In my first training class. (We made paper airplanes, too!)

We made Sparkling Aurora Borealis Cookies in Preschool Snacks.

Volcanoes!

I just loved the addition of the colored Christmas tree lights, 3D tree, and "snow" to this poster.

Check out the view finder (made from a Zaxby's take out container) and the "sand" (spraypainted paper)!

Now it's time for me to get BUSY preparing for my class!

I Love VBS!!!

Make Your Own Laundry Detergent: How and Why

2012-02-20T13:42:00.001-06:00

Why? I know this sounds crazy, why would you go to all this trouble?? When I first heard about making homemade laundry detergent years ago, I imagined it taking hours to make, the ingredients probably being impossible to find, and figured it would be too harsh for my family's sensitive skin. About 2 years ago, I talked to a friend at church who actually made it and used it. I learned that all my reasons for not trying to make detergent were false. I also have since figured out that for about $15 a year, I can provide laundry detergent for my family! How exciting to get a bit of a "payraise" in our food/toiletries budget! (Plus, I believe I was also deep into the Beverly Lewis Novel series at the time I decided to try it...I think the Amish ways inspired me!)

How? If you'd like to give it a try here's the recipe:

4 cups hot tap water
1 Felz-Naptha soap bar
1 cup Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda
1/2 cup Borax

-Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water.

-Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.

( This pot and spoon are old, so they are now designated "laundry detergent only".)

-Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water.

Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax.

Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Fill bucket to the top with more tap water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.

Note: This is like a really cool science experiment! So neat...the next morning you have a thick gel!

Stir. (You'll get a good arm workout!) Fill a used, clean laundry soap container half full with soap and then fill the rest of the way with water. Shake before each use. (I find the detergent is best after it has a day to "gel" in the container...but sometimes I can't wait that long!)

***I half my "recipe"-- that way, I don't have to stir such a huge amount. I end up making a half recipe every 4-6 weeks. I've never timed myself, but start-to-finish, I think this takes about 30 minutes.

So, who wants to try it?

Day One of the Great Backyard Bird Count

2012-02-18T14:03:00.001-06:00

Yesterday turned out to be a great day for the first day of the Great Backyard Bird Count! My sons had a lot of fun starting off the day birdwatching. These are their results they turned in last night to the Backyard Bird Count* from their observations our backyard/neighborhood:

Observation Date : FEB 17, 2012
Start Time: 9:15 AM
Total Birding Time: 2 hours
Party Size: 2
Skill: excellent
Weather: excellent
Habitat(s):
deciduous woods
coniferous woods
scrub
rural
Number of Species: 23
All Reported: yes
Checklist:
Black Vulture - 1
Turkey Vulture - 2
Eurasian Collared-Dove - 1
Mourning Dove - 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker - 1
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) - 1
Blue Jay - 1
American Crow - 1
Carolina Chickadee - 1
Tufted Titmouse - 5
Carolina Wren - 2
Eastern Bluebird - 1
American Robin - 150
Northern Mockingbird - 2
Cedar Waxwing - 50
Pine Warbler - 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) - 1
Eastern Towhee - 1
Chipping Sparrow - 3
Northern Cardinal - 1
Red-winged Blackbird - 3
House Finch - 3
American Goldfinch - 5

They turned in yet another count based on what they saw while they were fishing in a nearby pond:

Start Time: 5:15 PM
Total Birding Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Party Size: 3
Skill: good
Weather: good
Habitat(s):
deciduous woods
scrub
grassland
freshwater
Number of Species: 13
All Reported: no
Checklist:
goose sp. - 5
Great Egret - 4
Eurasian Collared-Dove - 2
Mourning Dove - 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker - 1
Blue Jay - 1
American Crow - 1
Eastern Bluebird - 2
American Robin - 30
Northern Mockingbird - 2
Yellow-rumped Warbler - 2
Field Sparrow - 7
Red-winged Blackbird - 30
Comments----------------------------------------
I saw three sparrows I couldn't Identify and a Flock of at least 300 blackbirds I also couldn't ID.
-------------------------------------------------

*Each evening you enter your results at the GBBC website. (See the link from yesterday's post.) My oldest son had a lot of fun watching the map light up in certain cities as people reported their findings. It's not too late if you'd still like to participate. You can birdwatch even just one day if you wish.

Starts Today: Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC)

2012-02-17T08:52:00.000-06:00

This is an exciting weekend in our household! The bird list has been printed, the feeders are filled to the brim, the bird books are on-hand and the binoculars are ready. We are prepared for the Great Backyard Bird Count of 2012! For the next 4 days, we will be keeping track of the birds we see, along with the numbers of each species. How exciting to be a part of science! (The results are sent to the likes of Audubon and Cornell.) I think the results this year will be especially interesting because of the warmer temperatures.

This is our first year participating. I will keep you updated on our progress and experiences. Here is the link if you are interested. There are really helpful things on this website. You can print out a bird list for your area, find activities for kids and even see the prizes you can win for participating!

Happy Birding,

Letha

Cuneiform (Hands-on History)

2012-02-15T15:56:00.000-06:00

We started our 2 year World History Study back in January. We are currently reading The Story of the World Volume 1: Ancient Times where we have learned about cuneiform and how it was the earliest form of writing. This picture writing was developed by the Sumerians, who lived in the Fertile Cresent of Mesopotamia. (I HIGHLY recommend this book...we love it!)

Yesterday's Language assignment was to write a Fruit of the Spirit into clay using cuneiform.

The Sumerians had lots of wet clay where they lived. We used Crayola clay.

I think my kids will always remember what cuneiform writing is! :)

Valentine's Day Times Two

2012-02-14T15:20:00.000-06:00

This year I decided to be very purposeful about celebrating Valentine's Day. It is a day that gives me an extra reason to show all 3 fellas in my life they are loved!
Yesterday was "date night" for my husband and I. Our children LOVE when we have a date. Last night they spent 4 hours with a super sweet couple from our church and had a blast! (We had fun, too!)

Today is more focused on celebrating with our boys. This is what we had for lunch today:

Ready to go into the oven!

Yum!

Tonight our family is going to sit by the fire and cook our dinner...hotdogs and s'mores! We may even play a game or two.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Dear Friends, let us love one another, because love is from God. (1 John 4:7)

A Ministry Moment

2012-02-09T09:26:00.000-06:00

     One of the highlights of my week is teaching Bible Skills, Drills and Thrills each Wednesday night for one hour to 4th-6th graders. Lately our numbers have been increasing to 14-16 kiddos each night. This has been so exciting! But, as you can imagine, it can get a little loud sometimes.
     At the beginning of class, the boys and girls are to copy their verse, books of the Bible, etc. into their Bible Drill notebooks. Last night, some were finished earlier than others and the talking/noise level started to go up. I wanted to move on to our other activities. I asked the children to please not talk and told them, if they were finished, they could just have a prayer time. I have never suggested this before; it just came out of my mouth. I was being facetious.
     The room got very quiet. Boys and girls got back to copying their verse and three children actually bowed their head in prayer. WOW. That was such a moment for me. How precious and tender is the heart of a child. (Everything did stay quiet for at least 4 minutes until somebody burped...)

GratiTuesday: Perfect Timing

2012-02-07T07:24:00.000-06:00

     Yesterday I was sceduled to go for my yearly check-up. Everything was all set. My husband was going to come home for lunch and work the rest of the day from home while the kids finished up their studies.
     Change of plans. My oldest starts complaining of sore eyes and some blurriness. I'm a little concerned.   I call the nurse. They are booked solid, but they could see us in the morning. She told me not to worry unless he started to have a bad headache or nausea. Fifteen minutes go by and my son is in severe pain and is very nauseous. I cover all his windows with sheets to darken the room, but no real relief. I call the nurse again. She tells me it sounds like a migrane, that I should probably just go to a walk-in clinic so they can give him a shot. I think my little "sigh" sounded pathetic. She said, "Hold on just a minute.....Can you leave right now and be here at 1:15?"
     I told her, "Yes, thank you!". My appointment was for 1:00 and in the same building! What are the odds? Definitely not in my favor. BUT, we have a God who looks after and cares for us.   I am SO grateful for just one trip to the doctor (we live 45 minutes away!), and a successful one at that.

Children's Sermon: "Who really obeyed?"

2012-02-06T19:39:00.000-06:00

*NOTE: For about the last 7 years, I have given a children's sermon almost every Sunday. Most of the ideas I have are from another source, and I usually just "tweak" them to fit my context. Every once-in-a-while God will just give it to me. Other times (like for this children's sermon), my preacher husband and I will work on one together. I plan to start a section on my blog (see "labels") just for Children's Sermons. Feel free to use them or share them with someone who leads this ministry in your church.*

Who Really Obeyed?

Matthew 21: 28-31a

I told the boys and girls I felt confident they always obeyed their parents when it comes to room cleaning--but, for today, we were just going to pretend that some of them don't always obey. ;) I used 2 children from our group as an example. In a "pretend" situation, both children were asked by their mom to clean their room. In our pretend story, the first child refused to clean the room, but then later changed their mind and cleaned their room. The second child told their mom they would clean their room, but never actually did.

     Which child actually obeyed? "The first child!", the children exclaimed.
     I went on to share with the children: "Obey all the way, right away, with the right heart attitude." (These words of wisdom I learned before I became a mom aren't just for kids...it work for teenagers and adults as well. ALL of us should have this attitude when it comes to obeying our Heavenly Father!)
     I read the first part of "The Parable of the Two Sons". (When it came to the part where Jesus asked, "Which of the two did what his father wanted?" a little girl shouted out, "The first one!" I said, "Yes! and that's just what the people in the Bible story said, too!") I shared with the children that Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees. These people were a lot of "talk", but not a lot of doing when it came to obedience. Jesus shared with Pharisees that the greatest of sinners who had turned from their sin would be entering the Kingdom of Heaven ahead of them!
   I led the children in prayer, thanking God that we can turn away from our sin, follow Him and be forgiven.

Introducing My First Guest Blogger: My Oldest Son

2012-01-31T13:33:00.000-06:00

My oldest son had a very interesting adventure last week. I thought it was such a unique story, and must be written down. Here is his story:

The Reversal of Fates and What Happened Thus

The cross-hairs lined up with the buck's shoulder blade. I slowly eased in on the trigger. Blam! The deer mule-kicked and ran into the woods.

"Nice shot. I think you got him," my dad said sitting to my right in the stand. I leaned back against a tree and slowly let out a breath. The sun habitually splayed its light on the dew split grass and robins flew overhead. There was nothing quite like waking up with the world. We sat in the stand a few minutes watching a quirky fox squirrel scamper around on the grass. Then, all of a sudden, there was a loud racket behind us. I turned in my seat to see what it was. It sounded like a bird screaming.

"That's weird, I've never heard a bird make a sound like that before." I said.

"Me neither," said Dad. "What's that moss moving for? Why don't you go check it out." So I got out of the stand and walked over to where we saw the moving moss. Then I saw a little gray bird with a crest and rusty sides hung up in the moss, and some of it wrapped around its neck like a noose. I thought it was dead. Then it made another pitiful noise and struggled. I went over to it and gently undid its wing and tail. Then he fell a few inches and hung there from the moss around its neck. I quickly grabbed him, He struggled and tried to bite me, but I held on. The moss was very tight, and if I tried to pull it off he would choke. How did you get yourself into this mess I thought.

I eventually broke the last strand. The small Tufted Titmouse flew quickly into the tops of the trees. As I walked back to the treestand I gave my dad a thumbs-up. How ironic it was to have taken the life of one animal and resucued the life of another, both in the same five minutes.

