Home Sweet Simple Home

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Oh my goodness. I woke this morning to find SNOW SNOW SNOW all over the place. I am just gathering the harvest for Thanksgiving and already we have snow. Geesh!

It is beautiful though, to look out at and see all the horse hoof prints and doggie prints all over. I bet if I looked close enough I would even find prints from lil mousies.  

I hated to have to go out in it but I did. I had groceries to get, things to take to the postoffice, and meds to pick up at the pharmacy. I am so proud of my grocery shopping today as I actually looked at the sales paper and with the help of coupons, a $25 gift certificate and a little planning, I was able to get $134.00 worth of groceries for $62.00. Now for some of you that may not be a big deal but for ME, the quick spender, it really is a mile stone. I am trying so hard to focus more and keep our grocery bill down to the minimun. Today, I DID GOOD!

I am home again and nice and warm, viewing the snow from my favorite place.... INSIDE!  I pray you are all warm too. Have a blessed day and drop a comment or two. heheee

Continuing to maneuver through Time4Learning!

As we continue on our adventure with getting up and running and exploring with Time4Learning we learn more.

Time4Learning is marketed to public schools.  The publishers although not trying to offend anyone - have attempted to make the product culturally relevant and also age related relevant. 

We are navigating the younger grades.  It is very cartoony - which most children who are TV watchers will relate to.  Rather than lectures, they will learn through character that play out the information on the screen and interactive as the children are then quizzed on the information that was placed before them.  My daughters enjoy it and see it as "playing" on the computer.  We personally choose to limit our tv intake in this household.

Some families use this as their entire curriculum, others only as supplemental.  I am reading more, having ventured into the parent forums they offer.  As my daughters complete more activities I will explore the parent's reports that are available to me.

If you do try this program, I recommend that you sit with your child through the first set of lessons.  It is geared towards public schools, and so that material is laced throughout.  Humor, and scientific information supports that style of learning.  There is a wide array of opinions on this matter, and at this point I am sitting through  the material with our girls, and doing some more reading to see where my opinion will fall.

Happy exploring!

Another great option from TOS!

TOS has put out a little book for children that goes with their summer reading program

I just wanted to drop a brief line here.  You can find it HERE for $9.99.  It is a delightful little story about a little frog struggling to learn to read and his wise mama's patience!  It applied so well to our family as the character in this little story was struggling and even his younger sister read before he was able to!  It is also a wonderful reminder to us as parents to maintain patience even if our little one is struggling for we all learn at different paces!  If you want to read more - click HERE.

If you have children and are interested in such a title check out the TOS site - it is FREE SHIPPING and they also offer a free downloadable activity book that coordinates quite well with the story.

Happy reading!

CHRISTmas Memories

The holidays are near so I want to know...

1.
Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?
 Hot chocolate!

2.
Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
 Nope, never did the Santa-thing.  Jesus supplies the gifts – that’s what we’ve always told them.

3.
Colored lights on tree/house or white? 
 White

4.
Do you hang mistletoe? 
 yes

5.
When do you put your decorations up? 
  always right after Thanksgiving :) 

6.
What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? 
My mom’s stuffing.               

 7.
Favorite holiday memory as a child: 
When I was about 11, I couldn’t sleep one Christmas Eve night and I had my radio on.  It was about 2a.m. and Nat King Cole’s “Chestnuts Roasting” came on while huge, fluffy snowflakes floated down outside my windows.  Ahhhh.

8.
When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? 
 2^nd or 3^rd grade.
9.
Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? 
Yes.  So that OUR family can make our own Christmas memories, we open our own presents on Christmas Eve morning so that it’s not interrupted by having to leave to go to someone’s house.

10.
How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? 
  We got a new Christmas tree last year that is very real-looking w/just a little ‘snow’ and pinecones on it.  We put away many of our more trendy ornaments for the girls to have one of these days and now only use the more vintage and backwoods-looking ornaments.  It’s very rustic and I LOVE IT!!
11.
Snow! Love it or Dread it?
I love snow...especially when I’m inside looking out!

12.
Can you ice skate? 
  That’s up for interpretation…I’ve roller skated all my life and only ice skated once.

13.
Do you remember your favorite gift? 

Christmas of 1998, Ty got me my hammered dulcimer!!

