Anna's House of Dreams

I've Moved!

2011-08-04T11:38:00.000-05:00

I am so thrilled to announce my new blog address! I'm getting back into the swing of things after having a baby and ready to start blogging again. I have had this particular blog for so long that I feel it is time to clean house. I love order and cleanliness, so having a clean, new blog makes me feel like I've scrubbed my house. Ahhh! It feels so good.

What am I going to do with this blog?

Keep it, of course.

I have a jumble of so many years we spent together as a family... yes, I so wish I could sort through it all and delete the meaningless, embarrassing or just plain bad posts, but that would be a waste of time.

So.... come visit my new, clean house..errr. blog.

So without further ado, here it is...

Purposely (psst... click on the name to get you there :))

Out for a while...

2011-03-31T11:37:00.000-05:00

I will be out for a while... with baby due in a month, blogging will just have to wait. I am enjoying reading so many other people's blogs though... so many creative people out there! I hope to come back with my own creative ideas to share as well, but if not, it is no great loss to the blogging community :) the only loss is to our little family journal kept here :(
For that reason, I do hope to begin my recordings when I have a bit more time in life- for now, my precious children will get my all!

I'll Fly Away- February Hymn

2011-02-10T17:15:00.000-06:00

I'll fly Away
Some bright morning when this life is o'er
I will fly away
To a home on God's celestial shore
I will fly away

I will fly away oh glory
I will fly away
When I die Hallelujah by and by
I will fly away

When the shadows of this life have gone
I will fly away
Like a bird from these prison walls I'll fly
I will fly away

I will fly away oh glory
I will fly away
When I die Hallelujah by and by
I will fly away

Oh how glad and happy when we meet
I will fly away
No more cold iron shackles on my feet
I will fly away

I will fly away oh glory
I will fly away
When I die Hallelujah by and by
I will fly away
Just a few more weary days and then
I will fly away

To a land where joys will never end
I will fly away
I will fly away oh glory
I will fly away
When I die Hallelujah by and by
I will fly away

Tall Men Riding- folksong

2011-01-28T11:10:00.000-06:00

I grew up in El Paso, Texas and moved to San Antonio, Tx by the time I was 18. The life of cowboys and ranches, sagebrush and cactus was a thing very familiar to me. My father was a man deeply interested in history, so our family outings were normally climbing the Franklin Mountains of El Paso to explore the geography and desperately search the earth for little signs of times gone by. Occasionally, on rare occasions, we would stumble upon an arrowhead or piece of ancient pottery- a treasure to us.

This folksong was a reminder of bygone days.

Oh, the high hawk knows where the rabbit goes,
the buzzard marks the kill
but few there be with eyes to see the tall men riding still
We hark in vain on the speeding train
for an echo of hoofbeat thunder
And the yellow wheat is a winding sheet
for cattle trails plowed under

Hoofdust flies at the low moon's rise
and the bullbat's lonesome whir
Is an echoed note from the longhorn throat of a steer,
in the days that were
Inch by inch, time draws the cinch,
till the saddle will creak no more
And they who were lords of the cattle hordes
have tallied their final score

This is the song that the night birds
sing as the phantom herds trail by
Horn by horn where the long plains fling
flat miles to the Texas sky
And this is the song that the night birds wail
where the Texas plains lie wide
Over the dust of a ghostly trail
where the phantom tall men ride

Written by S. Omar Barker (read his story by clicking his name)

Audrey's Birthday Coupon's

2011-01-27T15:45:00.001-06:00

During our crazy Missionary Convention week, we celebrated my sweet Audrey's Birthday. She turned 8 years old- and a sweet 8 year old she is! Coming after the wake of Christmas, we normally don't have full-blown parties for the kids, but we do try to do special things for them to celebrate. This year, along with a small family gathering, I had an idea for a special gift shared by a friend who does this for kids during Thanksgiving.

Coupons!

If I were a scrapbooker, this would have been gorgeous, but for me, just getting them done on regular white paper was just as effective.
I compiled a list of things she would appreciate:
1 Day off School
1 Day of no chores
1 Day off making bed
1 Date with Dad
1 Date with Mom
1 Go to Work with Dad Day
1 Manicure and Pedicure with Mom

They were a hit- two of which got redeemed the very next day (no school, and no chores). The only catch is they can only be used one time and my responsibility is to fulfill it that day- so I had to prepare myself to follow-through no matter what.

