FOR SALE: A literature based unit study titled The Prairie Primerby Margie Gray (soft cover, 335 pages) in like new condition for sale for $40.00 with shipping OBO. This is a 2nd edition, copyright 2000.
FOR SALE: Saxon math DIVE cd in excellent condition with original packaging.This is the Win/Mac versions (Windows 98 and higher) of Math 7/6, 3rd edition. It has only been used about 5 times without problems. I love having these for my children as it saves me time teaching and they can rewind and go over any areas they don't understand. This disc is virtually new (I have a duplicate), I am asking $40.00 including shipping. (savings of $10.00!)
I can take paypal. Please PM me if interested. Thanks!
Last evening our family visited Hill Place Farm in Hornby, New York, to tour the farm and learn about their fencing improvements, feeding, winter management, and marketing strategies. The event was sponsored by sponsored by the Finger Lakes RC&D and Cornell Cooperative Extension.
We enjoyed our evening tour and the scenic view amongst the ridges capturing a peaceful sunset. On our pasture walk, the owners Don and Deb Borden discussed their effective fencing improvements to eliminate the threat of coyotes, control deer contamination, and improve herd confinement. Also discussed were pasture rotation and parasites and the concern of deer worm, which is not harmful to deer but causes paralysis and death in goats. We were reminded of the danger of wilting leaves in the prunus species, such as cherry, peach, and plum trees, as drought, frost, and cutting will cause wilting; prussic acid (cyanide) develops as the leaves wilt and is extremely toxic. Also discussed were invasive plants such as Russian olive and multi flora, which have been dominating much countryside. Goats are great for reclaiming land inhabited by brush, but not everyone has goats to control the invasiveness effectively.
The Bordens currently run about 130 boer does, the majority being purebred with a few alpine and sanaan crosses, on about 30 acres of browse and pasture. They have developed a pelletized grain formula to ensure that all of their goats get equal nutrients. Goats fight over food and have established heirarchy, so the younger and less dominant does would be left with fewer nutritive elements.
Hill Place Farm's claim to prestige in the goat world is their premier bucks...Pipeline's Sparkplug *Ennobled,* Magnum's Maximus, and Rommel, all top winning show sires. They wait until the doelings are a year old to breed them, giving time for sufficient pelvic growth for kidding and overall bloom. Breeding begins in late July to have kids in December and January, thus meeting the market for 40 lb Easter kids. In order to balance the busyness of kidding season, they currently breed a number of does for September kiddings. The other top market is for 100 lb. kids is at Christmas time. The Bordens have found that the value per pound is only half of what it is at Easter time. So it is a better financial decision to sell at Easter instead of having to feed and maintain the market kids from spring through to December. The annual Northeast Premier Breeders Annual Boer Goat Production Sale at the NY State Fairgrounds is where they sell their top line production stock. .
We enjoyed our visit to Hill Place Farm and learning about their management practices and seeing their goats!
I haven't posted in a while, so I thought I would update whoever is interested in our recent doings.
We have settled very smoothly back into our homeschool routine, and the children are all doing well in their studies. Supervising lessons for eight children keeps me on my toes...this year I am including 4 yr old Owen in some kindergarden stuff since he is so eager. Keeping him busy and under my watchful eye is better than having him off getting into trouble. And hey, he's learning! So it's a good thing. Isaak and Caleb are working on first grade materials together, Jessie is in 5th, Melissa is in 6th, Rachel is in 7th, Roy is in 9th, and Elizabeth is in 10th. For those of you who are familiar with Camp Susque in Trout Run, the two oldest are taking a biweekly Biology class (Apologia) this year at their School of Discovery.
Roy, Elizabeth, and Shawn recently signed up with a newly organized CAP unit (Civil Air Patrol, Air Force Auxilary). They are excited about participating in local aviation events, search and rescue missions, and training encampments. Shawn was appointed Deputy Commander and will determine advancement eligiblity, oversee training and delegation of responsibilities, etc. I think it will be a wonderful experience for them. Click here for more information for the cadet program available to students all over the country. The website is also a great homeschooling resource. Check it out!
