Heritage Creek

Reality With Boys

2012-01-30T17:23:00.000-06:00

It sounds so appealing and relatively easy!

Learning the "FUN" way!

Let me set the scene.....

Mom asks son if he wants to

spend some time in the kitchen

with her today.

"It will be fun!"

Mom says, thinking about all the testimonies

and homeschooling articles she's read; touting

the glorious times that moms have had

with their children, creating and baking

and learning together.

Knowing his attention span is not that long,

she bakes the cupcakes ahead of time,

sets them on the counter to cool

while she lovingly arranges the frosting,

utensils and food coloring.

When the time is right,

she calls her son to the kitchen with

excitement in her voice;

just knowing this will be one for the

records!

Son's eyes get wide when he spots

the icing (his favorite part), and

the food coloring looks like fun too!

He grabs the plastic knife

as mom gently reminds him

how to ice the miniature cakes.

He half-heartedly spreads

some blue icing on the

white cake top,

hands mom the knife,

and says.......

"This is too hard. I'm done!"

And scoots out of the room

in his quick way.

Mom's left holding the knife,

realizing her attempt

"Fun learning" has

been a bust,

just like the Science experiment,

the lapbook attempt,

the fun charts and carefully

orchestrated lesson plans.

Reality with boys is this:

"Teach me the basics - nothing else.

I've got life to live and all this extra stuff

is keeping me from the real thing!"

And off they go to their Legos, their bikes,

their guns, swords, bugs, and dogs.

And Mom just shakes her head

and reminds herself that

this is exactly how God made them.

Two Things That Make Me Cry

2012-01-30T07:07:00.000-06:00

There are two things that always make me cry ..........
Weddings and baptisms.

I am a sucker for the moment when the bride walks down the aisle.   I am scanning the faces of the father as he takes that final walk and is about to give his precious daughter to another man.   I am looking for that look of pride on the groom's face, as he anticipates the beautiful treasure he's about to be given. And I'm searching the eyes of the bride and trying to read her thoughts; are they happiness, joy, or just plain terror?    (I, personally, was shaking so much the bottom of my dress was moving!)

As the bride moves past me and takes the place beside her future, and as the pastor starts to lead them in their vows, I give in to the tears. I love wedding vows!   I always find myself praying for the couple to truly HEAR the meaning of the words they are repeating; to truly GET the idea that marriage is a GIVING of themselves, more than a getting.

Then, there are baptisms......
I always cry at baptisms.   It's also a symbol of GIVING.......except this time the groom is Christ.
Baptisms symbolize a release - of pride, of old ways, of caring what the world thinks, and a giving over to the desire to say to the world "I'm changing and I'm not ashamed!" And, at the moment they are lowered into that water and the moment they are "raised to new life" - I cry.

I cry for the letting go of the old person they were and for the new one they are to become. Not that the act of baptism stops one from ever sinning again, but it's a symbol of the desire to be changed; to live for Christ from that point on.   And, I cry for the hope that will walk with them; reminding them that they once took a step toward Christ, and it meant something.    And I pray, at that moment, that their "walk" will be real; that the ways of this sinful world won't be too much for them.

When it's all said and done, two acts of GIVING - both of the HEART.

Both a beautiful act.

Both make me cry.

Looking Back

2012-01-28T08:21:00.000-06:00

Looking back over the week........

these were my favorite pictures this week.

It was Wednesday and it rained all day.

For awhile it was pretty severe,

with thunder and lightening.

The dog and cat were in the livingroom

with Collin and I

and with each clap of thunder

they would curl up a little more.

It was a nice day because we

didn't have to go anywhere.

Although we did miss church that night,

but the streets were flooded

and I didn't want to be

on the road.

I love rainy days when I'm in my home,

cozy and warm.

The ABC's about ME!

2012-01-27T07:31:00.000-06:00

Ok, Kim over at Homesteaders Heart

posted this fun little thing
and I'm glad she did
because I had no idea
what I was going to post today!

So,
here are the

The ABC’s about ME!

Age: – 46

Bed size: King!

Chore you dislike: I hate mopping and scrubbing the bathtub!

Dogs: Two - a Beagle and a Schnauzer

Essential start to your day: Coffee, Bible, Prayer, and blogging!

Favorite color: Red

Gold or silver: Silver

Height: 5 foot 3 inches

Instruments you play(ed): Clarinet (grades 6-8)

Job title: Everything "kids, school, inside the house"

Kids: 2 Awesome young men (each a month away from 19 & 13)

Live: TEXAS (and proud of it)

Mom’s name: Nancy - everyone calls her Nanny:)

Nicknames: Spunky! (can't imagine why)

Overnight hospital stays: 2 C-sections

Pet Peeves: Poor Customer Service, people that talk during movies, people who are always late

Quote from a movie: "No one puts Baby in a corner!" (Name that movie!)

Righty or Lefty: Righty

Siblings: 1 older brother, 3 younger sisters

Time you wake up: I usually wake up around 6:00 am.

Underwear: Duh!

Vegetables you don’t like: Spinach (unless mixed in something) and Radishes!

What makes you run late: I don’t generally run late, but if I do, it's usually because of kids (12 yr old)

X-Rays you’ve had: Can't remember. Do mammograms count? Plenty of those:(

Yummy food you make: Simply Chicken Casserole (chicken and ritz cracker casserole)

Zoo animal favorite: Monkeys

And there you have it! Not an all-important post, but fun anyway! Thanks Kim!

I'm In a Budgeting Whirlwind!

2012-01-25T15:19:00.001-06:00

I have totally overloaded my mind this week with budgets, time management books, school ideas and trying to help some ladies with personal needs.   AHHHH!!

It's all good stuff, but my brain is on overload!

I do want to plug a resource here though, with the hopes that I will be back soon with reviews and recommendations on tips that really work.

The best resource I've come across in a long time is The Money Saving Mom's Budget book by Crystal Paine.   Her webpage (in the link above) is fantastic! Not only does she help with financial budgeting, but just as important - time budgeting!    These are two areas that I'm always seeking to improve, and she is full of great advice.

Just to give you a little peek into a few ideas:

Have you heard of money budgeting envelopes?   How about Time Budgeting Envelopes? Crystal introduces this concept on her website; the idea being that you plug activities into each time envelope and stick to the "budget", so you can accomplish all that needs to be done in a day.

She has some great forms for your household notebook, great coupon offers, and plenty of money-saving advice.

If you have any time left in your "searching the web" envelope this week, be sure to check out her website and expand your mind a little!

As for me.....I'm off to continue my quest to conquer my budgeting needs!

See ya soon:)

Indoor Plumbing and Norman Rockwell

2012-01-24T08:51:00.000-06:00

Picture

Norman Rockwell....

Picture his

famous paintings;

portraying "real life".

Now,

picture this.....

Today's version

what could be

a Norman Rockwell....

And the title of the painting

would be...

"Father gives the best gift of all!"

And, here it is.....

An indoor toilet!

And you would think

we had never had such a thing -

as we were all so excited

to have a new, shiny white,

toilet.

Even the cat!

Thanks Honey!

**We have actually always had indoor plumbing, we just needed a toilet that didn't run all the time.**

Either way......it felt like we got something new and that's always exciting!

Use Your Head!

2012-01-23T07:11:00.000-06:00

Open my ears

to truly hear the hearts

of those around me.

Open my eyes

to truly see their needs,

even and especially when

they say

"I'm fine."

Open my mouth

to truly bring them

before

your throne.

Dear Lord,

help me to use my head!

"For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints,

I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers."

Eph. 1:15-16

I've Stolen Something

2012-01-22T20:53:00.000-06:00

I had to steal something tonight....... time to myself!

This week has been busy and jam packed - full of household duties, family care, college work, school,
and not a whole lot of time for the things that replenish my soul.

So, tonight, after dinner was made, eaten, cleaned up and put away, I created a little retreat for myself.

First, I ~~threatened~~ suggested to David that he get whatever he needed out of the bedroom; that I would be taking an hour or so, to write, read, study God's word, and whatever else I felt led to do.

Then I dusted his desk in the bedroom, set his papers aside, and replaced his stuff with my (new) MAC (I'm in love!), my list of writing topics (in my household notebook), a book of my favorite poems, my Bible, and a yummy smelling candle.

Next, I popped in a Gaither cd of worship music and turned it up just loud enough for background music.

And last, but certainly the best part - I fixed myself a plate of oreos and a piping hot mug of Chocolate Mocha Cappuccino.

And, here I am.

Writing is not just something I do; it's something I crave.   It's an outlet, a balm, a need that has to eventually be met.   It fills me up, as I pour out the words on my keyboard. It's like a dancer who has to dance; a singer who has to sing, a chef who has to cook.   It's "in" me and I love it!

I don't always have profound words or poetic prose, but what I have is a desire to share my heart; to encourage, to teach, to lift up those who may need lifting up, to bring joy to those on a hard journey, or share in the mundane, daily tasks that we women do, day in and day out.

If I can do a small part in touching the heart of a woman and pointing her to Jesus, then I feel I've served Him.

Sometimes I need to vent; to tell the world that I'm tired of it's evil, wicked ways.

Sometimes I need to share about my own struggles and have a fellow blogger tell me that she's "been there, done that" and that it's not my struggle alone.     And when I read her words, I am comforted in knowing that I may be strange, but God made at least one more, just like me!

And, sometimes I just want to share with others, the promise God fulfilled in my life, when He promised me abundant life and then saved my soul.    But, so true to this Heavenly Father that I worship; he went above and beyond and gave me a godly man to love me and two godly boys to raise and call my sons.    I am blessed beyond words! And, sometimes I want to share that.

So, when the week has proved a challenging one and I come to the night before it starts all over again - one thing I need is to come to this place that allows me to say what I want to say; without adding to the list for tomorrow or without interruption.   I come here, to this little keyboard and this blank screen and I picture my friends on the other side, ready to read what's on my heart and I am ready to read what's on theirs.   And, I find my place of filling up and pouring out.

Some call it nonsense; a waste of good time.   I call it therapy, outreach, a place of teaching, helping, serving, ministering, learning, and receiving.

I call it a meeting with friends.

I'm glad you came!

Until next time.....
Blessings!

The Tree

2012-01-20T07:36:00.000-06:00

This tree holds a lot of memories.

Standing in the front yard of

my dad's house,

this tree has had

many climbers

from several generations.

My grandparents had their original house

on this property.

They raised 7 boys and 2 girls

here.

Then those children grew and had children,

who came and climbed this tree.

Now,
grandchildren are having children

who are climbing the tree.

(That's Collin in the picture)

Soon,

the great-grandchildren

will be climbing the tree

and so on and so on.

My niece Kylie.

(She'll be climbing soon, I'm sure!)

Who would have thought

that a tree

would hold

so many memories?

Youth Group - Part 2

2012-01-19T14:14:00.000-06:00

Here is a great video to go along with my post about Youth Groups from last week.

Just for fun!

Enjoy!

A New Bible Study

2012-01-18T07:19:00.000-06:00

A few days ago I started a new study in the book of Ephesians, with the Bible Study group, Good Morning Girls.

GMG is an online group that provides a new study several times a year, complete with a free Bible study e-book, and a method that walks you through small passages each day, called SOAP.

SOAP =
S - Scripture (read God's word, write it down)
O - Observation (write down 1 or 2 observations from the passage read)
A - Application (make 1 or 2 applications from the passage)
P - Pray over what God has shown you in his word

It's a simple method, but because you are writing and analyzing, it stays with you throughout the day.

So far, the greatest observations I've made, have been realizing that God lavished his grace upon us (day 3) and that he gave his glorious grace freely to those he loves (day 2).

How many times have I felt too condemned to accept his grace? How unworthy (and I am) I felt of receiving his grace. Yet, He gave it in abundance and freely, because we are his children and he loves us.

I can rest in these small tidbits for awhile.

How about you?

Do you know God's grace?

Have you received it as He intended?

Old Times and New

2012-01-17T07:28:00.000-06:00

I was 3 when my grandpa started building this house.

We went to visit my dad over the weekend.

It was a tough trip,

but very rewarding.

My dad is in bad shape.

He is strong in spirit,

but his body is weak.

I found such irony in

the way

the young come back

to take care of the old.

My youngest sister Mandy (a Physical Therapist)

trying to work with Dad.

How old and new mix together

and bring back memories

of better times;

stronger times.

When the parents were strong

and the kids

were carefree.

It's only right that we come back

and give time and effort and love

back to those who

did the same for us,

when we were helpless and weak.

It was hard to leave

not knowing

the next time

I drive into this driveway,

things will be

different.

I love you Daddy.

To Youth Group or not Youth Group - A Personal Conviction

2012-01-12T16:10:00.000-06:00

Some things are hard to write about.

Such would be the topic that I've chosen today:

To be involved with the Youth Group or not.

Personal because I realize that, kind of akin to choosing to homeschool, making the decision about youth groups is between your family and God.

Also personal because there are as many reasons FOR attending, as there are for NOT attending.

But, as I said, this is personal, so I'll just tell you my story.

As the New Year started, my prayer for my family was this: "Lord, help us to worship YOU in a new way, as a family."

I had no ideas in mind as to what that would look like, but it was a sincere prayer to my Lord, who can and does have creativity galore!   So, I knew He would take us where He wanted us to go and in ways I could not predict.

And - what a faithful God He is!

Already, in the few short weeks since I've prayed that prayer, He has impressed new ideas and new standards into our life.

I will try to make this brief:

In the Fall (Sept. of 2011), Collin started 7th grade, which at our church, equals Youth Group. I was a little apprehensive, but having watched Ted go through it and grow in his walk with Christ, I thought we could handle it.   I've never been against the idea of a Youth Group, but always a little skeptical about the methods in the modern church, especially if there is a weak leader. (Which was not the case this year! The new Youth minister is a fantastic leader with some awesome ideas.   He's strong on purpose and yet, funny and likable for the kids.    He's a great choice and I think will do a great job at reaching the lost.)

However, back to the personal side of this story:

Each Wednesday I felt uneasy about Collin's participation in the activities. And, each week he would come home and tell me about some incident that made him uncomfortable.   These were usually inappropriate behaviors or conversations that would take place within ear shot of him. (Keeping in mind that the ages range from 7th grade to 12th!) And each week, my uneasy feeling grew a little larger.

In the meantime, the New Year is approaching and we missed a few of our own Sunday School classes, for different reasons (travel, etc.). And, I'm praying and asking the Lord to work in our family.

And, along comes a reminder to me, that many of my friends attend a Family Integrated Sunday School class, where the entire family attends the same class together.    We had actually tried this class before, but the time slot conflicted with other obligations, so although we really liked the class, we had to stick to the class we were already attending.

But, it just so "happens" that they now have a new time slot; one that would work for us, so last Sunday, Collin and I attended and loved it!

Then last night we tried the Wednesday night Bible study together (normally he would be in the Youth on Wednesday nights), and loved it too!

So, this morning as I'm praying, I'm realizing that I have this great big peace, and I know it's from stepping out of disobedience into obedience!   And, it felt so good!   It felt like this is where and what we've needed to do for our family.

Why?

Just keeping it personal, here are my reasons:

(These are things that have been impressed upon my heart for the past week):

What good comes from always keeping the youth separated from the adults?
How are kids supposed to watch and observe older Christians, if we're never in attendance together?
I personally believe this is one of the enemy's schemes that tears Christian families apart.
The more fragmented our families become, the easier it is to give up the fight for them. Church is just one more area in the world, where families are going in different directions.

What are we teaching our youth about the reason we attend church?
I guarantee that a good majority of the kids in the Youth say they come for the fun, games, and food.   Well, for those that are lost and are still spiritually blind, this is a great tool or bait, if you will, to get them in the door (meet the needs, right?)   But, for Christian kids who should have moved beyond the spiritual milk by now, it's pure entertainment that may or may not lead to growth.

For both of my boys, the distractions caused by most of the kids on Wednesday nights, as well as Sunday mornings, were a hindrance to learning anything.   As much as they would try to listen and be attentive, the noise and disrespect for the speakers and teachers, were too much.

In my opinion, we are "dumbing down" church, just like we've dumbed down education.

We are so afraid that these kids can't handle the standard of sitting still and listening to a testimony or lesson for 30 minutes, unless we entertain them first.

I am not against fun - but my gripe is the way we hold the visitors to no standards at all.   It seems we don't want to offend anyone - even in the church.

Instead of expecting them to rise to the occasion and expecting a moderate level of respect and reverence, we're afraid of running them off, and we allow them to act like buffoons (my guess is that this is how they act in school, so it's what they know they can get away with).

Why not teach them to be respectful? Why not set an expectation that obviously no one has ever set for them? Don't they need to view church as being different; a place of reverence?   Isn't there a purpose for people gathering there each week?   Shouldn't social graces apply to church, just as they apply to other social places?   So why aren't we expecting that?

So, what's happening is that the kids who have been raised to be respectful and hunger for God's word and who actually put a value on learning, are outnumbered by those who come for the entertainment.

Therefore, causing this parent to question why in the world would I send my son off to be entertained, at church?

I don't know about you, but we have enough entertainment in our lives!

That's not why we attend worship and Bible study!

And I want my son to know that and appreciate that church has a purpose and that purpose is ALL about Christ, not him.

THIS is what God has shown me in the past week.   THIS is where He is taking our family.   THIS is personal and it may not be your vision or your belief.

But it is MINE and I am treasuring it in my heart.

...............As I sat in Bible study last night, worshiping through song, prayer and scripture, I was beaming on the inside, because my son was right beside me AND at the table next to ours, were about 5-6 girls, all teens, who were singing along and listening to a man who was, without fanfare or gimmicks, telling us the story of Kind David and applying it to our lives - ALL of our lives - kids and adults alike - and it was good.

In The Kitchen

2012-01-11T07:04:00.000-06:00

2012 has gotten off to a

busy start!

I've spent the first half of this week taking care of financial business; consolidating bills, working on the budget, and cleaning out files from last year. Now, if we can just stick to our budget - we'll be good! That's a big IF!

Besides all of the office work and getting Collin back on track with school and Ted on track with college, I've found a little time to spend in the kitchen.