Cute follow up: Today, she redeemed the "Manicure and Pedicure with Mom" coupon. I told her we would do it as soon as school was over. So, she waited patiently (which for her is huge!). She then got all the stuff together and I was getting prepared to paint her nails, she looked at me funny and said, "No, Mommy. I'm painting your nails!" Now, that's a coupon worth putting back into her book!
I loved the pampering- bumps and all.

Renovation Peeks...

2011-01-26T14:03:00.000-06:00

Two years ago, my husband and I bought a fixer-upper with the intentions of fixing it up in 4 months *ahemm*. 23 months later, we are still one bedroom away from being done- that doesn't include any decorating I would have liked to do. Did I mention we live frugally? Well, that includes decorating as well. When I decorate, it is usually revamping what I already have, but that is for later posts...

We have a baby due in about 3 months, so the master bedroom is our number one project here at home. Since I can't help this time (being pregnant), my husband has to do the work bits at a time when he is home from work... can he get it done? (I hope so!)

The bedroom Today...

The bathroom... the ladder is where the toilet should be (and the sink)

My son- in the shower. (Yes, it will be a shower when we can figure out how to tile it- that will be our first time to try)

Learn to train a dog to train a child?

2011-01-25T14:02:00.002-06:00

I just got done reading a sweet little book called Footprints of a Pilgrim the Life and Loves of Ruth Bell Graham. In a journal entry she once wrote regarding child training :

"Every Parent should read at least one good book on dog training. Odd how, in a day when children are notoriously disobedient, dog training and obedience classes are increasing in popularity. Basically the rules are simple.

1. Keep commands simple and at a minimum. One word to a command and always the same word. Come. Sit. Stay. Heel. Down. No. (I talk my children dizzy).

2. Be consistent.

3. Be persistent. Follow through. Never give a command without seeing it is obeyed.

4. When the dog responds correctly, praise him. (Not with food. remember, don't reward children materially for doing well. Your praise should be enough.)

Its a fine kettle of fish when our dogs are better trained than our children."

Wise counsel, Mrs. Graham!

Plan of action Part 3

2011-01-24T14:52:00.001-06:00

The price of ministry... long bleeps in things like blogging :). Last week was a pause in life as our church hosted its annual Missions Conference... and then the predicted sickness we all had from a lack of sleep. *sigh*

Now, we are back in the saddle. The next, but not final plan of action I have in dealing with my children's disobedience is for me to re-read my parenting books. I am a firm believer that not all parenting books are created equal- its good to read books, but a total waste if the books are not cross- centered and biblically sound. So, I have been very particular over my parenting book selections. Here are a few of my favorites ( I am on the lookout for others that are of the same quality, but these have enough good "meat" to provide that not very many more books are needed.).

1. The Duties of Parents by R.C. Sproul ( You can read it online Here.)

2. Don't Make me Count to Three! by Ginger Plowman

3. Wise Words for Mom's by Ginger Plowman

4. Shepherding a child's Heart by Tedd Tripp

On my list of books that are on the same caliber and will be read in the very near future are

1. Age of Opportunity by Paul David Tripp

2.The Shaping of a Christian Family by Elizabeth Elliott

Plan of action Part 2

2011-01-13T08:11:00.000-06:00

Yesterday marked my determined effort to bring order back into the home. I spent some time (not very much time, as you can see by the pictures) writing out some charts. (If I have some time, I will make them pretty- but when your desperate, torn, wrinkled paper and a pen work just as great!) The first two are things that must get done before leaving their room in the morning. No clothes, no clean room, no food.

I also have distributed all of the major housework (with crossed fingers and a prayer- too advantageous of me? We will see.) The first chart is all of the things that they have to mentally check out before leaving the room- or things they have to do before bed at night- I have one or two last things to add to that one... no leaving my room and no talking...*sigh*

This next chart was extremely helpful as well. I had strayed from writing out their daily school "to-do's", but that has not been well- especially for my middle one- who conveniently forgets what I tell her to do. So I slapped those subjects on the dry-erase board yesterday- and she loved it! I would have thought she would be discouraged to see all she had to do... but no! She loved marking out each item completed one by one- and with a giggle and a grin.

Did it work? See for yourself... If I could have taken a hundred pictures- I would have- with a singing heart! They all did (even the heaviest chores) it with such eagerness and joy. What a turnaround!

I was reminded of this verse, " Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice."

I Chron 16:10

The Lord is interested in the smallest events of our lives and he desires to intervene if we call out to Him.