14.
What is the most important thing about the Holidays for you? 
Remembering God's gift to us in His Son Jesus and having my family all together for Christmas. 

15.
What is your favorite Holiday Dessert?
 Pumpkin pie and red velvet cake.

16.
What is your favorite holiday tradition? 
The big family meal – everyone together and happy.

17.
What tops your tree? 
 A rustic star

18.
Which do you prefer giving or receiving?
Definitely giving 

19.
What is your favorite Christmas Song? 
  O Holy Night and I Wonder as I Wander

20.
Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? 
 Yum.

21.
What do you want for Christmas? 
A digital camera

22.
Do you attend an annual Christmas Party? 
 Ty’s work and – if can call it a party – our annual Christmas Eve service.

23.
Do you dress up on Christmas or wear PJs? 

When I was little we dressed up for the meal.  Now we just wear ‘nice’ jeans and maybe a ‘dress’ blouse/shirt or sweater.

24. Do you own a Santa hat?
 nope – don’t do the Santa-thing here.

25.
Who do you normally spend Christmas with? 
Our family ~~ Christmas Eve day is for our own family; the weekend before Christmas day is w/Ty’s side of the family, Christmas Day is usually w/my side of the family.

Wishing I had more time to post here to ya'll

We are living here in Linden, or should I say south of Linden.  Its beautiful here in fall but boy it sure feels more like winter already. Tonights low is 15 and we have been 2 weeks with no furnace due to the electrical fire in it .  We have rented a 14x60 2 bedroom 2 bath.  Now imagine me trying to sort through all the stuff that we brought with us from our 2200 sq ft house, after getting rid of half of it.  We only brought our beds and  my sewing stuff and my soap stuff and my homeschool stuff, crib, changing table, porta crib, high chair, fold up tables and 2 folding chairs, 2 bins of toys that were left of the girls ( baby dolls and tea set, little people house and farm, noahs ark and play set.)  All the bathroom, kithen stuff and what food I could bring with us.  I am sorta set on baking supplies for a month maybe less and it seems that I only run low on milk and meat, potatoes and those things that come from a garden. Since we were moving we didnt really plant a huge garden as we wouldnt be there to can things.  We left for TN Aug. 2nd.  I did have meat in the freezer but it was not able to travel down with us , what I tried to bring spoiled on the way down though packed good.  Yes I brought my electric sewing machine and serger and vacume and our computers. ( 2 desktops and one laptop with wifi capabilities)

Well the point is we thought we were coming down with less and yet in the RV and in this smaller home it seems like alot of stuff.  So what is really needed anyways ?  Well as I sort through it all much is going in boxes to be sold.  To raise money for other needed things.  ie. land, cabin or small home, wood cookstove.  After all that was the idea, to move here and eventually get land and homestead more then we had been in NY. Somehow living the countrylife no longer seems like homesteading once you have visited many here that life off the grid and have built their own home, rustic as they are, they are home and boy they seem nice to me. What is life all about anyways ?  Was it about nice rooms with painted and papered walls ? Was it about having a nice bathroom with all the fixtures and such ?    No, it is nice to see an outhouse now with paper holder, a light in there and ya know what ? copies of countryside and a real toiet seat !!!! Fancy huh !!!!

Some here have solar, some are living no electric substitute at all and each encourages us to strive toward whatever the Lord tells us is for us to do and each gives "My use to be DH who said we will never go non-electric and we will never live like the Amish"  A new vision for our lives.   The first goal was to live on what money we do have or can make and live on less or with less.   Unless it can make you more money or serves a purpose that is useful, it has no real value here.  ( I will admit I have my country tins, crock, and rooster things with me, but they serve a purpose too. My rose bowl and pitcher and my tea set will be used not just sit on a shelf for looks anylonger.  Here DH has a shed to keep his tools in and we can keep our goats here.  All the new ways are blessings and those we meet are the best blessings in our new life here in Linden TN.  The likemindedness is in the fact that Jesus died for each of us and though we  are each different in our degree of living the life of plain and simple living, we are all sharing the fact that Jesus died for us to save our souls.

