Joy in the Journey

Wordless Wednesday - Encouragement Edition

2012-01-18T09:43:00.002-06:00

(I'll update the bloggity blog soon - I hope - but until then, enjoy!!!)

Just a Cup of Tea

2011-12-17T18:48:00.000-06:00

In the past three days, I've had two separate friends - who I don't think actually know each other - sit me down for a cup of tea. Sweet, quiet moments in the midst of absolute insanity.

I was astounded at how refreshed I felt, spiritually and even physically, by the simple act of taking time out for this simple ritual.

I've never been "all that" as a Mom, homemaker, homeschooler, or what have you. Truthfully, I've never even longed for the whole, "let me create a quiet haven for my family with a nice cup of tea and freshly baked goodies" scene. Maybe I just can't sit still long enough, or maybe I'm too busy with the next project. . . .

But it was lovely. I don't know that I can pull it off every day, or even every week, but I think we need to sit for a cup of tea now and again.

So in this week leading up to Christmas, I wish for you, my friends, a quiet moment or two, and a cup of tea.

And a good friend to sip it with.

And Then there were Three

2011-12-16T21:54:00.000-06:00

Teenagers, that is. Officially today, we are the parents of three. . . count 'em, THREE teenagers.

(And - we've discovered that we will never have MORE than 3 teenagers at once. Go figure!)

So somehow, in a few short, blink-of-an-eye years, we've gone from this. . . . .

To this.

To my lovely, Jane Austen reading, costume-designing, ballet-dancing, tender-hearted, beautiful, gorgeous, wonderful, thoughtful, funny, charming, delightful Emily. . . .

Happy Birthday.

I'm so glad I have you in my life to tell me if my clothes match, if our house is decorated correctly, and if I'm embarrassing you too much.

You are a joy. I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for your life!

And - just because I can - another very special picture:

Emily and Gretchen, friends since before they were born. Literally. Wish she could be here to celebrate the day with us!

And for the record? I think having three teenagers is pretty terrific :)

Wordless Wednesday - Dog Tired Edition

2011-12-14T20:47:00.001-06:00

Adjusting My Vision

2011-12-13T22:45:00.002-06:00

As I write this, I'm sorely in need of an eye exam. (And since we've established that my mother does, sometimes, read my blog, I will add this comment: Yes, Mom, I'm going to take care of that. Soon.) Things are just getting a little fuzzy, and I find myself moving books a bit to see some teeny tiny print now and then. Ah, aging.

I've found that - lately - I've been so swamped with work and schooling and - well - life in general - that my spiritual vision has gotten a bit fuzzy as well. Unable to see the forest for the trees, I've taken to grumbling and griping, indulging far too often in a pity party that has dampened my spirits and kept me from seeing clearly.

Time for an adjustment.

And so here, in this quiet moment, when the blessing of a head cold (yes, I did just type that. . .blessing) has kept me home all day, I'm taking a moment to reflect. It's picture-heavy, I know. . .but here are some snapshots of blessings that have abounded to me and mine in the past month or so.

In mid-November, I took an unexpected trip to CT to attend a funeral and love on a dear friend. Sadly, I have no pictures of my dear Darcy, but here are a few other remembrances.


	A fun night with Sheila and Tammy. . .acting like teenagers texting!

My sweet niece Sarah. . .so good to spend time with her and hear her heart.

How tall I remember them . . . . . .


		And how tall they are now!!!
		Jeremy, Oliver, Charlotte, Anna, and Caroline. . .I was there when many of them were born, changed their diapers. . . and now they're so grown!!!


With the Dirty Deed! Just as fun an zany as ever, got to meet Dave & Cheryl Blough's twins. They're still changing diapers! Bless their hearts!!!

Thanksgiving. . . . for so many things. . . . . .

Me & Sweet Emily. . .Almost a teenager. . .So lovely

All gathered. Love each and every one - what a blessing they all are.

Great shot - Dad & daughter doing dishes!

The gingerbread tradition is SERIOUS business.

Grammy & Kat play Scrabble iPad style. . .I get artsy with my camera. Or at least, try to.

Sisters sharing a secret on the way to Black Friday shopping.

December has already been filled with precious memories - and here are a few of them!


Nathaniel and friends at the BEST Robotics competition. So thankful for this program - it has really sparked a love of engineering in our boy!

Everyone needs to sleep under a Christmas tree at least once.

You've gotta love a 15-year old who doesn't mind his sister sitting on his lap during lunch - and a bunch of friends who think that it's nothing unusual to enjoy the company of your siblings, no matter their age!

This picture captures their joy. I just love it.

Beautiful shepherdess at the Walk Thru Nativity.

Ever seen cuter shepherds? Hannah in front, and Amy in the stripes. It was Amy's dream for TWO YEARS to be in the scene with the goats. . . she got her wish!!!

Kathryn was a beautiful Mary in the scene where the Angel Gabriel visited her. "Behold, the handmaiden of the Lord. . . "

Piano teachers are a blessing!

Kathryn and Fellow Fellows show off their decorated cookies.

The "Flohnson" Learning Community - such a special and FUN group of students! We were so glad to host them at our house for a Christmas party. It's been a great semester for Kathryn.

It wouldn't be December without. . .ballet! Amy in mid-air.

And now. . . . because of another unexpected but "secret" blessing. . . .(and again, since my mother reads my blog I will say. . .thank you!!!!). . . . I'll stop the pictures for now.

But my vision has been adjusted.

And I am so very, very thankful and so very, very blessed.

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow.

Pumpkin. . Month? Kinda-Prize-Winning "Pie"

2011-10-27T20:53:00.003-05:00

So much for pumpkin week. Let's just say. . . .life. . . .got in the way.

Here it is, the night before Thanksgiving. And I've just finished the last touches on my signature Thanksgiving dessert, "Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars" - which is heretofore known as. . . .

"Kinda-Prize-Winning Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake 'Pie'"

(You know there's a back story here, don't you?)

Our friends, the Bailey's, have The Social Event of the season - a good old fashioned Barn Party, complete with square dancing, a pig roast, and. . . . a Pie Contest.

So of course, never one to shy away from a competition, I whip up this recipe - in a pie pan, naturally - and submit it. AFTER bragging on facebook that I would - um - soundly trounce a certain friend of mine.


The girls ready for some Barn Party Fun!

She won.

I didn't even place.

Oh, the humiliation.

Never to be deterred, I decided I would enter the blasted recipe at every contest I encountered - and luckily for me, that contest was at our Family Life Campout, held the weekend before Halloween. I whipped up another scrumptious "pie", entered. . . .

AND WON FIRST PLACE! WOO HOO!!!

(Never mind that there were only 3 entries. Never mind that the other two entries were - ahem - made by girls under the age of 12. I won, I tell you! Victory! I will not be vanquished!!!)

And now, with that gripping back story out of the way . . .on to the recipe!

Step One: The crust

Crush one package of graham crackers - about 1.5 cups. Mix with 1/4 c. sugar and 1/3 c. melted butter. Spread in a greased 13x9 dish. (Or. . . . in a pie plate. If you're trying to win a pie contest.)

Step Two: The Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine 2 pkg. (8 oz) cream cheese, softened, with 1 3/4 c. sugar and mix well. Mix in 3 eggs, 1 cup pureed or canned pumpkin, 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice, 1/2 tsp. vanilla, and 1/4 tsp. salt. After mixing, set aside 1 1/4 c. of the mixture in a small bowl.


Pay no attention to the can of pumpkin behind the curtain. Let's focus on the nice, fresh pumpkins on the counter, shall we?

Step Three: The Secret Weapon - CHOCOLATE!

In a small saucepan, melt 6 oz. chocolate chips with 2 Tbl. butter.

Try not to eat the other half of the bag of chocolate chips.

Once melted, add the small bowl of pumpkin mixture to the chocolate. Add just a little at a time, I think it prevents the pumpkin-cheesecake mixture from curdling or something. I dunno. That's just how I do it.

I did not have a photographer take this. I'm pouring with my left hand, taking the pix with my right. Be impressed.

Mmmm! Stir it up!

Spread the chocolate mixture on the graham cracker crust. Bake at 325 for 15 minutes or so.

Remove the chocolate layer from the oven.

Carefully pour the rest of the pumpkin mixture over the chocolate layer. Put it back in the oven (use your pot holders! I forgot once. . . OUCH!) for another 40-50 minutes, or until the edges puff up and the center is slightly set.

Remove from the oven, let cool 30 minutes.

In the meantime, mix 1 1/4 c. sour cream and 1/4 c. sugar. When the dessert has slightly cooled, spread the sour cream mixture on top. I like to sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice or cocoa for presentation. And to win pie contests. Or at least - try to win.

Refrigerate overnight, and keep any leftovers refrigerated.

It's pretty yummy, even if I don't say so myself.

And at least one pie contest judge thought so!

Thanks, Mike - your check is in the mail.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!!!

Pumpkin Week: Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal

2011-10-24T20:01:00.001-05:00

Time to get the blog back a-hummin' again. And since it's fall, and finally colder weather, let's break out some warm and cozy recipes, shall we? (Plus, I really don't have the energy or time or brainpower to finish some of the more weighty blog posts.) So - lucky you, faithful readers (all 3 of you)! It's. . . .

PUMPKIN TIME!!!!

Let's start with a yummy breakfast recipe, shall we?

My long-time readers will remember the great spice fiasco while making Baked Oatmeal. Despite that unfortunate incident, I have continued to make and serve that yummy dish fairly frequently.

Mainly because it doesn't involve any knives. Safer than - say - separating frozen hamburger patties with a chef knife. Not that I have any experience in that. Or any scars to show. Nope. None. At All.

So lo and behold, what did I find in my stash of recipes? A variation on the theme! So warm up your fall mornings with this yummy dish . . . . . .

Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal!

Yumminess. Pumpkin. Oatmeal. What more can I say?

In a large bowl, mix together:

2 3/4 c. oats (I use quick cooking, they work just fine)
1/3 c. brown sugar
1 t. cinnamon
1/2 t. pumpkin pie spice (more if you like)
(I think you should also add about 1/2 tsp. salt, even though the original recipe doesn't call for it)

Then add:

1 1/2 c. pureed pumpkin, fresh or canned
2 beaten eggs
1 T. vanilla
3 c. milk

Stir in 3/4 c. raisins or dried cranberries (dried cranberries. Definitely dried cranberries)
1/2 c. chopped nuts (Meh. Optional. I'm not a big nut fan)

Pour into an 9x11 pan and bake at 350 about 45-50 minutes.

Serves a whole hungry crowd. Make sure you get a serving before the gang digs in!

And then get yourself to the store and buy a pile of canned pumpkin - you're a-gonna need it!
(Or better yet, send your wonderful husband, while you stay home in your jammies and sip your pumpkin spice latte. That's my plan, and I'm stickin' with it.)

Stay tuned for the next installment of. . . .Pumpkin Week! See you tomorrow! Lord willing. . . . .

You Know the Drill: When it Rains. . .

2011-09-27T00:14:00.003-05:00

. . . .it pours!

Blog's been quiet lately. I really have about 6 great posts in draft form, and another 4 or 5 kicking around in the old noggin. But in the past 2 weeks we've been hit with. . . .

. . . . . recovering from my sliced finger (which my mother knows about)
. . . . . celebrating 1 birthday for a 19-year old
. . . . . hosting a sweet couple for dinner
. . . . . pulling off some surprises for my Dad's milestone birthday
. . . . . navigating the fun, fun, fun world of dr's appointments, follow-ups, consults and insurance for aforementioned 19-year old
. . . . . someone (who shall remain nameless) puncturing her palm with a knife, requiring stitches (which my mother ALSO knows about)
. . . . . celebrating 2 birthdays for the Birthday Sisters
. . . . . and hosting 1 science party for the youngest Birthday Sister (which causes her Mommy to remember why, exactly she gave up hosting birthday parties a few years ago)

When the school year started, I said I could manage my schedule if no one got sick, or nothing major happened.

Ha.

Ha ha.

Ha ha ha.

Maybe I'll blog while eldest is in surgery on Wednesday. (Thanks for praying)

Or maybe I'll play Bejewelled. It's addictive. (Which my Dad knows about. It's his evil plot to get us all addicted to that game. It's working.)

Or maybe I'll nap.

But I'll definitely stay away from sharp objects. (Which is my evil plot to get banned from the kitchen. It's working.)

Remembering 9/11

2011-09-11T20:56:00.000-05:00

Student Project Portrays 9/11 Testimony of American Airlines Pilot | Bob Jones University

Friends.

You will be inspired by this powerful testimony.

Watch. Think.

Remember.

Saturday Supper: "Shy-dee-ay"

2011-09-03T18:07:00.001-05:00

My brother and sister-in-law are, quite honestly, some of the most fun people I know.

When they got married, they had a cookbook produced, which they gave as their wedding favor. It has a picture of monkeys on it. . . . .and there's a LONG story behind that, trust me.

Now, to be honest, I never - ahem - actually used the cookbook (there. I admitted it.)

Until one summer.

When we used to visit at my parents' lake house in Indiana, we all took turns fixing dinner. When it was their night, my sister-in-law whipped up this dish that was simply FABULOUS.

"Can I have the recipe?" I asked, watching my children devour extra helpings.

"It's in our cookbook," she replied.

Oops. Way to blow my cover.

Anywho.

I give you a yummy, easy, relatively inexpensive recipe, adapted from the famous "It's Chow Time" coookbook (pub. 2001, Monkey Lover's Press):

Grandma Darlin's Sheeyrea

(We call it Shydeeay)

1 stewing chicken, cooked (I use 1 large can of chicken)

4 c. chicken broth (use liquid from stewing chicken/canned chicken plus liquid from chick peas before using canned chicken broth)

1 can chick peas, drained

2 c. thin spaghetti broken into small pieces - don't substitute

3/4 stick margarine (I don't usually use this much!)

