The Versatile Blogger Award

When I opened my comments this morning...I found that I had been awarded the "Versatile Blogger" Award. My new friend over at http://saywhatmemoirs.blogspot.com/ gave this to me. But I am sorry, but for the life of me, I can't find your first name anywhere. So anyway, I guess my blog posts of the last few weeks have been really versatile...puppies, fair projects, homeschooling, etc. Thanks for the award. (I am sorry this got posted a couple of days after I received it...we were finishing our fair projects and getting them turned in.)

Now I am supposed to tell you 7 things about myself, and pass it along to 15 other blogs I enjoy. Then I need to tell the folks that I awarded about it.

Here are the 7 things about me....

1. I don't just watch tv. I cross stitch, or smock, or cut coupons or something, I don't just sit. And I can keep up with whats going on with the tv at the same time (just ask Greg).

2. I LOVE homeschooling! These last 15 years have been "mostly" wonderful! The "mostly" is just being honest, sometimes its really hard work, but I wouldn't trade this lifestyle for anything.

3. I love to travel. Greg & I and the kids have been on some great adventures. And sometimes G & I get to have adventures without our children...now those are special!

4. My drink of choice is Tea! I prefer sweet tea, no lemon. I do use Sun Crystals at home for my own tea but other than that its sweet.

5. I am looking forward to being a grandmother (one day). What fun! We would like this to happen AFTER we have a son in law or daughter in law...lets keep it in the right order!

6. Animals outnumber people at my house right now! We've got 5 dogs and 4 chickens to 3 kids and 2 parents. We also own 1 1/2 pigs that live at my oldest son's house. So our "family" consists of 2 parents, 7 children, 5 dogs, 4 chickens, and 1 1/2 pigs...what a combination!

7. I'm a Bible believing, Southern Baptist, transplanted Ga Peach living in Mississippi.

I would like to send this award onto....

Kim at http://marmeespantry.blogspot.com/

Marie at http://justcallmerie.blogspot.com/

Jennifer at http://payingformyraising.blogspot.com/

Stephanie at http://rutledgedailyramblings.blogspot.com/

Trixi at http://makingitourhome.blogspot.com/

Deanna at http://plainhomesteading.blogspot.com/

Dawn at http://dawn-booksandmore.blogspot.com/

Katie and Amy at http://randomthoughtsby2sisters.blogspot.com/

Robin at http://www.bigredkitchen.com/

Its Crunch Time!

I promised myself and my children that we weren't going to do this...but we are. Its crunch time for fair projects. They have to get finished by Friday for the turn in.

Will has to finish his pirate ship bird house. The ship is painted but the sails need more work. Its done now...looks great

Amy has to finish her quilted pillow (done), quilt her flag wall hanging (almost done) and bind her Candy Jar Quilt. And she needs to finish painting her "pumpkin" gourd for her fall holiday decoration.

Katie has to finish her quilted pillow (done) and bind her Candy Jar Quilt (almost done) . She needs to frame her quilling also (done).

I have to iron (done) and frame cross stitch pictures, frame my quilling (bought the frame), and frame my needlepoint picture. If time permits, I'll do the binding on my Log Cabin Quilt.

The girls have sewing this morning, so the pillows will get done and the bindings will be started. Amy's machine is having some technical issues, so mine is going to class.

So what happens if these aren't done by Friday?

Well, we still have plenty to enter. Whatever is not done, will go in next year. But since thats a whole year away, I am sure most will get done. Plus, this is the kids (& mine) Christmas money for gifts, so we want to enter as much as we can.

Greg took off a couple of days from work this week, so he is going to help Will get the birdhouse done. And he is going to help with the framing of all the pictures.

Tomorrow night and Friday morning will be spent labeling and tagging everything & filling out the entry forms for each of us. Then we will drop everything off.

I'll start taking pictures of stuff and get it on here...hopefully by Friday.

Its gonna be a fun couple of days!

Maybe next year will be calmer...but probably not!

Its 5:30 pm. Been working at our projects all day! While the girls were sewing, I got a smocked dress hemmed! Plus, we got math and language done, made and put Potato Soup in the crockpot, drove back and forth for dance and bought some picture frames. Now its dinner time and then church bible study! At least no one can say we just lay around all the time!

Daybook 9-28-10

For today...it is gorgeous outside...temps in the upper 70's, a nice breeze is blowing and the sun is shining. We are all very thankful for the cooler weather, its dropped 20 degrees since last week.