This seems to be the season for knocking heads, as Levi (18 months) gave himself a huge goose egg between the eyes a couple of weeks ago; then yesterday Reagan (3 yrs) ran around a corner and slammed his forehead into a chair and split it open, sending rivers of blood down his face and hands and clothes....he's OK. Today Levi decided to smack his head into the rail of the bunkbed while in his playpen, thus another huge puffy knot on his forehead and tiny little circles from the playpen netting.
I don't like it when that happens.
Should I mention the boys are driving me crazy? They think of the most unexpected things to get into. It's hard to know how to keep them out of trouble. Only a mother of boys would understand what I am talking about. I added a link to my sister's blog...she has some prime examples in case you need further explanation. They can entertain themselves with anything BUT toys. Why is that? Squares of siding make great frisbees, by the way. It's a cool way to entertain yourself for hours. Especially if you have a whole pile. You can toss them into the air, watch to see where they land, run to the pile for another one, and next thing you know, they are all over the yard. Oh, well. That was fun. Reagan threw an entire two dozen eggs out the back door the other day...one at a time...I didn't notice until I went to get the eggs to boil and they were gone. I was wondering why it was so quiet... They were nice jumbo brown eggs collected so carefully from our nice hens...I really wanted to use them. They have so much more flavor, you know. Do I sound like I don't have much control over them? Because I feel like it. Is that a normal thing for a mother of five boys aged 7 and under? I don't think I felt that way when my oldest son (now 14) was little. They are so busy. They don't MEAN to get into trouble...it just happens. I guess. I don't get it. How do you allow them to be boys and foster those masculine traits without losing your marbles? When they get older they find interests they can pursue. But what about now??? Ah, yes. That age old question. (I've decided it's just one of those things you have to go through and eventually they WILL find an outlet for all that energy and creativity.)
Our goats are all doing great and last evening I divided them into four groups for breeding. One group is actually four does that will need bucks from another line so I am waiting to borrow two from a friend. Our first doe to come into estrus will be due to kid on Valentine's Day...she'll be the first one next spring. This spring she was the last one to kid. We are milking five does right now, and let two dry off. There are fifteen does to breed, in all.
Neighbors have been bringing us tomatoes and I have 10 five-gallon buckets sitting on the porch waiting to be done up. We were getting low, so I am grateful for them. Now if I can just get a day to can. It might have to wait till Monday. Tomorrow morning is the farmer's market where I have been selling goat milk soap and zucchini relish. We are expecting family to visit in the afternoon, and then there is Sunday. It is only supposed to be in the 50's tomorrow, so maybe they will not mind waiting too much.
Tonight I am waiting up for Shawn to get home as he went to his old high school football game. (They won the last 5 state championships!) He writes reports for PA district IV football. Last week he did another radio broadcast too. (easternpafootball.com) Rachel goes along and takes stats for him. Maybe if we get a babysitter just the two of us could go- it would be like old times!
This is our favorite time of year. Hopefully we can get in some scenic drives and fall hikes before cold sets in. Archery season starts in two weeks...we could use some venison right about now. Shawn and I made up a couple batches of Hunter's Soap (Cover Scent -smells like dirt!) to sell in the local sporting goods shops. This is a very busy area during hunting season -which extends from late September into mid January- as a lot of hunters from downstate travel to their camps here in the northcountry.
So there it is...hope you have a wonderful weekend!
I thought I would share a couple of our favorite summer recipes tonight. This one is a German-type potato salad which is best eaten while still warm. I made it up based on what I remember my mother's tasting like, but she denies ever making such a salad! Anyway,everyone always "requests" it when we are going to a picnic. So if you are looking for something different and delicious, this is sure to be a success! I like it best with barbequed chicken.
German Potato Salad
10 med. salted boiled potatoes
6 hard boiled eggs
6-10 strips fried bacon, crumbled
fresh chives, chopped
Peel and dice boiled potatoes (or peel, dice, cook, and drain)
Add chopped hard boiled eggs, bacon, and chopped chives.
