Monday, December 29, 2008

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas.....

Hey everyone! I haven't posted for a couple of days, but I have been busy with Christmas, and family. We had a great Christmas. We celebrated with my family on the 23rd. We didn't buy for each other, but had a yankee swap. We had some great food and a great time with my brothers! We then went to Peter's family and spent the 24th and 25th with them. My niece Jennifer came from OK and we finally got to meet her baby Todd. We draw names in Peter's family, and Jennifer had mine. She got me a homemade quilt that is gorgeous. btw....my camera has pretty much died, no pictures to post.

My m-i-l is staying with us for a couple of weeks. I love when she comes! We always have a blast, and she is always willing to help in any way.

The new year a couple of days away. I love the feeling of making a new start. I am going to sit down and review homeschool goals and things today. Jacob is still struggling to read. He is a whiz in every other subject, reading just eludes him. Does anyone have any suggestions? The thought is always in my mind that if he went to school, he would be reading. On the other hand if he still couldn't read,and he was attending school, would they take the time needed to help him. I don't know. This issue has weighed on my heart for a long time. Is it my fault he can't read......Could I have done something more........I don't know.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Chris graduates from West Virginia deputy sheriffs academy.....





Yesterday was a great day in our family, my brother Christopher graduated from the WV deputy sheriffs academy. We are so proud of him! We all went to the graduation ceremony then went back to the academy to watch them march formation and had refreshments. It was a great ceremony. The boys loved every minute of it. We all then went back to my parents house for lunch. Later that evening we all attented the christmas play at Chris and Heather's church. It was hilarious. My kids loved it! Jacob couldn't stop talking about it when we got home. Thank you Lord for the blessings of family and friends!

Today is a busy day of shopping getting ready for Christmas. My best friend Samantha and I have been reminding each other when we get stressed this year, that next Christmas may be different than this Christmas, we need to really slow down and enjoy this year. My kids will be year older, our country could be different, and our families could be different. Please take time to enjoy and cherish this next week and make some memories!

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

New Pictures Added at Bottom.....

I am adding some new pictures at the bottom of my blog.....Take a look!

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Hellmann's Parmesan Crusted Chicken



This is my new favorite go-to recipe! I have made this at least twice a month for a couple of months now. I usually have the ingredients on hand, and this recipe is delicious!

1/2 cup mayo
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
4 chicken breasts
4 tsp. dry bread crumbs, preferable italian seasoned

Combine mayonnaise and cheese. Spread on chicken, then sprinkle with bread crumbs. Bake at 425 for 20 minutes.

This is what is for dinner tonight. Yummy!!!!

Monday, December 15, 2008

Updates from our home.....

I haven't posted in a couple days, so I thought I would give you guys an update. My ankle is getting better. I don't have to walk on crutches now. I hated those things! I still have a limp, but I can handle that.

I am almost through with my Christmas shopping. I should have some packages arriving today. Christmas is finally becoming real to me. I am excited that this is Liberty's first Christmas and she is old enough to enjoy it. We had our holiday jubilee at our church yesterday. We had 3 preachers and a wonderful dinner. Every message preached yesterday was for me.

We have lost the cd for our church's cantata on Sunday. I ordered another one yesterday. Everyone pray that it gets here on time to practice before Sunday!

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Guess What....

I've sprained my ankle. It happened last night about 4:30 p.m. I was going outside to close the back of our car, and I stepped out of our door and twisted my foot. Instant pain! Luckily Peter was already home from work. I had just went and picked him up because his truck had quit on him, then I got hurt. We finally decided I needed to go to the hospital. They x-rayed it, and said it was a severe sprain. Crutches and a splint for me. This morning has been pretty interesting with the kids, but it has been kinda fun figuring out new ways to do things. Caleb was worried about me last night, while they were waiting in the waiting room for me to be released, he asked Peter if I was going to be able to make him lunch tomorrow. I thought that was hilarious!

What is funny is that I just went rollerskating Saturday, and didn't get hurt. Go figure. Being in the hospital last night really made me thankful that I was only there for a short time! I started thinking about the people who are constantly in the hospital or have cancer, people who don't have any family anxiously awaiting for them, or the older ladies in a nursing home. After their full life of family, they sit in a nursing home hallway waiting for their family to come. Thank you Lord for my life now! Please help me to savor every moment!

Monday, December 8, 2008

Nothing much is going on here today. We did some school work, had lunch and ran some errands. I'm trying to get some Christmas baking done early. I learn lessons every Christmas about how to do things better and more efficient for the next year. By the time I get really good at Christmas, I'll have grandkids! Thanks for all the encouraging comments about my last post! I think it was just one of those days!

Friday, December 5, 2008

Day not starting out to good....

"And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret,...." I Samuel 1:6

I have been getting up early in the mornings this week to have my quiet time, and this verse seems to apply to me today. Hannah had a physical adversary provoking her, I have the devil. It seems like there are alot of things going on at the same time, and i am starting to fret. It is almost Christmas, and like everyone else we are in a money crunch. More like money famine. People are starting to lose their jobs here. Two guys who used to attend church with us lost their jobs on Tuesday. Not layed off, completely gone. As some of you know, Peter is employed at Toyota. We are not sure what his future will hold.

The holidays are starting to overwhelm me. I don't know why, but it happens every year. It's sad but I am starting to not like Christmas. It stresses me out! Family, presents, church things, baking, cooking, homeschooling, housework, a nine month old baby, LAUNDRY, and NO MONEY! There are my feelings in one sentence.