Something About Homeschooling I Really Didn't See Coming

2012-01-30T16:52:00.003-06:00

The Virtual Curriculum Fair Final Week: The Nuts and Bolts of Homeschooling

     5 1/2 years ago I had plans. I was going to take on the full and complete responsibility for my children's education. Why? (*) Because it was best for them. They would learn so much from the books I had ordered. My sons would continue to grow closer together. They would have a great teacher-student ratio. The curriculum would be tailor-made to suit their interests and abilities. They would get ample outside playtime.  There would be hands-on science every week. They would get to spend more time with their dad. Homeschooling would enable them to spend more time with other people not their same age. How GREAT this would be for my kids!
     Fast-forward a few months, maybe even a year. I can't remember exactly. I just remember one day it hit me: God didn't just call us to homeschool for our children's sake. He also called us to homeschool for my sake. I needed to homeschool my children. Apparently, I need(ed) help in the areas of patience and diligence, because those are the two muscles that have gotten the most workout since I/we started homeschooling. God knew that spending numerous hours with my offspring would help to develop my patience. He knew that waking up 170 days out of a year and "being on the ball" as teacher to my sweet boys would work diligence into my character.
     Homeschooling has been wonderful for my kids. Pretty much everything I mentioned above has occured. Homeschooling has been great for me as well. I have not "arrived", but I am starting to see growth in the areas I mentioned. I am more patient with my kids that I once was. It gets easier to be diligent about our studies, as I can now see some of the fruit of my labor and now have an even deeper conviction to homeschool than I did in the beginning.
     I am most thankful to God for His patience and diligence as he continues to work in and through me.

"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

(*Note: The biggest Why?: Because God told us to do it...but that's another post!!!)

Check out these other links from the Virtual Curriculum Fair:

http://highhillhomeschool.blogspot.com/2012/01/weekly-homeschooling-schedule.html

http://courtneysix.blogspot.com/2012/01/virtual-curriculum-fair-week-5-nuts.html

http://debbiesdigest.blogspot.com/2012/01/homeschooling-how-do-i-do-it-all.html

http://allthingsnorilynn.blogspot.com/2012/01/its-working.html

http://pebblekeeper.wordpress.com/2012/01/28/virtual-curriculum-fairwrap-up/

http://everydaysnapshots.blogspot.com/2012/01/virtual-cirriculum-fair-5-ways-to-use.html

http://www.gchomeschool.com/2011/11/peek-into-our-school-day.html

http://schoolinginthesun.blogspot.com/2011/08/day-in-life.html

http://www.foreverforalwaysnomatterwhat.com/2012/01/homeschool-and-life-how-we-get-it-done.html

http://www.modest-mama.org/2012/01/homeschooling-at-my-house.html

http://homeschoolheartandmind.blogspot.com/2012/01/getting-grip-on-things.html

http://for-one-another.blogspot.com/2012/01/making-home-school-part-of-life.html

http://oramblings.blogspot.com/2012/01/now-wheres-that-pencil-again.html

http://daybydayinourworld.com/2012/01/curriculum-kids-and-a-frazzled-homeschool-mama-leads-to-controled-chaos/

http://sunrisetosunsethomeschool.com/2012/01/30/the-virtual-curriculum-fair-nuts-and-bolts/

http://myhomeschoolgarden.com/2012/01/30/staying-on-top-of-everything/

http://homeschoolingforhisglory.blogspot.com/2012/01/how-does-this-homeschooling-thing.html

http://christadarr.blogspot.com/2012/01/nuts-bolts-pulling-it-all-together.html

"Spicy" Organization

2012-01-26T18:22:00.003-06:00

It seems that everytime I needed a spice to add to a recipe, I found myself fumbling around my spice cabinet, trying to remember what shelf I put it on. My husband's Christmas gift of a label maker was the little bit of incentive I needed to get my spice cabinet organized!

Here is my cabinet emptied out. I need to clean my "lazy Susans"! The one on top is from my mom...maybe from the 70's? The white one is relatively new. I love how they just fit perfectly. But--without proper organization they were not working to their full potential.

Here they are all cleaned up!

Here are my unorganized spices, eagerly awaiting their proper place in this kitchen.

After alphabetizing the spices, I then divided them in half.

(A-F) on the white lazy Susan, and (G-Z) on the yellow.

I made labels for my cabinet. SOOO Fun!

A-F on the bottom shelf and G-Z on the top.

This is some information I found in a magazine a while back. I taped it to the inside of my spice cabinet door.

Here is the info in case you have a hard time reading the words in the picture:

spices, ground: 2-3 years shelf life

spices, whole: 3-4 years shelf life

seasoning blends: 1-2 years shelf life

herbs: 1-3 years shelf life

extracts: 4 years shelf life, except pure vanilla, which lasts indefinitely

I try to always add the date on my spices the first time I open them.

Have a blessed day!

Letha

Free Online January Issue of This Old Schoolhouse Magazine

2012-01-23T22:41:00.002-06:00

This issue looks to be FULL of great articles for homeschoolers! I hope a few of them are a blessing to you. Thanks Old Schoolhouse!

http://www.thehomeschoolmagazine-digital.com/thehomeschoolmagazine/freegift/#pg1

The Power of the Smiley Face

2012-01-20T20:13:00.002-06:00

I teach Bible Drill to a great group of 4th-6th graders every Wednesday Night. This past Wednesday, I gave them a little fill-in-the-blank sheet about Paul's Letters while they were taking turns saying their verses to the other teacher. After they filled in the missing books of the Bible, I checked their papers and helped them with anything they were missing. I then gave them a big smiley face on their paper with a magic marker.

A little while later a few of the kids came up to me (after we had moved on to our next activity) and said, "Mrs. Letha, I'm finished now, can I have my smiley face?" Of course, I checked over their paper and gave them all smiley faces! This is not the type of activity we do very often, so they were not used to me "checking" their papers or giving them smiley faces for that matter. I thought it was so wonderful and interesting that pre-teens still want their smiley face!

A few months ago, a college student I know posted a paper his professor had graded. On it was an A+ and a smiley face. He said something like, "Hey, look, you can still get these in college!" I think he was very excited and proud that his professor had thought enough of his work to give him a simple smiley face!

The moral of the story? I'm no philosopher or psychologist, but I think there may be a lesson here:

1.Children love/need to be affirmed for hard work.

2.There are still children out there today who will work for smiley faces.

3.It is fun to give smiley faces to children.

4.Children appreciate smiley faces for a long, long time.

***My personal preference: If at all possible, smiley faces should be drawn using a brighly colored, thick magic marker...more drama. :)

Cohesion (or how we just love using eye droppers!)

2012-01-20T09:06:00.001-06:00

Yesterday, we started using this book:

It is has 24 experiments in them. We did the first one yesterday. We compared the size and shape of drops of different liquids, then ordered them according to their relative cohesive strength.

We tested soapy water, canola oil, tap water and rubbing alcohol. (My kids really wanted me to put "poison" on the container...so funny!)

They loved using eye droppers!

We lined up one drop from all the liquids to compare them.

After we compared the droplets on the wax paper, we measured 50 drops of each liquid in a graduated cylinder. (My chemistry days are coming back to me!!)

34, 35, 36....

Getting eye-level to get the exact measurement.

All put together in their science notebook...

(Oh, by the way: Tap water had the greatest cohesive strength. It was the tallest droplet, and took up the most volume in the graduated cylinder.)

GratiTuesday! (Glowing with Gratitude!)

2012-01-17T13:15:00.000-06:00

You may be asking, "What in the world is this???" This is a picture of a few of our youth a two nights ago as they were having a blast playing "Glow Stick Dodgeball". My son thought it was the greatest! This picture reminds me of several things I am thankful for: 1) That my teenage son had several hours to hang out at church and play/be silly/crazy with his friends 2) That there was no blood during the Dodgeball game ;) 3) But MOST OF ALL...I am so thankful that my child has a youth minister that will invest his time and energy into my child!! (**Not just in fun/games...SO thankful for the biblical teaching he gets 2X a week from our youth minister!)

http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/category/gratituesday

Two History Must-haves

2012-01-16T19:56:00.002-06:00

I want to share with you my two most important tools for teaching History.

Maps:

This is the "Mark-it" map that we have used for 6 years of History. On the reverse side is the United States. This map is made to go along with all our Sonlight History Cores. I simply love it. We mark it as we read our books. For example, we are studying Egypt. Our Read-Aloud goes right along with that. Here, we have marked (with a washable marker) the places mentioned in The Story of the World and The Golden Goblet. Later, I can erase the markings and "test" their memory.

Here is a close-up view.

This is one of the school desks. My dad made them for us a few years ago. We had the idea to put maps on them. My dad had glass cut to fit over the top. I think my kids can learn through "osmosis" this way!! hehehe!

Here is a look from the other side. My other son has the world map. Each year they trade maps!

Timeline

This is our "Book of Time" from Sonlight Curriculum. We have been using this since the beginning our homeschool. It comes blank, so you can use it however you wish. You can simply write in important dates, your children can draw the pictures, or you can order the stickers. We have added our own dates, like births in the family, etc.

As you can see here, we ordered the stickers. The pictures on them are so detailed. My children simply look up the dates and put the sticker on the right date. Here is one of the "earliest" stickers!

Here is a look at one of our pages. The "BC" pages are in yellow, and the "AD" pages are in white. All of the stickers correspond with our studies...love it!

The pages get really full! My boys really enjoy this. I will "catch" them looking through this book just for fun. This will end up being a homeschool keepsake!

Check out more "History and Science" posts from the Virtual Curriculum Fair:

http://www.oramblings.blogspot.com/2012/01/science-and-worldview.html

http://crunchycountrycatholic.blogspot.com/2012/01/nature-study-as-science.html

http://courtneysix.blogspot.com/2012/01/virtual-curriculum-fair-week-3-social.html

http://pebblekeeper.wordpress.com/2012/01/15/curriculum-fairexploring-our-world/

http://www.foreverforalwaysnomatterwhat.com/2012/01/paths-of-exploration.html

http://www.modest-mama.org/2012/01/learning-geography-at-our-house.html

http://homeschoolheartandmind.blogspot.com/2012/01/mapping-out-our-social-studies.html

http://www.fencedinfamily.com/blog/2012/01/the-fascinating-world-around-us/

http://schoolinginthesun.blogspot.com/2012/01/more-heart-of-dakota-praises.html

http://www.gchomeschool.com/2012/01/this-weeks-topic-our-world-social.html

http://everydaysnapshots.blogspot.com/2012/01/playful-us-geography-for-first-grade.html

http://ladybug-chronicles.blogspot.com/2012/01/heart-of-dakota-fine-details-part-3.html

http://myhomeschoolgarden.com/2012/01/16/exploring-our-world-through-history-science/

http://daybydayinourworld.com/2012/01/learning-about-the-world-around-us/

http://homeschoolingforhisglory.blogspot.com/2012/01/social-studies-and-science-what-do-we.html

My View from the Front Pew~~Exodus and Egypt

2012-01-15T23:17:00.000-06:00

     Today as I as sitting on the front pew listening to my husband preach his second sermon in his Exodus series, it hit me. We just started studying Egypt last week! I love how God works! SO many times this has happened. We have been learning about something in our homeschool, and something (totally unplanned) will take place that goes right along with our theme/topic of study. I just love it when God does that.
     (One other particular example that comes to mind:  A few years ago we were studying birds and on the way home one evening we saw an owl---and he let us look at him for a long time.)

Leave a comment sharing how this has happened to you!

The Votes are in!!!

2012-01-13T16:39:00.000-06:00

Last week my children and I finished up the "Eastern Hemisphere" Core from Sonlight. I decided to take a poll and see which books were their favorites. It was fun to look back and remember all the great stories they read or we read together!

Here are the top picks from my boys:

In the "Read-Aloud" Category:

1st place: The Hobbit, by Tolkien (a no-brainer!)

2nd place: The Master Puppeteer, by Paterson

3rd place: The Wolves of Willoughby Chase, Aiken

In the Reader Category:

The top 2 picks were: Rascal, by North

and Henry Reed, Inc., by Robertson

Blog Post Find of the Day!! ("Are Academics Important?")

2012-01-12T19:48:00.001-06:00

A great post on the Sonlight Blog (or can I say "ditto"?):http://www.sonlight.com/blog/2012/01/are-academics-important.html

A Magnificent Math Manipulative

2012-01-07T16:44:00.000-06:00

Six years ago when we started homeschooling I decided to go with Singapore math. I did this because I read or heard somewhere that worldwide, kids who use this math score highest on testing. I'm not really into test scores, but it sounded good to me. Singapore has been a challenge...in a good way. One of the items that was recommended to be purchased with the math curriculum were the gram/centimeter cubes. I love hands-on anything, so I purchased them. I had no idea they would be so well used. There are uses for them K-6! The versatility of these little fellas is seemingly endless!

My kids love the colors and how there are several possibilities of how they link together.
Never a complaint when it's time to do math with these! It really helps them (and me) to SEE the math...not
just numbers on a page. These cubes are used as an introduction to lots of lessons. After my kids "get" the concept,
we just move along to numbers and paper.