As you can see.........I've had a little craving for

warm

sweet

and

homemade.

Take a look:

Oatmeal cookies with cranberries and white chocolate chips

I eat these for breakfast with my morning coffee.

Texas Sheet Cake

One of the most amazing cakes ever!

And most of the ingredients are staples in the baking cabinet.

Homemade Bread

from my

new bread machine.

YUM!

Have a great and blessed day!

Do What is Good

2012-01-09T07:49:00.000-06:00

In the small book of Titus, there is much wisdom and direction.

This little phrase

"do what is good"

is used

SIX

times.

His meaning

was clear

as he spoke to each group:

Older men - be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled,

sound in faith, in love and in endurance.

Older women - be reverent in their living, not slanderers or addicted to much wine,

to teach what is good, train the younger women.

Younger women - love their husbands and children, be self-controlled, be pure,

busy at home,

be kind,

be subject to their husbands.

Younger men - be self-controlled

Slaves - be subject to their masters in everything.

To all men - say no to ungodliness and worldly passions,

live self-controlled, upright and godly lives.

Today, in my life, "do what is good" looks like this:

Cooking

Cleaning

Teaching

Banking

Budgeting

Washing

Wiping

Sweeping

Loving

Hugging

And I will do my best to do them all

without

arguing or complaining,

as the Good Book

says.

Today I will

"Do What is Good".

How about you?

Why I Chose The Textbook Method - Part 2

2012-01-07T09:54:00.000-06:00

School planning can get quite messy!

That's right! School planning can get quite messy; especially when you get on the topic of curriculum choices and teaching methods.

It's a subject that can quickly divide a room full of confident homeschool moms and weaken the knees of those just starting to make those decisions.

But, one of the great and wonderful benefits of teaching our kids at home is that we always have the freedom to make changes for the better.

So, in continuing the topic of using the Textbook Method in your homeschool, we need to look at the alternative methods that have become so prevalent today.

This is a difficult topic, for sure, because my intent is not to make anyone feel they are doing "it" wrong; but to simply give food for thought, especially for those who are teaching middle school through highschool.

Ok, let's just jump in here......and let me warn you: this is a long post!

A large part of the homeschool community will say that learning should be fun and I agree with parts of this statement.

You see, as parents, we don't want to see our kids leaning over a "boring" textbook, brow sweating, eyes getting sleepy, whining and moaning about how they don't understand what they're reading.   So, as an alternative we have taken the basic content of what we're trying to teach them, and added all the fun elements we can think of.

In small amounts, in order to get a concept across to a struggling child, adding fun elements is great. I can remember making up tricks to remembering vocabulary words, when I was young. Or singing a song to remember history facts and dates (Columbus sailed the ocean blue.........).

But, we've taken it to the extreme now.

We look for curriculum that has masked the idea of learning; for fear that little Johnny won't want to learn, unless he's being entertained.

In essence, we've created little entertainment mongers!

In Managers of Their Schools, there are many, many great statements pertaining to this idea that we try to make learning fun, but obviously I can't quote the entire book here, so I will share a few that really illustrate what I'm trying to say and you might consider buying the book to read the rest.

Learning is fun!
"Our concern is that if we make all learning seem like play because we think that will cause our children to love to learn, we may then produce children who will learn only if it is fun."   "Will he not want to read the Bible because it isn't fun and entertaining?" (p.123)

Do you really want to teach your child that all learning is fun? Because that's not actually true, is it?

As our children get older and the subjects get more intense, they will need to realize that sometimes you have to actually read a text or a manual in order to get the information you need.   They also need to understand that discipline and hard work are a part of growing and maturing.   (Obviously this applies to the upper grades and not the elementary years. Although, self control and discipline can never start too early!).

What about Learning Styles?
This is another area that has taken on a life of it's own. We have poured great time into creating and seeking out methods that cater to our child's style of learning.   On a small scale and again, at needed times, I think this is a great element to add. But, are we really benefiting our child by NOT teaching him to persevere through other ways of learning?

Believe me......I've been a huge advocate of using certain learning styles when I hear a parent say that their child is "just not getting it." I think sometimes we have to look for that certain element that will make a concept clear. For instance, if a child has struggled in a particular area and just can't seem to grasp the concept, then consider using a video or song or game, etc.    Whatever it takes to make the information clear and understandable. But, these alternatives should be in addition to good, old fashioned learning; not in place of.

Can you relate to this statement?
"Having to discover a child's learning style and then have materials and time to teach that way presents a sometimes overwhelming burden to the homeschool mom and keeps the students dependent upon Mom as the teacher. She feels guilty if she doesn't take time to teach her child according to his learning style."(p. 30)

I don't know about you, but I've been right there - guilt and all!

"Is it possible that learning styles facilitate a child's thinking that if something is difficult he shouldn't put forth the effort to accomplish it?" (p. 30)

Isn't this kind of like handicapping your child?   If we continually cater to their preference of style, are we really teaching them with the broadest stroke and enlarging their ability to learn?    I think we might be doing just the opposite.

One mom that the Maxwells quote in their book (p. 32) rejoices over the success she is having since switching to the Textbook Method: "This was not the case in the past, which is why I would always change my curriculum and approach to homeschooling throughout the year - because I would want her to love school and be happy with what we were doing. I listened to those who would tell me that traditional curricula stifles my children's education and will make them hate school."

How many times have you thrown out a year's worth of curriculum (or shelved it) because it just wasn't working? I have wasted so much money and time, trying to find that perfect fit for my kids.   (It's something you don't want to think about for too long, or you'll be sick!)

What I wish I would have done instead of catering to my kid's groaning and complaining, is this:
"When our children face challenging schoolwork, we can begin the discipleship process of teaching them to cry out to the Lord Jesus for help." (p.122)

Isn't that our job as Christian parents - to point our kids to Christ in all areas of struggle and need?

Our nurturing instinct, as moms, is to make things easier; more enjoyable, and not see our precious children struggle.   I'm as guilty as can be!

But, where is the value in this? Will they grow and learn to turn to Christ, if we cater to their every whim and whine?   No, they won't.

But, turning our eyes away from the kids for a moment, let's think about ourselves:

Let's get real - MOM's!

As I mentioned in Part 1, taking a more administrative role in our homeschools, allows us to be all the other things God has called us to be.

How many hours have you spent searching, researching, trying new things, creating the perfect activity, combing the library for the right book, or worse.......scrapping school for the day because you forgot to get the craft supplies?    This is what happens when we try to re-invent the wheel!   This is what we spend our time on when we are trying to create the perfect learning environment for our little angels!

And the stress!   Let's be honest.....it's alot of work and time, to sit there and do the 15th page of cutouts, in that cute little lapbbook, when the rest of the chores are going to pot, because you don't have time.

The truth is - school is just ONE part of what we've been called to do.   It's not the whole or even 90% of what should be taking up our time.

God gave us a man, a marriage, a home, AND kids, and it's our responsibility to find the balance between all of these areas.

So, before I go to preaching here, let me finish this post by giving a few reasons why you might want to think (and pray) about getting back to the basics of teaching:

*Go back to Part 1 and remind yourself that The Textbook Method is anything that is already put together, beginning to end, in simple format, that can be learned independently by your child.

*Remember that the goal is for your child to not only learn information, but to learn discipline as well.   Watching your child read, learn, accomplish, and reach the end of something, will bring great joy to you and him.

*You will quit wasting time and money.

*You will be able to complete your other tasks as a mom and wife.

*Your kids will not have to wait to do school because mom didn't get to the store or library.   They will know where their books are and they can pick up where they left off the day before.

*And, I don't know about you, but here's something I've often worried about: what would happen if I wasn't around (I hate that thought) to teach them anymore? Would my husband be able to buy what they need? Would grandma or your best friend know what to teach them?   If our choices are so complicated that your husband wouldn't even know how to take over, is this really the best choice for our family?    It's something to think about when your are customizing school to a ridiculous extent. It's not a pleasant thought; but a realistic one.

Here are my final thoughts on this:

Over the years, I've always been the one (out of a few key friends) who struggled the most with curriculum choices.   While my "textbook using friends" were plugging along in the traditional methods, I was trying to create, invent, customize, etc., and I was always the one changing mid-stream.

The sad thing is, my boys wanted structure and routine.   They voiced that to me in several ways, but in trying to keep learning fun and interesting, I would end up spending countless time and money doing just the opposite.

Well, I'm a slow learner, I guess.

But, what I've realized is that the CORE subjects need to be taught with consistency and the ELECTIVES and extras can be taught with fun.

Every day I need to expect diligence, effort, and learning from my child. And, when he comes upon a stumbling block, I'll point him to the ONE that can help him in all things.

And, at the end of the day, we will all know that we've done our best and we overcame challenges that we faced and we'll be better equipped to face the next.

It's something to consider......

Thanks for reading! I know it's been long:)

Why I Chose The Textbook Method - Part 1

2012-01-06T08:23:00.000-06:00

Every now and then we all need a little inspiration to keep us going. That's why I picked up this book this week and re-read the entire thing in one day.

When I first began teaching my kids at home, I read everything I could get my hands on, that pertained to homeschooling.    I relied on the testimonies of those who had gone before me, to show me what to do and how to do it.

But, over the course of 14 years, I felt like I had exhausted all the resources, read all the testimonies, knew about all the different methods and honestly, had no desire to pick up another homeschooling book.    In fact, I've gone through seasons where I was so burned out, that I didn't even bother opening up the latest issue of my favorite homeschooling magazine when it would come in the mail.

But, this week, as I was planning for our next semester of 7th grade, I had a desire to be inspired once again.   In fact - I needed to be inspired.   It's been a long first semester.

So, when I sat down for lunch, I grabbed this book off the shelf and started reading and I'm so glad I did.

The Maxwells are advocates of textbooks; a topic which tends to split the homeschooling community, right down the middle.

Most of us, who have been doing this for any length of time, will agree that it gets confusing sometimes, on how to teach and what to use. There are way too many methods and choices, and every group has their reasons for making their decisions and it's hard to convince them otherwise.

I've been there, done that, tried everything!

But, one thing I've been consistent at realizing every year, is that I don't have time to do "it all".

As much as I would love to be back in the days where I had time to sit for hours with my little ones and read and craft and pull out all the creative stops, I'm just not there anymore.    My seasons have changed.

For many years now, I've been in more of an "administrative" season; one where I oversee the work that needs to be done, rather than doing the work with them.

That doesn't mean that I don't interact with my kids and help them when they need it. What it does mean is that I am more of a guide/tutor that helps them understand the task before them and encourages them to work independently.

And independent learning is a good thing.

I want Collin to know how to read instructions and follow them.   I want him to be able to sit and complete a task without someone holding his hand.   I want him to work ahead and feel good about his accomplishments. These are positive goals to work toward.    (Of course, age is a factor to consider when teaching independence, but at every stage, there should be certain tasks that can and should be done, without mom standing right there at every moment.)

So, when choosing curriculum over the past few years, I've considered these goals and made my choices based on him working independently.

This is where textbooks come in to the picture.

But before you shrug this post off as one that doesn't interest you, hear me out.   There is something to be said for the method of textbooks.

First off, the textbook method doesn't have to mean that you choose a boring book, with no pictures or color, spouting off nothing but dry facts and dates. What it does mean is a beginning and an end, put in order of events, written in small sections, that can be easily accomplished and studied.

When I first read Managers of Their Schools and the Maxwell's choice for the textbook method, I thought "how boring"!    But, as you read the book and look over their curriculum choices, you realize that they are not just advocates of the thing we call a traditional textbook, but more of the method I described above.

For example, a workbook can be used, a computer program can be used, a manual that teaches a trade or a skill can be used.   Anything that has a beginning and an end and can be read to gain information about the subject, can be used.

What doesn't fall into the textbook method category are curriculum choices that require mom to spend hours each day or several hours a week, planning and piecing together activities, lessons, etc. just to teach the basic subjects.

These are the things that create burnout!

These are the things that cause others to look at all we're doing and claim "I could never do that!" And, they're right! The average mom doesn't have time to do all of "that".

So, as for my household and homeschool, I've had to ask myself over the years "What are my goals with having my kids at home?"    And the answers are pretty basic and probably close to most homeschooling moms:

*spend more time with my kids
*teach my kids according to God's word and standards
*protect my kids from garbage that goes on in public schools
*have the freedom to be a family without the dictation of the gov't
*manage our time according to our schedule; not a school district's schedule
and many other reasons.

But, in order to keep my kids at home and still be a faithful "keeper of the home", I need balance. It can't be all about school!

As a homemaker I am also the bill payer, cook, cleaning lady, chauffeur, wife, mom, daughter, friend, woman to be used by God.    And I can't do all of that if I'm spending all day in school with the kids!

I'm just being realistic here moms.

So, if you're burned out from trying to be the super-homeschool mom and putting together a fantastic layout each year, maybe you should consider a new method.

Tune in tomorrow for Part 2 of Why I Chose The Textbook Method, where I will talk about entertainment and the detriment it's having on our kid's learning abilities.

Thanks for stopping by!

Managers of Their Schools by Steve and Terri Maxwell, is a no-nonsense book about how to make the most out of homeschooling, using textbooks.   But, even if you're in the non-textbook category, you can still glean some great wisdom from their chapters on choosing curriculum, setting aside a day of lesson planning, scheduling, how to focus more on being at home during the day, and much more.

They share their own schedule in the back and show how it changed from year to year, as the children got older (most homeschooling moms love to look at other's schedules), and even share their curriculum choices, as well as a resource guide to some of the more popular Christian companies.

Help! We're Exhausted!

2012-01-05T08:07:00.000-06:00

Don't let this sweet face fool you!

It's been a long time since we've had a cat in the house. Years, in fact! And, either I've forgotten everything about that time, way back when, or this cat is much different than the others. Whatever the case - he is driving us crazy at night!

And, during the day, you just never know where he might show up............

I'm used to our sweet, obedient Schnauzer, Annie, who goes where we tell her to go and does what we tell her to do.

But this guy! He's a typical cat - marching to the beat of his own drum!

If you have any tips on how to get a cat (who is a natural prowler at night) to go to sleep at night and not come in the bedroom and knock things over and make your husband throw things at him while he's still half asleep.......let me know!

In the meantime............

I'll be taking a catnap. I'm tired!

Organizing Week and Winter Projects

2012-01-04T07:18:00.000-06:00

As many are starting back to school this week, I am taking this week to get things back in order after the holidays.

I've been
    making out menus,
             putting away 2011 files,
                   and catching up on laundry after the holidays.

I love this time of year when everything seems new:
new, empty files ready to be filled with receipts, bills, and basically a scrapbook of the new year,
new lesson plans with a fresh perspective,
new menus for Winter-time dishes,
and last but not least..............

a new list of Winter projects.

Yep! That's what saves me from those Winter Blues that come along around mid-January and last through March, when I finally see that Spring really does exist.

Every year I start a list of projects that I want to do, but never seem to have time for.   I write them down in my trusty household notebook and continually add to them until after Christmas.   Then, after the holidays have come and gone and the short days of Winter creep in, I pull out my list of projects and slowly work my way through them, until Spring starts to show itself (which, here in Texas, is fairly early).

These projects are a life-saver!

When I start to feel isolated or start missing the sunshine, I can focus on one of my projects and get my mind off feeling blue.

Here is a list of some of the projects I'll be attempting this winter:

*Organizing kitchen cabinets
*Painting doors and trim in kitchen
*Cleaning and organizing the dry sink in the diningroom and creating a gift wrapping station
*Organizing office supplies
*Cleaning and purging bookshelves and putting school books on ebay
*Organizing my keepsake magazines with matching magazine holders
*Painting the coffee table
*Painting the mirror in the livingroom
*Several outside projects as it gets a little warmer

I will probably add more to this list as the weeks go by. You know how it goes: as you start on one thing, you recognize other areas that need work as well. Pretty soon, your projects have multiplied!

Another fun thing I try to do, as the nights get longer, is work on puzzles at night while David is watching TV.   Having a jigsaw puzzle out on the table is a great way to ease anxiety when the sun goes down.   It gives your mind something else to think about and it feels productive.   Not to mention, you get to rejoice at the finished product! One year we even framed one of the puzzles that went along with the decor in Collin's room.    It's a great way to work alongside the kids, as well.

So, if you're like me and you battle feeling the "blahs" when the days get shorter, then make your own list of Winter Projects and give yourself something to look forward to.

Here's a great way to get started:
1. Get a notepad and pen
2. Label your paper with the name of each room or area
3. Walk through each room, looking for things that need improvement or changing

The first year I did this, I came up with 20 projects!

Now, what are you waiting for?

Get going! You have projects to work on!

Blessings:)

Debbie

Goals For 2012

2012-01-02T07:40:00.000-06:00

I really don't want to make a list of goals for 2012 because I still have so many things I didn't accomplish in 2011!

But - I refuse to start out this new beginning with whining and self-condemnation, so here's to a new list of things I WILL accomplish in 2012:

PHYSICAL GOALS

1. Lose 20 lbs by exercising, in some way, every week day.

2. Find a way to cut the calories in my coffee
3. Eat less sweets
4. Eat more fruits, veggies
5. Drink more water

SPIRITUAL GOALS
1. Read my Bible every day
2. Pray more
3. Memorize scripture weekly
4. Give more
5. Fill my mind with more of things that reflect the nature of God (music, books, thoughts, shows)

HOUSEHOLD GOALS
1. Organize the kitchen cabinets
2. Create a rotating menu and grocery list
3. Create a cleaning schedule
4. Per-fect my household notebook
5. Create a "gift" cabinet for buying and storing good deal gifts/cards/wrapping/etc.

PERSONAL GOALS
1. Write more
2. Publish more
3. Save more
4. Cook more
5. Love my family more
6. Teach myself "blog design"
7. Be a better teacher to Collin
8. Make "date night" a reality
9. Keep a list of every book I read in 2012
10. Celebrate bigger!

These are my basic goals for the next year. All of them are achievable if I will focus and try and not give up, give in, or give out!

I pray God will give me strength, endurance, creativity, love, mercy and grace, to spread around.

I pray God will use me to bless someone this year.

I pray God will have mercy on my very sick dad.

