Faith-Filled Days

New Books for Advent

2011-11-18T09:48:00.000-08:00

Did you know Advent starts the Sunday after Thanksgiving this year?

We're looking forward to some new books!

If you are looking for more Advent ideas, I have ours posted here.

Fall Hot Rocks

2011-11-18T07:04:00.000-08:00

Madelyn had a neighbor friend over to make a craft. I found this great idea. I put the rocks in a 275* oven to heat the up then gave them to the girls in rags so no little fingers would be burned.

The girls colored with crayons on the hot rocks.

When the rocks cooled, I sprayed them with clear polyurethane for a shiny look.

I've added these to my Thanksgiving decorations!

Pilgrim Fox and Geese Game

2011-11-17T07:38:00.000-08:00

Why does everyone want to be the fox?

The Pilgrim Fox and Geese game is especially fun with a raisin (fox) and chocolate chips (geese). Yummy!

Handprint Pilgrims

2011-11-15T13:38:00.000-08:00

Did you know only 53 Pilgrims celebrated the first Thanksgiving? Did you know that your kids will probably be interested in that fact if you make handprint Pilgrims?

I read this blog post last year at Almost Unschoolers and thought it was a great idea to use handprint people to represent the Pilgrims at the first Thanksgiving!

A New Thanksgiving Tradition

2011-11-11T13:15:00.000-08:00

I read last year about a family who purchases a new game every Thanksgiving. I love that tradition! I knew I wanted to buy Would You Rather...? and was thrilled to find it at a garage sale for only $2.

It's time to pull out the Thanksgiving books!

2011-11-08T08:40:00.000-08:00

and to plan for some Thanksgiving activities!

Painted Pumpkins

2011-11-08T08:31:00.000-08:00

My kids drip painted pumpkins last night with a friend. They had a great time. Who doesn't like using globs of paint?

Fall Decorating

2011-10-18T08:51:00.000-07:00

I found this blog post for making jeweled pumpkins. Who can resist them?

Here's my daughter's finished pumpkin decorated with glue and glitter.

She really enjoyed this craft!

Decorating with Scripture

2011-09-24T14:48:00.000-07:00

I'm seeing the benefits of memorizing scripture based on temptations. I heard recently how a specific verse really helped when one darling child was having trouble sleeping. We're working our way slowly through Sword Fighting. I highly recommend this book.

When we moved into our new home last year, I envisoned the kids/guest bathroom to be covered in Bible verses. I've heard friends quote poems they learned from pictures hung in their homes growing up. My dream is to have my kids quoting scripture from their childhood memories!

Luckily, before I repainted and starting ordering verses in vinyl, I found these fabulous scripture posters from http://www.familylife.com/.

I couldn't believe how many of the verses were the same ones we are memorizing! And I could order 12 posters for only $8.99!

I decided to buy one frame (Michaels carries 11x17) and switch out the posters. I tucked the extras in the frame for safe keeping.

More Shared Art

2011-08-24T11:32:00.000-07:00

My mom came over to teach us how to paint flowers. Madelyn and a friend practiced then painted over flower prints my girlfriend found at a thrift store. Here's Madelyn's flower in oil paint:

The girls had previously done a picture in acrylic. Here's how Maddie's two pictures look on my wall. I love to decorate with my kiddos' artwork!

Today, Maddie and I took two practice oil paint flowers (one from each of us) and cut them out. We painted a small canvas with glossy black acrylic. Then, we used spray adhesive to glue the flowers overlapping on the canvas. Here's our shared art!

4th of July Decorating

2011-07-01T12:12:00.000-07:00

Here's a fabulous free printable! Happy 4th of July decorating!

4th of July Breakfast Ideas

2011-07-01T11:29:00.000-07:00

Crystal at Money Saving Mom posted a great link for fun and easy 4th of July breakfast ideas!

Fourth of July

2011-06-29T16:56:00.000-07:00

Are you looking to add something meaningful to your 4th of July celebration?

Prager University is offering a wonderful 4th of July Declaration!

Here's how we celebrated last year.

Have a Party When You Finish Reading the Bible!

2011-06-29T11:17:00.000-07:00

As a society, we celebrate so many things....the first day of school, sporting events, piano recitals. Why not celebrate when read you through the Bible?

We recently finished The Child's Story Bible and had a family party with doughnuts and video games!

We Are Still Crafting

2011-06-23T07:55:00.000-07:00

with the little girl down the street. She doesn't go to church so we are careful not to do "Christian" crafts with her, but I just love that my little girl chooses some on her own!