I am thinking...that life is good

I am thankful for...a check in the mail today. We FINALLY got our money back from the hospital from Katie's ankle surgery almost 2 years ago! What a surprise and a blessing.

From the learning rooms...school and craft projects

From the kitchen...grilled pork loin, squash casserole and green beans for dinner

I am wearing...beige t shirt and a black skirt

I am creating...a Christ centered, calm home

I am going...crazy! Trying to finish fair projects before the drop off time on Friday. (OK, I just went back and read this to myself...I am creating a calm home, hoping for a calm week and I am going crazy...doesn't really go together, I was in an odd mood this morning! Maybe a little more calm and a little less crazy!)

I am reading...My new Beverly Lewis book "The Thorn"

I am hoping...for a calm week

I am hearing...precious little puppy sounds from our new little babies.

Around the house...lots of crafts

One of my favorite things...spending time with Greg

A few things for the rest of the week...play with puppies, finish crafts, bible study, sewing class, projects on the weekend

Please join other daybookers at http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com

Here they are! Little Licorice (girl) and Chocolate Chip (Chip is the boy) were born on my birthday last week! They are precious little bundles of fur!

Multitude Monday 506-530

505. birthdays

506. beautiful, yummy lemon Cake...it was a Sewing Machine

507. a new book to read (Beverly Lewis)

508. a new Gaither Homecoming CD for the car

509. magazine holders to organize my stash

510. a surprise visit from my son that moved to GA

511. an azalea for my garden

512. some new clothes

513. 2 beautiful new puppies born on my birthday

514. daughters learning to cook

515. a long peaceful weekend

516. Christmas Shopping with Greg....89 days till Christmas

517. a powerful sermon on Heaven & Hell yesterday morning

518. sweet fellowship with ladies at church last night

519. watching my sweet daughters "dr" Hershey and her puppies

520. completing fair projects for drop off at the State Fair office on Friday

521. cooler weather...the high yesterday was only 80 and today its supposed to be 78 degrees

522. hearing raindrops on the roof

523. watching the Miss. State Bulldogs miraculously beat the GA Bulldogs in football

524. watching the Atlanta Falcons beat New Orleans Saints in football (hey, I'm a Falcons fan from way back!)

525. the ability to mute the dumb commercials during football games on tv

526. Cleaning out a closet and gathering 3 large bags for donations

527. a husband who takes his responsibilities seriously

528. hearing Greg pray for me and our children

529. hitting the "snooze" button in the mornings

530. fun activities planned for the week

Book Review...

I read the book "Love and Respect for a Lifetime" by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

The book eloquently states that "Women absolutely need love and Men absolutely need respect".
It also points out..."Oh that couples would discover the power of Love and Respect. Love and Respect are like oxygen to a suffocating person and this is one reason why God commands a husband to love and a wife to respect".

I totally agree with the above but I would also like to add that wives need respect and husbands need love also. Its a give/give, 2 way street. I think this would be an excellent gift book for newly married couples, for couples about to marry and for couples that are struggling in their marriage. For couples with a great marriage, I think this would be a little repetitive.

James 1:19
"So then my beloved brethren, let everyman be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath."

Grand-puppies for my Birthday!

The puppies should have come between 9-20 and 9-26. So 9-23 is right in the middle...its also my birthday.

Hershey gave birth to 4 beautiful puppies. 3 Girls and 1 Boy. The first 2 little girls are frolicking in the fields of heaven ~ we don't know what happened. The girls named them Marshmallow (one was white) and M & M.

Then Chip was born (our nickname for chocolate chip) and he is gorgoeus. Then his little sister Licorice came. L was the only one we all witnessed from beginning to end. Licorice is beautiful, she has a white chest and the rest of her is black.

Quite an eventful start to our morning!

We've had an up close and personal biology lesson today. More info than I really wanted to know.

We ran them up to the vet to get checked out and everything is fine. I really wanted to get Hershey checked since 2 of the puppies didn't make it.

My dearest younger daughter has already turned her big, green puppy dog eyes to me and said "Mommy, we can't sell them, they're birthday puppies". I KNEW this would happen! Amy is a huge animal lover and she is turning Katie into one too. Animal Planet is their favorite channel ~ too bad there is so much wacko, evolution junk on it.