A plan of action

2011-01-12T08:06:00.001-06:00

On the girltalk blog, the women have encouraged other women to join either their FAM (Fast a Meal) or their Five am club (Getting up early for prayer). I cannot fast a meal because I am pregnant, but I can fast some sleep and that is what I have begun to do as one of the first steps in my plan of action to bring peace back into my home. As I have been studying and seeking God for His grace and help, I was encouraged by these two scriptures:
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Gal 6:9.
Being a mother is a high calling. It is not only a task to bring up children...in my case, educated and disciplined children, but more importantly than that daunting task, is to raise children who love their Savior. It is easy to give into discouragement and failure, but I can have peace as I remind myself of what scripture says and patiently teach my children scripture in the midst of a chaotic season.

Which brings me to my next verse
" The wicked flee though no one pursues,but the righteous are as bold as a lion." Prov 28:1.
Why this verse? You might ask. Have you ever been tempted, like I have, to bury your head in your arms in the midst of two children fighting, or a child arguing with you, or the constant tattling, and just go to a happy place? I cannot tell you how often I have felt like just walking away and ignoring it all for my sanity. Why is this wrong? Because I am avoiding the real problem. I can be as bold as a lion and get in there and point my children to the cross- which is not easy and always requires LOTS of time and patience, or I can flee like the wicked would.

So, I will call our for grace and face the day with peace knowing God has His grace awaiting me in this exhausting task. Seeking the Lord first and foremost in the day is my first plan of action becasue peace begins with me. I hope you might be encouraged my this as well. Tomorrow I have my second plan of action to share.

Blogging slump...Family slump

2011-01-10T15:04:00.000-06:00

I have had such a hard time getting myself going since my 3 month bout with morning sickness. After the Christmas season, I have found that my previous disciplines, motivation, and family peace have been turned upside down. It's amazing what a few months can do. I am fully aware that my standing with God never changes no matter how undisciplined I or my family get, but allowing laziness, disobedience and chaos reign does not serve to bring peace or joy into a home. So... I am on a mission. I am going to go on a quest to get things back in order and learn all I can possibly can about wisdom in this season. I am going to research scripture, read books, articles and blogs and put them into practice until my family is back in order.
The very first thing I did was to pray and ask for God's grace. The next thing was to enlist the help of my husband. I normally try to give my husband the highlights of our days- good events rather than the negative. I try to keep my frustrations with school and kids between the Lord and myself, and only going to my husband for help when a child is out of my control. At times this is okay... I don't want to constantly be complaining and telling my husband how terrible the kids are- that doesn't serve to give him a great feeling about coming home; but I have seen that not discussing some of the major issues has made that matter worse in their hearts. So...now he is aware.
The biggest blessing of the day has already occurred- my husband overheard a response one of my children had this morning, and he promptly decided to take one of his days off and stay at home to help me homeschooling! What a relief that was to me, not to mention to m kids! They had the joy of having Dad expertly show them a science experiment as well as teach them a few things Mom had not been able to get to.
I would like to post as I go along... and I hope by the end there will be amazing fruit to show for the many prayers and studying I intend to do.

January Hymn 2011- O God our Help in Ages Past

2011-01-10T10:08:00.000-06:00

Click hereTo listen to O God, Our help in Ages Past by Issac Watts
Click here to read about this hymn

Christmas Gifts- Coasters

2010-12-16T14:44:00.000-06:00

This year, instead of aprons (which were BIG hit), I thought I would make a basket of creative items- all handmade (and incredibly inexpensive!). Part of what would go in the basket along with two different drink mixes, mugs (from the dollar store and personalized by me), and marble magnets (which I will showcase in the next blog post), were coasters which cost me all of $1.00 for 4!
If you are interested in doing these, I've attached my instructions below. Just be aware you need about 2 days to make them.

Here is what you will need:
Polyurethane (whatever gloss you like- I used satin, but now wished I would have used a higher gloss)
Tile squares (I got mine at Lowe's for 10 cents each)
Any pretty tissue paper, scrapbook paper or napkin you have. (I personally did not like the texture of napkins when I tried it)
Felt pieces or Foam pieces cut into squares the size of the tile
Strong craft glue (I uses E-6000)
Mod Podge

1.First cut a piece of your paper larger than the tile piece.

2. Add a layer of Mod podge all over the tile piece and sides and then spread your paper over the tile carefully making sure to flatten the bubbles.

3. Carefully tear off the excess tissue. Don't worry too much if bits of side tissue come off, they will be relatively hidden.

4. This part takes some time. You will have to give the tiles 3-4 coats of polyurethane allowing each coat to dry in between. That takes anywhere from 3-6 hours per coat.

5. Lastly, using your strong craft glue, add either a foam piece or felt to the bottom of the tile for cushion.

That's it! Easy as pie and cost practically nothing.