1 c. Uncle Ben's converted white rice (the recipe says it MUST be Uncle Ben's)

salt to taste

Here's what we do:

Get the little people in your life to break the spaghetti. They'll have a blast, trust me!

In a large frying pan, melt butter, and then pour in the spaghetti. Stir constantly to brown.

Next, bring the broth to a boil in a large pan with a good cover. Put in cut up (or canned) chicken (make sure it's COOKED if you're using the stewing bird!!), chick peas, rice, salt (if desired) and browned spaghetti.

Mix together, put cover on, and simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is done. You might need to add more broth - just keep an eye on it.

Now. . . here's where the recipe gets controversial.

The Sauce.

In a saucepan, mix together 1 small can tomato sauce, a dash of garlic powder, and a can of peas (shudder). Bring to a boil. Serve over the Sheeyrea.

I avoid making the sauce if at all possible. I have an issue with peas. Don't ask. It's a traumatic childhood memory. (Again, secretly hoping my mother doesn't read my blog. . . . . . )

My eldest, however, LOVES the sauce, and if I didn't include it, she would cry "Foul!"

But she does read my blog. So there. I included it.

Rather noble of me, don't you think?

Friday Freebie: Math Drills Made Motivating!

2011-09-02T21:05:00.000-05:00

I think I'm in an alliterating mood :)

But let's get back to all-things-homeschooling, shall we? (I never really, REALLY feel like we've started school until September. . . .it's the Yankee in me, I suppose.)

Here is the part where I confess my shortcomings as a teacher. I have realized this year, that my students (who shall remain nameless) are exhibiting a weakness in math - fact recall. They memorized the cute skip-counting songs, and can figure out the facts given enough time, but we need instant, memorize recall here, folks.

And I missed the boat.

So.

Deciding it was time to remedy that glaring weakness, I went to my favorite homeschool resource and asked for recommendations. One stood out: Xtra Math.

Basically, Xtra Math is math flashcards online. But more! Your student races a timer, and gets their own progress report on how they are doing. . . and it's HIGHLY motivating for my girls to try to turn the "square green" (aka - answer the question in less than 3 seconds) and to get a "smiley face" on their chart.

I can also run reports for me. . . . .and just as a sneak peek, they look like this:

So here I can see what problems Amy knows (the smiley faces), which ones she could answer in less than three seconds (the green checks), which ones she got wrong (and what she put for an answer!), and which ones she ran out of time when answering. Pretty neat, eh?

We are really enjoying Xtra Math. I thought it would be too much for Amy (1st grade), but she's gotten the hang of it now. We're incorporating it as a part of our morning routine. . . and I'm looking forward to seeing how our math facts improve!

In Which I Find Out if My Mother Reads My Blog

2011-08-27T20:39:00.002-05:00

"Many are the plans in the mind of a man,

but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand."

Proverbs 19:21

Yeah, it was a good night.

I was really humming along, the quilt was getting So. Close. to done. Girls happy, pancakes cooking for dinner, a night of quilting, full of promise, stretching gloriously before me.

And then.

A glass. A sink.

A cut pinky finger.

I'm ok, really. Just sitting here, all taped together, hunting & pecking on my laptop. Watching "Tangled" with the girlie girls. Looks like the Lord has an interesting way of getting my attention and forcing a little rest this weekend. And you know something else? Just for the record, I always cry at the end of Tangled. The longing of Rapunzel for her parents, the hope, the reunion. . . . . it just gets me. There's a spiritual lesson in there, but my hand hurts too much to think deep spiritual thoughts right now.

At least I don't have any gigs scheduled! Maybe tomorrow I'll feel like quilting again. . . .

Lord willing.

And, Mom- if you're reading this, I'm really fine :) Do. Not. Panic. That part about my hand hurting was poetic license to make a point. Really.

The Last Deep Breath Before the Plunge

2011-08-26T22:49:00.000-05:00

Sorry - my blog's been a little, well, quiet.

As a matter of fact, I can't believe it's almost September! How did that happen????

But I'm sitting here tonight and thought I'd throw a little something up for my loyal readers (all 2 of you!)

(ok, ok - I SHOULD be quilting, but I'm just too mentally frazzled and will probably make a mistake like I did last night - you know, the one where I forgot to put down the walking foot, and stitched about a mile of invisible thread into loops on the back of the quilt??? Yeah, that mistake. Not so interested in repeating that one.)

This weekend, it all begins in earnest.

Kathryn is in her "Connections" weekend at Samford. Lots of chances to meet new friends, new classes - even attend a 90s party. (A 90s party??? What does THAT involve? I was too busy being pregnant in the 90s to remember much . . . . . . . . except Barney. And Magic School Bus. And diapers.) It's thrilling - and humbling and a smidge scary - to sit back and coach from the sidelines as she enters this new phase of life.

Today's quote, College Student Version:

Me: "Kathryn, I'm just not so sure I'm good at this being the mother of a college student thing. I don't know when to offer advice, and when to stay out of it and let you handle it on your own.:
Kathryn: "Don't worry, Mom. I'm used to being the guinea pig."

Next week is The Insanity. I'm always fooled into this false lull in August - you know, the "Hey! This isn't so bad! Maybe our schedule will work after all. . . . . . ." false lull. Anyone else have that??? But next week starts ballet, piano, and my own (itty-bitty) piano studio.

So between homeschooling the kiddos, teaching science at 2 co-ops, piano students, and general driving around, don't look for too much on the blog! Although, you never know when the muse will hit me. . . . . .

Like this gem.

Today's quote, Six-Year-Old Version:

Amy: :tears:
"Mom! Hyenas are NOT in the dog family! I can't put them in my Dog Times newsletter!"
:insert more tears, sad eyes, and general crushed state of despair:

Me: "It's ok honey," (tries desperately NOT to look at the other children downstairs, who are all smirking and about to blow my cover), "We'll give the hyenas their very own newsletter soon."

I'm so glad I have them at each end of the spectrum, and everywhere in between.

Wishing you all great Joy in your Journey, especially for my fellow homeschooling moms who are starting their new years!

Eh, don't worry. I'm not going anywhere. Give me a few weeks to finish Kathryn's quilt, and I'll be back. . . . . . .

Love at First. . . . . . Bookstore?

2011-07-21T23:46:00.000-05:00

I'm as corny as Kansas in August,
High as a flag on the Fourth of July,
If you'll excuse an expression I use,
I'm in love with a wonderful. . . . . . .

Bookstore!!!

Yes, it's true. I have found me a new gem right here in my own backyard!

Armed with a stack of books I no longer needed/wanted, a list of literature selections and editions needed for next year's studies, and a hefty dose of caffeine, I set out to conquer the world!

Or at least the fiction section of 2nd and Charles.

And I'm proud to report. . . .VICTORY!

Let me give you the run down:

First, I dropped off a stack of books for them to look at. Now, they didn't take everything, but I got about $25 total in store credit for the books they did want. (They also offered me about $11 in cash. Yup. Took the store credit. Obviously.)

Next, I hunted for Emily & Nathaniel's literature selections for middle and high school. Here are some of the deals I found. . . . . .

The Little Prince - list online at $8.65 - 2nd and Charles price. . . . $3.00
Lilies of the Field - online $5.75 - 2nd and Charles price. . . . . $2.10
The Crucible - online $11.45 - 2nd and Charles price. . . . . . $5.40
The Cherry Orchard - online $10.08 - 2nd and Charles price. . . .$0.70

Most of these are current editions, in almost new shape. We're not talking beat up and musty books here!

So. . . . . here's the final rundown. . . . .

After store credit, I spent a grand total of about $25.61 on ALL my kids books for literature next year!

YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

I. Heart. 2nd and Charles!

(The downside. Don't go with kids. They will find books they HAVE to have. Also, the organization leaves a little bit to be desired, so if you're in a rush, you'll be frustrated.)

If they had a coffee shop, I'd never leave.

I mean, I'd learn to drink coffee, just for 2nd and Charles.
That's how much I love it. Seriously.

(The other downside: There are only 2 locations in the country. One here. Come and visit. Bring your books. We'll party.)

Tonight's Two Inspirations

2011-07-08T20:55:00.000-05:00

from Sally Clarkson:

The measure of a great woman is not her strength, but her reliance on God. Today I read this in my quiet time:
Lord, you have always given bread for the coming day;

And though I am poor, today I believe.

Lord you have always given strength for the coming day;

and though I am weak, today I believe.

Lord you have always given peace for the coming day,

and though of anxious heart, today I believe.

Lord you have always kept me safe in trials,

and now, tried as I am, today I believe.

Lord, You have always marked the road for the coming day;

and though it may be hidden, today I believe.

Lord, You have always lightened this darkness of mine;

and though night is here, today I believe.

Lord, You have always spoken when time was ripe;

and though you be silent now, today I believe.

And from another blog I frequent:

"The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they make the best of everything."

And that's where my heart's at tonight.

Blog Vacation - Kind Of

2011-07-02T20:58:00.000-05:00

I know I've promised you, my dear loyal readers, a peek into Tapestry of Grace's wonderful curriculum.

But I've vowed to put all homeschooling thoughts away from me - far, far away - for these few precious days of vacation. As Monty Python famously said:

"And Now for Something Completely Different!"

Vacation pictures.

Just a few of my favorites. That's all. Enjoy! I sure am. . . . . .

Amy & her Dad at the beach

Sisters hanging together

Kat was pressed into service reading - and gathered a crowd around her

Emily's passion - sorting shells


Cute nephew action!

Drawing in the sand, looking for hermit crabs

Sweet Mo brings Auntie Heather a present - a Tar Ball!!!!

My favorite shot so far :)

(And don't worry, I'll be back to my regularly scheduled, witty, interesting homeschool blogging. . . . . . . soon.)

Tapestry of Grace: Part One - The Convention

2011-06-27T21:56:00.002-05:00

What do you get when you take one terrific curriculum. . . . . . .

Two encouraging, energetic booth hostesses. . . . . .

A steady stream of curious, sometimes overwhelmed, always receptive homeschool moms. . . .

And a crazy cast of supporting characters????

(Well, the first thing you get is laryngitis. But I digress. . . . . . )

You get three days of fun, exhaustion, and rewarding times at

the CHEF of Alabama Homeschool Convention!!!

My longtime friends know that I have an - ahem - weakness for homeschool conventions. Soft spot, yeah, let's call it a soft spot, that's the ticket! I've attended them for about 14 years off and on (more on than off) and worked at them a few times as well.

So.

When I heard that the folks at Tapestry were looking for folks to host a booth at their local convention, how could I refuse? It really is a joy to meet other moms on the same journey, to really listen to them, and offer encouragement. I was thrilled to have the chance!

Let's examine the ingredients one-by-one, shall we?

(OK, I know, I know. . . these are the same pictures! Sorry. . . . I was too busy talking to moms to get more than a handful of good shots!)

Ingredient #1: The Curriculum


We had on display everything you would use in one week's worth of Tapestry.

What more can I say? Well, I guess I could give you my "elevator speech":

"Tapestry of Grace is a humanities-based curriculum that enables me to teach my kids on many different levels, using the same topics. It's a combination of Classical Education and Unit Studies, using real literature to make history come alive. Would you like to learn more?"

I gave a variation of that speech about - oh - a few dozen times over two days. Tapestry of Grace has been a huge blessing in our lives . . . and I was so glad to share about it. My next blog post, I'm actually intending to do a thorough overview of it, but for now, you'll just have to settle for my convention stories!

Ingredient #2: Two Booth Hostesses

Here we are - The Dream Team!! (Ha, only kidding! Sort of. . . .) Actually, we were a really good team. I didn't actually know that Tamieka was coming until the morning of the set-up day (Wednesday), but boy-oh-boy (!) am I glad she was my partner! Her kids are 8, 7, and 3, and she brought them home from school to use Tapestry last year. She was full of great ideas and tips, and could really related to the younger moms (which does NOT imply that I'm an older mom, thankyouverymuch) who visited our booth in droves. We had a ball. . . . . . and I made a new friend!

Ingredient #3: Homeschool Moms

They came alone and in twos, homeschool moms in all ages and stages. On Thursday, we had LOTS of moms whose oldest child wasn't even 7 yet. It was so neat to meet all of them, and talk with them, hear their needs, their struggles, what they're looking for. One of the blessings of being a booth hostess is that we were under no sales quota, or pitch, or anything. Tamieka and I were simply free to share information and minister as the Lord led.

And minister we did! I think I'm safe in saying that Tamieka's favorite moms were the ones with younger kids - she took great joy in showing them the simple yet effective way that she uses Tapestry, and how it can look when all your children are in the lower levels of the program. My favorite moms were the ones with the large age spread in their families - you know, those of us who have emotional exhaustion from teenagers, combined with physical exhaustion from preschoolers! I loved being able to say, "You know, you can meet the academic needs of your high schoolers AND still have fun and enjoy learning with your little ones!"

Even better: when I watched the information video that Marcia Somerville (Tapestry's author) put together for us hostesses, she really stressed that we were there to minister. That really freed me to steer moms in another direction - which, I must say, I occasionally did. (I also joked with the dads that we were the safest booth in the convention, since we couldn't take any of their money!) Time and time again, we had moms of younger kids come and just ask for general homeschool advice, which was when I broke out, "The Cookie Speech".

Interlude: The Cookie Speech

(intended audience: moms with Kindergarten and younger students)

Bake cookies with them. Take them to parks, museums, and the library.

Love them. Read to them. Love your husband. Let them play.