Voddie Bauchum & College Plus

Last night we all listened to a Webinar featuring Voddie Bauchum. He is a powerful speaker and not ashamed of the gospel. He tells it like it is which is very refreshing in todays world. Last night was supposed to be his message "Harvard or Heaven" which I was really looking forward to hearing. But instead it turned out to be an interview "based" on the message. I really would have preferred the message and then questions afterwards, but I wasn't in charge.

One comment he made at he beginning which really stuck with me was "as parents, we shouldn't be preparing them for college, we should be preparing them for heaven". What a refreshing standpoint.

He also repeatedly observed that
1. colleges don't care how long it takes for your child to graduate because the college makes more money the longer your child is a student there

2. There are many children in college who shouldn't be there and aren't mentally equipped for the challenge...thats why there are so many remedial classes for freshmen. They didn't learn it in high school and they aren't ready for college.

3. The goal of some of the professors is to erase any Christianity from your child and their life. They see this as a way to un-program all that you have taught and discipled your children through their first 18 years in your family.

4. Only 31% of college graduates are literate enough to read a textbook and have a discussion with you about it. So that means that 69% graduate and don't have a clue.

5. Its a very small percentage of students with Bachelors Degrees that actually work in the field they studied for. Most 4 year degrees are useless and not worth the paper they are printed on.

6. A growing number of employers are now requiring Masters Degrees for jobs because the Bachelors degree is useless.

7. The college freshmen and older are usually away from home for the first time and don't have going to class and making good grades as their goals. Their goals are more along the lines of partying, skipping class, staying up all night, etc.

8. Some people aren't cut out for college!!!!!! Pray and seek the Lord on your childs behafe and see what he has "wired" them for. There are many job markets open for laborers who want to learn a trade And they make really good money.

9. Just because everyone does it, doesn't mean you have to! Some students want to attend college to put off real life. They have it made with their parents supporting them as they "find" themselves. And they don't have any obligations to meet.

10. College is really expensive. College costs are rising even in this recession. People will cut costs in many different areas of their life but put their family in great debt to provide college. Many students graduate with huge student loan debt and then get a low paying job at the mall or a fast food restaurant. (I am ALL for students taking some responsibility for their tuition. I think they will be more inclined to attend class and pass, if they are paying at least part of the bill)

Overall, I think it was a great interview and got alot out of it. It strengthened our resolve that Katie is exactly where she needs to be. And we know where Will & Amy will be heading. We just don't know yet the hows and the whys and the whatfors, we have a couple of years for that.

If you would like to hear any Voddie Bauchum sermons, you can go to Sermon Audio.org and listened. Just click on speakers on the left column, find his name and hit play. He has an incredible sermon on "How do we know the Bible is Real". I think there are 23 Voddie sermons on there for everyone to listen to. Also, he will be doing a "Faith & Family" conference in Southaven, Miss. Oct. 8 & 9 (we are going!) and he and Ken Ham will be the featured speakers the first weekend in May 2011 for the Georgia Home Educators Conference (going to that too).

Daybook

For today... Sunny, hot & humid...its still HOT in Miss., I think by 9-21, it should be cooling down just a little bit, but its still in the mid to upper 90's

I am thinking...of new fair projects that will not get done before the 10-1 turn in deadline. Don't know why they are rolling around in my head now. We will get a jump start on next year!

I am thankful for...crafting with my children, we can always find something to do. The words "I'm bored" don't escape their lips! If they accidentally do, the boredom busters are not fun...clean the bathroom, vacuum, clean the chicken coop, etc. They have come into the living room and said "I'm (quickly look my way)..........going to find something to do"!)

From the learning rooms...math & language, reading our next Biology chapter and answer worksheets, study the Plymouth plantation era for history

From the kitchen...taco's tonight for dinner...easy and yummy

I am wearing... purple t shirt, denim skort, slip on tennies, hair in a ponytail

I am creating...a Christ centered, calm home

I am going...to keep praying for family members that I don't believe really know Jesus as their Lord and Savior

I am reading..."The Makers Diet" by Jordan Rubin and Exodus in the Bible

I am hoping...that Hershey's puppies come soon!

I am hearing...the radio, dishes clinking in the kitchen, dogs getting fed

Around the house...finishing up projects for the State Fair

One of my favorite things...freedom to homeschool

A few things for the rest of the week...crafting, bible study, Voddie Bauchum Webinar tonight, schoolwork, my birthday!

Please join other daybookers at http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com

Multitude Monday 491-505

491. a weekend away for my friend...I know she had fun

492. phone call from Allen...all is well

493. birthdays

494. buying pink & green depression glass at an Antique Auction on Sat.