Wensday night we attended a local sing, the glorious sound of our blended voices while we blend our lives in friendship I am sure is the most wonderful thing to the Lord God.

Blessed to be in His Child

Love

Linda

Faithful Acres Homestead

Friday November 21st

  Well, today Jerm and I are celebrating 11  years of marriage!  Hard to believe it's been that long already, and that we  have 4 kids!  We probably won't do anything sicne he's been working 12 hour days...he won't be home until around 7, and he has to work this weekend.  Blah!  I may and at least try to get a card today.  It snowed last night and some this morning, so I really don't even want to get out anywhere.  It's 28 degrees right now!   I'm waiting on a seperation notice from Jerm's old job, I have to turn it in at least by Monday for the kids' insurance or it'll get cancelled.  I'm not too surprised I haven't gotten it yet, they always drag their feet on everything.

  Jerm has brought home a bunch of goodies from work this week...it's official...give me some alli!  Not that I don't enjoy it, but now I'm eating way more sweets than normal and I have no willpower!

  Well got to make a phone call, have a good day!

Blessings,

~*Becca*~

Friday Show & Tell

Although, in crew, the official regatta season isn't until spring, we enjoy several events in the fall too.  The latest of these was the "Head of the Hooch" regatta in Chattanooga, TN. 

We had the most beautiful, perfect, weather for the event, and in addition to watching the races, were able to enjoy seeing some fall color (which is a real treat for us Floridians), grilling salmon and steaks outdoors for the team and their families, getting in some hiking time, and even visiting a museum located on the waterfront. 

What a great weekend!

Our son's boat - as it passes under the bridges and approaches the finish line.

For more "Show & Tell Friday" visit Canada Girl's Blog.  The pictures and stories you'll find there are amazing - not to mention, entertaining! :-)

Thanksgiving Trouble

Do you think a husband should talk to his wife about who is coming to Thanksgiving  dinner before anyone else(his mom)??    I found out from my mother-in-law that my husbands cousin , her hubby and 3 children are coming to dinner.   I asked hubby why did he not tell me me?   He told me I was making a big deal over nothing.   I said no ,but as your wife I should find out from you not your mom leaving a message as to who is coming to dinner.   As it is his mom is telling me when she will be here staying in a hotel , for how many days and when hubbies grandma will be here(our house) and how many days she will stay with us for me to care for !! 

  I can not care for his grandma by my self, the girls will have to help.  My leg is still broken after 11 months, I have to have more surgery, I walk with a limp and am not anywhere near as strong as I was.  How am I to pick up and carry his grandma in and out of the tub to giver her a bath and pick her up when she falls??    I love his grandma , and will do my best.

Oh well, God Bless, mj

Cold Here in Montana

     Just a quick greeting for my blogging friends from the frigid North Country.

     We have had such a temperate fall that cooler temps and a tiny bit of snow makes for a change. The woodstove is even more appealing on these cold days and nights. I'm thinking this winter I will do more cooking on the woodstove.

     Today I did some cleaning for an 80 year old friend as I do every other week. She is preparing for some Thanksgiving guests and wants her house to be in order. Although she has family in town, her husband has Alzheimer's disease, so she enjoys some conversation. She is very intelligent and has a great sense of humor, so spending time at her house is a pleasure.

     She lives near Jonny's school, making it easy for me to walk over and have lunch with him.

     I talked with Maria on the phone last night. She and her two assistant cooks had just finished their end of the semester "Christmas" banquet at Montana Wilderness School of the Bible. She said it went well and everyone had lots of fun. There were plenty of desserts left over and she froze them. I told her to please keep them up there because they would be a terrible temptation for her dad and me, not to mention her brother. She said that baklava was the favorite dessert and some of the others were: coconut bonbons and chocolate covered cherries. All were handmade. Oh my...

     We will drive to MWSB on Sunday to loan Maria a vehicle. Last weekend, she was driving and hit a rock, tearing a hole in her oil pan. When her engine ran out of oil, the vehicle stopped moving. She will need a new engine in order to use the car.

     We all had visions of dollar signs in our minds, but her insurance will likely pay all but $500 of her repair bill. When David called her to tell her the good news, she said, "Oh, Jesus loves me!"