Enjoy them. They're only young once.

Not that I would have taken that advice when Kathryn was five. . . but hey! I can only hope some of these moms have more sense than I did. . . . . .

Ingredient #4: Crazy Cast of Supporting Characters

From L to R: Nikki and David Caywood, Dana Caywood

Does it get any better than to have the staff of Bookshelf Central next door!!!!!???? Seriously, they were wonderful. For the uninitiated, Dana Caywood has been instrumental in the writing of many parts of Tapestry of Grace, and her company (Bookshelf Central) carries all the books needed for Tapestry's curriculum. Their web interface is outstanding, the books are beautiful. . . .and they are such fun! The running joke was that I knew everyone at the convention (which was only about 75% true). Oh, and did I mention that they're having 10% off in July??? Bliss!!! (Editor's Correction: Thanks to handy-dandy David, I am reminded they have sale promotions All. The. Time, not just in July! Be still my beating heart! Thanks, David!! Go read his comment for more details. Better yet, visit their website!)

Note to the folks at the office: if at all possible, put the Bookshelf people next to the Tapestry booth. It was SO easy to just send moms next door to look at what books they might use with Tapestry!

Epitaph: The Banner Support Stand

Here we see Tamieka with our beleaguered banner stand. I think I used an entire roll of duct tape trying to get that thing to stand. . . . . and by about 2 p.m. on Friday, it had quit. It was pining for the fjords, pushing up the daisies. . . . It was an ex-banner stand. You get the picture.

But it did hold the really cool Map of the Humanities. . . . . once. For a limited time.

In Conclusion:

A big shout-out to Juli at Lampstand Press (Tapestry's actual company) - she really made the convention an easy undertaking (well, except for the blinkety-blink blank banner. . .but I'm not bitter. Really.) Tamieka and I had everything we needed for a successful booth, and we got lots of positive feedback.

It was a wonderful experience, and Tamieka and I already agreed that we want to work together next year! A hearty thanks to Marcia, Juli, Dana, and all the good folks at Lampstand for supporting local homeschool conventions and making it all possible!

Looking for Latin? Latin for Children Review

2011-06-13T22:18:00.000-05:00

I have somewhat of a checkered history with Latin programs.

My eldest was the guinea pig (aren't ALL eldest children our homeschool guinea pigs? It's amazing they aren't scarred for life. Or maybe they are!). I'd get a wild hair, based on some homeschool book or article or friend or something, that I should teach my elementary student Latin, and away we'd go.

Oddly enough, it seemed that every time I started a new Latin program, I'd find I was expecting a new baby. Not sure what's up with that, but it really happened! Which then meant I was exhausted, and - well - Latin was the first thing to go in my schedule.

That was BEFORE Latin For Children.

Latin for Children, published by Classical Academic Press, is a three-year course designed for students in the grammar stage - roughly grades 3-6. The course consists of a set of DVDs containing all the instruction, a CD with the Latin chants, a student text, activity book, and an optional History Reader (aka translation practice!).

First, my disclaimer: although I own all three levels of LFC, the nice folks at CAP sent me the updated videos for this review. (And have been MORE than patient as I've put this on the back burner for a very, very long time.)

Second, my other disclaimer: LFC is written for the upper-elementary student, and I do know people who've used it very successfully with those students. For our family, however, LFC is our middle school Latin course, a precursor to high school foreign language study. As such, I've found that my students - for the most part - have been able to work through the material with only the DVD, and haven't needed as much instruction from ye olde (and getting older!) mother. (Note: CAP does sell a course called Latin Alive, that is geared for the middle or high school student. One of my friends uses it with her son for his high school foreign language requirement - she has been very, very pleased with it.)

For our family, Latin for Children is a great way to study Latin. The pace is not overwhelming, and the DVDs are enjoyable and very clear. I will say, however, that my kids all like the older versions better! They prefer watching the dad (Christopher Perrin, in this case) teaching his own kids, rather than having him directly address them.

The student books provide very clear instruction, with worksheets to practice the new content, derivative practice, memory practice, and a quiz for every chapter. Each book has about 32 chapters, making them a nice length to complete in one academic year. I also can't recommend the History Readers highly enough. The practice in translation is invaluable; one of my children really struggled at first, but the reader was very motivating, and by the end of the book that student was successfully translating - with very good accuracy - on their own.

After three years of teaching LFC to two students, I have a suspicion that - were we ever to have dinner with the Perrin family - we'd all be cracking up. There are several jokes and references that cause me to suspect we have the same sense of (warped) humor!

Which may be why LFC appeals to my wacky bunch. The Activity Books are laced with humorous asides, and the puzzles and games and clues to decode (using Latin, of course!) are high-interest methods of practice. (One of my children would like to make SURE you all know that she has had it with crossword puzzles, however!) My girls also love HeadventureLand - the free (did I mention, free??) online practice resource.

Two notes for teachers: first, there is a lot - a LOT - of vocabulary to learn. I've been a little neglectful in vocab review (and I can't even blame pregnancy), and boy does it show about half-way through the book. So do yourself - and your child - a favor, and review, review, REVIEW. Second, CAP does not provide a set of "lesson plans" per se for LFC. There is a suggested teaching order, which works just fine for us, but you may need to tweak a bit in order to find a rhythm that works well for your family.

Latin for Children has been a super resource for the three years of Latin study my children take in middle school. My oldest son finished all 3 levels; middle daughter is finished with Level A, and next daughter is begging (begging, I tell you!) to start LFC in 5th grade rather than 6th. We'll see.

If you're looking for an engaging, thorough, easy-to-use Latin program - that will have your kids smiling and laughing their way through vocabulary and declensions (and not through gritted teeth, mind you) - Latin for Children is worth a serious look.

Blessings . . . . New Favorite Song

2011-05-30T20:33:00.002-05:00

So, I've got a new favorite album - courtesy of my sweet daughter :) And because I'm too tired for anything else, I give you the lyrics. Enjoy!

Blessings - by Laura Story

We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win

We know the pain reminds this heart

That this is not, this is not our home

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise

Sunday Sentiments: Sisters Edition

2011-05-08T19:21:00.000-05:00

From ransomed men of tender heart

Whose souls You taught to sing

Your children lift their voice to You

With thanks for all these things

From mountain heights and vaulted skies

Your hand is clearly seen

We cast our praise with nature's cry

To God for all these things

In that night of wonder and promise

Night when Christ was born

God Incarnate came to be with us all

For promises from age to age

That caused our hearts to dream

Purest adoration we impart

With thanks for all these things

For refuge from the darkening storm

And rest beneath Your wings

We worship You with grateful hearts

Oh, God for all these things

In that day of suffering and sorrow Son of heaven died

God eternal slain for the sins of men

With honor for the risen Lord

We praise our coming King

We consecrate our lives to You

With thanks for all these things

- For All These Things, Nelson/Farrell

With a heart full of humble thankfulness to Jesus. . . . . what a blessing these three girls are to me.

Wordless Wednesday - One Week Later Edition

2011-05-04T21:58:00.002-05:00

Picking Up the Pieces

2011-04-28T22:11:00.000-05:00

This morning, I took our dog for a walk, and found this piece of wallpaper in our front yard.

Somewhere, this was part of someone's house. In Tuscaloosa? Mississippi? I can only guess. But this morning, all over Alabama, we are left picking up the pieces of the deadliest tornado - ever, I think - to hit our state.

After coming in from my walk, I checked email to find that a friend of ours died last night, protecting his family from a crushing beam as their house collapsed around them. In his last weak breaths, he was uttering prayers that the Lord would protect his family.

And the Lord did - the rest of them - his 12 children and his wife - were physically protected from the worst of the devastation. Tom took the punishment of that blow on his body, and saved those he loved.

The pieces of their lives that they are picking up today. . .and the next day. . .and the next. . . . .are far more shattered than a piece of wallpaper.

Tonight, I was up planning worship for the final meeting of the kids' missions group tomorrow night - my heart hasn't been in it all day, but tonight I could put it off no longer. The theme for tomorrow night is, fittingly enough, "Restoration". One of our verses is Revelation 21:4. . . .

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.

Oh, how I long for that day.

This is one of the hymns I chose for tomorrow. I know most of you know it, but pay close attention to the third verse - it's not sung often. But it has spoken to me tonight.

Be Still My Soul

Be still my soul – the Lord is on thy side;
bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
leave to thy God to order and provide;
in every change – he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul – thy best thy heavenly Friend
through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know His voice
Who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Be still my soul – when dearest friends depart,
and all is darkened in the vale of tears,
then shalt thou better know his love – his heart,
who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.
Be still, my soul – the waves and winds still know
his voice who ruled them – while he dwelt below.

Be still my soul the hour is hastening on
when we shall be forever with the Lord,
when disappointment – grief and fear are gone,
sorrow forgot – love’s purest joys restored,.
Be still my soul – when change and tears are past,
all safe and blessed – we shall meet at last.

May all our souls be still, in the knowledge that the Lord, He is God. And He is good.

(Note: Any of you who are moved, donations for the family who lost their father - and other families who experienced complete devastation - are being collected by Christ Church Branch Cove. Just click on the link to donate. Thanks.)

Heavy Heart Tonight

2011-04-27T21:59:00.000-05:00

I have just lived through the worst round of storms I have ever witnessed.

The destruction here in Birmingham metro - and across the state - is unbelievable. The death toll I'm hearing tonight is 53. I was stuck in the first line of storms this morning - before 6 am - and count myself blessed to have escaped unharmed. News reports and pictures show entire neighborhoods and streets just simply obliterated.

We - somehow - managed to not even have our power interrupted. I actually feel a little guilty - survivor's guilt, or something to that effect.

Tonight, I got word that 3 families we are friends with have significant structural damage to their homes, and one family has lost everything. Praise be to God, they are all physically unharmed.

There are no words.

Please pray.

Resurrection Sunday Sentiments: The Last and the First

2011-04-24T22:42:00.000-05:00

It was almost an offhand comment, really.

In the middle of the sermon, in the middle of corralling the 6-year old wiggle-worm (how many times can she drop her stuffed puppy on the floor???), but it stuck in my mind and resonated all morning.

"They were the last, and they were the first."

The women, that is. The women who loved Jesus, followed Him, listened to Him. . . . they were the last to leave the tomb on Friday night, and the first there on Sunday morning.

Isn't that just like us? Us women, I mean.

Look. Here I am, up late, doing the things that need doing for my family. (Editor's note: Yes, I know. Blogging does NOT count as "a thing that needs doing". Except for my sanity. So there.) Tomorrow morning, Lord willing I will be up early, getting the day started, doing all those mom tasks that just must. get. done. Often, I am the last to bed. I'm not often the first up (hubby beats me there most days!), but I'm often starting my day's tasks early.

Just like the women who loved Jesus.

However.

Unlike those women who stayed late at the cross, and went early to the tomb - and here's the confession - I am all too often found grumbling. Allowing self-pity at "my lot in life", grumbling at the work set before me.

To my shame.

And it struck me this morning. It was a privilege - a privilege, I tell you!!! - for those dear saints, sisters in the Lord, to be the last and the first. Because if they weren't, they would very likely have missed the miracle, the honor, the blessing of being the first to see the empty tomb.

So I started wondering. Am I missing the miracle, the honor, and the blessing of serving my family, of serving Jesus, through my sinful attitude?

I'm afraid I am.

So let me live as my sisters of old, being the last, being the first. Serving and loving.

And living in Reality of the Resurrection.

If you've ever wanted to pray for a bassoonist. . . .

2011-04-21T22:25:00.000-05:00

now's your chance!

Seriously, though.

I've had a wicked cold all week, and it appears to have decided to camp out in my chest. Which I only realized tonight as I practiced my opera music - and found that no, it is apparently impossible for me to play for more than 20 measure without. . . . .

Coughing. A yucky, deep sounding cough. I really feel ok, I just sound - rather yicky.

So. I'd appreciate prayers that I can make it through my two performances (Fri & Sat) without ruining the production for the students due to the my crude imitation of a barking seal.

Recommendations of non-drowsy cough medicine is welcome as well!

Because - you know - if I was on the regular stuff, who KNOWS what kind of things I might end up playing.

The cast and orchestra of "La Finta Giardiniera" thanks you.

Overheard in My House, Episode 11: Tornado Edition

2011-04-15T17:45:00.000-05:00

So, we're sitting down here in the basement (our safe place), listening to the radio, when this comes over the airwaves:

"Talladega Race Fans. . . . there is severe weather headed your way. Put your shirts on."

Yup. Only in Alabama.

I'm telling you, I can't make this stuff up.

Backstage Pass, Anyone?

2011-04-12T20:25:00.000-05:00

Welcome Blog Readers. . . . .to Backstage at the Opera!!!

Yes, it's my annual opera gig, this year known as "Mozart Therapy".

Because, you know, who wouldn't have their spirits lifted by sitting and listening to Mozart's opera music for 2 and a half hours? Wait, don't answer that.

So, what's with the backstage pass, you wonder?

There's this beautiful word.

Tacet.

Look it up.

In case you've forgotten how to google (as if), I'll clue you in. In Italian, it means "to rest".

Or, in modern translation, it means, "Since you're sitting in the balcony, and have free wifi, whip out your MacBook and blog while the cellist next to you is working away on Aria No. 10!"

I've got "Tacet" written in my score for 4 arias in a row. So I'm - um - getting work done.

Yeah, that's the ticket. Getting work done.

Listening to opera. By Mozart.

Joys. We all need a little more "Tacet" in our lives, don't you think?

What lies underneath

2011-04-07T23:53:00.000-05:00

I have some friends - make that many friends - who are having significant, life-altering difficulties right now. (No, you wise-crackers, I'm not talking about Butler fans. Anywho.)