495. splitting a Philly Cheese Steak sandwich with Greg

496. watching my daughters "crafting"

497. successful heart surgery for a little adopted Chinese girl...I read her Mom's blog

498. the perfectness of the Lords timing...this family came home from China with the little one 2 weeks ago and she had surgery last week.

499. fall decorations on the inside of the house, even if the temps on the outside of the house don't reflect the season yet. Mid - Upper 90's here in Miss.

500. 96 days till Christmas

501. A good nights sleep

502. relaxing Sunday's at home

503. a Chihuahua that should give birth this week...will be interesting to see how many puppies she is having. At least one of the little ones is extremely active.

504. football Saturdays & Sundays

505. lesson plans for Biology

I'm Ready!

I love my fall decorations! My pumpkins, scarecrows, Pilgrim people, Indians, sunflowers, fall leaves, etc. To me, the fall colors and decorations reflect warm, fuzzy, cozy family times. Hot chocolate, spice tea, popcorn, chili and football. Did you know you can "hear" fall? Walk through fallen leaves, that crunch underfoot spells fall for me!

Halloween for many is church carnivals, little ones dressed up like princesses or cowboys, playing games to get candy and good clean fun. My children love to carve or paint funny pumpkin faces and take pictures of their creations. They love candy and special treats. Even though they are 14-17, they still have fun with this time of year.

However there is something that I don't like about this beautiful time of year. I do have a problem with the darker side of the season. Ghosts, witches, graveyards, etc. I don't like anything that celebrates witches, warlocks, or evil. Unfortunately lots of the world embraces these dark symbols and little ones will walk around on Halloween dressed up as Harry Potter, little witches with pointy hats, devils, etc. I don't want anything to do with that. I don't like the books, the movies, the rides at amusement parks.

Honestly, even going to alternative get togethers is celebrating the holiday. To me, giving our children a fun, safe, time with friends to play and eat goodies is a way for them to enjoy and otherwise dark time of year.

I know all winter I talked about being excited about spring and summer. And we were thrilled when it got here. Lots of cookouts, pool parties, sunburns, and high temps. These temps were over the 100 degree mark many days in a row. The garden flourished and we have gotten a boatload of cucumbers and okra (still producing). But, I think the Lord forgot to turn the page on his heavenly calendar....its September! The last 3 days here in central Miss. have been 96-98 degrees. We did have a teaser week of mid 80's but it quickly gave way to the mid to upper 90's. So, I think today I will get James to climb into the attic and "fetch" down my fall decorations. At least I can look at them and "think" cooler weather!

The official first day of fall is Sept. 23....next week.....my birthday!

Happy Fall Y'all

Happy & Tired Thursday

We are all totally thrilled that we get to stay home today! ALL day! We will get school work done, laundry done, and lots of reading & sewing done. Maybe even watch a movie or Waltons episode. So here is why we are so thrilled to stay home and so tired.

Yesterday started bright and early. We had the car packed for the day and were out of the house by 9AM. First stop was the bank for a deposit (finally got a tax refund we have been waiting for!) and then drove down to Richland for the girls sewing class.
In the class, the girls made a tote/purse bag, that they can enter in the fair. They all turned out beautiful and unique...just like our girls. I think this is also a project that everyone got mostly done in the 2 hours. Most only had sewing up the opening when the bag was turned left to do. I was the official "ironer" for all the staps and pockets. Amy & Katie want to get some cutesy trim for the top of their bags before they put them in the fair. And, of course, now I want to make one. I swiped some brightly colored checked upholstery fabric out of Mom's closet a couple of months ago and it would be perfect for this bag. (Mom hasn't sewn in forever and she gave my sister and I most of her fabric stash. And since this roll of upholstery fabric is almost as tall as me, she does know that I took it!)

After sewing class, we drove back to Brandon and stopped by our local Wendy's for lunch from the Super Value Menu (yum). Not tremendously healthy on the healthy scale but it was quick and relatively inexpensive for 4 people. We then proceeded to church to start cooking the Wed. night dinner. They've never done this on Wed. before and want to offer this once a month & asked us to cook. Last nights menu was spaghetti with meat sauce, broccoli salad and rolls. Dessert was ice cream & 2 cakes (the cakes were homemade by 2 ladies in the church, super yummy!) Everyone loved the meal ~ we served about 80 folks ~ and my piggies will love the scrappings that we collected off partially eaten kids plates. We also had enough leftover to send to a friend of ours who is daily caring for her parents & grandmother. She won't have to cook dinner tonight. And will have plenty of leftovers!

