Poured Out

ATI 2009 Choir - A Flute Playing Princess

2012-01-26T14:43:00.000-05:00

The Princess is one of the two flute payers at this 2009 Nashville homeschool conference. She is the flutist on the left - her hair in a bun and NO headband. I can watch it over and over!

2012-01-01T13:40:00.000-05:00

This morning I had someone request to add a comment here for my entry called "Why I Like ATI and Wisdom Books".
It won't be posted.
For several reasons.

1. It was anonymous and only referenced a website. If you can't say who you are and you can't write what you think - well, that is just not my style, and it won't be on my blog.

2. It is possible they only wanted to "warn" me and get my attention. I know all about the site and the issues involved. I am sorry that there are people who suffer parental abuse - the Lord has warned that he will exact a horrendous punishment to be one of those people that harm a child - but Wisdom Books and ATI don't harm children - people do. And those people would be messed up no matter what curriculum choices they make. As I testified - ATI saved our family - it didn't tear it apart. So should I blame the curricula I had been using for the 10 years before we found ATI as being harmful? Definitely not - it was my own lack of biblical knowledge that was the problem.

3. This is my blog and reflects what I have lived. I won't pass on information I don't believe in.

In conclusion:
I do encourage any individual to do a lot of research before using any school program. I did. You will find positives and negatives for all methods. I would also tell them to cry out to God to find the path that he wants them to follow. And last, I would remind parents that no program can give them a desired "result". To follow a program is to ensure danger and heartache - use the program as a tool the way that God wants you to use it for your individual family. Above all teach Jesus and the Word.

Women or Faith

2011-12-31T18:06:00.000-05:00

In October I got to go to the Women of Faith conference in Tampa - along with a long time friend from my college days. I was blessed to be given free event tickets for me and a friend - that would be Diana with me. The stipulation was I had to blog about it. That was in October and I know I should have written the entry then - but I had a bit of trouble processing the event - and truthfully - I still am. But I do not want to go into the New Year with this obligation still weighing me down. Yes, I could have come back and said - "Great time - you should go", but that would not have been fully honest or transparent.

The transparent answer is, I have never been to an event like that. At first I was very uncomfortable. Diana couldn't come until after the first afternoon sessions were over. I was in a large crowd in a big city. It took me awhile to settle down and "Let God." But when I began "Letting God minister to me", it was not the usual expected way.

Diana was wonderful and I so enjoyed getting to spend time with an old friend. There is something to be said for someone who has known you a long time. Even with big gaps in our communicating with each other as we were in separate cities and busy with families - it was just like falling back into the same place we had left off. I was so blessed by that.

Then there was the speakers. I am not sure this will make sense, but they were so different than my expectation - and so transparent. I suddenly knew what has been missing for so long at these types of conferences - - "Realness!" While I did not necessarily agree with all that was said, nor all the music played, I was truly blessed and ministered to. I am afraid I am not such a good writer to be able to express in words what my spirit felt. I only know it has stuck with me and made me different than I was before.

So let me sum it up - Great time - you should go!

"180" An Award-winning Documentary

2011-09-27T16:40:00.000-04:00

What changed their minds....
...in seconds?

You can view it by clicking on this link.

Book Review ~ The Help

2011-09-22T19:49:00.000-04:00

I just finished reading The Help. I thought it was a wonderful book with a compelling story.

Things I liked:
*The plot.
*The historical significance of the subject matter.
*The way real-life happenings of the time were woven into the fiction.
*The principle characters were full and interesting.
*There was not a "perfect" wrap up (just like life). I want to know if Minny had twins!
*The book-within-the-book style of writing. I loved that.

Things I didn't care for so much:
*Most of the secondary characters were a bit wooden and flat. There was no reason to even include Stuart except to bring a tie in with a powerful political figure. I felt it was clumsily done.
*This book needed about 300 more pages to really make the characters shine.
*While overall the author showed skill in believably diving the plot, there were still some places I had trouble making the leap in plot development. I am still not 100% sure that these domestics would open up to a young, aristocratic, white girl.
*A lot of it was predictable.
*I felt that it was written more in a manor to make it a sell-able movie as opposed to "literature".

None of my "dislikes" were enough to ruin my enjoyment of the book. And several of my "likes" made it amazing. An excellent book of significant value to understanding others.

Women of Faith - 2011 Tampa

2011-09-11T15:31:00.002-04:00

I'll be there! October 14 and 15. I am looking for a blessing ~ growth ~ and opportunities to serve. Are you going?

A Summer Dress - Completed

2011-08-08T00:38:00.000-04:00

I did a full review at Pattern Review.
(and eventually it shows up at my Pattern Review sidebar.)
One side note to follow up from Part 1 - since the bodice of this dress is fully lined, I did not do any seam finishes for the bodice seams in either the main fabric or the lining fabric as they are completely enclosed.

HP 2001 Mr. H.P. Straight-Talking Straight Leg Jeans - HotPatterns

2011-08-02T08:10:00.000-04:00

HP 2001 Mr. H.P. Straight-Talking Straight Leg Jeans - HotPatterns
This is exciting news! There are hardly any men's patterns to be found that have any real style to them - make that - hardly any men's pattens even without style. I hope that with the trend back to more home sewing this line will sell well. I pre-ordered my men's jeans pattern. And I requested that they take the gradng down to a size 32 - I hope they will be able to do so. Sure I can take them in, but it is easier to start with the correct size and all the proportions and pockets will fit correctly. If all goes well, they are expecting to ship by September 1, and sometme this fall I can have a pair up here to show you.

Northwest Passage by Kenneth Roberts

2011-07-19T13:30:00.000-04:00

I tend to read an eclectic assortment of books and this is an odd one for this day and age. First printed on June 25, 1937, I have a 2nd edition printed July 1, 1937 by Doubleday, Doran & Company, Inc. Garden City, NY. If you click the link above it seems that Buddy Ebsen had a movie or serial based on the book as well. I have never seen that so can't tell you if it was any good.
~ however~
I loved the book! I do have a thing for books written in the first half of the 1900s and this one did not disappoint me. My husband preferred the portion about Rogers in North America, originally released pre-1937 as a serial under the title of Roger's Rangers. Yes, I can see that he liked the battle action best - but I had no trouble enjoying the later section from London just as much. I think I might even make this one of the few books I will read a second time.
As with books written during this era, don't expect them to be politically correct or careful in dealing with sensitive issues.

Half Slip

2011-07-18T18:25:00.000-04:00

I am so blessed to be able to make a half slip for a dear friend. I am not especially experienced at this - yet - but with the quality of nice RTW lingerie going down and the prices going up, I will be making many more slips in the coming years, I am sure.
Here is the slip.

The fabric is a brand called Whisper II, a very soft 4-way stretch. I found it through an on-line seller at, what was, Lucy's Fabrics. Lucy has since liquidated fabrics from her inventory. I bought quite a bit at that time. (I hope when my stash runs out I will have found other nice lingerie fabrics.)
I used some 3/4" picot trim elastic from an on-line store called Sew Sassy. I was very pleased with their service, product, and prices. I am not sure the "correct" way to apply the elastic, but I just folded over the top and stitched it on. I divided the garment top edge and the elastic into quarters and stretched it as I sewed.

For the hem edge I just turned it up twice and stitched. It would be nice to use some pretty lace here, but I don't have any at this time for the champagne color requested by my friend.

I used a stitch on my sewing machine called "straight-stretch-stitch." It goes in nicer than a zig-zag and stretches beautifully. It also looks prettier than a zig-zag stitch. I also used a stretch needle.

A Summer Dress - Part 1

2011-07-17T20:44:00.000-04:00

The Princess wanted a couple summer dresses. I am currently working on Butterick 4443. I am doing View "C" which is the yellow one in the middle - but with sleeves as shown on View "F" (the green one on the left).

I am doing the skirt portion first. I learned from a sewing blog I enjoy that on a bias skirt it is best to sew it first and let it hang at least overnight so that any potential fabric stretching will fall out. If you don't do this step and just go ahead and hem it, you can end up with a hem that falls unevenly, especially at the sides.

Anotehr tip I have learned is to put a 1" strip of fusible interfacing along the seam area of the zipper. This dress will have a zipper that extends from the bodice into the skirt portion. Here I have fused the interfacing strip to the skirt and basted the zipper area closed. The zipper in this dress is one of the last steps, but the area is now all prepped.

And my last tip for this entry is my seam finishes. There are many ways to finish a seam, but whichever way is chosen, the seams really need some type of finish in order to hold up over time, otherwise they fray and just plain look ugly. Many people use a serger to finish the edges, but this is not currently an option for me. Other methods include overcasting the edge, zig-zagging the edge, or just using pinking shears. Bias binding and a really nice technique called a Hong Kong finish are other choices. They all have a place and depending on the fabric and garment usage, I have used some of these choices at various times. My favorite seam finish, and the one I am using on this dress, is to just pink the edges and then sew a line of stitches along the edge of the pinking. I have found that just using pinking shears alone can still allow some fabrics to unravel over time so the line of stitches prevents that from occurring. This finish also lies very flat and adds no bulk. The down side is that I do have to sew down each seam 3 times - once to join the seam and then along the edge of each pinked side, but it isn't hard and the results are worth it.
Here is a picture of the seam finished, but unpressed. It bubbles a bit until it is steamed flat.

And now pressed flat.

Hallelujah Acres Diet

2011-04-04T15:49:00.000-04:00

Dh and I have almost done it - we are hovering close to the brink of veganism! H-Acres has a free program for 60 days of weight loss, and one for optimal health (and one coming soon for exercise.) There is no spiritual or moral message from me here - we are just tired of being sick and tired. I have studied healthy cooking for a number of years, and that path has slowly led us to less and less animal products. I do still have some beef from the half steer we bought from a known source last year, and I would have dairy goats again in a second if possible, but for the most part we are sticking to veganism and as much raw food as possible - and we are liking it!

Our first motivation to take this step is Dh's high cholesterol. Cholesterol only comes from animal products, so it makes sense to remove these from our diet for at least the next several months (He was not going to make this dietary change on his own.) And I need to loose weight. While I had seen some (tiny) past progress, I was stuck for a month or so at the same weight, and I still felt sluggish and tired a lot.

We are now on Day 36 or the 60 days and feeling great. I am sleeping better, have a lot more energy, and am losing weight. Granted we aren't perfect in keeping to the diet - but then they do say that we need to fit the diet to us - not be a slave to the diet. We will see in June when Dh has his cholesterol rechecked how we are really doing.

Even if you don't use the full program - if you click on the title above it will take you to the HA site and they have scads of great, healthy recipes. Even just adding in a few of these changes is beneficial. The green smoothies are fantastic and so good for you.

Unbroken

2011-03-28T16:47:00.005-04:00

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
by Laura Hillenbrand.

This book was suggested to me by a friend - I had not heard about it - though my history teacher Dh had it on his "To Read" list. Since both of us wanted to read it, we went ahead and bought it.

I was amazed by the depth of research in this book as well as the author's ability to make put it all into a great narrative. I am not especially grounded in the details of history - but this all made sense to me as I read it. I was sad by the depth of depravity to which some men sunk, but encouraged by the bravery and determination of many others. I think this is a "must read" biography that will inspire thankfulness for the sacrifice of all our men in uniform.

Resurrection ~

2011-03-24T09:58:00.002-04:00

Several months have flown by - and this poor blog has languished. It is time to resurrect it. What have I been up to, you ask? (maybe you ask...or maybe not, but I will reply anyway!) The Princess is well established at college (that was hard!) the boys (#'s 1 - 3)are all doing well. And the Husband is nearing retirement, not sure how I feel about that one - it is looking a bit nebulous right now. I am also going to work on my homeschooling blog (Homeschooling....Imperfectly). I have wavered back and forth on that one - for various reasons - but I think I do need to do it and just not worry about the things that were holding me up from it.

Just a head's up as to what is coming down the road - blog-wise, that is.

Jayne Cobb "cunning" hat...

2010-07-19T15:43:00.003-04:00

... from the Firefly series.

God's Promises for Girls

2010-06-16T10:35:00.005-04:00

This is a devotional book for girl's (and young ladies.) My daughter (18) and I read this book, and I will be giving it to my granddaughter for a gift. It is excellent. The drawings are adorable (though it could have been even more multi-cultural than it is) and printed on nice quality, glossy paper. Each topic is a 2 page spread. The first 4 lines give a summary of the topic - then applicable Bible verses are quoted. Younger girls will need to be instructed on how to use the book - or even better - read it together with a significant adult. As the years go by, the child will then be able to use it as a comforting devotional guide on their own.

A devotional book is a great way to find help in time of need and learn to turn one's heart to God first in life's trials and complexities. This is a superb first devotional for girl's that can become a comfort to them well into adulthood. I highly recommend it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Book Sneeze as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

I Give Up - Goals Don't Work For Me....

2010-05-28T09:16:00.004-04:00

Since I tried to organize and create focus by using goals - I have found that I am sinking, not moving forward. I probably try to do too much - but at the same time I do allow myself to at least just see progress not necessarily perfection - but not even that works. I find my stress levels rising and then I begin avoiding - and then I get further behind. I'm changing tactics now and I am just going to do something every day and what will be, will be.

Folded Gingham Giveaway

2010-05-15T21:44:00.006-04:00

Those interested in blog giveaways might enjoy this site and prize. You can click on the title for the link to the blog.

May Goals - Week 2

2010-05-10T06:26:00.003-04:00

Hmmmm, should I go ahead and post the goals for Week 2 - even though I didn't finish Week 1? Can I be a super woman and finish all the goals of 1 & 2 in the next week? - or am I setting myself up for failure? I don't know - but let's move forward and see what happens.