I found this picture in our archives...back when my oldest was
finishing up 3rd grade. I remember this fun assignment: He was
to see how many different combinations he could make with 5 cubes.
Geometry and critical thinking skills all in one. :)

My blog find of the day: "5 Simple Ways to Accomplish More Each Day" (From Heavenly Homemakers)

2012-01-06T08:37:00.000-06:00

http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/5-simple-ways-to-accomplish-more-each-day#comments

I loved this post! So true and very encouraging! You may want to check out the other "5 SimpleWays" posts below her original post. They looked really interesting as well.

My Favorite Time of the (school) Day

2012-01-05T19:59:00.001-06:00

My most favorite part of our school day together is read-aloud time. Right after lunch my boys and I sit in the living room while I read aloud a book. These books are assigned by our curriculum (Sonlight). They always pick such great ones...and most of the time fall in line with what/where we are studying in History. Today I read the last two chapters of The Hobbit. I hated to see it come to an end. What a great joy to read such a classic together. I had not read it since 10th grade; my boys read it 2-3 years ago. Their fairly recent reading did not bother them one bit, since it is an all-time favorite. Their dad even read a couple of chapters while he was home due to some minor surgery.

Although I hated for the reading of this great classic to come to an end, I had so much fun reading those last chapters. I always get a little teary (and sometimes really teary--depending on the book!) during the last chapter of our read-alouds. My boys are used to it. I was thinking today as I was reading those final pages that it really is a thrill to finally read the last chapter. We spent a lot of hours together reading and enjoying this book. We had seen Mr. Bilbo Baggins go through countless adventures and peril. What a sense of accomplishment to finish that story together!

Whether you homeschool or not, I encourage you to read aloud to your children~! (Note: It is very beneficial to read about 2-3 grade levels above your child's reading level.)

WOW! A Fabulous Christian Family Magazine for FREE!

2012-01-04T08:55:00.000-06:00

This morning I was on the "Focus on the Family" website, when I came across a free offer for this magazine! I started getting it in the mail several months ago, and I really enjoy reading it. It has such timely and helpful articles to help moms and dads along the journey of Christian parenting. I wasn't sure why they were sending it to me, but I loved it! (I figured out later it was probably because my son currently gets the Clubhouse Magazine, seen below.) If you'd like to order go here.

GratiTuesday....A Change of Plans

2012-01-03T11:13:00.003-06:00

     Last week, my oldest son and my husband were all set to go with our church youth group to Winter Xtreme Conference in Pigeon Forge, TN. The day before they were to leave my husband's back was hurt and he could hardly walk or bend over. So, at 8:00 the night before they were to leave, it was decided that I would go instead. I was trying to wrap my brain around packing, etc. I do not switch gears very easily.
     I'm a girl who likes to PLAN. I want to know way in advance how things are going to go. I already had designs for my long weekend with just me and my youngest. I was going to stain a piece of furniture and do some cleaning out and re-arranging of furniture and such. (You know, what you always do when you have an almost empty house.)
     I knew in my heart that at some point during the trip I would say, "This is why I was supposed to be here." It happened more than once. God had a perfect plan. He always does. My husband was able to stay home and heal. He was also able to get a lot of his doctoral studies/assignments finished. I was able to spend three whole days just hanging out with my oldest son. Not something I get to do very often. Momma didn't have to cook, do laundry or clean the house. Instead, I was able to go out to eat with my oldest and his friends, praise the Lord in worship with my son, jam (I know that's an 80's word!) out to some great Christian bands with him and hear God's word preached. I was still his mom...but it was nice not to be in our regular routine. I am so thankful for the time we had together. I hope he remembers that trip for a long time. I know I will. :)

Only 5 Spelling Tests a Year! (Can we do that?)

2012-01-02T15:02:00.000-06:00

(FYI...this is my first of several "Virtual Curriculum Fair" posts. This week two dozen (including yours truly) homeschoolers are joining together to share with you some aspects of our Language Arts curriculum. I could go on and on and ON about how I love Sonlight LA program, but decided today to just talk about one tiny part today....spelling)

I would like to share with you a small part of our homeschool Language Arts program, spelling. We use the "Sequential Spelling" program. (We use Sonlight Curriculum, and it is what they recommend.) I love it because it is simple, inexpensive and IT WORKS!! There are seven levels. The numbers of these levels do not correspond with a grade level. My 5th grader is finishing up level 2 and will be moving to level 3 in a week or so. My 7th grader is finishing up level 4. You can read more about the spelling program here, on the Sonlight website.

We REALLY do only have 5 spelling tests per year, but then again---we sort of have one everyday! Let me explain. Students are given 25 new words a day. There are four sets of words which continue to build upon one or more word patterns. By the end of four days (and 100 words) of "testing", your child should know those words/word patterns. Each day you give your child 25 words. You call out one word at a time, and your child writes the word on his/her paper. (They do NOT study the words ahead of time!) After EACH word, you write the word, and then your child studies how you spelled the word and corrects his/her spelling of the word (if needed). It has been suggested by the book that you write in a different color of pen the word pattern. You can see below how we did our lesson today:

Mom's paper

You can see how I wrote in red the repetitive word patterns. This is a great visual to aid in his learning. My older (7thgrade) son prefers his words to be written all in one color. I say, "Whatever works best!"

My son's paper from Sequential Spelling 2, lesson 160
He received a "100" because he spelled all the words correctly the first time, or caught his mistake(s) after looking at how
I spelled the word. This method really teaches my children to look for details, and they are "studying" spelling words this way without even knwoing it!! (These words were the last in the set of four. Before spelling "belling" for example, he had spelled "bell", "bells" and "belled" in the preceding lessons. These seem like simple words, but the theory here is to build upon the small base words to much larger words in a progressive, straightforward way.

This is my son's test he took today. He did not study at all before hand. This is just a review of the word patterns he has learned. My boys almost always make an "A" Once they may have made a B+, but never below that. Needless to say, I really believe this program works! (They have also enjoyed doing well in a local spelling bee!) You will notice my son did miss one word, so I just talked to him about the mistake, and he wrote the word 5 times.

A few personal notes about how we do things....

*We usually do 50 words per lesson, because we don't always get to do spelling everyday. It saves time in the long run, since we already have our book/paper ready for spelling. We do one lesson on the front of the page, and one on the back.

*There a lot of words in this spelling curriculum that even I do not know the meaning of (and some I've never heard of). I keep a dictionary handy so that if needed, we can have a vocabulary lesson,too.

*Spelling is carried over into our writing assignments, which we have everyday. Once a week my children are given a dictation, where correct spelling is also required.

Check out the "Virtual Curriculum Fair" button to visit other homeschoolers and see what they are doing in Language Arts!! (Or check out the links below!)

http://homeschoolheartandmind.blogspot.com/2012/01/on-learning-to-spell.html

http://www.fencedinfamily.com/blog/2012/01/reading-on-time/

http://christadarr.blogspot.com/2012/01/playing-with-words-language-arts.html

http://daybydayinourworld.com/2012/01/reading-and-beyond-language-arts-in-our-homeschool/

http://www.gchomeschool.com/2011/12/virtual-curriculum-fair-language-arts.html

http://www.modest-mama.org/2012/01/learning-language-at-our-house.html

http://ourhomeschoolreviews.blogspot.com/2012/01/virtual-curriculum-fair-language-arts.html

http://tractorsandtireswings.blogspot.com/2012/01/learning-of-language.html

http://everydaysnapshots.blogspot.com/2012/01/reading-and-spelling-modifying-magic.html

http://oramblings.blogspot.com/2012/01/in-depth-look-at-all-about-spelling.html

http://debrakb.blogspot.com/2012/01/virtual-curriculum-fair-lets-talk-about.html

http://schoolinginthesun.blogspot.com/2012/01/why-we-love-classical-conversations.html

http://pebblekeeper.wordpress.com/2012/01/02/currriculum_lanuage-arts/

http://crunchycountrycatholic.blogspot.com/2012/01/whole-language-vs-phonics.html

http://myhomeschoolgarden.com/2012/01/02/its-all-about-the-art-of-language/

http://debbiesdigest.blogspot.com/2012/01/virtual-curriculum-fair-playing-with.html

http://learning-adventures.blogspot.com/2012/01/playing-with-words.html

Christmas 2011 Collage

2011-12-27T21:01:00.003-06:00

I hope everyone had a blessed Christmas and that the joy of the season is still with you and your family!

Christmas Piano Recital

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

(Muffins in my 3's and 4's Sunday School Class)

Church Staff (Ministerial/Office) Christmas Luncheon at our House

The little houses I made as dessert/place cards.

(Confectioners sugar covers a multitude of sins!)

The making of gingerbread houses...

Rolling out the dough...

Cutting out the parts of the house...

The finished products!

The boys had the best time making these.

(Big bonus for making homemade gingerbread: man, my house smelled good!)

One of my favorite parts of Christmastime: our Advent story/lighting of the candles each night. It really helped us all to slow down and savor the season.

"Box Day" is a lot like Christmas at our House!

2011-12-22T13:44:00.000-06:00

The other day, we received our big box of books from Sonlight (Homeschool) Curriculum. This is a very exciting day for our family--and other "Sonlighters" around the world! In fact, the Sonlight company has officially named it "Box Day".

In one of my earlier posts, I shared how we are borrowing a lot of the Sonlight books, but these are the rest I had to order:

The boys always start looking at the books right away!

One of my favorite parts of the curriculum...the Timeline Stickers! We've been filling up our book of time for the last 5 1/2 years. A wonderful learning tool. The boys just love looking through it.

Just one of many of our Science books.

Just a few more weeks and we'll start this new core! (World History, Part 1)

4 Ways to Use Old Christmas Cards

2011-12-17T13:54:00.003-06:00

I LOVE finding uses for old Christmas cards!

1)This is in my laundry room. The old chalkboard is always there, I just added greenery to the top. The cute little gingerbread-shaped people are cut out of old Christmas cards. I used my cookie cutters as templates. I simply punched a hole in the top and tied them on with some ribbon I already had. If you have kids, this would be a fun project for them...they would also look cute on a tree.

2) My kids used some old Christmas cards just the other day to cut-up (and they used one of my Christmas punches) to make new cards for their teachers at church. I gave them cardstock, construction paper and glitter glue. They had the BEST time.

3) I used Christmas nativity cards a few weeks in an activity with my preschoolers at church. We made a large "birth announcement" for Baby Jesus.

4) Nametags for gifts. Punches work great for this. You can also cut on the fold to have a nametag you can "open". (This was the reason my parents always saved our Christmas cards.)

Do you have any creative uses for old Christmas cards? I'd love for you to share! Leave a post/link below!

Making Butter (Yummy Science)

2011-12-16T07:07:00.000-06:00

The whole family had a great time last Friday making butter! (I like doing my "experiments" on Fridays.) Dad even got in on the action. This is one of our books we use for Science, and where the activity for making butter came from :

We poured the cream into a jar. (I read the directions a little more carefully AFTER we finished. We were supposed to use a larger glass jar. oops!)

After Lots of shaking, we had a creamy type butter. The boys went ahead and tried that on crackers, loved it. (I've made that before when I taught preschool.) The directions in our book told us to add water 3 different times, pouring off excess liquid each time. I really thought we had ruined our yummy creamy butter, but--Alas solids! So exciting, truly!

Butter!

The boys enjoyed homemade butter on their mama's homemade bread with soup for lunch.

To Bee or not to Bee?

2011-12-13T09:39:00.000-06:00

For the last two years, my children have participated in our cover school's spelling bee competition. I have encouraged/required them to do this. Both times were really great experiences. The best part was the comradship with other homeschool kids.

I firmly believe most children need practice being up in front of an audience. I always tell my boys there will be times in their life they will have to stand up in front of a group of people and speak. It may be in their job, or just at a church business meeting. To me, it is a life skill.

I have to admit---I love competion. I grew up competing in 4-H most of my childhood. So, when it comes to things like a spelling bee, I can get really excited. Last year was a real nail-biter. One of my sons was in a round where these 4 kids-- then 3-- then 2-- spelled for 45 minutes without anyone missing a word. My son ended up being runner-up, but we loved it just the same. What a thrill!