Now that I have written everything, I feel I can safely go on with my day.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Christmas is just around the corner.....





I'm going to shock you all and tell you that we do not put up a Christmas tree in our house for Christmas. We choose to focus on the Christ's birth. When we were in Missouri for Rachel and Aaron's wedding we noticed that her parents had a nativity scene with presents rather than a tree. We have since adopted this for our Christmas celebration. These are pictures of our nativity scene this year.

Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas trees. I have actually been known to beg my husband every year to get a tree. I usually help my parents decorate theirs, but this is how we celebrate Christmas in our house.

Monday, December 1, 2008

The 5:16 Club......

One of my new favorite hobbies in reading people's blogs. I love it! There are so many wonderful biblical women doing what God has put in their hearts! I found a new favorite "Like A Warm Cup of Coffee". I have joined her 5:16 a.m. club. In this club you get up at 5:16 a.m. and have your devotion time with God. I love the concept, accountability, and the warm cup of coffee in the mornings. Today was my first morning. I know that this will be a life-changing (in a spiritual way) thing and I am so excited! Check out the blog, and join me in the mornings! It is easier to do when you know someone else is doing it too!

Congratulations to my friend Beth who is pregnant with her first child! After 8 years of trying, God has answer her prayers! It makes me realize God never forgets, and loves us sooooo much!

Friday, November 28, 2008

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Happy Thanksgiving to all!


We will be leaving for my parents tonight after church, so I wanted to say "Happy Thanksgiving" to everyone! You are some of my greatest blessing this year. I am also going to share a photo of my kids, my blessings from God. More photos will be added at the bottom! God Bless You, because He certainly has me!

Monday, November 24, 2008

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Caleb Got Saved Today......

Caleb accepted the Lord as his Saviour, this morning during church service. I knew the Lord had been dealing with him for a while. I could just tell that he was more aware of things. Pastor Spurlock was preaching a message about the flames of hell, and Caleb started crying, and told Peter that he didn't want to miss being saved. Peter took him into the church hallway, and Caleb asked Jesus to save him. When he came back in church he had the big smile on his face! You could tell he really truly got saved! He was so excited! We had watched the new "Pilgrim's Progress" last weekend, and I think that really explain things to him. I highly recommend that movie! Just wanted to share our big news!

Thursday, November 20, 2008

A Homemade Christmas......











I found the instructions on how to make a paperbag scrapbook, so I decided to try it out. The pictures are kinda blurry, but I loved making it. My mom has invited me to make some crafts for a craft show in a few weeks. I like I will make some pre-made books to sell.

Marriage is all about compromise.....




This was our tater tot casserole on Sunday. Peter likes the soup on the top. I like the soup on the bottom.

Daddy's Little Girl........

My family is sick......

It finally happened. After staying well the last couple of months. Peter came home from work sick on Tuesday. He tried to go to work yesterday, but called to have me come and get him. Caleb was sick on Sunday and Monday with a stomach virus, now Liberty has dirahea (sp?) and won't eat. I am just so thankful they are sick this week and not during Thanksgiving! Hope everyone else is fairing better...

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Have you ever....?

I saw this on Miss Tori's and I thought I would try it. If your want to post this on your blog...copy my post and highlight the things you have done.

1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band - Junior high and high school marching band

4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Been to Disneyland/world

8. Climbed a mountain

9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang/played a solo

11. Bungee jumped

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown your own vegetables

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

20. Slept on an overnight train

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitch hiked

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill

24. Built a snow fort

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping

27. Run a Marathon

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David

41. Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud

54. Gone to a drive-in theater

55. Been in a movie

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies

62. Gone whale watching

63. Gotten flowers for no reason

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma

65. Gone sky diving

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

67. Bounced a check

68. Flown in a helicopter

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar

72. Pieced a quilt

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

77. Broken a bone

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car

83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85. Read the entire Bible

86. Visited the White House

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

88. Had chickenpox

89. Saved someone’s life

90. Sat on a jury

91. Met someone famous

92. Joined a book club

93. Lost a loved one

94. Made a baby - 3

95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a law suit

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee

Homemade Chinese Eggrolls



I got this recipe from TEACH magazine's newsletter. I modified the original version just a little. My family absolutely loves this recipe. It is a meal by itself.

1 bag cabbage/carrot slaw mix
2 green onions, cut up
1-3 cooked chicken breast, cooked and diced in small chunks, (I usually used leftover breast from a previous meal)
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 Tbsp. sesame oil
1 tsp. dried ginger
2 Tbsp. Rice Wine Vinegar
Egg Roll Wrappers
Vegetable oil to fry egg rolls
Sweet and Sour sauce for dipping

In a big skillet, add 1 Tbsp. of olive oil, and 1 Tbsp of sesame oil. Heat over medium high heat. Add bag of slaw mix, ginger, and green onions. Cook until mixture reduces to half of size. Add Chicken and heat through. Turn off and pour Rice Wine Vinegar over mixture. Let cool. Heat your vegetable oil to 350 degrees. Place an egg roll wrapper on cutting board in a diamond shape. Towards the bottom corner place 2-4 Tbsp of cabbage mixture on wrapper, and start to roll. Bottom corner over mixture first, wet edges with water, then the two side corners over the mixture, than the top corner comes down making an egg roll. Wet the edge of the top corner so it will stick in place. Fry your rolls 2 to 3 at a time, don't overcrowd the oil. Fry for about 3 minutes, then flip over. Fry till golden brown. Set them aside on a plate lined with paper towels, to drain off the grease. Enjoy with Sweet and Sour Sauce.