Now I want to brag about Katie, Will & Amy for a moment or 2. They loaded and unloaded the car of all the stuff we needed for sewing and cooking. In the 2 hours from 1-3 at the church, they helped get the spaghetti sauce made and put in the oven to cook over the afternoon, prepped 24 pounds of broccoli for the salad (trimming each piece of extra stem parts), made 5 gallons of sweet tea and 3 gallons of lemonade. Then K & A got to their jazz class, just a minute or 2 late. Will and I went home for 30 minutes and he unloaded all the sewing supplies from the van for me. Ran by Kroger for gas for my van and the rolls for dinner, picked the girls up and back to the church. Next was having everything ready to serve by 5:10. And it was done!!!!! Greg got off work an hour early and he got the gas into my van and the noodles cooked for the dinner. He was also the "muscles" that got the heavy pans to the carts to get to the other building for serving. The church had arranged for others to serve the food, so we got to sit down and eat.

Last night, also started the new Discipleship classes and Greg & I are leading one. Really he is leading it, I'm just there. We had 8 families represented in the class and it looks like its gonna be a good, learning time. We are using "Managing Our Finances God's Way". Its a DVD format with small group discussions at the end of the session. This is a new book to us, so it will be interesting to see and listen to each session. Crown Financial Concepts, Ron Blue, and Chip Ingram will be among the "experts" teaching us on the DVD every week. Did you know that there are 2,350 scriptures concerning money and possessions in the Bible? This is obviously an important topic to the Lord. Its all about accountability, management of whatever amount the Lord provides you with, how willing you are to share what you have, and your attitudes about money. The throw in some budgeting, and tithing, etc. and life gets interesting!

When we got home, we collapsed. Amy went to bed right after her shower, about 8:15. The rest of us watched the first episode of Survivor and then went to our beds. Yeah for sleep.

I didn't want to get up this morning but Today is another day!
At least it will be an at home day!

Ad did ya notice the little countdown on the top of the blog? 100 Days till Christmas!

Daybook 9-14-10

Well, my pictures will be first since blogger is not cooperating...Above is Hershey our "gonna have puppies sometime next week chihuahua"
Below is my cross stitch I have been working on for months!
Framing it is next on the agenda!

And now for my Daybook!

For today... right now its sunny and 59 degrees (a hint of fall), however in a couple of hours it will be hot and humid again...we have been having highs in the mid 90's again

I am thinking...that my "to do" list is really long today

I am thankful for...our family home and our church home

From the learning rooms...Algebra, language, bible reading, starting Anatomy in Biology, starting to read about Jamestown in History

From the kitchen...I need to brown all the ground beef for tomorrow nights church spaghetti dinner, we may end up with loaded baked potatoes tonight for dinner

I am wearing...clothes!

I am creating...Christmas gifts and finishing projects for the state fair. Sunday night I finished my "Donna's Kitchen" cross stitch!

I am going...to dance, to buy a tag for the RV, to Kroger, to Sams

I am reading...Exodus in the Bible and "The Great Physicians RX for Health & Wellness" by Jordan Rubin

I am hoping...for a successful 1st Wed. night church dinner tomorrow night

I am hearing...cars drive, the ceiling fan, the kids going in and out taking care of the dogs & chickens

Around the house...school, cooking, reading

One of my favorite things...planning for a vacation with my dear husband (kids get to stay with Granny!)

A few things for the rest of the week...sewing class, cooking Wed. night dinner, new Bible Study class on Finances Greg & I start tomorrow night, spending time together as a family

Please join other daybookers at http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com

What is it with People?

What is it with folks and the internet? Why do people think they can say things, criticize you, ridicule your lifestyle, and joke at your expense? Do people feel safer or braver online?

I have many "friends" on the internet that I don't agree totally with their way of doing things. They have different methods of dress, hair style, makeup or no makeup, homeschool or public school or private school, etc. But I don't get on their blog or facebook page and ridicule them. If they're making decisions that are bad for them, I will pray for them. Many times I read stuff that makes me wonder and I will pray for my own understanding. Sometimes my decisions and beliefs have been challenged and after praying about it, seeking the Lords guidance & talking with Greg ~ I have changed my mind.

