Putting One Foot In Front of the Other

Monday, November 3, 2008

Trip to the Nature Center

We had an excellent trip to the Nature Center today. Fall is in full force - the leaves are BEAUTIFUL (thank you God), the weather couldn't be better and we had a blast with other homeschool moms and their children. It is so nice to spend time with friends in the outdoors. We learned about nocturnal animals in particular today and it was very interesting for the girls. It was a relaxing time. We've been a bit overcommitted this season, but things are going to be slowing down soon, I believe. Football season is over for my oldest (she plays in the band) and it is almost time for our homeschool co-op to take a break. We may be forming a less formal group that meets less often - maybe once per month. And it will be more field trip type things rather than classes. Anyway, I think that will be much better for our family. In my quest to get out more, I've discovered that I actually am starting to prefer being at home!!!!! I feel like I've arrived. Well, I guess I'll go - REMEMBER TO VOTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Christians need to stand up and be salt and light in a dark world!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Friday, October 3, 2008

BAILOUT!!!!!!

I have been so discouraged this week - I think it has been kicked off with the whole bailout thing. First of all - there is something about the very word bailout that just makes me cringe. We have reached a point where there is NO personal responsibility in this country anymore - not for businesses, not for government, not for individuals. There is ALWAYS the blame game and pointing fingers. And do you know what happens when people are not held responsible for irresponsible decisions?? THEY KEEP MAKING IRRESPONSIBLE DECISIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Bible gives clear direction and WARNINGS on dealing with financial issues, but no one seems to give heed to those things anymore. And the government just keeps giving and giving, promising and promising. That's like me being so in debt that I can't pay my own bills and pledging to give $100,000 a MONTH to support all the different missionaries and causes I would like to support on a $40,000 a YEAR income. Any rational person can see that that is just crazy!!! These are supposed to be intellectual people!!!!! It is so frustrating. In our area, 75% of those polled said they were not in favor of the bailout, yet our representative STILL voted for it. Is that true representation???? Well, I am just frustrated. I am all for compassion for individuals and helping people out. But I don't want the government deciding who I help - business or individual. Compassion is the individual's responsibility NOT the government's. I don't like the Robin Hood theory - it sounds nice on the surface, but it is just wrong. It is wrong to TAKE and then give. Is it okay for me to break in and steal from one neighbor who has plenty to give to another neighbor who doesn't have enough?? Is it okay to take (by taxation) from those people in our nation who have played by the rules and saved and gotten themselves out of debt and give it to those who have acted irresponsibly?? NO!!! Let me help my neighbor on my own, if I choose, and you use my money to defend our nation or get our country out of debt to countries who would seek to own us!!! Boy, I am rambling now. I'm not even sure I'm making sense anymore. I'm just so frustrated!!!!!

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Friday, September 26, 2008

I'm CANNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am so excited! I am actually canning some tomato relish with tomatoes from our garden. It is smelling SOOO good. This is a first for me and to be honest, I am just a little nervous about the whole cleanliness thing. But I'm sure it will be ok. I am starting to feel a little like a homemaker! I have a cow and will have some canned goods by the end of the night. I also have beautiful bell peppers from the garden. I can't take much credit for the garden other than picking!! That is pretty much the work of my husband. The days have been warm, but BEAUTIFUL over the last week or so. It is starting to really feel like fall is coming. It is the BEST time of the year for me! This has been a slow week activity-wise so it's been nice and I feel like I had an opportunity to catch up a little. We left church last Wednesday night almost out of fuel only to find that there was no fuel to be found!! All the stations were out of diesel. We were already trying to figure out what we were going to do to get through the rest of the week and we found ONE station that still had diesel so we were able to get fuel. Needless to say - we went to the grocery store and stocked up on food because if we DO get stuck here, we would at least like to be prepared. Scary times. Well, I suppose I had better check on my relish!!! I'm starting with something that only requires a boiling water bath. I'm still a little aprehensive about the pressure cooker!!!!!!!!!!! Have a great weekend!!!!!

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Monday, September 15, 2008

New red heifer!!!