Proverbs 18 - Our Words and Friends

I have been really convicted lately about not using more scripture in our everyday lives. (Especially in the disciple part). I decided to start with my daily Bible reading. Here are some verses that really stood out to me today.

Proverbs 18 - Our Words and Friends

Proverbs 18:4 "The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook."

Proverbs 18:8 "The words of a talebearer as as wounds , and they go down deep into the innermost parts of the belly."

Proverbs 18:17a "He that is first in his own cause seemeth just:"

Proverbs 18:19 "A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle."

Proverbs 18:21a "Death and life are in the power of the tongue..."

Proverbs 18:24 "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friends that sticketh closer that a brother."

Monday, November 17, 2008

Simple Woman's Daybook



Outside my window... Outside it is dark, snowy and cold. I'm glad we are in the middle of global warming....it's snowing before Thanksgiving!

From the Learning Rooms... state studies, birds, math, and Thanksgiving

From the Kitchen... Hamburger Helper Chili Macaroni

I am wearing...Long denim skirt and black t-shirt

I am hoping...Caleb sleeps all through the night tonight

I am readingKJV Bible

I am creating... Christmas goodies to freeze for Christmas

I am hearing...The movie "Bedknobs and Broomsticks, and Liberty pulling out books from a bookshelf

One of my favorite things Chocolate covered oreos that come out near Thanksgiving!

A few plans for rest of week mid-week service, Lunch out with a friend and her kids on Friday, Family time on Saturday

More women's daybooks are found Here

Here is a picture of what I am sharing.... Playing in the snow last winter

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Christmas Card List....


I am reviving the tradition of actually sending out Christmas Cards this year. Since we have been married we really haven't had our own Christmas card list. Please email me your address! If you read my blog, send me your address! scrapquilt79@yahoo.com

Changing of the blog...

I know that I change my blog frequently. My blog will be like my living room, it gets changed around every month or two. That's just me.

It's Snowing....

It is snowing this Sunday morning. Just barely, but it is the first sign of snow in western West Virginia. I stayed home from church with Caleb and Liberty. He started throwing up last night. It always puts a wrench in things when one of the kids are sick on Sundays. I am the piano player, and Peter teaches the adult Sunday School class. It is always a toss-up between music that morning or a teacher. I am staying home this morning, and Peter will stay home tonight.

I have really enjoyed reading everyones blogs lately. Sometimes I get on the computer just to read blogs, and not post, which I know I should post more. It takes time to post....

School is starting to get into the holiday mode. For us that means, we don't get to have school everyday. The need to run errands is almost an every other day thing. It will get worse as the Christmas nears. This is the reason we do school work year round. If I had to fit a school year in the time that regular school go, I would be in trouble!

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Honoring our Military........



These are my military heroes, my two little brothers, Christopher and Benjamin. They will both be leaving for Kuwait in Feburary. They are my heroes because they are putting all on the line for our country. Even for people who don't believe in what they are fighting for. I love them both very much... Please be in prayer for them as they serve our country overseas.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Simple Women's Daybook



Outside my window... Outside it is dark, snowy and cold. I'm glad we are in the middle of global warming....it's snowing before Thanksgiving!

From the Learning Rooms... state studies, birds, math, and Thanksgiving

From the Kitchen... Hamburger Helper Chili Macaroni

I am wearing...Long denim skirt and black t-shirt

I am hoping...Caleb sleeps all through the night tonight

I am readingKJV Bible

I am creating... Christmas goodies to freeze for Christmas

I am hearing...The movie "Bedknobs and Broomsticks, and Liberty pulling out books from a bookshelf

One of my favorite things Chocolate covered oreos that come out near Thanksgiving!

A few plans for rest of week mid-week service, Lunch out with a friend and her kids on Friday, Family time on Saturday

More women's daybooks are found Here

Here is a picture of what I am sharing.... Playing in the snow last winter

Thursday, November 6, 2008

The Nutcracker....

We are studying the Nutcracker Ballet, so I hope you enjoy the music of one of my favorite songs.

This is the real truth about Homeschooling.....

The room was brightly lit and cold. She was sitting at a table, across from an empty chair. She knew the questioning would begin any minute. The door opened and a man bearing a remarkable resemblance to Hugo Weaving walked in and sat down in the empty chair.

“Mrs. Anderson,” he began, “we’ve been monitoring your homeschool. Apparently, you have been living two lives. In one life, you’re Katherine A. Anderson, homeschooling mother and wife in a respectable community. You have a homeschool curriculum. You have a schoolroom. You volunteer . . . to help out with your homeschool support group. The other life, Mrs. Anderson, is lived in your pajamas. Your kids are unable to complete their assignments, and if you can get them bathed and dressed before your husband returns from work, you consider it a good day. One of these lives has a future, Mrs. Anderson. The other does not.”

She just stared across the table at this man. “Who was he?” she wondered. Why was he accusing her of these things?

