What a Sale!

Audible.com just had their Semi-Annual Half-Price Sale, there were more than 1,000 unabridged titles available at half the regular price, this was a sale you did not want to miss. Here are the audio books that I purchased; thankfully I had a couple credits, and most were under $10 so I didn’t spend much on my selections:

Nim's Island by Wendy Orr

The Saturdays by Elizabeth Enright

Jip: His Story by Katherine Paterson

Redwall by Brian Jacques

Bird by Angela Johnson

Summer Ball by Mike Lupica

Two-Minute Drill by Mike Lupica

The First Americans: Prehistory - 1600, A History of US, Book 1 by Joy Hakim (we will use this with Tapestry of Grace next school year)

Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World: Finding Intimacy with God in the Busyness of Life by Joanna Weaver



Last month Audible had a special offer for a free children’s book, they didn’t have a huge selection, but I selected Gift of the Magi by O. Henry which we haven't listened to but I sure we will soon.

Here are a few books that I added to my wish list for school:
A History of the Middle Ages by Crane Brinton, John Christopher and Robert Wolff
A History of Rome, Volume 1 by Cyril Robinson
A History of Rome, Volume 2 by Cyril Robinson

I’m sure that the previous Half–Price sale I just deleted the e-mail without taking a good look at the selections, but you can bet I will not be doing that again! My dear hubby purchased a AutoPilot, which will charge and play my iPod through the car stereo’s aux port, what a sweetie. So now we can listen to my iPod in the car, yippie!

We usually have an audio book in the car at all times, the majority of the books we check out from the library, right now we are listening to Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery. Sometimes, it is a challenge to find good children's books on CD, we have found some that are a "no go" and have to be ejected, but we have found many that have been a treat to listen to. So if you haven't tried listening to books, give it a try.

Bible Devotional

The kids and I have taken a break from our normal daily Bible study and have been using Keys for Kids, which is a devotional for kids ages 5-12. This devotional is free, you just call to request a printed copy. They also have the web site set up so that you can listen to "Uncle Charley", which is what is heard on radio stations, you can download a PDF version or just read it on-line.

We read the daily Bible verse from our Bible, usually rotate who does the reading, then listen to "Uncle Charley". The devotional has been wonderful and timely, they are short but have a huge impact.

The web site has more programs to offer, as of yet I have not explored them all, give them a try and let me know what you think.

Our Week

This past Wednesday we had our co-op state history class, the kids really have enjoyed the class and the teacher has been very through. I find myself saying, "Really, I didn't know that"! We missed a couple of classes and she provided the material we missed so that over the summer we can complete the state history book.

Friday was our last day of co-op classes, because we had the state history class on Wednesday, the kids only had the Answers In Genesis class, afterwards all the children were gathered together for pictures, of course I did not bring my camera. There were two well deserved teacher who were recognized for their outstanding service to the group, congratulations Rayeanne and Michelle!

Saturday I hosted a "Mom's Get Together" of homeschooling moms at my home. We have been trying to get together each month or at least every other month to stay connected. Three ladies were able to make it, and what a joy it was to be able to catch up and to talk face-to-face about what is going on. I so look forward to our little gatherings.

Eric took the kids to the Asparagus Festival at Sneed's Farm on Saturday, I asked him to find out the proper way to cook asparagus, but he didn't get that information for me - so if you know how to prepare asparagus, please let me know. After the festival they headed to lunch, then to the movies to see Indian Jones and Crystal Skull.

Last week was a busy week and we did not complete all of our Tapestry of Grace assignments for Week 28, since this was the first week of a new unit, I want to make sure that the kids have a good start in our last unit, so we will continue Week 28 this week.

Last night Eric and I had a little visitor in the backyard - a fox! Not sure what kind of fox, but the little guy was enjoying eating the bird seed. The light didn't seem to bother him very much, I guess he was really hungry, I tried to get some pictures, but non of them came out.

Award Night

Friday night was the AWANA Award Night for the kids. It was wonderful to see so many kids learning about the Lord, and excited about the year in AWANA. I didn't take any pictures at the award ceremony, for some reason my camera doesn't like inside the gym so we took pictures after we returned home.

Nicole received a certificate for attendance and participation. Here she is holding up her certificate.


Gene completed Book 1, which means he memorized 32 Bible verses, and was able to say all 32 at "testing" time! Here is Gene holding up his award.





Saturday we all headed to Richmond, Lindsay (my niece) wanted to take the kids to a "Fun Day" sponsored by her employer. So while they enjoyed the fun day activities and being with Lindsay, Eric and I had a date afternoon. We had lunch at Famous Dave's, then headed to the movies to see Ironman. Of course Famous Dave's was scrumptious, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the movie, and I always love spending time alone with my dear hubby. A marvelous time was had by all!

10 Rules For A Blessed Day

This was in the bulletin at church on Sunday. I hope you will have a blessed day!


10 Rules For A Blessed Day
-- Author Unknown


1. TODAY I WILL NOT STRIKE BACK . . .
If someone is rude, if someone is impatient, if someone is unkind, I will not respond in a like manner.


