Friday Faves - Holiday Tradition

Friday Faves: Holiday Tradition

There are so many wonderful traditions that my family has had over the years...cutting our own Christmas tree down at the local farm was one of our favorites. There were others...

Baking cookies together, especially my Gramma's secret Scottish Shortbread. You know the one... The-I'd-give-it-to-you-but-I'd-have-to-kill-you-after-so-why-bother-recipe.

Decorating the tree together...well...basically it was Mom sitting on the couch directing Dad to string up the lights a certain way while my sister and I followed him with the tangled up twisted mess...half of which didn't work (which we didn't know until after they were strung). The ornaments? Well, let's just say that they were old, hand-made or half broken...except for those balls with the hair hanging off of them. Whoever came up with the idea to string soft fabric over styrofoam obviously never had a real tree with real branches that would get caught in them causing them fray all over the tree. Eew!

Another tradition we had was with the whole family. My parents would invite everyone in the family (both sides!) over later in the afternoon on Christmas. Before the company came though, we would not only have to clean the house top to bottom, but would have to arrange every one of our gifts under the tree as neat as a pin so we could do the "hey, look what I got" thing as each of them entered the door. My parents weren't rich nor did they brag, so I'm not sure why they wanted to flaunt the gazillion gifts they bought us for Christmas....from the big fat Bonnie Bell lip gloss on a string, to our bean bag chairs, to the handmade hats and scarves we'd get every year. I think the gifts sat there for about a week before we were allowed to put them away in our rooms and play with them. Go figure!


What's up with those bulbs?!?


Yup, that's me in my big red vinyl bean bag chair - far out!

With that being said, most of those traditions are now gone. Smart decision huh? That last one was a tradition that I personally laid to rest!!!! We have made some of our own family traditions with our children...two of them really stick out in my mind...

We still cut down our own Christmas tree each year - it's a total blast and the memories we make are truly priceless! The best time to go is when there's snow on the ground, but it doesn't happen every year. We hike all over the rolling hills to find that 'oh so perfect' tree. When we do, Daddy and Lionel saw it down together. After putting it on the van, we go grab some hot cocoa and enjoy the wonderful surroundings for a bit before heading home.





The other 'tradition' we have in our family lasts the entire month of December. Beginning on December 1st (tomorrow!), we each write something down on a piece of paper that we're thankful to the Lord for on that particular day. We then put our papers into a stocking we so aptly call 'The Jesus Stocking'. On Christmas Eve, we have a birthday party for baby Jesus (complete with cake) and we open up the stocking. Daddy reads all the papers we put into it throughout the month. The kids especially love to hear all that God has done for us just in such a short time. It's encouraging, and it reminds us that God is always with us! He gives us so much more than we need, when all we truly need is Him!! He is the real reason for the season!

Traditions or not, I hope you make some very happy memories with your family this Christmas!!

My inner child

I just got back from Michaels (craft store) and as hard as it was to leave without spending a small fortune, I got out with just 2 small bags. (Yes, I paid for them!)

Anyhow...I have a stuffed bear that a dear friend bought me for my birthday a long time ago. We were out shopping, I saw him sitting all alone in a worn out chair, and being the emotional sap that I am, I melted! He is worn out and loved not only by myself, but by everyone in our family....this bear has a personality!!

I found this outfit for him at Michaels and just couldn't resist. So...without further ado...here he is sporting his new outfit....


"Ho Ho Ho...got any honey?"

If you give a kid a camera....

Ever read the book "If you Give a Mouse a Cookie"?

Well, this is what happens "If you Give a Kid a Camera"....

Lionel was chasing Sweet-Pea around the house. There were only about 25 photos like this one on the camera...most were blurry!


This is the face only a mother could love!! Ahh...boys...gotta love 'em!


Sweet-Pea found the timer button, so now she can snap photos hands-free. Oh joy!


I'm not sure what she was doing here...and I don't even think I want to know!


All I have to say is "praise the Lord for digital cameras"!!! They have a delete button, and it costs nothing to develop unwanted photos! Ahh...life is good.

What in the world??

The nursing home my Dad is in is approx. 3 miles from our home. On the way there, we pass a small woodsy area, and within that area is the grossest (is that a word?!?) looking tree we've ever seen. We weren't sure what it was, but we knew there was something growing on the tree. It took a few 'drive-bys' to realize that it wasn't an animal clinging on to it for dear life!! Today when we went out, I was smart enough to bring my camera so we could get a closer look.