The man opened up a folder and began leafing through it. “As you can see, we’ve had our eyes on you for some time, Mrs. Anderson. I think that you should look long and hard at how you are failing in your role.” He pulled out a single sheet of paper. “Your son is 6 years old and yet he cannot read. Your 11-year-old daughter spends half her time daydreaming and staring off into space. She hasn’t scored better than a D on her spelling quizzes all year. Your teen, this . . . Melissa, I believe her name is . . . she hasn’t prepared for the SAT test. If you really loved your children, Mrs. Anderson, you would have your children at their desks and hard at work by 7:30 each morning.”

Tears started to well up in Katherine’s eyes. Was she really that bad at homeschooling?

“As far as your curriculum goes, you’ve switched back and forth from A Beka to Saxon to Bob Jones and back to Saxon again in just two semesters. I have to wonder, Mrs. Anderson, if you are teaching them correctly. How can you jump from curriculum to curriculum without causing your children to become hopeless, blathering idiots?”

Mrs. Anderson made no effort to wipe away the tears that were now flowing down her cheeks. She knew all these accusations were true. There was nothing she could say to refute them.

“Tell me, Mrs. Anderson. What’s it like, living in your pajamas? Do you enjoy being a slob?” His words began to cut deep, and somewhere deep inside her soul, a wave began to form.

“How many times did you yell at your kids yesterday, Mrs. Anderson? Can you really say you love them if you treat them this way?”

The wave began to build, quickly becoming a surge. Mrs. Anderson’s anger was rising above and beyond the shame and fears this man was exploiting.

“Your best friend, Laurie, doesn't have any trouble getting her six children ready to go to eight different activities each week, yet you always manage to run late . . .”

“That’s enough!” Her waves of anger burst over the dam and began to pour from her lips. “I don't have to listen to these accusations. I am a loving wife and mother, and I care deeply about my children. We may not get to every activity on time or complete every assignment, but we are trying. My children are well fed and clothed, and they are learning so much more than they would learn anywhere else. My son is a gifted engineer. He dismantled three phones last week to understand how the buttons work . . .”

“You consider that school?”

“Absolutely! He is learning mechanics and science. If I can get him to put things back together so that I can answer the phone, I’ll be all set. By the way, Melissa doesn’t need to study for her SAT test right now. She’s 14! We will prepare for it when the time is right.

“Another thing. My daughter may not always study with perfect concentration, but she draws the most beautiful pictures. She understands forms and shapes so much better than her brothers or sisters do. She is a very bright girl, no matter what your files say.”

These bold statements took the man aback. Mrs. Anderson’s outburst, though somewhat controlled, was clearly not what he had expected to hear in response to his accusations.

“You say I yell at my kids, and that’s true. I do lose my temper when I clean a room and come back in thirty minutes to find it in worse shape than it was before I cleaned it. But your files don’t show the breakfast we had yesterday when we sat around and talked about three things we like about each other. I enjoy my children so much more than you could imagine. And we truly love each other.

“I stay in my pajamas some days, that’s true. But we are at home and like to be comfortable while we do our work. Learning is more important than appearances.”

“But are your children really learning, Mrs. Anderson? I show that you have lost ground every time you’ve tried to set a schedule. How effective are you if you can't even maintain a schedule?”

“We may struggle sometimes. I admit, we don’t hit the mark with schedules, but we do a good job setting goals. We know what direction we’re going, and we do a good job, even if we don’t end up completing our workbooks. If anything is out of line, it’s my own expectations.” An idea began to form in her mind.

“What? We are not to blame, Mrs. Anderson!”

“Of course,” she thought, “it all makes sense now.”

Katherine looked straight into her accuser’s eyes as she spoke calmly and deliberately. “I know who you are! You’re my own expectations. You’ve been trying to trap me.”

“Nonsense. We don’t need to trap what we already own.”

“You don’t? Then you would have no problem if I made pajamas the standard school uniform?”

“Uh . . .” Suddenly, the man became quite anxious.

“And you wouldn’t mind my going to thrift stores to buy more phones and other things for my son to dismantle?”

“Wait . . . this isn't what we wanted. Stop!”

“Why? Don’t you want to hear about how we’re going to stop going to so many activities and start spending more time together as a family? I've got some great ideas, including a bug collecting expedition and a board game night.”

“Board games don’t constitute an education! They . . .”

“Oh, yes they do. Colors, numbers, counting, reading, and strategy all work together to educate my children. And the best part is that they don’t even realize it’s school.”

The man was becoming transparent, and he was quickly fading from view. “But what about your curriculum? You can’t change in the middle of the year! It’s . . . ”

“I can change our curriculum whenever I think we need to. If something isn’t working, we can try something else. That’s one benefit of running your own school. I would rather find something that works than have my children suffer through an entire year of work that doesn ’t meet their needs.”

She could see that the man was livid and shouting angrily, but now, along with his appearance, his voice had faded. He was almost gone from view when she said, “Oh, by the way, school starts at 10 a.m. from now on.”

With that, he disappeared.

Mrs. Anderson was about to scoot away from the table when she awoke with a start. Rolling across the screen on the television in front of her were credits for a fantasy film about people fighting the forces of artificial intelligence. She quickly pushed the “off” button and headed upstairs to bed. After all, she had a bug hunt to plan tomorrow.


Steve Walden lives in Colorado with his wife, and together they homeschool their three children (ages 12, 9, and 5). Steve is a freelance writer and editor. When he’s not blogging at www.HomeschoolBlogger.com/SteveWalden, he’s searching for new opportunities to write about a variety of topics, including homeschooling, coping with disabilities, and connecting with God. Steve’s desire is to help others rediscover God as their first love and the source of their strength.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Her first Oreo........




