This is the reading corner — nice comfy chair & quilt for cuddling (this is our Before FIAR quilt or as Phoebe calls it, the “special reading blanket)!

This is my sewing corner… nothing real exciting, but at least now it’s neat.  Most of my fabric stash is upstairs but can be easily brought down when the quilting bug strikes.  Meanwhile, most of my sewing these days consists of Awana patches!

Mom’s Desk — SO much better than juggling my laptop and papers in the big blue chair, comfy as it is!  Under the desk is a Desk Apprentice with all my teachers’ manuals — I love it but it’s just TOO big for my desk.  It fits perfectly underneath and I can reach everything I need.

More bookshelves — of course.  Can a homeschooler ever have too many?  The scrapbooks finally have a shelf they fit on!  We kept Dave’s grandmother’s hutch, it’s great for storing some of the less-used, “pretty” books, and of course, it’s important to us because it was hers!

It was May, 2006.  The email from the music teacher at our homeschool co-op had requested “patriotic attire” for the 1st & 2nd grade classes in our spring Colonial-themed musical.  What could be more patriotic than a red & white shirt with navy blue pants, right?  As I struggled to corral an overtired, potty-training two-year old in the ladies’ restroom, a breathless teen informed me that my then six-year old son was in the rehearsal area crying.  One glance around the room quickly identified the source of the problem:  his entire class had been transformed into a military unit in Revolutionary uniform, complete with quite the arsenal of weapons!  As tears continued to well in his eyes, a resourceful 3rd grader solved my immediate dilemma by producing a spare rifle from his weapon bag.  He happily displayed his rifle for all to see, no longer concerned with his lack of uniform.  But mom was left quite scarred by the moment!

Fast forward to November, 2008 when the same child, now eight, is cast as both sheep and shepherd (different scenes) in the Christmas musical.  Shepherd, I could handle.  Dark shirt, dark pants, and supplied headgear.  The four year old’s angel costume was a cinch once I called the preschool director at church and begged.  But a sheep???

It didn’t help when the costume coordinator rattled off something to the effect of “You just …. and then you… and it’ll look great!”  Excuse me?  I think I missed something in there??!!  But something miraculous happened this afternoon.  This craft-impaired mom spent a couple hours with a long-sleeved white t-shirt, cotton batting and a hot glue gun, and Voila!  A sheep is born!  Said son is ecstatic and can’t wait til tomorrow’s dress rehearsal.  And mom is struggling with a teensy bit of pride, but after the last time, I think it’s okay.

It was that time again… time to delve into another round of freezer cooking in anticipation of a busy holiday season ahead.   I’m not sure quite why it seems I can only do this under pressure, late at night… but somehow it keeps turning out that way.  Two rounds of shopping, and four hours of cooking/cleaning later, 28 meals sit in my freezer ready to defrost and heat for some easy dinners in the weeks to come!  And hey, it was only 1:30 am!

So… here’s what’s in MY freezer:

Turkey Cordon Bleu (2) *

Chicken Parmesan (3)

Sesame Ginger Salmon (2)

Bacon-Cheese Meatloaf (2)

Peruvian Pork Stew (2)  *

Crock BBQ Chicken (2)

Parmesan-Crusted Salmon (2)

Lemon-Almond Tilapia (1) *

Baked Chicken (2)

Peppered Steak (2)

Ham(2)

Honey-Grilled Chicken (2)

Applesauce Meatloaf (2)

Honey-Dijon Crock Pork Tenderloin (2)

Items marked with a * are new to our family… we’ll see if they make the permanent rotation!  I have to admit that as many times as I whined that I wanted to quit last night — and into this morning — it is just SO nice to make the mess once then just pop a bag out of the freezer, and Voila!  The answer to “What’s for dinner?” is right in front of me.  But, ummm, tonight could we just get a pizza?

Well, this is the first time I’ve tried copying something I saw on someone else’s blog, but I was overdue for a post, so here goes… all you have to do is copy/paste this list, then highlight/bold/italic the items YOU have personally done/experienced.   I saw this on Candace’s blog, who saw it on Jen’s blog :)!  If you give it a try, leave a comment so I can read yours (if my comments actually work, haven’t quite figured out that function yet).  Oh, and yes, there were only 99 items — I checked a couple times to see if I missed one. 