When we got home, we researched it and found it to be a burl. Call me ignorant, but I had never heard of such a thing...that is...until I realized that burl wood items come from these 'funny growths' on trees. I have heard of burl wood...but never knew where it came from.

I found this on wisegeek.com:

"Burl wood is highly prized by artists because of its unique shapes and ring patterns. Burl wood is a type of fast growing, abnormal growth found on some trees. Burl wood grows because the tree has experienced some sort of environmental stress or damage. This is often caused by either a fungal attack or an attack by insects. The number of trees that produce burl wood is quite low....certain types of burl wood are more rare and prized than others."

So...the kids and I learned something new today on the ride to visit Dad. (See...you don't have to be home in a 'classroom' to learn things.) Now every time we drive by that tree, we'll know what it is that's sticking out, and we'll smile for being that much smarter!

It's still pretty gross to look at though!

Time to Play Catch-Up

The kids and I lost quite a few days of school due to my Dad's health issues, so starting tomorrow, we have to play catch-up. We started this school year in early August to get a jump start...I had planned to take the entire month of December off....but that plan didn't work out very well. God had other plans for us, so as it stands now, we will be working hard in school until at least the 21st of December. It's not a big deal really, but we had high hopes of having a LONG holiday break. We're only behind in a few subjects - not all of them, so I guess I shouldn't complain.

The hardest thing I'm finding is Lionel's history. We absolutely love reading the books that go along with the Beautiful Feet curriculum (Early American and World History - grade 8), but they take so long to read through together. The books we're reading through are:





These books are awesome, but the first 4 take so long to get through. I had Lionel read the first book alone, but he didn't grasp it as if we read it together and talked about it after every few chapters. So...we've opted to read the rest of them out-loud together, only I have to do most of the reading since Lionel stutters...a story which I'll share with you in a future post.

Anyhow, Sweet-Pea often sits with us when we read, so she too is learning quite a bit. Sometimes though my throat hurts so bad and I can't get through our reading of the day. I wish that I could find these books on cd so we could listen together instead, but I haven't been able to. Last year we read through a few of the G. A. Henty books (AWESOME reading!), but I was able to find those on cd here. It was easy to get through last year without taking oodles of cough drops and drinking gallons of herbal tea like I've been doing recently! Any thoughts?

Sweet-Pea has been improving in her reading (1st grade), but needs to work harder on compound words. She has a hard time figuring out where the first word ends and where the second word begins. She'll get it - I'm not worried! Both of the kids are doing fantastic in math...Daddy is a great math teacher!!!! Science is one of our favorite subjects. Sweet-Pea is still studying birds and is thoroughly enjoying every moment of it. She has found a love for birds that she never knew she had. She now recognizes many of the birds we see when we're out an about, and it makes me so proud that she's learned so much already. We're having fun with Lionel's science this month too - we're studying water. He's in Physical Science this year, but there's quite a bit of chemistry mixed in already. Phew!!

Well, it's time for me to get things ready for school tomorrow. The kids desk is covered with some of my 'junk' and I need to clean it up. We just added another cubical unit in our school room (thanks to Ikea!) which we had sitting downstairs in the playroom. I threw a bunch of 'stuff' on the shelves for now, but have yet to organize it. I don't do well with chaos, so until it's all sorted out, I'm probably going to be bothered by it. Here's a photo of what the big wall looks like now...if I ever get it cleaned up a bit more, I'll snap another photo.



I hope you all have a blessed evening! Today was my birthday and I had a fabulous day with my family!! They spoil me and I LOVE it! :::grin::: I also got to spend some time with my Dad which was wonderful. He didn't remember my birthday, but that's ok...he still remembers me, and that's what matters!!

Saturday Photo Hunt #85 - HOT

This photo just cracks me up. Lionel is such a ham!!

Friday Faves - Photography

Friday Faves: Photography

The Friday Faves site did not post this week or last, so I thought I'd do my own. I LOVE photography of all types, but my favorite are macro photos...especially macro photos of flowers. I've taken my fair share of them, so I figured I'd share a bunch here.


Enjoy God's creation!!! He created the flowers, I just snapped the photos.

"Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." Revelation 4:11

Happy Thanksgiving!

I wish you all a wonderful, happy, and healthy Thanksgiving Day!!! We certainly have so much to be thankful for. God is so gracious and always gives us what we need and often so much more!!! Remember to thank Him today for His many blessings!!!

Psalm 92:1 "It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High."

Psalm 100:4 "Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to Him; bless his name!"


A little humor for your holiday....

This is just too cute...and almost sad...



Pretty smart turkeys!