I am adding more pictures at the bottom....

Monday, November 3, 2008

Simple Women's Daybook



Outside my window... The evening sunlight is shining on fall trees acrossed the street. It is still warm outside.

I am thinking...I am glad the day is almost over.


From the learning rooms.... We are learning about birds in the Bible, the state of Delaware, and thinking about making some Christmas presents

I am thankful for...my great life, but yet fearful our way of life is in jeopardy.

From the Kitchen.... Dinner is cooking...a new recipe called Yummsetti.

I am wearing....a long brown skirt, a t-shirt, and my skeechers

I am hoping...everyone like the new recipe. Sometimes is goes good and sometimes it doesn't....

I am reading...KJV Bible and various other things

I am hearing...Peter and Jacob play with Liberty

Around the houseComfy Chaos. This is my new term for my home. (It makes me feel better!)

One of my favorite things.... Visiting with my brothers

A few plans this week Wed.- mid-week service.

Here is a picture....of what I am sharing...Liberty sleeping in Grandma's bed

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Johnny Cakes and Apple Butter...




We have been studying about the Revolutionary War and George Washington in our schoolwork. We made johnny cakes from a recipe provided with our curriculum. It said that an authentic topping for the cakes would be apple butter. The boys helped me make them. They were tasty (in a if you had no more food kinda way).

A great quote to consider this election .....

"Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost." -- John Quincy Adams

Going to Vote, Halloween, and no tv........

Peter and I are going to vote early today. To be honest, I still don't know who I am going to vote for. The only sure thing is that I will NOT vote for Barak Obama. My two choices are John McCain or vote for Chuck Baldwin with the Constitution Party. I have went over all pros and cons for either decision. If I vote third party is that a free vote for Obama, and if I vote for McCain am I compromising my personal values. I do not like John McCain. Out of all the men that were running in the primary he was my least favorite, and still is. I really haven't said anything about this election, but as it nears I guess it is time to speak my mind. I believe (biblically) that Sarah Palin should be focusing on raising and training her children than running for vice president of the United States. The were tons of men that had her same values that could have been picked for a running mate. As Christians, we were horrified at a Hilary presidency, or that a woman would be our president, but with Sarah Palin we are quick to "go with the flow for the sake of the party." I am not saying Sarah Palin is not qualified, (which I think she is) or is capable of being vice president. I just personally feel that she should consider her role as a wife and mother first. Is it right that we have to always choose between the "lesser of the two evils?" Should we start trying to vote for the real candidate of our choice? Chuck Baldwin of the consititution party is right down the line with our values. Has the media so indoctrinated us that there really is only two parties of choice. I don't know.........I let you know what I decide tomorrow.

Tonight we are taking the kids to Billy Bob's to play games and have pizza during trick or treat hours. They always have a blast. We are usually the only ones there, which is great!

We are considering getting rid of our cable, in turn our t.v. Does anyone else not have t.v.? How do your children do? Is there a long adjustment period?

Well, I'd better get Liberty. I promise not to get political again for another 4 years!

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Simple Woman's Daybook

<

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW....dreary, rainy, and cold. There is a chance of snow flurries today.

I AM THINKING...how wonderful a warm cozy house is!

FROM THE LEARNING ROOMS.....Bible, Phonics, Spelling, George Washington, doubles facts, and fractions. I cannot forget the phrase I hear everyday. "Do we have to do school today?"

FROM THE KITCHEN...Cinnamon toast for breakfast....i am going to make pumpkin bread today

I AM WEARING...my robe

I AM HOPING... to get moping, and the bathroom cleaned today

I AM READING....KJV Bible (the law), "Cheaper By the Dozen",

I AM CREATING.... more room in my house

AROUND THE HOUSE...scenes of autumn, and coughing from various family members

SOME OF MY FAVORITE THINGS....my wonderful coffee in the morning, my friends, falling fall leaves

SOME PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK....wed- mid-week service, thurs. - Billy Bob's with friends ( we don't celebrate Halloween, so we always take the kids to a place like Chuck E Cheese to play during trick or treat time.) Fri.- going to mom and dad's

A PICTURE TO SHOW WHAT I HAVE BEEN SHARING.... This is a picture of the canoes we made when studying the French pioneers a couple of weeks ago.

Friday, October 24, 2008

I've been tagged......

I have been tagged twice and am just now getting around to it, so I will post 12 random things about myself. I was tagged by Rachel and Patti.

Here are the rules...
1-post the rules
2-write 6 random things about yourself
3-tag 6 people at the end
4-taggers start with rule #1

1. I hate bananas! I like banana flavored things, but to eat a banana would be totally gross. I guess it is a texture thing.

2. I am our church's piano player. I have had that position for 9 years. I did take a break for about 6 months when I was pregnant with Liberty, but am now back to tickling the ivories.

3. Both my brothers are leaving for Iraq in December. Christopher and Benjamin will leave for Iraq at the same time, but will not be in the same area. Please pray for their safety and our family.

4. Both my boys weighed the exact same weight at birth. 7 lb. 11 oz. I often wondered how often that happenes. We were going for a third, and thought Liberty would be around the same weight, but she was 9 lbs. 5 oz. I was totally shocked! I thought girls were smaller.

5. My husband plays the accordian. (no joke)

6. I have a phobia about seeing people I know at the store. Sometimes I will avoid them altogether (i know, weird)

7. I hate change. I do not deal well with change. I don't know if it the perfectionist in me, but it take me awhile to adjust.