I pray my kids will grow even closer to the Lord.

I pray I will point my kids closer to the Lord.

I pray I will continue to be madly in love with my awesome husband.

I pray my awesome husband will continue to be madly in love with me.

I pray God will take Ted to musical places he never imagined.

I pray God will create a passion in Collin for his life's calling.

I pray God will bless David with work that is physically and mentally satisfying.

I pray God will do things in our life and family that we never dreamed of (but, without tragedy).

I pray God will look into my heart and see all the things I forget to voice outloud; all the love that goes unsaid, yet is deep inside, everytime I think of HIM.

I pray God will show me where I need improvement, with his sweet, gentle whisper that speaks volumes.

I pray God will hold me when I need holding; love me when I need to be loved, and teach me what I need to be taught.

I pray He will know how deep my love is for HIM and that I acknowledge that every good thing I have in this life is by His hand alone.

And lastly, I pray that everyone that reads this blog, will know the love of Jesus Christ and how HE truly can change your life, your focus, your world; just by believing and trusting in Him.

And these are my goals for 2012.

Happy New Year my friends!

Book Review - Heart of Ice by Lis Wiehl (with April Henry)

2012-01-01T18:07:00.000-06:00

Wow! I had no idea Lis Wiel could write! But, considering she has quite a collection of novels on the shelves now, I guess I'm a little behind.

Heart of Ice was just what I wanted in a mystery - fast paced, multiple characters that keep you guessing, and twists, turns, and tangles, that make your head spin a little.

The villain was easy to despise and her boldness and cold heartedness surprised you, at times. She truly made you stop and wonder if you have ever encountered someone so evil in your own life; the kind of person that looks normal on the outside, but on the inside is very dangerous.

Knowing the writer's profession, I found the setting and situations that much more fascinating and reliable.

I enjoyed the three main heroines and the way their professions compliment one another, as does their friendship.

I look forward to starting the other books in this series.

If you enjoy mysteries and thrillers, this is one you won't want to miss.

**This book was provided to me by BookSneeze in exchange for a review. Thanks BookSneeze!**

The Day the Neighbors Came to Visit

2011-12-30T08:30:00.000-06:00

Yesterday we had a little visit

from

"the neighbors".

Here's where the neighbors live, just through

the trees.

Our land is divided by a fence.

Here is where they ended up - our pasture of Rye grass,

..... that the horses were enjoying.

The neighbors didn't waste any time

helping themselves to the goods.

But,

Farmer Dave

was having none of this!

So, he got some lead ropes

with the idea that he would just

lead the neighbors

back to their own yard.

But, as you can see.....

the neighbors were having

none of that!

Maybe he's trying to reason with them:)

It must have worked

because out they came........

and back through the fence

they went.

Well, that was a nice little visit.

It gave us all a good laugh

and some

fun pictures!

Fun For The Whole Family

2011-12-29T07:39:00.000-06:00

Look closely......

What you see here is my ticket

to better health

in 2012.

This is what we got for Christmas.

Even though we all got one,

we all have different plans and visions

for what to do with them.

I will be riding up and down our very long dirt drive

for exercise.

Ted will be taking his bike to Sheri's,

where they enjoy riding around her

neighborhood together.

David and Collin will be

making trips around

the neighborhood here,

and

riding the trails at the local

park.

Occasionally we will

load them all into the back of the truck

and enjoy the park together.

Whatever we're doing,

wherever we're going,

at least we're

off the couch

and

moving.

Here's to a healthy

2012!

Easy As Pie

2011-12-28T08:49:00.000-06:00

Have you ever NOT tried something, for fear that it was too hard?

Ever put off doing something because you

imagined that you would fail

if you tried?

I think we all have things we avoid, just because

we lack confidence in our own abilities.

Then one day

you feel an extra burst of courage

and

you try it!

And you realize.......

that it wasn't so hard

afterall.

Such was my journey with......

Chicken Pot Pie.

For some reason,

this homemade concoction

eluded me for many years.

I had no idea what all went into the yummy goodness,

but

I imagined that something that tasted so amazing

had to be

time consuming

and

difficult.

Then one day

I found the courage

and I went to the kitchen,

put on my big-girl apron,

gathered the ingredients,

and got to work.

And

what-do-ya know.......

embarrassingly

simple.

If you're thinking of trying

something new

this next year,

but you

lack the courage......

try it anyway.

You never know!

It might be

easy as pie!

Happy New Year!

Changes are Good

2011-12-27T08:07:00.000-06:00

I love that as I look over some of the blogs I follow, people are talking about the new year and all the changes they are planning to make! This excites me!

I love the New Year! I love new beginnings and I love the excitement that positive changes can make in our lives.

Every year, I look forward to setting new goals for myself and the family. Of course, some call these "resolutions" but I'm just setting goals; not making promises! I know reality all too well, so I try to keep the goals basic and obtainable, so that I don't feel like a total failure if things don't go well.

Although I'm not ready to present my List of Goals for 2012 just yet, I will share with you, one change we've made:

Meet Oliver (aka Ollie)

He is the first "new thing" or change

for our family, going into the new year.

It's been a few years since our 15 year old cat, Limbaugh, died and we decided not to get another one, due to David trying to keep the cars and screens from being destroyed. So, over the past 3 years, I've pined away for another kitty, but knew he was right and I didn't want to make more work for him.

However........over the past few weeks, Collin and I visited our Vet Clinic several times; once to get food for Annie and twice more when we had to board her for our trip to see my dad.

Well.......during the few visits, we noticed the staff had strategically placed a "cat for adoption" on the counter (in a cage, of course), so we had to play with him every time we came in. He had a sweet disposition and seemed very laid back. After the first time I saw him, I didn't think much about him, but by the 2nd and 3rd visit, and noticing that he was still up for adoption, I started to feel like that was a cat meant for us.

I went home and told David about him and for some reason - he said he was willing to take a look at him!

We went to the clinic on Friday before Christmas and much to our disappointment, the cat's foster mom had taken him home for the holidays! I was crushed! We had to wait all weekend and hope that she would bring him back on Monday!

So Monday morning (yesterday), I called right away to say we wanted to see him. Of course, when we got there and David saw him, it was a "done deal". We paid the fees and voila! We own a cat!

After a pricey trip to PetsMart and a short ride home, we are now the proud owners of Oliver!

It took him about 2 hours of pacing and exploring, to get a sense of belonging, but after that, he became playful and relaxed.

I'm not sure what he did all night while we were sleeping, but I do know he was ready for company at 6:00am this morning!

I've pulled all the blinds up in the livingroom, just enough for him to watch the birds and their morning routines and he is a happy cat.

In reference to having a cat and dog both indoors, Collin said last night "yeah, our life was getting a little boring". Ahhhh, to be 12 again and not know the stress and strains of adulthood!

2011 has been anything but "boring", but along with a New Year and a new cat, I look forward to some positive changes in the future.

What about you? Are you doing anything crazy for the New Year? Out of the ordinary?

If so, I would love to hear about it!

Must We Be So Different?

2011-12-26T08:19:00.000-06:00

Whoever said that "opposites attract" must have been

thinking of

David and Me.

He wants the fan on at night;

I'm freezing.

He's a talker,

I'm a thinker.

He can't eat sweets without milk,

I could live an entire life

without one sip.

He's tall and lean;

I'm short and squishy.

He likes the outdoors;

I like my desk.

And there are many more examples of the miracle

of this relationship.

But one of the biggest differences of all

is that

I'm sitting here next to the Christmas tree

thinking that I can't wait to start putting the ornaments

back in the boxes and put my house back in order,

and he is already pining away for his favorite holiday.

I absolutely LOVE the anticipation of the NEW YEAR,

while he wants Christmas to go on for another month.

I view New Year's as a fresh start, a time to grow,

a time to dream.

He sees New Year's as an intrusion into his

Christmas vacation.

So, while he was saying to me last night that

we should get up, sit around and watch Christmas favorites today,

I'm thinking

I'm ready to

write up a new budget,

clean the house,

work on school plans,

organize something;

do anything that

points to the future.

And that is what they mean by

Opposites Attract.

It makes for a fun marriage!

If we were just alike,

I'd be bored.

Merry Christmas everyone

and

Happy New Year too!

Book Review - Softly & Tenderly by Sara Evans with Rachel Hauck

2011-12-24T08:29:00.002-06:00

You know you're reading a great book when you try to prolong the last page. I mean - you want to get there, yet you know that the last page means the journey is over. Such were my feelings when I finished the second book, Softly & Tenderly by Sara Evans (with Rachel Hauck).

That's right! Sara Evans - the talented country singer - can not only write songs, but she has given us some beautiful stories in book form, as well.

Softly & Tenderly is the sequel to The Sweet By and By, which begins the journey of Jade, the main character.

Jade is one of the several women in a "Southern Soap Opera" (as she says in the book) and the story is about her journey to find her place in a broken world.

I loved Jade from the first novel, right into this one. She is unique and strong, and yet, has her own very real, battles to fight, which sometimes brings her to her knees.

As Jade discovers that everyone around her has secrets, she battles her own past, filled with secrets, and what to do with them.

She struggles to forgive the mom who abandoned her over and over again, the husband who let her down, and herself, for things she did at the age of sixteen.

Softly & Tenderly is a beautiful story of people who seem so real. Their struggles are real-life struggles that most readers can relate to.   You don't want the book to end because you've grown to love these characters and you want to know how their journey plays out.

Thankfully, Sara (and Rachel) don't leave us hanging for long! Her third book will be coming out in January 2012!   And you can bet - it's on my wish list!

Merry Christmas everyone!

*I read this book on my iPad, which I love to do! It takes some time to get used to not holding a real book and flipping pages, but the delivery time (from the download to my hands) is so amazingly quick, that it might be my new "favorite" way of buying books!*

**Thank you to BookSneeze for providing me with this book in exchange for a review.   It is my pleasure to help you in this way!   Merry Christmas BookSneeze!**

Our Christmas Tradition

2011-12-23T09:42:00.000-06:00

Every year David and I take one

full day to do our last

minute shopping.

Today's the day!

I love spending the whole day,

just the two of us.

First we have breakfast,

then hit all the places

on our list.

Then, we'll have coffee in the bookstore

and continue on until

we're done.

When we've exhausted our budget

and our legs,

we'll head home to

collect the 12 year old

from the grandparents,

then settle on the couch

with some potato soup

and a Christmas movie.

This is our

Christmas Tradition.

Merry Christmas

everyone!

A Dr. Pepper Blessing

2011-12-21T15:50:00.000-06:00

Blessings come in the strangest of ways.

Sometimes they are big and monumental. Other times they are small and almost unrecognizable,

unless you're looking for them.

At the beginning of this week, we went to see my dad. He is on his 3rd month in the hospital

and his 2nd round of pneumonia.

I really didn't know what to expect when I got there, so I prayed that God would prepare my eyes for his very thin frame and prepare my heart for whatever I might encounter while there.

I tried to prepare the boys for the physical appearance, as well as the possibility that PawPaw might be confused at times.

I will not adequately be able to describe the blessing that I feel in my heart about the two days we spent with him in the hospital. But, if I had to try, the word would be: overflowing.

Those were two of the sweetest times I've had with him in a long time. See, my dad has been physically sick and mentally depressed for quiet some time. Living with Celiac and all the resulting aches and pains from that disease, have had him in a sad, broken state for a few years now.

But, Monday when we walked in, his face lit up! He was welcoming us into this place that he has learned to accept. Not that he wants to be there, but it's his room, where he knows he has to be for now.

We talked at times and just sat, at times. Many times we were ushered out of the room, while medical necessities were attended to and that was ok. The staff has been amazingly accommodating and attentive. They've even learned to endure his joking and his sarcastic tone. I think they know that deep down, he is a kind man.

Toward the end of the first night there, we introduced him to Talking Tom - the cat on the iPad that talks and repeats what you say. We had the best time! We told my dad to talk to the cat and then we all cracked up when the cat would talk back. Dad would just grin and say something else to the cat and we were all rolling with laughter. It was really special.

I was amazed at all the things he could remember; even knowing exactly what the date was! He listed all his brothers and sisters, in order (there were 9 kids all together) and when I would show him pictures on the iPad, he just smiled when he saw his grandkids and called them by name.

On the second day, he told Ted that he wanted a Dr. Pepper. This is one of the things he requested, that day (including fritos). So, later that day, Ted came back to the room with a bottle of Dr. Pepper for him. My dad's eyes lit up. He said "for me?"

Here is the picture I took of him and his Dr. Pepper. To most, it will look like a picture that is nothing special. To me, it holds the memory of making a sick man, very happy, with something that we take for granted every day.

My dad Jim and my step-mom Ruby

and

the Dr. Pepper

This Christmas, before you stress over buying that perfect gift or before you get depressed because you can't have what you really want, think about the people that are just happy to be alive. Think about those who will spend their Christmas laying in a hospital bed or those taking care of those in the hospital beds.

When you get frustrated about all the traffic - praise God that you are free to drive.

When you get stressed over what meal to fix - praise God you have food on the table and that you are well enough to eat it.

When you lament over the perfect outfit for Christmas morning - praise God you're not wearing a hospital gown that day.

Whatever it is that keeps you up at night - praise God that you have two good legs and can kneel by the side of the bed and ask God to take your burdens from you.

Put life in perspective this week.

It's not about gifts.

It's not about food.

It's about love - giving and receiving - love.

And love can be simply handing someone a Dr. Pepper and watching their face light up.

Merry Christmas everyone

and especially to my dad

Jim.

Christmas Looks Different

2011-12-19T06:55:00.000-06:00

Ever notice how things look different in childhood than they do as an adult? Christmas is the perfect example of this.

As a child, Christmas was so magical.   It was anticipated with joy and excitement. As an adult, it is anticipated with stress and anxiety, sad to say.

I was reading Heather's post over at Spiritbee about un-traditional Christmases, and agreeing with her that it's not what it looks like in the movies, (unless you're imagining a Chevy Chase movie. Then it might be realistic).

In fact, just last week our pastor talked about what a false vision it is to think our lives will be like the Norman Rockwell pictures.   He reminded us that those are just paintings; an artist's vision of what life should be like - not the real thing. That goes along with my "Walton's moments" in life, that never happen.

My Norman Rockwell Christmas would look like this:
A cozy house, full of family sitting around the dinner table, eating a delicious meal. Then everyone moves to the tree to open beautifully wrapped presents.

Relatives would come from far away (everything in Texas is far away!) and we would all stay under the same roof, telling stories and drinking hot chocolate. Of course, no one would bicker and everyone would know not to over-stay their welcome.

The relatives would leave, the house would be clean and with the kids all tucked in their nice, warm beds, David and I would settle on the couch and watch an old movie (and I wouldn't fall asleep).

This would be the perfect Christmas to me.

However, reality is that this week, instead of making last minute preparations and figuring out where I will house everyone, we are taking a trip 6 hours away to see my dad who has been in the hospital for exactly 3 months today.

We will visit him in his small hospital room, hand him a few gifts to open, and hope he has the strength to do so.   David will go to his office during the day, while the kids and I eat restaurant food and make multiple trips back and forth across town to visit my dad.    We will eat alone at night and sleep in a hotel room (which I hate) and get up the next day and do it all again.   Then, time will come when we have to say good-bye, and we will make the 6 hour trip back home, wondering if that will be the last Christmas we spend with my dad.    If so, that will mark the memories my boys will have of their 18th and 12th Christmases.

This is real life.

By the end of the week, as Christmas approaches, we will have attended a Christmas Eve service, hopefully visited a Live Nativity Scene, and had plenty of cups of hot cocoa.    The kids will anticipate Christmas morning and I'll cook French Toast.

That afternoon, Ted will leave us and go spend the rest of the day with Sheri's family, Collin will play with all his new things, David and I will have coffee and talk about what a great day it was.

That night we'll sit on the couch and watch a movie with Collin and I'll fall asleep before both of them.

You know - that doesn't sound too far from ideal, does it?

Merry Christmas everyone!

Living With Musicians

2011-12-18T09:12:00.000-06:00

I love the feel of Sunday mornings when we stay home from church. I know that's not the way it's "supposed" to be, but it's the truth.

There is something beautiful and peaceful about Sundays when they are not rushed and consumed with everyone scrambling around, getting dressed, and running out the door.

Sunday truly does have a different feel about it.

Looking back over this week, it seems that we have packed so much into 7 days;

most of it revolving around the musicians living in this house.

There was David's birthday,

where, of course, we added

another guitar to our

wall of instruments.

Then there was Collin's violin recital at the local mall.

(preceded by 2 violin lessons this week).

He did great, by the way!

Ted will be playing in a Christmas program tonight.

Wednesday he had his regular praise band gig

and he had the Christmas program dress rehearsal yesterday morning.

David played in the church Christmas program

last Sunday,

had two rehearsals this week,

the Remember When Orchestra Christmas concert last night,

and another

Christmas concert tonight.

So, if you add it all up.....

EVERY single day this past week,

one of these men have been

either at practice or a performance,

including tonight.

And, that is what life with a house

full of musicians is like!

Merry Christmas

Everyone!

A Little Love in a Bowl

2011-12-16T15:45:00.001-06:00

Here in Texas

you can wake up to 75 degrees,

have shorts and flip flops on,

go outside at lunch,

and realize

you need to change

your clothes

because

a cold front just

blew in

and now

it's about

20 degrees colder!

And.....

along with the cold front

you get

the Southeast Texas

CRUD

(allergies galore!)

So MAMA fixes a few bowls of

White Chicken Chili,

turns on a little Christmas music,

and we all feel a little better.

Merry Christmas

Everybody!

You Can't Stop The Learning

2011-12-15T08:18:00.000-06:00

Once again, Jen over at Gricefully Homeschooling has inspired me!

No matter how long we take on this responsibility of teaching our own children, we never reach the place of thinking we have it all together.   In fact, it's usually just the opposite voice, playing over and over in my head:   "you're not doing enough!"

However, sometimes our kiddos bless our socks off by revealing knowledge we didn't even know they had. Such was the case on December 7th, when I asked David to talk to Collin about Pearl Harbor.