2. TODAY I WILL ASK GOD TO BLESS MY 'ENEMY'
If I come across someone who treats me harshly or unfairly, I will quietly ask God to bless that individual. I understand "enemy" could be a family member, neighbor, co-worker or stranger.


3. TODAY I WILL BE CAREFUL ABOUT WHAT I SAY . . .
I will carefully choose and guard my words being certain that I do not spread gossip.


4. TODAY I WILL GO THE EXTRA MILE . . .
I will find ways to help share the burden of another person.


5. TODAY I WILL FORGIVE . . .
I will forgive any hurts or injuries that come my way.


6. TODAY I WILL DO SOMETHING KIND FOR SOMEONE, (BUT I WILL DO IT IN SECRET . . . )
I will reach out anonymously and bless the life of another.


7. TODAY I WILL TREAT OTHERS THE WAY I WISH TO BE TREATED . . .
I will practice the golden rule. "Do unto others as I would have them do unto me"- with EVERYONE I encounter.


8. TODAY I WILL RAISE THE SPIRITS OF SOMEONE WHO IS DISCOURAGED . . .
My smile, my words, my expression of support, can make the difference to Someone who is wrestling with life.


9. TODAY I WILL NURTURE MY BODY . . .
I will eat less . . . I will eat only healthy foods. I will thank God for my body.


10. TODAY I WILL GROW SPIRITUALLY . . .
I will spend a little more time in prayer today. I will begin reading something spiritual or inspirational; I will find a quiet place (at some point during this day) and listen to God's voice.

Week 27

Since this is our last week in Tapestry of Grace Unit 3 I really wanted to give it more attention and so this week we only did our Tapestry activities and math. For TOG we are studying the Greeks, learning about Alexander the Great and other key folks of that time.

Gene finished up his Math 6 assignments this week, he will start his Teaching Textbooks Math 7 next week. Nicole seems to be out of her “math fog” and is back to getting A/B’s in her math, this has been a easy breezy week of school for us.

The kids have been working hard on finishing up their lapbooks for Unit 3 and tomorrow will be gluing day. Of course I will be a snap-shot mommy and will post the pictures of their completed lapbook for Unit 3 next week. We have 9 weeks of school left and should be finished with this school year at the end of July. Today I finished entering our assignments for Week 28 in Homeschool Tracker, I go side tracked and didn't print out the kids assignments, but will do that tomorrow.

More Bracelets

Here are more bracelets that I made but hadn't posted pictures, for some reason I didn't even take pictures until today. This has been my everyday bracelet for the last few days, I didn't think I would like the small toggle clasp, but it is working out very nicely.



This is the lightest bracelet I've have made, light as a feather! I just had to have the flower clasp when I saw it, so pretty. There is only one problem, the clasp comes undone! What a bummer, it may work better with a necklace, so I will restring this one and get a regular toggle.



This one I made today as a present for my dear sister-in-law Julie. Originally this was suppose to have these cute blue beads to go with the crystals but it just didn't feel or look right. Yesterday I thought I would stop by Yummy Beads and Fabric to find beads for the bracelet, when I went to the store I found out that it is closing, or rather closed! The owner will be giving sewing classes from her house, but didn't think she would continue selling beads, oh well. At least there are two other bead stores in town, I've been considering getting things online as well which may be cheaper. The completed bracelet looks nice I think, and hopefully Julie will like it as well and will not read this before I mail her the bracelet.

The Grandma's loved their Mother's day bracelet! They were a huge hit with both of them - I'm so glad I thought of it. I knew they would love anything made by the kids. The one Gene made for grandma Jane is too big, she will be sending it back for me to shorten. The pretty pink and pearl bracelet was made for my girlfriend Trish, she loved it! She said she wore it the day it arrived in the mail. How cool is that!

Good day!

Daily Home Planner

Say good-bye to all those slips of paper with notes, reminders and appointments! Here is a resource not just for homeschool moms, but for all moms who want or need some help with being organized. Daily Home Planner by WEK Software, this program offers scheduling, address book, meal planning, finance, journal, goals/list, click here for a demo on the program.

The cost is $34.95 - but do check out their 30-day fully functional FREE trial to see if this program would work for you and your family.

Items scheduled for future versions

- Mac compatibility
- Handheld Syncing
- Household inventory


Let me know what you think.

Happy Mother's Day!

A Mother's Love

A Mother's love is something that no one can explain

It is made of deep devotion of sacrifice and pain,

It is endless and unselfish and enduring come what may

For nothing can destroy it or take that love away

It is patient and forgiving when all others are forsaking,

And it never fails or falters even though the heart is breaking...

It believes beyond believing when the world condemns

And it glows with all the beauty of the rarest, brightest gems

It is far beyond defining, it defies all explanation...

A many splendored miracle, man cannot understand

And another wondrous evidence of God's tender guiding hand.

- Helen Steiner Rice

Check it Out!