Make a dressing of the following ingredients and stir gently into the potatoes:
1 1/2 c. mayonnaise
1 T. sugar
1 T. vinegar
1/4 c. milk
1/2 T. yellow mustard
dash paprika
dash black pepper
if you are really brave you can add a small amout of the bacon drippings to this as it adds flavor...not recommended for people with high cholesterol!
You can adjust the ingredients to taste as you make the dressing, of course. Enjoy!
This recipe is a favorite of ours...enjoy it on hamburgers, hotdogs, or as one of our customers recently recommended...on salmon! It brings a wonderful taste of summer even in the dead of winter. My oldest daughter raised so much zucchini this year she canned 55 pints of this relish. We are selling some at our local farm market and it is getting great reviews.
Zucchini Relish
10 C. ground zucchini
4 C. Ground vidalia onions
5 T. salt
Mix together and let sit overnight. Rinse 2 or 3 times and drain well.
Mix in a large kettle:
2 3/4 C. vinegar
4 T. cornstarch
6 C. sugar
1 t. turmeric
1 t. nutmeg
2 green peppers, chopped
2 t. celery seed
1/2 t. black pepper
Green food coloring, opt.
Add zucchini and onions. Bring to a boil and simmer for 20 min. Prepare jars and lids. Pour boiling hot relish in hot jars, wipe rims and seal immediately. Invert jars for 15-20 minutes. Let cool away from drafts or cover with a cloth. Makes 5-6 pints.
I wanted to share this great article I found from an old issue of Christianity today. I think it has some excellent points (some that I need put to use in my own marriage). It's a little long, but well worth reading. The quote by John Owen really made me take a hard look at my own attitudes.
Why You Need a
Double Standard
Expecting more of yourself and less of your mate can do wonders for your marriage
-by Gary Thomas
"You brought them home hungry?" Lisa asked.
I stared at my wife, dumbfounded.
"It's 7:45, and you brought them home hungry?" she asked again.
I tried to come up with a good excuse. "Well, I, uh, you see . …" I gave up. "Yeah, I guess I did."
I thought I had done Lisa a favor. I took the kids for the evening so she could have a night off. I wanted her to eat dinner while reading a magazine and rediscover that, in some corners of the world, there still remains a phenomenon called "silence."
Now I was back home, and all the self-righteous defenses came rushing to my mind. "Here I try to give you an evening off, and you get upset just because the kids want a little snack! You know our kids—they need to eat every seven minutes!"
Instead of voicing that, however, I took a walk and did some praying. "Okay, God, what are we going to talk about tonight?"
A clear thought came into my mind: How can you love your wife better? God was pushing me to come up with ways I could make Lisa's life easier. And it wasn't anything as simple as buying another piece of lingerie ("Gary, this is for her, not for you"). Instead, they were eminently practical changes: I could make the kids' lunches. I could take them out one evening a week and bring them home with full stomachs. I could get them ready for bed at least three nights a week.
I felt the Lord teaching me that the happiest husband is the one who lives with a double standard—he's tough on himself and easy on his wife.
Meeting the Standard
I spent the first few days of our marriage adding up the pluses and minuses of our various personality traits. The problem was, I spent too much time on my pluses and Lisa's minuses. Then I read a passage written by John Owen, one of the great Puritan scholars: "The person who understands the evil in his own heart is the only person who is useful, fruitful and solid in his beliefs and obedience. Others only delude themselves and thus upset families, churches and all other relationships. In their self-pride and judgment of others, they show great inconsistency."
I realized I was deluded by my sense of self-righteousness. Rather than focusing on what Lisa could improve, I should have been on my knees, begging God to change me. This thought was magnified one morning when I was praying through Scripture. All of a sudden, a question startled me: "Does Lisa see Jesus in me?"
Scripture reminds us, again and again, that our goal as Christians is to become more like Christ. In Ephesians 5:1 we read, "Be imitators of God." Elsewhere, Paul wrote, "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son" (Rom. 8:29). As I grow in relationship to Christ, my wife should be able to notice at least some family resemblance. God was showing me that I had fallen short of improving myself for my wife's sake.