8. Dr. Pepper is always me drink of choice.

9. I LOVE to cook!!!

10. My front tooth actually broke off in someone elses head and they had to get it removed at the hospital.

11. I attended public school for 11 years.

12. I hope to homeschool my children till college.

I don't think I know 6 people to tag.....I am going to tag my imaginary blog friends

1. Minnie Mouse
2. Daisy Duck
3. Cinderella
4. Jasmine
5. Belle
6. Bessie (off of the Mighty B) (I think that cartoon is hilarious!)

Thursday, October 23, 2008

A wonderful day!

It has been a wonderful day today. Things have not gone as planned today, but I have so much to be thankful for that I am not going to let the devil steal my joy today! God has blessed me with the greatest husband in the entire world, beautiful children, a home to make my own, and health to do what He has commanded me to do!

Thank you Lord!!!

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

We're Back!!!!



Hey Guys! We're back home! We got here about 8:20 p.m. last night. We had a great time. I wish it could have lasted longer, but we had to come back home to our "vacation-like" home life {ha ha ha}

Sorry....I had to leave you for a second...I was being interviewed by Channel 13 news. NOT JOKING... We've been having alot of problems with our trash pick up, and they were doing a story about it....anywho.....just another day in my life....NOT!

to be continued a little later....

I have returned. We did have a great weekend. I got some rest, and I am ready to start school again. We have a super busy week ahead. I think we will be busy till Christmas. I am adding some additional photo at the bottom. See ya!

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Fall Break Time!!

It is officially fall break time for the Scheer Joy Homeschool Academy. We have completed 10 weeks of school, and we need a break! Today the students and I are going to goodwill, Target, and to fall clean the house! Tomorrow we are packing for our trip. We are going to Peter's parents house in South Carolina. I am so excited because we are going to drive to Myrtle Beach for the afternoon! Schoolwork will not resume until next Wednesday!

School has been going great! We definately have a full schedule. Something people don't realize is the homeschooler have to work household stuff in with a full day of school. Granted a full day of homeschool does not take as long as a regular day of normal school. Alot of things in my house get left to another time to do (cleaning wise). Today is a day we will try to catch up!

I hope everyone has a blessed day today!

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Kmart is bringing back layaway!

I just saw the funniest commericial on tv. Kmart had a whole commercial dedicated to their layaway department. Layaway was really big here in WV until everyone started getting credit cards. My mom always layed away our christmas present, school supplies ect.... Once everyone had credit cards, layaway became very uncool. I guess with the credit crisis layaway is back in. My sister-in-law will rejoice because she was still laying away thing up to 2 years ago.

LAUNDRY UPDATE....I wanted to give you all an update on the laundry pile. It is now folded and put away. Yet it starts again.......

Is anyone else a perfectionist or is it just my personality quirk. I am such a perfectionist that I am driving my husband, my self and children crazy. Anyone have any suggestions on how to deal????

Well, better go, might post more later!

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Nothing new....

Nothing new is happening around here...There is something great happening though. I finally after 9 weeks of school, feel like we are getting in a routine. Praise the Lord! Or maybe I decided to not be so hard on myself. I haven't decided which it is. Oh well, I just glad it is happening!

I have a question for all of you.....Have you changed anything or doing something different is regard to the current economic situation? We (as a family) have really been thinking about making some changes, I wondered if maybe you were too. Do you have any grocery tips or frugal things that help your family out? I am looking forward to your replies!

Love to you all!

Miranda

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

The One and Only Genuine Orginial Family Band..


If you have never seen the movie, "The One and Only Genuine Orginial Family Band" try to find it. It was made by Disney in 1968. It is a must see, especially around election time. It has many stars in, but my favorites has to be Leslie Ann Warren and John Davidson. They star in another of my all time favorite movies, "The Happiest Millionaire". If any of you are a member of NetFlix or another company, try to rent this movie! We love It!

Pump Up the Fun!


Our family attended a birthday party of a little girl in our church last nght. It was at a place in Barboursville called Pump up the fun. It was full of indoor inflatables. The kids had a blast! I got some good pictures of the kids. My friends from church were there, but there was also another homeschool mom who I got to fellowship with. It was a great night for the entire family! More pictures are at the bottom.. (Yes, I have gain alot of weight over the years. Just wanted to warn you!)

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

The Simple Woman's Daybook



Outside my window....It is a beautiful fall day, and the tomatoes are ripening.

I am thinking ... Everybody wants to talk to me at the same time.

From the learning rooms...It is quiet. All the students had a doctor's appointment today so school was canceled.

I am thankful for...Re-kindled friendships and great pediatricians

From the kitchen...Hot Dogs and Mac and cheese for dinner

I am wearing ... A long denim a-line skirt, and a black shirt

I am hoping...Everybody fares well from shots!

I am reading... KJV Bible, "Washington's Lady" by Nancy Moser, "Way of the Master" by Ray Comfort

I am creating..a stitchery for my kitchen

I am hearing.. Jacob and Liberty play beside me, and sounds of traffic outside my window.

Around the house...Dishes need done, and Laundry is piled up anxiously awaiting my attention

On of my favorite things...DR. PEPPER!

A few plans for the rest of the week....tonight-birthday party, wed.- church, fri. - cookout with family.

Sorry this is not on Monday. It will be on Monday from now on! I Promise!

Monday, October 6, 2008

Hey Guys!