About Antonio Vivaldi

2010-12-09T10:08:00.000-06:00

Listen to a kid friendly shows about Vivaldi on Classics For Kids.

I'm Back

2010-12-08T13:19:00.000-06:00

After three months of constant nausea and headaches, not to mention the exhaustion my body underwent, I am back on my feet. It is like some mysterious miracle to wake up one morning to discover that you feel great. So now it's the Christmas season and happy planning is underway. This is truly our most favorite season with so many little traditions and plans we have made throughout the years and I am so glad to be able to participate. I can't wait to post pictures of this year's Christmas plans in our home in the days to come.

Tell me the story of Jesus (December hymn)

2010-12-08T09:58:00.004-06:00

Nature Study: Owls

2010-11-08T10:03:00.002-06:00

Response is what matters- Elizabeth Elliott

2010-11-07T10:15:00.000-06:00

Just yesterday I began feeling a little bit normal again. Weeks of laying on the sofa too miserable to pick up the remote much less a book. If I was not talking myself out being sick, I was asleep- so much for quiet time with the Lord. It was more like praying I could survive yet another pregnancy without too much damage to my falling-apart order in my home. Kids acting like they had never had a Mommy to teach them, a house almost too gross to live in and then worries, of worries, our yearly Fall Festival approached.
The Lord miraculously gave me the strength and energy to complete the long week leading up to the big day, but the week afterwards, I thought I was going to die with the migraines, strep and morning sickness that culminated by stressing out an already tired body. Sounds pretty pathetic, but it is my reality. A reality that lead up the end of "me". I felt like a failure, useless and ready to throw in the towel.
So, getting on my knees, I cried out to the Lord for His strength and His wisdom. After talking to my dear friend, my sister, she read this devotion below by Elizabeth Elliott to me. I just had to stop my heart from all of the trouble and frustrations and remember that God has assigned me my portion and my cup. He has perfectly orchestrated my days and I can rest in His loving care for me, not worry about my inadequacies and weakness. My response to the circumstances He has given to me is what He is after.

I hope this encourages anyone who reads this as it did me:

"What do we really want in life? I am surprised at how few of us have a ready answer. Oh, we can come up with quite a long list of things, but is there one thing above all others that we desire? “One thing I have desired of the Lord,” said David, “that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life…” (Psalm 27:4, NKJV).

To the rich young man who wanted eternal life Jesus said, “One thing you lack. Go, sell everything” (Mark 10:21, NIV).

In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus tells us that the seed that is choked by thorns has fallen into a heart full of the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desire for other things.

The apostle Paul said, “One thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14, NIV).

A quiet heart is content with what God gives. It is enough. All is grace.

One morning my computer simply would not obey me. What a nuisance. I had my work laid out, my timing figured, my mind all set. My work was delayed, my timing thrown off, my thinking interrupted. Then I remembered. It was not for nothing. This was part of the Plan (not mine, His).

“Lord, You have assigned me my portion and my cup.” Now if the interruption had been a human being instead of an infuriating mechanism, it would not have been so hard to see it as the most important part of the work of the day. But all is under my Father’s control: yes, recalcitrant computers, faulty transmissions, drawbridges that happen to be up when I am in a hurry. My portion. My cup. My lot is secure. My heart can be at peace. My Father is in charge. How simple! My assignment entails my willing acceptance of my portion in matters far beyond comparison with the trivialities just mentioned, such as the death of a precious baby. A mother wrote to me of losing her son when he was just one month old. A widow wrote of the long agony of watching her husband die. The number of years given them in marriage seemed too few. We can know only that Eternal Love is wiser than we, and we bow in adoration of that loving wisdom.

Response is what matters. Remember that our forefathers all were guided by the pillar of cloud, all passed through the sea, all ate and drank the same spiritual food and drink, but God was not pleased with most of them. Their response was all wrong. Bitter about the portions allotted to them, they indulged in idolatry, gluttony, and sexual sin. And God killed them by snakes and by a destroying angel.The same almighty God apportioned their experiences.

All events serve His will. Some responded in faith. Most did not.Think of that promise and keep a quiet heart! Our enemy delights in disquieting us. Our Savior and Helper delights in quieting us. “As a mother

comforts her child, so will I comfort you” is His promise (Isaiah 66:13, NIV). The choice is ours. It depends on our willingness to see everything in God, receive all from His hand, accept with gratitude just the portion and the cup He offers. Shall I charge Him with a mistake in His measurements or with misjudging the sphere in which I can best learn to trust Him? Has He misplaced me? Is He ignorant of things or people which, in my view, hinder my doing His will?