Father's Day

2011-06-19T09:22:00.000-07:00

Happy father's day to my fabulous hubby!

Jim just loves this card from Tinyprints.

Madelyn made Angry Birds magnets for Daddy by Mod Podging pictures printed off the internet onto Scrabble tiles. It's hard to see in the photo, but she used Diamond Glaze on top for a raised glass-like appearance.

Aren't these great?

A Book to Recommend

2011-06-16T16:33:00.000-07:00

I forgot that I do have a book to recommend!

I bought this with Jim in mind. I've heard of other fathers and sons reading it together. My boys tried and it wasn't a good fit. A few weeks ago, I pulled it off the shelf when Jimmy and I were alone at the table. We've enjoyed the selections and our short chats.

I think we both like the book because of the author's personal stories and tell it like it is perspective. Uncle Rick, who records audio books with commentary, is the same way. Uncle Rick CDs are some of Jimmy's favorite stories.

Going back to Boyhood and Beyond, I want to share that I don't read the questions at the end of each chapter. Although I am a rule follower, sometimes I can break those rules with the best of them!

Instead, I use the time to speak words of blessing on Jimmy. I try to give an example of how he is showing a characteristic from the book or how I see him growing toward manhood.

I probably read about one chapter a week. It has been a bonding experience for this momma and her son.

2 Books that Bombed

2011-06-14T09:04:00.000-07:00

I appreciate when my blogging friends take time to share what hasn't worked for their families. Here are two books I wouldn't recommend.

We'll be studying Genesis soon so I was excited to read this (fiction) book that takes place after the Tower of Babel. Unfortunately, it's so poorly written that even after plugging through over half the book we had a very difficult time following the story line. We finally gave up.

Jim chose this as a book he could read over the phone when out of town with work. While the kids enjoyed the beginning of the story, the Biblical inaccuracies drove Jim crazy.

I hope to read books we can recommend soon!

Pentecost 2011

2011-06-13T10:47:00.000-07:00

Thank you, Holy Spirit, for the gifts and fruits of the Spirit!

Tomorrow is Pentecost!

2011-06-11T07:31:00.000-07:00

1 large candle to represent Christ

12 smaller candles to represent the apostles

12 strawberries for the fruit of the Spirit

9 hearts for the gifts of the Spirit

We'll celebrate Pentecost on Sunday. Madelyn would like to make these crowns of fire by Heather at Cultivated Lives. (I love that Maddie is still young enough to want to make crafts!)

Third World Country Week

2011-06-07T07:15:00.000-07:00

Did you follow the bloggers to the Philippines? We did. We sponsor a child there.

Reading along was a very humbling experience.

To help our family better understand what a blessed life we lead, we plan to have Third World Country Week in the fall. Each day will address an issue, such as:

No shoes day

Beans and rice day

No running water day

One room living day

No transportation day

I remember reading years ago about a family who did something similar. Does this ring a bell? If so, could you please share a link?

Possible 3 Generations Faith Scrapbooks

2011-06-06T11:15:00.000-07:00

In summer Bible study, my friends and I are creating faith scrapbooks with Lisa Whelchel's This is My Story.

Here's my first page.

My mom is interested in making one too. She may do the Bible study with her friends as I own the DVDs. If not, I clipped together the pages so she could easily make her own book.

I had bought the scrapbook kits in bulk and have several extra. I decided to set one aside for Madelyn. If she decides to make one, we could have three generations of faith scrapbooks in our family.

What a great blessing!

P.S. The other day I ordered two member books, the workbooks that go along with the study. One for Madelyn and one for Jimmy's future wife. I'm praying for the Lord to work in my family!

P.S.S. I talked my hubby into making one too. He has been emailing me his answers as he travels for work. His won't be scrapbooky or girly. He is a guy afterall. Once he's finished, we'll have a Blurb book printed.

Charting to Change Your Mindset

2011-06-01T07:13:00.000-07:00

I'm pondering this today. I wonder what the charts would look like in my family.

Good Morning Girls Book Club

2011-05-13T09:47:00.000-07:00

I've decided to join Good Morning Girls for their book club and Bible study this summer. They are going through The Ministry of Motherhood which will include videos by the author, Sally Clarkston! I love Clarkston's Educating the Whole Hearted Child so I'm very excited for the study.

If you'd like to join, there's still time to sign up!

Riding with Daddy

2011-05-07T09:48:00.000-07:00

I like to record our family traditions. It's a wonderful way to look back over the years!