Actually, I had bugged David a few times that day about making sure Collin knew the significance of that day.   Not unlike other significant days on the calender, Mom had forgotten to prepare any info for that specific historical date, and I was counting on my "I minored in History in college" husband to do the work for me!

So, as it turned out, David and Collin were going somewhere in the car that night and David thought it would be a good time (while Collin was held captive in the car), to use the 10 minute drive to educate our son on the events of that day in History.     Little did he know, he was about to be educated on how much our kids learn, when we're not looking.

When presented with the question "how much do you know about Pearl Harbor?" Collin preceded to talk David's ears off, for the next 10 minutes, on all the facts about what happened that day, what caused the events, who was involved, etc.     David was shocked! And when he came home and told me how it all went down, I was shocked too!

Of course, the first and most obvious question was "where did he learn all of that?" And the answer is..........

Why on Adventure in Odyssey, of course. Where else?

For those who don't know about Adventure in Odyssey, they are stories created by Focus on the Family, about a town named Odyssey.   My kids have been listening to these stories all their lives and unless we are out of town or spending the night somewhere else, they have never missed a night of going to sleep to the sound of Mr. Whittaker and the gang.   (Well, Ted has moved on, since he's 18, but Collin still listens every single night.)

Sometimes the stories are about historical figures and events, and sometimes just dealing with morals and character issues.   But, they are always about pointing to God and his involvement in our lives.

And, honestly, Collin has learned so much from these tapes (and others such as Jonathan Park), that if they would figure out how to teach math by telling stories, Collin could have graduated by now!

Anyway, the point of this whole thing is that we moms worry too much!

Here I have a 12 year old who can't even take a 5 minute car ride without a book in his hand, and I'm worried that if I'm not sitting at the table with a stack of textbooks in front of us, he's falling behind. Rubbish!

Kids are like little sponges and even when they aren't aware of learning taking place, it's still going on.

And that puts this mom at ease; even during this crazy Fall, when we've spent more time on the road and at the hospital with my dad, than we have with the books.

Now, if you need more inspiration and confirmation, hop on over to Jen's blog and read about how her kiddos have been learning without books.   You'll feel better.   I know I do!

Life is Still Real; Even During the Holidays

2011-12-14T18:33:00.000-06:00

As much as I would love to have all my posts during the holidays, be filled with great joy and cheery visions of baking and tinsel; life still happens and you gotta be real.

I'll just start off by saying that this week has not been great.

I've dealt with my dad still being in the hospital and me trying to decide how to visit him and fulfill obligations here, at the same time, being that he is 6 hours away. I wanted to wait to visit him as close to Christmas as I could, so he would have a good Christmas, with memories of his kids being near. However, as each day goes by, I'm worried more and more, that he's not going in the right direction for healing.

I'm finally feeling the sting of living so far from my parents. It's not fun. It hurts to not be there and to be torn between the duties of being a mom and being a daughter.

I've also had to deal with a so-called friend, telling me she didn't have time to be my friend anymore and twisting so many of my words around, they in no way, represented anything I even said or felt. That was fun! If I would have had Lisa Whelchel's phone number, I would have called her right away, to tell her that one of her real-life scenarios just came true.    In her book Friendship for Grown-ups, she tells her own story of a friendship she thought was valuable, only to have her "friend" call her up and tell her she no longer had the capacity to be her friend.   What the heck is wrong with people?   Who doesn't need friends?    I find that sad on so many levels. Yet, I feel such a peace about this situation being settled, that I know this has purpose.   Live and learn, I guess.    I've always said that God has a way of weeding people out of your life, who have no business being there.    It's time to move on and shake the dust off my feet. Done.

My motto for the New Year is this: I'm not chasing anyone! The only people I want in my life, are the ones that WANT to be here! If that only means my husband and my kids, then I'm going to live life to the fullest and celebrate everyday, like it's my birthday.

I'm sick and tired of trying to make time for people that don't deserve my time.   Either I'm valuable to you or I'm not.   If I'm not - then do us all a favor and move on!

A very smart little 13 year old had a FB status today that said "Why would you spend time thinking about someone, who never takes a second to think about you?"   And to that I say.......AMEN!

Then, to top it off......I made the worst laundry blunder I've made in 23 years of working this housewife gig.   I managed to shrink one of Ted's brand new, wool sweaters, down to 6 year old size !

The one on the left is the shrunken one - the one on the right is regular size.

Yikes!

Who knew you weren't supposed to wash

"Italian Wool"

in the washing machine?

This is what he saw when he walked into his room that night.

The sign says:

"I never claimed to be the perfect mom!

I'm sorry!"

He was so good natured about it. He tried it on today and we all had a good laugh, although Collin said "That's a picture I won't get out of my head for a week!" Thanks Ted, for being a good sport!

And that's the reality of life.

You want it to be all "Walton's" moments, but it's real and sometimes it's rough.

Good news is - God is still God and He's still on his throne and his mercies are new, each and every morning.

And, that's one promise I can count on!

Merry Christmas Y'all!

**P.S. I am now having to approve my comments before publishing. I'm sorry for the inconvenience but it's part of my guard being up, and it will be for a while.**

Things I Remember about Christmas

2011-12-12T07:59:00.000-06:00

The Things I Remember About Christmas:

Stockings were my favorite

thing to open.

My stocking always held such

great surprises like

a new watch, earrings,

new "unmentionables"

and socks.

Maybe it was the way my mom

packed them full of goodies.

Whatever it was, stockings

are still my favorite part of

Christmas morning.

I remember handmade ornaments

that were full of jeweled pins,

colorful and beautifully

placed on a round ornament,

truly bewildering because

my mom had made them.

I remember getting two Barbie

Heads that you could

put makeup on and

fix their hair.

Two of the best Christmas gifts ever!

I got two of them

because

my mom asked for a list

and my step mom asked

for a list

and I gave them both

the same list.

It was a win-win situation.

I remember my mom taking us into

Downtown San Antonio

to the Joskes Department Store

to see the Christmas display of toys

and santas.

It was magical.

And then we always found our way

through a Candy Cane Lane,

where the houses were decorated

with candy canes and lollypops

on the roof, and

all the famous cartoon characters

in the yards.

I remember growing into a teen

and wanting nothing but

clothes;

Jordache Jeans, Gloria Vanderbilts,

and Polo Shirts.

I remember heading over to my cousin's

house for lunch,

so excited to see what all the teens would be wearing.

We would all have on something new.

Those were good times

and

good memories.

Merry Christmas

and

happy memories!

I Can Feel Myself Slipping!

2011-12-09T08:11:00.000-06:00

When the kids were younger we would take the entire month of December off

from all "official" academics

and focus on Christmas.

We would bake and make crafty things.

We would watch movies and read Christmas stories.

Where did those days go?

I want them back!

So, here it is....

a few weeks until Christmas

and we're still doing school.

I'm still cracking the whip every morning

and I'm losing it......

the desire to keep up

this facade of

"academic excellence"

and

I'm ready to say....

we're done!

I'm ready to watch

Christmas movies in the middle of the afternoon

with my 12 1/2 year old,

who, by this time next

year

may not want to do that with me again.

I'm ready to see Christmas lights

late at night,

without worrying about

getting in bed

because

"we have school in the morning."

I'm ready to drink

hot chocolate

and go shopping

and

do things that bring simple joys.

I'm ready to call it quits.

It's Friday.

Seems like the perfect day

to do just that.

Merry Christmas

everybody!

Unofficially - Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-07T13:27:00.000-06:00

If I were to post a picture for

Wordless Wednesday,

this is what it would be........

soap

jar.

Love the look,

love the smell

(that's why I unwrap them ALL before putting them in the jar).

And

then

wouldn't

say

another

word.

Another Cowboy Christmas Tree

2011-12-06T19:18:00.000-06:00

It's another Cowboy Christmas Tree!

Yep! That's right!

If you're gonna live in Texas........

you gotta have a

few cowboys

on your

Christmas tree!

But

for you City Folks,

we have.......

The

sweet

little

red

white

tree.

Merry Christmas

Everybody!

Book Review - Lonestar Angel by Colleen Coble

2011-12-05T15:41:00.001-06:00

Writing this review means that I've finished this book and I feel like I need another one just like it - right now!

Lonestar Angel by Colleen Coble was such a great book! It had my attention from the first page and made me neglect all other activities, just so I could finish it, in 2 days!

The element of mystery was there, right from the beginning, when the main character Eden, is forcing herself to tell of her "past and the demons that had driven her to Wabash, Indiana." Right at that moment, "the sense of a presence behind her made her pause."   And, that is how the story begins.

I loved the Texas setting (being that I'm partial to that great state), with the ranch and all the things that go along with the ranch setting.   I was also entertained by the "city girl" clothes and shoes that Eden tried to make due with, while walking across dirt and cow patties.    I really wanted to yell out to her, to get some jeans and boots!

The mix of characters kept the mysterious nature going; as you never knew who the "bad guy" really was, until the very end.    And, of course, it was an "ah-ha" moment when that character was revealed.
It was delivered with quite a twist, but somehow it all made sense.

This book has you rooting for the two main characters all the way through - for their love that was once lost and for the restoration of their marriage. You also can't help but fall in love with all the little girls that are a part of the story, and you find yourself wanting to take them all home with you.

Overall, this was a great tale of real life on the Texas/Mexico border, real hurts and trials that people go through and how true love prevails when walls are broken down and we allow ourselves to feel.

It will leave you wanting a sequel or at least one close to it.

This e-book was furnished to me by BookSneeze.com for review purposes only. Thanks Book Sneeze!

Well Rounded or Not Focused?

2011-12-05T09:55:00.000-06:00

I saw this quote on the Women of Faith page - a few weeks ago, and it was one of those things that made my heart leap (ever have that happen to you?) and I knew I had to share it.

“Conventional wisdom tells you to push yourself beyond your comfort zone. Yet when you study the most successful people you discover that they do something quite different: they push themselves within their strengths zone. They certainly aren’t complacent. It’s more that they realize they will be at their most productive, their most creative, their most generous, their most collaborative if having found their edge, they spend their life sharpening it.”  Marcus Buckingham, author of StandOut

I want to shout this out to the world!

Find something you're good at; something God has created you for - and go for IT!

Forget that our society tells you to be "well rounded".    Forget that your competitive spirit tells you to sign your kid up for everything under the sun.    Forget that you get bored easily.

What has God put inside of you that you're passionate about?   Find that ONE thing and do IT; not 15 other things plus IT.

I've heard parents say they want their kids to be "well rounded". No wonder kids are suffering from A.D.D.! For the sake of "well roundedness", the parents are dragging the poor kids around; expanding their little horizons, yet, the kids aren't focused on any one thing. They grow up not knowing what they want to do with their lives.   They've been exposed and involved, but never focused.   Their lives have consisted of moving from this activity to the next; never having time to just be good at one thing.

Think about the Olympians we watch on TV: they have devoted their entire lives to that ONE thing and perfected it to the best of their ability.    Think of musicians - they devote themselves to the music; it's in their blood and they can't NOT play or sing or write.    And artists - they HAVE to create and they spend most of their time thinking on their next creation.

Nine times out of ten - those who focus and succeed in one area, are there because they didn't divide their time up between 5-6 other areas of interest.   They chose the one that held their passion and that's where they stayed and it paid off.

So next time someone says to "step out of your comfort zone" - give it some thought.   Will stepping out help you grow in your IT area or will it take your focus off what you were called to do and set you back?

Don't let those who live scattered lives, derail your focus.   If God has shown you what He created you for - stay there! Grow there! Focus there!

In the end - you will find satisfaction in knowing that you put your all into what you loved, and you did it well.

Blessings,
Debbie

A Christmas Tradition and a Yummy Hostess Gift

2011-12-04T15:26:00.000-06:00

Last night we attended our friend's Annual Christmas Dinner, which we go to every year, and have such a great time just eating, laughing and talking, (and usually watching a few brave souls dance to Michael Jackson on the Wii)!

Here's the hostess - Cheryl.

She's an awesome hostess because you can't rattle her.

She always has everything just about ready when we get there,

and she won't let us clean up a bit when it's all over.

She's all play and no work

when she has company.

So we sit, eat, talk, laugh

and usually watch some crazy

dance moves while

she and a guest play the Wii.

It's very entertaining!

So, this year I made her a little hostess gift

that turned out to be a hit with

the whole party.

Here's the recipe for Cinnamon Pretzels that are so easy to make and a great treat for everyone:

Cinnamon Pretzels

Here are the ingredients:

Pretzel Twists

Cinnamon

Oil

Sugar

(see recipe for amounts)

Add all ingredients to a big bowl, thoroughly coat pretzels with oil mixture,

and place on a cookie sheet

(or in a roasting pan)

and bake for 20-30 minutes

on 350.

While they are baking

the cinnamon and sugar

bake onto the pretzel

and leave

a sugary coating

that you can actually see

once they are cooked.

Take out of the oven and let cool.

Then place them in a gift tin or container

and you have a great

hostess gift!

And

there you have it!

All wrapped up and ready to go!

Thanks Cheryl

for a

great meal

and a fun night!

See ya next year!

My Little Corner of the World

2011-12-03T07:22:00.000-06:00

Here's my little corner of the world.

This is where I spend a good

portion of the day:

writing

paying bills

reading God's word

computing

planning

making lists

checking off "to-do's"

blogging

and anything else that needs to be done

at a desk.

This is my spot and I'm

stingy with it.

Sometimes I sit here for so long

that I have to walk away

to clear my head.

But, it doesn't take long

before I want to go back

and create something else.

Everyone needs

a little corner of the world.

Where's yours?

Great Pictures Coming

2011-12-02T07:53:00.000-06:00

I've been a little slow on posting this week because I've been having trouble with my camera, but that's all about to change........I hope!

I bribed, uh....made a deal with, uh......threatened, well, let's just say he owed me......a camera.   I'm talking about Ted.   You see, back when he was working at the horrible place called a pawn shop, he found an incredible camera that, sadly, someone had hocked.    He bought it for about $50.00, which was a steal (I still feel bad for the person, though) and thought he was set in the camera department.

Well........ due to his MACbook being stolen a few weeks ago, which was kind of like a right arm to Mr. Musician, we've been trying to figure out a way to get him a new computer (right before Christmas) and this is where the camera comes into play.

My dinky little digital started going crazy on me over the past few months and I was in the process of looking for an inexpensive replacement. So......when Ted and I began talking about how to replace the MAC, I had a brilliant idea..........he could give me his camera and that would save me some money, that could be put toward his new computer.    Uhhhh, let's just say I could see he was torn, because he knew if he gave me this camera, he would probably never find another deal like that. Yet, his need for a new MACbook was so much greater than his need to take pictures.

Reluctantly he agreed and I now have the camera in my hands - well, actually it's been in Collin's hands since we got it!

This 12 year old whiz kid, figured out what every button, every gadget, every type of picture (panaroma being his favorite), can do and I have yet to take even ONE picture!

How do they do that?

So, my goal today is to take some pictures and hopefully, come back here next week with some great visuals.

I want to show you my new Christmas Binder that I've been putting together (thanks to Courtney at Women Living Well and UntanglingChristmas.org).

I want to show you my new "Office" sign I bought at Hobby Lobby.    I LOVE it!

And whatever else comes to mind as we put up our tree this weekend, chase down Glen Beck (he'll be in town Saturday morning), and visit with friends Saturday night.

It's going to be a great weekend so I'll catch you back here as soon as I figure out how to turn my new camera on! (I feel kind of bad for Ted now too. Oh, well, I'm sure I'll get over it and so will he, as soon as he gets his new computer).

See ya soon!

Debbie

How Do You See Your Homeschooling? A yellow school bus moment!

2011-11-29T07:28:00.000-06:00

We could all use some help with our vision at times.

And yesterday was the day

I adjusted Collin's vision.

Let me paint the not-so-glamorous-picture

of how our "back from the holidays" first day went

(the short version - the real version took about 2 1/2 hours):

I happily go in to wake the little 12 year old cherub

from his "plenty of rest" night's sleep, at 8:00am.

I go back and back and back and back,

until he finally realizes my tone of voice

is getting more gruff by the minute.

Short of yanking him out of bed, I've turned

on lights and done everything I know to do

(and still maintain his dignity and mine),

and he finally swings his feet over the edge

and it's like he's been drugged for days or something.

For the next hour and a half, I kid you not,

I am having to stay on him

to complete his morning "list"

and get ready for school.

By this time, all my "I've had my quiet time and coffee and I'm happy" mood

has all but disappeared.

(Parenting EXPERTS do NOT write snarky comments

telling me all the things I've just done incorrectly!

I have an 18 year old - been there, done that,

this is a different child!)

So..........

by the time this lethargic, sulky child

gets to the table for school,

I have reached my limit.

So.........

What do you think I did?

Well, I did what any true homeschooling mom does.......

I pulled out my best "yellow school bus" threats and

went to town!

Yep! That's right! I'm shameless (well, I do feel kind of bad about it now),

but yesterday it was needed!

We were already running so far behind schedule and I was too mad not to lecture,

so for about 20 more minutes I gave Collin the "yellow school bus" threat,

the speech about what a privilege it is for him to be a homeschooler, what a tragedy it would

be for him to have to sit in a school building all day,

when he can finish his work at home in 2 hours.

I went through what a blessing it is for him to be at home

and how God has richly blessed us by allowing me

to be at home for 18 years.

When I got done with the ~~threats~~ encouragement, I proceeded to

pull out the Bible words, such as laziness and obedience,

just to drive home all my points.

By the time I was finished ~~ranting~~ talking,

his face looked repentant (or he was about

to fall back to sleep),

so I calmed down.

I could see that I had made some progress

(he must be a genius to have made sense

from all of that!),

and we needed to move on.

I have to say......after that.......

I had a different child for the rest of the day!

I know what you're thinking!

"Sure, anyone would be different after seeing that you're a lunatic!"

No!!

Believe it or not, he really did need an adjustment to his vision

about being at home; just maybe a little bit of a gentler version, but nonetheless,

he needed an adjustment.

You see, sometimes those of us who are at home (even moms),

forget what a privilege this is!

We may fuss because we want a day off; we have too much to do.

Or the kids fuss because they don't "want to do school!"