I have removed comments from the blog and hidden people on FB for reasons personal to me. I really don't need to be continually questioned, made fun of, or told "I am sheltering my children, too much". I also hid a bunch of folks I went to highschool with. We are all 50+ years old, lets act like it.

I am totally thrilled, perfectly happy & content in my life. I love my husband and 7 children. I am a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. I pray continually for my friends, acquaintances, and family members. I am very conservative in my political views and strongly believe in less government. I am pro-life and believe that every life is valuable. (A womans right to chose ends when she chooses not to use birth control)

I would love to live on a farm. We have pigs, chickens and dogs right now. I would like to add more critters to the menagerie. I love my garden and growing good food for my family. We grind our wheat, bake our bread, and enjoy the "fruits of our labor". We cook most things from scratch and try not to rely on convenience foods too much.

I love to sew, quilt, smock, and cross stitch. I rarely sit in front of a tv without cross stitching (ask my kids and hubby). I like to learn new things and share with others.

I love to read. I like to read "fuzzy, warm, feel good books" , inspirational books, how to books, nutritional books, homeschool books, cookbooks. My current goal is to read the entire Bible, cover to cover, in one year. Something I have never done and I want to.

I love to "visit" other blogs and read about their days, their struggles, their triumphs, their recipes, etc. There are some awesome women out there sharing their lives. Sometimes, things will be shared that I comment about, maybe I am going through the same thing, or I offer to pray, or they inspired me, or made me laugh or made me ponder.

Thats me.

I'm far from perfect. I struggle daily. I rely on the Lord constantly.

Multitude Monday 471-490

471. 103 days till Christmas

472. a savings account

473. a trailer completely built

474. reading through Genesis with Greg

475. strong sons to help their Dad with hauling drywall

476. 80% off sales at Belks

477. some cash to take advantage of the sale at Belks

478. getting ready for the State Fair

479. a little hint of cool in the air this morning

480. talking to Mom

481. organization

482. more sweet pickle relish

483. a clean desk (it doesn't last long)

484. arthritis medicine

485. an empty casserole dish from our Pastor's birthday brunch yesterday morning

486. free books from Book Sneeze (thank you Lord)

487. praying for friends

488. goodies for Operation Christmas Child

489. a full homeschool calendar

490. a new week

Book Review

2 weeks ago, I received a new book by Max Lucado entitled"Out Live Your Life". This is the first Max Lucado book that I have read but it won't be the last. In this book Mr. Lucado points out time and time again that the Lord created us to make a difference in this world. And that through the Lord and with his guidance & strength we can be used and Out Live Our Lives. He uses 21 real life stories to bring this point home. These stories range from people who were impacted from their visits to other countries to people who recognize needs in their own communities. There are touching stories that make you feel good and stories that will keep you awake at night praying for all the people involved.

The story that shocked and impacted my "knowledge" of the cruelty and depravity of some other cultures was in Chapter 3. The story that gripped my heart was about the sex trade traffic in Cambodia. These women witnessed the selling of young girls into forced prostitution. They came back from their trip and JoAnne wrote an article about their experience. This article sent shockwaves through her readers and some began to send her checks to help these children. The women started a ministry named "World Hope International" and began rescuing girls from this perversion. In 3 years more than 400 children were rescued, ranging in ages 2-15. When I read the age 2, my heart was shattered for these babies. They were used in horrible ways by people in Satans stronghold. At the age of 2,3,4 etc. these little ones should be playing dolls and teaparties and dress up. I spent many hours praying for these children, both the rescued and the ones still waiting to be rescued.

Not all of the stories in the book, griped my heart like that one did. But, they all made an impact on me. In the United States, we live a sheltered life. We don't realize what really goes on in other parts of the world. Even watching stories on tv doesn't impact us like it should. But when you sit down and read, you have time to ponder and reflect.

What difference do we make in our lives and our world. Is there a mission the Lord has placed in front of us that needs our participation. Have you asked the Lord how he wants to use you and your talents to further his kingdom? How can you "Out Live Your Life"? What will folks remember you for? The Lord can use any of us in big and little ways. It doesn't have to be a big ministry with lots of pomp and circumstance. Seek the Lord and do his Will. While reading this book the Bible verse that kept running through my head was Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". The Lord will give us the strength for the job he sets before us.