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a 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 (only a little one!)
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea (from the beach)
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. Got 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. Had a baby
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

Let’s Make a Memory…Over Tea!
by Cindy Rushton

Let’s Make a Memory Virtual Seminar

A cup of tea???

Tea…What comes to your mind?

As I think back over the years since that first cup of tea, I think beyond the various types of tea…the beautiful tea rooms and homes that have welcomed me for the ritual…the unique cups and teapots, each with its own story…all those details blur. But, one thing brings me back to “tea” over and over again…relationships! Relationships forged over moments shared over a cup of tea. Sweet, sweet memories that forge forever relationships.

My very first memories of tea were on the front porch, truly Southern Style with Iced Sweet Tea. There was never a meal served or a family gathering without plenty of Iced Sweet Tea. Just visiting Mamaw, I could always expect a big, tall glass of Sweet Lemon Tea whether we were working in her kitchen or swinging on the front porch enjoying her flowers and sweet conversation.

My very first cup of hot tea was typical Southern Style as well. At the end of my first year of homeschooling, I spent a wonderful day with a dear fellow homeschooler. We were preparing dresses for her to hand-smock for her youngest little girl. Her precious pre-teen came in mid-afternoon to ask if we would care for any tea. Being the TRUE Southerner that never passes up a great cup of tea, I said, “Sure!” She went on preparing tea, as was usual in her home. When she brought it out, I had to ask for directions on how to “take tea.” That moment my true love for tea was born!

Since that moment, I have developed a true passion for ANYTHING to do with tea of ANY kind! I love the different types of tea. I love the books that all share little tidbits about the fine art of tea. I love collectables that each have a story to make them more and more endearing. I love the recipes for goodies that make a nice addition to ANY day. I love the versatility of tea for all ages, all settings, all occasions. Want to see me in pure bliss? Take me to a tea room! But, most of all, I love the many sweet, sweet relationships and precious memories that have been forged over cups of tea, both hot and cold!

Tea truly meets us right where we are. If we love to collect antiques, we can’t help but to fall in love with the little dainties that are hidden away in all of the antique stores around. If we are looking for a healthy treat, none can be greater than tea! If we want to take a moment away with our children to build relationships and memories, tea is a must! If we want a perfect touch to a holiday, tea makes the day. If we want a theme for a party, tea always step forward with its touch of femininity. If we just want to minister to a friend or relative, tea ministers to their belly while “we” pour forth into their heart!

My prayer is that you will see the beauty, grace, encouragement, tradition, and fun that is awaiting you. I pray that you will find that touch of tea. I pray that you will make sweet memories with those you love the most, over a cup of tea.

So, my friend, do you hear the call beckoning to you? Take a moment, pour a hot steamy cup and come apart with me…

…it is time to make a memory over a cup of tea!

With Love, Cindy

“You prepare a table before me…my cup runs over.”
Psalms 23: 5 Amplified Bible
About Cindy Rushton…
Cindy Rushton is the hostess of the Let’s Make a Memory, her annual holiday fling for mothers around the world. She is recording Preview Chats for the Let’s Make a Memory RIGHT NOW! Join her wonderful guests FREE for the next weeks as they count down to the Let’s Make a Memory Virtual Seminar (November 7-8–BUT! NEVER ENDING because it is an ONLINE seminar!). Get your ticket NOW and begin to dig into her FREE gifts now!

Check out all of the details here:  Let’s Make a Memory Virtual Seminar

Tomorrow kicks off a great opportunity to learn with your kids from Felice Gerwitz of Media Angels, as she begins a six-week seminar on Creation Science.  I had the privilege of hearing Felice speak at the Ultimate Homeschool Expo this past spring and she is a fantastic speaker and very knowledgeable speaker.  You can participate LIVE every Monday at 11:00 EST as Felice leads an interactive seminar in the Talk-A-Latte chat room.  For more information, check out Creation Science now!

To whet your appetite, I’m including an article written by Felice on why Creation is important — enjoy!