We see each other on a day-to-day basis, and yet many of them are struggling to function. Getting out of bed is a monumental task. Looking at the faces of those they love and not breaking down into tears - another near impossible task. Maintaining any kind of normal routine? Forget about it.

I've been there. Still am, some days. Fewer and fewer days lately, but still some.

How many of these folks do you know? How many do you pass on the street, at work, in the stores? How many people hide a pain that you don't even know is there?

And how many of them worship side-by-side with you on Sunday, concealing pain under an "everything's all right" veneer that can be scratched thin by the well-meaning "How are you doings?" that are offered by their fellow pilgrims?

I talked with one of these dear friends tonight. And we talked and talked and talked. . . . .

We talked about the hurt, that lies underneath the veneer.

But.

Then we talked. And talked and talked and talked. . . .about what lies underneath the hurt.

You know what it is?

Grace. Sustaining, life-giving, wonderful, matchless, GRACE.

What is sustaining grace?

Not grace to bar what is not bliss,
Nor flight from all distress, but this:
The grace that orders our trouble and pain,
And then, in the darkness, is there to sustain.

~ John Piper

The grace of God that has been poured out into our hearts, through the merciful, wonderful, amazing sacrificial death of our Lord Jesus Christ and His glorious - GLORIOUS! - resurrection.

Do you hear me???

Yes, there is something underneath the shiny veneer of polite society.

It's pain. Hurt and pain.

But - there is something underneath that pain. . . . . do you hear me?????

There. Is. Something.

If we will but rest in it.

And it is grace.

And it is, my friends, amazing.

Just allow me a moment, here. . . . . .

2011-04-04T23:22:00.000-05:00

Thank you.

I will now return to my regularly scheduled exile in the land of the football-crazed fans.

See ya next March.

March Madness Hits Home

2011-04-02T22:29:00.000-05:00

I love March Madness.

From that crazy first year that Yurii & I were married, when we drove around in the old jeep listening to UConn basketball on the radio, through March of 1999 when we dressed little Emily up in a UConn t-shirt and cheered as the men AND women won national championships. Onward and upward into the 2000s, cheering as they advanced, frustrated when UConn was knocked out. Enjoying it all - the women and the men and basketball. Joyous, fast, crazy, fun basketball.

Then to move South. . . .basketball? What basketball?? Sigh.

So I find myself sitting up tonight, streaming the Final Four and cheering on my favorite teams - one from Indiana, and one from good ol' CT.

And then they both win.

And will play each other on Monday night.

What's a girl to do???

At least, no matter who wins on Monday night, I've got a dog in the fight.

Hardy har har.

Better go to bed now :)

Laying Down our Lives

2011-03-28T22:17:00.000-05:00

Laying down our lives. . . what does it look like?

Sure, we know what it looks like for the some people. You know, the ones who have given up everything, moved halfway around the world to minister for the sake of the gospel?

Yes, it's easy to see that one.

But what about . . . . . others? What about. . . . me?

Ponder this quote from Sally Clarkson:

The laying down of our lives is not just about moving to the most impoverished country or preaching to thousands. But right in front of us, the child who would long to have our comforting touch and gentle voice of life-giving words, that he may imagine the voice and touch of God when He ponders faith as a young adult and chooses to believe because the reality of God was in his home.

The child who needs one more song to be comforted before sleeping, so that he might be able in adulthood to believe in a God who is patient and willing to answer prayer and hear our voice when we as his children cry out in faith.

The child who is lonely, confused, hormonal, who will feel the touch of God, the sacrifice of God as we give up the rights to our time and comfort to befriend and listen and show compassion and sympathy for what is on his heart.

Love is given through a candle lit and a special breakfast served one more time on Sunday before church as we open the gospel together, that the reality and beauty of God’s creativity is validated in how we live.

It is shown with the sacrificial life of giving up what we wanted to do, or the job we hoped to have, in order to build a soul through the attention of ourselves. A looking into the eyes with true interest and compassion instead of looking at a screen while half-heartedly listening. These are the sacrifices of our love, the moment by moment giving up of ourselves, the constant, year end year out practice of worship as we serve those in our home in order to please His heart.

It is for Him, for His kingdom that we serve with willing, generous, life-giving hearts, as the building of His kingdom is one heart at a time.

Weighty and encouraging thoughts for the week. Join me as we consider what laying down our lives looks like - right here, right now.

For the sake of Him who gave up all, that we might live with Him.

Sunday Sentiments: Why Do Bad Things Happen. . . . .

2011-03-27T12:51:00.000-05:00

This one's short and sweet:

Why do bad things happen to good people?
That only happened once, and He volunteered.

~R.C. Sproul

Encouragement from a Titus 2 Woman

2011-03-24T08:18:00.000-05:00

Q: Who is Sally Clarkson?

A: One of the most gentle, encouraging, godly women who is speaking to mothers today.

Take the time to go and read her blog, especially this post: Adversary or Advocate?

Here's the question she's getting at: Is God our adversary, looking for every wrong thing we do, ready to pounce on us with a "gotcha" and devise an appropriate punishment? Or is He rather our advocate, One who is for you, defends you, and works for you?

And if we are reflecting God's heart to our children, then how about us? Are we our child's adversary, or their advocate?

Weighty, meaty, wonderful, encouraging stuff. Go read.

(kinda) Wordless Wednesday - Video Edition

2011-03-22T22:32:00.000-05:00

Go check out my daughter's blog, here. She's put together an amazing video. Enjoy!

. . . .and tell her that her Mom thinks she's one amazing young woman :)

Creative Cell Phone Use

2011-03-15T19:50:00.000-05:00

How am I spending my Spring Break, you wonder?

(OK, I don't think you really did. . . . but I'm going to tell you, anyways!)

Answering my cell phone.

Really.

Sweet Kathryn had her wisdom teeth out yesterday - poor kid, she's feeling miserable, and can't call out when she needs something. Thus, the cell phone.

She just calls me! Seriously. Works better than a bell, and cuts through the hub-bub of our house quite effectively.

And big kudos to the other kids in the house, for being so helpful and serving me as I serve Kat.

Prayers for swift healing are always appreciated!

Off to answer another call. . . . . .

Amy Goes Bananas!!!!

2011-03-07T20:46:00.001-06:00

For Christmas, Amy got a cookbook entitled. . . . . .

Wait for it. . . . . .

"Go Bananas"

Amy and her very own cookbook!

Cute, ain't she?

This past Saturday, she spent about an hour (no kidding) reading the cookbook. All of it. And she excitedly informed me there was a recipe called "Caramel Banana Milkshake". Excited, because her new little Beanie Baby puppy has been named, "Caramel". Thus the desire to have a snack with the same name as her stuffed animal.

Never mind that she doesn't really like the flavor caramel.

Never mind that really she's not even crazy about bananas.

Never mind that she has entirely too many Beanie Babies. (I think that's another post)

I'm a sucker for a kid who wants to create in the kitchen. So off I trot to the store, and here is the result. Presenting. . . . . . . . .

Banana Caramel ~~Milkshake~~ Smoothie

Step One: Read the cookbook. Always helps.

Step Two: Slice and freeze two bananas. Once frozen, put the in a blender.

Step Three: Add two cups of Hagen-Daas Dulce du Caramel Ice Cream.

If you can look as cute as Amy does, you get bonus points.

Ignore the comments from your husband when he says,

"Hagen-Daas?? She gets Hagen-Daas?"

Step Three Point Five: add 1 tsp. of vanilla, and about 1 cup of milk.

Step Four: Prepare to hit the "Smoothie" button on the blender.

Again, bonus points for looking cute.

Step Five: Step away from the blender and cover your ears.

Step Six: Sip your creation. Bendy straw optional.

Step Seven: Vote on the taste!

Step Eight (not pictured): Take one sip of the smoothie, leave the cup on the counter, untouched, until Mommy finds it the next day.

I think I need to find that Beanie Baby she has that's named "Chocolate".

Yeah, that's the ticket. . . . . . . .

Sunday Sentiments: My Neighborhood, My Mission Field

2011-03-06T20:48:00.000-06:00

For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Galatians 5:14

For some time now, I've been contemplating the whole idea of mission. Who am I sharing the gospel with, who am I ministering to, who am I serving in the name of Christ?

At this moment, I am hearing my mommy-friends: "Your children, your husband! They are your mission field!"

I know that. Really. I do.

But I also think it does no good for me to ONLY focus on those 6 people, to the neglect of others that God has put in my path. And lately, that's honestly how I've been operating.

Fast forward to last week. When God wants to get my attention, He does so in a big way. Suffice it to say, we had a situation occur so that we needed - for a variety of reasons - to go around the neighborhood and bless our neighbors with a delivery of homemade muffins.

And I was struck, full in the face, with the reality.

You want a mission field? Here it is.

We have 3 neighbors - two adjacent and one just one house up the road - who are widowers. They were so thankful for my little homemade treats. We have other neighbors who are from another country - I'm not sure anyone talks to them.

And I've been closing my eyes, wrapped up in my own private world and drama, not being the hands and feet and love of Christ to them.

So as missions week at our church closes, I have been challenged and humbled by our great God to go forth and serve - not in Kenya, not in Appalachia, not even in downtown Birmingham.

But here. Where we've been planted. Where God has shown us unmistakenly that we are to stay.

I pray that He will find me faithful, and give me ideas as to how to minister to those who are - literally- right next door.

I think a pot of soup may be in order. . . . . . . .

Science Center Therapy

2011-03-05T20:35:00.000-06:00

After our incredibly difficult Thursday, the kids and I headed to McWane Science Center for a field trip on Friday morning.

You know, us and about 500 of our closest public school friends.

Have I mentioned that I hate crowds?

Anywho.

We stayed for about two hours, blew off some steam, and made some sweet memories. Here are some pictures to enjoy!

Playing with light - all four of them!

Amy brought her puppies with her EVERYWHERE. They were especially appropriate in the dog house!

This adorable girl on the left made fast friends with Amy, as only kindergarteners can do. They held hands and played together for quite a long time. Precious.

McWane entertains them all! From the littlest to one of the biggest.

Final group project - building the arch.

Mission Accomplished!

Whatever. . . . . .

2011-03-04T18:22:00.003-06:00

Dearest friends and faithful readers (all two of you!)

It's been a tough, tough week.

Details I won't go into now but - well - it's been tough.

But the Lord is so faithful to direct my steps - and this morning, He directed my steps here to this blog.

Would you go read it, please? I promise you won't be disappointed.

Whatever God wants - that is all for me.

More later - thanks for your friendship and love.

Edited to add: Anna recommended you specifically read this post. It's amazing. Go read that one, too.
Thanks, Anna!

Wordless Wednesday - Nigeria Edition

2011-03-02T10:36:00.000-06:00

Please Pray

2011-02-28T10:44:00.000-06:00

Would you please pray for the Hughes family?

Pam Hughes was a friend of mine - we compared notes on homeschooling through the years.

She had been quite ill - but was on the road to recovery.

She passed away this morning, and is in the arms of Jesus right now.

Please pray for her husband and five children. They need God's grace more than any of us can imagine.

Thanks.

Overheard in My House, Episode 10

2011-02-22T10:16:00.000-06:00

Sigh. This one hurts.

{Scene cuts to Amy, sitting on the living room floor, looking at my Creative Memories albums}

Amy: "Mom, why aren't there any pictures of me in these dictionaries?"

Me: "Um. . . . . . . . . . . . . . "

Yeah. Fifth child.

Anybody want to scrapbook for, say, a month without stopping???

Celebrating President's Day at American Village

2011-02-21T21:56:00.000-06:00

Do you all know about American Village? If you don't, you should!

While I admit it's not as high-falutin' as - say - Plymouth Plantation or Colonial Williamsburg, it is really a well done history resource, right in our own backyard. I especially like the way they emphasize the sacrifices made by the founders of our country - and then turn around and ask the children who are hearing the program to do the same. Very inspiring.

Today was President's Day, and American Village was celebrating. We celebrated, too, and I decided to channel my inner "I-used-to-be-a-fun-mom" and pack up the three younger girls for a field trip.

Aren't they cute? Of course, there was a discount for arriving in costume. . . and I'm only NOW realizing I never got a picture of them standing up, all together. Sigh.

At any rate, "someone-who-shall-remain-nameless" was feeling a little awkward in said costume, and also a little sad that both the friends we invited couldn't come. So imagine our surprise when THESE wonderful people came walking through the door of Washington Hall!

Yes, the Pritchetts!!! They saved the day!!! (Or at least made it a LOT more fun!)

I have also learned that, while I'm channeling my inner "I-used-to-be-a-fun-mom", I am NOT doing so good at channeling my inner "I-used-to-scrapbook-and-take-a-bazillion-pictures" mom. So with that in mind, here are a few shots from the day. . . wish I had more.

Hannah hoop-rolling on the green


Another Colonial Game - trap ball, I think. Pretty fun!

My favorite part today was the Oval Office - yes, they have a replica of THE Oval Office! It was quite awe-inspiring when I first saw it. . . . .of course, I don't have a good picture, but this one was pretty cute.

Tired toddler on Daddy's lap. In the Oval Office, no less!

Hope you all celebrated President's Day in fine fashion - and here are to the remarkable men who have filled that office. May we never forget to pray for them.

Sunday Sentiments: When the Answer is "Yes"

2011-02-20T19:01:00.000-06:00

Many, if not most of you have heard already.

Dearest Kathryn received a Presidential Scholarship to Samford University here in Birmingham. While it won't cover all of tuition, the award she received, along with her University Fellows scholarship, gives us enough confidence that the Lord is indeed directing her steps there. (Although she's still in the running for 3 more scholarships - so keep praying!!)