1. Sew jacket

2. sew vintage PJ's

3. sew pants in muslin and fit them

4. cut out the pants in the fashion fabric

5. cut out lab jacket (for #2 son)

Embracing Your Second Calling by Dale Hanson Bourke

2010-05-08T17:14:00.005-04:00

The subtitle for this book is, "Find Passion and Purpose for the Rest of Your Life." Dale Bourke writes in a homey and conversational tone making the reader feel right at home - and you need to feel comfortable as some of the topics can be tough to hear. I was in tears by the second page. Dale Bourke takes the reader through a series of challenges and relates her personal experiences through the biblical filter of Naomi in the book of Ruth.

The timing of this book is amazingly significant for me as my youngest child is about to graduate high school and I will soon be free from my homeschooling duties for the first time in over 18 years. I was very encouraged by Dale Bourke that God has definite, purposeful plans for me for this next chapter in my life. She made me smile (after having made me cry) and gave me hope that God has much more planned for these upcoming years than I could ever imagine.

My relationship with this book was a bit of a love-hate nature. I felt that there were just too many additional sources cited and too much emphasis placed on angst over being unattractive to men. There is also a definite slant to the professional woman and career. But at the same time I loved subject matter, the sidebars and calls to action, the inclusion of the book of Ruth, and the great bibliography. The personal stories also made the lessons much more real and captivating.

Anyone facing this huge middle age change in life will find solace and inspiration in facing the next half of one's life in service for God. Don't be distracted by the parts you cannot relate to, rather embrace the heart of this book and the author's message of finding purpose in your "Second Calling".

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

May Goals - Week 1

2010-05-02T13:14:00.003-04:00

1. Finish vintage slip

2. Finish Black oriental blouse

3. Finish blue blouse

4. Cut out jacket and lining (maybe hat)

5. cut out vintage PJ's ~ DONE

6. cut out a mock up for pants

Living Proof Live with Beth Moore

2010-05-01T17:49:00.004-04:00

On April 16-17 a group of friends, the Princess, and I went to a Living Proof Live event in the Tampa area featuring speaker Beth Moore. It was excellent. Beth gave us permission to post the outline of her topic over that Friday evening and next Saturday morning.

That Wild Thing We Call Family

Introduction: The perilous last days feature social issues 2 Timothy 3:1-5, and environmental issues Matthew 24. People will (are) growing less and less attached to family - more hard-hearted.

1. We increasingly lack family - are we deliberately teaching our daughters and granddaughters to be a lady? And our sisters in Christ as well?

2. We need family - people close enough to us to knock the rough edges off. We need depth of relationship - not just FaceBook friends.

3. Family was meant to grow; not shrink. A. Christ came to birth a new family. B. Christ can also resurrect and old family.

4. Any family can have calamity. Whining will never help us - get up and face it and battle it out. Do not fear brokenness - we are already broken, but God puts us back together!

5. Family calamity is most complicated when it comes as a consequence.

6. Family calamity doesn't have to be irreparable. Seek restoration - seek peace. If the situation cannot be repaired - we don't have to be broken. Isaiah 58:6-9 "...not turn away from your own flesh and blood."

7. Christ came to bring honor back to the family.

8. We ARE family. Psalm 68:6 God sets the lonely in families.

Vintage Patterns

2010-04-25T18:42:00.004-04:00

I love vintage patterns. Almost all my patterns are vintage to some degree. I do have a few new ones, but only a few - mostly for the Princess. I shop thrift stores (you can't beat 25 cents each!) and my favorite website - Momspatterns. Some folks also use Etsy and E-bay. If you go to the Dressaday blog there are also lots of links to vintage pattern sellers - but Momspatterns is my hands-down favorite.

The photo above is my current vintage project and it is for the Princess's college wardrobe. It is a slip from the 1930's. The first version I am making is for a contest entry for the Pattern Review vintage pattern contest. This first version is a polyester crepe backed satin in white. I even learned to do french seams to be true to the vintage intent. After this one is done, I have plans for one in flannel backed satin, and another in black cotton interlock. The flannel backed satin will be great for extra warmth in the winter. The interlock version will function as a camisole on the top part - probably with a bit of lace edging. The bottom will function as an underskirt for a wraparound skirt to keep it modest when it falls open (as it seems to want to do.)

Once you learn to look past the envelope art with its dated hair, fabrics, and accessories - and instead look at the actual silhouette of the garment - you will be amazed that a skirt, is a skirt, is a skirt. Many times these older patterns are better made and have better instructions - depending on the decade. But once you venture back before the 1950's it was assumed you already knew the basics of sewing and the directions actually get really sparse - and the pattern tissue will probably have no printed guidelines on it, instead they use a series of holes and notches to show grain lines, darts, matching points and so on. They aren't really hard once you really study it, but it can still be intimidating.

Don't overlook a great pattern just because it looks "old". They can be a lot of fun, save you money, and challenge your design ability.

Trail Mix Apple Salad

2010-03-24T21:04:00.001-04:00

Just made this up from a recipe in Reminisce Magazine - it is great ~ and healthy. I think I will be making this for the week I bring the snack for my Friday night Bible study.

Trail Mix Apple Salad

2 apples, chopped into nice bite sized chunks

1 and 1/2 t. lemon juice

Mix these first 2 ingredients, then add:

4T. chopped walnuts

2T. sunflower kernels

2T. dried cranberries (Craisins)

4t. honey

(the recipe calls for 2t. flaxseed - I didn't have this so didn't add it)

1/4t. ground cinnamon

*Note - I get my nuts and seeds at a local SDA health store - they are great quality and low prices. The honey is from a local apiary. This recipe easily adjusts to any amount of servings.

March Sewing Goals...

2010-03-03T05:07:00.005-05:00

I need some accountability ~

I have a number of partially done projects that just need to get d-o-n-e. I have declared March the month to finish up the most glaring of these projects. In order, they are:

1. The robe portion of a Victorian nightgown and robe set. I cut both pieces out (sigh) last year. I just finished the gown, but now have the robe about half done. I hope to finish it this week.

2. A quilted purse. I have had the pattern and fabric kit to make it for over a year. It is time. Pattern Review is having a contest to make a purse by the 15th of the month. This purse fits all the criteria - so it is second on my list to get done this month.

3. The Princess' (gasp) Christmas dress - that is Christmas '09. I seem to have missed that deadline. It is about half done - I found the lace challenging - and it languished. It is time to get it done.

4. A black tropical weight jumper for me. I thought I had it done, but I need to do some fit adjusting. I want to make more versions of this same jumper for other seasons, so I do need to get the fit just right - and this month!

Bonus Round: Fix and finish a PJ set for one of the grandkids.

I will post progress as I go.

UPDATE:

1. - Done!

2. - Done!

3. - nothing :(

4. - almost done - I finished all but the buttons - but even though I made a mock-up first, I still managed to size it wrong. Thankfully it is too big rather than too small, but since it is wool I won't wear it until next winter now - so I will fix it in the fall. But I do plan to make the jumper up in some summer fabrics after the Princess's college wardrobe is done.

Three Cups of Tea

2010-02-26T17:55:00.001-05:00

Another book I recently read; Three Cups of Tea. This is the youth version, actually. I often read the youth books, just to keep up with what they have available. This is the autobiographical account of a man who was challenged to begin schools in remote areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan. I enjoyed the book, but do be aware it has a bit of a slant towards political correctness. That doesn't dampen the story, but since it is youth oriented they can be more susceptible to those overtones.

It would be great to have all students read this. The emphasis on education for those that must struggle to get it puts our ingratitude to shame. Afghan girls would do their lessons in the open air and write times tables with sticks in the dirt - but yet they faithfully did those lessons in order to learn, even when a teacher could not be there. Our students can't seem to function without calculators and laptops.

A good read, and can lead to many interesting discussions with your children.

A Long Way Gone

2010-02-25T18:40:00.000-05:00

I recently read this book. It was suggested to me by a friend since I had an interest in Sierra Leone. (see the T-shirt project by clicking here.) This story, in first person, documents the journey of one young boy through the war and finally to his new home in the USA. While the events are horrific, it is told well and the gruesome details are only as much as is needed to tell the story.

Homeschooling Family Granted Political Asylum

2010-02-02T01:33:00.002-05:00

Germany

January 26, 2010

Homeschooling Family Granted Political Asylum

Immigration Judge Says Germany Violating Basic Human Rights

In a case with international ramifications, Immigration Judge Lawrence O. Burman granted the political asylum application of a German homeschooling family. The Romeikes are Christians from Bissinggen, Germany, who fled persecution in August 2008 to seek political asylum in the United States. The request was granted January 26 after a hearing was held in Memphis, Tennessee, on January 21.

“We can’t expect every country to follow our constitution,” said Judge Burman. “The world might be a better place if it did. However, the rights being violated here are basic human rights that no country has a right to violate.”
In Depth

Burman added, “Homeschoolers are a particular social group that the German government is trying to suppress. This family has a well-founded fear of persecution…therefore, they are eligible for asylum…and the court will grant asylum.”

In his ruling, Burman said that the scariest thing about this case was the motivation of the government. He noted it appeared that rather than being concerned about the welfare of the children, the government was trying to stamp out parallel societies—something the judge called “odd” and just plain “silly.” In his order the judge expressed concern that while Germany is a democratic country and is an ally, he noted that this particular policy of persecuting homeschoolers is “repellent to everything we believe as Americans.”
‘Embarrassing for Germany’

“This decision finally recognizes that German homeschoolers are a specific social group that is being persecuted by a Western democracy,” said Mike Donnelly, staff attorney and director of international relations for Home School Legal Defense Association. “It is embarrassing for Germany, since a Western nation should uphold basic human rights, which include allowing parents to raise and educate their own children. This judge understood the case perfectly, and he called Germany out. We hope this decision will cause Germany to stop persecuting homeschoolers,” he added.

The persecution of homeschoolers in Germany has been intensifying over the past several years. They are regularly fined thousands of dollars, threatened with imprisonment, or have the custody of their children taken away simply because they choose to home educate.

The Romeikes expressed relief when they heard the decision.

“We are so grateful to the judge for his ruling,” said Uwe Romeike. “We know many people, especially other German homeschoolers, have been praying for us. Their prayers and ours have been answered. We greatly appreciate the freedom to homeschool we now have in America and will be building our new life here,” he added.

Donnelly testified at the hearing on January 21, telling the immigration Judge that homeschoolers are persecuted all over Germany.
‘Ignoring the Truth’

“There is no safety for homeschoolers in Germany,” Donnelly said. “The two highest courts in Germany have ruled that it is acceptable for the German government to ‘stamp out’ homeschoolers as some kind of ‘parallel society.’ The reasoning is flawed. The fact is that homeschoolers are not a parallel society. Valid research shows that homeschoolers excel academically and socially. German courts are simply ignoring the truth that exists all over the world where homeschooling is practiced. They need to look beyond their own borders.”

In 2003 the highest administrative court in Germany, which interprets its federal Constitution, ruled in the Konrad case that it was permissible for parents who have jobs that require them to travel—such as circus performers and musicians—to homeschool, but homeschooling was prohibited for parents who wanted to for reasons of conscience. The highest criminal court said in the Paul-Plett case in 2006 that the government was allowed to take custody of children whose parents want to homeschool for reasons of conscience.

Donnelly challenged the reasoning of the German courts.

“It is ridiculous for German courts to say that homeschooling is allowed if you have practical reasons but disallowed if you have conscientious reasons,” Donnelly said. “This is simply about the German state trying to coerce ideological uniformity in a way that is frighteningly reminiscent of past history. Homeschooling is a growing social movement all over the world, and the Germans want to stamp it out based on a fabricated notion that homeschoolers are a ‘parallel society.’ Germany’s treatment of homeschooling families is worthy of condemnation from the international community. I am proud that a United States immigration judge recognized the truth of what is happening in Germany and has rendered this favorable decision for the Romeike family.”

German homeschoolers have been organizing and trying to draw the attention of German politicians. It has been difficult. Juergen Dudek is a homeschooling father who had been sentenced to 90 days in jail for homeschooling, but whose sentence was reduced to a $300 fine. He noted that officials in Germany have no appreciation for homeschoolers who think differently than the state.
‘Send a Loud Message’

“It is incredible to me that these officials give absolutely no weight to our faith or other conscientious objection to attendance at the public schools,” said Dudek. “We have had a number of families who are not homeschoolers, but who know that the German school system is failing, who called us to encourage us. In our re-hearing the judge issued a decision reducing our sentence from jail to a fine but was totally dismissive of our reasons for wanting to homeschool. We have always been encouraged by the support of American homeschoolers, and we hope that this decision will send a loud message to the German people that what our country is doing is wrong.”

A board member of the Netzwerk Bildungsfreiheit, an organization working for freedom for homeschoolers, said that the ruling would be helpful to homeschoolers in Germany.

“This decision reveals to the rest of the world that the German state acts outside the mainstream of Western democracies. Germany is in the company of countries like China, North Korea and others where fundamental human rights are not respected. Germany’s behavior exposes the totalitarian character of the German school law that takes away a parent’s right to educate their children. A decision on behalf of the Romeikes puts blame on the German government and is a serious warning to Germans officials to change their policies and further accept the rights of the parents. We hope that the decision will send a clear message to authorities in Germany to make changes right away!”

Mike Smith, president of HSLDA, also applauded the decision.

“It’s recognition that the German state is persecuting homeschoolers,” he said. “We are pleased to have been able to support this courageous family, and we hope and pray that this decision will have a decisive effect on German policy makers who should change their laws to recognize parents’ rights to educate their own children.”

A Christmas Gift - part 3

2010-01-16T11:34:00.000-05:00

This was an interesting gift. I had heard of the Dead Sea products from Israel, but never had access to them before. This is a nail and body care set. I have used it and like it very much. It has a cuticle oil - I need to use that several more times to fix some of my cuticle roughness, but I have already seen improvement. The kiwi lotion is very nice. The shaping stick is much gentler, and faster, than an emery board. But my favorite item is the buffing square. It puts a really great shine on my nails and evens out the ridges.