OK, I hope no one is offended by this one, but I'm sorry, I just cracked up when I saw it. I was never a huge Sesame Street fan, so to me, it's funny!

Sibling Retaliation 101

Sweet-Pea strikes again. She is just so funny sometimes!

The past few days she has been fighting a cold...nothing major, but enough to make her feel miserable. All day today she bugged her big brother to play a game with her, but he doesn't want to go within 20 feet of her! He's paranoid that he will get her germs. The funny thing, is that he had no problems hanging around me all day long, and I'm the one who gave Sweet-Pea her cold. I had it first, it's still lingering, and he knows it! Of course it's just an excuse that he's using to get out of playing a game with her. Gotta just love sibling rivalry, huh?

Well, because Lionel wouldn't play a game with her, Sweet-Pea decided to draw. She went up to her room, got out her notebook and pencil and proceeded to draw this portrait...



I'll bet you can't guess who the drawing is of?!? That's right...HER BROTHER!!!!! She drew him not with a simple cold, but with rotting teeth and the worse case of chicken pox I've ever seen!!! Hmm, do ya think she's a little upset that he won't play with her?? I'd say so. She was so proud of this drawing too. She even wrote both of their names on it with a heart in between - just below his face.

I hope they both get better soon so they can enjoy Thanksgiving Day tomorrow!! I'm not sure Lionel's chicken pox will clear up on time though...we just may have to cancel. :::grin:::

Is Art Always this Messy?

I really love art. I love going to art museums - especially with my husband and children. Some people really amaze me at how beautiful they can paint, draw, sculpt etc. One of my favorite artists is Thomas Kinkade...he not only paints well, but I appreciate his values and his love for the Lord. My all-time favorite painting is of Hometown Lake....



This painting hangs in my dining room above my fireplace...no...not the original (I wish!), but a painted copy. I never tire of looking at it. It's very peaceful and serene. I can just imagine walking down that path near the lake.

OK, where am I going with this post? I'm not too sure, but I did want to post about a video.
I found this clip of a guy who paints to music. His name is Michael Israel. I'm not too crazy about his 'modern' art, but the results of his paintings are amazing considering how he paints them! Have a look...



It actually looks like fun, but can you imagine cleaning up after this guy?? No thanks. I made the mistake of showing the video to my kids, and now they want to try it. Oh my!! Now I have to come up with a creative way of saying 'no' to them without squelching their enthusiasm! Maybe I'll just pull out the old box of crayons, a few water color paints and some paper - that should at least satisfy their artistic desires...for now.

The Power of Music

Yet another of my favorite scenes from Sense & Sensibility:



The words to the song "Weep You No More Sad Fountains"

Weep you no more sad fountains
What nees you flow so fast?
Look haw the snowy mountains
Heaven's sun doth gently waste

But my sun's heavenly eyes
View not your weeping
That now lies sleeping
Softly, softly, now softly
Softly lies sleeping

Sleep is a reconciling
A rest that peace begets
Doth not the sun rise smiling
When fair at ev'n he sets?

Rest you then, rest, sad eyes
Melt not in weeping
While she lies sleeping
Softly, softly, now softly
Softly lies sleeping

Operation Christmas Child

Tonight we packed up our four shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child. Our church is a drop off point for OCC, so the Sunday before Thanksgiving is a huge event! We have an Ingathering service where everyone brings in filled shoe boxes, as well as food for the community. It's an awesome service.

Here is a link to the official site at Samaritan's Purse:


Our kids had a total blast putting their shoe boxes together this year. We took them shopping and they picked out everything they wanted to include. Besides the huge industrial pencil sharpener my daughter picked out, we didn't have to tell them to put anything back on the shelf. They were quite creative and yet very practical at the same time. I'm so proud of them both!!

Here they are packing up the boxes...


They're all ready to go. Sweet-Pea's will go to a girl between the ages of 5 and 9. Lionel's will go to a boy between the ages of 10 and 14. They included things that kids their own age would enjoy.


We hope and pray that the children who receive these boxes will also receive Christ one day!! It's easy to pack up the box and send it off, but it's not as easy to remember to pray for the child who opens it. Even though we have no idea who will get these boxes, we will try to be consistent and pray for the specific children who receive them.

Matthew 25:40 The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Saturday Photo Hunt #84 - I LOVE ____

I love having a deep relationship with my Savior, Jesus Christ!



I love my husband and children!!!