"But wait!" the selfish me wanted to cry out. "What about her? " But then I remembered a passage written by William Law, an eighteenth-century Anglican: "No one is of the Spirit of Christ but he that has the utmost compassion for sinners. Nor is there any greater sign of your own perfection than you find yourself all love and compassion toward them that are very weak and defective. And on the other hand, you have never less reason to be pleased with yourself than when you find yourself most angry and offended at the behavior of others."
That was the holy double standard I needed. As I become more unyielding and aggressive in attacking my own sins and weaknesses, I must extend more and more grace and gentleness toward others in theirs.
Back at the Home Office
When I became self-employed and decided to work out of our home, the double standard turned into more than just a good idea. We live, with our three children, in a townhouse—which meant our bedroom would have to double as my office. When people find out what we're doing, they're amazed. "And you still like each other?" they ask.
In fact, working at home has done wonders for our marriage. For the first time, I could see what it was like to spend an entire day being Lisa. Oh, I used to watch her in action every weekend. But what makes her life difficult isn't an occasional 48-hour stretch. It's the day-in and day-out responsibility of raising three kids. It's the pressure of getting the homeschooling lessons done, while lunches need to be made and clothes need to be washed and kids need to be chauffeured to ballet and soccer practice.
At the same time, Lisa saw what it was like for me to sit for hours in front of a computer, writing articles and speeches, and keeping up with all the paperwork involved in my business. Some days I was tired or sick. Sometimes the weather outside was beautiful, but always I stayed in my chair. She saw my determination and the pressure of meeting deadlines and taking on assignments I wasn't sure I could handle, but I was really sure we needed the paycheck.
Lisa and I began to develop an empathy for each other, and it improved our exercise of the double standard. As I understand the challenges Lisa faces, I'm more likely to "go easy" on her. I'm learning to make excuses for my wife the way I so easily make them for myself: "Look, I just finished a really intense assignment; I need to veg out." Now I prod myself: "She's had a tough day, Gary. Get the kids out of the house and give her some time to herself."
Looking Out for Number Two
Here's what I found out: Applying a double standard often leads to receiving a double standard. As I have become more generous toward Lisa, I've noticed that she has become more generous toward me. I recently returned from a trip feeling as if I'd walked every one of the 400 miles I had just driven. I had spoken six times in four days and driven through four states. I pulled into our driveway thinking, "I'm so tired. All I want to do is watch a late football game."
But as I came through the door, I knew Lisa was thinking, "Good, he's home. I've had the kids to myself all weekend and they're driving me crazy." This is the stuff colossal marriage fights are made of.
But then I discovered Lisa and I had both changed. I pulled out the flavored popcorn I'd brought home for the kids, and we talked at the kitchen table as they ate. I noticed Lisa was being incredibly sensitive toward me.
"You've got to be exhausted," she said. "Let me take care of the kids tonight."
But hearing her say that made me want to care for the kids. She was being hard on herself and easy on me, which made me want to be hard on myself and easy on her. That's when I realized: "This double standard business really does build stronger marriages."
If each of us assumes our spouse has it the hardest and that we miss the mark most frequently—and act accordingly—we'll find a mix that's just about right. When we adopt this double standard, we find that encouragement replaces accusation, appreciation replaces resentfulness and understanding replaces judgment. And isn't that the type of marriage we're all looking for?
Gary Thomas is a writer and speaker. He and Lisa and their three children live in Manassas, Virginia.
Here is something you may want to consider...go to the links I have inserted, and read for yourself. A former witch and occultist is condemning them (along with some other recent hits such as The Da Vinci Codeand Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ) as real witchcraft, insideously twisting the hearts and minds of millions who view them as harmless or even Christian. Many Christians have been deceived, and as a result the church is being silently infiltrated by Satan.
Why, you say?