Reclaiming Christianity by AW Tozer

2010-01-15T10:14:00.000-05:00

Another Christmas Gift. Two of the subheadings on the cover say "Never Before Published" and "A Call to Authentic Faith". Tozer never disappoints me. He is to the point and blunt - qualities to which I react favorably. Subtle always goes right over my head. To date I have avoided marking in my Tozer books - why? They seemed so neat and pristine - but then I can't easily find my favorite parts again. So I am going to begin marking this one and then do re-reads of the other titles I own from him and just mark away.

My favorite quote from this volume so far is right in the introduction on page 10: "Until we have a Reformation, all of our books and our schools and our magazines are only the working of bacteria in the decaying Church."

A Christmas Gift

2010-01-14T20:00:00.000-05:00

I was asked what I needed for Christmas - and I desperately needed a new magnetic pin holder. I am so glad the thoughtful child got me this - it makes my sewing easier ~ and helps keep pins off the floor!

Knitted Baby Blanket - Finished!

2010-01-13T19:43:00.005-05:00

It has been over a year - but I did finally get this project done. At the top is a full view of the blanket. Directly above is a close up of the border pattern. It is very simple - but I still managed a few errors here and there - but only I would probably notice them.

Almost Snow...

2010-01-09T11:13:00.003-05:00

An uncommon site here in west central Florida. while the kids did make an ice/snowball - these aren't actual snowflakes, more like ice crystals. You could hear a soft rustle-y sound as it fell. All the roofs look like someone sprinkled powdered sugar over them. Maybe by tomorrow we will have actual snowflakes?

SWAP 2010

2010-01-01T14:15:00.004-05:00

Vogue 7359, originally uploaded by fourkidnubians.

Happy New Year! One of my goals this year is to complete the SWAP 2010. I entered the '09 version last winter, but only did 4 of the 11 required garments. I did get 4 nice skirts from the effort - and I learned about pacing. I also learned a great deal of new sewing techniques this past year, including how to better fit what I am making. You can click the link above in the title to see the requirements of entering SWAP - but here are my ramblings on it for my particular entries.

Title: Fourkid's Florida Winter

I chose to do Option #2:
2 dresses -single pieces consisting of top and bottom that can be worn alone.
6 tops - t-shirts, shirts, blouses, or camisoles
2 bottoms - jeans, pants, shorts, skirts or kilts.
1 your choice (not an accesory)

1 will be a matched print or stripe.
1 will feature embroidery, beads or sashiko
1 will have buttons as the star feature OR use unusual or alternative closure(s).

So far I have begun working on my first item - the (yellow) jacket pictured above. It is my "choice" item. I am making it in a black wool boucle. Though the pattern is unlined, I will be underlining it with a gray rayon lining fabric. I am still in the muslin fitting process - but hope to have that ready to go in the next few days. I am formulating plans for the other pieces and will post and update as I progress.

Sewing Aprons

2009-12-30T17:18:00.004-05:00

I love vintage patterns - and sewing. This "musical" apron was a quick Christmas project for one of the Princess's music teachers. Other versions to follow.

State Travel Log

2009-12-23T12:12:00.002-05:00

visited 36 states (72%)
Create your own visited map of The United States

Notes:
*I did stop for a few hours in the airport in Detroit - I don't think that can count as visiting MI.
*How did I miss WV - maybe I went through a point of it on the interstate - but I know I have never really been in WV.
*Favorite vacation states in order of preference:
1. Utah
2. Ohio
3. Maine

Biscuits and Gravy Morning...

2009-11-20T07:44:00.003-05:00

This was a first for me. I have never made good biscuits - and I have never made gravy at all. That has now all changed. They were a big hit with the family! (The picture is not especially appetizing - but how do you make biscuits covered in gravy look good unless you photograph for Cracker Barrel?)

Here are the recipes.

From our local newspaper - the syndicated column "The Amish Cook".

Homemade Biscuits from Elizabeth Coblentz (2001)

2 cups sifted four (I didn't sift)

1 T. of baking powder

1 t. salt

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 cup milk

1 t. sugar

In a large bowl sift flour, baking powder, and salt. Add remaining ingredients and mix until smooth. Drop by T. onto a greased cookie sheet - or fill 12 muffin tins 2/3 full. (This is what I did and it worked great.) Bake 18-20 minutes at 375. When done the biscuits will look a light golden brown in color. Makes 12, 3 inch biscuits.

While the biscuits are cooking - make your gravy.

Mother's Sausage Gravy from Lovina Eicher (daughter of Elizabeth Coblentz)

1 pound (bulk) sausage, browned

4 T. flour

1 qt milk (I only used 3 and 1/2 cups - I like it a bit thicker.)

salt and pepper to taste

Brown sausage in an iron skillet. Pour off grease. Add flour and brown lightly. Add milk and stir until smooth. (I added only 2 cups and then gradually increased it another cup and a half until it was the consistency I liked.) Bring to a boil and add more milk until the desired consistency or thickness. Add salt and pepper to taste.

*Note: I do like a slight kick in my gravy - so I may try adding a pinch of red pepper next time.

President Obama

2009-09-03T19:56:00.005-04:00

So that there is no misunderstanding, I want to start by saying that this is not a political posting - it is about teaching character to our children. Our President is going to address the school children of America at noon (EDT) on September 8, 2009. Some adults take exception to that - I have seen words such as "Hitler" and "brainwash" crop up fairly regularly on some sites. I have seen some noted leaders addressing our President as Mr. Obama, and the jab is not lost - especially since it was repeated often in that particular national publication. Just in case you didn't know - the correct terms to refer to the President of the United States are Mr. President or President Obama. (And the English teacher in me can't resist pointing out that while the word "president" isn't routinely capitalized when used alone - it is always capitalized when referring to the President of the United Sates of America. )

That is the end of my prefaced remarks - now on to what I want to write about....

There is a lie that is bandied about as if it is Truth; a catch-phrase of sorts that says; "I will respect the office, but not the person holding that office." It is a lie from the pit of Hell because it isn't possible to do this. The person is the office and the office is the person - that fine line does not exist in reality, only in the fantasy world of semantics. Can a child respect the role of parent, but disrespect the person who is their parent? Can one respect the office of pastor, but disrespect the person preaching the Sunday (or Sabbath) sermons? If the enemy can get us to disrespect the person, he knows that rebellion can germinate and grow.

I am not talking about blindly following a leader who rejects God and godly principles - and I am not talking about reproving sin. John the Baptist reproved Herod of his adultery, but he never disrespected him. In 2 Samuel 16 Shimei curses King David - but in chapter 19 he repents and admits to his grievous sin. The Messiah, Jesus, was rejected and despised by Israel and within one generation the city of Jerusalem was destroyed.

If in our homes our children hear us speak with loathing and disrespect about the man elected to the highest office in our land (and the Scriptures teach that he can only be elected because God allows it) then we are sowing seeds of rebellion and disrespect into our homes. Instead Scripture teaches that God wants families to bow down in prayer for their elected leaders. To cry tears of grief over their wrong doings. To take actions to let their leaders hear what God says on a matter. To train our children to pray for godly character qualities in our elected officials. And to teach the Holy Bible in our homes so that our children can clearly see the lie from the Truth.

Parents will reap what they sow into their children. (Galations 6:7)

Homeschool Evaluations Continued

2009-08-17T08:27:00.007-04:00

A question was asked on an earlier posting relating to Florida homeschool evaluations.

Question: "How do I find an evaluator such as you described. One who understands homeschooling?"

Reply: Do a lot of phone calls and ask a lot of questions. If comments come up relating to such things as state standards, attendance record, immunizations; or it is implied that you must have things like pre-made lesson plans, test grades, and specific subjects taught at pre-determined grade levels - those are big clues that the teacher does not understand the Florida home education laws.

But it even goes beyond this. There are several evaluation options available to you in Florida. Be sure you understand all of them. If you chose to use the option of a Florida certified teacher to evaluate your portfolio - also realize that there are various ways that is also interpreted. Ask details of how the evaluator conducts their review. (Remember it is a review of the portfolio, not a quizzing of the child.) - Some means used that I have encountered are:

1. The 10 minute approach. The evaluator meets the child, looks over the portfolio, certifies progress and you are done. A variation of this entails mailing your portfolio to the evaluator and the child speaks with them briefly on the phone after the portfolio arrives to the evaluator. I am not implying this is necessarily a wrong way - but it gives little assistance and assurance to the parent, which is a service our clients expect from us. If this style meets your needs it does fit within the scope of Florida law.

2. The evaluator meets with the child, reviews the portfolio, and then writes a detailed analysis of the year on the evaluation form - including strengths, weaknesses, and expectations for the following year. While many parents want us to give specific helps to them personally - we feel it is a detriment to all home schoolers for this approach to be utilized on official forms and gives false expectations to school officials. The law never states this is the job of the evaluator.

Before you make any phone calls to an evaluator have a list of questions you plan to ask. Their time is also valuable, so keep the list fairly short, but target areas that are important to you. Some of the best evaluators are also ones who home school their own children. Decide if it is important to you if the evaluator is male or female. Ask other home school parents what they do. Decide if cost is a factor to you - how much are you willing to pay? Decide if distance is significant for you (we have clients that drive up to 4 hours - one way - to come to us.) Sometimes the county office maintains a list of possible choices. There are also a number of internet home school sites that keep a database of evaluator choices - even if they aren't local to you, call some of these to gather information and educate yourself as to how you want your child's evaluation done.

And finally - I pray over all my education choices for my child. What is God's best for that child? Direct me to the person you want me to use - that can best help both my child and myself.

Meet the Husband.....and learn some American History too.

2009-08-16T15:36:00.003-04:00

Go here for the story. On that page is a link to see the video - Yup, that is my Mister - Mr. History.

And the Winner is.....

2009-07-05T22:56:00.002-04:00

Kathy - the mom of many (10 children to be exact).

I was going to do a fancy photo of the drawing - but alas, the battery is dead in the camera. I was going to have one of my family chose the winner - but they are all asleep of busy farming on FaceBook. So I just put the 6 names on paper (Tobitha had two entries) and picked a name - and it was Kathy.

Kathy - do you still have my personal address? - I need your mailing address, but don't want you to put it on a public board. My blog address is fourkidnubians@yahoo.com.

Congratulations and thanks of all of you entering. While I had many, many hits - the homeschool curriculum was pretty specific to one group of people and I am pleased that books that helped me immensely will be loved in a new home.

My First Blog Giveaway!!!!

2009-06-26T07:06:00.008-04:00

My blog theme is Poured Out - I don't cover one topic exclusively; it is a compilation of my thoughts and experiences as my life is poured into the lives of my family, friends, and community - both live and virtual. This is a small group, though for me, it has never been about numbers, but about touching lives.

Okay - serious stuff done --- now the fun. Because I recently won a giveaway myself (thank you for picking #82 Debbie Cook!) - because I have actually broken the 1,000 mark for visitors - and because I am letting go of some homeschool curriculum that I have treasured, but no longer need, I am doing a giveaway. Simple enough - just leave a comment and you are entered. If you mention this giveaway on your blog or other web venue, then leave another comment telling me where you did so, and your name will be entered a second time. I will ship it anywhere. The winner will be chosen on The 4th of July! I probably should have a cut-off time, but I can't hang out at my computer until midnight - so I will just choose from all those commentators that have a date stamp between now and July 4th and announce the winner on, or about, July 5th. (precision is not my stong suit!)

Soooooo......what is the prize? Homeschool books (4 of them), and one casette tape set from Barb Shelton.

1. Lab Science: The How, Why, What,Who, 'n' Where Book.

2. The Homeschool Guide-a-Log for Real-Life Home Education.

3. The Homeschool Jumpstart Navigator for Younger Children.

4. A Christian Homeschooler's Guide to Field Trips and Extra-Curricular Activities.

5. Casette tapes: Out of Fear & Burnout; Into Freedom, Refreshment, and (Re)Focus. A 2 tape set with handouts.

See them described by linking Here.

(**Note: though I keep my comments on moderation to prevent spamming - which has already been attempted once - I assure you that all comments will be posted and counted for the deadline.)

Hand the Kids the Camera and You Get....

2009-06-26T06:52:00.004-04:00

...and I love every one of them. Each picture speaks to me about an aspect of my child's personality.

Home School through High School - Part 3

2009-06-25T06:00:00.001-04:00

(I recently wrote a series of postings to a closed list on how our family manages high school using the ATI curriculum. Since most of that information is general to all home schooling, I am adapting and posting the information here on my public blog.)

Each of the following courses are listed on one sheet of paper and then filed in my one master notebook under the main headings I noted in Part 2 of my post. At the beginning of 9th grade these started as pretty much blank pages with ideas just sketched in. As the years progressed they were adjusted, changed, or added to as needed. (Remember I only update the notebook once or twice a year, so I don't spend a lot of time doing this once it is set up.) Now entering the 12th grade the pages are pretty well set for the most part - but some tweaking will still be done as we go. At graduation these pages will be the "proof" on which I hang the final one page transcript. These are just the barest of notes of what we have done. The "guts" of the courses are all kept elsewhere. Those would be the actual Wisdom Books, workbooks, text books, papers and such that are/were done.

Note: You will see a line often repeated: WB #1 - ? This means that the Wisdom Book is a significant part of this credit. We started at WB 1 and I will write the final number of wherever we get to at the end (there are a total of 54, but we will probably only get to the 30's). I do not feel a need to make detailed notes on the content in the WB - if proof is ever needed, we have the WB's to show.

The course sheets are:

Math -3 credits
(this one is a bit tricky for us - I will see how it ends up after this year (09/10) is finished. She was behind in math at the end of grade 8 - a tough subject for her to tackle, but she finally broke through the blockage about 9th grade when we changed to Math-U-See. So her first two years were spent catching up - which she did beautifully, but what to do about those two years of high school while she was catching up? Here is how I am categorizing it for now...)

*On the single page listed as General Math - 1 credit
This includes catching up in 4 levels of Math-U-See, and the Key To series of general math workbooks and Level 6 Complete curriculum book, math portion. I will also list WB's #1-? here since there are many practical math concepts learned in the WB's.