On page 7 of the book Mr. Lucado states "We are created by a great God to do great works. He invites us to outlive our lives, not just in heaven but here on earth. Here's a salute to a long life: goodness that outlasts the final breath. May you live in such a way that your death is just the beginning of your life."

Ephesians 2:10 "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."

Disclaimer: I received this complimentary book through Book Sneeze and Thomas Nelson Publishers to read and review.

Interesting Thursday

Life is really interesting lately! I had a dr.'s appt. this morning for some bloodwork and stuff and it looks like everything is ok. Not what I have been pondering (worrying) about all summer. It could still be something depending on the bloodwork but I am praying that its not. Is that clear as mud? Also the arthritis is flaring up so I have some topical meds and a bandage for my finger...I am gonna look like ET ~ well at least my finger won't be green!

Greg went with me to the dr. today and then we went out for lunch. A midweek date! I could get used to that!

Amy and Will are plugging along in their schoolwork. Algebra is a challenge but they are both "getting it". We bought some books at CBD for spelling rules and phonics skills for older students and they are both enjoying those books. What a difference from the others we have used for this. They are titled "Apples to Apples" and were about $15 each. Well worth the money in my book. Katie's first CLEP test is tomorrow. She is taking the American History I test. She has studied bunches and we are confident of a passing outcome!

I had a long talk with the Vet this afternoon about Hershey. I learned way more about being a puppy midwife that I anticipated. Between Sept. 20 & 26 my grandpuppies should be here. My birthday is the 23rd so maybe I'll get a special gift that day! She is pretty funny waddling around and wants to sit with one of us and be held most of the time.

One thing different about 2nd marriages is ~ there are always kids around. Most folks have time as a couple before kids but not us. We jumped right into this with 7 kids and while I dearly love all of them, we need some alone time. I love to get away with Greg and we are planning a good vacation. Right after Christmas, there are beaches, warm temps, and a ship awaiting us. Merry Christmas to us! Mom is "babysitting" for us. I can't wait ~ now to lose a few pounds before then. We hit the pool today and exercised and will start walking when the temps lower some more.

Its almost the weekend!

Prayer

Andy Rooney and Prayer Andy Rooney says: I don't believe in Santa Claus, but I'm not going to sue somebody for singing a Ho-Ho-Ho song in December. I don't agree with Darwin , but I didn't go out and hire a lawyer when my high school teacher taught his Theory of Evolution. Life, liberty or your pursuit of happiness will not be endangered because someone says a 30-second prayer before a football game. So what's the big deal? It's not like somebody is up there reading the entire Book of Acts. They're just talking to a God they believe in and asking him to grant safety to the players on the field and the fans going home from the game. But it's a Christian prayer, some will argue. Yes, and this is the United States of America and Canada, countries founded on Christian principles. According to our very own phone book, Christian churches outnumber all others better than 200-to-1. So what would you expect -- somebody chanting Hare Krishna? If I went to a football game in Jerusalem , I would expect to hear a Jewish prayer. If I went to a soccer game in Baghdad , I would expect to hear a Muslim prayer. If I went to a ping pong match in China , I would expect to hear someone pray to Buddha. And I wouldn't be offended. It wouldn't bother me one bit. When in Rome ..... But what about the atheists? Is another argument. What about them? Nobody is asking them to be baptized. We're not going to pass the collection plate. Just humour us for 30 seconds. If that's asking too much, bring a Walkman or a pair of ear plugs. Go to the bathroom. Visit the concession stand. Call your lawyer! Unfortunately, one or two will make that call. One or two will tell thousands what they can and cannot do. I don't think a short prayer at a football game is going to shake the world's foundations. Christians are just sick and tired of turning the other cheek while our courts strip us of all our rights. Our parents and grandparents taught us to pray before eating, to pray before we go to sleep. Our Bible tells us to pray without ceasing. Now a handful of people and their lawyers are telling us to cease praying. God, help us. And if that last sentence offends you, well, just sue me. The silent majority has been silent too long. It's time we tell that one or two who scream loud enough to be heard that the vast majority doesn't care what they want. It is time that the majority rules! It's time we tell them, "You don't have to pray; you don't have to say the Pledge of Allegiance; you don't have to believe in God or attend services that honour Him. That is your right, and we will honour your right; but by golly, you are no longer going to take our rights away. We are fighting back, and we WILL WIN!" God bless us one and all...Especially those who denounce Him, God bless America and Canada, despite all our faults We are still the greatest nations of all. God bless our service men who are fighting to protect our right to pray and worship God. Let's make 2010 the year the silent majority is heard and we put God back as the foundation of our families and institutions. And our military forces come home from all the wars. Keep looking up. If you agree with this, please pass it on.