Our nation has turned her back on God and has no solid foundation. The church today does not truly open God's Word and study it. True worship of God and intimate relationships with Him are being replaced by religious forms and practices which appeal to the soul (mind, will, and emotions); seeking forgiveness without repentance, exchanging sound doctrine for suiting the desires of men, and expecting grace without loving obedience to God.
The veil of deceit is heavy over people today. Please take a serious look what you and your children are reading and watching. We must be ever on the alert...for the devil goes about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. We live in perilous times. If we are not thoroughly grounded in the Word of God, we will not be able to recognize evil for what it is. Be vigilant, lest you be deceived, for the day of Christ's return is drawing near, and no one knows when that hour will be.
"For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?" - I Cor. 14:8
Addendum:
I know that many Christians will disagree with this post. We do not (nor should we) have an extensive knowledge of witchcraft and the occult. However I believe we should consider the warnings of those who have been involved in those things and know "of what they speak" when they try to warn us. Take Halloween, for example. It may seem harmless enough to do it for just fun, but have you ever read warnings from those who have been involved with the occult and really KNOW how much demonic activity and excitement takes place over "Christians" being involved in Halloween? They "pray" for it and celebrate Christian participation. That is enough of a warning for me to stay away from such activity. Here is a personal testimony that should open your eyes to what I am talking about. The spiritual realm is unseen and therefore largely unknown to us, but it exists as surely as the physical world and we must be very careful to stay safely guarded by the King of the Universe, the Lord Jesus Himself.
It is my prayer that Christians will come fully awake. We do not find the saving Gospel in the Middle Earth with wizards, hobbits, and elves. We find the Gospel only in the Bible and through the blood of our Saviour Jesus.
Recently I have become keenly aware of a growing trend in self-empowerment, inner magic, wizardry, fairies, "tapping into the power of the universe," and the like. The topic of Waldorf Homeschooling came up this morning on a message board I frequent, and I decided to do a little research. I found this this new-to-me curriculum strikingly similar to the K-12 program (William Bennett's project) we *tried* back around 2001. (It didn't work out for us).
Overall I am not so much in disagreement with the philosophy of childhood learning processes as I am acutely aware of the focus on fantasy, fairytales and myths.The site actually states that "if a child is not supplied with images of fairy tales, the contents of his soul will be supplied with idle talk...resulting in a field filled with weeds." I beg to differ. Life lessons can be learned from fairy tales, but what about true worthwhile stories and experiences, and the Bible itself? I am not personally opposed to a good fairy tale once in a while, but in general regard them as a waste of time. My extended family read my sister and I fairy tales, and we had our favorites, but I don't honestly believe they did us any earthly good. I would be more inclined to class them with imaginative entertainment category than with essential life lessons. My children also enjoyed "Hansel and Gretel" but I don't regard them as valuable educational material. Therefore studying fantasy and fairy tales have little place in our home. Too many other things are so much more important. Bible stories and wholesome children's stories have much better standing in the development of moral values and standards for living.
But more disturbing than the fairy tales are the occult teachings promoted on the homeschooling website.
Perhaps not all Waldorf type programs lean so heavily on the subjects mentioned at the beginning of my post, but the Waldorf Homeschooling website has some very unsettling beliefs in fantasy (which is promoted as being truth and enlightenment.) I honestly believe all this fairy, gnome, wizard, Harry Potter stuff is more than just bordering on the occult. This is serious, and it is dangerous. It deceptively appears to many to be lovely and wonderful for the children, but if that segment is a part of all Waldorf programs, we should stay away from it. I see our nation being misled by this lie called "spiritual enlightment" being disguised as education. We must be vigilant against such things. Personally I find it very disturbing that this form of education could be regarded as progressive.
I recently posted on my blog the reasons why we homeschool. When it comes down to it, educating our own children is our God-given responsibility (not the government's), and our ultimate priority is 1)teaching them to know God, 2)training them to be effective witnesses for him in every sphere of life, and 3) to protect them from worldly values and beliefs. Now that doesn't mean we study Bible lessons all day. Language skills, math, history, science, life-skills...these are all important to building our effectiveness in life. Keeping our children at home provides a safe place for them to grow and experience natural daily rhythms, family togetherness, parental example and values, and flexibility in learning styles with individualized attention to needs and potential.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9 tells us: And thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thy heart: And thou shall teach them diligently to thy children, and shall talk of them when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down and when thou risest up.