Field Trip - Dinosaur Park

Today we went on a field trip with our homeschool group to a dinosaur state park. We were supposed to have a class, but we opted against it since they said they would teach the children all about evolution and not even mention creation. The signs everywhere mentioned how dinosaurs roamed the earth millions of years ago. Frankly, I think it's utter nonsense! I am 100% a creationist and totally believe the Bible and that God created the beasts of the earth during the 6 days of creation...dinosaurs included!

According to the Bible, animals were created to be herbivores. Once the fall of man happened, animals and man weren't the same. They could've been on the ark, but once the earth dried up from the flood, the vegetation may have been so extremely different that they weren't able to survive on either plants or animals. Only God knows the total truth...but I do believe that all animals were created by God and did not evolve or live millions of years ago. (Don't even get me started on the whole ape to man stuff - that just drives me nuts!!! Again - total nonsense!!!) So...with that said...we went on the field trip, but my children and I just went to see the fossils that were there on display, and to enjoy a fun hike around the grounds. The trees are simply gorgeous this time of year! God's creation is so beautiful.



It was cold outside, but we had a wonderful time walking along the hiking trail on the grounds of the park. Sweet-Pea wore her favorite pink 'wellies' - ones she has been wearing around the house ever since buying them 3 weeks ago! Oh does she have Scottish blood in her or what!?! Lionel would've been outside in his shorts and a t-shirt had I let him...he's totally nuts! I did have him bundle up, so don't go thinking I'm a bad mom! ::wink::



We saw an enormous bee hive while walking. I'm not sure if there were bees in it or not, but being that it's very cold out, it was probably empty! It had to be at least 1 1/2 feet across...it was huge! It was up in a tree, or I'd have tried to get a closer look. Call me crazy.



Lionel and Sweet-Pea taking stopping for a quick photo along the trail.



At the main building we looked around a bit. There wasn't a whole lot to do, so it was a quick tour. It was hard to take it seriously, so we were kind of being silly (but not disrespectful), especially when we noticed this cart. They obviously use it during classes to display hands-on things children can touch, but it was just sitting there empty today. Lionel, go and 'touch the cart'...it's OK...according to their sign, they want you to!!



If you'd like more information on creationism vs. evolution to research for yourself...here are a couple of good sites.

Institute for Creation Research My favorite resource!

Answers in Genesis

On the Lighter Side...

OK, I need a bit of humor and fun in my life right now, so I decided to post this questionnaire. I read it on another blog and thought it would be fun. So...if you're visiting my blog, feel free to copy the questions, put them on your blog and in my comments section, leave a link so I can come read your answers! Here goes:

I give you money and send you into the grocery store to pick up 5 items. You can only pick one thing from the following departments.. what is it?

1. Produce: Bananas or strawberries
2. Bakery: Coffee cake muffins
3. Meat: Chicken
4. Frozen: Pizza bagels
5. Dry goods: Pasta

Let's say we're heading out for a weekend getaway. You're only allowed to bring 3 articles of clothing with you. So, what's in your bag...besides undergarments?
1. Shorts
2. T-shirt
3. Comfortable walking shoes

If I was to listen in on one of your conversations throughout the day, what 5 phrases or words would I be most likely to hear?
1. "OK Kids, your break is over, let's get back to school!"
2. "Did you practice your violin?"
3. "What do you want for dinner tonight?"
4. "Where did I put my glasses?"

So, what 3 things do you find yourself doing every single day, and if you didn't get to do, you probably wouldn't be in the best mood?
1. Kiss my husband!!
2. Hug my children!!
3. Drink coffee

Sweet, you just scored a whole afternoon to yourself. We're talking a 3 hour block with nobody around. What 5 activities might we find you doing?
1. Practicing my flute
2. Reading a good book
3. Catching up on emails
4. Scrapbooking!!!
5. Watching Sense & Sensibility

We're going to the zoo. But, it looks like it could start storming, so it'll have to be a quick visit. What 3 exhibits do we have to get to?
1. Zebras
2. Giraffes
3. Monkeys

You just scored tickets to any show of your choice. You can pick between 4, so what are you deciding between?
1. Phantom of the Opera on Broadway
2. Mark Lowry in Concert
3. Stars on Ice (Olympic winners)
4. James Galway flute concert

You're hungry for ice cream. I'll give you a triple dipper ice cream cone. What 3 flavors can I pile on for ya?
1. Chocolate peanut butter
2. Cookies and cream
3. Mocha swirl

Somebody stole your purse/wallet…in order to get it back, you have to name 5 things you know are inside to claim it. So, what's in there?
1. Bandaids
2. Homeschool discount cards
3. About $2. total (unfortunately that's true!)
4. Photos
5. License...and possibly even a bit of lint!

