Growing Up

My son has grown up. He started out as this tiny, sweet little thing, always sucking on his fingers. 

 

 Then he grew into the boy that was like the labrador retriever puppy- always knocking things over and overly excited to do anything with anybody.

Now he is a high school graduate. He worked hard and overcame many obstacles. 

 I am very proud of the young man he has grown into. I love you, Nicholas! Congratulations! 

The Blessings of Homeschooling

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

Yield two loaves

Preheat oven to 350°F

Sift together:

3 1/2 C flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

2 tsp baking soda

2 tsp salt

1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

3/4 tsp ground cloves

In large bowl, beat until light and fluffy:

2 2/3 C sugar

2/3 C soft shortening

4 eggs

Beat in:

2 C cooked or canned pumpkin

Now add the dry ingredients in three additions alternately with:

2/3 C water or milk

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

Do not over-beat between each addition. Fold in:

2 C coarsely chopped nuts (slivered almonds are good) opt.

1 C chocolate chips (or can use raisins or chopped dates for variety)

Pour batter into two greased loaf pans, lined with wax paper on the bottom, and sprinkle tops with cinnamon-sugar.

Bake about one hour or until done. (When loaf has shrunk from the sides of the pan and/or sounds hollow when you thump the bottom of the loaf.)

For other tasty treats, check out the Sweet as Sugar Cookies blog and see what she has cooking! Fun! Fun!

COURAGEOUS Movie Trailer

Courageous opens in theaters this weekend, September 30th! The opening weekend is what counts at the box office. This is one to spend full price on!

"180" Movie

This is not for the younger set, but it is a must see for teens and above! You can use this to reach the unsaved or the unthinking on abortion. A 33 min. video.

The Chicken Coop From Start to Finish

Silas drawing up the plans

Getting it just right

Monty cutting with Daniel and Nicholas

The framing begins

Nicholas and Daniel on the roof

Nicholas, Daniel and Emily building the pen

Silas works on his special door

The door from the outside

The rigging

The Coop -- Ta-Da!

First Egg!

Pippin- our newest addition to the flock

The ladies hanging out indoors

Some prefer it outdoors

Yummy eggs!

Going Home

This is a beautiful song about going home to Heaven. It is going to be SO amazing!!! Praise God!

"Marrying Well" Give-away

Western Conservatory is holding a webinar on Mondays evening, beginning August 15th, on marrying well. How does a young, Christian person find that special someone God has planned for them? What is the courtship process like? How does one truly love another like Jesus loves? There will be many questions answered and much advice given! I am excited! And now there is a give-away for a family to be able to attend the webinar free. Go here and read the rules to enter.

Topics include:

- Preparation for marriage starts early
- What the Bible says about courtship
- What about betrothal?
- Why strong brother-sister relationships are essential, in families and between families
- Dominion, discipleship, and life mission: Marry for the same reason you live your whole life
- Love like Jesus: Selflessly
- Risk management in relationships
- The deadly danger of worry
- What to think about emotions
- How do I know this is the right one?
- How to determine God’s will
- The place of faith
- Maintaining peace and harmony between families
- When to skip courtship altogether
- Engagement periods
- Wisely reforming American wedding ceremonies

Each session will provide opportunity for participating families to submit live questions and get live answers about forming gospel-centered marriages and families.

To get more information and/or to register, click here.

Training Up Girls

Training up girls to be the Proverbs 31 woman – to be keepers at home and true help meets for their future husbands, is not an easy job. I’ve had some conversations with other ladies about this recently, as well as having listened to some speakers talk on this subject. I’ve compiled a list of things that shouldn’t be forgotten, when raising our young ladies for the Kingdom. Let me know if you seen anything I’ve missed.

Home Economics

Fiber Arts (Sewing, knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, weaving)

Culinary Arts (Meal planning, shopping, 5 course meal, cake decorating)

Cleaning

Decorating (Painting, wallpaper, seasonal décor, furniture styles and placement)

Cosmetology (Hair cutting, styling, nails, make up, clothing styles/ appropriate dress)

Canning

Childcare (Child development, diapers, CPR, discipline)

Gardening (Planning, herbs, flower arranging,

Card making

Hospitality (Etiquette, tea parties, entertaining)

Home management (Grocery shopping, scheduling)

Raising animals

Soap/candle making

Kitchen organization

Home Repairs

Women’s health

Sleep

Exercise

Nutrition

Childbearing/ breastfeeding

Finance/ Biblical Economics

Budgeting

Bill paying

Debt/ debt-free living

Home Business

Theology

Biblical Law

Systematic Theology

Worldview

Other

Communication Skills/ poise (Toastmaster’s International, speech, debate)

Computers

History

Suggested Books

Teaching Your Daughters to be Keepers at Home (7 yr. curriculum) by Mrs. Craig (Ann) Ward

Future Christian Homemaker’s Handbook

Treasury of Vintage Homekeeping Skills

Needlework by Rebecca Wilson (?)

Christian Light Curriculum

Beautiful Girlhood by Karen Andreola

Beautiful Girlhood Plus companion guide

A Young Ladies Guide to the Harmonious Development of Christian Character by Harvey Newcomb

Letters on Practical Subjects to a Daughter by William B. Sprague, DD

Before You Meet Prince Charming by Sarah Malley

What He Must Be by Voddie Baucham

Daughters of Destiny compiled and edited by Noelle Wheeler

Raising Maidens of Virtue, A Study of Feminine Loveliness for Mothers and Daughters by Stacy McDonald

So Much More by the Botkin sisters

The Beauty of Modesty by David and Dianne Vaughan

The Undressing of America by Pollard

Parenting books by Trumball and Fugate

Passionate Housewives, Desperate for God

Tod-kah

Emily Post’s etiquette book

Dave Ramesy’s Fiancial Peace University course/ book

Feelin' Feminine Challenge - Day 6

Saturday! This is my last Feelin' Feminine post. I hope others will join Emily this next week. Post a comment on her blog each day, and let her know how you are participating.

Today I'm in my blue and white check skirt with a white short-sleeved top.

My hair is up in a clip (it's going to be windy today).

Have a beautiful day!

Feelin' Feminine Challenge - Day 5

Emily's Feelin' Feminine Challenge continues...

Work day! Today is a denim skirt I just got at the secondhand store, and a red T-shirt from Target.

It is Red Friday today - where we wear red to honor of our troops. Thank you to the men and women serving our country and putting your lives on the line for our freedoms!!! God bless you all!

Feelin' Feminine Challenge - Day 4

Emily's Feelin' Feminine Challenge is picking up steam! Some ladies have contacted her to let her know they might be or will be joining her soon. If you want to join her, check out her blog and read about the challenge, then go to her newest postings to see what she's been doing. Leave her a comment in her comment section and say hello!

Today is Day Four: I am wearing a black and white skirt with kind of a palm leaf design that I got at Christopher & Banks, and a black long-short sleeved top from Target. Again, I am in my black flats.

My hair is curled and down.

We are going to a funeral today, for a young woman who was in her 30's. She is the sister of a friend of mine. I just want to use this time to remind you (and me) that life is short. We have no idea the day or time of our death, only that it is inevitable. Are you ready to die? Do you know where you will go in the afterlife? All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. We must repent and allow Him to move in our lives and change us. The Holy Spirit may be speaking to your heart right now. Listen! Be ready. It is only by His grace and mercy that we are saved.