Right now, my hubby and son ride bikes every Saturday to the library. Isn't that sweet?

Hands and Hearts History Kits

2011-04-25T14:06:00.000-07:00

I was so excited to see an email in my inbox from http://www.handsandhearts.com/. They are offering a special deal for blogging about their products. I'm thrilled to be able to do so as we love their history kits!

My kids still talk about dipping candles from the Early American History Discovery Kit! We used the kit four years ago, when Jimmy was 8 and Madelyn was 5. I wouldn't recommend it for children any younger than that. In fact, I've thought about buying another one now that Madelyn is older (she's 9). It's a fabulous, hands on way to learn history!

At the same time, we used the Westward Expansion Discovery Kit, which my kids say is their favorite kit so far. Madelyn loved her cornhusk doll and played with it for weeks. She still uses the leather pouch when playing pretend.

We had so much fun with the first two kits that we took the Ancient Egypt Discovery Kit on vacation with us when we tagged along with Jim for work.

The kids really enjoyed playing senet.

They made wooden paddle dolls.

Some of the Egyptian activities were geared toward older children so we skipped those. I would recommend this kit for upper elementary age students.

We love Hands and Hearts History Kits! I really enjoy how little preparation is needed on my part and how much learning occurs from the kits contents. All three of us are looking forward to using the Middle Ages Discovery Kit this fall.

If you'd like to try a kit, right now, you can receive 15% off your entire purchase by using my code: Julie at http://www.handsandhearts.com/ They have lots of other products too. This offer expires June 1, 2011.

I've been given a coupon for this review but the opinions are all mine. :)

Stages of our Resurrection Garden

2011-04-24T15:27:00.000-07:00

I find it interesting how our Resurrection garden this year mirrored the end of Jesus' life on earth.

The beginning of Lent with hope of the Savior...

Death comes before the Resurrection...

Jesus carries our sins to the cross...

He is risen!

Happy Easter!

Easter Crafts

2011-04-21T17:26:00.000-07:00

I promised myself that I would not let them grow up too quickly. So, my daughter and I spent the past two weeks crafting.

We have a sweet little neighbor girl who has started coming over in the mornings to make crafts. She isn't a Christian so I look for crafts that aren't religious. (I find all my ideas from other bloggers as I'm not a crafty person by nature.)

Toilet paper lambs

Jimmy getting in on the fun

Easy Yarn Easter Eggs

Paper Plate Chicks

As a family, we made yarn eggs.

We hung them outside to dry.

The finished eggs!

Another day we made Easter Egg Carton Chicks (and army egg guy).

Dance Line!

(Created by Jim, me, Madelyn, Jimmy, Madelyn)

Today, Nana came over to make these cool Epsom salt eggs (we used Mod Podge as glue)

and hot glue gun decorated eggs. We all enjoyed this type of egg decorating!

Easter Treats

2011-04-21T08:12:00.000-07:00

We had some friends over to make and enjoy Resurrection Rolls!

Then, they had us over to decorate lamb cakes!

As a family, we had fun playing with Egg Tangrams, then tried to make tangram cookies!

We had some more friends over and did this Peep smores experiment.

First, you gather these items and three crazy boys.

Assemble and microwave.

Enjoy!

Easter Eggs

2011-04-20T08:32:00.000-07:00

Every year, we try a new way to decorate eggs. It's become a family tradition!

One year, we wrote on the attributes of Jesus.

Two years ago, we used Sharpie markers to create scenes on the eggs.

Last year, we used Mod Podge and tissue paper to decorate our eggs.

This year the kids drew faces on some eggs, but I think officially, we'll try these hot glue gun designs.

Have fun with your egg decorating!

Holy Week

2011-04-18T08:27:00.000-07:00

Preparing for reflection during this Holy week...

We transformed our tomb into a more serious perspective.

The River Nile Turned to Blood

2011-04-13T08:02:00.000-07:00

but Pharoah told them, "No!"

from The Singing Bible

The 10 Plagues have started and our water has turned....

Easter Gift

2011-04-12T09:09:00.000-07:00

I gave Madelyn an early Easter present! I'm so glad Heather at Cultivated Lives posted about this great Resurrection set.

Easter Week Traditions

2011-04-07T09:38:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd share our Easter week traditions. We actually start a little earlier with the 10 Plagues so the death of the first born son occurs on Good Friday as Jesus is our Passover lamb!

We stop regular school to read Easter books and find Resurrection Eggs.

The kids always watch The Miracle Maker DVD and The Passion of the Christ in Legos.

Jim puts up our lighted cross in the window.