WELL---yesterday I asked my kids if they wanted to be in the spelling bee this year. They didn't. But, I figured that's okay. They had the great experience for 2 years. Instead, they want to put their time toward other interests. I am both relieved and disappointed. Getting ready for a spelling bee takes lots of practice, but, oh, how I enjoy the day of the "bee"!

My View from the Front Pew: Personal, but not Private

2011-12-11T14:54:00.001-06:00

I am adding the new label "My View from the Front Pew" to my blog to share with my readers some things I learn, see, or experience as I minister alongside my husband. I figured out a long time ago (while we were still "young" in the ministry) that many times as a minster you get a "front row seat" to what God is doing in people's lives. I remember discovering this first-hand as a youth minister's wife when I was on a mission trip with a bunch of teenagers. What a joy it was to see up close God at work in their lives. As a pastor's wife, people will sometimes share with me how God is speaking to them. That happened today, in fact. That's what I call getting a "front row seat". (In reality, I actually DO sit on the front row in church, right next to my husband!) There will always be trying times as we serve the Lord, but it is those "front row seat" moments that make it all worth-while.

~~~A little something from my notes I took during my husband's sermon:

Luke 2:17-18 says,

"When they (the shepherds) had seen him (Jesus), they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them."

We are called to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ...but NOT a private relationship. Many times those two words are used interchangably in our vocabulary, but when it comes to our relationship with Jesus Christ, there is a vast difference in meaning. As Christians, let us not confuse the two. May we be like the shepherds and not keep the good news to ourselves!!

(Handmade) Snowy Villiage Christmas Ornament

2011-12-10T17:41:00.001-06:00

     Tomorrow my family is attending a Sunday School Christmas party. We will be having an ornament exchange, so I thought I'd make one of these adorable ornaments that I'd had in my "holiday ideas" notebook for a few years. I got the idea from Better Homes and Gardens Magazine. (Here is the link) There is another link from there to be able to print out the pattern. (You may have to join BH&G first...it's free and easy.)

     Once you get your pattern (there are 3 to choose from), copy it onto cardstock. If you like the color of your cardstock, great. My cardstock was white, and I wanted a little more color, so I glued some scrapbook paper on top. (I left the base white to look like snow.) There are lines on the pattern to show you where to fold.

The thing I love about this craft is that you can really use your creativity! Each house you make can be totally unique! (How fun it would be to give as a gift, creating it to look like the home of the recipient!) I decided to add a wreath (chenille stem) and I also cut out a little door and windows.

It didn't look quite finished, so I added a little bow and put ribbon around the bottom edge. Much better!

With the glue gun, I attached a clothespin to the base. This way it can just be clipped to the tree. I also added to the bottom of the base the reference in Joshua: "....As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." I then sprayed it with some "Santa Snow". Here is the finished product on my tree: (Okay, I'm not keeping it...I wrapped it up, ready for the party tomorrow night!)

Note: I think I may be addicted to this craft, so you may see more in the future!

Note #2: I'm all about saving $$---I made this with just things/scraps I had in my craft closet. (All except the Santa Snow, that was $1.25 at the Dollar General.)

Feel Better Soup

2011-12-09T09:02:00.001-06:00

It is that time of year when somebody (or everybody, like us this past week!) in your family will get a cold. I have the perfect (quick, easy and delicious) soup for that! I got the recipe from watching "Rachel Ray". I have made it for several years for my family. It is a favorite, sick day or not. My boys always get so excited when I make it. The original name by R.R. is "Tortellini Brodo", but I just call it "Feel Better Soup". It really is the perfect thing to eat with a cold: chicken broth to help your cold, lemon zest tastes so refreshing when you can't taste much else, lots of good vitamins in the spinach, the comfort of pasta and protein from the cheese. Like most of Rachel Ray's recipes, there are no exact measurements. This is what I have found works best for us (for 4 people):

2 cartons (not cans) of chicken broth

2 small packages of Butoni 3-cheese tortellini

1 small bag spinach (cut or torn into smaller pieces)

zest of 1 lemon (save the lemon for later with some hot tea!)

fresh grated parmesan (to taste)

Bring the broth to a low boil, put in the tortellini. Cook for about 7 minutes until the pasta resembles fluffy pillows like this:

Now comes the really fun (and oh, so pretty) part! Ladle the pasta and tortellini into bowls. Top with a small handful of spinach (this will "wilt" as it is mixed into the soup), parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of lemon zest. The amount of all these toppings can be determined be the person eating it.

Doesn't this look YUMMY?!

I even made this soup two days in a row this week...with absolutely no complaints (or leftovers!) I hope this recipe can help you and your family next time somebody gets a cold! :)

Blessings,

Letha

Winner of the Giada Bread Loaf Pan!!

2011-12-09T08:38:00.001-06:00

Congrats to Hillary M. on winning the Giada Bread Loaf Pan! I hope you enjoy it!!

Last Day to Enter for a Giada Ceramic Loaf Pan!!!!

2011-12-08T09:20:00.001-06:00

I hope you will take a few seconds to enter to win this great loaf pan! (Minus the bread!) Remember, you must be an official "follower" to enter. Please leave a message below stating that you are a follower and your favorite type of bread. (To "follow" click "Join this site"---just to the right----> and follow a few simple steps.)

I am so excited to now be a member of "Molly's Home Team" (doing product reviews on my blog for this great homeschool magazine)! If you can, please help me out...I need at least 50 followers. I'm halfway there!

Thanks! :) I am so thankful for all my readers!!!

Letha

I Made the Team!!

2011-12-07T12:08:00.001-06:00

Several weeks ago, I applied to be part of "Molly's Home Team". (A product review team via "This Old Schoolhouse" homeschooling magazine.) I was excited to make it to round two, and now thrilled to be part of the team. So, starting in January, I'll be reviewing products on my blog. I'm really looking forward this new venture, and have already enjoyed "meeting" so many other fellow homeschoolers all over the country that are part of this team! :)

GratiTuesday~~~Sick Day

2011-12-06T14:06:00.001-06:00

I am always thankful to the good Lord and to my husband for the opportunity to educate my children at home---but I am even more so on "sick days". (Sick days can take lots of forms: sick child(ren), sick mama, or sick everybody. We've had all three this week.) On sick days, I am reminded just how blessed I am to homeschool my sons. When they wake up sick, I don't worry--we just all stay at home like everyday.

On "sick days", my kids and I take it easy, doing whatever "school" is manageable. We rarely ever completely skip lessons altogether. Usually on their sick days, they catch up on reading, etc. Yesterday I knew it was the Lord helping me out. We were ALL feeling pretty sick, but we had enough energy to do one lesson on "theme" as it pertains to literature. We had recently recorded "Gone with the Wind". What a perfect day to watch a 4 hour movie, snuggle up with lots of pillows and blankets, then talk about theme, characters, symbolism, etc. (Not to mention Civil War history!) I'm usually not one to watch a long movie in the middle of the afternoon, but boy, did I need that!

p.s. I have to mention that I am SO GRATEFUL to my sweet husband for doing my Publix (with coupons!) shopping for me! He has called several times as I've been writing this post, just to make sure he gets it right. Love that man.

Great Story Starters!

2011-12-05T23:18:00.001-06:00

The other day my usually ready-to-write son had a hard time thinking about what to write about for a short story. I was stumped for a minute, wondering how I could help him. I thought I had a book which contained "story starters", but no luck. So, I searched the internet for a good list. I'll tell you, it took me a while to find an appropriate list. Lots of the "story starters" looked like they were more for college students or even sleezy fiction. I wanted to share 50 great "story starters" I found. My son really liked the choices, and had no problem developing a short story from the one he chose. He is so excited about the story that he is working on expanding it to a longer, more detailed one.
Here is the site that may come in handy for your child(ren) and/or students:

http://www.homeschoolstarter.com/storystarters50.html

Free Nativity Activity Printables for Preschool and Kindergarten

2011-12-03T10:05:00.001-06:00

I came across these free printables and wanted to share them with all my moms and teachers of preschool-K age children. Here is the link to the blog where you can find them: http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.com/PreschoolPacksNativity.html

What do I do with the Wise Men?

2011-12-02T12:22:00.001-06:00

Every year as I set up my Nativity set, I say to myself, "I don't know why the Wise Men are in here, they weren't even there yet." (Matthew Chapter 2 tells us that the Magi visited Jesus in a house.) But I don't know what else to do with them. I say to myself, "It's just symbolic, get over it!"

The other day I was reading the December issue of HomeLife, and they had a great idea! Place the Wise Men somewhere else in your home, as if the Magi are on the journey to find the Christ Child. How excited I was!! I would be able to remain biblical, yet still display my Wise Men! I want to share with you a new spot for our Wise Men. I decided to not put them alongside Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus and the Shepherd. This year they are in another spot in the house. (I wanted them to be traveling from the east side of the house, but I couldn't find a good spot. (And by "good" I mean "novel, but not tacky".) So even though they are traveling from the west, here they are on my mantle traveling to find Jesus.

It would probably be 2 years before they found him, but you get the idea. It has already brought up a good conversation with one of my sons. We talked about things that are tradition, but not necessarily in the Bible.

I would encourage everyone to have a nativity set in their home that takes center stage. If you have young children, a nativity set that they can touch and play with is a great idea.

First Week of Advent!

2011-11-29T20:12:00.001-06:00

Two days ago I put together our family's Advent wreath. I decided to place the Advent wreath next to my Nativity set. This post is related to a previous post where I shared about our family beginning the book, Jotham's Journey. Our whole family really loves it. We have enjoyed lighting the Advent candle then sitting by the fire in the evening as my husband reads the story. There is even a devotional that follows the reading for each day. I love how it all fits together. The book has already grabbed our attention!

Ceramic Loaf Pan Giveaway Entry Date has been Extended!

2011-11-29T07:22:00.001-06:00

It is still not too late to try and win the Giada Ceramic Loaf Pan Giveaway mentioned here in an earlier post . Now the deadline is December 8th. (So whomever wins it can still have time to bake holiday bread or give it as a Christmas gift!) Make sure you are an official follower before you enter. (Click "join this site".)

"Tools Not Toys" (from Sonlight Blog)

2011-11-23T08:07:00.001-06:00

I just read this great post and had to share it! This is a must read before you do your Christmas shopping for your child/nieces/nephews/grandchildren.

"Tools Not Toys" post from Sonlight Blog

"A child can have too many toys, but never too many books."

---Letha

GratiTuesday---Two Kinds of Lists

2011-11-22T08:27:00.001-06:00

     I love lists. What I love most about lists is checking off what I've completed on my ("to do") lists. Such satisfaction! My children are big list-makers, so is my husband. I guess you could call us a list-making family!
     I've been thinking about lists lately. Thanksgiving lists and Christmas lists, to be specific. Everyone is familiar with the "What I want for Christmas List". Kids love those. My children write theirs every year with great anticipation. Making the "list" is half the fun!!
     There is also the Thanksgiving list-- the "What I am Thankful for" list. This one is not as popular, but so important. This is the list where we "count our blessings"--where we remember to be thankful for things we have NOW, not for things we WISH we had.
     I was thinking (during my husband's sermon on thanksgiving) how appropriate it is that we celebrate Thanksgiving before, and in close proximity to Christmas. Thanksgiving is a great reminder to be content and grateful for what the Lord has given us---this before all the hustle and bustle of materialism that will be in full swing about the time our thanksgiving feasts turn into turkey sandwiches.
     I encourage you (and you can encourage your children--Go here if you want some cute and colorful lists your children and others can fill in.) to make your "Thanksgiving List" before you make (or finish) your "Christmas Wish List". It just might affect this things you ask for! :)

"...for I have learned to to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:ll(b)-13

Holiday School: A Thanksgiving Reading

2011-11-21T21:51:00.001-06:00

I wanted to share a Thanksgiving Reading/Devotional I found recently. I plan to read this to my children on or before Thanksgiving Day. We don't have family arriving until after Thanksgiving Day, so I am working on some fun "Holiday School" things for us to do together since we'll have more time with just our family. (Note: to save myself colored ink, I just copied the text and pasted it onto a blank document page, then printed that out.)

Happy Thanksgiving!

"Pitching Our Tent" in Sunday School

2011-11-20T17:27:00.001-06:00