I am SO excited. We just got a new Dexter red heifer on Saturday. I was not nearly as excited as my husband and two daughters were until we got her and now I just love her. She is so beautiful. We are planning to be able to milk her next year. The guy we bought her from said he got a gallon a day. More than we can drink, so I'll have to find other uses for it I supppose. Or share with someone. The chickens were supposed to be here already, but they are not going to be able to get those to us until the spring. School is in full swing, but I think we've overcommitted ourselves in outside activities. I was really excited about the homeschool co-op at our church, but am not sure we are going to be able to continue with that. It just ends up being too many days off the mountain for us. We'll see how it goes. I'm trying to relax a little and not be so uptight. That may help more than anything : ) It's feeling like fall at our house this week. There was a beautiful full moon this morning when I went out to feed our dog. I read a book Saturday that I would highly recommend reading. It is The Way Home by Mary Pride. EXCELLENT and eye-opening. Written in 1985, I think, but even more pertinent today. Anyway, I enjoyed it. I found it in the free book bin at our local McKay's. I felt like God put it there just for me!! Well, I hope everyone has a great day today!!!!!

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Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Stopping and starting again with school

Well, I tried to start school along with our public school system. The bad thing is that our scheduled homeschool activities, bible studies, etc. don't start until after Labor Day. SO..... I have to decided to save my sanity and put off "school" until after Labor Day. I don't do well if I don't have a schedule, so everything should start to fall in place (as far as schedules go) after that. I feel so much better since making just that one decision. With just the two weeks that we have done so far, however, I have really found myself struggling in the area of history. The problem is that when I go through the history "stuff" and the time periods that are given, I keep wondering if that is supported biblically. Now I can tell you right off the bat that I don't have any idea, but some ancient civilizations seemed to be a little older than I have thought that the bible indicates. Maybe it is not a big deal, but the more that I consider that I want my children's education to be biblically centered, it is becoming more of a big deal to ME. Also, for my own understanding. So I think that I will be looking for a history curriculum that ties in the bible. Any suggestions? I realize that in the meantime I can just talk about the civilizations without even tying the years with it, but I still want to know. In other words, I'm not freaking out or anything - just thinking maybe there's something better out there. Also, our ladies group at church is starting a new Precept study called Covenant. I don't know who might be familiar with Precept Ministries, but they teach a method of bible study called inductive bible study. This particular one is supposed to be just life-changing, so I would really like to be involved in this. The problem is that my daughter is supposed to be starting a music class that will take place at the same time and at a different location. Not really sure what the plan is going to be with that. Waiting to see. Wow, I'm rambling. Must be the caffeine in the sweet tea (one of the more wonderful things about the South!!!). Well, I suppose I'll retire and spend some time with the hubby!

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Wednesday, August 20, 2008

A Good Day Today

I decided that I would write something where I really didn't have anything to complain about! Surprise, surprise!!! It was a BEAUTIFUL day today and yesterday. My daughter came in from school yesterday and spent time with the family, helped me with dinner WITHOUT BEING ASKED, and helped me clean up afterwards. It was SO nice. I wasn't home with her as she was growing up and, needless to say, I didn't train her very well in this area. She has also been keeping her room extremely neat - even cleaning in the mornings before we leave at 6:30 am. It just sets the tone for the day. Very nice. With the younger ones, we haven't "done school" this week - we just haven't been here. We were in the grocery store today and I was stocking up on Juicy Juice (buy one get one free), so I had them in the buggy in pairs and my little first grader counted them by two's (we buy quite a lot when they are on sale). Well, I wasn't surprised that she could count by 2's so much - but seeing her make practical application was WONDERFUL for me - isn't that what it's all about??? Makes me feel like maybe I'm not failing at the whole homeschooling thing. Also, today I found a good sale on clothes at the mall and was able to get my 6yo some much needed things for fall and stumbled across baby outfits for $5 - which I needed for a shower gift next week. God always provides. AND the younger girls and I got to go out to lunch with their dad today - another big plus for homeschooling. It was a nice time. And Mike and I are going to Bristol to the race this weekend which is always fun for us. And I have been back on the Weight Watchers wagon for two weeks now and am exercising most every day. I had gained back 10 lbs, but thankfully I was still able to start back at 10 lbs. less than where I originally started. That's choosing to look at the positive and I've had quite a few positives this week. Hope everyone else is having a good week!!!!!