We enjoy Resurrection rolls and a lamb cake.

On Good Friday, we have a Stations of the Cross worship service at home and take Communion as a family.

On Easter Sunday, we give the kids gifts to help grow their faith then we sing and dance to worship our Lord! After church, we enjoy dinner with our family and decorate eggs. We try to find a new way to decorate them each year.

One Day Without Shoes

2011-04-05T09:48:00.000-07:00

We are going without shoes today to increase awareness about the children around the world who live without shoes. You can join us!

Tomorrow is One Day Without Shoes

2011-04-04T19:46:00.000-07:00

We are going to participate for the first time as TOMS Shoes supports one of our favorite organizations, Compassion. Want to join us?

The French and Indian Wars

2011-04-02T16:18:00.000-07:00

We're starting our tour through American history wars. We'll spend the next four months training on this tour.

We're enjoying the songs in Ballads of American History. I explain more about the book and the kids' history timelines here.

Jimmy is reading through this book.

We read these two books for the French and Indian wars.

Madelyn is using this book too.

We're moving on to the Revolutionary War and can't wait to do this simulation as a family!

Dying Comes Before the Resurrection

2011-04-02T11:08:00.000-07:00

Our resurrection garden is dying. I think it has too much sun exposure. I don't plan to move it though, because it parallels Jesus' journey to His death on the cross. I think we all need a reminder of how He died for us.

It's Backwards Day!

2011-04-01T10:08:00.000-07:00

We celebrate April Fools Day by doing things backwards. The kids had dessert for breakfast. Here they are wearing their shirts backwards. :)

It's a crazy day here!

When Sacrificial Hospitality Comes Knocking at Your Door

2011-03-29T17:02:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago as I was pondering and praying about Lent, I posted that I was considering Sacrificial Hospitality this year.

The Lord soon showed me that, yes, this was my personal theme for Lent. I wondered how it would look. A friend asked me what it was and if I could give an example. I offered that perhaps we would invite the older couple from across the street over for dinner, calling it hospitality beyond my comfort zone. I knew the Lord wanted me to open my heart.

This morning, when the kids and I were outside playing (okay, I was reading), a little girl with matted hair came riding down the middle of the street with no helmet. She pulled over and soon was hanging out with us in our driveway.

We learned that this little one is 5 years old, staying with her grandma. I tried to give her a helmet and found out she had one but didn't like to wear it. I could tell right away that she was lacking in love. We had a nice visit, and I sent her home to her grandma instructing her to ride on the sidewalk.

She knocked on our door 3 times today. Well, twice, the third time she just walked right in! I laughed aloud as I realized I had prayed the Lord would help me see where He wanted me this Lenten season. I must need specific direction because the Lord sent her right through my door!

I'm looking forward to our day tomorrow when our new little friend comes to visit, probably several times. I hope to love on her with the love of Christ.

Prayer Arms

2011-03-28T19:08:00.000-07:00

Prayer Arms

(a German tradition for Lent)

Ingredients:

Pillsbury Pizza Dough or Breadsticks

Egg yolk

Kosher Salt

First, cut the dough into strips and form into pretzels (aka: prayer arms).

Second, brush on egg yolk.

Sprinkle with Kosher salt (or leave plain).

Bake as directed on package.

Pray for others...

then enjoy your snack!

Contemplating

2011-03-27T16:55:00.000-07:00

and celebrating Lent...

Celebrating...

2011-03-18T15:35:00.000-07:00

Purim!

Here's more information if you'd like to celebrate too.

Resurrection Garden 2011

2011-03-17T10:06:00.000-07:00

Every year, we plant a Resurrection garden!

This year, we painted the tomb as the Jewish people did to warn other Jews not to touch the tomb or they would be unclean for the Passover.

Then, we planted the garden!

We covered the tomb until Easter, Resurrection Sunday.

Our Resurrection Garden

(You can see last year's garden in the photo at the top of my blog.)

Scripture Adventures

2011-03-14T13:14:00.000-07:00

For those of you with young children, Scripture Adventures has a great Easter resource with activities, scripture, crafts and baking ideas. You can order An Easter Adventure for only $6.99!

Lent Begins

2011-03-09T06:53:00.000-08:00

May the Lord bless you as you contemplate His sacrifice.

Sacrifice is my personal theme for Lent this year.

We're going to keep the focus on Christ for school. Here's what we'll be doing.

Some of our past unit studies for Lent.

Other ideas for celebrating Lent as a family.

planting a resurrection garden

Crafts for Lent and Easter.