*On the single page listed as Pre-Algebra - 1 credit
(finish Math-U-See book)

*On the single page listed as Algebra 1 - 1 credit
(finish the Math-U-See book)

She really should have another math level - but we will see how it works out. This may just have to be where we stop for high school and deal with it from there - if all the rest of her studies are ready to be done, I won't hold her back from graduating just to do more math that won't really be needed for her field of study.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
English - 4 credits
Note: We don't do one level of English and then go on to another. All of the 4 English credits are worked on simultaneously, or in units, over the full 4 years of high school. I have just grouped them into yearly levels for the sake of convenience. (Speech would also fit under one of these credits, but this is not something that ever came about for us.)

*On the single page listed as English 1 - 1 credit
1. WBLA - Level Red books 1-8
2. Spenserian Handwriting program - (5 or 6 books done with dip pens.)
3. Level 6 Complete curriculum book, English portion
4. Character Sketches Crossword Puzzle books, volumes 1 & 2
5. finish all spelling books not yet done
6. complete all vocab workbooks

*On the single page listed as English 2 - 1 credit
1. WBLA Level Green 5-8
2. ACT test prep book with 10 practice tests (very extensive work)

*On the single page listed as English 3 - 1 credit
Literature (some books need to still be logged on. Pretty much she just read these and we talk about them from time to time.These are pretty much student chosen)
Pride and Prejudice (video 2 hrs.)
Sense and Sensibility (audio book and DVD)
selections for the Aneid by Virgil
A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court
Robinson Crusoe
Moby Dick
A Tale of Two Cities

*On the single page listed as English 4 - 1 credit
1. Poetry Unit
2. Short Story Unit

3. Play Unit - She was in a small play in the local youth theatre. (I plan to use that experience here rather than as a speech activity. We also viewed the DVD's of various plays and musical plays. I will list them on her paper later. There is some overlap here with Fine Arts - but I will divide it out - though it is also acceptable to count these experiences in both.)

4. Research Paper

(note: it is possible she will do a dual enrollment credit for Eng. Comp - so we will adjust accordingly.)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Science - 3 1/2 credits

*On the single page listed as Creation Science (1/2 credit with lab)
Video: Evolution:Fact or Fiction from SM Davis
volunteer at the Creation Expeditions lab (about an hr/week - at least 40 hours)
Peace River fossil trip (8 hrs.)
Read:
The Answer Book
Men of Science
The Young Earth book
Wisdom Books #1-?

*On the single page listed as Chemistry (1/2 credit with lab)
1. Read Exploring the World of Chemistry by Tiner
2. Eyewitness book on chemistry
3. use of chemistry set
4. WB's #1-?

*On the single page listed as Physical Science (1/2 credit)
1. WB's #1-?
2. Read BJ Physical Science book (we do this as we do our WB, but probably won't do the entire book.)

*On the single page listed as Earth Science (1 credit)
1. WB's #1-?
2. Read the BJ Earth Science book (we do this as we do the WB)
3. Read The Astronomy book by Henry (probably also the Weather book as well.)

*On the single page listed as Biology (1 credit)
1. Wb's #1-?
2. (This item was deleted as the book was loaned out and never returned - on to something else....)
3. Complete the Horse Anatomy coloring book
4. Visit the Chattanooga Aquarium (4 hrs.)
5. Visit Sea World, Orlando. We had a pass for a year and went 5 or 6 times. (about 30 hrs.)
6. Biology for Christian Schools, BJ. We just read this as we do the Wb's.
7. Read Character Sketches books volumes 1, 2, &3. This is also done during WB time for us.

8. MOSI museum in Tampa, The Body Works Exhibit. (4 hrs.)

(note: it is possible she will do a dual enrollment credit for Earth Science - so we will adjust accordingly.)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*On the single page listed as Health - 1/2 credit

1. WB's #1-?
2. Driver's License drug course
3. Read the following:
Fasting Can Save You Life
Your Body's Many Cries for Water
Nutrition Made Simple
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*On the single page listed as PE - 1 credit

Membership at Curves for one year
horseback riding lessons weekly for 2 years
weekly bowling for one year
swimming seasonally in our pool
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fine Arts - 2 credits (but may go to 3)

Right now I have all the music experiences listed on just one page - I have not yet broken it down into credit groupings. This is my daughter's focus and there is a lot here. I originally had a page for a music credit and a page for an art credit. We never did do much art, and I just tossed that page out last week, it wasn't even worth 1/4 of a credit. But the music page just keeps filling up. This isn't final - but I am currently thinking that I will make one page for a piano credit, and one page for a flute credit, and maybe one page for a band/orchestra credit. So that would be 3 credits for Fine Arts. With all the hours over the past 4 years it is certainly valid to do it that way.

I won't list all the individual experiences, but there are piano and flute lessons for 4 years. Plays and concerts attended. Two years of a community band. Sound Foundations. And Hymnology and Hymn Worksheets as studied in the Wisdom Books #1 -?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
History - 3 1/2 credits

*On the single page listed as US History (1 credit)
1. Wisdom Books #1-?
2. Books and events as noted in #3-9
3. Seminar with former Tuskegee Airman (2 hrs.)
4.Seminar with Bataan March survivor (2hrs)
5. DVD (2 hrs) Freedoms Song, 100 years of black history
6. Visit Agrirama, Tifton, GA (5 hrs.)
7. Chickamauga Battlefield, GA (4 hrs.)
8. Video - Panama Canal (2 hrs.)
9. Visit The Hermitage, Nashville, TN (3 hrs.)
Read (in progress) A Greater Republic, A New History of the US, published 1899.
(Possibly list some chpts. from the BJ American History book.)

*On the single page listed as Geography (1/2 credit)
1. Read: Don't Know Much About Geography (done)
2. Wisdom Books #1-?
3. map work
4. Visit Rock City, Chattanooga, TN (3 hrs.)
(I think there is more for this - but I will have to hunt it down.)

*On the single page listed as World History (1 credit)
1. Wisdom Books #1 -?
2. DVD - The Rise and Fall of Islamic Spain (3 hrs.)
3. Read The Hiding Place

4. DVD - The Longest Day (3 hrs.)

5. The Story of the World by Susan Bauer (4 volumes.)

(There is a bit more for here too, but I will need to add it later.)

*On the single page listed as Economics (1/2 credit)
1. Read Whatever Happened to Penny Candy (and workbook)
2. WB's #1-?
3. Crown Financial Course (8 hrs.)
4. Financial Freedom Seminar (20 hrs.)

*On the single page listed as Government (1/2 credit)
1. Read Whatever Happened to Justice
2. WB's #1-?
3. Read The US Constitution
4. DVD: A More Perfect Union; America Becomes a Nation
5. DVD: US Constitution Study Series
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bible - 2 credits

*On the single page listed as Bible 1
1. Viewing SM Davis videos and Dvd's. I am not going to try to list them all here - we have done well over 30 of them. If I ever needed a list, they are on my shelf.
2. Way of the Master videos Beginner and Intermediate levels. (we have not yet finished these, but will be in the next year.
3. Rd. - The Good Shepherd and His Sheep by Phillip Keller (done)
4. Rd. Mary Jones and her bible by Mary Ropes (done)
5. WB #1 - ? Scripture Meditation Worksheets.

*On the single page listed as Bible 2
1. Camp Meeting, Valdosta, Ga (abut 30 hours - done)
2. Beth Moore Bible studies: Daniel, Jesus the One and Only, Esther, ? (two done, one in progress, and one more will probably be added this year.)
3. Visit the Ink and Blood exhibit in St. Petersburg, FL (a history of our Bible)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*On the single page listed as Computer - 1 credit
I don't actually have anything listed on this page as yet - but she does so much on the computer that I will make a list of the skills she has learned and call this a credit. It isn't something that we set out to do, it is just life and the things she has learned on the computer over the last 4 years. She especially likes to do art work on the computer, so that I will just list programs she uses as a one portion of this credit.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*On the single page listed as Life Management - 1 credit

On this page I list all the conferences and such she has done. I may move these to other subjects, but right now my husband likes this as a separate course listing. On this page I list the Home school Conferences we went to and what my daughter participate in while there. I list the Basic Seminar. The Passion for Jesus Seminar. WorldView Weekend. The 10 part Courtship Series from SM Davis. I expect a few more entries by the time of graduation.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Italian - 2 credits

*On the single page listed as Rosetta Stone Italian level 1
*On the single page listed as Rosetta Stone Italian level 2
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Home Ec. - 2 credits

*On the single page listed as Home Ec. 1
Home Ec course from Christian Light (1 credit)

*On the single page listed as Home Ec. 2
1. Wholesome Food Preparation course form IBLP
2. Unit study on spinning and textiles
3. crocheted an afghan
4. make a quilt
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There may be some errors - if you have a question feel free to ask. I had to type this over the space of several days, and had one section I failed to save and had to re-do it, so it is possible I have a gap or two - or a repeat. Remember - this isn't for someone else to copy - even in our own family each of my children's high school studies and credits looked different. I just know it helps me generate some creativity for my own use when I see ideas from others.

Home School through High School - Part 2

2009-06-24T06:00:00.001-04:00

Using a 3-ring binder - I start with a Master Framework Page from the shf-l book. (see Friday, January 2, 2009 entry) On this one Master Framework Page, I list the categories of subjects and the credits earned (or anticipated to be earned.) This is adjusted about twice a year.

As of now I have listed:
Math -3
English - 4
Science - 3 1/2
Health - 1/2
PE - 1
Fine Arts - 2 (but may go to 3)
History - 3 1/2
Bible - 2
Computer - 1
Life Management - 1
Italian - 2
Home Ec. - 2

Total (if I added correctly) - 25 1/2 credits

I define a credit hour as 150 hours of work, but I use mostly content focus, not counting actual hours. Actually by doing content credit, most of these courses are well over 150 hours of work.

In FL a student needs 24 credits to graduate. I went to the FL DOE website and used their basic titles for the credits. Some of these that I listed above will be broken down into different course titles. For example, the history category will become Am. History, World History, Government, and so on. For now, on this Master Framework Page, I just keep them in generalized categories.

After this one page of my Master Framework, I have dividers for each category. Under each category, I have one page for each subject that is in that category. This is my master list of each course name and the main content that fills that course. This is where the personalization comes in. We do not do one course all the way through in a semester or a year - they are pretty much all spread out over the 4 (or more) years we do high school.

I will write a third part that has the course information under each main category.

Hermitage Pictures (vacation)

2009-06-23T06:00:00.002-04:00

Top to bottom: Magnolia in bloom. Slave cabins. The brook out in the forested part of the grounds (and #3 son).

Home School through High School - Part 1

2009-06-22T08:13:00.019-04:00

Once a year, usually during the summer, I update my student's high school information. I plan what our main goals for the upcoming year should be. I gather information and make a generalized plan first. I get input from the student, and then I give it to Dh. He gives his input and then I make adjustments (if any) and we are ready for the next year. It isn't really complicated and once it is initially set up at 9th grade, I just tweak it as needed. I just grab bits of time over a couple of days to do this. This year the process was about a week in length - with most times being 15 minutes here and there - but the final write up (since this is my daughter's upcoming senior year) did take me an hour or two to finalize. This plan is the basis for our final transcript after we finish all the courses. While we have it set up for this final year - there could still be variations. As the Lord gives opportunities or takes them away, we just adjust. I do this all in pencil as we go.

It is important to note that our main focus is the Wisdom Book (WB). Most of the rest of the content of the courses is in some way related to the WB, and often done as a result of a WB project. We add other courses as needed, and as time allows, keeping the direction aimed to our child's bent. If you let the student dialogue with you and observe their interests - it is pretty easy to know their direction by the time they are at 9th grade - and it will only be refined as the years go along.

I will write further entries with the general categories I have just done for my daughter - just as a point of information, not to copy, since each student will have a differing focus for their high school career. My daughter is heavy on music, but lighter in the history and science categories. My 3rd son was very heavy in computers but very little in the way of fine arts. The content for each course is based on doors that open for us along the way. Or shut. I had great plans for some hands-on art courses - they just didn't work out for us.

It is also important not to panic the first year of high school, and don't worry that there is soooo much to do. Yes there is a lot to do, but you only need to take one day at a time.

Vacation - Rock City and The Hermitage

2009-06-04T08:41:00.002-04:00

We just returned from a week long vacation. The focus was four days of a homeschool convention - but we wrapped the front and back ends of the trip with stops at some fun places. At the front end we visited Rock City. Yes, we were drawn by all the roadside ads on barns and birdhouses! We enjoyed it very much. The above picture is just one of the spectacular sites. What we didn't quite understand was the picture below:

Why the need to pipe in distracting music? While it was nice music, the kids were the first ones to ask why it was needed when the birds, bugs, and water were all so wonderful and noisy on their own. The music only competed with the beauty of the natural that surrounded us.

On the back end of our trip we visited the Hermitage (Pres. Andrew Jackson's home.) When asked what their favorite parts of that site were - we all had some variation of the beauty of the grounds. I loved the walk out through the far fields. There was a brook along the way and beautuiful wildflowers, trees, and fields. Dh liked the formal garden best - just now in spectaular bloom with lots of magnolias and roses just to name a few of the magnificant flowers. No piped in music here - just lots of robins, squirrels, noisy bugs and babbling brook. It was wonderful and so peaceful.

God does the job of creation best - and it is best when left to him. Our messes are only the noise of piped in music.

Book: How To Resolve 7 Deadly Stresses

2009-06-03T10:28:00.004-04:00

Is. 58:8 ...thine health shall spring forth speedily...

I am currently reading a book on 7 deadly stresses and the root issues of health care.

Anger - Cardiovascular System
Guilt - Nervous System
Lust - Endocrine System
Bitterness - Digestive System
Greed - Immune System
Fear - Respiratory System
Envy - Musculoskeletal System

And the 5 Causes of all diseases.