But,

what we have forgotten is what a blessing it is!

This is not a "have to" - it's a "get to"!!

We get to stay at home with our kids!

We get to teach them what's important in life and education!

We get to walk outside in the cool crisp air during our morning break,

and talk with our teens at 10:00am over smoothies in the kitchen!

Moms, this is a privilege!

So, today, when your kids throw you off your schedule,

and nothing goes as planned,

maybe you should just go with it.

Take a few minutes to point out

what needs to be worked on, changed, adjusted,

in attitude and deeds,

then take your child by the hand,

walk outside,

get some fresh air,

and count it all joy!

Because

you are living

"get to"

life

and you

are

blessed!

Press on my friends!

Hope you have a great "get to" day!

The Countdown Begins

2011-11-27T18:28:00.000-06:00

Well, I officially feel in the "mood".........for Christmas, that is!!

I'm one of these crazy people who can only concentrate on one big holiday event at a time, so I have to get through Thanksgiving before I can even begin thinking about Christmas.

But, there's one more thing I had to get in place and organized before starting on my Christmas Planner Project (more to come on that - soon), which was school!

And, I wanted to share a little idea that came to me today as I was looking over the next month and deciding exactly what my expectations would be before the Christmas break.

This is just a fun, little booklet I put together for Collin, to motivate him for the next 4 weeks of school.

Within this booklet, he has all the assignments that are expected to be completed before we can officially take a break for Christmas.    He can work at his own pace; finishing early if he chooses.

WHENEVER he finishes ALL the assignments in this booklet, he is DONE! Hence, the motivator!

Here's what I did:

#1   Looked over our December calender to determine how many school days we have left (for our     family - yours may look different).

#2 Looked over each subject (just CORE subjects for this month) to determine where I wanted him to stop, so that when we start back after the holidays, we will be in a good starting place and not having to review, because we stopped in the middle of a unit.

#3   Based on how many assignments it would take to get to our stopping point, I calculated how many times he would do that subject in the allotted number of days left.

#4   I made a separate check-off sheet per subject, listing the subject, how many lessons to the end, and made a list - #1, #2, #3, etc., with a place to check off each assignment as it was completed.   (see picture)

#5   I stapled them all together with a cover sheet that says "Count Down" (in Christmas colors) and on the back it says "You're Done!"

I try to use motivators like this for the holidays and as we get toward the end of the school year.   This gives the kids a smaller time-frame to reference and they feel they can see the "light at the end of the tunnel" (helps mom, too!)

So now that I have school organized and I don't have to use my brain power to figure out what we're doing every week, I can officially get into the holiday spirit!

Hope you are too!

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-27T07:28:00.000-06:00

Well, Thanksgiving went off without any disasters or food fights or any other memories we might want to forget. I count that as a success!

Once again, I somehow managed to get out of cooking the turkey, which means at the age of 46, I still have yet to cook the Thanksgiving bird. I had every intention of cooking this year, but as it turned out, David's cousin Amy saw a good deal at the grocery store a few weeks back, and offered to buy it. Since she lives about 45 minutes away in another city, and we would have had to make special plans to meet on the road somewhere to make the hand-off, she offered to cook it and bring it down on Turkey day, so I let her. Not a bad gig! I did my part by making all the sides and the dessert (well, David's mom made the dressing and brought the tea and Sheri brought the appetizer) so we'll call it even. Amy did a great job and all was well.

Here are a few pictures from our happy little day:

Here's the table before.........

And after........

Dessert was a combination of Turkey Day

and Birthday,

since this was both of David's parent's birthday.

There was not ONE pie in the house

which is kind of sad, now that I think about it.

Ted * Sheri

and Annie the Schnauser

Of course, there is never a family gathering

without some kind of porch "singing"

going on.

And here we are.......

What a great day of giving THANKS and appreciating family.

Thank you, LORD

for

all of these blessings.

Without YOU,

there would be not one.

Blessings.......

Debbie

Thanksgiving Week 2011

2011-11-23T07:35:00.000-06:00

It's Thanksgiving Week and here's what I've been up to:

Baking these yummy biscuits!

Not for Thanksgiving

and not because I'm a

conscientious mom

who fixes a big breakfast for

the family.

No...........

but only because I was flipping

through my

Mary Jane's Farm Magazine

and

they looked so good!

And where the recipe calls for

brushing Milk over the tops

before baking.....

I brushed melted butter

instead.

Then,

while they were still piping hot,

I put Raspberry Jam

on top....

and had about

4 of them!

Here's what else I've done this week:

Gone shopping for the

necessary supplies

(notice they're all paper goods).

Tomorrow I will take some pictures of

all of these supplies

in working form.

Today.....

I make dessert.

Tomorrow is my in-law's

birthday.

My Father-in-law and my Mother-in-law

were born 10 years apart,

on the same date,

November 24th.

So tomorrow we celebrate

what we're THANKFUL TO GOD for

and

Ted and Carolyn's

81st & 71st

birthdays.

And it will be a good day.

See ya then!

"Let them give thanks to the Lord

for his unfailing love

and his wonderful deeds for men."

(Psalm 107:21)

What Does School Look Like In Our House?

2011-11-19T08:37:00.000-06:00

While browsing through some blogs I follow, I found a post that inspired me.

Jen over at Gricefully Homeschooling gave a look into her typical week of teaching her children and I appreciated that it wasn't the "supermom's" schedule of getting up before the chickens.

I'm sorry, but when I read about these families that have all their kids at the table by 7:00 am and mom's in the kitchen throwing together a 3-course breakfast with all the food groups - it makes me cringe!

Even when I didn't have teens with "hormonal sleeping disorder" (that's a joke), I could not have persuaded any of us to start our school work at 7:00am!    There is coffee that must be consumed, blogs to read, quiet time with the Lord (sweet), and digging around in the kitchen for the dreaded taste-like-cardboard breakfast bar.    And, that's just my morning routine.

The boys have to roll over at the sound of my voice - at least 3 times - with the tone getting meaner and more threatening each time.   Then they have to move from the bed to the couch, where they cover up and lay around for another round of mom threats, then they move back to their rooms, where they take about 30 minutes to do what should take 5 minutes, of hygienic tasks.   By then, I'm exhausted!

When they finally eat breakfast, get dressed (no, we don't do school in our pj's) and get to the table, it's around 9:00am and I'm feeling like we're late.    But, actually, we're right on time!

I've always (for 14 years now) started school at 9:00am.   It's just the natural rhythm of our home; when everyone is ready to turn on their brains and get started.

I'm an early bird, so starting school at 9:00 gives me plenty of time to do all the things that are important to my morning and even throw a load of clothes in the washer.    Feeling like I've accomplished something, I'm ready to sit down and put my "Teacher" hat on for a while.

A typical day of school for us, usually goes from 9:00am to Noon.   If we haven't finished by noon, then it moves to the next day.   When you play all roles, you have to split your time in such a way that accomplishes all that needs to be done.    Even though we are homeschooling, it doesn't eliminate all the bills, phone calls, doctor appts., budgets, cleaning, cooking, etc. that has to get done sometime during the day.

This year has been a real challenge for several reasons: David is now working from home, which adds a new element to our day, and we are traveling so much, for my dad's illness.

So, our week was supposed to look like this:
School on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday with Wednesdays off for errands, etc.

But, for the last two months it has looked like this:
School on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, travel all day Thursday, spend a few days at the hospital with my dad, travel back home, use weekend to catch up on housework.

For a person (me) who likes to plan my days and is not that flexible (chaos makes me crazy), this year has really stretched me!    I would not be surprised if that was God's intention all along!

So, when I read about other moms who march to the beat of their own drum and don't have that perfect homeschooling schedule, I'm thrilled! It's the way it should be!   That's the beauty of running our own camp - we get to decide what's best for our family and change it when it needs to be different.

So, to all the homeschooling moms that don't have it all together and don't have the perfect schedule, - here's to you!

Happy Homeschooling!

Going Practical for Christmas

2011-11-17T16:45:00.000-06:00

(This book may look familiar to you.......I reviewed it back in the summer.)

A couple of things made me pick this up off the shelf the other day and start searching through it for a little reminder.

Like everyone these days, I've been slowly warming up to the idea that Christmas is just around the corner. I'm not running toward it with my arms open wide, mind you, but I realize it's going to come whether I want it to or not. So, this leaves me with the dreaded task of gift shopping.

Don't get me wrong, I love shopping when I have the money to buy (I hate window shopping), but as the years go by, I am becoming increasingly less excited about all the hype that goes into Christmas. I want to get off this crazy ride, but it's hard to stop, once you've been on for so long!

So my mind has been working really hard to come up with ideas that are simple, yet heartfelt. I find this a great challenge, mostly in regard to my children. I wish we would have set the bar a little lower in the past. When you've run out of ipods and ipads, musical instruments, amps, and $100 Lego sets, where else can you go? That's the million dollar question and I'm still looking for the answer!

That's what I loved about the "Buy American" email that I posted yesterday!! It was full of great ideas that are practical and worth spending money on. I especially like the part about keeping it "American" and also the idea of buying from Etsy shops and friends who create.

Ok, so back to the book........I remembered this book as having some great, practical advice, so I thought I would revisit it and see what I could put into practice.

One of my favorite sayings, although it doesn't apply to Christmas gift giving, was

Use It Up, Wear It Out, Make Do, or Do Without!

I need to hear this and put this into practice! I will be the first to admit that I'm going for comfort more and more over money these days! Simply put - I will spend a little more, to gain more convenience or save time. This is not always wise and not really what God had in mind in the area of "good stewardship".

For example: Back in the summer we bought a Kuerig coffee machine. Oh the joy!! I love that thing! It screams convenience! However, it also screams "overpriced coffee" loud and clear! So, one day (very recently) David and I added up what we have been spending on those cute little "K-Cups" that make this machine so much fun and we were shocked! We were spending......well, I'm too embarrassed to say and you know you just want to know so you can gasp, so I'm not telling! But - it came close to the equivalent of one of those pricey Lego sets! No kidding!

Now, back in the summer, we had also purchased a reusable filter cup, that allows you to use your own "poor man's" coffee, but instead of trying it, we kept paying a fortune for the convenient kind......until last week. I guess sometimes you have to reach your own limit before making a change, and last week I reached that limit! I was sick of adding that box of tiny cups to my grocery cart; knowing they would be gone in a matter of days, so I went home and informed David that we were making a change. However, true to how I usually cave on things, I fussed a little about having to clean the little filter cup after each brew and wouldn't you know it.....my very wise husband said, "You know, sometimes it doesn't hurt for us to do a little work." Ouch!

He wasn't directing his comment to me, but it hit the spot all the same. How true was that statement and oh, how I needed to hear that! So from that day forward, I have been using a $3.00 can of Folgers and have found that it tastes amazingly good and it takes me all of 5 seconds to rinse the filter and have it ready for the next cup. A little work and a lot of money saved!

This is one of the tidbits the Amish share in the book. Why buy something when you have something else that would work just as well? Why not save that money and keep using the item until it is worn out and can't be salvaged? If we lived like this, we could stash money away and not have to have garage sales!

But, that still leaves me with the gift-giving situation. So I turned to the Gift Giving chapter in the book and found some great ideas.

For starters - the 3-Gift rule is a tradition worth looking into. Each person gets 3 gifts (just as the 3 wise men brought gifts to baby Jesus) and they can go something like this:

*something we want* *something we need* *a surprise*

I actually like this guideline because it gives the shopper (me) a rule to go by and I'm not out just randomly looking for things that have no meaning.

The next suggestion is "Experiential gifts", or gifts that offer "experiences". This could range from a set of tickets to a pro-sporting event, to horseback riding lessons, concert tickets, train ride, etc. Any gift that would give the recipient an experience and a memory. This type of gift might not be the most inexpensive gift, but when the experience is shared, the memories will long outlast another knick-knack or toy that eventually ends up stuffed in a closet somewhere.

Then there are the "Homemade gifts" that can be really creative and personal. I love the idea of coupons books made specifically for someone. Like my friend Brenda recently shared in one of her comments, she made her daughter a coupon booklet that allowed her to forgo a subject in school (a perk of homeschooling) which she could use all in one day or periodically throughout the year. The coupons can be tailored toward activities, privileges, time spent with a parent or a friend, or anything that would be meaningful to your child. And, who doesn't like to cash in on coupons!

The last gift-giving idea the author suggests is "shopping your own home for gifts". On Seinfeld they called it "re-gifting", but in the book the author calls it "rethinking a gift". She says "If I have something in good condition that someone else would appreciate far more than I do, why in the world would I not give it to him or her?" To that, I say, "why not"?

Of course, we're talking items that still have charm and aren't used up and close to being tossed. Maybe it's something that person has admired when they've come to visit or maybe it's something from your childhood that your child loves to play with, but you've always maintained that it's yours. Maybe it's a gift you received last year at your company Christmas party that is no more "you" than your husband's shaving kit! If it's worthy of sharing with someone else, then do it! How many items do we really need in the storage shed?

One example in the book, was a family that decided to choose gifts from "around their own house" that they didn't want or need anymore. They exchanged names with their extended family and their "new" gifts included an expresso maker and a golf bag. Not bad, and it was free!

Whichever route you take - new, used, or homemade - just be sure to keep in mind that it's really not about the gift - it's about the love behind the gift.

Happy "shopping"!

A New AMERICAN Christmas Tradition

2011-11-16T12:21:00.000-06:00

Here is a copy of an email sent to me by a friend. The message is simple:

Keep your money in America this Christmas!

Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different.

This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!

It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?

Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?
Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.
Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.
Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamines on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.
There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.
How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?
Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.
My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.
OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.
Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre.
Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.
Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.
THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.

Forward this to everyone on your mailing list -- post it to discussion groups -- throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in your city -- send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations, and TV news departments.

This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what Christmas is about?

To this, I say AMEN!

Things That Inspire Me

2011-11-16T11:31:00.000-06:00

Here are a few magazines that inspire me to create:

I stumbled upon this publication one day at JoAnn's Fabrics.   It was the first time I had ever seen a book about blogging, so of course I picked it up and started flipping through and fell in love with it!

This magazine (almost a soft cover book) introduces the reader to normal, everyday people who blog and have turned blogging into a major part of their lives.    The testimonies are real; some fun and easy going and some inspiring to others because of the true hardships they share.

Many of these people took an art they were passionate about and simply started sharing it through blogging.   Now they have reached levels of readers they never dreamed about reaching.    Others are simply sharing life as they see it; real, passionate, challenging and rewarding.    Many of the stories are beautifully simple.

All of them make me want to write and that's the whole idea.

This magazine is similar in the amount of inspiration it offers.

It's not about writing or blogging; but about creating those spaces which lend themselves to creativity.   As a person who has been writing for years, I will tell you that the space you're in can have a huge impact on your ability to create.   However, this magazine is not only for writers, but all kinds of artists and the amazing spaces they use everyday to inspire them to create.

You can read stories of artists, seamstresses, doll makers, writers, designers, etc. and see beautiful pictures of the spaces they've invented for themselves and their supplies and talent.

You can not flip through this book and NOT be inspired to build something, change something, make something and CREATE!    It's wonderful!

So, what are you waiting for?   Run on down to the local bookstore and pick up one of these little gems!

You'll be inspired!

Yummy Goodness

2011-11-14T18:33:00.000-06:00

White Chocolate Cranberry Pecan Pie

"A perfect blend of sweetness from the white chocolate, nutty goodness of the pecans & the tart cranberries are a taste sensation!"

We recently had the privilege of eating this amazing pie! It was soooooo good!

It was actually the bonus dessert, given with the purchase of a 12 meal package from Main Dish.

If you've never tried Main Dish or a studio kitchen in your area, you should, even if only one time.

I have been buying meals from Main Dish for about 5 years now, off and on. Sometimes I think I can save money by not going and just coming up with my own meals and that's true, if all the elements are in place. However, for some reason, menu making has become a dreaded chore for me; one that I can't stand to do anymore. It takes too much brain power and due to age or hormones or life or all three......I am willing to pay a little extra for someone to do the brain work for me!

But don't think there isn't work involved! There is!

Although I don't have to come up with the actual menu or purchase the ingredients, I still have to choose the meals I want, put them together in the studio kitchen and cook them. The only thing missing is the actual planning of the menu, the shopping, and the slicing and dicing.

Here's how it works:

Step 1: Go to www.yourmaindish.com and choose the monthly menu. (There are usually 2 to choose from - the current month and the previous month)

Step 2: Choose the meal package you want out of several options (they offer different sized packages, some with side dishes and some without)

Step 3: Depending on which package you select, choose the number of entrees you want, out of 14 different choices. There are usually chicken, beef, pork, seafood and casseroles entrees. Sometimes there is a breakfast entree thrown in and there is always a bonus dessert for those who choose the 12 meal package.

Step 4: Choose a date for your "kitchen time" or select "pre-made" (they will prepare the dishes for you - you just pick them up).

Step 5: Register online or by phone

On "kitchen day" - you go to the studio kitchen, put on an apron and get to work! All the slicing and dicing has been done, as well as the portion prep.

You have your own industrial sized work station with recipes for the meals you've chosen. You have all the utensils and pans you'll need, right there as well.

You turn to the first recipe and get started by going to the huge, glass fridge and choosing the ingredients for the meal you're working on. Then go back to your station and start putting your entree together by following the directions on the recipe. When you're done, you cover your pan, wrap it in plastic wrap, label it and put it in your cooler (they supply the ice).

While you're working on your meal prep, the hostess will come around and answer any questions you might have, offer you coffee or a coke, clean up your trash container, and make sure you have everything you need. There are usually several others there working on meals at the same time, so you have company while you work. If you go with a friend, it's even nicer because the hostess will put you at adjoining tables and you get to visit while you work.

The final step is to take the food home, put it in your freezer and voila! You have 12 or more meals just waiting to be cooked and eaten! (I always choose the 12 pack and because you have the choice of using small pans or large pans, I can sometimes divide the entrees up into more meals than just 12. This works great when it's a dish that the kids and I can eat for lunch or dinner if David is gone).