We are all trying to get ready to go to sing with a choir tonight. Peter is working a little late, but everything is running pretty smoothly.

Peter's 36th birthday was Sunday. No big celebration, but we had a very good chocolate cake. Our pastor, his wife, and sister in law, took us out to Pizza Hut after church. We had a great time!

I need to hurry just wanted to do a quick post! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY LOVE!

Thursday, October 2, 2008

A normal day....

today is basically a normal day in our house. Nothing usual or different. We had a great Bible time today in school. They boys really got into it. We have been studying George Washington and the boys made a tri-cornered hat, which they thought was fun.

Tomorrow the kids (all the kids) are going to grandma's to spend the night. This will be the first gime Liberty has slept over at anyone's house. I'll either go shopping or my s-i-l wants to go to the pumpkin festival.

Saturday, Peter and I are attending a Way of the Master conference with our church. It is the ministry of Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron (Growing Pains). I am so excited! I am excited for the spiritual experience, but also to see Kirk Cameron!
Their website is www.wayofthemaster.com.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Pumpkin Roll Recipe

3 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. lemon juice
3/4 cup pumpkin
3/4 c. self-rising flour
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. nutmeg

Cream Cheese Filling:

8 oz cream cheese,
4 oz. cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
4 T. butter
Beat eggs 5 minutes, add sugar, lemon juice and pumpkin. Add flour, cinnamon, gingerm and nutmeg. Mix well. Spread on greased jelly roll pan. Bake at 375 for 15 minutes. Turn out on towel, sprinkled with powdered sugar. While hot, roll cake in towel and cool until warm. To make filling, mix ingredients and spread on cake. Reroll without towel. cool

Love this recipe. I make it every year. Staple at Thanksgiving!

E-mealz

Hey Guys! I wanted to share with you about a new program I joined. It is called e-mealz. I don't remember how I found it, but I read somewhere that it was approved and recommended by Dave Ramsey, so I checked it out. It is a meal plan based on what is for sale that week at your store of choice. I picked Kroger because I normally shop there. They also offer Wal-mart and other stores. They also have weight watcher plans, low-fat, low-carb, 2 people plans, and 4-6 people plans. Every Sunday I download their menu plan and shopping list. It is may third week. The meals are actually real meals my family will eat. For example. Monday night - Baked Pizza rolls and salad. Tomorrow night- cheese tortellini casserole, green beans and french bread. It is $15.00 for 3 months. Not a bad investment at all! There is a link for e-mealz at the bottom of my blog. I hope you check it out! I love it!

Peter and I have been following Dave Ramsey for about 2 years. Slowly but surely we are getting out of debt. With the Lord's help we hope to someday be "debtfree!"

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Whats for Dinner?...... Chili






Jacob helped me make dinner for this evening! It was a big help!

I stayed up last night and watched the new show about the Duggar Family. I really think they are inspirational. Do I feel the need to have 18 kids? NO! But, they are the only family on t.v. that is living the values we hold in our family. They dress like us, and believe like us (somewhat). I really commend them for being a witness to the world that our lifestyle isn't that crazy! I just wonder where Michelle finds dresses for all the girls. I have a hard time finding dresses and skirts for me.

Monday, September 29, 2008

Little Miss Liberty is 7 months old today!


Liberty is officially 7 months old today. She was a Leap Day baby so her birthday will only come every 4 years. We had so many different reactions from people when they found out what day she would be born. Everybody knows somebody who is a leap day baby.

I was okay when she turned 6months, but 7 is a different story. I think that it is too near 12 months for me. I kinda feel like she was never little. She was a big baby! I hate that time flies so fast. Anyway, I love you baby girl!

Friday, September 26, 2008

Glazed Apple Cake

Here is a recipe I found last week. A couple from church gave us some apples from their trees and I needed a recipe to make. I have several Amish cookbooks and this recipe was in one of them. I made this cake last week, and Peter loved it. He requested I make another today for dinner. I thought I would share the recipe with you.

Glazed Apple Cake

5 Tbsp. sugar 2 Tbsp. vanilla
2 Tbsp. cinnamon 4 eggs
4 med. apples 3 cups self-rising flour
1 cup vegetable oil 2 cups sugar
1/4 cup orange juice

Mix 5 Tbsp. sugar with cinnamon. Reserve 2 Tbsp. of mixture for topping. Pare and slice apples and mix with sugar-cinnamon mixture. Combine oil, orange juice, and vanilla. Beat; add eggs and beat again. Combine flour and 2 cups sugar. Add gradually to orange juice mixture. Mix well. Pour a small amount of batter into a greased 10" pan. Add a layer of apples. Contine to alternate ending with apples. Sprinkle with reserved sugar-cinnamon mixture. Bake at 350 for 1 1/4 hour. While cake is still warm, pour glaze over top.

Glaze:
1/2 c. confectioner's sugar 2-4 tbsp. orange juice

Wonderful Recipe!

Homeschool happenings......

We are about to finish week 8 in homeschooling. So far it has been going pretty good. I've had to switch the boys into either a grade below or a grade higher on some things, but I finally feel everyone is where they need to be. Here is an example of what we have learned so far.

Bible - Jesus is the light of the world, Jesus is the bread of life, and Jesus is the Rock

Spelling - Jacob has taken 5 spelling tests,

Phonics and English - Jacob is moving along in BJU phonics, Caleb will start next week because I need to adjust him into BJU k-5 phonics.