What we think.

What we say .

What we do .

What we eat.

What we inherit.

"Simply taking a drug to treat a symptom is saying, 'It does not matter what you think, say, do, eat, or inherit; just take this pill, and you will feel better.' The result is often a side effect that requires another drug." (p. 14)

Also see this website for additional information.

Miracle Mist Spray

2009-05-21T03:32:00.002-04:00

I love this product. It is one of the three main "medicines" that I use in our home. (The other two are Betadine for cuts, and Watkin's Petro Carbo for some abrasions.) I have been using the Miracle Mist for my roseacea and it is working! My skin is the clearest it has been in years. I keep two bottles out and spray every time I think about it - at least 6-8 times a day - and if I get up in the night, I spray again. If anyone has roseacea, you know how difficult it is to treat - and I just can't bring myself to go on daily antibiotics or steroid creams (the only treatments that are currently prescribed, to my knowledge.)

We also use Miracle Mist for burns. It brings immediate relief to sunburns. And for those cooking or ironing type burns - we spray it on immediately. Then repeat the spray when it starts to hurt again. Continue to do that each time it begins to hurt (usually about 3-4 times.) Our burns never even blister - they just fade away.

There are many other applicable uses that we have never had to personally test, thankfully, but for any type of skin issue I would try this first. They are limited to what they can advertise on their website due to government regulations - but this is a great cure for skin issues.

Oh, and it seems the label has been updated - so even though my picture doesn't match the website's - it is the same product. We placed the order for this latest shippment on Monday - it arrived at our home on Wednesday!

Why I Like ATI and Wisdom Books

2009-05-19T05:58:00.016-04:00

From the website:

"In the ATI program, children learn along with their parents through a unit study approach to education. This approach increases the motivation of children as they are part of a “learning team,” rather than studying on their own." ... "Through the ATI approach to higher education, young people learn to solve youth and family problems and discover the purpose that God has for their lives."

The entire Wisdom Book #4 is available for viewing here.

So why do "I" like using ATI and the Wisdom Books? Because it does exactly what it said it would do - we were given the tools to solve family problems and help our children discover their individual life purposes. This is no step by step manual to put on and all your problems fall away - but through the skills we learned - and applied - we have seen the Lord alive in our home in ways that we thought were for times past, or for other, more "spiritual" people. It is a way of life - not a curriculum, but it has been worth the effort for the sake of our family. The biggest changes had to come first in my husband and myself, or we were just teaching hypocrisy - "Do as I say and not as I do." That end result would be worse than where we started. But as we were humbled and broken (and the process continues...), then we have seen the promised results in our children, not because a program worked - but because the Lord now had the freedom to work - and that has made all the difference.

Oh, and it has sound academics too.

See the USA....by FedEx.

2009-05-18T20:56:00.014-04:00

Conclusion: The package did finally get here. I ended up keeping it, though it was useless to me for the coat for which it was intended. It is nice fabric and I will use it for other projects. I just did not want to have to deal with the company on any further level (even for a refund), so I decided to simply cut my losses at this point - keep the fabric - and just never order from them again.

Update: the package has now made it to Orlando (3 days to fly from Atlanta to Orlando?) But the expected delivery date is now pushed back to May 23...

May 18, 2009 2:43 PMDeparted FedEx locationATLANTA, GA
May 18, 2009 3:02 PM
Arrived at FedEx location
ATLANTA, GA
May 16, 2009 12:26 AM
Departed FedEx location
DALLAS, TX
May 15, 2009 10:16 PM
Arrived at FedEx location
DALLAS, TX
May 13, 2009 7:06 PM
Departed FedEx location
ATLANTA, GA
May 13, 2009 3:47 PM
Arrived at FedEx location
ATLANTA, GA
May 13, 2009 2:33 AM
Departed FedEx location
EARTH CITY, MO
May 13, 2009 12:08 AM
Arrived at FedEx location
EARTH CITY, MO
May 12, 2009 4:51 PM
Shipment information sent to FedEx

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Ship date May 12, 2009

Estimated delivery May 22, 2009

Well, since this needs to be made into a coat to be worn on May 23 - I think we have a problem, Houston (oops, that would be Dallas!) So we took a jaunt into town (an hour away) and bought alternate fabric. It is coming out of the wash now and will be cut out tomorrow - that still gives me four days to get it cut and sewn. I have had worse deadlines - now if the rest of life would just hold still so I can get caught up - LOL.

So whats up with that side trip to Dallas anyway? - up to that point it was going well and on time scheduled to be delivered to me today!!! I am glad we can't see with the eyes of God - I am sure I don't really want to know the answer to that - it will work out fine this way and I am sure it is much better this way.

Fluffy Helping With School Work

2009-04-22T11:57:00.001-04:00

MOSI Trip

2009-04-20T12:06:00.003-04:00

For her birthday last month, the Princess requested a trip to MOSI. This is the first chance her dad has had to take her. (I chose to opt out and have it a Father/Daughter day.) The Body Works exhibit is still here. A very good biology class.

And here is a friend from the Butterfly Garden.

Pastor Anderson Beaten and Arrested by Border Patrol!

2009-04-20T09:08:00.003-04:00

The story can be viewed from here.

Surprised - no.

Sad - yes.

If the Border Patrol felt they had probable cause - all they needed to do was get a search warrant.

New Brake Pads

2009-04-19T12:16:00.002-04:00

I love that my kids all like each other and help each other out. This was definitely a 2-man job. #2 son (under the car) needed new brake pads on his car. #3 son (kneeling) helped out.

Old - left side.

New - right side

Chocolate Pie

2009-04-18T11:26:00.003-04:00

This is based on a recipe I found in a Taste of Home magazine - but I changed so many things, that I can truthfully call it my own creation.

In a double boiler melt 4 or 5 squares (1 oz. each) of semi-sweet chocolate along with about 1 tsp. of shortening. Hold to one side. You can adjust this to personal preferences.

Bake a single bottom pie crust. (about 10 mins. @ 450 degrees) Be sure to use a fork to make holes in the crust so it won't puff. I often use the Pillsbury pie crusts you get in the refrigerated section of the grocery store - but you can make your own single crust too. Let it cool.

In a bowl place:

6 oz. of softened cream cheese

1/4 c. butter, softened

1 and 1/2 c. confectioner's sugar (10X powdered sugar)

1/3 c. baking cocoa

2 T. milk (I have used 1T. powdered soy milk and 2 T. water or you could use canned milk - and I suspect just 2 T. of water would be okay too. )

1 tsp. vanilla

Mix it all smooth. Then scoop into the chocolate mixture most of a regular sized container of Cool Whip and fold. Sometimes I also use fresh whipped cream. (Then you would fold in about 2-3 c. after whipping )

Meanwhile....

Pour in most of the melted chocolate (to taste) into the cooled crust and spread it over the crust. (This is the secret bottom layer you don't see in the picture above!) Let the chocolate cool for a few minutes to set.

Then scoop in the whipped chocolate filling mixture. You can use a pastry bag to make a fancy design on top with the rest of the whipped cream - or just drop it on as I did in the picture. Then drizzle with the remaining melted chocolate. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Keep any leftovers in the refrigerator.

Flute Ensemble

2009-04-04T20:14:00.010-04:00

The Princess playing at the community college flute ensemble she was invited to join under Concert Master Shaul ben-Meir (pictured with The Princess below.) She played the third flute part.

Family Helps

2009-04-02T09:39:00.005-04:00

This is a poster you can download and print (it probably needs some resizing) from the website of Dr. SM Davis. We probably have about 70 of his videos now - and we have viewed almost all of them - only a couple still waiting for us to watch - and some we have seen multiple times. They have been a huge help to our family. As with any help, we take that which is of benefit to us, and leave the rest, but with Dr. Davis we have never had much we didn't take to heart.

The Lord has given Dr. Davis an extensive ministry helping families. Parenting is hard work, and it seems that most of our society is inclined to activities rather than training. Even the most well-meaning parents have little to follow in the way of godly examples.

We beagan with the Wisdom Series he offers, and now have the Anger Series, the Courtship Series, most of the Parenting Series, and the Doctrinal Series. We also have various tapes/dvd's of other sets we haven't yet completed, but will eventually purchase.

Last year Dr. and Mrs. Davis visited our area and preached in our church. Funny, he was just the same as on his tapes! We were so privileged to meet him and his wife. But even if you can't hear him in person, you will feel he is there with you after watching several of his illustrated sermons.

A New Purse to Sew

2009-03-31T13:00:00.001-04:00

Last Friday I had lunch with some friends, one of whom is an avid (and gifted) quilter. She found out that this on-line store, Piney Patch, is locally based in our neighborhood! On the last Friday of each month, Linda (the owner) opens up her home to let us drop in and shop - so we concluded our luncheon get together at the home of Piney Patch. Linda's home is gorgeous, her business so professional, and her helpfulness is amazing. I bought this kit to make a purse. The kits that were made up did not have the fabric I really wanted - no problem - Linda just helped us all (it was a group effort) select the colors I liked and I now have a customized kit all ready to sew. Below are the 3 fabric choices the group helped me to come up with.

Children of Character

2009-03-30T13:00:00.001-04:00

This is a great book. I have known Mardy and her family for many years. She has helped me sort through some tough issues. For more about Mardy and the ministry the Lord has given her you can visit her website here. You might want to sign up to receive her Mary Heart Newsletters (and read the back issues at the blog here!)

Fluffy - again....

2009-03-29T13:00:00.000-04:00

Knitted Shawl

2009-03-28T20:23:00.002-04:00

This is a shawl I am knitting for my SWAP entry for an outer garment. The colors of the variegated bamboo yarn match the skirts I made. I like this bamboo yarn very much. It is very soft and not too difficult to knit. The pattern, however, has been a test for both my abilities and my perfectionist tendency to do it right or not at all. I dropped a stitch at one point, but didn't discover it until about two inches later. It would be impossible to take out a portion of this and get it back on the needle correctly. It was too far along to weave it back to the needle. And I wasn't ripping this all out to start over! So my mom helped me tie off the dangling piece and I just went on. Only I would be able to see it.

More noticeable is where I accidentally added stitches, tried to fix it and went on for about 3 inches trying to get the required 48 stitches back on and going in a correct pattern. Still, it isn't too bad, and I am keeping on. In the end with the type of yarn, its coloring, and the knitted pattern, the mistakes won't be easily spotted - I hope.

The pattern and a sample finished product can be viewed by clicking on here.

Christ-Responders by Francis Frangipane

2009-03-14T12:42:00.002-04:00

I was out early one morning riding my bicycle when suddenly, to my left, came the horrific sound of an automobile accident; it occurred about eighty feet from me at a stoplight. I turned just in time to see one car sliding sideways, while the other car, with the hood and grill pushed up like a pug, was rocking back and forth from the impact.

Yet, other than dial 911, I didn't know what to do in this emergency. In fact, even as I walked toward the crash site, I found myself wrestling against a barrier of fears and apprehensions: What would I find? Would the passengers be bloody, seriously hurt or even dead? What would I do if a car caught fire?

When I arrived, I found there were only two people involved, the drivers of each car. Thankfully, while each was emotionally shaken, neither was physically hurt.

Yet, I wasn't fine. I was troubled by my inability to quickly respond. After the police arrived, I left pondering my reaction to this accident. I realized a significant part of my fear was due to being untrained. My lack of emergency first aid training left me unprepared to cope in a crisis situation. Without the knowledge and skills provided by training, the best I could offer is to call 911.

Why am I sharing this story? As Christians, many of us are unprepared to cope with spiritual emergencies in life. We are "saved" and we can pray, which is the spiritual equivalent of calling 911. But we are not trained to deal with crises and life issues. Many are not adept at spiritual warfare; they don't know how to effect reconciliation when divisions arise; they are not confident in ministering healing or discernment about issues.

You see, our salvation experience is the first step in a life of ongoing spiritual training and equipping. We may not all become pastors or missionaries, but we still need to know how to respond in an emergency.

Consider King David. He said the Lord, "trains my hands for battle" (Ps. 18:34). David didn't just fight, flailing at the wind; God trained him until David could bend a bow of bronze. David became mighty in battle. When others fled, intimidated by the sight of Goliath, David made plans to cut the giant down. Why was David confident? God trained David in previous confrontations with a bear and a lion. David knew what to do in a crisis.

Today, we are living in a state of national emergency, but most Christians are only dialing 911 in prayer. We need to be a first responder - a Christ-responder - who knows God and can do exploits (see Dan. 11:32).

Indeed, anyone can see our society and economy is failing, but God calls us to rebuild the ancient ruins, not just walk among the ruins and wonder what happened. We are called to be repairers of the breech, restorers of the streets in which to dwell (see Isa. 58:12). The Holy Spirit has redemptive answers for our cities and neighborhoods, creative remedies that will bring peace and prosperity back to our communities.

There are people who are hurting that God wants us to touch. Yet, before we can go out, first the Holy Spirit must train us. He says in Isaiah 50:4, "The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of disciples, that I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple."

Christ wants our tongues to be trained so we can speak as His representatives. People are weary, yet the Lord wants us to minister heart-to-heart resuscitation to those exhausted by their battle.

You see, it's not enough to be a Christian and simply try to be good. We need to be trained. Such training can come to us directly from the Holy Spirit, or the Holy Spirit can use previously trained people to train us. Indeed, if we see someone who is Christlike in a particular area, who responds to life's emergencies with calm authority, we should not hesitate to ask them to train us in the area of their maturity (see Eph. 4:11-12).

The book of Hebrews urges us to "remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith" (v. 13:7).

We are not to merely copy other people, but upon careful examination of their virtue - considering the outcome of their way of life - seek to learn from them. Jesus Himself said, "A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher" (Luke 6:40).

Beloved, our goal is to be like Christ. With our focus upon Him, it is not a weakness to seek spiritual training from others whom He sends. Just as I desired to know how to serve in a physical emergency, so we need to know how to serve in spiritual emergencies as well.