You are at a job fair, and asked what areas you are interested in pursuing a career in. Let's pretend you have every talent and ability to be whatever you wanted, so what 4 careers would be fun for you?
1. Architect
2. Missionary
3. Professional Flutist
4. Owner of a coffee shop/Christian book store

If you could go back and talk to the old you, when you were in high school, and inform yourself of 5 things, what would you say?
1. Grow up!
2. Lose the toe socks and bell bottoms!
3. Save your money!
4. I'm proud of you for standing up for Christ and not falling into peer pressure like some of your friends are! Pray, pray, pray!!
5. Don't worry, you WILL get married (to a wonderful man) and have (awesome) kids one day.

OK, that was fun...it totally took my mind of of things for a while. Hope you have fun with it too!!

Update on Dad

Well, Dad was finally moved into a nursing home facility today. We are glad that he will get the physical therapy he needs, but we are worried about the Alzheimer's. We feel that the seizures made it much worse, but only time will tell.

We spent a little bit of time with him today, but he just wasn't himself. It was very sad for me to see him like that. I also just received a phone call from the home. Apparently Dad got up out of his wheel chair and fell down. He hasn't even been there 24 hours and already they're calling to tell me he fell. PLEASE pray for his safety while he's there. I realize they can't watch him 24/7, but it seems as if the alarms on the chair aren't enough. By the time the alarm rings to tell the nurses that my Dad is standing up, he's losing balance and is on the floor. They can't get to him on time.

Is it wrong to ask the Lord for Him to call my Dad home? Is it wrong to think that the best thing for him would be to die? My Dad is a wonderful Christian man who loves the Lord dearly. We know where he's going when he dies. I don't want him to die...but I want the absolute best for him, and maybe that is what's best. Seeing him in a home unable to do anything for himself is just so heart-breaking to me.

Please just pray with me - that the Lord will take him home to glory at the right time, and that in the mean time, Dad will be well cared for and will be at peace with his situation.

Thank you for praying!!!!

"…The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" James 5:16

Please Pray

This past week has been especially challenging for us as a family. I was with my Dad on Thursday morning when he had 2 big seizures and eventually went unconscious. It was something I'll never ever forget. He was obviously taken to the hospital and admitted, but they really never found out what was wrong with him. He does have Alzheimer's Disease and is a diabetic, but those actually had nothing to do with the seizures. It may have been his blood pressure, but the doctors said they're not sure.

Since then, he has been unsteady on his feet and is very weak. He is more confused than ever and is not only repeating himself over and over, but he is talking nonsense. It's very sad to see and I have been holding back the tears now since Thursday. I've also been very moody and know that one of these days it's all going to come out.

I would appreciate any prayers for my Dad and the whole situation. He has been living with us in an in-law apartment, but it's not suitable for us to care for him 100% in this situation. He will be going to a nursing home for some therapy to see if he'll improve, and then will be re-evaluated to see if he can come home, or will have to stay in a nursing home permanently. For me this is bitter-sweet. I want him to get the absolute best care possible, and that would be in a nursing facility, yet on the other hand, I want my Dad nearby so we can visit with him easily and he can spend time with family. It would be easier if we knew he was totally out of it and knew no one, but he does know who we are, so I'm feel horribly guilty. We already miss having him here at home...I never thought I'd be this sad without him around because it's been difficult to care for him...but I'm absolutely crushed that he may never come back home! I love my Dad SOOOO MUCH!!!!!!

Pray that God would give us all peace of mind about the situation. We know He is a merciful God and gives far more than we can ever ask or think of...so we know we'll be taken care of...but it's hard to sit back and wait for His timing. It's hard not knowing what we should do, and for me personally, it's hard feeling guilty about the whole situation. The kids have been having a hard time as well, so really we all need your prayers in a big way!! Thank you in advance, to those of you who pray for us.

Verses that I'm clinging on to this week....

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Prov 3:5-6

"Many sorrows shall be to the wicked; But he who trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him." Psalm 32:10

"The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit." Psalm 34:18

"The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them." Psalm 145:18-19

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

...and my all-time favorite...

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

Secret Sisters

Well, despite all the absolute craziness going on in my life right now (will explain in another post), I've decided that I am going to participate in Secret Sisters #3. I was involved in the first session and had a great time, so I'm excited to do it once again and can't wait to see who I've got!!

Saturday Photo Hunt #83 - FLEXIBLE

Our little ballerina - Sweet-Pea!!