Have fun with treats too.

Resurrection rolls

Read good books and give faith-filled gifts.

Growing Them Up Too Quickly

2011-02-28T16:55:00.000-08:00

My daughter asked me if we could make the lamb craft in the picture I posted last week.

Uh, sure, and I'm thinking to myself it's just a toilet paper roll and cotton balls.

Why would you want to do a craft like that?

Ah...

Then, I see. She's a little girl.

Here's what happened. My daughter loved doing school with her brother. She tagged along well from the time she was 3. She has continued to tag along well.

But she's a little girl and little girls like crafts.

My daughter was 6 years old in the photo above. She'll be 9 this Easter. We'll be making that lamb craft and many others...

because I've decided to encourage her to be a little girl.

because I know I don't have many of these years left.

because I don't want her growing up too quickly.

Another Holiday to Celebrate with Your Family

2011-02-26T16:12:00.000-08:00

Coming up March 19th-20th

Purim!

Celebrate God's Saving Grace in the story Esther

Mordecai recorded these events...to have them celebrate annually the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar as the time when the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the month when their sorrow was turned into joy and their mourning into a day of celebration. He wrote them to observe these days as days of feasting and joy and giving presents of food to one another and gifts to the poor. Esther 9:20-22

Madelyn and I made these Haman's Ears in 2009 with the intention of sharing with our neighbor. Things didn't quite work out that way when I forgot to add the butter.

For Haman...the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to destroy them and had cast the pur (that is, the lot) for their ruin and destruction. But when the polt came to the king's attention, he issued written orders that the evil scheme Haman had devised against the Jews should come back onto his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows. (Therefore these days were called Purim, from the word pur.) Esther 9:25-26

We dressed up as characters in the story then read sections of Esther aloud, booing and shaking our noisemakers each time Haman's name was read. We shouted, "Long live the Queen!" each time we heard Queen Esther.

Because of everything written in this letter and because of what they had seen and what had happened to them, the Jews took it upon themselves to establish the cutom that they and their descendants and all who join them should without fail observe these two days every year. Esther 9:26-27

And celebrated Purim with Nana and Papa.

My friend Joy has a great blog post, Planning for Purim, complete with links.
I hope you will consider celebrating with your family this year!

Themes for School During Lent

2011-02-23T13:49:00.000-08:00

When my kids were younger, we did a lot of Easter crafts and activities,

such as Resurrection Eggs

and the 10 Plagues.

These two activities have become annual traditions.

(If you still have little ones, Heather has some fabulous Easter ideas on her blog. Don't miss them!)

As my children grew in their faith, I realized I wanted a more in-depth study for Easter. Here are some of our past studies:

Jesus, the Lamb of God

My kiddos with a lamb craft (pre-blogging days)

Where Jesus Walked (from 2009)

New Life in Christ (last year)

I have a couple of other ideas I've collected, such as making an Easter tree, here.

My husband and I have been talking about studying the Old Testament prophecies about Jesus as a family. We don't think this is the year though.

I'm still praying about Sacrificial Hospitality.

Thinking Ahead...Lent

2011-02-22T11:32:00.000-08:00

Bloggers spend a lot of time sharing Christmas ideas and traditions, which I love, by the way. Beautiful traditions like this Advent candle wreath...

But what about Easter?

I think our families would be blessed if we spent as much time preparing for Lent and Easter as we do for Christmas.

Lent begins Ash Wednesday, March 9th. In ancient times, ashes were an expression of sorrow for sins. This is something to ponder...

My family will be reading the new book, Amon's Adventures, along with one of our favorites, Journey to the Cross, for our devotional time during Lent.

We plan to turn that beautiful Advent wreath into a thought-provoking candle holder for Lent.

We'll be making prayer arms and probably have the 10 Plagues visit leading up to Good Friday.

I'd also like to consider Sacrificial Hospitality. I'll blog more about how that will look for our family after I ponder and pray about it. What are you pondering for Lent?

3 Easy Ways to Keep a Spiritual Record Without Journaling

2011-02-15T09:42:00.000-08:00

I'm not a fan of traditional journaling. I kept a diary during my teen years. I was overly dramatic and captured my unhappy moments in words with vivid detail. I would read back through it often remembering and focusing on the negative. Fortunately, I realized when I became a Christian that was not a healthy way for me to express myself!