Jesus said: "I am the light of the world. He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." John 8:12 "I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. John 12:46
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousnesses of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His visible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incoruptible God into an image made like corruptible man-and birds and four footed animals and creeping things. Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever, Amen. Romans 1:18-25
Last week I posted a list of homeschool stuff I had to give away. Everything is in great shape and is free for the taking.
This is what I have left...speak up now because on Wednesday I am donating the rest to Goodwill.
Free for free...you pay media shipping rate. I will take paypal or check/mo.
Bob Jones:
Geography Copyright 1993 (2 copies) EXC
Heritage Studies for Christian Schools(all older editions also)
grade 2 (4 copies) EXC.
grade 4 (1copies) VG
grade 6 (1 copies) VG
Science for Christian Schools grade 3 copyright 1989 EXC. cond. (several copies)
partially used notebook packets and tests also available to accompany these
Science 6 notebook packets older ed. (5 available) VG full
Very soon school will be starting up again. My friend Carla had an excellent post on "Why We Homeschool" which sums up quite well the reasons why many of us do. Summer gives us an opportunity to focus on some new areas of learning and gives a refreshing change of pace, providing a balance of physical activity, exploring nature, learning new skills, time spent enjoying outdoors, and fun as a family so that in the fall we can return to book studies with renewed energy and focus. I am always looking for ways to make learning interesting and fun, and seeking to evaluate what is most important to accomplish for each day. Children are an awesome responsibility. I believe that in education, not only should academic excellence be stressed, but also the laying of a foundation for life and eternity. I feel encouraged when I see how far along the oldest ones have come, yet realize that I must press on, seeking God's blessing on my efforts and His working in their lives. I must do my part and trust His mercy and grace to draw them to Himself. Teaching them to know Him and love His ways, to find true wisdom that will guide them through life's journey, is ultimately the reason why we homeschool. I know I fail so many times in my own personal example, and that I am far from being what I should be. But God has called me to a task, whether I feel qualified or not; and he has truly blessed my husband and I with 10 wonderful, beautiful, healthy children, so I humbly seek His will and blessing in my endeavors to teach and train them in the way that they should go.
One thing I am learning is that relationships are important to God. He seeks an intimate relationship with each one of us. And He also intends for us to love one another in our relationships, for He IS love. Our culture is sadly deficient in relationships. It seems everyone is looking out for themselves, busily scurrying around achieving their own goals and rushing past family and friends; never truly taking the time to build deep, caring, or meaningful relationships. Our Lord set such a wonderful example of service and taught us to love others. It is important to Him. It tells me we should make that more of a priority in our own homes and lives. It is through relationships that we can be a light to the lost and show Christ to the world, whether it be in our own homes or at work, in our community or on an airplane miles above the earth. We can pass that value along to our children if we take the time to nurture our relationships with them; to truly touch their hearts and lovingly guide them to the paths the Good Shepherd would have them follow. Learning to find refuge in the Father during life's storms and to trust in Him for forgiveness and walk in His ways is one of the most loving things I can teach my children. And ultimately our desire is to equip them to pass that legacy along to their own children and touch the lives of others in their realm, whether it be home, work, church, the football field, the mission field, the battlefield: wherever God places them.
Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish....those who practice [the works of the flesh] will not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Walking in the Spirit includes relationships. Living according to the Spirit includes submission to God's sovereign authority. Living in the Spirit has amazing and endless possibilites.
Living for self = domination of the flesh. Living according to the flesh is foolish because it is temporal.