Handwriting -

US History - Vikings to Benjamin Franklin

Math - Jacob Lesson 17 (saxon2) Caleb- Lesson 15 (saxon1)

Plus other miscellaneous stuff....

I did take some pictures as we went along I will try to post them within the next couple of days.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Morning Thoughts

As I look around my house this morning, I see alot of stuff that is out of place, somethings that are dirty, and some things that need attending. Alot of times these things determine my attitude for the day. They dictate how I will respond to my children, husband, and life in general. I started thinking about the post I wrote about your home being a business. The verse I cited came to mind and the part about "the Lord's countenance". If I truly wanted to the Lord's countenance to shine in my home, do you think that He would be so proud that my home was perfectly in order, immaculately clean or museum quality? I guess if my home has gotten that way without nagging at my kids or feeling overwhelmed He might be proud. But, I think He would be most pleased if I took the time and trained my children, spiritually and physically for real Christian life, played with them and enjoyed them. Talk with them of His love and how we don't have to be perfect to be loved by Him. Take the time to explain how the Lord deals in our lives everyday.

I will still try to attain the "perfect home", but I need to focus more on the eternal and not the here and now.

p.s. please pray for Caleb and Liberty, they have asthma, and we have been to the doctor every two weeks for the last 3 months. It is getting old!

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

It's starting to feel like Fall!


It is finally cooling down here in West Virginia, and the leaves are starting to turn a little. Fall has to be my favorite season! Fall in West Virginia has always been so special to me. I love the crisp air, tastes, smells and colors!

Every year in our neighboring town they have a Pumpkin festival. I love to go. You can eat anything and everything pumpkin. (ice cream, fudge, cookies, bread..ect.) I really hope Peter and I have a chance to go this year!
The picture above is Jacob and Caleb last year at the pumpkin festival!

I think I'll try to make a pumpkin roll this weekend!

This is a picture of the evening sky behind our house. I thought it was so beautiful!

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Romans 6:13

"Neither yield your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin; but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness." Romans 6:13

This verse tells us not to yield our members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin, but yield yourselves unto God.." Have you ever noticed how easily and thoughtlessly we yield our members unto sin? It is usually so quick that we don't even think about it. Sometimes I am so carnal in my Christian walk that I don't even realized that I have sinned. Yet when I am impressed by the Lord to do something for Him, my flesh fights hard against it.

Example: Yesterday I called my best friend to vent about stuff and people. We got off the phone and I went on with my day. This morning I realized how my part of the conversation was not God honoring at all. I had to ask God to forgive me for sinning.

The day before yesterday the kids and I went through the KFC drive-thru for lunch. The Lord pressed upon my heart to give the cashier a tract. My flesh did not want to do it. I was so nervous waiting for her to give us our food. I was fully aware that I was doing something that was going against my flesh.

I need to be more mindful of how I yield my members! I am so glad that God still forgives and is a patient teacher!

Friday, September 5, 2008

Wii fun

My brother Benjamin loaned us his Wii for a couple of days and the boys (and daddy) have been loving it! We are definately Wii fanatics now! I actually was little sore from playing Wii sport. It really gets you moving! Hopefully Santa can get us one for Christmas! I personally like the Mario Kart game. Of course I am a child of the 90's so anything Super Mario brothers is pretty cool to me.

New phrases heard as playing Wii:

"Oh man, I've been shrinked and inked." - Jacob

"You just got shrinktified" -Jacob (I think this one is found in the NIV somewhere LoL)

"Holy manroad, mom" - Caleb (translation - "holy mackrel)

The Wii's time in our house is almost up, it goes home tomorrow.
Will I miss it? yes and no
Yes - I think it is fun
No - boys are obsessed with it

The Wii definately gets my thumbs up!

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Miranda's Cookbook

Hey guys! Check out my new blog, www.mirandascookbook.blogspot.com! This blog will be my virtual cookbook. I will posting recipes that I love, and I hope you will add yours as well! I hope that it will a place of inspiration on those days when you just don't know what to cook!

Is your house a home or a business......?

Psalm 4:6 "There by many that say, Who will shew us any good? Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us."

Our homes are to be a refuge and a place of safety and peace for our families. Sometimes when you are in the home everyday, your home sometimes becomes your workplace or business. Things are pressing on you, pressures to perform to perfection, child training, teaching, and people and tasking are demanding attention. It is not just homeschooling moms that face this, but every mother trying to raising their children biblically and wives that are trying to be a helpmeet to their husbands.

The end of this verse is really what I want for my home and family. I pray that the light of God's countenance will shine in and out of our home. The first part of the verse is like the world outside, "is there any good anywhere." I pray through my home and life my family, friends and strangers my see the light of God's countenance in me.

It is my duty as a wife and mother to make my home as God would want it, but is also has to be a place of refuge, safety and comfort for me. If it feels like my workplace it will not be comfortable and I will want to go "home" sometime.

"Please forgive me Lord for making my home more business-like than a HOME. Please help me to see what changes need to be made. Thank you for your forgiveness!"

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Labor Day Fun




Yesterday was Labor Day, and we spent it with my family. We all went to a little creek and rode 4-wheelers and swam. We all had a blast. Peter finally decided to trying driving, and he had a blast. It was an end of the summer celebration, and also time with my brother Christopher who was leaving for the police academy today. Him and Benjamin (my youngest brother) will be leaving for Iraq in December so we are trying to get as much time together as possible.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008