The present conditions in our world are not merely judgments from God; they are opportunities for the church. Current conditions are making people ripe for evangelism.

God needs disciples who have been trained and tested. We cannot stand paralyzed by fear, watching the catastrophic events of our times unfold. We must become Christ-responders.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Please feel free to forward this message to others; acknowledging our web site would be kindly appreciated.
www.frangipane.org

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2009-03-09T08:47:00.005-04:00

This article (above) recently appeared in our local paper.

And now the rest of the story......

The paper box in question sitting in the big, rumbly van.

The big, rumbly van that rescued the paper box from the deep-dark-scary woods.

Note: Reason for #3 son being in the deep-dark-scary woods? He collects aluminum cans and scrap metal to help pay for the gas for the big, rumbly, always-hungry van.

Time for a New "Fluffy" Picture....

2009-03-04T09:59:00.002-05:00

If You Sew - What Are You?

2009-03-03T08:32:00.007-05:00

Over at the A-Dress-A-Day blog site, Erin remarked on using the term "sewist" for a person who sews. It generated a bit of a discussion in the comments section (see the March 2, 2009 entry). So (pun intended) I was wondering if you are a person who sews, what do you prefer to use as a title to describe yourself? Some options that have come up are: tailor, seamstress, sewer, sewist, stitcher, seamster, dressmaker, (or other?)

Note: The machine above is my little 1955 Singer Featherweight 221.

Freedom of Speech

2009-02-28T18:23:00.011-05:00

Above: This Saturday afternoon while three local Pastors preached for an hour on the lawn of our County Courthouse, there were about 14 of us holding signs and lining Main Street just a few steps away.

Below: All the family joined in.

Bottom: This is one end of our line. It extends up to the real estate office past the lights at the intersection. The folks that passed by were so kind and supportive. Many waved or gave a thumbs up - we even got a "God bless you!". Only a few turned their heads away. None were rude.

So why street preaching?

1. The Word of God is always fruitful, whether we see the results or not.

2. It can provide a point of discussion for those that see us. This could be a discussion with us, other vehicle occupants, or friends and family.

3. It can stir folks to think about their lives and whether they are ready for eternity or not.

4. It can encourage other Christians to live boldly for the Lord.

5. And it is obeying the Lord to take the Gospel to the lost.

Adventures in Tree Trimming

2009-02-21T13:55:00.005-05:00

Ignoring the dirty front door (note to self: must wash this!) - here is the last we hope to see of these gadgets! They have been a part of Dh's life since Saturday, December 27th. I don't want to be a tattle-tale, but think "chain saw", "big tree limb", "step ladder", and I think it will all become more clear. We praise God that it was not more serious, but a fractured rib and tibia are good reminders that tree trimming is best left to the professionals - or at least be sure you know what you are doing!

Skills learned:

*How to call for an ambulance and give good directions.

*How to spend 6 weeks in a recliner, walk on crutches, and bathe with just a sink.

*How to pry Dad out of a recliner while listening to yelps of pain.

Results:

*Two cords of good oak firewood. (courtesy of #2 son and a huge, now-on-the-ground, tree limb)

*Dh is banned from chain saw use.

*Lots of praise for a merciful God.

The Power For True Success

2009-02-21T13:30:00.010-05:00

I use this book in conjunction with Achieving True Success. The same 49 character traits are listed, but this book is all from a biblical perspective. You can click on this top image in order to read some of what is written concerning the character trait of hospitality. The cover of the book is below. Around our house it is actually known only as "The Blue book". It is available at the IBLP website, here.

Knitted Baby Blanket

2009-02-21T12:32:00.008-05:00

I am finally nearing the end of my first "big" knitting project. I began knitting when I was about 5 or 6 years old. I can remember my dad teaching me to knit on some pretty pink, plastic knitting needles. My mom has been a knitter (though never a sewer) from when she was young (and makes beautiful projects), but since I am left handed she could not quite make knitting understandable to me. My dad figured out how to translate it all into "lefthand".

At first I would just knit rectangles which were then fashioned into doll clothes - mostly Barbie, but some baby dolls too. Then over the years I have done simple hats, scarfs, and slippers. I recently started knitting more in the last four or five years. I have done many (many) of those simple dishcloths, both for gifts, and to use in our home. About a year ago I decided I wanted to take a step beyond simple projects, but I also wanted to be sure that they were projects I would actually finish! I found this free pattern on-line. The picture above is my work to date, and the pattern link is here. (The bottom corner isn't quite square as I haven't blocked it yet.)

This baby blanket is actually based on the dishcloth pattern, but is a much bigger project. I felt this was the perfect challenge to prove my staying power and get something large completed. I am almost done! I actually don't have a specific use for it right now, but I will put it in the cedar chest for a future grandchild. Then on to the next project. I am planning to do this one next as one of my SWAP entries - we will see.

Achieving True Success

2009-02-13T04:03:00.006-05:00

This is one of the main books I use for practical, daily character training. There are 49 character traits listed. Each is defined - and it's opposite trait noted. When there is a negative trait I am seeing in a child (or myself!), I look for that negative trait listed in the book in order to train, pray for, and notice the opposite positive trait that needs to be developed and instilled in the individual. The book also notes practical ways to show this trait in the home. And my favorite part of the book - the 5 "I Wills" that are always included with each trait. I write the "I Wills" on posters to hang on the wall, we say them out loud to memorize them, we try to spot them as we go about our day, and we rejoice to see one of those "I Wills" in use. The "I Wills" give us a handle on what to aim for and spot in others. Praising a child for a character trait is affirming and character building. One place to find it is here.

Dinner

2009-02-13T03:49:00.003-05:00

I had to use up some hamburger I had unthawed, and the weather was hot, so I didn't want to heat up the oven - so I made this concoction. It turned out pretty good, everyone enjoyed it.

Saute an onion (I hate having a leftover piece of an onion, so I always just use one whole onion for any recipe.) and brown the hamburger in a little olive oil. I use my cast iron frying pan for this. Then I just sliced up 5 red potatoes, skin and all and added that in with a drizzle of olive oil over the top. I flavored it all with salt, pepper, garlic (lots of garlic), a tiny dash of red pepper, some paprika, and a dash or two of Teryaki sauce. I laid a lid over the top of the frying pan (it has no actual lid, I just use one from another pan that fits down over the food) and let it cook. I stirred it once in a while. In about 20 minutes it was done (when the potatoes are soft.) A quick and easy one pan meal.

Hoodies!

2009-02-04T20:43:00.003-05:00

I finished a second hoodie for #2 son. You can read more about it (if you want the details) by clicking on the "My Reviews" side bar to the right. This picture also shows you our front yard. We have had a few hard frosts in this area of FL so the grass is all brown - but no snow!!! And the migratory songbirds are coming through the area now as well - lots of singing robins in the mornings.

Pattern Review

2009-01-30T01:58:00.008-05:00

Kathy asked me about Pattern Review in one of her comments. The actual web address is linked here. For anyone that sews, this can be a valuable site to visit. There are many thousands of members and many patterns reviewed. Granted all of the fashions aren't necessarily ones I would find suitable, but there is much that I do like. A couple of examples of specific helps to me have been:

*An alert that the "cow" bag I made the Princess has 3/8" seam allowances (it is standard to usually have 5/8".) The "cow" bag pattern only notes this little (but critical) tidbit in one obscure spot - so that PR alert saved me much grief.

*The fleece hoodie I recently made runs rather full through the sleeves and shoulders, but is also a bit on the short side in length. By knowing that ahead of time (from reading reviews others had done of the same pattern) I was able to be alert to fitting adjustments that I needed to make. And when I wrote my review of that same pattern - I reminded folks that make length adjustments to also adjust the pocket placement (something I neglected to do.)

You don't need to have a paid membership to read the reviews there. And you can get a free trial membership for 30 days. That was what I did at first to see if I liked it. After discussion with my husband we decided that I would buy a yearly membership for at least the next year or two. The annual membership cost is minimal - and as a member I get discounts on classes, among other things. The on-line classes have been great for me. I just can't commit to taking classes outside my home, yet I need regular structured help to move ahead in my sewing. If you read my sewing story you will know I have sewed for many years, but have never been really good at it - just enough to do basic items. At this season of my life the Lord has brought sewing back to me in a significant way and I need the on-line classes, tutorials, and message boards at Pattern Review to help me.

I am currently working through the Beginning Sewing Labs 101-104. While I do know the basics and am not a "beginner"(I rated my sewing level as "advanced beginner" at the site), my sewing experiences have been so hit and miss over the years that there are many, many simple things that I have never learned. These classes have been great. I also did a fabric oriented class that covered all about knit fabrics. It was hugely helpful for me as fabric knowledge is one of my two weakest areas. The other is fitting and alterations. That is the subject I will work on next when these basic classes are done.

I have also joined my first PR contests. While I am not contest competitive - I am contest motivated. I love having contest goals and focus. I also am learning interesting ideas from other PR members. As a result of the current "Stash Contest" I learned from "Ody" how to add length to one's blankets and sheets. With a Dh that is 6"4" keeping sheets tucked in and feet covered can be challenging. I would never have thought that just by stitching a length of fabric at the bottom of our top sheet where it tucks under the mattress is a way to give just that extra comfort zone.

So for me a membership at this time is a benefit, but even if this is not a place the Lord is leading you to invest with your time or money, I would still suggest checking PR before tackling any sewing project in order to see what others have to say about a pattern you are considering using.

Florida Homeschool Evaluations

2009-01-20T13:08:00.003-05:00

One of several means of satisfying Florida homeschooling law, is for a FL certified teacher to attest that a student has shown progress commensurate with ability. There are wide interpretations of how that is accomplished. The easiest way for me to address this issue is probably just to list some major points that Dh (a FL certified teacher, and homeschool evaluator) and I have encountered over the 16+ years we have homeschooled our 4 children.

*Yes, you can evaluate your own children if you are a FL certified teacher. No, it isn't cheating!

*Shop around and ask a lot of questions. It is very important that you find someone that understands home schooling is not the same as school at home.

*You should receive the evaluation in your hands, and you are the one to turn it in to the designated authority in your school district (county). You do not have to turn in that particular evaluation if you are uncomfortable with the results. You may hire another evaluator or use a different option for your student's evaluation. But if you homeschool under the authority of the county, you do have to avail yourself of one of the legal options the state law offers.

*You have one year from the time you inform the county you are homeschooling to turn in your evaluation. You can turn it in early, but don't be late, please as you are then breaking your contract with the state. There is no "deadline" or other arbitrary date when an evaluation is due - you have one full year. Some counties do have a "deadline", but that is only because they have, thus far, gotten away with it.

*The evaluator does not assign grades, grade levels, promotion or retention to grades, or credits. This is the right of the parent educator only.

*The evaluator cannot tell you what subjects to cover, nor the scope or sequence of the subjects you chose to teach.

*The evaluator should include no information on the evaluation form except what is required by law. The sample form above was developed many years ago by Dh and is valid for all FL counties. Our district's sample form given to all homeschool parents in this county asks for notes on student progress (or something to that effect.) It really is none of their business and goes beyond the scope of state law, so it is not required. But many parents don't realize this or are intimidated, and many certified teachers don't question what comes to them on an "official" form. (See my second point above!)

*If you have a question, feel free to write me in the comments section, or use the e-mail address that connects with my blog profile (if you don't have my primary e-mail address).

My Sewing History

2009-01-17T14:56:00.013-05:00

Lindsay over at her blog called Lindsay T Sews (Again) started many readers writing their sewing "back stories". I have mentioned snippets of my sewing history here and there, but thought I would go ahead and write it on my blog - and include a picture of the machine on which I learned to sew.

Other than the children's cardboard sewing cards that many of us had when very young, my first sewing, that I remember, began while sitting with my Grammy Page on her front lawn one summer about the time I was 8 years old. She taught me to hand sew a skirt and blouse for my Barbie doll. It was quite well done by the time she helped me finish it. We had well fitted darts, snaps to fasten it, a skirt band and nice hems. I had also learned to knit a few years before that and would knit Barbie clothes as well. (Barbie was big in my area for anyone in sixth grade and under - but few could afford the "store bought" clothes - so we made do and learned to make them ourselves.)

My other grandmother, Meme, would sometimes make my sister and I dresses for school, but she lived far from us and I never saw her actually sewing - I only knew it was possible to make really great clothes at home that were unique and cute. So in high school I looked forward to home ec. class. While the fussiness of the home ec. teachers tended to be a bit exacting for me, I did learn a lot, and loved sewing on a real sewing machine. My first project that I can remember was a yellow, collarless, sleeveless dress. I learned to make facings, put in a centered zipper and make darts. I wanted to make more clothes, so a close friend's mom agreed to help me make another project. It was a maroon vest and matching skirt. The vest was lined, and the A-line skirt had a lapped zipper and a waistband. I now had the basics down and was off on my own.

The next problem was that I had no sewing machine, and no money in our family to spare for one. Meme came to the rescue. The Singer in the picture above was loaned (and many years later given) to me by my Meme. I continued to make outfits for myself all through high school and college. They tended to be simple, but I did expand my portfolio of techniques enough to manage to do box pleats, shorts and culottes, and even was tapped to do some costumes for two college productions. Usually I just followed the steps in the pattern directions or stumbled onto how to make it work.

When I got married the Singer didn't automatically come with me since it still belonged to Meme at that time. So my wonderful Dh bought me a Kenmore machine for our first Christmas as a married couple. That was 28 years ago. I sewed outfits, costumes, and baby clothes at times, but I was a bit frustrated as I was very poor at fitting (I thought the patterns were supposed to fit right out of the package) and still had only basic sewing skills. I had no one to teach me and, especially, no time to take a class --- then came the internet.