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corrunption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlastiing life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
The harvest season is in full swing here and I have been busy putting up sweet corn, green beans, wax beans, red beets, and lime pickles. My daughter Elizabeth has canned 55 pints of zucchini relish this summer. She also froze 35 bags of grated zucchini to make bread this winter. I told her it's "OK" to go ahead and pull those plants if she's tired of them. We certainly got our fair share this summer. They took over our 2nd fridge for a while. The plum tomatoes are starting to turn red so about the time school starts we should be able to can tomato juice and sauce. There are also a few peppers to freeze.
The children all did well at the county fair. They got some first and second place ribbons on their projects (sewing, rugs, candy, candles, grapevine wreaths, baskets, tin punch, veterinary science projects, etc.) in the open show. We enjoy our small fair and its emphasis on farming and youth programs. Next year we should have some market goats to show and auction, and will probably enter some of our best dairy does in the open show.
On Sunday we had a relaxing picnic at Hills Creek, and the children rode their bikes around the park and swam in the lake. Later in the afternoon we dropped the oldest three off at Three Springs for the summer BBQ (a youth activity), and headed home. About four hours later, I was finishing cleaning up the house and getting ready to run into Liberty to pick them up, and much to my surprise, they came walking in the door! The scheduled event did not take place, so they just walked home. Now we're talking 10-12 miles, at least! Neighbors they knew even stopped and offered them a ride home, but they insisted on walking. I wasn't too impressed with their choice not to call us, and to say the least a bit amazed that they walked all that way. We have a lot of hills around here too. *kids* What I'm reading this week...
Today is my baby girl's 10th birthday. She's not going to be a little girl much longer. My older three girls are already growing up. Of course, I still have my many little boys, but I miss having a baby girl. It has been 10 years, after all. Dh picked out a very nice new bike for her and she has been enjoying that since Sunday. On Thursday my oldest dd will be 15. She has really grown up and I am so proud of her. She is an extremely responsible and hard working young lady, and loves to read her Bible and work outdoors. She is full of youthful energy. Now if I can just teach her how to relax a little bit. (Took me a few to learn that myself, come to think of it!) My oldest ds, Roy will be turning 14 this month also. He is working on building another cabin on our property, this one inside the edge of the woods. He is very creative and good with tools and wood, and enjoys learning about the fine points of how things work. He is planning to join the Civil Air Patrol cadet program at the Readiness Center in Wellsboro this fall.
About three years ago two Christian schools gave us a truckload of Christian school curriculum. I sold a majority of it on ebay and kept what we wanted. However, I still have a few textbooks left. They are all in very good to like new condition hardbacks and I will be glad to send them to anyone who is willing to pay the shipping. Media rate is cheaper but takes longer. I will also send priority if you want to pay the extra, but books are heavy so it adds up if you want many of them. Here's a list of what I've got:
*edit*
I am updating the list because some has sold already this morning...
Bob Jones:
Geography Copyright 1993 (4 copies) EXC
World Studies copyright 1993 (1 copy) VG
Heritage Studies for Christian Schools(all older editions also)
grade 2 (6 copies) EXC.
grade 4 (2 copies) VG
grade 6 (2 copies) VG
Science for Christian Schools grade 3 copyright 1989 EXC. cond. (10 copies)
partially used notebook packets and tests also available to accompany these
Science 6 notebook packets older ed. (7 available) VG full
[B]Prentice Hall workbooks copyrighted 1998:
Geometry (4 copies) EXC
Advanced Algebra (4 copies) EXC
Paypal pymt will help speed things along, so it's to your advantage if you can do that. Please send me a PM if you are interested!
Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28,29
I have decided to move my blog to a new location. Here is the url if you would like to link to me: http://highcountry12.blogspot.com/ It is my goal to develop my writing skills and focus more on the theme of my blog as time goes on.
I will still check in on my friends here but probably will not update as often, so be sure to visit me over at blogspot.
I found this quiz over on Kat's blog and thought I would give it a try. Most of it is fairly accurate but the question they asked about friends didn't consider the possibility of not having many children other than siblings available to befriend. I enjoyed friends but didn't have many opportunities for spending time with them. My sister and I were best friends and spent lots of time playing with "little people" and dolls. I loved Holly Hobbie and the Sunshine family, animals, playing in the sandbox, collecting pets, making terrariums, camping, and exploring fields and streams. I also spent a lot of time reading books, learning about nature, and playing games with some younger neighbors next door.