I would like to leave a spiritual record so my children can someday look back and see the hand of God in my life. Here are 3 easy ways I've found to do that:

1. Evernote

I love this resource! You can copy web pages, complete with text and photos and links. Then, you can "tag" the article with any number of labels. Some of my tags include Philosophy, Raising Boys, Bible, and Scripture Memorization. The information is saved both on your computer and online.

I use Evernote to save articles that speak to me, for collecting information, and to copy pieces of online communication from message boards. So, when I'm sharing a praise with my online friends, I'll have it to share with my kiddos when they are older!

2. Print Emails and Save Letters

This is the way I started. When I found interesting articles online, I'd stick them in a folder. Won't my children enjoy reading through what I found fascinating when they were little ones?

As I email friends with a prayer request or praise report, I print off a copy and stick it in a folder too. I think we often forget how the Lord has answered our prayers. I like to be able to look back over God's blessings and miracles. I also think it will be helpful for my children as they become adults to see my struggles.

I save letters from older family members and often a copy of letters I mail to them. Reading about every day activities could be precious to my kiddos someday.

3. Write in Your Bible

I do two kinds of writing in my Bible. I write historical and sermon notes in pen and my thoughts in pencil. It's helpful to me to have extra information when I'm studying the Bible, and I hope someday it will be helpful to my children to see how the Lord worked in my life.

Happy Valentine's Day...

2011-02-14T07:30:00.000-08:00

to my Sweetie!

I love you tons!

Science

2011-02-10T08:14:00.000-08:00

This year for science, my kids are watching Beakman's World through Netflix Streaming.

They love it! There are 4 seasons available.
(FYI: Some of the episodes cover evolution.)

Parenting Advice from the Boyers

2011-02-08T13:07:00.000-08:00

I imagine many of you know Rick and Marilyn Boyer from The Learning Parent. I had the opportunity to hear them speak recently and thought I'd share some highlights of their great advice. (I'll add my own comments in blue.)

Delight in Your Children

* Learn how to view life from your child's point of view.

* Be excited about what excites them.

* Every negative character trait is a positive trait misused.

Quite a bit for me to think about in these three statements... When will I finally make time to do ________ with my child? How do I become excited about something that doesn't interest me in any way? How do I redirect a negative trait?...

Seasons

* Don't wish away the season you are in.

* Give God the tough times and allow the learning to be different.

I think we have all experienced difficult times. It was encouraging to hear that our children can learn lessons during those times even without traditional schoolwork. Rick and Marilyn are able to minister in this area because of the loss of their son, which touched all of our hearts.

Build a Heart of Service

* Children need to see service modeled in the family.

* You have to teach a servant's heart.

What struck me immediately is that most of the examples the Boyers shared about their own family were relational-based, such as adopting seniors in the church and ministering to neighbors. They make a sincere effort to love on these folks for years and years, not only serving but then creating wonderful life-long friendships.

Godly Character

* Character needs to be taught.

* When your children are young, talk about the character trait they have shown such as, "You were very diligent" rather than just, "Good job".

* Irritations call attention to a need that should be addressed.

* The Bible talks about discipleship. We need to ask ourselves; What does God want my child to learn?

* Wisdom is more about character than intellectual ability.

* You can learn about wisdom studying Proverbs.

This is good food for thought. If you don't know how to approach studying Proverbs, you can order Uncle Rick CDs with comments and example stories for your kiddos. The Proverbs CD will be one of Jimmy's Easter gifts this year.

For more information:

The Boyers have a fabulous blog which goes into more detail about Cultivating a Servant's Heart in Your Children, How to Raise Boys, and more.

American History Through Music

2011-02-02T08:01:00.000-08:00

We're gearing up for History Wars with a co-op. I wanted to do a brief American history review leading up to the American Revolution. A friend loaned me her Ballads of American History book and CD. This is a fabulous resource! I thought it would be ballads that were popular, but it isn't. It's much better than that...It's history set to music of the time period!

Here's a sample from the second song:

In 1600, King James did reign.

He ruled all England and its vast domain.

The Church of England did the king sustain,

But other churches did he thus restrain.

Many people in that day did try

The Church of England, then, to purify.

The state religion did not satisfy.

Their faith in God they would not deny.

Cool, isn't it?

I decided to have my kids make an American history notebook. We've been stick figuring through the Bible which they both really enjoy, so I adapted that with some notebooking ideas.

Here is Madelyn's notebook page for the first two songs.

After she finished, I remembered these printable comic strips. Here is Jimmy's notebook page for the second song. He couldn't help but add in Separatists from Star Wars! :)

Second Half Parenting

2011-02-01T10:03:00.000-08:00

I took the month of January off from blogging. Jimmy turned 12 and I wanted some time to think about what I'd like to focus on as he approaches the teen years both in parenting and on my blog. Jim and I have a few books we're reading right now to help us in the second half of parenting.