Over the past year I have discovered sewing blogs, which led me to Pattern Review, which led me to the Stitcher's Guild and on and on. I have been taking sewing lessons on-line from Pattern Review, and still teach myself a lot just from reading other's sewing blogs. In the past year I have learned more about sewing than I had in the last 30. I truly believe the Lord opened the door so that I can develop my skills in order to minister to more families - and my children too!

Addendum: These two machines (and a 1955 Singer Featherweight 221 - an e-bay recent addition) are the only machines I own and use. The Singer machine is a 1946 Model 201-2. Though it is a straight stitch only machine, it works great and I love sewing on it. The Kenmore is a 1980 Ultra Stitch 12. It has zigzag and a few decorative stitches. It tends to groan a bit, and occasionally wheezes, but it too is still working for me.

The Duggar's New Book

2009-01-16T07:53:00.005-05:00

Loved it!!!! I got this book for my birthday on December 26. I finished reading it the evening of December 27. I couldn't put it down. Now the Princess is reading it. It doesn't matter if you are not yet a parent (or even not yet a spouse), a parent of few, or a parent of many - there is a lot of great wisdom in here for everyone. I highly recommend reading this book. I am always slow to think outside the box, but the creativity and frugality of the Duggars challenged me to look at all things with a new "eye". You can buy the book and view their website from here.

(You can also see more about the Duggar family on my blog by using the wedding label below.)

Amazing Graze General Store Contest

2009-01-11T19:31:00.003-05:00

Marci over at "Down on the Farm" is having a give away - the prize is a $20 gift certificate from her store. Feel free to spread this far and wide. It is always fun when you actually know the real live person behind the blog. I first met Marci (and her wonderful family) back in the late '90's. She was just getting goats (and I had goats at the time as well) and she was also the nearest contact I had for buying whole foods in bulk - back then she lived in FL - right straight across the state from me. Now she lives in Ohio and I miss going to her house! Her blog is great, and she has an "Amazing" store. You can find her here. (Look, I learned to do embedded links now!!!) The Friday, January 23, entry has the details for her contest.

Re-Useable Gift Bags

2009-01-08T18:43:00.008-05:00

On Pattern Review they have several contests running for January and February - I joined all 3!!! This is one of my first entries (though I haven't yet officially reviewed it at their site - but I will soon.) It qualifies for the Stash Contest. This is all fabric I have had around for a few years. I decided to make it up into re-useable gift bags. First I googled how to make fabric gift bags. After quickly reading through the first several pages of hits, I didn't find any one bag that I really liked - but did find components that I could fit together into my own design.

*I liked squaring the bottom of the bag - that was easy - fold out the point, measure up 2" along the seam line from the corner point, draw a line across that point, sew, and cut off the excess fabric.

*Since this fabric was uni-directional, I made the bottom panel rather than fold the fashion fabric across the bottom. I didn't want a bottom seam. This is my panel ready to be folded right sides together and then stitch up the side seams. The red portion will fold to be the bottom.

* I did not want a drawstring top. I found a cute technique that uses either a ribbon (didn't have any on hand at the time) or a sewn tie as a closure. I really liked that look. So I made a tie from the red fabric, folded it (keeping one side about 2 inches longer) and stitched it into one of the side seams and it works great. I just knotted the ends.

*I could not stand the raw interior seams - so I lined it. This bag in the photo uses a red lining - I have since done another that uses gold. To line, I just made another bag the same size, squared the corners, and with the right sides of the 2 bags together (one inside the other) stitched around the top edge leaving a small opening to turn it all the right way out. I then carefully pressed and top stitched the top edge. On this bag I also turned that edge in about an inch and top stitched it again. On the gold bag I just left the top as is.

Here you can see the lining, turned in top edge, and the ties.

These large lined bags will be used "in house", but I plan to make up others that are a bit less fancy that can go to new homes for next Christmas.

Tozer on Purpose

2009-01-04T10:15:00.016-05:00

I really enjoy the writings of Tozer. Pictured is a book I received as a Christmas gift. I read widely and am inspired by many writers, both past and present, but I seem to connect to Tozer in a special way that always brings me to conviction of sin and hope in doing better. I think it is his directness (the very thing that many detractors abhorred in him!) I love someone that is blunt and to the point. Those that tippy-toe around so as to not offend lose me in all their meanderings.

Below is an excerpt his writings that I received in a daily devotional:

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank.... --Daniel 1:8Though we do not hear much of it in this age of spineless religion, there is nevertheless much in the Bible about the place of moral determination in the service of the Lord. "Jacob vowed a vow," and it was the beginning of a very wonderful life with God....Daniel "purposed in his heart," and God honored his purpose. Jesus set his face like a flint and walked straight toward the cross. Paul "determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified,"...

These are only a few of the many men and women of the Bible who have left us a record of spiritual greatness born out of a will firmly set to do the will of God....Let us, then, set our sails in the will of God. If we do this we will certainly find ourselves moving in the right direction, no matter which way the wind blows. The Set of the Sail, pp. 11-13

Senior High: A Home-Designed Form+U+La

2009-01-02T21:14:00.006-05:00

Can you tell I use this book a lot? When #1 son began high school (about 14 years ago?) I was looking for help with how to manage homeschooling a high school aged student. I found this book and have used it ever since for all four of my children. It isn't a "curriculum", but a way to record what you are doing into a format that school officials will understand. And yet it is more.....

For the author, Barb Shelton, this is a ministry given by the Lord to help families chart a path past "school subjects" and into a lifestyle of learning rooted and based in true education directed by the Lord and individualized for each child's unique God-given purpose. If you are burned out, fearful, uncertain of how to move forward, and stuck in the rut of traditional education, then this is the book for you.

You can find this book by clicking on the title of the blog entry above. It will take you to www.homechooloasis.com

Out With The Old; In With The New

2008-12-30T03:51:00.001-05:00

Change and technology are challenges for me but I stumble along and do my best. Ever wonder about the simplistic style of my blog - it is a wonder I even have a blog! Much of the wonderful things I see others do on their blogs, I have not yet stumbled on how to do that, so it is left off from my little corner of blogdom. Centered pictures, a few words - that is about my limit. So - on to the phones. I have been using, for years and years, my wonderful and faithful StarTac phone (on the left above). Granted I have never been able to figure out how to get a message off from it (I warn friends don't leave me messages on the cell, they are lost forever on there!) But I can make it call friends and family when I need it. Alas, it is analog and soon doomed for oblivion with the digital changeover deadline coming up soon.

But cell-phone-man, #1 son, is looking out for him mom! For Christmas I got a new, easy to use phone (on the right above). No fancy gimicks - I could never learn them anyway. I don't text and I don't snap pictures - so that is all a waste for me. I have committed to learn how to retrieve a message on this phone, however! It is the least I can do. And since my phone is so often dead when I go to leave the house, #1 also got me the car recharger - a must for me. They all know me so well!

Our Christmas Tree

2008-12-26T12:20:00.004-05:00

Well, maybe "Christmas Tree" isn't such a great title for this post - mostly this is Fluffy enjoying the warm sun and a little Christmas spirit. Our best tree putter-upper and decorator is #3 son. He has always taken to this task with great ideas - I will forever remember one of his first - the "Toilet Paper" tree - rolls and rolls of it stuck all over the branches that he could reach (it was one of those giant packs). Not unwound or anything, just the full rolls looking like big snowflakes! I think he was only about 6 years old and I was taking too long getting the ornaments out for him, so he improvised. Now #3 not only decorates (minus the TP), but sets up the tree and gets the ornaments out of the garage - And to accommodate the cat, we placed a tote in the window next to the tree with his "pillow" on top of the tote. Do we spoil our cat?

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T14:12:00.000-05:00

The Hoodie - Final Chapter (Almost)

2008-12-21T17:11:00.008-05:00

Well, this one for the Princess is done. Just in time - we have some cold weather that is supposed to be coming in by tomorrow. I do have one more to make as a Christmas gift - but that one is already cut out and should go up faster. I worked out some bumps with my "trial run". I will be writing a review of the pattern at http://sewing.patternreview.com/ This came out so-so, but the princess likes it and I try not to look at the errors.

T-Shirt Dress Update/New Ministry

2008-12-19T16:17:00.006-05:00

The Holt family recently visited our church. They are Baptist missionaries to Sierra Leone, Africa - and they want to take along a box (or several) of the girl's T-shirt dresses that I have been making when they go back to Africa to be distributed to the girls in the Children's Home they are establishing. So I now have another project - and I am so excited about it. I am collecting up remnants of cotton fabric and thrifted T-shirts as I find them in the local thrift stores, and accepting materials from others that can't make the dresses, but wish to help with finding the materials. I have it down to about an hour a dress, so I can do up a number of these over the next several months (in between my other projects!) I am also willing to take ready-made ones to include in the box I send to them. (Make them pretty, modest, and cool - Sierra Leone is hot.)

Sierra Leone is ranked by the UN as the worst county on the planet to live (Yes, the worst - whole planet). The people are in desperate need. Over 40% of the population is under the age of 15 - the long civil war (now over) left many orphans. The Holt's can easily take the dresses with them when they go back later this year - as opposed to me shipping them and having it cost a small fortune. I need to send the dresses on to them by about June - so from January to June, T-shirt dresses are a priority.

The Ministry of Suffering

2008-12-12T20:21:00.003-05:00

Poor little Snowman. He was accidentally dropped into the oven while the Princess was removing a pan. No one noticed his plight until the flames were visible inside the oven door and the smoke detector went off. I had originally planned to write a funny story about the ensuing circus of events - but every time I look at this Snowman's face smiling above that charred mess, I keep thinking of the spiritual lesson there. And then this morning in my daily Tozer on-line devotional I read this:

December 12
Trials and Pain: Forced to Our Knees
And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. --2 Corinthians 12:7

The experiences of men who walked with God in olden times agree to teach that the Lord cannot fully bless a man until He has first conquered him. The degree of blessing enjoyed by any man will correspond exactly with the completeness of God's victory over him....

We might well pray for God to invade and conquer us, for until He does, we remain in peril from a thousand foes. We bear within us the seeds of our own disintegration.... Deliverance can come to us only by the defeat of our old life. Safety and peace come only after we have been forced to our knees. God rescues us by breaking us, by shattering our strength and wiping out our resistance. Then He invades our natures with that ancient and eternal life which is from the beginning. So He conquers us and by that benign conquest saves us for Himself.
The Pursuit of Man, 45,50.

I certainly don't enjoy suffering, but I love (really love) the results it brings. It is tough to stay focused sometimes on that end result. I think that is why sometimes the Lord sends these little mercies, like this smiling snowman combined with the Tozer devotional, to remind me that the fruit will be worth all the toil.

Truthfully, I am not suffering more than a few minor inconveniences. I have friends that are blessing me in the midst of their very difficult circumstances. And I often think and pray for those Christians in parts of the world that are truly suffering for their faith.
See: http://www.persecution.com/

So I rejoice in the head cold I have, the financial challenges, the time crunches, and decisions regarding the future. I rejoice in some of the trails I have already walked through (there were some biggies there) and I rejoice that there will be others to come. All refining me in order to love and serve my Lord even more.

SWAP

2008-12-10T09:25:00.012-05:00

Sewing With A Purpose. This is a sewing contest held at the Stitcher's Guild Sewing Forum found here: http://artisanssquare.com/sg/index.php#6 You just click on the SWAP 2009 tab and I am entered under the title: Fourkid 2009 SWAP - Skirtin' The Issue .

Anyone can enter, you just sign up and say you will enter. I am doing it with no expectation of winning anything - although I understand if you finish the requirements within the time frame everyone does get a small prize. I entered because this year's parameters fit my needs very well, and I am always putting off sewing for myself. I need some new, everyday clothes! I have always been motivated by these types of events. I am very non-competitive against others, but I love a challenge to myself.

So from now until April 30, 2009, I will do updates on my progress, both here (under the SWAP title), and at the Stitcher's Guild Forum. The official rules are at the website noted above, but the gist of it is to complete 11 garments in the allotted time frame. Of the 11 pieces, 6 must be tops, 4 must be bottoms, and one outer garment. All individual pieces must be able to be worn with each of the other pieces. The pieces must reflect your everyday weekly lifestyle.

I have chosen to do 2 or 3 skirts and 1 or 2 jumpers. Either way it will end up as four bottom pieces (jumpers can count as a bottom piece as long as every top can be worn with it.) My colors for the skirts and/or jumpers will be navy, dk. brown, tan, and blue denim. For the 6 tops, I am still in limbo on most of them, but to get started I have chosen to use the pattern pictured above in the maroon cotton fabric also pictured. This is an OOP (out of print) pattern I found at a thrift store for 10 cents. The fabric I bought new at Jo-Ann's.

For my outer garment, I am tentatively planning to knit a shawl. I found some attractive and easy free patterns on the web and have wanted a shawl for some time.

This is my most likely choice to make as of now:

http://www.classiceliteyarns.com/pdf/RaveLaceShawl.pdf

Christmas sewing has pushed my personal projects to the back burner - but I am hoping to have this top done by Jan. 1, and all my other SWAP projects decided on, patterns ready, and most fabric in hand, also by Jan. 1.

Hoodie - Part 2

2008-12-09T21:42:00.002-05:00

No, this isn't the Princess's hoodie - yet. This is our 2nd (and final) mock up cut from an old sheet and basted and pinned together. Before cutting into the more costly fleece, from which it is very hard to pick out wrong stitches, I wanted to check the fit. I have blended 3 sizes - extra small sleeves (they run very full), to small shoulders and then to medium at the hips. The first mock up had the shoulders droop way too much. So I took an inch from the length of the shoulder seam. This also pulled the sleeve up a bit shorter (which it needed). I think the shoulder seam is still a little long, but this is where it stays. The fleece should cover some of this up, and if I fiddle too much I will undoubtedly make a bigger mess than I am trying to fix. The bottom length is right where she wants it, so I will add an inch and a half hem allowance to the front and back pattern pieces. The mock up sleeves currently have no hem, so when properly done, they should be just about right. I am hoping to get the fleece version cut out tomorrow - but so far, none of this project has gone as I planned - we will see what the morning brings.