One of my joys in life is to teach preschoolers, especially about the Lord. I currently teach 3 and 4 year olds at my church. I just had to share our lesson today, since it was about King David and how he "pitched a tent"for the Ark of the Covenant. (not the part in the Bible for which my blog is named, but it works..!) I had such a good morning with my boys and girls.

Reading the Bible and our "Thank You, God" Book in the tent

We found a picture of a church tent in our "Read to Me" Bible. We took wooden blocks and fabric scraps to build church tents. The 3's and 4's really enjoyed this. I told the Bible Story as they built.

One of the children with his tent. I love the ramp he made for the entrance. He's placing the Ark of the Covenant inside. (I did tell him that in the Bible they carried it on poles, but left out the part out about being struck dead if you touched it!...)

The children really loved the crowns they made. They were so cute wearing them around the room as they played.

I hope to share more of our lessons with you. That way, parents of these precious children can get a peek at what we do and see their kids in action. I hope I can also inspire or encourage any other Sunday School teachers out there. There are so MANY wonderful ways to teach kids the Bible, and in way that they can learn best.

*** If you'd like to follow my blog, please scroll down and look to the right. Go this post from yesterday to enter for a chance to win a Giada for Target Ceramic Bread Loaf Pan. ***

Product Review: Giada De Laurentiis Ceramic Loaf Pan

2011-11-19T16:45:00.000-06:00

The Giada Ceramic Loaf Pan

A few weeks ago I asked my sweet husband to pick up for me a few bread loaf pans while he was "in the big city." (We live 40 minutes away, in a small town.) I requested he purchase ceramic pans, just like the one I already owned. The brand I was looking for was sold out, so we moved on to plan "B". I asked him to go to Target -- I remembered them selling quality ceramic dishes, a brand name that started with a "G". He found them! Over the phone he said, "I really think you are going to like these. They are even pretty." He brought them home, and I am thrilled with them. First, just the facts, ma'am:

Giada Ceramic Loaf pans are light-beige on the outside with a white interior. They measure 9"x5". Each pan weighs 3.0 pounds. They are tarnish, rust, odor, heat, and warp resistant. (An online Giada recipe even says it can be put in your freezer.) They are microwave safe. The manufacturer recommends they be hand-washed only. You can purchase this pan at Target's website for $16.99. (The picture above is a link.) The Giada loaf pan is also sold as a part of a 6 pc. ceramic bakeware set at Target for $49.99. (Again, see link.)

Letha says~~~

I recommend these pans, especially if you bake often. The bread I have baked has come out flawlessly. (I pre-butter, but not heavily.) I love that they are ceramic so there is no chance of that "metal taste" you can get from a metal loaf pan. Also, there is no need of worrying that the non-stick coating will peel off.

These pans take a little TLC. They need to be hand-washed. (Oops! I did not see that until after I had washed them in the dishwasher twice!...But they are fine.) They can also be broken...an obvious observation, but one you might want to consider.

One of my favorite things about this loaf pan is it is so attractive. (It has a simple beauty to it. So, if you like bright colors or designs, you may want to keep looking.) I spend much time in the kitchen, and having pretty cookware makes it more enjoyable. I think the handles on the loaf pan "make" the design. They are more than just nice to look at, though. The curved handles make it very easy to remove this hot pan from the oven. The only problem is I find myself not wanting to take out the baked bread from the pan because it just looks so good! See what I mean:

The price mentioned above ($16.99) is the online price. We were able to purchase our pans in-store for $15.29 each. (This was a sale price.) These are not inexpensive pans, but I've learned over the years that purchasing quality the first time saves money over the long haul. If, however, you are an every-once-in-a-blue-moon kind of baker, you might not want to fork over the money for a ceramic loaf pan.

This is a versatile loaf pan. I look forward to making pumpkin bread in it for Thanksgiving. It would also make a great gift for Christmas; just fill it with baking items and put it in a clear gift bag, just like you would a gift basket. Whatever the occasion, this pan delivers both design and function.

First Giveaway!!!

2011-11-19T10:43:00.001-06:00

You can win this Giada Ceramic Loaf Pan!

(See my last post here for details about the item.)

Here's how you can win:

1) Become a follower of justpitchingmytent. ***Click "Join this Site"***. You will need to start an account if you don't already have one. (free) (If you already are an official "follower", then you can skip this step!)

2) Leave a message below stating that you are a follower, and what your favorite bread is.

3) To increase you chances, invite others to follow my blog. If they become followers, and mention you in their comment, then you will be entered 5 more times for each new follower!!
4) ***This prize is only available to mailing addresses in the Continental United States.

Contest ends Wednesday, November 30th. Winner will be announced December 1st.

*Now extended until December 8th at midnight!

Blog Update (to all my blog peeps, wherever you are!)

2011-11-17T18:32:00.001-06:00

First of all, thanks for taking time to read my blog. I have been trying to "perfect" it over these last several months. I hope I have helped, inspired or encouraged you along the way.

The focus of my blog covers 3 areas: ministry, educating at home, and frugal homemaking. It has taken me awhile to figure out what my exact focus is, but these continually are the things I blog about, because they are what I'm passionate about.

I have recently adjusted my settings on my blog, and hope that this makes it easier for you to leave comments, etc. I truly enjoy having a blog. I am learning so much! (And it's cheaper than professional therapy!---hehe!)

Starting a New Christmas Tradition

2011-11-17T13:36:00.001-06:00

The Paulk family will begin a new Christmas tradition this year. We will be celebrating Advent each evening with the help of a book series I found out about recently. We will begin this year with the first book, Jotham's Journey. You can read more about it here:

I'm keeping it a "surprise" until the first day of Advent, but wanted to share this information with my readers in case you wanted to order one. I found CBD (Christian Book Distributors) to have the best price, plus we have ordered from them several times, and always had a good experience. Our copy of Jotham's Journey came in the mail a few days ago, so I'm excited to get started. I'll be picking up my candles for the Advent Wreath this week. (The Advent wreath is lit each night during the storytime.) I will keep you updated on how my boys like it. I've heard that the stories are very exciting, and that your kids will keep begging for more.

Blessings,

Letha

A Month of Praise and Wisdom

2011-11-16T06:33:00.001-06:00

Last night we finished chapter 7, "The Bible" in our family devotional guide, Faith Conversations for Families.

At the end of the chapter, it encouraged family members to chose a scripture reading plan. My husband and youngest son are already reading through a book of the Bible, but my oldest and I chose the "Month of Praise and Wisdom". We will be reading 5 Psalms and 1 Proverb a day. I'm excited about this, especially knowing that my oldest son will be doing it along with me! :) Would you like to join us?

Some Not-So-Expected Strategies for Saving $$$

2011-11-13T14:07:00.001-06:00

This time of year (and in this economy!) we are all trying to be careful how we spend our money. We'd all probably like a little extra cash as Christmas approaches***. Below are listed some ways you can do this. (I found the list in a Home Life magazine.)

7 Practical Strategies for Saving:

1. Hang out with frugal friends. Do not try to keep up with the Joneses. Instead, save with the Smiths.

2. Wash hands often. Fewer germs means fewer trips to the doctor. Cha-ching~!

3. Turn off the tube. TV ads make adults and children want new stuff. If you watch less, you'll probably want less. Want to save even more? Cancel cable.

4. Never shop for clothes until you've done the laundry.

5. Skip the drive-through. Always have the ingredients for a few quick, easy, affordable meals in the pantry for those times you are pinched for time. Spaghetti anyone?

6. Love where you live. Consider the hotel bill paid in full while you take advantage of local parks, museums, libraries and festivals.

7. Do-it-yourself. Think you don't have time? It may be faster to do it yourself than to earn the money to pay someone else to wash the car, mow the lawn, clean the house, change the oil, and do your nails. Pay yourself and put the money in savings.

***A "just pitching our tent" reason to save $$$: Remember, we shouldn't just save money so that we have more to spend. One of the best motivations for saving money is so that you'll have more to give away. Help a needy family have Thanksgiving, give to missions, buy a stranger coffee, or however else God may lead you.

A Clever Way to Learn Geography

2011-11-10T18:50:00.001-06:00

My boys have recently finished reading Around the World in 80 Days. Our curriculum (Sonlight) suggested a great ending activity: to draw (freehand) a map of the world. They then were to label and chart Phileas Fogg's adventure on the map they had drawn. I thought this was such a great idea...a much better way to learn geography than boring worksheets! My sons enjoyed it, as it was a real challenge and something new to them.

Handmade (All Natural) Liquid Soap

2011-11-03T19:52:00.000-05:00

     I have told you about one of my favorite new blogs, Heavenly Homemakers. I also told you I would be trying out some of her ideas/recipes and letting you know how it went. I decided to try and make her liquid soap.
     Have you ever read the ingredients to the liquid soap you buy at the store? Pretty scary. I had not really thought about it until I read her blog post about the soap. I am one of those people who wash their hands A LOT, so I thought it would be a good idea to go for all-natural and cheap!!
     I'm excited to share this process with you. Making your own soap instead of buying it can save lots of money. I think mine came to about a $1.00 per half gallon. This would cost about $4-$5 in the store. It also gives one a great sense of accomplishment. And this is not even a real comparison, because my soap is organic....now, organic soap purchased at the store would be crazy expensive.

Here are the easy steps:

You will need a 4 oz. bar of soap. I purchased mine at Publix. There were several choices, but I chose one that did not smell "girly" since I live with 3 boys! Grate the soap.

Bring a gallon of water to a STEAM.

I grated my soap while I waited for the water to steam.

Stir in the grated soap until dissolved. You may want to use a handmixer. I just stirred mine.

Let it sit overnight. Stir well. Again, if you have one, use a handmixer.

I filled up my empty liquid soap container, as well as half of a gallon of an empty water jug.

Note: I found that this soap needs shaking up some. I also found that it works really well after it has been in the containers for about a week. My family likes it (the boys haven't even noticed) and it smells wonderful. Let me know if you decide to give it a try!

Blessings,

Letha

GratiTuesday ("Skipping Thanksgiving")

2011-11-01T08:14:00.000-05:00

     Have you heard? Has anyone noticed? It seems more obvious this year than ever before. Yesterday (Halloween Day) as I walked into a store, I saw the store clerks clearing the shelves for all the Christmas decor and goodies. (I had hoped this would mean great deals on fall things, but no such luck--there were not any to be found!) "Christmas comes earlier every year" is something I've heard for as long as I can remember...but on Halloween morning???   It breaks my heart that the world seems to want to "skip" Thanksgiving---and head straight for "Happy Holidays".
     I really cannot blame the retailers or the world for this. Many of them are lost. They are also trying to make a buck in this economy. I just don't want this notion of "skipping Thanksgiving" to seep into my heart. I need to guard against that---everyday---not just in November. Romans 12:2 says, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...."
     This topic brought up some great conversation with my family over lunch yesterday. I really liked how my older son saw it. He said it is not that upsetting that they are putting up Christmas things...because we love the real meaning of Christmas. What was upsetting to him was the motivation behind it. It was about "getting stuff" instead of celebrating Christ's birth. (And then I said, "Son, would you like to be a guest blogger for me sometime?")
     Last night my family watched Swiss Family Robinson. Our boys LOVED it! Near the beginning of the movie, though, we noticed part of a scene was left out.  When the family escapes death and makes it to the shore of the island, they pause to pray and thank God for their safety. (Sound like a familiar story?) As soon as you see them put their hands together, the movie went to commercial. When the movie came back on, it was at a totally different scene! They skipped the prayer! They skipped "Thanksgiving"!
     So, on this "GratiTuesday" I want to encourage you to to not "skip Thanksgiving". Don't conform to the world. Sure, go ahead and get some Christmas shopping done. Order your Christmas cards. Definitely fill up those shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child. Just don't forget about Thanksgiving and our Lord and Savior to whom we are eternally grateful!

Letha

FREE (Online) Fall 2011 Issue of "This Old Schoolhouse" Magazine

2011-10-28T19:17:00.000-05:00

To all my homeschool friends out there...I thought you might enjoy this! (It also has great articles for anyone to enjoy.) Happy Friday!!

http://www.thehomeschoolmagazine-digital.com/thehomeschoolmagazine/freegift#pg2

You Might be a Preacher's Kid if.... (#2)

2011-10-27T08:03:00.000-05:00

Last night was our church's Fall Festival. As my sons and I were working on their costumes, we got to talking about the one time they went Trick-or-Treating. It was several years ago when we lived in Texas. Our church didn't have a Fall Festival that year, so we just went around to church member's homes along with those we knew in the communtiy. At just about every home we visited, we were invited in. Needless to say, we only made it to about 5 or 6 houses. I remember my oldest son asking, "Mom, is this Trick-or-Treating or are we on visitation?!"