Here's the best way to make the meals last throughout the month:

Each Sunday take a look at your calendar for the week and decide on 3 nights that you want to cook. Choose 3 entrees, according to what kind of meal you need (oven, crockpot, grill) and take those from the freezer to the fridge. Now you have your 3 meals for the week, you'll probably eat out one night, have leftovers from some of the meals, and a lighter meal or two on busy nights. There you go ! You've got your meals planned for the week!

Before you leave, be sure to pick up the "Cooking Instructions" that list how to cook the entrees as well as suggestions for the side dishes and bread you could serve with each meal. Since your food is nicely packed in a cooler, you can stop off at the grocery store, buy your side dishes and any other items needed for that week, and you are good to go!

Believe it or not - this is actually a great way to budget for meals because the price never changes! If you buy the 12 pack, once a month, you will always know how much to budget for your main entrees. The bonus is that most of the meals leave you with leftovers (at least for lunch), so you are actually getting more than enough for your money. And variety, to boot!

Here is a list of all the meals I now have stashed in my freezer for the next month or so:

Apple and Herb Roasted Chicken (this is actually 2 whole chickens, which I will turn into 2 meals)

Pork Chops with Apples and Yams (we had this Saturday night and it was delicious!)

Frito Pie (2 meals worth)

Peppered Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin (2 tenderloins)

Roast with Mushroom/Onion Gravy (2 meals worth)

Chicken & Black Bean Enchiladas (4 meals worth)

Turkey Meatloaf (2 smaller pans for the kids and I. 2 meals worth)

Cheesy Chicken Bundles

Pecan Thyme Tilapia

Chicken and Dressing (2 meals worth)

And there is my menu for the month!

I have made a list of staple items needed for the month and with the exception of milk and fresh produce, I can limit my trips to the store to just a few times a month, which cuts way back on money spent! And that's my goal - not only to cook good, healthy meals, but to stay out of the store - for time and money's sake!

Collin and I are trying the meatloaf tonight because David is gone and he doesn't eat meatloaf. It's already smelling so yummy in the kitchen! We have 2 pieces of pie left too. Just enough to make a cozy night on the couch with "Pete's Dragon" on DVD and a quickly growing 12 year old, who doesn't mind still hanging out with mom, a great night in my book.

Until next time...........

Be blessed!

If You Peeked Inside My House Today......

2011-11-14T07:26:00.000-06:00

(In light of my topic yesterday, I thought this would be a fun thing to write about today)

So.....

If you peeked inside my house today.........

You might see.............

Me trying to catch up on laundry that I promise every week to get control of......

making out a list of toiletries and hygiene items I want to stock up on.......

doing some "office" work such as phone calls, insurance tidbits, etc.

taking back some overdue library books (oops!)

paying my house note

helping Collin with his schoolwork (I guess that should have been #1, huh?)

kissing my sweet husband goodbye as he heads out of town for a budget meeting (sad face:(

David getting packed and heading to Dallas for one night......

kissing his sweet wife goodbye (another sad face:(

Ted probably heading to the studio to work on some songs he's producing......

praying God will bring his missing laptop back to him.......

Collin moaning about getting out of bed......

taking an hour to get "ready" for his day.........

trying to weasel his way out of various school subjects........

obediently doing his assignments, although not very quickly..........

making me laugh with his outrageous dancing he does...........

making me glad I still have a "kid" around to keep me company.......

Later...........

Me making meatloaf because David's not here and Collin and I eat strangely when it's just us.......

David calling and saying he misses us as he's ordering a big steak from Room Service.......

Ted calling to say "he's at Sheri's".........

Collin asking me what we can watch together on TV........

Us falling into our beds and anticipating the morning, when everything looks fresh and new and we start this life all over again.......

except that tomorrow we'll be eagerly waiting for the car to pull into the drive and the man of the house walking up the steps............

then everything will be right again, because Daddy's home, and the lights will look brighter, the noises won't be as scary, the house will be louder and our hearts will be fuller.

That's what you'd see if you peeked inside my house today..............

Are you nosy or just curious?

2011-11-13T08:54:00.000-06:00

To answer my own question: neither!

I prefer to call it interested in how others live.

My friend over at Homesteader's Heart just posted a great little piece about how she enjoys looking in people's windows as she's passing by.   I do too!!

I've always felt drawn to know what people do on a normal night at home.   So when I pass by a house with the lights on inside, I look! Hey! Don't leave the curtains open if you don't want people to see inside!

But my interest isn't just about what goes on during family time, I love to know how people live their daily lives as well.

When I first started researching homeschooling, my favorite books and articles were those that shared a family's schedule and how they orchestrated their days.    For some reason, this was always my favorite thing to know - more than what curriculum they used (that was the 2nd favorite thing to ask).

I think this plays into my love for organization.    I'm always tweaking my schedule, plans, to-do lists, etc. and so I love to glean new ideas from how other people line up their responsibilities.    It may be weird, but I like it!

What about you?   Are you nosy, curious, or just interested?

A "Good Day"

2011-11-12T15:51:00.000-06:00

Today is a "good day" as I've heard my step mom Ruby say several times over the past 7 weeks. That's how she describes the days that my dad is stable and not fighting to breath. That's how she lets me know that all is well......for the time being.

Well, I'll take it! I've learned to wait for those words; to appreciate the "good days" as they come - one at a time, with no guarantees attached to them. It's enough for me to know that in the turmoil of tubes, needles, ventilators and nurses, my dad can still have a "good day".

Thank you, Lord, for good days!

A "Truth" that sticks

2011-11-11T08:47:00.000-06:00

Sometimes in life you come across a "truth" that sticks with you for years.   I was recently reminded of one of these sweet nuggets that has completely shaped my stay-at-home days and I want to share it's message with you.

Years ago, a close friend spoke some words to me about how she wanted to "be available" to work for the Lord.   This was a time in both of our lives, when we were very involved in "church" work and yet, right at the beginning of our "mommy" days.    Her statement was simple, yet profound in the way that it really made me think about how busy we ladies can become, in trying to serve, outside of our homes.

Her message was this: "I don't want to get so busy committing myself, that I am not available when God comes knocking at the door."   What she meant was, she didn't want to tie herself up so tight in commitments at church (committees, choir, teaching, etc.) that she would have to say "no" to the Lord if HE wanted her to minister to someone of His choosing.

That little statement shaped my future! It made me realize that I could have easily tied myself down to many other "good" works (and I did - before this) that I would have to turn down the little interruptions that often come unexpectedly.   Interruptions from the Lord such as ministering to a friend in need, cleaning a house for a single mom, cooking for someone in need, driving a friend to an appointment, lending an ear to someone who just needs to be heard, or as simple as it sounds - just taking care of your own family and household in a manner that is pleasing to the Lord.

Sometimes we women want to run around "taking care of things".   We have this need to be used and often it happens at church.   We feel guilty saying "no" so we over commit and then our family suffers.   But it's not just at church.   We take on the concession stand at sporting events, PTA, Support Group leader, Drama Teacher, Bus Driver, BSF leader, and so many other "leadership" positions that your head spins just thinking about it all!

And our house is messy, our kids are eating poorly (and in the car), our husbands feel neglected, and our nerves are on edge.

Who wins in this situation? In my opinion - the enemy does.

Have you looked around lately at the state of turmoil families are in? Parents going in two different directions, never a meal eaten together, calender so full that there is no time for down-time?

Ladies, we have to be choosy about who gets our time and who gets our "best".    It's not noble to have a calender so full, that even your husband has to make an appointment with you!   This is the beginning of disaster!   In fact, I recently came across an older couple who is still struggling with this! Sadly, the husband, who is probably in his mid 60's, expressed to me disappointment that his wife has so many outside obligations, that she's rarely at home.   I got to witness his words while looking at his face, and it still saddens me when I think about it.   This man missed his wife!

When I hear ladies running off their list of "going here, doing this, I'm so busy, blah, blah, blah" I am just grieving on the inside for what they are doing to themselves.   It truly saddens me.    And it's always the same - stating how busy and overwhelmed they are, yet in the next breath, talking about the newest commitment they've placed on themselves.

And, since the enemy is clever, (he knows how moms are) he makes us busy running our kids around from new commitment to new commitment.   Same results - just sounds less selfish!

Bottom line - you're not in a good frame of mind, the kids are begging for "down time", your house is suffering, and deep inside you want to be different, but you don't know where to start or what to let go of.

But guess what? God knew this would happen. He knew we would look to the world for our satisfaction, our fulfillment, our worth.    So He addressed it in His word.

Of course there is the Titus 2: 4 passage that speaks of "love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God."

But, in addition, there is 1 Timothy that gives us an idea of what God considers "good deeds" for women: (5:10) "and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the saints, helping those in trouble, and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds." (5:14) "So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander."

And, let's not forget about the famously envied Proverbs 31 woman! She is not idle in any sense of the word, but her deeds are all about home and family.    She is resourceful, busy, noble, and has her husband's good will, first and foremost, on her mind.   "She watches over the affairs of her household" and she is blessed by the praise of her husband and children.

So where are you at this point?

Busy beyond reason?
House suffering?
Husband neglected?
More committed outside the home than inside?
Children's activities dictating the direction of your house?
No time for ministering if the Lord were to call you to reach out?
No time for hospitality because you're never home?
Find yourself complaining about how busy you are, yet not doing a thing to change it?

Yesterday I heard a sweet friend say that she didn't want to be so busy that she didn't have time for what the Lord wants her to do.   Ahhhh! There it was again.......that sweet "truth" that has shaped my life at home, shaped my outside commitment level, shaped my view on how I should live my life.
And, my spirit rejoiced when she said those words because it was like another woman had come to know what God wanted for her life - simplicity, home, family, availability, and peace.

We can be about God's business when He calls.   We just need to make sure it's HIM that's calling and not the world that says "it's good to be busy."

Friendship For Grown-Ups - Honesty

2011-11-09T08:13:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago at the Women of Faith conference, I had the privilege of listening to one of my favorite speakers of all time........Lisa Whelchel. She was exactly as she has been all the other times I've seen her......delightful, funny and honest about herself and she reminded me of how much I loved her last book, "Friendship for Grown-Ups".

This book is small in size but big in great advice on how to maneuver through friendships.....even as a grown-up, (which apparently, doesn't get any easier!)

I'm always telling my kids, that as unfortunate as it is, even as grown-ups we have to navigate the waters of friendship and sometimes we sink! You would think it would get easier as you get older, but I haven't found that to be true.   I think age just adds to the list of complications you have to overcome to have and be a friend.

In this book Lisa is very honest about her difficulties in finding those true and lasting friendships.   She covers so many topics about finding "safe" friends, drawing boundaries, being honest in conflict and walking away when the time comes.    These are all based on her own experiences as she tried to open herself up to grown-up friendships.

Two of my favorite concepts she talks about are brick building and imagination balloons.
See if you can relate to either one:

Brick building - a "brick" in a friendship is the beginning of a "wall".   Every time you have a disagreement with that friend, a brick is laid down.   Then you experience a disappointment with that friend and you lay another brick down.     If you don't take care of each brick, as they appear, then before you know it - you've got a wall between the two of you.   You can probably think of one or two relationships, right now, where there is the beginning of a small pile of bricks that need to be broken into bits, so they don't turn into a wall.

Sadly, we have a tendency to just keep piling on the bricks, until the wall is too tall and menacing, so we walk away.   I wonder, how many friendships could have been saved by just taking care of each brick as it appeared?

Imagination balloons - These are like those little dialog balloons in the cartoons, where one person is talking and the other is thinking something at the same time.    This happens all the time in friendships, but it looks like this:
(As Lisa writes in her book) - She calls her friend on the phone and immediately her friend says "Can I call you later?"   Lisa says "Sure" but when she hangs up the phone, she instantly creates a balloon that says "Huh! She didn't even take time to talk to me! Something must be wrong or she doesn't want me calling her anymore."      Can you relate?

Because of some action on our friend's part, we instantly create a dialog balloon and fill it in with all kinds of things that we are imagining to be true.

Thankfully, when Lisa's friend called her back, she explained that right when Lisa called, her dinner was ready and she wanted to eat it while it was still hot! Can you imagine how that one small incident could have turned into nonsense, had the friend not called back right away?

As women, we are always dealing with outside influences that affect our emotions; whether it be hormones, the stress of home, kids, husbands, work, etc., and we let that spill over into our friendships.

Instead of being honest with one another, we assume and create these imagination balloons and fill them in, without the other person even being aware of what's going on.   Dangerous stuff, ladies!

Unfortunately, the only way to deal with bricks and balloons, is honesty.   And that, sadly, is easier said than done!

When was the last time you were honest with a friend? This covers so many aspects of friendship. Are we honest when there is conflict? Are we honest when sharing our imperfections?   Are we honest when sharing our hurts, our mistakes, our sins?

Why is it so hard to be honest?

Fear of conflict....that's what keeps us from being honest.   But is it fear for ourselves or for the other person?   Are we avoiding honesty because it gets uncomfortable for us or because we don't want to hurt the other person?

I think we all struggle in the area of honesty - just in different ways.

You basically have two kinds of people, when it comes to being honest: the one who tends to speak their mind and the one who doesn't speak it, but shows it.

I've always been the one who tends to speak my feelings and this has caused many bricks and balloons, I'm sure! Not everyone appreciates honesty; especially when it hits you like a ton of bricks! Speaking the truth is not always pretty and it takes maturity and God's hand over your mouth, to learn to do it correctly and with love.    I'm still a work in progress!

On the other hand, I've been the recipient of the other form of "honesty" (which I really don't consider to be honest), which is the "kind" honesty.    This is where the person "beats around the bush" with their actions and just ends up avoiding you because they don't know how to come out and say what's on their minds.

I remember experiencing this many years ago in a friendship that was really special to me, and it hurt me more than if that person would have just been honest with me about what she was feeling.   Instead of just talking to me and telling me what was coming between us, she just began avoiding me and making up excuses as to what was wrong between us.   It got us nowhere and eventually we lost the friendship all together. In her mind, she thought she was being "nicer" by not telling me what was wrong, but just moving on (she confessed later on).   Well, it wasn't "nicer" and it didn't make her seem any more righteous than someone who might have confronted the issue with love and gentleness.   In fact, I found it dishonest and deceitful and much more hurtful in the long run.

I see this happening with my kid's friendships at times too.   It's painful when it happens to me as an adult, but it breaks my heart everytime I see this happen to one of my kids.

It leaves you wondering what went wrong and you don't even know how to fix whatever it was, because there was no honesty to help you along.

Yes, honesty is hard.   It's uncomfortable.   It makes you squirm and turn red and want to be anywhere but where you are.   However, the rewards can be growth and a stronger connection, if you allow love to be your guide.

As Lisa says: "Ironically, in almost every situation where I have taken the initiative to confront issues before they grew, the result has been a more tender, yet more solid, relationship."

If you have an "honest" relationship, hang on to it!

If you have trouble in this area, pray and ask God to help you manage conflict in a more honest way.

Don't let the bricks stack up and don't create balloons where they don't belong.

We want our friends to hang around! It would be a lonely place without them.

Are You a Dream Stealer?

2011-11-07T07:27:00.002-06:00

"Mommy, I know what I want to be when I grow up!"

We've all heard this line from our little ones and hopefully replied with encouragement and excitement.

But, what about as those "littles" grow and get closer to the age when they really need to be thinking about what they want to do or "be" when they grow up? How do we respond?

When Ted, who is 18 now, was younger, he wanted to be a pilot in the service. That idea came from his love of airplanes and his respect for our military. I have to admit - as noble of a dream as this was, it was not my dream for my little boy. Not for any other reason but the obvious......military equals danger. How do you combine pride for the noble and fear, in the same heart? Thankfully, this was a boyhood dream; one that was replaced with God's calling on his life.

Ted's "calling" came early in life - probably around the age of 12-13 years. He knew that music would be his life and he had no shortage of ideas about how to use it.

When he was a Freshman in highschool, Ruby (my stepmom) gave him a keyboard/recording program that plugged into the computer. This was the beginning of something big!

For hours Ted would sit and create songs on that keyboard; teaching himself everything there was to know about recording and composing. (One more reason I love homeschooling!) He spent so much time teaching himself the art of recording, that I actually used that time and knowledge as a Science credit (Recording Science falls under Applied Science. Another great homeschooling perk.)

Little did I know that one small keyboard would lead to a recording business and sound studio, now called TJS Productions?

But, what if I would have been a dream stealer?

What if I would have said something like "that's not practical" or "you need to get a real job"? What if I would have insisted he go in another direction that seemed more practical and reliable? What if I let the doubts and forgotten dreams of my own, dictate the future of this young man? How selfish that would be!

You see, we get burned out by the reality of life. Some of us have given up our dreams and therefore, we allow that negativity to spill over into the lives of our children, who are still young enough to dream.
Don't do that! Let them dream! Let them create!

Let them feel that calling on their lives that God has created them for!

It may not seem practical to us, but that doesn't mean it's not real and obtainable.

Dreams change and they eventually may take a different path, but by letting them dream, we are stepping aside and allowing God to move them and take them places we never would have thought of.

If we squelch that, we may be stepping in the way of God. Only HE truly knows the plans HE has for our children.

So, if your child is showing signs of a God-given talent - step back and let them dream. It may amount to nothing or it may amount to everything.

Don't be a dream stealer!

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young,

but set an example for the believers in speech, in life,

in love, in faith and in purity."

(1 Timothy 4:12)

(This was a verse I would always give Ted when he

had challenges before him.)

Ted and Over Everest

Ted's Logo

Go to Ted's Website

It's Dangerous Being a Writer!

2011-11-06T15:14:00.001-06:00

You wouldn't normally think of writing as a dangerous profession, however, I've discovered that there are some aspects of it that can be hazardous to the reader's health and my testimony.

You see, as someone who has to write, meaning it's in me and it has to come out, I tend to use writing as my own form of therapy. Granted - it's a lot cheaper than a shrink, but it can be counterproductive to winning friends and influencing people!

When I feel frustrated, I want to write it out.

When I feel happy, I want to share.

When I feel slighted, I want to vent.

And when I want to praise someone, I do.

Kind of like a singer pours their heart out through song; I pour my heart out on the page of this blog. Good or bad, this is where it lands and I know it's not always pretty and proper!