I've read this first one, Suddenly They're 13. I didn't care for much of it, but two chapters had several good ideas. One is to create a challenge for your child as a transition to the teen years. I don't think we'll use it specifically for turning 13 but Jim and I have discussed using the concept of challenges during the teen years.

Another idea I liked from the book is celebrating milestones through birthdays by giving your teen more responsibilities and freedom.

When Jimmy turned 12 last week, we explained to him that now he would need to start saving half of everything he earned and half of all monetary gifts toward a car fund. (He had been saving 10% of his earnings so it was not a big shock to increase it.) For his 13th birthday, we plan to help him open checking and savings accounts. Part of his gift will be a wallet to hold his new debit card! We'd like him to learn how to handle money while still under our care.

We love Voddie Baucham. We plan to reread this book to help us focus on raising Jimmy to be a man that a great Christian gal will want to marry and that her parents will want as a son-in-law.

A friend recommended One Million Arrows as it suggests writing in a Bible about and for your child then giving it to him as a gift, an idea that interests me greatly. I've just started reading it.

I've enjoyed blogging the last several years as a way to share with friends and family all our adventures. Now, I'm going to allow my kiddos to grow up with a little more privacy.

My plan is to continue to share faith-based activities and traditions. I'll also try to share unusual homeschool ideas or activities too.

New (this) Year's Eve

2011-01-01T08:28:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful evening with our regular traditions:
a new game

fondue

watching our yearly family DVD

Then, this year, we added a something special. We decided to sponsor two children through Compassion. One little girl the same age as our sweet little girl and one boy on the cusp of growing up like our boy who will be 12 this month.

We gathered around the computer as a family. We watched the video in #2. You should too.

We read through Ann's experience anticipating and visiting her sponsored child. Her pictures and words will touch your heart.

We learned more about Compassion through their video testimonials. We watched two of the gentler videos.

Then, we prayed for the Lord to send us our children. And He did... a nine year old girl from Boliva with a headband in her hair just like the headbands my daughter wears and an eleven year old boy from the Philippines with similar interests as my eleven year old son.

He raises the poor from the dust,

he lifts the needy from the rubbish heap,

in order to give him a place among princes,

among the princes of His people.

Hallelujah!

Bible in 2011

2010-12-31T08:56:00.000-08:00

With the new year approaching, my hubby and I have been talking Bible, Bible, Bible. We want more of God's Word in our lives!

Here's what we'll be reading for the first 90 days. My friend, Debbie, has highly recommended a moms group so I joined. I'm excited to see how the Lord speaks to me when I read through the Bible at a fast pace. Plus, I've never read through the whole Bible.

We'd like to integrate the Bible into our everyday life rather than just a subject in school. We don't want to compartmentalize God. We plan to read the Bible together as a family daily using The Child's Story Bible.

For school, we'll continue with a daily devotional and memorization from Sword Fighting. This is one of my all time favorite Bible resources. Each week has a verse to memorize to fight a temptation. Each day in the week is a Bible passage/devotional to read in regards to that specific temptation. It's a great memorization tool and a wonderful walk through the Bible.

We haven't been using it lately, but with Easter on the way, we plan to go back to the New Testament: Stick Figuring Through the Bible. I have both kids in the same level to make it easy to do together. They really like it!

Here's a sample section from Madelyn's book.

We have been working to memorize Psalm 103. It's a long one and will probably take us at least through the summer to finish. Memorizing a complete passage of scripture is very powerful.

Finally, I plan to continue to read once or twice a week from 10 Girls Who and 10 Boys Who series of missionary stories to show God's Word at work in others.

We're looking forward to spending time in the Bible in 2011.

Snow in the Desert

2010-12-30T13:08:00.000-08:00

Madelyn has been hoping to see snow fall from the sky. It fell today right in the desert!

See the snow in her hair here with the cactus behind? LOL

Christmas Photos

2010-12-26T11:43:00.000-08:00

We give our kiddos matching pajamas on Christmas Eve Eve as we open presents as a family on Christmas Eve morning.

I asked the kids to sit next to each other for a photo. Madelyn accidentally whapped Jimmy. Here's the picture I caught of Jimmy's reaction while Madelyn is rubbing her sore elbow.

And the next photo which was much nicer. Notice how they moved a little further away from each other to prevent injury.