But that's not what this post is about, ultimately.

It's about what happens to a dry, parched, and withered heart when God pours the wellsprings of "Yes" to water the thirsty ground.

Many, if not most, of you also know that our family has been on a 3+ year journey of God deepening our faith through. . . . . . unanswered prayer. It's not much of a secret that we've been in what Paul Miller* calls 'a desert experience' - a desert where it has appeared there is no way out, we don't know when it will end, and there's no relief in sight.

But while we're in the desert, we've clung tenaciously to the belief that God has not abandoned us - although it has certainly, to our human frailty, appeared that way sometimes. We're stubbornly believing that God is weaving a story in our lives, one that will ultimately bring Him glory and honor. In the words of Peter, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." (John 6:68)

Which doesn't make it easy. I've written before about my latest temptation - the temptation to give up hope. Lately, though, God has allowed hope to spring in my heart - a tender, frail seedling of hope - rooted in Who He is, not what He will do for us.

And so. When this "Yes" came, this much desired, prayed-for, hoped for "Yes". . . . . .

I bawled. Like a baby. Thankfully, in private.

It was as if the waters of grace came spilling down from heaven, nourishing the seedling of hope, and overflowing in my heart. And I am so thankful for a God who not only cares deeply about me knowing Him, but also for a God who cares about our situation. A God who doesn't withhold blessings, but can do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.

All praise to God, who is writing the story of our lives. May we watch, wait, and wonder in eager anticipation as He enables us to participate in His glorious kingdom.

*Remember how I told you to go find Paul Miller's A Praying Life? I wasn't kidding. Go read it!

Kids Can Learn Chemistry! Teaching Atomic Bonding

2011-02-18T21:46:00.000-06:00

One of these days, I'm going to upgrade this blog and get spiffy tabs like the other uber-cool bloggers have. But that would require time that I don't have, so for now I'm going to just throw everything in all together!

Therefore, I am now presenting. . . . . . . .

Khemistry for Kids

(That's to annoy my brother, who has a profound hatred for signs with forced alliteration. . . .think 'Kountry Kitchen', and you're in the right ballpark!)

Do you remember your high school Chemistry class? You know, the one that gave you cold sweats when you had to *gasp* balance equations?

Yeah. Me too. Actually, I liked my chemistry class - except for the part when my teacher told me I was "wasting my mind" by going into education (I was headed to college to be a music major). Which is highly ironic since, the person uttering that statement was, after all, a teacher. (Are you still out there, Mrs. Lipeles?) It would be fairly interesting to hear what she would have to say now. . . .

But I digress. Anywho.

I am currently "wasting my mind" teaching science to a group of 14 homeschooled kids on Friday mornings. They're such a fun bunch! Right now, we're working through a series entitled God's Design for Chemistry & Ecology - and we've hit the lesson on ionic and covalent bonding. The basic lesson presented was good, but I decided to hunt around and see what else I could find.

Wow. I love the internet. Who knew there were such good lesson plans there? The activities I'm about to explain came mainly from this site - but since they were geared for middle schoolers, I just adapted them a bit for my class.

First up - Ionic Bonding. Here are Mr. Chlorine and Mr. Sodium!

It's a little hard to see from the picture, but they're wearing headbands (Ok, I bribed them with candy to wear them) with ping-pong ball "electrons" on them. Mr. Sodium (Na) has 1 electron (valence electrons, for you science junkies out there) and Mr. Chlorine (Cl) has 7 electrons.

Prior to this point, we had discussed valence electrons, and the tendency of the atoms to want a complete shell of electrons - in this case, Mr. Cl wants 8, and Mr. Na wants to get rid of his 1 lonely electron. After this picture was taken, Mr. Na took off his electron and gave it to Mr. Cl. Lots of hysterical laughter ensued. . . . but they got the point. Electrons transferred? Ionic bonding. Ta-dah!

Next up - well, I knew I had to choose two girls for this one. You'll see why in a minute. (And yes, they were also bribed with candy.)

Here we have the incredibly cute Hydrogen sisters. They started out with one electron each. Their headbands only have 2 curly pipe cleaners on them so they each want to add an electron.

How do they solve their problem? They share! (Insert class, laughing hysterically here) You can't see it quite so well, but yes, the girls are joined at the headbands with their electrons (each ping pong ball has two holes in it for just this purpose!)

Sharing electrons? Covalent bonding. Ta dah!

See, now, that wasn't so painful, was it?

To further illustrate the concept, we turned to that ever so popular motivator of children.

C-A-N-D-Y.

Here is our friendly sodium atom. Note the one valence electron - an orange skittle.

Next up, the Chlorine atom. Note the 7 valence electrons. Note also that I color coordinated them for the picture. I'm good like that.

Ready for some ionic bonding? Here we go!

As you can see, sodium has given its electron to chlorine. Everybody's happy.

Including my students. When I explained to them that this subject was difficult, and if they told their mothers about it, their mothers would say it was too hard to learn, I was met with disbelief.

One of my more observant students quipped: "That's because they didn't have Skittles when they were in high school!"

Take that, Mrs. Lipeles. Wasting my mind, indeed.

Wordless Wednesday - Rejoicing Edition!!!

2011-02-16T19:24:00.000-06:00

No Pictures, Just Love

2011-02-14T19:48:00.002-06:00

Can I just say. . . . . .

My husband grilled me tuna steaks for dinner tonight.

As a surprise.

AND he washed the fancy dishes we ate one.

I *heart* him.

That is all.

Storm Warning, Southern Style

2011-02-11T20:46:00.001-06:00

This one's for my northern friends - and my son.

Pretty classic reaction.

Of course, this from your friendly blogger who rescheduled her piano lessons due to the "threat" of snow. Not actual snow on the ground, or anything.

OK, there was this mountain. And I had to drive over it to get to my piano students. And it - well - it could have been slippery. In theory.

Yeah. That's my story, and I'm stickin' with it.

Anywho.

It's going to be 60 degrees tomorrow. Much better.

Overheard in My House, Episode 9

2011-02-10T14:21:00.003-06:00

This morning, we got a rare Alabama snowfall. After the kids came inside from sledding this morning, Nathaniel came out with his Bible:

Nat: "Mom, listen to this! Proverbs 31:21 says "she is not afraid of snow for her household. . . "

Me: "Yeah. . . . . . "

Nat: "Well, that means that I need to find a wife who's not afraid of snow. Where'm I going to find one of those down HERE?"

Classic.

Wordless Wednesday - Alfred Hitchcock Edition

2011-02-09T09:46:00.000-06:00

Book Review: The Beginning Reader's Bible

2011-02-07T22:50:00.000-06:00

This is a hard review to write.

Mainly, because I had to pry this Bible out of Amy's hands!

With five kids, we've seen a lot - and I mean a LOT - of children's bibles come and go in our house. They've been read and re-read, handed down, taped together, and toted to and from church for years. Yurii will even freely admit that his first overview of the Old Testament came from reading Kathryn's Children's Bible to her every night!

So when I had a chance to review The Beginning Reader's Bible (distributed by Thomas Nelson), I jumped. Amy didn't really have her very own Bible, and this was a great opportunity.

First, the nitty-gritty. This is an oversized volume, with a nice binding and stitching that appears sturdy enough for little hands. The pages are full-sized illustrations, with selected Scripture texts inserted to tell the story. All scripture is taken from the International Children's Bible. As such, it's not the full Bible, but rather a collection of stories - the title there is a little misleading. Also slightly misleading is the name "Beginning Reader's Bible" - with words like "language", "everyone", and "Babylonia", it's hardly for true beginning readers.

More nitty-gritty. At the end of each Bible story are sections entitled "Remember God's Word", "Do God's Word", and "Pray God's Word", designed for application in young lives. The very end of the Bible has a list of familiar passages (such as the Ten Commandments and the 23rd Psalm), books of the Bible, a Scripture reading plan, and a Scripture memory plan.

Now, some impressions. Let's start with the six-year old.

I'll have to say that Amy LOVES this Bible. She's a fairly good reader, so she can read almost all of it herself. She loves the feel of the book, loves the vivid illustrations, and loves the ribbon bookmark that is attached! When it first arrived, she pored over it, reading the stories and telling me all about them. One favorite: the Tower of Babel - at the end, it has a chart that shows how to say "God Loves You" in about 8 different languages.

My impressions.

As I said before, it's not really a Bible. It's a nice-quality Bible storybook. I really wish the folks at Thomas Nelson had called it the "Read-to-Me Bible Storybook"; it's a pet peeve of mine, that kids think the Bible is a collection of stories. But enough about that.

The stories chosen are a nice sample - I wish the New Testament had a little more meat in it, but they do include 2 stories from Acts (the coming of the Holy Spirit and Paul's conversion) and the description of heaven from Revelation. The supplements at the end are helpful - most children's Bibles don't list the 12 tribes of Israel, for example. The illustrations are very nice, but not stunning. The illustrations really are the main show, here- the text is only a small part of the page.

Overall, it's a nice Bible storybook. It would be a great gift for a child who enjoys Bible stories, but not for a young reader who's ready for a Bible text to follow along with during family worship or church service.

So while I'll let Amy continue to enjoy her new storybook, I'm back in the search for a Bible with full text, sturdy enough to withstand her 6 year-old exuberance, preferably in the ESV translation.

Any ideas?

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Anyone Want an Update?

2011-02-07T22:11:00.000-06:00

First, I can't thank all my friends enough for their prayers. Really.

What we prayed for was that Kathryn would represent herself well, and not leave with any regrets. That she would do her best, and we could leave the results up to God.

Your prayers were answered.

When I asked Kathryn what she learned over the weekend, she replied, "I learned that I love doing interviews!" How crazy is that?!

So, some quick highlights:

First, on the University Fellows program. Yurii & I met with the professor who is in charge of the business portion of the program. She not only remembered Kathryn, but stated she was very impressed by her application and asked that we make a point to bring her to meet her on Saturday evening.

Second, on the Scholarship portion. Suffice it to say that when Kat answered "James Madison" to the "Which leader do you admire, and what lessons have you learned from his/her life?" question, and when the interviewer is a pharmacy professor who happens to be a history buff? Score.

Third, on Samford in general. We came away favorably impressed. Kathryn admitted she really, really would like to go there.

However.

We realize that the Lord may have other plans for her life. And we're trusting that should He NOT provide the needed funds to attend Samford. . . . . . .

That means that for Kathryn and our family, attending there would be a "stone" in her life, not the bread that we all desire for her.

So there you have it! Stay tuned - we'll know more information by the 20th, I think.

Overheard in My House, Episode 8

2011-02-07T10:09:00.000-06:00

Sitting at the school table, Amy comes out with this gem:

"Mom, I want to have a dazzling intellect."

Huh?

Like one of our friends says, she should have her own YouTube Channel.

On Trust, Hope, and Praying for Your Heart's Desire

2011-02-04T07:32:00.000-06:00

Here we go!

Later this morning, our dear, wonderful, cherished eldest daughter will be interviewing at her top choice college, competing for a spot in the University Fellows program and for the Presidential Scholarship. As in, full tuition.

It's been a long week for the mother, here.

I've been so torn - knowing this is where her heart's desire is, praying the Lord would allow favor. And yet, as I've been praying for her, my faith has been bumping head-long into the smashed and shattered dreams of the past five years, all the time we have prayed and hoped and pleaded with the Lord regarding my husband's job situation, to be told "No" or "Wait" again and again and again.

Sometimes it makes praying tough.

Sometimes it makes trusting tough.

And yet. . . . . .

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!" (Matthew 7:8-11)

How often do my own kids ask for something they want with all their heart at the moment, and I know that in the long run it will be bad for them? Or that they don't see the full picture, as to why I can't say "yes" at that time? And that in saying yes to their desire, I would in effect be giving them the proverbial stone instead of the bread?

Do I not trust the God of all the Universe to do what is right? Do I not know of the love, the lavish, profound love, that God the Father has for me?

And more than that - do I not know how He loves my daughter so much more than I ever could? He knows what she needs in all aspects of her life. He can see her path and her future, and will work all things so that her life will be more and more conformed to the image of Christ.

And so.

I hope, and trust, and pray, and ask God fervently that she may do well this weekend. Represent herself, her family, and her Savior with all that she is. I pray that she may find favor with the interviewers, and that it would bring glory to God to provide her with the scholarships necessary to attend this university.

And yet, I rest. Rest in the knowledge that God's ways are not our ways, and that His thoughts are much higher that our thoughts. That He may direct our paths in very, very different ways that we would ourselves have chosen.

So join me, won't you? Join me in praying - not for our situation alone (although I sure would appreciate it!) - but pray with abandon to a Father who loves you and wants to hear from you. A Father who can be trusted to work all things for His glory.

He can be trusted with your heart's desire.

**Can I recommend The Praying Life by Paul Miller? It has really energized and changed the way I view prayer.**

A Poem for the Moment

2011-01-27T09:14:00.000-06:00

Hope

by Emily Dickinson

Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune--without the words,
And never stops at all,

And sweetest in the gale is heard;
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.

I've heard it in the chillest land,
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity,
It asked a crumb of me.

Please Go Vote!

2011-01-23T15:09:00.002-06:00

Just a quick commercial, here. . . .

An acquaintance of mine through church has a child that is severely disabled by Sanfilippo Disease - for which there is no known cure. They've applied for a $250,000 grant through Pepsi to fund gene research - and right now, they're in #1 position!

Voting ends January 31st - so -

Would you please go vote for them?

Here's the link:

http://www.refresheverything.com/curesanfilippo

Thanks!