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Sunday, August 10, 2008

Public School AND Homeschool Woes!

Ok - I know I haven't written anything in ages - I've been in a funk. Lots of things going on and not all of them pleasant. But I won't go on about that - it's just not necessary. My daughter started her first day of high school this week!! Unbelievable. We went to open house on Tuesday and I told my husband I could just SMELL the hormones. It was horrible. And so many chests showing, it was scary. Poor mothers with boys. I so wish I could homeschool her - I can't imagine the peer issues she will be faced with, but her dad (my ex) will not hear of it. On the other hand, my little first grader and I did start back to school this week. I was all excited - got my "literature-based" curriculum all out and ready. I've read a LOT about the importance of good literature and "living books" over the summer and just couldn't wait to start filling her young head with all of the good stories waiting for us. Here's the problem. She seems a little bored. She likes to read the Bible. She likes reading to me from her Beginner's Bible. But that's about where the interest ends. I am trying to read A Child's History of the World and she is thinking "when can we be finished so that I can go and create fins from paper towels so that my dolls can be mermaids??". She couldn't care less if the Tigris and Euphrates flow into the Persian Gulf. What if they just aren't interested in all of the good literature I'm encouraged to read to them? How do I foster a love of books in a child who would just rather be playing with her 4yo sister and creating things?? Oh, and she does like practicing handwriting. I suppose that fits into the creative category for her. I know that it is a good thing for her to create and imagine, but school has to fit in somewhere! Is this a discipline issue? I don't mean discipline as in spanking, time-out, etc - I mean as in teaching self-discipline and being able to sit and listen to a good story and pay attention?? Has anyone else out there dealt with this issue? I would LOVE to hear from some of you!!!!!!! I will try to write more later - it's 1:00am here and I have to get up at 6:00 am for church!! I had too much Cola tonight and don't do well with caffeine, so I am still awake when I should be ASLEEP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Sunday, June 22, 2008

I LOVE my church!

This has been such a blessed day!! We had a baptismal service this morning and heard several young people give their testimony about coming to Christ and having a sincere desire to follow Him. This is always very moving to me to see teens who have a heart toward God - so very different from the way I was as a teen. It inspires and encourages me to instill this love for God in my own children. We are also in a series through Colossians on Sunday mornings and our Sunday evening series is about our identity in Christ. It is amazing. After YEARS of legalism, it is so wonderful to sit under sound teaching about RELATIONSHIP. I told my husband this morning that I think I understand why Jesus said the way was narrow and FEW would find it. I live in what is considered the bible belt and there are a LOT of churches and a lot of "Christians" who are relying a whole lot on themselves and their own self-righteousness and their "religion" actually has very little to do with Christ and knowing Him. Now, we are not on the hippie Jesus bus (as one of our teachers calls it) where there is no consequence or accountability for sin. Wrong is still wrong. God is God and He is holy and calls us to be holy also. But the wrong heart is just as deadly to our souls as the wrong actions. As a matter of fact, you can be very pious on the outside - the perfect Christian in the world's eyes - and still be going straight to hell because you don't KNOW Christ. What is our motive behind what we do??? Do we do the right thing because we want others to see us and think we are righteous or because we love God so dearly and are so thankful to Him that we don't want to do things that would grieve Him? Are we proud of our spirituality or humbled by the fact that we can NEVER begin to measure up to God's standard? Is your only standard God's Word or do you subscribe to the list of rules and regulations imposed by some man or group of men that God Himself has not required? OK, I know, I'm rambling. This has just been an eye-opener for me. Anyway, I love the opportunity that God has given me to sit under good, exegetical teaching. I am truly blessed and hope that everyone will have the opportunity to hear God's truths spoken so clearly.

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Saturday, June 14, 2008

Homeschool Worries!!