 Cari

Why is Creation Important?
By Felice Gerwitz

http://www.cindysaffiliates.com/go.php?offer=quiltscrap&pid=8

Perhaps you have never given much thought to the topic of Creation, the effect it has on people’s lives, or how much it shapes one’s belief system. I know that for years I fell into this category. When faced with evolutionary claims I ignored most, considering them false. While I believed the Bible, considered it to contain the truth of how the world began, believed it was the inspired Word of God and infallible, I had no idea how to respond to those who didn’t. I began to seriously study the topic when I became a homeschool parent and “happened” to meet Jill Whitlock who had once been an agnostic and now was a Christian and Creation Scientist. She showed me many evidences for Creation and thus my fascination with the topic began.

Recently, I was lamenting to the Lord. (I do this from time to time!) I knew I must have misunderstood His call to write and teach others about this topic of Creation. You see it was the Christmas season and I was caught up with the duties of wife, mother and homeschool parent. I was also trying to get the third novel in the mystery series (TruthSeekersMysterySeries.com) my daughter and I had co-authored to print. Even after having it professionally edited every time I read the document I found more and more typos. I was dismayed. The deadline for the first week of December had passed. Therefore, my lament to the Lord!

Yet, God in his infinite wisdom and mercy indeed showed me His will. Of all places it was while shopping at a local membership only store. Here, I noticed a nativity I wished to purchase. Being a bit pricey I wanted to consult my husband. Later, when returning to buy it, I offered to take my newly married nephew and his wife to shop at the store. All these things were in God’s perfect plan. The nativity was encased in glass, and there, perched on the shepherd’s shoulder, was an expensive linen calling card. I would never have plucked it off, but my nephew had no qualms about sticking his hand into the scene, pulling it away, and handing it to me. There was my answer.

As I read the front of the card tears stung my eyes.  I could barely open the card to see whose signature it contained… I wanted to write to this person and let them know how much I disagreed! I wanted to tell the person there was hope! There is a God and He is Love! Imagine my surprise when I saw the signature was the Darwinian evolutionary fish! I was stunned. Later, as I read the card I realized the Lord had allowed me to see it. It was as if He was saying, “You see, Felice? When people embrace a belief in evolution that does not include me they are left to their own devices.” Indeed they are. Christians are not fools as this card extols. Christians have it right! This topic is very relevant and important. It should be at the forefront of your education and taught to children of all ages.

But, where do you begin? First, become armed with information. Just believing the Scriptures tell the truth, while commendable is only the beginning. You must understand that is a volatile topic. Unfortunately, the topic of Creation vs. evolution is not only controversial but it is difficult to discuss. Tempers at times flare and the conversation can get out of control. Regrettably this is a way to insure the doors will remain closed instead of open. The fear of those who believe evolution is real. Their fear stems from the following fact: if evolution is discredited, the entire humanistic worldview would go up in smoke!

Do you realize that not one of Darwin’s theories some 144+ years after they were first proposed has ever been proven? The theory of evolution has exerted influence over our world and culture. Humanists believe man is a “natural phenomenon” just like plants and animals. They believe the mind and soul just happened and they were not supernaturally created.

But how do we arm ourselves and our children to logically discuss the topic? Remember, before every discussion pray for the right words and trust in the Lord. He makes crooked paths straight!

About Felice Gerwitz…

Felice Gerwitz has lectured extensively on the topic of science fairs. She is an award winning author and her book “An Insider’s Guide to Successful Science Fair Projects” was chosen book of the month by God’s World Publishing. Let Felice help you teach Creation Science to your children each Monday morning from September 22-October 28. Learn more here:

http://www.cindysaffiliates.com/go.php?offer=quiltscrap&pid=8

Want a chance to win a copy of This Old Schoolhouse’s new planner?  This fantastic e-book is just the thing to help get a new school year off to a great start!  Just visit Back at the Ranch to enter… and may the best homeschooler win!

Okay, those of you who know me in real life, just stop laughing right now and go back to whatever non-productive activity you were engaging in before deciding to read my blog.