Check out my little project that I made today, my first pair of earrings! They match the bracelet that I made the other day. As with everything I do, I still need a little more practice, but it was a blast making my first pair. The picture below is the matching bracelet - soon I may add a necklace or two to my collection!

Pretty in Pink

I made this pretty little pink crystal and pearl bracelet on Tuesday evening, click the picture to make larger. The bracelet didn't take long to make, the hardest part is trying to figure out the pattern you want to use. I did much better with the crimping part and also making the bracelet taut before the second crimp, this one maybe too tight. One end of the spectrum of the other for me.

Tuesday the kids and I stopped in at Beads on Parade, a bead store in town because I needed a few clasps. One of the ladies who greeted me ended up giving me a little lesson on how to make earrings. It was a snap, well... while I was under her watchful eye but hopefully I will be able to remember what she said and be able to make some for myself. She also gave me a mini lesson on crimping, my current nemesis. Practice, practice, practice she tells me.

There were two ladies in the store were making necklaces and one lady allowed Nicole to model a beautiful blue beaded necklace she had just finished, those crystals were dazzling and really popped against Nicole's green shirt, to bad I didn't have my camera. The lady told Gene that beading wasn't just for girls, she has a male customer who makes beaded lanyards and sells them to his co-workers. My kids were just chatting up both ladies about their beading classes, homeschooling, and their favorite food.

The picture below is the bracelet I made yesterday. I have four of these beads left so I think I will try to make a pair of earrings to match. I will let you know how they turn out!

Sewing

I would like to take a sewing class. I don't have a sewing machine and the last time I sewed was in Elementary or was it Jr. High School? Anyway... my mom was the instructor and I almost failed the class. Is this a sign that sewing is not for me? Hopefully not!

You would think that since my mom, her two sisters, and my sister Shirley - all sew extremely well, that somehow this talent and ability would have passed down to me. So far it has not, I CAN cross stitch, does that count? I'm willing to give sewing another try and see what happens. This time it is something I want to do, well I guess I wanted to back then, this time I really, really want to!

Days later...

I now have a sewing machine, it arrived Tuesday!! A early Mother's Day present from my dear hubby! Here is is...



I ordered the machine from Costco.com because they didn't have any more in the local store (Costco.com offers free shipping!). I have already watched the DVD, but will need to watch it again and actually do the steps they take you through. I plan to play around with it this weekend, get comfortable then schedule my sewing class. I told my mom that the machine has an automatic needle threader, we had a good laugh because I remember she would call one of us kids in from playing or whatever we were doing to come and thread the needle for her! Mom could have used that feature years ago!

Here are the features the machine offers:

110 stitch functions - 70 built-in stitches, each with multiple stitch functions - including utility, decorative, heirloom and quilting
LCD display with computerized stitch selection & built in help guidelines
New! Exclusive "Sew Nice" customizable picture frame
New! Super bright work area. 50% brighter, reduces eye strain
Includes 10 sewing feet, virtually all the sewing feet you will ever need
Includes oversized extension table for large sewing projects
Included hard case
7 styles of 1-step, auto-size buttonholes
Super-wide (7mm) zigzag and decorative stitches
Built-in thread cutter
Automatic needle threading
Fast, automatic bobbin winding
1-step bobbin replacement with quick set drop-in bobbin
Variable needle position
Operates with or without foot control
Drop feed for free motion quilting
Electronic speed adjustment
Narrow hemmer foot
Built-in stretch stitches: Sew fleece, elastic and other stretchy fabrics
Built-in decorative stitches: Embellish clothing, pillows, towels, etc.; crazy quilt designs
Built-in heirloom stitches: Create delicate family treasures
Built-in quilting stitches: Embellish or join quilt blocks
Free arm/flatbed convertible sewing surface
Accessories for zipper insertion, darning, twin-needle stitching and button sewing
Quick-change presser feet
Stitch width/length control
Adjustable thread tension control
Safety power and light switch
Accessory storage pod
English/Spanish instruction booklet
Instructional DVD included
Built-in handle for easy portability
Weight: 19 lbs

To be perfectly honest with you, I don't know what half this stuff means, but I'm sure by this time next year I will.

Good day!

Week 25

This has been a routine week - nothing special, I don't even have any pictures of the kids, but the above picture is one of some of the books we read this week. Tomorrow will be extremely light, the kids only have three assignments to complete, plus any corrections they have.

The final book for our co-op book club is The Westing Games. I downloaded the book from Audible two weeks ago, but keep forgetting to start listening to the book, so tomorrow we will start that (hopefully), the book club will meet next Friday so I need to get this thing going.

Gene has only three weeks left on his current math program, so this week I ordered his math 7 from Teaching Textbooks. I am amazed at how this boy has gone from hating math to having math as his favorite subject! This is truly an answer to pray.

Today I finished entering our assignments into Homeschool Tracker for next week, so tomorrow I will print out the kids assignment sheets, here is a picture of the books we will be reading for next week. I will need to get busy requesting books for the first few weeks of our Unit 4 books. I love being able to request books on-line and all I have to do is go pick them up from the library. What a great service!