Well, we had our used curriculum sale today. I thought I came out pretty good, but isn't the question of which curriculum to use just enough to send you into a tailspin??? Am I the only person out there who is absolutely terrified that I am going to ruin my children by not teaching them the "right" or "best" way? Last year, I used Sonlight for kindergarten with MathUSee. We have a very relaxed atmosphere - works better for me and for my daughter, I think. However, when I talk to someone else they are doing this and doing that and I think "oh, no, I'm not doing that" or "oh, no, we didn't cover that". We didn't test, we don't do timed math trials, we didn't do spelling words, and our house certainly doesn't look like "school". We get up, eat, play, do school, play, do school, play - sometimes we do school on Saturday or Sunday and don't do it a day or so during the week - no real schedule. Sometimes, it just doesn't get done at all for the day. I looked around today at all the STUFF that was out there and thought - man, I hope I don't mess them up for life. And I haven't even started doing two at the same time yet!!!!!!!!! Everyone else seems to be so knowledgeable and on top of things. Is it a front???? Or does that confidence and structure just come with time? Hmmmmm........

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Wednesday, June 11, 2008

The Blessings of Summer

It felt like the real beginning of summer for me today. Our town has free kids movies in the summer on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and also a $1 theatre has showings on Wednesday morning. So we started off our day with friends at the movies. Also, a wonderful lady at our church has a beautiful pool/picnic area and opens it up on Wednesdays during the summer for all of the moms and children. It is SO much fun to get together with everyone. It has been a blessed day of being together as a family and being with our friends. Thanks for all of the encouraging comments from my last post - I really needed those. Also, yesterday I was talking to my good friend who is a couple of years older than I am and whose children are about the same ages as my younger ones. I was talking to her about the conversation with my mom, and she said that it was so weird because she and her husband had just decided the same thing and are looking for someone now to do a reversal of his previous surgery so that they can have more children if that's what God intends for them!!! I was so encouraged by that. Thanks again for taking the time to encourage me.

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Sunday, June 8, 2008

Children at your age????

I had a discouraging conversation with my mother this past weekend. I had knee surgery last week and she stayed with me for a few days. She called me on Tuesday and asked me if something was going on that I failed to tell her about while she was here - she had heard that she was going to be a grandmother again. Not sure where she had heard this news, we eventually got to the discovery that I had mentioned to my cousin that I was no longer on birth control pills. You see, I have passed the thought around for quite a well about whether I'm supposed to control the size of my family or whether that is something for God to determine. So this past month, my husband and I decided that I would no longer take the pill. Of course, I also just turned 41 last Monday. I was raised with a somewhat feminist point of view as well as in the "it's all about me" generation. So it has been a transition for me to see children as the blessing that they are rather than each one meaning a little less time for "ME". I LOVE my children with all my heart, but this decision has been a very hard one for me to work my way into. I started with the "maybe it IS up to God, but God is bigger than birth control pills so I'll just keep taking them and if he wants me to have more children, he will give them to me". But that's not really trust, is it? So I am stepping into the water and trying to really trust on this, and she throws up all of the fear issues for me - you have three children already, kids cost money, it's dangerous at your age to be having children, blah, blah, blah. Except it really IS causing me to fear. She's never been happy when I have told her I was pregnant (although she loves them dearly once they are here), and it has always been discouraging for me. She thought it was a waste of my education to choose to stay home. I know I shouldn't let that affect me, but somehow it does. So, if there is anyone out there who stumbles across this and could offer some encouragement, I could sure use it. Thanks.

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Saturday, May 31, 2008

Recovering

Well, it is a nice day outside. Starting to look as if it might rain, however. Not that it matters. I have been stuck inside since I had knee surgery on Wednesday. BUT I was able to take the bandages off today and take an actual shower, so that was nice. My mom has been staying with us since the surgery, but she went home today, so it's just the fam now. I am doing quite well. I hope I can drive next week!!!! Haven't been eating too well lately since vacation and surgery, etc. Got up this morning and found out I'd gained 9 lbs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NOT a good feeling. More than a little depressing, actually. Time to kick in the Weight Watchers again. I'm a little disappointed in myself. Should have exercised a little more self-control. I must remind myself that each day is a new chance to begin again. So here I go. Also haven't been on the computer much lately - look forward to catching up on some of you!

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Sunday, May 18, 2008

God is such an ARTIST!!!!