GratiTuesday (Operation Inasmuch)

2011-10-24T22:50:00.000-05:00

This past Saturday, many churches in our county participated in "Operation Inasmuch". People came together with the joint purpose of serving some of the elderly in our area who were in great need-- without expecting anything in return. Floors were repaired, plumbing fixed, yards cleaned and much more. I loved hearing all the testimonies from those who were "out in the field" that day. One person commented that an elderly man told him, "I didn't know people did this anymore."
I am so grateful to be part of a church (and community) that doesn't just say they love others--they actually show it. I am also grateful to God for giving me the strength and joy I needed to serve Him that day....by providing childcare with 3 other great gals at our church. What a blessing to serve alongside other brothers and sisters as we serve HIM!

operationinasmuch.org

Gratituesday

2011-10-18T17:20:00.000-05:00

One of the blogs I read on a regular basis, Heavenly Homemakers, has "Gratituesday" every---you guessed it, Tuesday! The author of the blog encouraged us to have an "Gratituesday" on our blog as well. I loved her idea before, but didn't want to be a "copycat". Today she asked us to copy, so I am!

I will attempt to keep up the tradition and share what I am grateful for every Tuesday. I'd like you, my readers, to post what you are thankful for as well. :)

I am grateful that I got to go to church with dear friends of ours from Tennessee. We attended the "Howard's Chapel Baptist Church" (A church literally built into a rock!) while on a quick get-away at DeSoto State Park. During the service, it struck me that it had been years since we had worshiped together. This brought a few tears to my eyes, but made me so thankful and blessed to have the chance to sit in the pew next to our friends with all our children beside us.

Letha

"Sticks and Stones" YUMMY Trailmix

2011-10-17T20:59:00.000-05:00

My family just got back from a weekend get-away with some great friends at a DeSoto State Park. (What a wonderful and beautiful weekend!) Before leaving, I thought it might be fun to try out a recipe for a trail mix I've had for a while. I got the recipe from Family Fun Magazine. It is a healthy snack sweetened with juice and brown sugar. My friends and family enjoyed it so much! I hope you do, too!

Ingredients:

4 tablespoons butter

1/4 cup frozen orange or apple juice concentrate (I used apple.)

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 teaspoons cinnamon

3 cups Quaker Oatmeal Squares (I used the brown sugar flavor.)

2 cups pretzel sticks

1 1/2 cup whole almonds (unsalted)

1 cup raisins or dried cranberries (I used dried cranberries.)

Heat the oven to 300 degrees. Place the butter, juice concentrate, and sugar in a large, microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 45 seconds to melt the butter. Stir in the cinnamon.

Spread the oatmeal squares, pretzels and almonds in a single layer on a baking sheet.

Toss the pieces with the melted butter mixture to coat. Bake the mix, stirring the pieces every 10 minutes , until the mixture is dry to the touch (it will still be a little sticky) and the nuts are lightly toasted, about 30 minutes.

Remove the pan from the oven, then stir in the dried fruit. Let the mix cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. Makes about 7 cups.

***A bonus: This will make your home smell DELICIOUS!

Encouragement for the Minister's Wife

2011-10-13T13:36:00.000-05:00

Today my preacher husband gave me an assignment to read. It was a short chapter entitled "The Ministry Wife". It is from a book he is reading, Pastor's Handbook, by John Bisagno. He thought it would be an encouragement to me, and it was. (He is such a sweetheart, you know!)

The author's wife gave a short testimony as part of the chapter. She quoted a scripture that "has given (her) great pleasure through the years". The scripture is from the Book of I Samuel after David destroyed the Amakelites.

"The Share of the one who goes into battle is to be the same as the share of the one who remains with the supplies. They will share equally" (1 Sam. 30:24).

I am so blessed to share in the ministry with my husband. There a times that I feel "less" because I am simply remaining with the supplies (i.e. homeschooling our children, cooking a hot meal, etc.). I don't feel that way for long because God (and my husband) will remind me that I am doing exactly what I am called to do. I am fulfilling the role that my preacher husband needs most. What a privilege to serve my Savior in this way!

Fun Friday Art---Impressionism

2011-10-11T08:21:00.000-05:00

Several weeks ago my boys attended "Fun Friday Art" at McBrien Design Art Studio. I was so excited that they would be doing acrylic painting on canvas and learning the art of impressionism. (Frances McBrien is a great art teacher and I highly recommend her! Check out her website here: mcbriendesign.com .)

Now to get these matted and framed!

A "Hidden Message" in the Courageous Movie

2011-10-08T08:37:00.000-05:00

(*minor "spoiler alert")

Last Sunday my husband and about 13 others from our church went to see the "Courageous" movie. Laughed. Cried. Truly a great movie. Every man should see this. Every woman should see it so she can support/encourage the man or little men in her life. We even made the 10:00 news talking about why we came to see the movie! Pretty crazy!

Something about the movie did not strike me until a day or so later. There was a message in there that was subtle, but BIG. My favorite family was Havier's. Sure, I loved them because they were the homeschooling family, but they were just so adorable. And who can forget Havier's scene in the police car? Throughout the movie, Havier struggled to keep a job or to have job security. Their family was obviously struggling financially, eating beans and rice most meals and having only one vehicle.

This is the "hidden message" I found: Not once did Havier or his wife talk about her needing to get a job and quit homeschooling. They prayed. They ate beans and rice. They asked God to provide. Havier walked to work. They pressed on. They never questioned their calling.

A great message for homeschoolers or anyone. What has God called you to do? Don't give up and go back to your plan. Stick with God's plan. You may have to eat beans and rice for a while, but you could end up a "rich man" like Havier. (Gotta see the movie to get that one!)

Letha

The Secret to Saving $$$

2011-10-02T13:22:00.000-05:00

A few posts ago, I told you about a new website I discovered, "Heavenly Homemakers". I just loved this post from her blog! If you would like to check out her entire blog, see my "favorite websites/blogs" to the right and just click.

Don’t Buy Stuff

By Laura · Sep,02 2010
I originally posted this in May, 2009. It’s short. It’s sweet. And it sums up what’s been on my mind lately. That’s why I’m posting it again for you today. :)
——————————————————
That’s it. My title is my post. Don’t buy stuff…that’s all I have to say.
When asked what my favorite frugal tip is…Don’t Buy Stuff is the best thing I can come up with.
When you buy stuff, you have to pay for it with money. And then you have to find a place to put it once you bring it home. And it won’t stay where you put it because someone will get it out and not put it away. And then it will get lost. Or broken. Or forgotten.
Buy food. You need to eat.
Splurge on toilet paper. It’s very useful.
Invest in soap…using soap is good.
But don’t buy stuff.
You’ll save a lot of money.
And…if you didn’t really need it in the first place, you won’t even miss it. ;)

I would also add some Dave Ramsey advice to this: "If you don't want to spend money then stay at home." A quote we use often :) !

Letha

A Blessing from a "Stranger"

2011-10-01T09:46:00.000-05:00

     The time is coming near when the boys and I will begin our next "core" of Sonlight Curriculum. (World History, year 1) I didn't have any luck finding this at a used book sale at the beginning of the school year. I wasn't sure what we were going to do, besides order it new. (New=$700)   I've never bought ALL my books new. Although that money would be very well spent, it would still be a ltttle too much for our liking.
     God has been showing me in last few years that many times I have to WAIT for his provision. I cannot get in a hurry and try to meet the need completely on my own. I had been asking God to please meet this need of ours. He led me to post my need on our cover school's Yahoo site. I had a great response, within a day I had two families willing to let me borrow (not sell!) their books. I was amazed!   These people have no idea who I am. What generosity!
      Bright and early on Tuesday morning, I met a sweet lady in Prattville and she gave me 30 books to borrow. It turns out (God's provision!) that I had a science program she needed. We traded. I love how God works!
     On the drive home I had some time to think about what had just taken place.  I thought about how wonderfully God had taken care of us. He just needed me to have a tiny bit of trust and faith to drive 45 minutues, meet a lady who I had never met, and exchange books. (A little more faith and trust on the other lady's side of things...I only gave her about 5 books, a DVD and a science kit!) I actually thought, "Had I met an angel?" Okay, probably not---but I did meet a fellow believer in Christ who was used by God to meet a need we had. You know, she ended up not being a stranger after all!

Our Blessing of Books...BLP is already excited about Usborne's Book of World History.

You Might be a Preacher's Kid if....

2011-09-23T08:30:00.000-05:00

....all of your major bodily injuries occur at church!! (Last time it was stitches!)

My oldest son was playing a fun game of football between the Wednesday night meal and youth group. It looks as though he may have torn his ACL. We are fervently praying this is not the case. We will know more in 2 weeks after rehab. PLEASE keep BTP in your prayers. For those of you that know my son, crutches and a brace are just not his speed. He is keeping a good attitude about it all. His youth pastor started a series recently about the Fruit of the Spirit. BTP shared with me yesterday that he learned Wednesday night during the study that you should have JOY even when things are not going well. We are all going to try and keep that spirit of JOY!

One of my favorites from college:

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when ever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4

A New Blog Discovery!

2011-09-22T09:30:00.000-05:00

I came across the blog, "Heavenly Homemakers" by way of the November 2010 ParentLife magazine as well as seeing a link to her blog on a family member's blog this morning. I checked it out, and really like it! We have a lot in common: cooking from scratch and eating "whole foods" as much as possible, homeschooling and soccer-playing boys! I see lots of things I'd like to try on her blog. I'll post later when I get a chance to try them out.

heavenlyhomemakers.com

When you.... Sit, Walk, Lie, Get up

2011-09-19T09:18:00.000-05:00

I have never officially claimed a "life verse", but Deuteronomy 6:5-7 would definitely be in the running. (Not sure if it would count since it is three verses!) This scripture is so important to me, and held such a conviction that I wanted the words in my home where I could read them daily. It is my reminder and encouragement of why we homeschool and seek to raise our children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. (I especially need that on some days!) I am not saying, by the way, that this verse means for everyone to homeschool. It is for me (and my husband) a personal conviction. I feel strongly that I can be more obedient to this scripture if I am with my children all day throughout their day. (I am hoping that "walking the aisles at Publix" also counts for "walking along the road".)

I thought some of my (crafty or not-so-crafty) readers would like to see the canvases I painted. It was really simple! I just painted a canvas with three coats of acrylic paint. The circles were made by dipping a plastic cup in white paint and then randomly placing them on the canvas. I penciled in the verse, then painted over it with an paint pen. I think the entire project might have been $10 or less. Now this hangs in my laundry room (where I spend a lot of my time and I needed to cover up a painting blunder!)

What is your "life verse(s)"? I'd love to hear what scripture God has used to comfort, guide, instruct or encourage you!

What is more dangerous than falsehood?

2011-09-05T09:56:00.000-05:00

This is a book by Ravi Zacharias (a preeminent Christian apologist) that I have been reading over the last week or so. The book contains an imaginary conversation between Buddah and Jesus. It is stretching me a bit. My pastor husband is the one who always is reading the theology books. This is a small book, so I thought I could digest it better. Come to find out, it may be small---but there is quite a bit to take in. I am halfway through this 94 page book. I decided to read this book after really enjoying a short video by Ravi Zacharias on my husband's blog--plus the fact that we are studying Buddism and other world religions in our homeschool studies this year. I admit that I am not very well versed in their beliefs, so I wanted to become more learned in this area if my sons had questions.

As my boys and I have been studying these world religions (mostly through literature), what is most shocking is how so much of what they say sounds familiar to our Christian beliefs. We have been discussing this and how this can be so dangerous. Satan doesn't just tell a lie; he takes a little truth and then wraps a great big lie around it. My most favorite quote from the Lotus and the Cross so far is: "When you mix falsehood with truth, you create a more destructive lie."

Wrong Worship

2011-09-03T14:16:00.000-05:00

This made me and my family laugh, but I think we'll take a "heart check" before we worship in singing tomorrow morning!

"Right Worship" that honors God:

"Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you." Psalm 63:3-5

Friday Art: One Line Drawings

2011-08-29T22:02:00.000-05:00