Book Review: The Shelter of God's Promises by Sheila Walsh

2011-01-19T21:24:00.000-06:00

For no matter how many promises God has made, they are 'Yes' in Christ. And so through him the 'Amen' is spoken by us to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 1:20

I needed to read this book.

Readers of this blog - and those who know me in real life - know that the storms of life have been very real and very hard indeed these last four or five years. And honestly, there have been a few holes in my spiritual umbrella lately. So when I was searching my book review website for my next title, this one fairly leaped off the page.

I read - engulfed it - in one sitting. Truthfully, I didn't really know who Sheila Walsh was - turns out, she's the author of the popular Gigi series for little girls, and a speaker on the Women of Faith conference team. Her writing is spot-on biblically: she takes the reader through a tour of God's promises - roughly categorized into 10 chapters - with powerful Scripture to back up each promise. (In addition, much to my delight, she includes interesting insights into the text with references to the original Greek structure of the verse or an important note about ancient Hebrew culture at the time of the Scripture's writing. Good stuff!)

In addition to the main text of the book, the author has included a Bible study appendix, with questions for scriptural study and personal application based on each chapter. This would be most appropriate for a personal quiet time study, in my opinion - and something I'm hoping to start on myself very soon.

Sheila Walsh has written a powerful, helpful book, with just the right combination of scripture (heavy on that) and personal stories (not overwhelming, and help to emphasize her point). I was refreshed while reading it, and rejoiced as I felt my own "umbrella" renewed and strengthened not by me or my own efforts, but the timeless, unchanging principles of God. This book is sure to stay on my shelf to be pulled out for times of refreshing.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

In Which I Imitate Pioneer Woman and Almost Burn My House Down

2011-01-13T22:48:00.000-06:00

We've been in a serious food rut.

Same old, same old - baked ziti, chili, spaghetti, beans and rice, quiche.

Rinse. Repeat.

It was time to break out, I tell you! In a moment of inspiration, I revisited two of my favorite things: my crockpot and The Pioneer Woman.

First, let's revisit the crockpot. Remember my recipe series? OK, so it was "kind of" a series. But there were some yummy recipes I was posting for a time. Well, here's another one for you.

I just want to warn you. It involves (looking around furtively). . . .

Beer.

OK. That's done now.

May also recommend that when you go to purchase said ingredient, you do NOT visit the convenience store across the street from your church. Just in case you run in to one of the pastors of your church.

Which I didn't.

But I could have. And that would have been a GREAT story for the blog.

Kinda like the time our Pastor Emeritus showed up at our house for a visit, unannounced, and I came upstairs to see who it was.

In my jammies and bathrobe.

True story.

At this point, you're wishing I would just get on with the recipe.

Me too. So here it is!

Pulled Beef Sandwiches

(by romeacademy from the WTMBoards)

2-3 lb. chuck roast

1 packet of Italian Good Seasonings Dressing Mix

1 12-oz. can of beer (I used Miller Lite, cuz I don't know any better!)

Cut the roast into 4-5 pieces.

Sprinkle the dressing on top.

Pour the beer over all.

Cook on low for 8 hours, or high for 4.

Pull meat out and shred.


Hot. Steaming. Ready for the sandwiches!

Pile the meat in a nice, fresh roll. Delicious!

Not Portuguese rolls. But close enough!

But, really, the best part of the meal was "Crash Hot Potatoes" from The Pioneer Woman.

Oh. My. Stars.

You. Must. Make. These.

I'm not going to reprint the recipe - you can go to PW's site for it - but can I just brag a bit and tell you that my own Marlboro Man made these - almost all by himself?

Can I just give you a teensy-weensy bit of advice?

Do not - repeat - do NOT bake these on a regular cookie sheet. Like this:

And if you decide to ignore my warning, and the olive oil drips down onto the bottom of your oven (my mother is cringing right now),

and you see flames?

Well, I warned you.

My kids thought it was cool.

Anyways.

You should have heard the chorus of "Ooohs" and "Aaaahs" when they were served!

Heaven in a potato. Seriously.

Even the potato hater in my family said they were, and I quote, "Pretty good."

Top it off with some fudge that your amazing sister-in-law sent your from snow-covered Connecticut?

Food rut officially. Over.

Now I'm off to clean my oven.

Wordless Wednesday - Tooth Fairy Edition

2011-01-12T07:41:00.000-06:00

Book Review: Redefining Beautiful

2011-01-10T16:50:00.000-06:00

"Am I beautiful?"

I suppose that is a question that - like it or not - most teen girls wrestle with. As the mother of one teen girl (who will cringe when she sees I've labeled her as such!), one almost-teen, and two more sure to come, it's a topic that gains attention in my house.

Jenna Lucado has written a helpful book, but one that is written squarely for the teen market. She covers topics such as a young woman's value to God, finding identity in Christ, and security in knowing the love of God. Along the way, she includes actual beauty tips (Vaseline, anyone?) and plenty of space in the book for teens to write their thoughts.

The message is good: don't define yourself by the world's standards. Our scriptural plumb line should be from our fear of the Lord (Proverbs 31: 30) and our gentle and quiet spirit (1 Peter 3:4). (Note to readers: I'm still working on that one!)

The delivery - at least for our family - leaves me wanting. The language used is immature and flippant, very geared to the "teen culture" and lowest common denominator. We tend to stay away from resources that are more "popular" in tone. . . but that's just us. For other families that are looking for a book to use as a discussion starter with their teens, Jenna Lucado's Redefining Beautiful will be a good resource to bring God's perspective on a timely subject.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

(British Accent) I'm Not Dead Yet! I. . . Feel. . . .Happy!!!

2011-01-06T08:31:00.000-06:00

(And bonus points to anyone who can name the movie that's from!)

Contrary to all the rumors floating out there, I'm still here!

The past two weeks have included:

A very fun Christmas visit with my family

Kids dropping like flies from the flu

A New Year's Resolution to spend less time on the computer and more time with my family

~which was GREATLY assisted by~

The crash of my hard drive.

So there you have it! I'll return to your regularly scheduled broadcasts soon. . . . .

Lord willing!

Merry Christmas to All!

2010-12-25T13:48:00.000-06:00

And it's a White Christmas in Alabama!

Merry Christmas to all my friends far and near!

As Christ Loved the Church

2010-12-21T13:04:00.000-06:00

Today was the day of my Annual Christmas Freak-Out.

You know, that day when you realize that Christmas has all of a sudden snuck up on you, and staring at your list you start to hyperventilate, panic, and take your stress out on all those around you?

Not pretty.

This year, I appealed to my sweet husband: "Honey, I feel the annual Christmas Freak-Out coming on." He and I looked at the list, and. . . . wonder of wonders. . . . he took over half of my errands upon himself. He's been out for 3 hours.

He hates shopping.

He hates running errands.

He hates crowds.

But he's doing it for me.

That's pretty Ephesians 5, don't you think?

Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her.

I"m so blessed.

Joseph: Another Look

2010-12-20T23:02:00.000-06:00

The story is oft-told, and a familiar one. A tired husband, a young wife large with child, a long journey.

Have you ever wondered why? Why would Joseph take such a long journey, when Mary was clearly in no condition to travel? I've been on a few bumpy tractor rides in my day, relatively close to my due date, and let me tell you - that was no picnic. Why would Joseph take her far from her home, her family, her women relatives and friends who would likely be the ones to assist her in her hour of need?

Well, there was this census, you see. Joseph and Mary had to go there to register.

Or did they?

Consider this:

In the Middle East, men usually represent their families in any official or legal matters. Why did Joseph take Mary with him to Bethlehem for the registration? The easiest explanation is that he was unsure what might happen to her if he left her in Nazareth without his presence to protect her. It behooves us to see Joseph as a hero of the story without whose courage and understanding of the prophets there would have been no Christmas story to tell. (Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural Studies in the Gospels, Kenneth O. Bailey, p.46)

The picture of Joseph, protector of his bride, is a new one to me. Mary was known in Nazareth - known as the one who was with child while betrothed. Not an honorable position; recall the taunts of those in Jesus' own hometown, "Isn't this Mary's son?" What could have happened to her - the supposed unfaithful one - without her faithful husband's protection? Recall the Old Testament penalty for adultery. . . . . .

To me - this is yet another remarkable instance of God's providence. To give Mary such a husband, such a man, that in his integrity, care, and faithfulness he would take her on a most difficult journey, a journey that would result in her Son being born in the city from which the promised Messiah would hail. . . . . . . . only a sovereign Lord. Another detail in the marvelous Christmas story that just astounds me.

And by way of recommendation, Kenneth Bailey's book, Jesus through Middle Eastern Eyes is simply fascinating. Not a light read, but sheds amazing light on the gospels when seen in light of the Middle Eastern culture and customs of Jesus' time. If you receive any gift certificates, I'd highly recommend it.

Sunday Sentiments: Let the Stable Still Astonish

2010-12-19T23:35:00.001-06:00

Let the Stable Still Astonish

by Leslie Leyland Fields

Let the stable still astonish.
Straw–dirt floor, dull eyes,
Dusty flanks of donkeys, oxen;
Crumbling, crooked walls;
No bed to carry that pain,
And then, the child,
Rag-wrapped, laid to cry
In a trough.

Who would have chosen this?
Who would have said: “Yes,
Let the God of all the heavens and earth
Be born here, in this place?
Who but the same God
Who stands in the darker, fouler rooms
Of our hearts
And says, “Yes,
Let the God of Heaven and Earth
Be born here –

In this place.

A Social Network Christmas

2010-12-17T11:58:00.001-06:00

(hope no one finds this irreverent - I though it was pretty well done - but NO, I've got no plans to return to fb anytime soon.)

Enjoy!

Wordless Wednesday - Naughty or Nice Edition?

2010-12-15T08:12:00.000-06:00

Glorious Impossible

2010-12-12T22:09:00.000-06:00

Because I'm on a YouTube kick, apparently. . .

And because I got to play a super-fun gig this morning, featuring this song, which is permanently stuck in my head.

Not a bad thing, methinks. Enjoy!

Truer Words

2010-12-07T20:19:00.000-06:00

Love is. . . . Part Two

2010-12-07T10:46:00.000-06:00

Hot on the heels of my last post (and yes, I've recovered nicely from the whole persimmon issue, thankyouverymuch), I stumbled over to the blog of one of my favorite people in the whole world, Marcia Somerville.

She has some pretty insightful things to say about love. Here's an excerpt to get you started:

God gives all of his disciples the same amount of limited amount of time each day, and a host of choice points. Those choice points are tests: how will you react and respond to the people and situations you encounter today in a world full of sinners? The results of our reactions and responses to the tests shape us and others. That’s how God sanctifies us, and forwards His amazing plans. God gives all of His people others to love each day as part of His training process. But, to only a chosen few of His children, God gives homeschooling. We homeschooling moms are assigned a very limited number of people, who matter to us greatly, to love. Being imperfect, we often fail. Being our Father, God knows what He’s up to. He’s changing us into the image of Christ by the perfect means for each of us individually. If you are homeschooling because of a call of God on your life to do so, then this is the context in which you are to walk out the primary commands of God: love Him and love your neighbor as yourself.

Go read the rest here. You won't regret it.

Love is. . . . .

2010-12-04T21:46:00.001-06:00

. . . .ok, if you thought I was going to quote that cheesy 70s line, "Love is never having to say you're sorry" you're W-R-O-N-G.

Because we all know that love means having to say "I'm sorry"on a regular basis.

No, tonight love is processing a whole PILE of persimmons through a food mill - hand cranked - because your dear husband hasn't been able to get to his pet project.

That project being harvesting the tons of persimmons from our prolific tree in the backyard. He was so faithful in waiting until after the first frost, researching how to make persimmon jam, picking up the fallen fruit, enthralling the kids with the tales of this wonderful food right in our own backyard.

And now, with bowls of mashed persimmons, full of seeds and skins, taking up space in my fridge:

Love is staying up late, watching Young Victoria on Netflix, and running a hand food mill, covered in persimmons.

I love you, honey.

On the Ugly Head

2010-12-02T23:44:00.000-06:00

In my house, lately, there has been a lot of talk about. . . .well, a lot of things.

Most of them serious. A couple of them funny. And there's one theme we keep coming back to over and over again.

We don't know what in the *world* we're doing.

Who was the humorist who said something like, "I used to have no children and plenty of theories of parenting; now I have plenty of children and NO theories of parenting!"? OK, so we're not quite there yet, but as we enter this new, interesting, challenging season of life . . . with job searches and college decisions and general parenting issues. . . . .

. . . we don't know what in the *world* we're doing. (Editor's note: I usually have a pronoun problem. You know, attributing things to sweet hubby when it's really just my issue at hand? But this time - I think I can safely say it's a 'WE' issue.)

But there's this Ugly Head that keeps rearing itself - the Ugly Head of Perfection.

You know, 'cuz we're Christians and all, we have to have it All. Together. Know what direction our family is going in, set our goals, check 'em off once reached. Never question God or ourselves, but walking confidently through life towards Victory, always upwards and onwards, straight paths ever higher and on into glory.

But the truth is - life. is. messy.

Really messy.

And most of the time - especially lately - we struggle to know the right thing to do. We can't act confident, or as if we have our acts together. Because - we don't.

We'd rather cry out with the Psalmist:

Awake! Why are you sleeping, O Lord?
   Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever!
Why do you hide your face?
   Why do you forget our affliction and oppression?
For our soul is bowed down to the dust;
   our belly clings to the ground.
Rise up; come to our help!
   Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love! (Psalm 44: 23-26)

And - interestingly enough - we've had enough conversations with friends lately that have made us realize that the Ugly Head of Perfection needs to be soundly beaten back from our midst. Enough conversations where the other party expresses with wonder, "You too?" and there is a fellowship in the pain and confusion, a sweet embrace of the reality that says yes, we are hurting and yes, we are broken, but God - He is sufficient.