Our family has just returned from a cross-country trip and the scenery has been absolutely beautiful!!! We left our home in Southeast TN on Thursday, May 1, and drove 30 hours straight to Flagstaff, AZ with a 5yo and a 3yo!! I am also now convinced that I have the best children in the world, as they did not complain one single time!!! My oldest daughter was on a school trip of her own and did not get to go with us - missed her TERRIBLY! We visited the Grand Canyon - breathtakingly beautiful and then drove on to Ventura, CA. While there, we drove up and down the Pacific Coast Highway, watched the sunset on the ocean, visited L.A. and Hollywood and went to Disneyland - a highlight for the kids!! We then went to Yosemite National Park - words cannot explain this experience!! We made a stop in Reno, NV before travelling on to Green River, UT and to Arches National Park in Moab. I do believe that if I ever move I want to live outside Salt Lake City!!!!!!!!! The prettiest part of the country that I've ever seen. Mountains all the way around! AND I got to travel through the hometown of Donny and Marie - my husband said that I was so childish about this, but I thought I was going to hyperventilate. After Arches, we drove to Denver and went up into Rocky Mountain National Park. It was a little late for snow, but it was pretty anyway. I prefer it in the winter, though. We headed next towards St. Louis, MO on our way home. We were going to come back through Chicago, but were so tired that we just came home and we are saving Chicago for another trip. All in all, it was incredible. We went through 15 different states in the two weeks we were gone - TN, GA, AR, OK, TX, NM, AZ, CA, NV, UT, CO, KS, MO, IL, and KY. It was great to get to see all the different parts of the country. Can't wait to go again!!!

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Monday, March 17, 2008

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

Sometimes I just wish I were Irish!!! What fun! Well, today I am playing the part anyway. I just popped a loaf of Irish Soda Bread in the oven (we'll see how that turns out) and I am preparing to make an Irish stew for dinner tonight. I'm sure the green cupcakes with frosting are not very Irish, but they will work for the little ones!! I just love holidays. We didn't make a big deal out of anything but Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas when I was growing up, but I just think there are so many fun memories to be created when you take every opportunity to celebrate!! Doens't have to be expensive either, thank goodness! Most of the time we just use stuff we have to make it look a little more fun. Our church hostess spoke at one of our MEMs (Moms Encouraging Moms) classes and she showed all kinds of things to use. She's even used ROADKILL!!!!!!! Had it stuffed (a fox) and uses it as a centerpiece sometimes!! Is that a hoot or what?!? Anyway, I hope that everyone has a great St. Patty's Day!!!!!

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Sunday, March 16, 2008

All is quiet

It is quiet in our house right now. My hubby is watching the Bristol race that he recorded earlier, the two younger girls are asleep, and the oldest is at her dad's this weekend. We had a WONDERFUL message at church this morning about our identity in Christ. I needed that. Makes me very thankful for all that God has done in my life. I am somewhat drained. My husband has been presented a job opportunity and we are so unsure of what God wants us to do. We have prayed about it, but there is no clear indicator of whether he should stay in his present job or move to this new job. I suppose it will all work out in the end, though. My girls got to wear their dresses that I made to church this morning. I wanted to post a pic, but haven't figured out how to do that yet! My mentor and I talked about learning to bake bread together. That would be TWO skills - I can hardly contain my excitement. And my husband and I are DETERMINED to have a decent garden this year. We so want to be self-sufficient. There is so much to learn!!!!!

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Monday, March 10, 2008

Learning to sew

I am so excited. A dear friend of mine has been teaching me to sew. She has been sewing for 57 years and is quite the seamstress. Well, I just finished my very first jumper for my youngest daughter and am almost finished with one for my middle daughter. My 5yo LOVES to watch and makes her own patterns, cuts out the fabric and asks me to sew them for her dolls. When I am finished with them, I will post a picture - I am too proud of them. Simple patterns, but it feels like quite an accomplishment for me. My first meaningful skill!!!!!!

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Tuesday, March 4, 2008

I just wanna be a sheep.....

I just wanna be a sheep (baa, baa, baa, baa)

I pray the Lord my soul to keep -

I just wanna be a sheep!!

I was just thinking of this little song we sing with the 3yo in Sunday school and thinking how pertinent it was to my own life. I had quite a few struggles yesterday and was getting very frustrated about things not going MY way. So I put on some praise music on my Ipod and went for a walk/jog and got a little attitude adjustment. I was lying in bed last night and this song just kept coming into my head - simple and true. I just want to be a sheep following the Shepherd. Acknowledging and accepting what HE wants in my life. Simple song - PROFOUND application.