Take, for instance, a post I wrote a week ago about "Christian Bullies". I was so mad when I wrote that! The mama bear showed up and took over my keyboard! Everything I wrote in that post was true, but I shouldn't have put it into words. I should have just left it alone and handled it calmly. The Holy Spirit quickly reeled me back in and I removed the post the very next morning. However, those who receive my blog through email were probably shaking their heads at my hot-hotheadedness and I can't say I blame them. This is something my family just laughs about, but the public may not be so kind. So, to you email readers, I say "sorry"! I'll try to do better in the future!

The bad thing is, that writers are passionate! Whether we're creating a song, a poem, a story, or just writing about our day, we tend to have passion for what's going on paper. It's hard to keep the emotion of who you are and what you're feeling, out of your creation.

It would be like telling an artist NOT to paint what they feel; it can't be done!

So, although I am going to try to not write from heated fury anymore, I won't promise that I can curb any of the other emotions that come along with life; that would just be dishonest.

I'm an outspoken person and it shows in my writing.

But, I'm also a loving, kind, compassionate, tenderhearted person, and that shows as well.

So, if you decide to stick around, you may want to ask yourself if you can handle the gamut of emotions that come from my posts. If you're looking for icky sweet, overly loving, ooey-gooey peace filled posts - ummmm - it "ain't" happening here!

But, if you enjoy honesty, a little humor, and a lot of giving God the glory - then you've come to the right place.

And, I'm glad you're here!

Amazing G-Free Cupcakes!

2011-11-05T22:12:00.000-05:00

THESE KEPT ME BUSY TODAY

Gluten free chocolate cupcakes with Toffee Vanilla Frosting

These were, by far, some of the best cupcakes I have ever made!

I went to Basic Foods last week to look for some G-Free products. Since my dad has Celiac, I'm always looking for G-Free food that would be safe to make for him, plus, you just never know when someone else will need to go G-Free and I want to know what I'm doing.

So......I went to peruse the aisles, just to see what was available in the specialty shop. I know the local supermarkets are carrying more and more products, but I thought I might find something unique at Basic Foods and I was right.

I've tried G-Free desserts before and they were "ok" so I expected these to be about the same; maybe a little dry and kind of non-descriptive. However, I was so wrong!

These little cupcakes are a strong match for some regular cupcakes I recently bought at a Cupcake Bakery!

But - the best part is the Toffee Vanilla Frosting! Oh my goodness!

All you add is butter and water and you have a buttery, sweet, creamy frosting that melts in your mouth!

I took some to my mother-in-law across the yard and almost insisted she eat one right then! (You're a good sport Carolyn!)

The sad part about this yummy creation is that my dad is still in the hospital and can't even try them.

Get well soon Daddy! I want to bake you some treats!

(Now I've got to go put a warm towel on my head. I think I've given myself a sugar headache.)

Until next time.......

Blessings!

I will be checking Amazon and the Gluten-Free Mall Online

for this brand.

Filling Up

2011-11-03T07:35:00.000-05:00

When your car is empty, you fill it up or you won't get too far down the road.

When your coffee cup is empty, you fill it up or you won't have the "get up and go" you need.

When the bathtub is empty, you fill it up or you won't be able to wash yourself clean.

But, what do you do when your soul needs filling?

When your heart is beating but you're just going through the motions each day?

When your life is moving on but you feel like you're not getting anywhere?

When it seems everywhere you turn, people disappoint.

Everywhere you turn, this world seems to get more unfeeling and uncaring.

People have no loyalty to one another; it's every man for themselves.

You can't count on parents - just because they're parents.

You can't count on friends - they have no obligation to you.

You can't count on pets; they just use you for treats:)

And you can't count on the world to fill you up, because it is so empty itself.

But, there is one you can count on,

who can fill you to overflowing with love, grace, mercy, joy, and peace,

and his name is Jesus;

filler of our souls, drink giver for the thirsty,

loyal when no one else is,

comforter when the world gets hard,

healer when your soul is sick,

parent when you need one,

friend when you don't have one,

pillow when you need a soft place to land.

He is the filler of our souls.

He is the one that sees our emptiness

and waits on our cry

and slowly begins to

refill what the world has

used up.

He is our drink,

that wets our parched heart

and brings forth a

little sprout of hope

once again.

His name is Jesus

and

he is filling me up.

(no portion of this can be copied.)

(11/11)

It's Hard to Be Still

2011-10-30T09:10:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was wonderful and strangely hard, all at the same time.

David and Collin were on the road by 6:00am, heading to the Texas A&M game in College Station.   Ted was up and gone by 9:30am to hang out with Sheri, and I was all alone.

Normally this is a good thing; especially when I just need a little "mom" time or need to finish a project, the bills, etc.   But, too much is not my cup of tea!

I didn't have anything on my agenda, such as a great project, and I was determined not to leave the house, so that meant an entire day to just do - whatever.   Wow! That felt weird!

I started out by making sure all the front rooms were straightened up and looking nice, then I lit a candle in the diningroom.   Well, that took all of 30 minutes, so now what?

I decided to watch a movie, which I never get to do, so I searched the guide on the TV, then searched Netflix, and finally decided on an old movie with Andie McDowell and Liam Neeson called "Deception". It was nice to just sit and watch a movie all the way through, without interruption.

But, then it was over........

So, I grabbed my book about Brenda Warner, and knocked off a few chapters of that.

Then I decided I'd take a short nap so I would be good-to-go when the boys all came home........that lasted about 15 minutes.

Ted called around 3:30 to say he wanted to cook something for us tonight, so I went to the freezer to take out the fish and veggies.

I eventually went outside and watered all the flowers.

Then ..........I can't remember what I did, but I just know that by the time they all walked in around 7:00pm (even later for David and Collin) I was so glad to see them!

Not that I didn't enjoy my down-time, but too much would drive me crazy!

So, I started helping Sheri and Ted in the kitchen and enjoyed my time with them, then David and Collin came home and finally.........

my house was alive again!

"Alone time" may be alright for a few hours, but too much can be hazardous to your heart.

I like my boys and this is where I want them.......sharing my "down-time".

Love you guys!

Better Than A Hallelujah

2011-10-29T11:11:00.004-05:00

Click here to hear the song by Amy Grant

(after listening and watching the video, just hit your "back" button to

return to my post)

At the Women of Faith conference last week, I heard this song for the first time ever.   I don't know how I've missed this song on the radio, except that maybe it was meant to come into my life on that particular weekend, for the simple fact that I needed it then and there.

I've heard some negative opinions about this song, but I "get" the song and I love it.

This song spells out how I've felt at times; unable to do anything but cry out to God in my need for Him.   But sometimes the cry isn't done with words; sometimes all you have is the action of doing what's needed at the time.   The offering, if you will.

The lyrics just speak of some of the hard times we go through, when we have nothing left in us to give, but the act of what needs to be done. The times (as the lyrics say) when you've been caring for a sick child for days and you're up one more night and all you can do is pour out one more lullaby to soothe your baby's hurts.    At that moment, that act is your worship. It's right where God wants you to be at that moment and He sees what you're doing and what you're pouring out.   He's sees your sacrifice and he feels your love for his child.    And, I believe, He is pleased.

Or in "the tears of shame for what's been done": when we reach the point of brokenness and realization that we need Christ and the salvation He offers and the knowing that we've grieved Him greatly in our sin.   At that moment of revelation, we fall on our faces with repentance and our tears pour out like rain; emptying us of guilt and shame, and making room for the forgiveness that's coming through our Lord.   What a sweet moment, when God sees our honest heart and the turning away from sin.   As a mom, the brokenness and repentance of my children would be sweeter to me than rote praise.   When a life is changed and turned toward God, the rejoicing has no end!

"The silence when the words won't come." This is where I've found myself over the past month, praying for my dad.   Some moments I would pray for healing; some moments I was praying for God's will. Sometimes I didn't know where the two would meet, and therefore, I wasn't sure what to pray for, but my heart needed to reach out to God on my dad's behalf.    So sometimes all I had to offer were my hands and my faith and there were no more words to utter.   But, I have no doubt that God knew what the desire of my heart was; without words.   After all, He is God.

"Better than a church bell ringing. Better than a choir singing out."   Better than the rituals we go through, better than the acts of religious ceremony, better than going through the motions - God is pleased with our acts of love, repentance, sacrifice, and humility, in the trenches of life.

In the times when all we can do is cry out to Him, He comes and comforts us.    He whispers to our soul that we can go one more night, we can fix one more meal, we can pray one more prayer, we can do one more than we thought we could, because He's there, hearing our cries, seeing our tears.

And, in our pain we feel His presence and then we rejoice and praise and give Him all he deserves.

Then, there is the Hallelujah.

"For he has not despised or disdained the

suffering of the afflicted one:

he has not hidden his face from him

but has listened to his cry for help."

(Psalm 22:24)

Women of Faith - A Needed Reprieve

2011-10-26T07:51:00.000-05:00

A few months ago, I received a small envelope in the mail that contained a little gift from God - 2 tickets to the Women of Faith conference in San Antonio.

When I opened the envelope, all I found were the two tickets and an information sheet on parking, etc. I was a little confused and even questioned whether I had ordered the tickets so long ago that I forgot or if, perhaps, someone had sent them to me as a gift.   Either way - I now had two tickets and no idea how I got them!

I waited a week or so, to see if maybe someone would ask me if I received them, but no one came forward.   Then I put a little snippet of a status on FaceBook to see if that would generate a response; but it didn't.

After a few weeks of no answers, I began to wonder if they were "real" or maybe just an advertisement in the form of a ticket.   I honestly didn't know why I would just receive this gift in the mail.   So, I picked up the phone and called the Women of Faith number and lo and behold, found my answer! (Why didn't I think of that sooner?)

It turns out, I was given two tickets because I'm a blogger!!    What a great gift! Apparently they knew I would come home and blog about my experience (yep) so they gave me free tickets and here I am!

However, as all my friends know, my life has been turned upside down lately because of my dad being in the hospital. We have been traveling 600 miles round trip, every week, for 4 weeks straight now, and making commitments has been hard.   But, I love Women of Faith, so I decided to make plans to attend and just see if it would all work out in my favor.

First step - call Jessica - my awesome friend - and ask her if she would want to be a part of a crazy plan.   She lives in the valley and would drive up to Corpus, pick me up from the hospital, we would drive to S.A. and attend the conference, eat Mexican food, and sleep.   Thank goodness she was in need of some girl time and refreshing too, so she was on board with the crazy plan!

The conference was October 21-22, and my birthday was the 20th.   I got to spend my birthday driving 300 miles to the hospital, then sitting at the hospital, then out to dinner with my aunt, David and Collin, then back to the hospital.   My gift was that my dad opened his eyes about 10:30pm and saw that I was there.   That was the highlight of my day!

The next day, Collin and I went back to the hospital while David went to work at his Corpus office. We were there until noon, sitting with my stepmom Ruby.   When Jessica called to say she was down in the waiting room, I was so torn about leaving.    My dad was stable, but not great.   They had put the ventilator back on while we were there on my birthday because he just couldn't breath well.    I hated to leave Ruby alone, but there really wasn't much for me to do.   I knew David and Collin would check on her and my dad, later that day, but it wasn't the same as being there.

However, there was a part of me that had no doubt that God was going to show up at WOF and I needed HIM to do just that!   I needed to laugh and forget about the past month; even for just 24 hours.    So, off I went.

And sure enough - God was there! He was there in the beautiful music of Amy Grant, Sandi Patty, and Mandisa.   He was in the testimonies of Patsy Clairmont, Marilyn Meberg, Lisa Whelchel, and Brenda Warner. He spoke to me through each lady and he refreshed me through laughter and time with my wonderful friend.    Thank you, Lord! I needed that!

That conference will be a bright spot when I look back over this past month. I wasn't sure how it would all pan out, but God knew, and He gave me the opportunity and I'm so thankful.    He knew when He sent the tickets, that I would need all of that, at that exact time.    So I give Him all the praise!

And a big THANKS to Women of Faith for being led to give me two seats in a room full of thousands. It may have seemed like a small gesture for them, but to me, it was huge!   Thanks WOF!

And thanks to Jessica for always going that extra mile, literally, to do things with me.   I count it a privilege to have you in my life (12 years now).

And, to my awesome husband David.   There aren't enough words to thank you for all the times you've driven me hundreds of miles to see my family.   And for the times that you've said "Go! You deserve this!" and sent me on my way to have a girl's day, just for me.    You are awesome and I adore you!

What a blessing to have people in your life that love you and care about you. And what a blessing to have a living God, who is real, who knows what you need before you need it and sees to it that you get it!

I am blessed!

What Season Are You In?

2011-10-19T09:08:00.000-05:00

Growing up, I never heard the term "seasons" as related to life; only weather.   But, life is full of "seasons" and entering a new one can be challenging and exciting, all at the same time.

My mental recollection of "seasons" starts when I got married.   David and I were young and free (only in the sense that we didn't have kids).   We worked hard, both went to night school (I guess we weren't that free), hardly ever ate out, watched our favorite shows every night and traveled when we wanted.

Then, four years later, we entered the season of children.   Oh, what a blessing that was! For the first 5-6 years of Ted's life, my days were spent caring for my baby, my house, my husband, and trying to make a small salary stretch throughout the month.    Life was simple and sometimes scary (2 layoffs, another child, our first year of homeschooling, ahhhh!).

When baby #2 came along (Collin), life had a faster pace in the way that I was homeschooling Ted, chasing Collin (6 years apart in age), and praying alot!   When Collin was two, was when God led me to write and teach my Bible study "Building Your House".     That was a special, and yet stressful year, but God's hand was on me every moment.

The following year, God led us away from the church David grew up in and attended for 35 years.   This was also the only church I had ever been a member of.    This was a difficult decision, yet so freeing in the sense that we were no longer under the thumb of people that thought they were above us spiritually.     (If you are ever in a church like that, LEAVE!)    We found a loving church, where condemnation was NOT the norm and we settled in and have been blessed every since then.

Ted's middle school years and high school years were busy, busy, busy, as most teen's lives are.   Too much to recount, but definitely a "season" to remember!

Now I find myself in a new season - one that has me pulled in many emotional directions.

I've been thrust into the time of my life where parents are getting older and having more issues.   Collin is just now entering into the teen world (God help me - literally!), and my 18 year old son is embarking on some amazing opportunities.

I stood in the doorway of Ted's room Saturday, with tears in my eyes, as I watched him load up his musical equipment to take to the studio.    What would Ted's room be without guitars on the walls, keyboard, MAC, mics, cords, late night recording sessions and clothes everywhere?   (Well, I have no doubt the clothes will still be there).     I felt silly because, afterall, it was just his equipment, not him, but it was a taste of what's just around the corner; my first born has become a man and won't be here forever.    Is this mother sad? Yes.    Am I proud? So proud and amazed at God's hand.    But, it's a season that I dread and yet, rejoice in, all at the same time.

Here is this young man, who has always had a calling on his life and he has pursued it with passion and intention.   He is entering a new season as well.

That leaves me with my precious Collin.   Wild, hilarious, observant, insanely compulsive and stubborn and yet, tender and sweet.    My goodness, God packaged him up with lots to offer!

I'm also in the season where I'm seeing the downside to living 6 hours away from my parents.   Thank God I homeschool because I can't imagine having to leave my kids in school while I spent hours at the hospital, 300 miles away!    What a blessing it is, to be able to have my kids with me, and for them to know that education can be caring for someone in their time of need.   It's not all about the books.

My marriage is blessed and solid and my life is sweet.    My friends are precious and needed and I covet the time with each one.   God is still God and He's still on his throne and still the Savior of my soul.    That season will never end and for that, I am thankful.

Love each season you're in because the next one is just around the corner.    It may be better or it may be a challenge, but either way, God will use it for His glory and that's what matters most.

"Better to be one day in his courts, than a thousand elsewhere."

Be blessed today my friends,
Debbie

Can You Stand to be Sharpened?

2011-10-17T07:37:00.000-05:00

Over the weekend I was reminded (through conversation with some friends) of the scripture in Proverbs 27:17:

"As iron sharpens iron,

so one man sharpens another."

This concept has stuck in my head since then and it's caused me to think about different types of friendships and how this verse applies.

Not every friendship can be the type to survive the sharpening. It all depends on whether or not the Holy Spirit is involved.

When there is a friendship of "three" ( you, your friend, and God), the sharpening may hurt, but it can be received with the right intention - in love. When the friendship has no spiritual thread, sharpening comments will be taken as condemnation.

I have a small number of friends who sharpen me and I, them. The dynamics are unique. When you are connected to certain friends by the Holy Spirit, you can receive their "suggestions" or "correction" as truth that is for your own good. Sometimes it's still hard to swallow, but if given thought and prayer, it can make a difference in your life. It can change you for the better.

On the other hand, the majority of a woman's friendships aren't going to have that deep thread that binds, and therefore, you get the flesh speaking, which is usually not productive. This is why women have a hard time getting along! So - word of caution - only speak what God leads you to speak, as far as correction to a friend. It can be dangerous, otherwise!

In the side notes of my Bible, near Proverbs 27:17, there is a commentary that summed up a different kind of person: one who is too self-reliant and doesn't feel they need sharpening. Rather than paraphrase, I will just quote the content:

"In Ecclesiastes, King Solomon reflects on the value of true friendship. "Two are better than one," he says, and the person who tries to forge through life alone is to be pitied (Ecc. 4:9-12). Those who isolate themselves or become too self-reliant only make life harder and put themselves in danger. On top of that, they miss out on the incalculable commodity of other people's wisdom and experience. Humans are not meant to figure everything out for themselves but to put their collective heads together and help each other deal with whatever life presents. In the process of discussion and problem solving, valuable constructive criticism and differences of opinion can sometimes make the sparks fly, even among close friends. But the results of "sharpening" each other through this process are greater wisdom, better decisions and encouraging camaraderie."

Well said!

So are you open to being sharpened? If not, you may be robbing yourself of growth and friendship, not to mention you might have a pride issue.

Everyone needs a friend that loves them enough to speak (gentle) truth to their heart. If you don't have that - you're missing out.