     The library won't be open next Thursday, of course, so I will take this opportunity to wish you all a very blessed Thanksgiving.

                                                       Denise Chalfon (prairiemom)

Last Chances!

I apologize for the lateness of this post and for not replying to comments, but I was quite ill all last night, which was dreadfully unpleasant. Vomiting every 30 mintues for two-three hours is NOT fun (sorry for gory details, but there you have it!). Thank you to all who were praying for me. I’m feeling much better not, but still a little under the weather. I hope you will humour me by reading and doing the below.

The Homeschool Blog Award polls are closing tomorrow night so you only have a little while before you chance to vote for your favoutires is over! The Countdown has begun and I would be absolutely thrilled if you would go vote for a few of my favourites.

The online magazine, Growing In Grace Magazine, I write for was nominated in Best Family/Group Blog. I know after you visit GGM that you’ll want to cast your vote for a free magazine “that desires to bring inspiration to young Christians ladies, young and old, who are striving to live a virtuous life and grow in God’s grace.”

Then my younger sister of the accomplished age of 15 has been nominated for Best Teen Gal Blog, and while there were many lovely young ladies in this category, I must say she is the best (yes, I’m a little biased!). On Lady Rachel’s site, City on a Hill, you can find all sorts of wonderful reads for young ladies and adults… she writes on life on a homestead, life of simplicity, recipes, her spiritual journey and trails, and so much more (You should see her categories!). She is completely worth your vote!

Many of you are acquainted with the Feelin’ Feminine sit, home of the Feelin’ Feminine challenge, which was nominated for Best Teen Group Blog. This site is a safe haven for those looking to be in the company of other likeminded-ladies who desire to fulfill the modest and feminine role of the Biblical-Woman. On here you will find articles from older women, young wives, young single women, stay-at-home-daughters, and young ladies. There is something here for everyone. We had a lovely surprise visit and promotion of FF by Mr. Jennie Chancey of LAF - stay tuned for an interview with her!

There are many more, but these are the three that I hope you can take a few minutes and go vote for. If you vote and promote GGM on your blog today you are entered in a chance at a great prize (make sure you leave them a comment)! AFTER voting for the above leave me a comment letting me know and you will get an EXTRA entry in the $25 Christa Taylor giveaway I’m hosting and if you post about voting for my choices you will get yet ANOTHER entry! If you don’t have a blog that’s alright, you can email, facebook, twitter, or spread the word on other social networks instead. I have well over 400 subscribers to this blog so I know at least HALF of you will read this before the polls close. PLEASE VOTE!

Here’s a quick run by of the rest, if you have a few extra minutes - I know they would appreciate your votes too!

Best Homeschool Mom Blog vote >>> but first we have coffee
Best Homeschool Dad Blog vote >>> - why homeschool
Best Blog Design vote >>> Resting in the Arms of Grace
Best Artistic Content Blog vote >>> the drawing blog
Best Crafts, Plans & Projects Blog vote >>> simply vintagegirl
Best Encourager vote >>> cindy’s desktop
Best “Live What You Believe” Homeschool Blog vote >>> Our Homeschool And Other Happenings
Best Unschooling or Eclectic Homeschooling Blog vote >>> eclectic education
Best Geographical Blog vote >>> What Beautiful Feet
Best Current Events, Opinions or Politics Blog vote >>> homeschoolbuzz
Best Homemaking or Recipes Blog vote >>> Grandma Rosie’s Texas Home
Best Teen Guy Blog vote >>> On the Road to Manhood
Funniest Homeschool Blog vote >>> Hilltop Academy
Best Cyber-Buddy Blogger vote >>> lighting the darkened world
Best Curriculum or Business Blog vote >>> homeschool boutique
Best Variety vote >>> make it from scratch
Best Thrifty Homeschooler vote >>> simplefolk
Best SUPER-HOMESCHOOLER vote >>> larage family mothering
Best Nitty-Gritty Homeschool Blog vote >>> heart of wisdom
Best NEW Homeschool Blog vote >>> never a dull moment
Best Homeschooling Methods Blog vote vote >>> higher up and furtherin

When you’re done voting don’t forget your official “I Voted” Sticker for your blog just like one you’d get at the actual elections! Haha!

Blessings!