Swiss artist Paul Klee once said, "Drawing is like taking a line for a walk." That's exactly what my boys experienced last Friday using this continuous-drawing technique. The whole idea for this art project came from Family Fun Magazine. I get so many great ideas from there. When I told B & B they were to draw a picture (of whatever they wanted) without lifting their pen, they said, "Really? No way!". They found out it was easier than first anticipated, and we were all so excited with the results!

Using a black pen to draw the picture, because later we will use watercolors to fill in.

Inspired to draw birds.

Almost done with the drawing part...

Now filling in with watercolors.

Finished product...inspired by an Aesop Fable

Well worth the time and effort!

Darth Vader + Headphones = Math done!

2011-08-26T11:30:00.000-05:00

I wrote about how "Bach saved my sanity" a few blog postings ago. True, classical music really does help my boys concentrate and get motivated. Turns out, it works best for my oldest son. So---he came up with just playing his "no words" music on his MP3 player. That way, his younger brother can have quiet and he can have the music that really helps him concentrate. This has really come in handy this week since we are working on finishing up the remains of his 6th grade Singapore Math---(the

Challenging Word Problems section. :)

Nothing like a little "Darth Vader" theme music from Star Wars to get you pumped for doing word problems! (A little "Braveheart" music mixed in there, too.)

The Teacher's Lane: Happy Notes Printable

2011-08-22T09:02:00.000-05:00

I came across these this a.m. while reading the "Econobusters" blog. This is from another blog she linked to: "The Teacher's Lane". These are printable cards you can give your children to encourage and praise their work. I love using stickers/stamps, but this will be fun to use with my boys. I know they will appreciate the extra thought.

The Teacher's Lane: Happy Notes Printable: Ok...raise your hand if this has happened to you. It's after school and you're preparing for the day tomorrow. Suddenly you realize that ...

One of my favorite quotes...

2011-08-20T16:34:00.000-05:00

"Teach your kids to want little while they're little."

(I have no idea where I heard this quote. I wish I could give credit to whomever said it.)

Philippians 4:11-13 and Proverbs 15:16-17

How Bach Saved my Sanity

2011-08-19T08:20:00.000-05:00

     Yesterday calmness came to my home in a "Why didn't I think of this before?" kind of way.

     Let me preface by saying one thing I have discovered in my 5 years of homeschooling: If you choose to educate your children at home, you need to come to the realization that you will spend an inordinate amount of time with your offspring. I not only love, but happen to really like my children, so I really do enjoy our time together doing our studies, reading to them, etc.   There are times, though, when this Mama feels like she might just loose it! Yesterday, for example. My boys were not being rude, disrespectful or any of that. Just chatty and not "buckled down" to work. Like a lot of kids in the afternoon, I suspect.

     I had an idea. (From the Lord, no doubt.) Something I used to do as a 6th grade teacher to help my students concentrate on their studies.   I put in our "Baroque Festival" cd. Turned it up pretty loud. Worked wonders. Even made me feel better.

     I'm not sure of the research concerning classical music. I've heard that it is good for the brain. I used to play it everynight when my boys were babies until they got to be older.  My oldest will still put in a classical cd on at night if he is having trouble sleeping. I can't explain it, but somehow I think classical music helps to engage the brain in a calming way so that it can concentrate on other things-- like studying or sleeping.

     I just had to pass this on to my fellow home and/or school educators and parents! Wouldn't want to keep a good idea all to myself!!!

Never Marry a Preacher

2011-07-24T15:50:00.000-05:00

     When I was a little girl, my mom was always telling me, "But, whatever you do, never marry a preacher!". I remember her and her friend would always have a good laugh about this. It was an ongoing joke whenever the topic of dating or marriage came up.
     I really did intend to heed my mother's warning (albeit tongue-in-cheek.). My goal was to attend college, get my degree in biology, then marry me some Godly man who wished to live in a tent and study some variety of plant or animal life. Didn't happen. I wasn't even married by the end of college! This was definitely NOT part of the plans. I began to earnestly seek God, asking what it was He had in store for me. He spoke to me in a very unique way...you probably wouldn't believe it if I told you. But I knew for sure and for certain I was to be a minister's wife.
     That's why I was a little scared when the next man I dated (Darrell) told me he was called to the ministry. But--- I was naive and in love...all that stuff my mom said about living in a fishbowl and your life not being your own...was all that really true or so bad?
    If you know me, you of course know how the story has turned out. My mom has teased me, saying, "When are you going to rebel?...Oh, yeah, I remember...you married a preacher!" My mom's friend even brought up this joke at our rehearsal dinner the night before our wedding. She gave my mom a great compliment, telling her that if she didn't want me to marry a minister, then she shouldn't have raised me the way she did. We got married, moved to seminary 10 days later. A few weeks after that, Darrell accecpted the call to a church as part-time youth minister.
     A few years later God would solidify in my mind this "marrying a preacher" business. After serving in our first church for two years we felt called to resign, even though we didn't have another church waiting. Darrell and I agreed that maybe what we needed was to just be "regular church attenders" for a while.  The first Sunday we attended your typical Baptist Church. A wonderful service and congregation, but we were miserable. So, for the next several Sundays, we thought we would try something different. We saw on the seminary bulletin board where a church plant was meeting in a local high school. We decided to check it out. Within a few weeks, the church asked Darrell to become their youth minister. We met with them, but after prayer decided it was not God's will. We were feeling pretty down about this, but when we got home to our seminary apartment, there was a message from a church on the machine asking Darrell to be their full-time youth minister!
     Darrell and I often look back at that pivotal period of just a few weeks in our life. It was the only time we have ever left a church without God calling us to a new one. Many told us to wait until we were called to a church. But we felt strongly that God wanted us to resign without having found another church. I can now see God's purpose and plan in all of that. We can distinctively remember those feelings of unrest when we thought we would just be another person in the pew. God allowed us to experience that so that we know just how out of God's will that is for Darrell and I.
     To those who think they may be want to go into the ministry, Darrell and I tell them to just make sure they are called, and that they marry someone who is called. You know you are called to the ministry when it is the only thing that brings you satisfaction and joy. Darrell and I cannot imagine doing anything else-- ever. We won't even consider it, because we know we'd be miserable.   We might be able to sleep in on Sundays, clock in/out of a 40 hr. job, or go to sleep without worrying over some church matter---but we'd be miserable. We know that for sure and for certain.

Blessed to be a preacher's wife,
Letha

A Website for All My Couponing Friends I Bet You Have Never Heard of...

2011-07-16T08:10:00.000-05:00

    I do not have much time to blog this week because of VBS preparations, but this is a website/blog I found and I wanted to pass it along: faithfulprovisions.com
    You will find that it is more than just coupons. She has some great resources on there to help get you organized, etc. She also has lots of recipes. I think you will also find more links to organic and natural coupons/grocery stores than other sites.. Can't believe I had never heard of her before! (I read about her in either Parent Life or Home Life.)

My Top Picks for Summer (or anytime) Read Aloud Books

2011-07-08T18:10:00.000-05:00

This is a list of some of my favorite books I have read aloud to my kids over the years (mostly via Sonlight, our home education curriculum):

(The books are listed by approxitmate read-aloud age. So just adjust accordingly if you want your child to read him/herself.) I love reading aloud to my boys...I really miss it when we are out of "school" and it is not part of our daily routine. I have managed to read some to them, though. They do lots of independent reading in the summer.

For younger kids (Preschool-2nd Grade)
1. The Giving Tree (Shel Silverstein)
2. The Lorax (Dr. Seuss)
3. Coat of Many Colors ( Dolly Parton)
4. The Hundred Dresses (Doesn't sound like a book on bullying, does it?)
5. Charlotte's Web (I cry every time!)
6. Mr. Popper's Penguins (Can't vouch for the movie, haven't seen it yet...my kids loved the book!)
7. The Year of Mrs. Agnes (Hill)
8. The Cricket in Times Square (goes with our NYC VBS theme!)
9. Strawberry Girl (Not a "girlie" book in the least!)
10. Detectives in Togas (Winterfield)

For 3rd -6th:
1. Johnny Tremain (Forbes)
2. Carry on, Mr. Bowditch (Newberry Award)
3. The Witch of Blackbird Pond (one of my all time favs...and no witches!)
4. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry (Newberry Award)
5. The House of Sixty Fathers (Newberry Award)
6. The Wolves of Wiloughby Chase (Aiken)

And.....of course, a GREAT SERIES FOR ALL AGES....you can't go wrong with....THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA! (Can't believe I never read these as a child....My husband was so shocked...!)

I hope you get a chance to read a few of these with your kids. I really think you will love the stories! Leave a post if you get to read any of them a give us a book review! (But, don't give away the ending for others! haha!)

Happy Reading!!

Letha

*I know there are more Newberry books in this list. I just did not mention them all.

Grace is Like Chocolate Cake

2011-07-01T20:12:00.000-05:00

This week I attended Student Life Camp for Kids along with 5 other adults and 19 children. (An AWESOME week!) I wanted to share one of the illustrations that Adam Robinson (the camp pastor) used to teach about grace and mercy. A lot of children (and adults) hear these terms, but many times have no idea their true meaning. Granted, this is probably not a theologically exhaustive definition, but one that our children GOT.

Adam told the story of a little boy who had been out playing in the mud. His shoes were caked in it. He walked straight through the living room and got mud all over the carpet. His mom was in the kitchen, but it did not take her long to discover the mud all over her precious carpet!! She was not happy about the situation, obviously! She called her son into the kitchen, pulled out a knife...and cut the little boy a huge piece of chocolate cake!!! The little boy was in awe! He sure did enjoy that delicious cake his mom made for him! Now you know.....grace is like chocolate cake. Grace is getting what we don't deserve, and Mercy is NOT getting what we do deserve (in this case, punishment for muddying the floor). Adam went on to say that many times we receive grace, not instead of punishment, but just because God loves us. I wish I could tell the story like Adam did! But, I think you get the main idea.

love this verse.....

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast." Eph. 2:8-9

"One Little Boy"

2011-06-23T11:00:00.000-05:00

I was reading The Successful Homeschool Family Handbook by Dr. Raymond and Dorothy Moore yesterday as I waited in the orthodontist's office. This poem/story really got me...very powerful. Dedicated to all my fellow home educators and school teachers alike. May we all be inspired to let our children express their creativity. May all of us be courageous enough to be ourselves!

One Little Boy

Once a little boy went to school.

He was quite a little boy.

And it was quite a big school.

But when the little boy

Found that he could go to his room

By walking right in from the door outside,

He was happy.

And the school did not seem quite so big

Anymore.

One morning

When the little boy had been in school awhile

The teacher said:

"Today we are going to make a picture."

"Good!" thought the little boy.

He liked to make pictures.

He could make all kinds:

Lions and tigers,

Chickens and cows,

Trains and boats--

And he took out his box of crayons

And began to draw.

But the teacher said: "Wait!

It is not time to begin!"

And she waited until everyone looked ready.

"Now," said the teacher,

"We are going to make flowers."

"Good!" thought the little boy.

He liked to make flowers.

And he began to make beautiful ones

With his pink and orange and blue crayons.

But the teacher said "Wait!

And I will show you how."

And it was red, with a green stem.

"There," said the teacher,

"Now you may begin."

The little boy looked at his own flower.

He liked his flower better than the teacher's.

But he did not say this.

He just turned his paper over

And made a flower like the teacher's.

It was red, with a green stem.

On another day

When the little boy had opened

The door from the outside all by himself,

The teacher said:

"Today we are going to make something with clay."

"Good!" thought the little boy.

He like clay.

He could make all kinds of things with clay:

Snakes and snowmen,

Elephants and mice,

Cars and trucks--

And he began to pull and pinch

His ball of clay.

But the teacher said: "Wait!

It is not time to begin!"

And she waited until everyone looked ready.

"Now" said the teacher.

"We are going to make a dish."

"Good!" thought the little boy.

He liked to make dishes.

and he began to make some

That were all shapes and sizes.

But the teacher said "Wait!

and I will show you how."

And she showed everyone how to make

One deep dish.

"There," said the teacher.

"Now you may begin."

the little boy looked at the teacher's dish.

Then he looked at his own.

He liked his dishes better than the teacher's.

But he did not say this.

He just rolled his clay into a big ball again.

And made a dish like the teacher's.

It was a deep dish.

And pretty soon

The little boy learned to wait,

And to watch,

And to make things just like the teacher.

And pretty soon he didn't make things

Of his own anymore.

Then it happened

That the little boy and his family