In case you're wondering the other verses are:

I don't want to be a Pharisee, they're not "fair you see"; I don't want to be a Sadducee, they're so "sad you see"; I don't want to be a goat, no cause they got no hope, no! I just wanna be a sheep!!!

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Monday, March 3, 2008

Feeling Like Spring!!!!!

It has been a very warm couple of days!! We actually got up to about 72 today! Very windy, though. I had promised the two younger girls a picnic today at the park, but it was much too windy for that. HOWEVER, the 5yo has been waiting what seems like an eternity for a day windy enough to fly her kite, so....... what was initially a disappointment turned out to be a blessing. I told my husband that I had been reading these blogs and was really getting a little restless about all of the things I've talked about learning, but never have gotten around to doing. I think I get overwhelmed by the enormity of all there is to learn and end up doing nothing. I am REALLY inspired by some of you. I told him that I think I will just pick ONE thing and really work on that. We are taking a Crown Financial course at church, so my focus right now is being a good steward of our finances. The big focus for me is the grocery bill, since that really holds the most opportunity for improvement. I am enjoying reading the different blogs on feeding large families on what seems to be a small amount. Gives me hope!! My family's not even so big!!! Our big focus is to pay off our property - we think that if we buckle down and commit, we can have it paid off in 5 years. Seems both long and short!!! One of the things our facilitator mentioned in last weeks class (which was our first class) was to pray about our financial circumstances and ask God to give us the right desires - and then ask God to act in a way that is so big that we KNOW that it is from him. This is not talking about a financial windfall or even financial success by the world's standards, but rather helping us fulfill something that is according to His will - like getting out of debt - committing all of our resources to Him instead of pursuing what WE want. I could really go on and on about this and some of the things we're learning as we go through this study, but I'll spare you (lol). If you get an opportunity to read the book Your Money Counts by Howard Dayton - it is really eye-opening in many ways. Just makes you think!! Both my husband and I are (or were, in my case) accountants so you'd think we'd have this all figured out. It's amazing how God so gently nudges you closer to Him and turns you around even in areas where you think you already know it all!!!! Then you say - what was I thinking??? And you realize that when you really read God's word - you really don't know anything at all. God's good like that, isn't He?? Anyway, thanks to all of you who really motivate me to be a better wife and mother and ESPECIALLY to realize how very important both of those jobs are. By the way, I read rellamom's (How I Love Thee - I really don't know how to reference these yet) post "Are you rushing your children to bed" and really savored the bedtime prayers, hugs and kisses tonight. Thanks!! Goodnight, all and have a blessed day tomorrow!

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Saturday, March 1, 2008

Just Getting Started

This is crazy, but I am a little nervous about getting started here! Just to introduce myself, I am a mom of three beautiful girls - Sarah Paige (14), Anna Gayle (5), and Rachel Elizabeth (3) - and blessed to be married to a wonderful, godly man - Michael. I am in my first year of homeschooling with my 5yo. We are using the Sonlight curriculum and Math-U-See. I was introduced to HomesteadBlogger.com through The Old Schoolhouse magazine. I somehow stumbled across HowILoveThee and Quiverfull and have just really soaked these in. I look forward to reading some of the other members blogs. I have a LOT to learn about homesteading. I wasn't raised to be a homemaker, I was groomed to be a career woman. My husband and I decided that this was God's calling on our lives and I have spent the last five years trying to adjust!! I was opposed to homeschooling initially, but after praying about it, God changed my heart and I can now see the tremendous benefits. I have no real "homemaking" skills, so I am eager to learn from some of the seasoned homemakers. My husband bought me a HUGE pressure cooker - I think he is expecting a bountiful harvest this year!!!! We own about 65 acres of land on a mountain in Tennessee (about 25 acres are cleared) - we are looking forward to making good use of it someday. My husband is also building our house and doing all the work himself. He has a day job as the CFO of a missions organization, so you can imagine this is a slow process. But steady plodding will pay off and we will have our home debt free. We estimate that we have about three more years to go before it is finished. That doesn't sound so bad, except that we have been working on it for about 5 years already. But it is worth the wait. We are blessed beyond measure!!!! Oh well, I guess that's quite enough and church comes early in the morning!!!!

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