We do no service to walk in the pride of our flesh, setting ourselves up as those who have all the answers, who are living lives free of questioning and struggle and pain. We do no service to our Savior to pretend that we can program our lives onwards and upwards, with ever-increasing victory call, when the truth is that we need His grace to even take the very next tiny baby step.

We do no service to those around us, when our desire to appear "perfect" stems from pride, deadly pride, and would point those nearest to us away from Christ, and onto out poor, sinful souls.

So if you catch me raising the Ugly Head of Perfection -

Would you help me beat it back?

I think we'll both be better for it.

"Hey Mama, Where's Baby Jesus?"

2010-11-30T20:36:00.000-06:00

Good question.

See, we have this tradition - I hide the Baby Jesus figures out of our nativities. Then, on Christmas morning, part of our morning "festivities" includes finding the 4 or 5 Baby Jesus figures that I've hidden throughout the house.

Except.

I can't find them.

See, last year I put them somewhere really, really safe.

So safe, I can't find them.

Classic.

Anyone up for a game of, "Find the Baby Jesus", about 26 days early?

. . . and Now for Something Completely Different

2010-11-30T17:04:00.000-06:00

(Yes, I'm a closet Monty Python fan. Just to clear that up. But really, how do you jump from bereavement posts to shameless promotion???)

For years and years, we've done the Christmas Card/Letter tradition. We love sending out pictures and an update - hopefully our friends love reading it! But mostly, I love seeing the names of all the folks on our card list: friends from high school and college, colleagues from my first teaching job, relatives far and near.

This year, I've been thinking about using Shutterfly's Christmas cards: for family with a whole bunch of kids, they have over 369 designs that use more than 3 pictures! I'm thinking this one might work:

And how convenient - it even has the right letter in the middle! I'm hoping I can come up with enough cute pictures of my kids to fill the spaces - and if I know the kids, they'll make me put the dog in one, too. More fun than sending the cards is receiving them, and each year we plaster our doors with the greetings we get from far and near.

I know, I know - e-greetings are cheaper. There's just something special about having a holiday card in your hand, to look at as you pass it taped to your door. We also like to save all of our cards in a basket - each night at dinner, we pick one card and pray for the family who sent it to us. (That's a hint: if you want to be prayed for, send us a card!)

Last year, Kathryn purchased a lot of gifts from Shutterfly - they were so sweet! She gave Yurii a monthly calendar, and I'm thinking that this stationery would make a cute gift as well.

So, there you have it. My shameless plug . . . but really, even though I *am* getting 50 free cards by doing this, I really do think that Shutterfly has cool stuff.

Random Happenings in Pictures

2010-11-27T19:51:00.000-06:00

And now. . . . a picture heavy post to catch you all up on the various happenings from the last week!

(and my apologies - some of the pictures look a little wonky- don't know what's up with that, and I'm too tired to fix it)

Science Class!

Just because this was a fun picture. . . an experiment on dissolving substances; Hannah and her friend Anna Kate were working together

Farm Day Field Trip at the Bailey's

Amy got tired of walking, so Evan carried her - I was thankful!
Evan was thankful too, once Amy got her hands off his eyes and nose!


The Bailey's Barn

Mike Bailey, friend and farmer extraordinaire

Christmas at the Caroline House


Kathryn and her friends danced for our church's outreach (she's the 2nd from the right on the bottom row)

Thanksgiving with the Prewitts

It was wonderful to spend Thanksgiving with my Dad's side of the family - no one was up to any cooking, so a big thanks to my cousin Lisa for the invite!

Mom gets to hold Linley, my cousin Allisha's 3 mo. old cutie pie

Cousin Nathan and his wife, Megan - I told them to pose, but Nathan was more interested in the pie than in his wife!

Amy had fun playing with Ali, my cousin Jessica's daughter. Girl time!

Hannah took on Logan (Nathan's son) at the pool table - I think she kept him honest!

Believe it or not, this was only PART of the crowd! I think there were 32 of us there!

Uncle Frank and Dad - posing with Amy's tiara. Classic!

Precious

2010-11-19T20:03:00.000-06:00

Dorothy Bingham Ward

Jan. 17, 1919 - Nov. 19, 2010

I miss you already, Grandma.

"Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints."

Psalm 116:15

On Waiting

2010-11-19T17:18:00.000-06:00

There's a whole lot of "hurry up and wait" going on in my house right now.

{Back story: my grandmother was given 48 hours to live. 9 days ago. There is no medical reason she should be with us, but apparently God has decided He'd like us all to know who exactly is in charge.}

Our suitcases are packed. Each day, we've been wearing our "traveling clothes" in case we have to hop in the car. My fridge is stuffed with food that no one is allowed to eat, since we might need it for the car trip. The activities we canceled this week in anticipation of traveling Monday are remaining canceled. . . .which leads to an odd, a very odd calmness.

This morning, as I awoke to yet another morning of not getting "the call" in the middle of the night, I got to thinking. (Dangerous habit, I know. . . )

I'm waiting and watching for my grandmother to pass away.

But. . .

Am I waiting and watching for Jesus with the same anticipation, the same readiness?

I think not. Even though Scripture is replete with admonitions to wait and watch for the return of Christ, I find myself tied too closely to this world.

The hard thing is the balancing act. As I find myself waiting for "the call" about Grandma, I'm often in a wash of indecision and exhaustion, as if the act of waiting has sapped all of my energy for accomplishing even the most basic of tasks. (Case in point - I've actually started and stopped this blog post about 3 times.)

So this is what I'm wondering. If I'm to wait for Jesus' return - and indeed, the possibility of my own death before He comes - then how do I do that, and do that well? How do I love my husband and my children, and yet keep God's kingdom first? How do I enjoy the blessings of the day, and yet long for the greater blessings of heaven?

It's an interesting tightrope, this walk of waiting. I'm not doing so well with this immediate waiting. Hopefully the Lord will use this as training in my life, to help me learn to wait and watch for Him more fully.

Until next time. . . .

On Asking, "Why?"

2010-11-15T10:20:00.000-06:00

The past week, I've been living with my cell phone permanently attached to my body.

You see, 400 miles away, my grandmother, my precious, 91-year old grandmother, is dying a slow, long, drawn-out, painful death.

And those around her ask, "Why?"

This weekend, a family was driving home from a talent audition. A teenager ran a stop sign and plowed into their van, killing the mom and her two sons. The teenager had minor injuries.

And those around them ask, "Why?"

There are atrocities unspeakable in every corner of the world. . . . wars and unrest and famine and abuse and slavery. . . . .

And the world asks, "Why?"

Our friends had a beautiful, healthy baby boy last week.
A missionary we know was healed from her severe neck pain after prayer.
Our family has been provided for - miraculously - over and over again.
I woke up this morning, opened my eyes, and found my heart beating and my lungs inhaling and my brain functioning.

I have yet to hear a "Why?"

Only a "Thank You!". . . and sadly, sometimes not even that.

Now it's my turn to ask, "Why?"

Why do I question the bad, and not the good?
What makes me think I deserve only the good portion, never the bad?

In the words of Job,

Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?

He is the Creator, I am the creation. I cannot - I dare not - understand His thoughts and His purposes.

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! (Romans 11:33)

May I receive from His hand blessing and trial, and give Him praise and honor all my days.

The Argument Builder - A Review

2010-11-14T19:02:00.000-06:00

If I were playing the word association game at a party, and someone said, “build”, I would not immediately reply with “argument”. To my non-trained mind, an argument is something that just happens spontaneously, and usually when my emotions are running high.

Enter The Argument Builder: Constructing an Argument Piece by Piece by Shelly Johnson, published by Classical Academic Press (CAP). I’ve used their Latin materials for a few years now, so when I had the chance to review a copy of Argument Builder, I was intrigued. Even more so when I read this passage from the first chapter:

Right now, you might feel a little uncomfortable with the word argument because it seems that it always involves fighting, tension, hostility, and hurt feelings. Although this unpleasantness can be present when people argue, it doesn’t have to be. The Latin word argumentum means ‘evidence’ or ‘proof’. Therefore, when you have an ‘argument,’ it means that you supply the evidence or proof for what you believe.

From the forward, the purpose of The Argument Builder is “to train you in the art of building a strong argument”. Using the Common Topics method, developed by Aristotle, the text takes you through all five of these common topics (Definitions, Testimony, Comparison, Relationship, Circumstance) while developing a hypothetical argument about curfew.

The text is comprised of 25 chapters, with an appendix on debate techniques. Each of the first 22 chapters includes a exercises not only in defining terms and answering basic questions about the topics introduced, but also in analyzing and identifying arguments from a wide variety of authors, scholars, and statesmen. The final 3 chapters of the book cover a cumulative review, a brief introduction to logical fallacies, and instructions on how to hold a debate. The Teacher’s Edition - a necessary component - includes not only the answers to the text exercises, but suggestions and recommendations for extending the material. For further support, CAP also offers an online class taught by the author.

I am particularly thrilled to find this text - we’ll be adding it in for our high school students, as a component of their logic/philosophy studies. Especially attractive to me is the author’s inclusion of primary source documents from history as a source of analytical exercises. The Argument Builder is easy to understand, clearly laid out and provides great training in analyzing and building arguments. As a high school course, this could be done in one semester by an ambitious student, but might be best spread out over the course of a year, especially if you intend to include the debate component.

Paired with Discovery of Deduction, another CAP title, the Art of Argument makes the study of logic understandable and accessible to high school students, homeschooled or otherwise.

Now for the nitty gritty: I was provided a free review copy of this text in exchange for this review. I would have panned it if I didn’t like it - I’m honest like that - but really, it’s a great text.

Wordless Wednesday - Puppy Love Edition

2010-11-10T06:53:00.000-06:00

Motivation, Anyone?

2010-11-06T22:57:00.000-05:00

The past three days, I've been watching episodes of "Hoarders", via the magic of Netflix.

The past three days, I've also deep cleaned two bathrooms, purged my wardrobe, filed a huge box of papers, and cleaned off the permanent clutter piles in our main living areas.

Coincidence?

I think not.

Sunday's Sentiments: The Gift

2010-10-31T11:36:00.000-05:00

This past week, I was given a precious gift.

The gift of time.

I was privileged to spend over two days with my grandmother, sitting and watching and listening and praying.

Sitting holding her hand as she slept.

Watching as my mother and my aunts cared for her with dignity, grace, and selfless love.

Listening to her precious voice, as we talked of heaven, of cooking, of caring for our families, of no more pain or sadness. Sharing our love for each other. And saying. . . . honestly. . . . I will miss you.

Praying. Prayers that God would ease her suffering. That He would bring her home soon. Prayers of thanksgiving for having this woman, this strong, amazing woman in my life.

In all likelihood, I was given the gift of seeing my grandmother one last time, and knowing it was the last time. The gift of saying all that was on my heart, and receiving her love in return.

It was hard, bitterly hard.

And priceless.

Overwhelmed. . . . . .

2010-10-21T22:58:00.000-05:00

and grateful.

Those two words sum up - pretty succinctly - how I feel this week.

I'm so overwhelmed by life.

I'm so overwhelmed by the grace of God.

I'm so grateful for His Love.

And I'm so, so grateful for the Body of Christ, near and far, who intercedes on our behalf.

Wordless Wednesday - True Road Sign Edition

2010-10-19T22:45:00.000-05:00

(Posted because - you know? I needed to laugh about something this week! True road sign in Mississippi. I'm. Not. Kidding.)

Sunday's Sentiments: Hanging by a Thread

2010-10-17T19:57:00.000-05:00

“If you are hanging on by a thread right now,

make it a thread attached to the hem of Christ’s garment.

It will be enough.”

Jared Wilson

(with thanks to Not Just an Ordinary Life - a very inspirational blog)

Well, Now We Know What God Thinks of THAT Plan!

2010-10-07T20:29:00.000-05:00

This could be another, "Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men" post, really. But in the interest of not boring you, dear readers, I'll change it up a bit.

Some of you may know that my dear, 91-year old Grandma is on hospice care for colon cancer. Has been for 14 months. The running joke around here is, "Grandma didn't get the memo that hospice means, 'You're dying.' She thinks it's code for, 'Nice nurses come and visit every week.'"

Last Friday, Grandma took a definite turn for the worse. She collapsed and (mostly) no longer has the use of her legs. {Here's why I say, "mostly" - overnight Sunday into Monday, at 3 a.m. she got up and WALKED from her bed to her chair. With no cane. Yup. That's my Grandma.)

Tuesday morning, my mom contacted me and let me know that she had had a (TIA) stroke, and could only say, "Yes" and "No". She wasn't taking in much food/water at all. In a frenzy, I started making plans. Negotiating work schedules and classes and commitments, we decided to leave today (Thursday) if she got very bad. If Grandma hung around, I had decided to rent a cheap-o car and drive up to Indiana for the weekend, after my science class on Friday, just to be there for my mom.

Fast forward to this morning. I wake up and it's clear - I'm S-I-C-K. As in, stomach bug, can't get out of bed, lying around in misery, trotting in and out of the bathroom sick.

Not fun.

I got out of bed about 45 minutes ago, and took a shower. That felt heavenly! So with only 3 bites of eggs and 10 saltines to credit to my account today, it's pretty obvious.

Not going anywhere tomorrow. And sometimes, it takes God allowing a nasty stomach bug to make me realize that maybe it wasn't such a good plan after all.

The downside? I had to cancel Science Class, b/c I'm just so weak.

The upside? Would you believe. . . .Grandma has her speech mostly back. She's had a "good day" according to my Mom.