Christmas Eve

Dancing and goofing around

our family

Nana and Papa came to Christmas Eve service with us then joined us for dinner.

Our next door neighbors invited us over for fireworks!

Christmas Day

Christmas socks

a highlight of every Christmas...seeing Uncle Joe!

Nana and Papa "hide" their presents on a decorative ledge. The kids love to help bring them down.

Maddie and Uncle Joe

We had a wonderful breakfast then opened presents. Look at this gift. Wahoo! Thanks Nana and Papa.

After playing the Wii, we headed back to our home with Uncle Joe for a Nerf gun war. I was trying to play and take photos at the same time. Here are some action shots.

Jim has a communicator watch on his wrist. He and Maddie were a team for a while. The watches are one of Maddie's favorite presents.

I hope your family had a wonderful Christmas too!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T06:57:00.000-08:00

Matching Christmas PJs

2010-12-24T09:30:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite Christmas traditions is matching pajamas for the kids.

2005

2007

2008

2009

this year

Annual Christmas Craft with Nana

2010-12-23T13:37:00.000-08:00

(and Papa)

We had painted ornaments!

Help the Homeless

2010-12-22T06:48:00.000-08:00

Recently, I came across this blog and decided to use her idea for our local homeschool moms' night out.

We each left with several bags for our cars! It was a nice focus to think of others at our gathering this Christmas.

Good Morning, 9 Year Old Girl!

2010-12-21T13:42:00.000-08:00

The kids wanted to stay up to watch the lunar eclipse. We started by hanging out in the driveway. Jimmy did some biking riding around 11pm. Although we had cloudy weather, we enjoyed the brightness of the moon.

Then, the kids decided to camp out on the trampoline. We have friends who often sleep that way, but my kiddos have never tried it. Both were excited for their night. I snuggled in to watch the moon for awhile.

Here's me trying to get a picture of all three of us laying on the trampoline.

I stayed until midnight, then headed off to bed.

I tucked the birthday girl in with our tradition,

"Good night 8 year old girl!"

She woke up hearing,

"Good morning, 9 year old girl!"

My precious Christmas gift from 2001

Weekend Christmas Activities

2010-12-20T09:47:00.000-08:00

We had a fun-filled weekend with friends!

On Saturday, we went to a musical pizza place to listen to Christmas music.

We all had a ball!

Last night, we met friends at our favorite railroad park for our annual ride through Christmas lights.

Here we are taking up a whole traincar.

Madelyn on the carousel

And Jimmy joking around in Maddie's vest

The weather was perfect, and we had a great time with our friends!

Celebrating Birthdays at Legoland

2010-12-18T05:46:00.000-08:00

We went to Legoland with friends. Between us, all 5 kids have birthdays within a month of each other! (Legoland offers a fabulous homeschool day discount.)

Christmas at the Capital

Madelyn and her friend as tigers

Check out this HUGE Lego Christmas tree!

Jimmy's Lego portrait

See how the artist made the flag on Jimmy's shirt into a Lego? Fun!

Symphony and Sing-along

2010-12-17T18:25:00.000-08:00

We had an opportunity to hear the symphony's Christmas program for school-age children. The sing-along was filled Christmas hymns. It's so wonderful to hear my kiddos singing about Jesus!

kids in the car

crazy kids

An usher at the symphony gave us the backrow seats of chairs since we were there as a family which was very kind. She even took our picture!

We also went with friends to hear a barbershop quartet the same week.

I love Christmas music!

Walk Through Bethlehem

2010-12-10T09:15:00.000-08:00

We went to a Walk Through Bethlehem evening at a local church last night with Nana and Papa.

The 12 Days of Turning

2010-12-09T20:43:00.000-08:00

Jimmy recently had a palate expander put in as part of his orthodontic treatment. Each evening, I insert a metal key and turn the bar in the middle of his mouth to apply pressure (to expand the palate).

Today, the orthodontist informed us Jimmy has 12 more turns and 4-6 months of wearing the expander. This reminds us of a song...

The 12 Days of Turning

By Jimmy and Momma

On the first day of turning, my son said to me, "I feel a little dizzy."

On the second day of turning, my son said to me, "Ouch, that's not right spot. And I feel a little dizzy."

On the third day of turning, my son said to me, "The key is upside down. Ouch, that's not the right spot. And I feel a little dizzy."

On the fourth day of turning, my son said to me, "I think you need a flashlight. The key is upside down. Ouch, that's not the right spot. And I feel a little dizzy."

On the fifth day of turning, my son said to me,
"The orthodontist is calling me.