Moved to another house

In another city,

And the little boy

Had to go to another school. This school was even bigger

Than the other one,

And there was not a door from the outside

Into his room.

He had to go up some big steps

And walk down a long hall

To get to his room.

And the very first day

He was there,

The teacher said:

"Today we are going to make a picture."

"Good! thought the little boy,

And he waited for the teacher

To tell him what to do.

But the teacher didn't say anything.

She just walked around the room.

When she came to the little boy,

She said, "Don't you want to make a picture?"

"Yes," said the little boy.

"What are we going to make?"

"I don't know until you make it," the teacher said.

"How shall I make it?" asked the little boy.

"Why, any way you like," said the teacher.

"And any color?" asked the little boy.

"Any color," said the teacher.

"If everyone made the same picture,

And used the same colors,

How would I know who made what,

And which was which?"

"I don't know," said the little boy.

And he began to make a red flower,

With a green stem.

---Helen E. Buckley

Teen Creed

2011-06-19T22:46:00.000-05:00

My oldest son turned 13 recently. He received a birthday card from my parents. Inside of it they placed a small card with a picture of Jesus. On the other side was a poem entitled, "TEEN CREED". My mom had kept it all these years since I was a "teenager". I couldn't believe it...and was so touched that she has passed it on to my oldest son.

TEEN CREED

Don't let your parents down,

They brought you up.

Be humble enough to obey,

You may give orders someday.

Choose companions with care,

You become what they are.

Guard your thoughts,

What you think, you are.

Choose only a date

Who would make a good mate.

Be master of your habits,

or they will master you.

Don't be a show off when you drive,

Drive with safety and arrive.

Don't let the crowd pressure you,

Stand for something or you'll

fall for anything.

Happy Birthday, Brayden!!

Should We See This Movie?

2011-06-12T15:22:00.000-05:00

     Several years back when my husband was a youth minister, he discovered a great resource:
www.pluggedin.com . This is a website by Focus on the Family (Who I trust implicitly, and who taught my parents how to raise me! hehe!) This website is "Shining a Light on the World of Popular Entertainmnet". It reviews music, movies, video games, etc. It does a great job of not holding back on everything you would want to know, (i.e. types of cuss words, scantily dressed women, spiritual elements, etc.) but at the same time gives the positive elements.
     Our family usually only goes to the movies twice a year or so, but when we want to see a movie we might have a doubt about, we check this website first. It is just so crazy expensive to go to the movies, and not really much worth watching to be honest. I also really prefer my own couch and blanket to those movie theater seats and sticky floors.
     We always take our boys to the big event (for us) movies, like "Narnia". (We are counting down until "The Hobbit" is released.) If any movie is based on a book, they must read the book first. That makes going to the movies even more special. We always have interesting  conversations with our sons after the movie about the differences between the two. I think that's where information that you find @ pluggedin comes in handy. It gives you good fodder to talk with your child before or after the movie. It can lead to great spiritual conversations. (Like, for example the Eastern Mysticism you will see in Kung Fu Panda 2. Po in the end spins into a Yin/Yang symbol. You could talk to your kids about the meaning of this oh-so-popular symbol, and how is is false and contradicts the Word of God.)
     Enjoy your summer! And if you have the chance to see a movie this year, you might want to check out pluggedin.

Letha

Bon Secour Mission Trip

2011-05-31T11:32:00.000-05:00

Last night we returned from our mission trip to Bon Secour, AL. It was GREAT! 11 (5 adults, 7 children) of us from Hayneville Baptist Church helped Friendship Baptist Church by doing some painting in the children's rooms and visiting key neighborhoods. I knew God would do wonderful things on this mission trip-- He always does. And it's never what we expect. On our drive home, it seemed clear to me our main mission: to "stir up" the church we visited, and to allow God to "stir" us up in the process.

I know God has kindled my spirit. It didn't seem to me like great timing to have a mission trip right before kid's camp and VBS. I have so much to get done. But---God was working it all out. He has set a fire in my heart for the mission field here at home. I have a renewed sense of "oughtness" and passion for the work to be done!

I want to share my most favorite part of the trip. On Saturday morning, Stephen (our student minister) and Darrell were painting. So, all the mamas and children set out with the Friendship Baptist pastor to visit neighborhoods. We all piled in the van (which the air conditioner promptly went out in!) and headed to a neighborhood very close to the church. Each of us moms took as street. B&B and I took the first street. We stopped at the end of each driveway, prayed for the family living inside the house, then hung the bag on the doorknob. My heart was bursting with joy whole time---not much else I'd rather do with my children. We all took turns praying for the families, their salvation and if there were any children living there that they would come to VBS. It thrilled my soul to no end to hear my boys praying for those families---then letting them hang the bag on the door. (See the picure of all of us with our yellow bags.) We all went out later that night---5 teams this time. We were able to contact 100 families in about an hour 1/2.

I'm ready to go again!! Summer is a great time to get involved with missions. I encourage you to invest the time and energy, you will never be disappointed!

Letha

Just had to post this picture! (We still got to have fun at the beach and outlets!)

A Great Website for Saving $$$

2011-05-24T07:55:00.000-05:00

I like to share good websites that I find. I found this one in a homeschooling magazine, (which I also recommend!) This Old Schoolhouse. "Molly" posts pretty much on a daily basis. A lot of variety. I hope you enjoy, and save some $$$! :)

Letha

www.econobusters.com

"Breaking away" in Soccer and in Life

2011-05-14T19:04:00.000-05:00

I have missed writing to my blog peeps! I was on a non-voluntary computer fast.   We officially have our computer back today, but the guy at Best Buy said it could go "blue screen" at anytime. I pray that doesn't happen!

OK, now for my actual blog post...

On our 50 minute drive to soccer this morning I was thinking about my oldest son's soccer game last week. He has been playing "stopper" pretty much all year. (That is the position just in front of the goalie...the last line of defense.)   He has been hoping to play "forward" all year. (Offense...the one who hopefully scores the goals.)  My son has worked hard all year with his goal kicks, and wanted to get a chance to make a score.   The coach just never saw fit to put him on forward. Of course, my husband and I told BTP he had to respect his coach's wishes and play his best. Last week, before the game, BTP told me his plan. If he saw an opportunity, he was going to "break away" from stopper and drive the ball up the field, and either pass it to another person on offense, or try to score. (A little background: their team has struggled all year, with 0 wins.  My son wanted to do something about this.) Well, in the 4th quarter he found his opportunity. I was so proud of him for being courageous enough to step out of his position and drive the ball up the field....3/4 of the way before it was taken from him. He didn't score, but the coach immediately put him on forward, and he started as forward in today's game!   As he was driving up the field Darrell and I were yelling like crazy people, "Go for it, BTP! Go! Go!" He was so pumped.  In contrast, some of his teammates were yelling, "Get back in your position!", but his assistant coach yelled for him to go for it. There was no score, but that sure was a thrill!

It got me to thinking about how that relates to our lives spiritually. There are times, many times I think, when God wants you and me to "break away" and just go for it. I'm not talking about going for the big promotion or getting a new haircut (although those things are well and good)--I'm thinking about what God wants to see us do that we may be too timid to do, or maybe have never even considered doing.

I have my "positions" in life that I know God has called me to: home educator, pastor's wife, Bible Drill leader, SS teacher, etc. I don't see many of those changing for a while. But, I think God calls me to "break away" and "go for it" in a spiritual sense every once in a while. (Like not sticking strictly to our "school" schedule and having a spiritual conversation with my kids; asking God to give me an opportunity to witness to someone, and then taking the opportunity without second-guessing; going on our mission trip the end of this month or making a new friend on the soccer field.)   It feels a little uncomfortable to be "stretched" in these ways, but oh, the reward is sweet!   I want to be like my oldest son, ready and willing to "break free" and "go all out" for the Lord. Even though my peers may be yelling for me to "get back" I want to instead hear only the words of my Lord and keep going wherever he may lead. It makes me think of the men (Peter, Andrew, James and John) who "At once left their nets and followed him." (Matt. 4:20) or the woman in Matt. 26 who poured the perfume on Jesus' head. These did not stop to think too much about "if they really should" or "what would others think".   They just broke free, abandoning all else in love and obedience to Christ.

After half-time, BTP was back playing stopper. The team was scoring too many points and the coach needed him back at his original position. Much of the time, after breaking free and doing something "crazy" for the Lord, we return back to our normal posistions (mom, SS teacher, wife)--- always, without a doubt, better for it.

Letha

Preparing Our Children for Easter

2011-04-08T09:12:00.000-05:00

I found a wonderful resource I wanted to share. On pages 38 and 39 of the April 2011 "Parent Life" magazine is the "Story of Jesus." Starting now, you can read several verses/passages a night to/with your child. These readings will take your child from the prophecy of Jesus' birth to His ascention. I was so excited to find this. My husband and I always have our eyes out for good family devotion resources/helps. (We found a GREAT book we just started....but I'll blog about that later!) Here is a statement made in the short article concerning the close proximity of Christmas to Easter: "Children who have heard in December about the birth of Jesus as a baby may be confused to hear of the crucifixion and resurrrection of Jesus at Easter." I think these readings of the life of Jesus are a great way to help our children (and us) see the big picture. Enjoy these weeks with your family leading up to our celebration of Resurrection Sunday. I pray that God would use these Bible readings to stir within your family the joy of Jesus anew. I know it will spark great conversations...it always does at our house.

*If you do not have access to "Parent Life" magazine, and would like the Bible readings--please leave a comment below, and I'll be happy to list them on another post.

Japan Lapbooks

2011-03-28T16:47:00.000-05:00

This year the boys are studying Eastern Cultures. This is such an important year of study, because these people make up about 90% of unevangelized people. Our curriculum (Sonlight) is very mission focused--one of the many reasons we chose it 5 years ago. For each country/place of study I try to mix it up a bit. I was looking into some art projects as we studied Japan. I came across FREE Japan Lapbook printables. I wanted to try it out--and thought my kids would love it. I had heard about lapbooks in home education circles, but wasn't sure what they were exactly. I wanted to share our good experience. You can easily find ALL KINDS of lapbook ideas online. Thing for preschoolers-late elementary. Here are ours:

Lapbook front cover

Lapbooks are made from file folders. This particular one I printed out came with a front cover, I think many of them children would design themselves.

The inside of my youngest son's lapbook.

He wanted to show his oragami creations. I love how the lapbook printouts came with an "oragami pocket". It was perfect, since my curriculum already included an oragami book and paper! (I've been thinking how interesting it is that we just happened to study Japan this year with all that has been going on there. I feel like my children and I have a different perspective now for the Japanese people. They are in our prayers. Praying for there to be an openness like never before to the Gospel.)

This is my oldest son's lapbook.

Notice how his looks a little different. All of the small "booklets" are glued onto the file folder anyway your child/student would like. All the little square "booklets" are called matchbooks. Inside of them is written a paragraph about the topic on the front cover. They are writing a "report"---it's just so fun they don't realize it. My children did their research online and some from books for this project.

A cool fold out on Modern Japan

"Why is it called a 'lapbook'?" you may still be asking. I thought at first maybe it was something that you make in your lap...no. It is something you put in your lap and share with someone else. My boys have really enjoyed doing just that when grandparents come to visit. The grandparents seem very impressed, and my boys very proud of a well put-together project.

Welcome to my Blog!

2011-03-27T17:34:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my new blog! Several years ago the phrase "just pitching my tent" entered my venacular. When my husband and I would be going through difficult times in ministry, our desire to homeschool was misunderstood, or I was just having a rough time standing alone in my convictions -- my dear husband would put his arm around me and say, "Baby, we are 'just pitching our tent'." What a comfort that was and is to me still. I look forward to sharing with you my adventures in ministry, the things I am learning along the journey called "homeschooling", and the joys I experience as I "pitch my tent" in this world that is not my home.

(See Genesis 12:8/Hebrews 11:9-10)