I'm thinking I might go shop for her Christmas present.

What's Underneath

2010-09-30T22:20:00.001-05:00

Just got in from what was *ostensibly* an "Educator's Night" at McWane Science Center, with four friends. You know - offer door prizes, free food, and an iMax movie, and the teachers come en masse. That kind of Educator's Night.

So after suffering through processed lunchmeat and chips (the free food), not winning any door prizes (oh, well- the free house cleaning would have been nice!), and deciding that we were starving and didn't really want to stay for the iMax, ~~one of our hip-and-trendy friends~~ we all decided to hit a happening, hip, and posh area of town for some appetizers.

In we go - giddy from a night of laughter and camaraderie - and request a table on the patio. We settle in, place our order.

I'm definitely out of my element here. Looking at the slim & trim, perfectly coiffed and highlighted 'do's, trendy outfits. Everyone "has their game on", as they say. It's all so - glitzed. Perfect. Very southern. Very wealthy. Very "in crowd". I feel like an 8th grader with bad acne and glasses.

Annie notices them first.

At her feet, there are a host of slugs, crawling on the cement flower boxes. After some deliberation, we decide to just ignore them.

I'm next. Looking down, about halfway through our munchies, a Big. Juicy. Cockroach. crawls across the patio. Right. Under. Our. Table.

Ick.

I didn't say anything - no one else noticed. (OK, so I told everyone later. They would have screamed if I had told them while we were eating. I knew it.)

But it struck me. Here, in Perfect Land - bugs. Icky, creepy, nasty bugs. Right underneath our feet. Seems like a lesson to me somewhere. You think?

(Oh, and E, P, A, and L.. . . . .THANKS for a very, very fun night! I love y'all!)
(How's that for southern? ;-)

:chirping crickets:

2010-09-24T23:40:00.000-05:00

That's the only sound I hear right now.

The Two. Certain. Someones who were whispering until waaaaaaay too late have finally quieted.

There are 6 Boy Scouts and 2 Dads asleep (I think) in tents in our yard.

An almost 6-year old is asleep in my bed, a consolation prize on the Eve of the Birthday.

One who is full of college-applying, ballet-dancing to-do lists has shut down for the night, and the One who would stay up until midnight reading has closed the chapter and shut off the book light.

It's quiet.

Like this blog.

I've got about 20 posts written in my head - there have been yummy Crock Pot meals, several birthdays and memorable moments - but somehow, at night, I'm spent. We're in a busy season. That's what I get for having 4 kids born between August 18th and September 25th, eh?

Tomorrow we ramp up again, with breakfasts, and driving, and parties, and celebrations, and sleepovers, and more celebrations, and orchestras.

It's a joyfully, stressfully, happily full life.

And right now. . . . . . . it's quiet.

Wordless Wednesday - You Know You're In Alabama Edition

2010-09-15T17:19:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday - Canning Therapy Edition

2010-09-08T10:35:00.000-05:00

Tired, much?

2010-09-07T21:24:00.000-05:00

Classic.

Last night, we had an Amazing. Awesome. Fabulous time hanging with some new friends.

Until wa-a-a-a-ay past my bedtime.

Today, I went into crisis mode, to get ready for my Kindergarten Science Explorers class that meets at my home one Wednesday a month.

Library, to get books? Check.

Parent-teacher store, for magnets? Check.

Lesson plan? Check.

Piano students rescheduled? Check.

And then I realized. . . . .

Class isn't tomorrow. It's next week.

Going to bed early? DOUBLE-CHECK!

(at least I'm ready ahead of time???)

It's Legal. . . .and It's Delicious**

2010-09-04T20:41:00.000-05:00

Well, folks - when the cat's away, the mice will play. . . . . . with their crock pot, that is!

Y had to work tonight, so for dinner I whipped out a recipe from a great cookbook I got from the library: "Brinner" French Toast Casserole. Breakfast for dinner - how fun!

First step: Spray the inside of your crock pot with non-stick spray.

Cube a loaf of cinnamon-raisin swirl bread, layer it inside with pats of butter.

(Good thing I went to Aldi's this morning! It's a bargain at only $1.19 a loaf.)

Next: The egg mixture. 8 eggs, whole milk, half-and-half, some syrup, a bit of cinnamon.

Pour over the bread cubes. Smush 'em down a bit, so they get nice and soaked.

Mix together butter, brown sugar, and oats. Sprinkle this topping over the bread mixture.

. . . then, let the Crock Pot do its magic! 3 hours on high, let it sit for 15 minutes, and. . . .

. . . yummy, cinnamon, easy, French toast flavor!

I served it to the kids with bacon & canteloupe - and there was just a smidge left for Y to have a sample. A hit! The only down side - I can't see myself making this for a Sunday breakfast, since I'd have to wake up at 5 to start it. Might go on our Thanksgiving Day breakfast menu, though!

**Editor's note: I must explain the title to this post, which was suggested by my kids. About 6 years ago, my kids interviewed my brother and sister-in-law, who were living in Kabul at the time. During the interview, Nathaniel found out that there was a Burger King at the military base just outside of the city. The following is a transcript of the interchange that followed:

"And sometimes, we go on Operation Whopper. . . .we seek out a hamburger!" (my bro)

"Is that legal?" asks wide-eyed Nathaniel.

"It's legal. . . . . and it's DELICIOUS!" (my brother's amused reply)

Since then, it's been a family joke. And now. . . you're in on it!**

Wordless Wednesday - Look Who's Coming To Breakfast Edition

2010-08-31T22:50:00.000-05:00

Crock Pot Monday: Sour Cream Pork Chops

2010-08-30T23:16:00.000-05:00

Yes, it's yet another installment in. . . . . . . Adventures in Slow Cooking!

Today started our regular fall schedule - and Monday is our busiest day of the week. No problem, thinks I! Time to whip out. . . . .

Sour Cream Pork Chops (from Allrecipes.com)

First step: dredge the pork chops in flour, and brown in a bit of oil

Second step: Ignore the dog, sitting pathetically at your feet, drooling over said pork chops.

Third step: Put pork chops in slow cooker, and top with sliced onions.

Fourth step: Add 2 c. of chicken boullion. (Hint: I have fallen in love with "Better than Boullion", it's a chicken base with NO MSG. Yummy!)

Let cook for 7-8 hours. I used boneless chops, so mine only needed about 6 hours.

Fifth Step: Take these sweet girls to ballet.

Sixth step: Convince your husband to finish the recipe, because you realized you won't be home in time to finish the recipe.

Only kidding. Kind of. Here's what he did: Remove the pork chops from the crock pot. Mix together 2 T. of flour and 8 oz sour cream, stir into crock pot, cook on Hi for 10 minutes. Make a bunch of egg noodles. . . .. .

And serve the yummy pork chops for dinner!

And the reviews:

Taste: ALL of my kids gave it a HUGE thumbs up! Y. even commented how good they were . . . do you think it was because he helped? ;-)

Ease of prep: OK, really it was pretty easy. HOWEVER - I'm spoiled after that tortellini recipe! Seriously, I will make these again - but NOT on a Monday night, when I don't have any time to fool with making a sauce in the 30 minutes between when I get home and the boys leave for Boy Scouts.

Overall? We have a winner! Definitely adding this one to my permanent menu.

Stay tuned for our next installment. . . . . Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole! Who's coming over?

Home!

2010-08-29T19:05:00.000-05:00

Quick update, and then it's back to our regularly scheduled blogging:

We are all home! Yurii went and relieved me yesterday afternoon. Nathaniel was discharged this morning before lunch, so we're all together, resting, and recovering. . . . . (mostly from our shock at how much $$ the antibiotic was. Yikes!)

And thankful. So thankful that he's responded well to treatment, and that is wasn't more serious.

And thankful for all of my friends who've called to check on me - what a blessing!

Unexpected Biology Field Trip

2010-08-28T10:17:00.001-05:00

So, Nathaniel & I are on an unplanned biology field trip - to Children's Hospital.

Turns out, he's got a nasty-looking staph/strep infection on his leg that requires 24 hours of IV antibiotics. SO. . . . . . .

FIELD TRIP!

Not exactly. I'm hanging with my boy - who is feeling better, thankfully! - here in the hospital. They're expecting to release him tomorrow morning. We'd appreciate your prayers for a quick recovery. . . .

Crock-Pot Thursday: Tortellini Bake

2010-08-26T22:23:00.000-05:00

. . . and thus begins a new series, in which I ~~experiment on~~ serve my family a different crock-pot recipe once or twice a week. Interested? Read on.

First up: Tortellini Bake, submitted by prariegirl (from the WTM message board)

The hardest part of this recipe was finding the frozen tortellini in our newly ~~messed-up~~ remodeled Wal-Mart. Of course, the fact that I was chatting on the phone with an old friend, dispensing homeschooling advice, did NOT help my powers of concentration. After about 4 passes through the frozen food aisle, I located the desired item:

3 bags - about right for our large-ish family.

And here's the recipe - if you can even call it that!

Drag your slow cooker out from the back of the cupboard. Dust it off.

Put one bag of tortellini inside. Cover with some spaghetti sauce (I didn't measure. It was enough to cover, but I could still see the tortellini).

Top with about 1/2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers.

Turn the slow cooker on low. Go outside, work in the garden, clean your house, read a book - whatever you want for about 2 hours.

Serve with a large tossed salad to hungry, happy family.

I have to say - for my first entry in the Great Crock Pot Experiment of '10 - this is a keeper!

Enjoy!

(almost) Wordless Wednesday - Bittersweet Edition

2010-08-25T10:30:00.002-05:00

The last little princess has learned to read. . .

and the winner is. . . . . .

2010-08-24T23:07:00.000-05:00

The Plants and Pillars Film Festival!

Last week, we attended an absolutely extraordinary event, planned and executed by this remarkable 16-year old young woman. . . . . . . .

. . . with the help of her family and friends. Jessica Pritchett had a big, big vision. She pulled together a film festival, complete with 16 entrants, a panel of judges, awards, and a crowd of over 150 in attendance!

Yurii was asked to open the evening with a few remarks. He was compelling as he encouraged the audience to think about the purpose for their filmmaking: The purpose - Is it noble? The form - Is it excellent? The content - Is it true?

Next we were treated to brief clips from each of the entrants. After the clip, the cast & crew of each film came up for recognition. Here's the cast of Uncovering Truth (well, the ones that could make it that night!), gathered on stage.

The moment we all were waiting for. . .the awards!

After watching those clips, I don't know how the judges were able to make any decisions. There were some pretty unbelievable films entered!

It was just like the Academy Awards. . . .well, kind of. Minus the designer gowns and bad jokes. But we had many different award categories: Best Scenery, Best Director. . . .you get the idea. And just look who won Best Actress!

Yes, Emily. Our Emily! She played "Charlotte", the lead female in Uncovering Truth. I only wish I had a quick camera for her reaction when her name was called. . . priceless!

Then the big award. Best of Festival. . . . .

Uncovering Truth!

A stunner! We were fully expecting a different film to win. Really! It was such an exciting and happy moment for our family:

And another one of my favorite shots - two girls, passionate about serving their Lord through the medium of film.

What a great night! When I think about all that went into making it happen. . . .there are only two words I can think of:

Congratulations, Jessica!

(and I think she'd like me to add a few more. . . . . yes, I will call your mother to schedule a dinner!)

Sunday's Sentiments on Saturday: We are not Orphans

2010-08-21T18:22:00.000-05:00

This spoke to me today, deeply. With gratitude to Aaron Armstrong over at Blogging Theologically.

We are not orphans, for “the Lord is risen indeed.”

The orphan has a sharp sorrow springing out of the death of his parent, namely, that he is left alone. He cannot now make appeals to the wisdom of the parent who could direct him. He cannot run, as once he did, when he was weary, to climb the paternal knee. He cannot lean his aching head upon the parental bosom. “Father,” he may say, but no voice gives an answer. “Mother,” he may cry, but that fond title, which would awaken the mother if she slept, cannot arouse her from the bed of death.
The child is alone, alone as to those two hearts which were its best companions…

But we are not so; we are not orphans.

…There is one point in which the orphan is often sorrowfully reminded of his orphanhood, namely, in lacking a defender.

It is so natural in little children, when some big boy molests them, to say, “I’ll tell my father!” How often did we use to say so, and how often have we heard from the little ones since, “I’ll tell mother!”

Sometimes, the not being able to do this is a much severer loss than we can guess. Unkind and cruel men have snatched away from orphans the little which a father’s love had left behind; and in the court of law there has been no defender to protect the orphan’s goods. Had the father been there, the child would have had its rights, scarcely would any have dared to infringe them; but, in the absence of the father, the orphan is eaten up like bread, and the wicked of the earth devour his estate.
In this sense, the saints are not orphans.

The devil would rob us of our heritage if he could, but there is an Advocate with the Father who pleads for us. Satan would snatch from us every promise, and tear from us all the comforts of the covenant; but we are not orphans, and when he brings a suit-at-law against us, and thinks that we are the only defendants in the case, he is mistaken, for we have an Advocate on high. Christ comes in and pleads, as the sinners’ Friend, for us; and when He pleads at the bar of justice, there is no fear but that His plea will be of effect, and our inheritance shall be safe. He has not left us orphans.

Now I want, without saying many words, to get you who love the Master to feel what a very precious thought this is, that you are not alone in this world; that, if you have no earthly friends, if you have none to whom you can take your cares, if you are quite lonely so far as outward friends are concerned, yet Jesus is with you, is really with you, practically with you, able to help you, and ready to do so, and that you have a good and kind Protector close at hand at this present moment, for Christ has said it:

“I will not leave you orphans.”

(from Till He Come, by C.H. Spurgeon)