Here's another prayer request...Call to Arms...whatever you want to call it..................

Senate bill 510

This bill will limit (regulate) what we can plant in our gardens, what animals we can raise, what seeds we can save from our crops (none) under the headship of "Homeland Security". Isn't their job to protect our borders and secure our Nation against terrorists...not against a backyard chicken laying an egg or a neighbor sharing a tomato with someone else? Since when is it a crime to save your seeds from year to year (NOW if this passes). And part of this is not allowing compost to be used, you will have to use chemical fertilizer. I don't need a big brother looking over my shoulder. And the 4 chickens in my backyard are now PETS, not egg producers (think that will work?).

My friend Deanna, on my sidebar, at "A Plain & Simple Life" has got a great post today on this issue.

I personally can't wait till Nov. to vote and see how many of these politicians are out looking for new jobs. But they had better not till some ground and start a garden, they could get fined or arrested!

Daybook

For today

Outside my window...Sunny, some clouds, still hot temps

I am thinking...that I am really glad this is a short week

I am thankful for...a great visit to GA. Got to see my mom, sister and her family, and sister in law & her family, and #4 son that moved to GA a month ago. Al came over everyday.

From the Learning Rooms...finishing our co-op stuff for tomorrow when we go to Marie's. And glad its a short week!

From the kitchen...spaghetti and garlic bread

I am wearing...khaki capris, v neck top, slip on tennies

I am creating...finally finishing my Donna's Kitchen picture ~ I am on the last letter! Then I've got some aprons to make.

I am reading...My new bible. And "An Amish Gathering" ~ a book I found at the Christian bookstore last week.

I am praying...for a good dr.'s appointment on Thursday

I am hearing...Amy rustling papers in the dining room while she is working on History & Science

Around the house..schoolwork, dance lessons, co-op, Keepers, bible study, dr., watching football on the weekend on tv & watching our pregant puppy waddle around the house

Allen got really tired of me grabbing him and hugging him....and repeatedly told me "its only been a month." He just doesn't understand what Mama's go through.
Too bad...he will just have to put up with me!

Multitude Monday

452. anniversary cards

453. Chili dogs at the Varsity

454. the fantastic news that I am going to be a great-aunt again! Looking forward to 4-9-2011.

455. lots of hugs from Allen (maybe he's missed me just a little bit too)

456. watching Amy's "inner MaMa" explode into a crochet frenzy (MaMa was my grandmother and her crochet ability skipped 2 generations and is oozing out of Amy)

457. sleeping late in GA

458. lots of ribs smoked on the grill

459. good sermons

460. safety while traveling

461. new Bibles (Greg & I bought Bibles for our anniversary)

462. the desire to learn more from God's word

463. our very pregnant, waddling chihuahua

464. a last minute, before we left town trip to JoAnn's

465. coupons for fabric that made everything I bought 60% off

466. hugs from my neices and nephews in GA ~ just didn't see 1

467. finishing the Max Lucado book ~ now to write the review

468. cooler nights

469. cucumbers and okra that are still producing

470. 5 awesome, wonderful, blessed years with my Prince Charming!
I love you Greg!

Hugs

I made it safely to Starkville this morning to pick up Greg from his meeting. I've been to Starkville a number of times...but never driven and honestly didn't pay much attention when Greg drove. I was always too busy cross stitching! Greg had me a map printed out of where to go when I got on the MSU campus and we found the building quickly. He was able to skip out of his meetings and we headed to GA.

It took about an hour to get to Tuscaloosa, Al. We started listening to a Paul Washer sermon from Sermon Audio and he preached his way across Alabama. It was very good and gave us alot more to think about.

We pulled up into Mom's driveway and Allen was cleaning out his car. I got the first of many, many hugs from him. He argued and griped about them, but I still got them! Man, I have missed that boy. He seems to be doing good and this is working out well, so far for him. He graced us with his presence for dinner and kept us entertained (did I mention I have missed him?)

Tomorrow is an extra special, wonderful day. 5 years ago tomorrow is mine & Greg's 5th anniversary! I don't know what all we are doing, but going out to dinner with Mom, Allen, Katie, Will, and Amy is tomorrow night! He is off till Tuesday morning so spending 4 days with him will be a great treat!

Good night All!