Until next time.......

Blessings!

My Life Lately

2011-10-13T07:35:00.000-05:00

The past 3 weeks have been unbelievable.   David and I have had to make 3 trips to Corpus and numerous trips to the ER for parents.   Not only has my dad been in the hospital for 3 weeks, but his mom went to the ER the first Friday night and his dad went the second Friday night.   Thankfully, they were treated and released, but what a ride!

I don't want to sit on this subject too long today because my heart is yearning to get back to this blog and write about other things.   I need to write about other things!   I feel like I've been in a hospital bubble all this time and I'm ready to get out!

My dad is making progress but is still in ICU. We almost lost him a week ago, but he pulled through. For a body that has been beaten down, his inner strength is amazing.   I believe prayer has been a major part of him taking tiny steps toward recovery, but he's not there yet.     I would appreciate the prayers of everyone for my dad JIM.

My stepmom Ruby needs prayer for strength. She has been at my dad's side all these weeks; watching over him, guiding the doctors and nurses as they try to treat his various problems.    Her home away from home has been the conference room on floor 4, right next to ICU. What amazing dedication I've seen in her.    Please pray for Ruby to have the strength to endure.

I will update here and on Facebook as he makes a recovery (faith), but I hope to get back to writing about other things as well.

I've got that burning inside me that a writer gets when she needs to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard).

So come back and read some more soon.
In the meantime........
God bless you all and the ones you love.

My Dad -Blessings in the Waiting Room

2011-10-06T07:00:00.001-05:00

I don't know what it is about sitting in a hospital waiting room that wears you out, but it really does take it's toll on you.   I felt like a caged animal at times; needing to get outside and get some fresh air. However, there's something that holds you there and makes it hard to walk away.

This past weekend I spent about 26 hours sitting in the ICU waiting room with my family. And, surprisingly, there were some great blessings experienced there.

For one thing - all of us girls were together - which is rare except for holidays, and that's not always a for sure thing.    With my sisters spread from Corpus to San Antonio and me here in South East Texas, it's hard to coordinate reunions where everyone is present at the same time.    However, all of us made it down to be with my dad and that was a real blessing for me.

Honestly, I haven't laughed that much in a long time.   I'm not sure if we were all delirious from lack of sleep or what, but it seemed we were always laughing about something.

We laughed about basically taking over the entire waiting room, which had about 40 chairs. We had our stuff spread out everywhere.

We laughed when Ruby came out of ICU calling one of the nurses a Nazi and then laughed even harder when the nurse accused her of saying a "four-letter word".   (You probably had to be there.)

We laughed when I ended up on the wrong floor and kept texting my sister Tiffany, telling her I was in the waiting room and asking where everyone was.   She kept telling me she was right across the hall in the conference room but I couldn't see her.   I tried the handle to the conference room (thankfully it was locked!) and thought they were playing a cruel joke on me.   Turns out - I was on the 3rd floor instead of the 4th floor!   She kept looking in the waiting room every time I would text her saying that's where I was and she couldn't figure out why I would say I was there, but wasn't! That was hilarious!   Finally, I called her and she said "Are you on the 4th floor?" At that very moment I looked up and noticed I had been on the 3rd floor the whole time!

We laughed over the number of trips we made to Whataburger and how we filled numerous trash cans to the top with paper goods from there. (I never want to eat Whataburger again, by the way!)

We laughed at all the things my dad would say when one of us would go into his room.   He has always been a cut-up and little does he know - he kept us in stitches the whole time.   Even in his weakened state, he would tell us what to do and he expected us to do it right then! Some of it was legitimate and some of it was not, but he blessed me just by being spunky, even when he was lying in that bed.    Those moments, I will treasure always.

My second day there, I was privileged enough to be in the waiting room with 3 of my dad's brothers. My Uncles Ronnie, Weldon, and Gerald.    What a bunch!   Collin was in there with me, so after a while, I asked them some questions and it didn't take much to get the stories going.    Oh my goodness! We sat there for over an hour listening to stories of their younger years; terrorizing their small town, racing, fighting, going hunting and becoming the hunted.   There were 7 brothers all together (and 2 sisters) and they were always into mischief.    I laughed and laughed at their stories; some of which I've heard before from my dad.    I plan on documenting those soon, so I will have them to look back on.   What a blessing that was for me, to sit with these men and have them tell me stories about my dad's history (good and bad). They remembered them like they were in the recent past. Amazing.

On the 3rd day, it was time for my family to go home. My dad needed to rest and we needed to be home for a few days.   I was so torn leaving that hospital.   I felt like a mom, leaving a child and not knowing when I would get to come back to pick it up. It was heartbreaking for me.    It actually brought back a familiar feeling of when I was young and my parents were divorced.    I was a daddy's girl and would cry for hours when I had to leave my dad. He was my hero and I loved being with him.   Yesterday I had that same feeling of being torn from his side and yet knowing that I needed to go.    It was a sad, sad day.

Today I am better and I've been able to reflect on all the blessings that took place while I was there.

My sisters are so precious to me and I miss being a part of their everyday lives, but I'm going to treasure the time we had together in the waiting room.

Sometimes blessings take place in the strangest of circumstances.

This was one of those times.

My Dad

2011-10-05T08:09:00.001-05:00

The past few weeks have been really hard.   My dad has been in the hospital, in a "rehab" facility, back to the hospital, now ICU.     His body is so thin and weak from illness that he has aged 20 years right before our eyes.

He originally went in because his sodium level dropped so low that he was literally losing his mind. This is one of the results of your sodium reaching a dangerous level.   He was hallucinating and becoming weaker by the moment.   After 4 days in the hospital, they were able to get his levels back to normal and convince my stepmom Ruby, that he was ok for release, as long as she agreed to send him to a "rehab" facility for two weeks, to strengthen him enough to go home. Of course she agreed.   She wanted him home as soon as possible.    Looking back now, we believe they released him too soon.   I'm also starting to think he developed pneumonia during that first stay, but I'm only guessing.

For the next few days, while waiting on all the discharge papers and prep work to be done in order to release him, Ruby researched, inquired, and took advice on what facility would be the best to take him to.   Unfortunately, if you've never actually put a loved one in a facility and actually witnessed the level of effort and care that is shown to the patients, you probably won't have an accurate recommendation to give.

Going off a recommendation, Ruby chose a facility that was supposed to be clean, close to my younger sister who could check on him throughout the day, and have a rehab set-up, so they could work with him and build back his strength.    So a few days later, they transported my dad to this place where, we hoped, they would rehabilitate him so he could go home.

Unfortunately, this was not the case.   Within 5-6 days of being there, he developed a bladder infection, wasn't fed properly, developed fever, and became very sick.   The nurses were lazy and disrespectful and overall, it turned out to be a detriment to his recovery.   So much for recommendations.

So back to the hospital he went and the next thing we knew, he was headed for ICU isolation.   And that's where he's been since Sunday, October 2nd.

They finally came in on Tuesday and told Ruby that he has pneumonia and still has the bladder infection, which must have been pretty severe.    So now it's just a waiting game; hoping and praying they are able to clear his lungs and nurse him back to health.

After being there since Sunday, David and I and the kids decided to come home for a few days and take care of things here.

Leaving him was one of the hardest things I've ever done, but after days in the waiting room, I needed to get out of there and do something productive.

I have some happier things to write about, but I'll save that for another post.

In the meantime, prayers are greatly appreciated.

Why I Watch Reality TV

2011-09-28T06:34:00.000-05:00

If you took a survey on what people thought about REALITY TV you would probably get an interesting set of opinions on why we should or should not watch these shows.

My opinion is.........I love them!

Now, let me say that I do have my limits. Nothing vulgar. Nothing raunchy. And if the ones I do watch go in that direction, I'll be the first one to change the channel.

For instance - I've chosen to eliminate Dancing With The Stars this season because of their blatant disregard for the public's distaste toward Chastity Bono. That's right! I didn't say CHAZ because she was born a she and in my mind she will stay a she!   So, if they are going to rub that in our face, then they have one less viewer - me.

However, the shows I tend to watch are the ones that have to do with music or relationships.   I'm not so much interested in the game show types.

But here's what I get out of them - HOPE.   Not for myself, but for the people on tv.   Does that sound ridiculous?

My family and I were watching Simon Cowell's new show THE "X" FACTOR last week.   I cried in both shows.   Why? Because I absolutely love seeing and hearing about the people who just want to do what God's put in them to do - sing!   I have a child like that!! I get it!

Some of these people that come to these shows, just need hope.   They need a break. They need to know that they are valuable and that this talent that they have is for a purpose.

Some of the stories will break your heart. I think back to Kelli Pickler, on American Idol years ago. She had a touching story about being raised by her grandfather after her mother abandoned her. She went from being a waitress at Sonic, to being a country music star. She's made it a point several times a year since then, to visit our troops overseas and encourage these young men and women. She most likely, would never have had that opportunity, if not for having the courage to enter a singing contest.

There are many more stories like hers and each one makes me cry!

I also like the shows that offer the hope of love. Yes, I know! Are they actually "real"? I'm sure some are scripted and contrived, but in the end, I'm always rooting for the girl to get her guy (or vise versa). I guess I'm just a sucker for a good love story.

One of our favorite shows to watch as a family is Top Gear (the British version).   It's informative (sort of documentary-ish), entertaining and oh, so hilarious!    We look forward to at least one episode before bedtime every night.

Another family favorite was Gator Country, which was all about a local guy (from our area) who would go around catching gators that needed to be placed elsewhere.   We could watch the team on tv, then go down to the restaurant, by the same name, and chat with the crew.    What fun!

Some of my favorite stories are of people who have kicked an addiction and are trying to make something better of themselves.   How can you not root for these people and want something hopeful for them?

Or what about Secret Millionaire?   I loved that show! Each week the show would feature a self-made millionaire who would go back to their hometown or into a big city, and seek out local charities that were making a difference in the community.   For one week, the millionaire would give up luxury and fame, to live on the equivalent of what someone on public assistance would live on.   They would spend a week volunteering at local charities, helping out in whatever way the people asked them to. In the end, they would donate huge amounts of money to three of the charities.   The compassion that was shared and the hope that was created touched my heart every time.

I don't think there is anything wrong with reality-tv if you are choosing carefully.   I would rather sit with my family and watch real-life stories about people trying to improve themselves, rather than expose my kids to the gore and filth that is portrayed in the primetime dramas.   Even shows on Disney and Nick leave me cringing sometimes, due to attitudes and disrespect for adults.   These channels create a false sense of security for many parents who think, because it's a "kid's" channel, it will be ok, when I have found that to be untrue.   I guess some parents are confused when their kid starts imitating the smart mouthed characters on the cartoons.   I've got news for ya! Just because it's animated, doesn't mean it's ok to watch!

For those who think TV is evil, regardless of what you're watching, I disagree.   For those who say "we will never have cable because of all the filth on there", I say you are kidding yourself if you think the "regular" channels are saving your family from filth.    If we didn't have cable, we wouldn't be able to watch tv.   You see, on cable we have choices; on local channels, we have filth and news (which is mostly gore).    On cable we can choose the channels we will allow by blocking out the ones we don't approve of.   On local tv, we're subjected to talk shows (filth) and primetime dramas (more filth).    So arguing the "no cable" rule is just ignorant.

I know some people have chosen to have no tv at all and that's your right.   My family would go insane! You can only take so many nights of board games and reading aloud, then we would lose our minds!   It's nice to sit down as a family and enjoy some clean entertainment.   Then we get up and go do other things.   It's not an idol; it's just a box that gives us a glimpse into other people's lives now and then and sometimes a look at where we'd like to vacation one day (thank you Hawaii Five-O).

I guess what I'm saying is that I like shows about real people, rather than make believe characters.
So before you knock Reality-TV, check it out.   Look beyond the music or the game or the silly antics and see the person, the relationship, the change that is offered.

You never know whose life might be changed right before your eyes.

Just For Fun

2011-09-27T08:25:00.001-05:00

Sometimes spur-of-the-moment ideas are the best!

Here's one I pulled off recently and I think my boys really enjoyed it.

Take any old can of biscuits. Use a small cap and cut

holes in the middle.

Use the cut out portion for the donut holes.

Here are the additional ingredients you'll need:

Coconut Oil, Cinnamon, Sugar

(you can also use powdered sugar if you prefer)

Heat the oil in a pan. When it is hot enough

drop donuts in and brown on both sides.

Make sure the middles are done!

Here's the finished product!

Since they were watching a football game, I decided

to surprise them with a little snack.

They were delighted!

Here is the recipe.

It came out of the No Greater Joy magazine.

These beat the store bought ones by a mile!

YUM!

Catching Up

2011-09-23T08:25:00.000-05:00

Today is going to be a "catching up" day in blog land.

I've not been consistent lately, as I've had numerous things going on, and though I have several topics on my mind to write about, today's not the day.

So here's a quick rundown of my life lately and hopefully next week I will be back to writing about things that mean something.

AROUND THE HOUSE
Haven't been here much this week. David had to go to Corpus for business so Collin and I went with him.   When we got back, the love bugs had invaded the inside of the house, as well as the outside. First thing I did, while the men were unloading the car, was vacuum up all the bugs around the house. YUCK!     It's great to be home though.   A woman needs a place to put her skills to use. Therefore, I will be dusting today! hahaha

SCHOOL WISE
School has been slow going this week, due to traveling. This is when I have to remind myself of all the times I've said to other women "life is the teacher" because the books have been on the shelf this week.    However, when I think about all the things Collin encounters each day and all that he teaches himself, I am comforted in the fact that this kid of mine always has his head in a book and is forever reciting facts to me from one of said books!   He's a never ending stream of information! So much so, that David and I have to stop him from regurgitating all the facts back to us.   It can be mind-numbing at times.    If you've ever watched the show "The Middle", then you know what Brick is like. That's Collin to a T!

NEW ADVENTURES
Well, all in one week, Ted and I have ventured out into the business world!   My 18 year old awesome son is now opening up his own recording studio! He's been doing this out of his bedroom for a few years now, but that has run it's course.   He went on a quest to find some space to rent and God dropped a building right in his path! Now he won't have to kick us out of the house on recording days and he can move on with his music career.   We are so proud of him!

On a more personal note - I have also ventured out into the business world, although a little closer to home.    I am now "An Independent Consultant for Thirty-One Gifts"! Which basically means that I have been in love with their products and wanted way too much stuff, so I signed up to sell it and take advantage of the great deals.    I'm not a salesperson, so even if someone asks me to do a "party" it will mostly consist of me displaying and then "ooooooing" over the products along with them.   I'll order for them (and a little for myself) and move on.   The products will basically sell themselves because they are so darn cute!

BIBLE STUDY WISE
As I mentioned in my last post - I am studying 1John along with the Good Morning Girls.   It's a great process (SOAP) and I am really soaking it all in.    I'm definitely a person who needs a guide when I study.   It just gives me direction rather than turning randomly through the pages and hoping to land where I need to.

PRAYER NEEDED
As it turns out, this week while we were in Corpus, my dad ended up in the hospital again.   He's not doing well and needs a lot of prayer.    I think I've reached the point of knowing how it feels when you just don't want to see them suffer anymore.   If Jesus wants to call him home, I'm going to be ok with it.   I've never seen my dad look so pitiful and hopeless.   I think his body has just had enough and it's not functioning anymore.    I truly fear that hospital visits and progressive deterioration is inevitable.

Secondly, Ted is currently wearing a heart monitor for 30 days. All his tests turned out normal, which was great news, but we'll have to wait and see what they find with this monitoring.   I think my 18 year old has too much stress.   But, that's just a mom's diagnosis.   Please pray for him too.

So that's it folks!   I am aching to write from my heart and I hope to do that next week.   In the meantime, I'll just keep filling you in on the happenings around here, which may or may not be exciting.   You never know!

Until then.......
blessings to you!

Good Morning Girls Link Up

2011-09-21T09:18:00.000-05:00

Happy Wednesday!
This week is proving to have some challenges but that's ok!

I'm super excited about joining the Good Morning Girls for Bible Study and so far, have thoroughly enjoyed my morning quiet time.

This week, as I've used the SOAP method to study God's word, I've been able to really see the scripture in a whole new way. Studying it, Observing it, Applying it, and Praying over it, has been such a blessing.

What I've read this week has confirmed to me that Jesus was real; He walked this earth and had real relationships that impacted lives. Also, when we've encountered the living God in a personal manner, we not only need to proclaim it, but we need to invite others to fellowship with us, in knowing Christ.

Our God is relational; He's real and He desires our fellowship.

Awesome stuff ladies!

If you'd like to join us - we'd love to have you!

Go HERE

Are You Accessible?

2011-09-18T09:16:00.000-05:00

While listening to a message recently, I heard a Youth Pastor say: "Are you accessible?" and I wrote it down because I knew this one question applied to so many areas of our lives.

My first thought was that of friendship. How accessible are you as a friend? Are you easily available when someone needs a listening ear or prayer or just an hour of your time? Or do you have a list of reasons why you can't get together or pick up the phone?   Do you reach out to others or do you keep yourself so busy that your life revolves around you and only you?

Then my thoughts turned toward marriage. How accessible are you as a wife? Does your husband have to make an appointment, just to spend a little quality time with you? Do you take time away from the kids to make him feel important or is he last on the agenda; after the chores, the kids, the activities outside the home, etc.?

That led to thoughts of the Lord.   How accessible are you to the Lord?   Does spending time with Him come first or last? Can you hear Him when He whispers in your ear; or are you so much on the fast-track that all you can hear is the roar of the world as you run into it?   Could He even get your attention with His whisper? Or does He have to shout at you to make you listen?

What about your kids?   How accessible are you to your kids? Do you spend time with them; listening to them with your full attention? Or are you only half-way listening, while on the computer, your phone, or in front of a tv?   Do you have fun with your kids? Or are you simply existing in the same household, doing your duty as a mom, until they are old enough to leave?

There are many roles we play as women (and men), but are we truly accessible to those who love us and want to be a part of our lives?   If we're not - then we are just glorifying ourselves, because this life is about more than us.   It's about relationships.

If your relationships are suffering - you might want to ask:

How accessible am I?