1) A self-teaching manual for me to learn how to use patterns and successfully sew on my machine, and then maybe help my daughters expand their skills as well...
2) something my daughter can to use to educate herself on nutrition (she's about 15 yrs old and struggling with issues over eating, nutrition, and exercise). She would like to learn more about the nutritional value of foods and her daily requirements, and some professional guidance on exercise and maintaining her health. Undereating and excessive exercise has become a problem for her and we are trying to help her gain some weight and educate herself about nutrition and caring for herself. Has anyone else had a child with this experience? I want to help her overcome her preoccupation with physical activity and eating, as it is making her miserable!
I came across this interactive tour of the Old City of Jerusalem at night, and thought I'd share it. I have never seen pictures like these before and they are quite interesting and beautiful in a unique way. What history is in those streets, and what future they promise!
"Therefore behold, the days are coming," says the Lord, "that it shall no more be said, 'The Lord lives who brought up the children of Israel from the land of Egypt,' but, "The Lord lives who brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north and from all the lands where He had driven them.' For I will bring them back into their land which I gave to their fathers."
"Behold, I will send for many fisherman," says the Lord, "and they shall fish them; and afterward I will send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain and every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks. For My eyes are on all their ways; they are not hidden from My face, nor is their iniquity hidden from My eyes. And first I will repay double for their iniquity and their sin, because they have defiled My land; they have filled My inheritance with the carcasses of their detestable and abominable idols."
O Lord, my strength and my fortress,
My refuge in the day of affliction,
The Gentiles shall come to You
From the ends of the earth and say,
"Surely our fathers have inherited lies,
Worthlessness and unprofitable things."
Will a man make gods for himself,
Which are not gods?
"Therefore behold, I will this once cause them to know,
I will cause them to know
My hand and My might;
And they shall know that My name is the Lord.
Jeremiah 16:14-21
Then I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within them, and take the stony heart out of their flesh, and give them a heart of flesh, that they may walk in My statutes and keep My judgments and do them; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God.
Ezekiel 11:19-20
“ In those days and in that time,” says the LORD,
“ The children of Israel shall come,
They and the children of Judah together;
With continual weeping they shall come,
And seek the LORD their God.
They shall ask the way to Zion,
With their faces toward it, saying,
‘ Come and let us join ourselves to the LORD In a perpetual covenant That will not be forgotten.’
Jeremiah 50:4-5
“And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn.
Keeping him busy and under my watchful eye is better than having him off getting into trouble. And hey, he's learning! So it's a good thing. Isaak and Caleb are working on first grade materials together, Jessie is in 5th, Melissa is in 6th, Rachel is in 7th, Roy is in 9th, and Elizabeth is in 10th. For those of you who are familiar with Camp Susque in Trout Run, the two oldest are taking a biweekly Biology class (Apologia) this year at their School of Discovery.
They were nice jumbo brown eggs collected so carefully from our nice hens...I really wanted to use them. 
They have so much more flavor, you know. Do I sound like I don't have much control over them? Because I feel like it. Is that a normal thing for a mother of five boys aged 7 and under? I don't think I felt that way when my oldest son (now 14) was little. They are so busy. They don't MEAN to get into trouble...it just happens. I guess. I don't get it. How do you allow them to be boys and foster those masculine traits without losing your marbles? When they get older they find interests they can pursue. But what about now??? Ah, yes. That age old question. (I've decided it's just one of those things you have to go through and eventually they WILL find an outlet for all that energy and creativity.)
We were getting low, so I am grateful for them. Now if I can just get a day to can. It might have to wait till Monday. Tomorrow morning is the farmer's market where I have been selling goat milk soap and zucchini relish. We are expecting family to visit in the afternoon, and then there is Sunday. It is only supposed to be in the 50's tomorrow, so maybe they will not mind waiting too much.
You can visit me 