If you review the archives, you will see that the last time I did freezer cooking was in May.  Yes, about two months ago.  I did do SOME grocery shopping since then, even beyond the nearly daily milk-and-bread runs.  But I began to hit bottom about a week and a half ago… and while dinner served at VBS enabled me to put off the inevitable a few days longer, when one must resort to ice cream as a lunch entree more than once, it’s time.

So off to BJs I went.  And off to SuperWalmart I went.  And I even purchased all the ingredients necessary this time.  And started before midnight.  Are you sensing a “but” coming?  Well, it seems that after 17 years of trusty service (other than bruised shins from the missing door springs) the dishwasher has decided to give it up… and apparently, not without a bit of smoke to mark the occasion.  I was completely oblivious to this fact until I went to turn it on and the buttons, well, fell off.

Freezer cooking without a dishwasher is NOT recommended.  I’ll admit it, I’m a wimpy modern woman who would have likely died within a week out on the great frontier.  First I had to wash all of the glasses, dishes and silverware accumulated by six people since late afternoon yesterday.  Nap time.  Then round one of meal preparation… at the end of which I had to wash all the measuring cups, mixing bowls, spatulas, etc.  so I could begin round two.  And so on.  Get the picture? 

As with last time, I believe the end will be worth it:  Our freezer is well-stocked with crock-pot bbq chicken, honey-grilled chicken, baked chicken breasts, bacon cheese meatloaf, honey mustard pork tenderloin, and parmesan-crusted salmon (plus a couple small hams) for a total of 16 meals ready to defrost and pop in the oven or crock pot.  With leftovers and a weekly round of spaghetti, that’s probably 5 weeks or more of dinners.

But I don’t suppose I could wait until, say, next week some time to do the dishes?

Does the word “organization” strike terror in your heart?  If you’re like me, you probably always figured that there were only two kinds of people in the world… those who intuitively know where they put their car keys, can juggle six peoples’ schedules without losing their mind (or one of their children), and never realize their lunch is still in the microwave at 7:00 am the next morning… and, well, the rest of us.

I’ve never really thought of myself as an organized person.  Some days I’m not even sure I WANT to be an organized person!  But I’ve come to realize two things over the past few years:  It IS possible to learn to be more organized, and if I want to stick with homeschooling for the long haul, it’s essential!  That’s why I’m SO looking forward to this weekend’s “Let’s Get Organized” seminar by Cindy Rushton.  I’ve already learned a LOT from Cindy and her ministry, but there’s always more to learn, and with the start of the new school year looming all too soon in the horizon, I NEED to get myself back on track.

If you’ve never been to an online seminar, it is a LOT of fun… just log onto the computer and listen in your jammies.  You can even text chat with other moms while listening to the sessions.  Cindy offers two options for participating… you can listen FREE to the seminar live this Friday and Saturday, July 11th & 12th, or you can purchase a ticket that allows you to listen in live AND download sessions afterwards, take advantage of freebies and special offers, etc.  There’s also a free session today, July 8th, that will give you a taste of what the seminar will be like

If you want to find out more, just check out the Let’s Get Organized website and join in — your school year will never look the same again!

Oh, where-oh-where-oh-where-oh-where-oh-where-oh-WHERE is my hairbrush?

It’s been a long week.  A long week of way too many sentences beginning with the same three words:  “I can’t find…”

Some things made more sense than others.  Nintendo DS games are small — probably a good reason NOT to unload the whole set on the sofa and leave them there.  But on a bright note, we found the missing remote to the DVD player under the sofa keeping them company.

But as the semi-controlled chaos of vacation packing continued, my frustration grew.   Why does every electronic device on the planet require its OWN charging device?  Where do 100 pencils go, anyway?  And how on earth is it possible to lose the roof pack for the van — I mean come on, we’re not exactly talking microscopic here! 

We’ve reached the end of the week and it SEEMS as though nearly everything has been found.  In fact, nearly everything is packed and ready for our departure at 3:30 am tomorrow morning.  I’m feeling relaxed and pleasant.  And to tell you the truth, it’s scaring me… what do I not even realize I’ve forgotten yet?????

But in case you’re wondering, yes, I packed my hairbrush!