Sew Much Comfort

2008-12-09T08:46:00.006-05:00

From their website:

Serving Those Who Serve Us
Sew Much Comfort provides adaptive clothing free of charge to support the unique needs of our injured service members from all branches of the military and national guard. The need for adaptive clothing continues to grow as American military members are injured serving their country. Each week, many wounded military members arrive in the States from Germany for extensive medical treatment for bullet and shrapnel wounds, burns, head and limb injuries and amputations, while tens of thousands are still in the recovery process. These medical conditions require large fixator, prosthetics and casts that are too bulky to fit under ordinary clothing or underwear. Sew Much Comfort is the only organization providing adaptive clothing in large volumes to attempt to meet those special needs.

I am a volunteer sewist for this organization. They need more sewing vounteers, donations of goods or cash, and most importanly - if you know of any veterans that need their adaptive clothing, please refer them to the Sew Much Comfort website. You can link to it from the title of this blog entry, or from my "favorites" sidebar. I only know how to make the pants right now - but I just took a "working with knits" on-line class, in part, so that I can learn how to do more adaptations.

Here is a 6 minute video (the address just below) that documents the care wounded veterans receive. The crew in this case is flying into Bagram air base in Iraq. #2 son has been to that base many times. He would pick up and deliver the night vision equipment (among other things) for repairs.

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1407952648?bctid=1664436922

**side note - I once asked #2 son why the night vision equipment broke so often. Were they made of inferior parts or design? His reply - No, they are fine - they just don't work too well as a football!

Singing

2008-12-05T03:45:00.005-05:00

Singing.......definitely not my talent. I have other talents, so I don't feel to badly about not being able to carry a tune - except that I love to sing. My mother says I am always flat and a half beat behind - she is correct. My mother can sing and so can the Princess, but they don't like to sing like I do. I sing a lot. I can really ratchet up the volume too (I learned how to do that while working on a bus route to carry kids to church.) Only the family gets to hear the song of the Valkyrie, but it is legend. It does seem to get kids up out of bed in the morning, and the dog doesn't even howl - oops, we don't have a dog!

Back in the college years (and those bus route years) I was actually in a church choir and a college glee club! I had two really great friends (they would have to be!) that made sure they always stood next to me and we had a hidden signal (elbow in the ribs) whenever I flatted out. I even learned to do some songs pretty well. In college I sang in a Christmas special with all the combined school choirs. I sang the alto part of Handel's Messiah - the whole thing - and only got a few elbow-to-the-ribs during that entire performance. Granted my little voice was only one of about 300, but in practices it was only one of about 40. That could have created havoc.

Are you ready for the irony? My mother actually named me Patti Page! Really. Not even Patricia - but Patti - right there on my birth certificate. Such a cruel twist of fate - or was it hope? Well that hope was dashed at an early age. She knew by the time I was three I couldn't carry a tune. How you ask? (You did ask, right?) Because my grandfather had a state of the art sound system in his home and in the early years I was often asked to sing "How Much Is That Doggie In The Window" for any and all guests. It was blasted to every nook and cranny in his very large home. By the time I was five, such requests for the "doggie song" grew rare - they learned - I did not live up to my namesake.

Plus side to being Patti Page:
I was never anonymous - I was the first name every teacher knew on the first day of school.

Down side to being Patti Page:
I was never anonymous - I was the first name every teacher knew on the first day of school.

Biggest annoyance to being Patti (you don't need the "Page" for this part):
All those insistent teachers and rude "official people" that think I don't know my own legal first name. "No, I am not a Patricia; my name is Patti (with an "i"). Would you like to see my birth certificate?"

I e-mailed Patti Page a while back. I told her I had the same name as she did. (She wasn't actually born a "Patti" like me - I didn't say that to her, though.) She was very nice and wrote me back - though of course I didn't print it out before I lost my copy in a computer crash, oh well. I am on her mailing list for her maple syrup products, and I visit her website from time to time. I even have some of her CD's. I am not too keen on the "doggie song", but I love the Tennessee Waltz - that is probably my favorite of her songs. I don't have her Christmas CD - I probably need to get that one soon.

For me, heaven will be full of songs - fun, glorious, on-key, right pitch, correct timing, very loud songs!

(btw - since 1980, Dh has robbed me of my fame. I can no longer claim to be a "Page", but I do still get the snide remarks asking for my "legal" first name - "Are you sure you aren't Patricia?")

Thanksgiving - the Day After

2008-11-28T04:14:00.007-05:00

We had 20 here for a great dinner, some jammin' time, and lots of conversation. We used the clubhouse to contain us all. It was a beautiful breezy day. My newly engaged niece (brother's daughter) brought her fiancee. The Princess had her best friend join us. And it came out that even though my dad did tell the forestry officer we were related to Daniel Boone* - that isn't true. I think that was part of some discussion he recently had concerning why he couldn't use the dogs to run panther in the Everglades. (He feels he should be able to do so - and the game warden seems to disagree!)

We had turkey, ham, stuffing, gravy, cranberry suace, macaroni and cheese, sweet potato casserole, butternut squash, mashed potato, turnip, peas, green beans, rolls - and more. Dessert included apple pie, pumpkin pie, chocolate chip cookies and cake - and more. The Princess made this yummy punch.

After there was some jammin' time. The guitars came out and we heard songs, new and old. My brother is a songwriter and we always get some new ditties when he picks. His son and my #2 son join in.

We end the evening back at my folk's home with stories of family, while the youngers played Uno. It is sad to see everyone go separate directions - but so blessed that they all took the time to gather for one day a year.

*Note - but we are related to Daniel Webster, Zebulon Pike, Hannah Dustin, and George Washington. And our ancesters did arrive in Plymouth in 1621 - missed the Mayflower by a year!

Chalk Art

2008-11-26T21:08:00.008-05:00

I just love being a "Grammy". Today Dh called me outside to see the evidence of the grandchildren's games (they live next door). I left off making the pumpkin dip, peanut butter pie, and the blueberry cake and joined him on our little street. This is so adorable (only a Grammy would be so impressed with chalk marks on the street.) The top picture is my favorite - do you see the person? It seems his legs shoot right out from his chin! And those hands and feet are circles. In the bottom picture, just to be sure you know that 10 is the last hopscotch box, it is labeled "end".

**disclaimer - we live on a dead end street in a closed off complex - so there is no traffic here.

God's Creation

2008-11-26T20:57:00.005-05:00

The view outside my home two nights ago.

Trailer Restoration - The Beginning

2008-11-25T07:56:00.003-05:00

Sad, isn't it? About 14 years ago we traveled all over the East coast and in Florida in this trailer and had wonderful family vacations using it. Then we got bogged down with our farm and no vacation money to be had - and the poor trailer sat and sat. We were approached by an individual we had known for a few years who was now in desperate need of a home - and we felt that now the Lord had a new use for this dormant trailer - so we sold it on payments. This is where it gets murky - and I need to be careful - but the gist of the story is the individual defaulted and we didn't see the trailer again for years and years - I would have to look it up, but it has been at least 6 years. We had no idea where the trailer or the individual was, and so the situation sat in limbo. I must confess to occasional fretting over it, but my Dh was not concerned and was in favor of just letting it be.

Fast forward all these years and suddenly there is our trailer (and yes, it is still ours as we have held the title all these years and only a small portion of the sale price was ever paid.) It was sitting on property adjacent to some undeveloped land we own in another part of our county!!! From what we have been told, it was resold (without proper documentation) and moved to this spot sometime in the recent past. We repossessed it with the aide of #3 son's mighty van and some borrowed trailer tires.

And now the challenge begins........
The goal is to restore it to a family vacation trailer once again. We now have the time and means to travel a bit and we want to use it to attend some functions this summer. All fabric items are being tossed - and my challenge is to make all the curtains and cushions. We will also toss the carpet and put in all vinyl flooring. Those are the easy parts! I will update the progress now and then.

On another topic - the Hoodie.
I had hoped to have it done by today - but my goals always seem to exceed my abilities. I did finish two other significant sewing projects I had planned to do as well (a Christmas present and a pile of mending) - and the hoodie has progressed nicely, just not done yet. The pattern is traced. I basted together the mock-up cut from an old sheet and fitted it to the Princess, and then took the mock-up apart again. Now I just need to transfer the adjustments to the traced pattern and then cut the actual fabric. Sewing it up should go fairly quickly, but I am not putting a date on when as Thanksgiving is almost upon us and my sewing time will be fragmented for the next several days.

Hoodie - Part 1

2008-11-21T08:40:00.003-05:00

This is one of my weekend projects. The Princess saw this fabric in Walmart and loved it (she is dangerous to take shopping!) It is a very soft fleece - and in one of her best colors. To make the hoodie I had to actually buy a new pattern. I almost always get my patterns at the thrift store for 10 to 25 cents each - but this is a simple, useful, and multi-sized pattern, so it was not too painful. (I know the stores have pattern sales, but I needed it then - and it was discounted....and it wasn't any more than some of the vintage patterns I have bought on-line!)

So, sometime in the next 24 hours I will trace out her size, and do a mock up using old sheets to check the fit - and hopefully the real hoodie will be done by Monday night - that is my goal.

Updates to follow..........

More T-Shirt Dresses

2008-11-12T11:54:00.002-05:00

These are dresses #3 and #4 (#2 was given a new home before a photo was taken.) I won't post every dress I make - I just wanted you to see a variety of ways this idea can be used. For these dresses I just did straight sides - not even a hint of an A-line. It just fits the fabric better to do straight sides. As long as the gathering is at least 2x the circumference of the bottom of the T-shirt, it has plenty of room to run and play. The bottom of the shirts were both about 15 inches across the front. I doubled that to get the circumference (30") and then made sure that each dress had at least 60" of fabric to gather up along the waist. I don't get too exact - it depends on the fabric I have available. I want to do one up that is 2 and 1/2x the circumference and see how that looks - I just didn't have enough fabric this time to try that.

The red, white, and blue version was a red T-shirt and I had the blue remnant on hand. It is just about one yard of fabric. I added a red bow and a white heart button I had on hand for an embellishment. That may not last too long - but it is cute and adds a bit of extra that makes it look less "used".

The green T-shirt came with the palm tree embellishment on there already. I had some pieces of a fabric from a mother/daughter dress that the Princess and I wore for last Mother's Day. I did not have one remnant piece big enough for the whole skirt - so I pieced it. There is a front and back panel that are the same width, and then two side panels that are the same width as each other, but slightly narrower than the front and back panels. They don't actually line up on the side seams, but wrap around a bit to the front and back. As long as they are even it looks intentional and okay. The greens in the T-shirt and the froggie fabric are exact matches - It looks like I planned it that way. While I didn't know it would work out so well - I know the Lord did, even last year as the original mother/daughter dresses were made!

The #2 dress not pictured was a brown T-shirt that I used striped fabric to make the skirt. It was a white base with brown, orange, and a few other colors arranged vertically. Because it was a bit see-through, and I have no guarantee that it will be used with a slip for modesty, I lined the skirt in that version - very easy to do. I then used a hand sewn yo-yo of the striped fabric with an orange button sewn in the middle of it as an embellishment and then attached at the waist.

These dresses are for some little girls in my church. Won't it be fun to see them wear them? Since I have it figured out so that each one takes only about an hour to make from start to finish, I plan to make several more. They are very relaxing to do in between larger projects. I am so grateful that others before me wrote in other blogs how to do this.

Veteran's Day Salute

2008-11-11T08:16:00.004-05:00

After a weekend of duty at Camp Blanding the soldier that was in these boots looked just as tired as they do. I am glad these boots didn't have to go to Iraq this year, but they still get tough workouts. These are actually fairly new boots - the pair that did do Iraqi Freedom duty actually wore off almost all their sole and #2 son tossed them out. Now he wishes he had kept them, but soldiers don't think that way when they first get home. At first it is just to get rid of, or put away, all those reminders of living a war. But it has been several years now since he has returned to the USA, and even now we still get new snippets of stories as #2 is more comfortable relating to us stories of his year in Iraq.

Our school district participates in Veteran's in the Classroom Program. This week #2 son gets to spend a day in a middle school classroom relating tales of living American history to school kids. He has collected up the few artifacts that did make it home and that I have saved for him, his two commendations, and he has made an outline of ideas to talk on concerning military life. I am guessing that of all his dangerous encounters with hostiles, the episode with the camel spider will be the most dramatic!

On this Veteran's Day, I appreciate all the men and women that served our country - and even now are in harm's way. God bless them, their families, and give wisdom to our leaders.

The October Challenge - Final Report

2008-11-05T04:51:00.002-05:00

This was a great challenge. I have used up many items in my pantry that I haven't been inclined to touch for ages. No one starved, no one was injured, and no one lost any weight! The savings were not as great as I had hoped - my expectations always seem to exceed my realities. But we did put aside $200 to help pay down a bill- and that is a great beginning. I think some of the incidentals took up more money than actual food. And we could have saved more if I had done more baking from scratch.

This next month we are going to try to put aside the same $200 amount. We did do some significant grocery replenishing on November 1st, but stuck to a list of basics. We celebrated with a family favorite of Quesadillas for dinner - and watching a DVD episode of The Andy Griffith Show (Dh keeps saying I am a lot like Aunt Bea - hmmmmm.)

An unexpected savings came in the way of a broken AC unit. It is starting to cool off here - and though some of the afternoons are pretty warm - especially in the upstairs area - we are toughing it out and just letting the unit stay broken until springtime. Usually this time of year we keep the AC going during the day - so we are not putting out funds for a repair bill - and we expect to see big savings in our electric bill the next few months. In the end no matter how much we save, it won't cover the repairs costs - we actually need a new unit and have kept this one limping along for almost two years now - but we can at least delay for now and see what the Lord brings to us for the spring. Now we are enjoying the fresh air, cool nights, and lots of birds and squirrel chatter.