God came down and lived in this same world as a man. He showed us how to live in this world, subject to its vicissitudes and necessities, that we might be changed, not into angels or storybook princesses, not wafted into another world, but changed into saints in this world. The secret is Christ in me, not me in a different set of circumstances."

The Love of God- November (2010/1) Hymn

2010-11-01T09:44:00.004-05:00

The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star,
And reaches to the lowest hell;
The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
God gave His Son to win;
His erring child He reconciled,
And pardoned from his sin.

O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure
The saints’ and angels’ song.

Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade,
To write the love of God above,
Would drain the ocean dry.
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.

O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure
The saints’ and angels’ song.

For the history about this song click HERE

Scripture verse of the week

2010-10-18T09:50:00.001-05:00

"Better is a dish of vegetables where love is Than a fattened ox served with hatred. " Proverbs 15:17

Albrecht Dürer - Self portrait

2010-10-12T11:42:00.000-05:00

I just love how he always signed his name: big A, little D embedded within- and always a date- just to make sure we all remember when he painted it.
He looks a bit like Jesus in this portrait doesn't he? What I found interesting about Durer was that he was a godly man- very unusual for his day. He said when he painted this self-portrait that the older we get, the more we should look like Jesus- thus, the locks. He did seem like a genuine man who truly loved the Lord based on my reading, but of course, I still have more to learn about him...so further reading might reveal more.

October Hymn- To God be the Glory

2010-10-06T09:49:00.000-05:00

To God be the Glory by Fanny Crosby. Read about her in a previous post I wrote HERE

Introduction to...

2010-10-05T10:03:00.000-05:00

Well, I have to make a new introduction. Our little munchkin growing inside me. This little person has been the reason our school year is turning out very differently and the reason why I can't seem to get on my computer very often. So, this year will be an adapting year. So, grow, little baby, grow!

“Here is a sweet, fragrant mouth to kiss; here are two more feet to make music with their pattering about my nursery, Here is a soul to train for God. and the body in which it dwells is worth all it will cost, since it is the abode of a kingly tenant. I may see less of friends, but I have gained one dearer than them all, to whom, while I minister in Christ’s name, I make a willing sacrifice of what little leisure for my own recreation my other darlings had left me. Yes, my precious baby, you are welcome to your mother’s heart, welcome to her time, her strength, her health, her tenderest cares, to her lifelong prayers! Oh, how rich I am, how truly, how wondrously blest!” Elizabeth Prentiss in Stepping Heavenward

More Love to Thee, O Chirst

2010-09-24T19:34:00.000-05:00

Well, I've been sick for a couple of weeks, and my poor blog has been pushed aside...
And speaking of sick, we got sick of our hymn (God of our Fathers- our national hymn). Oh, well. We needed something a little more...errr...worshipful. So about a week and a half ago, I fell back on the extra hymns I picked out to study.
This one was such a great choice. Written by Elizabeth Prentiss, the author of one of my favorite books- Stepping Heavenward.
She wrote this about 15 years before she had it published...or rather, her husband encouraged her to to it. It was written after the loss of two children and deep sorrow. Just like in her novel, the deep love for Christ in the midst of trial just permeates this wonderful woman's life and has inspired and taught me to look to the cross when I suffer. What a dear, and passionate song to our Savior.

Listen Here: More Love to Thee, O Christ
More love to Thee, O Christ, more love to Thee!
Hear Thou the prayer I make on bended knee.
This is my earnest plea: More love, O Christ, to Thee;
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

Once earthly joy I craved, sought peace and rest;
Now Thee alone I seek, give what is best.
This all my prayer shall be: More love, O Christ to Thee;
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

Let sorrow do its work, come grief or pain;
Sweet are Thy messengers, sweet their refrain,
When they can sing with me: More love, O Christ, to Thee;
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

Then shall my latest breath whisper Thy praise;
This be the parting cry my heart shall raise;
This still its prayer shall be: More love, O Christ to Thee;
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

Albrecht Dürer- Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse

2010-09-10T15:04:00.000-05:00

Read about it here on Wikipedia

The history of The Four horsemen of the Apocalypse can be found in Revelations. John depicts the four horsemen as: One, being Pestilence- he is carrying a bow and wears a crown. The next is War depicted by a sword. Then comes Famine holding a scale (to weigh food during a famine), Lastly is Death with Hell behind him. John says one fourth of the world will be destroyed by one or the other of these four.

This art was, from what I read an engraving. I'm not 100 percent on that one, but I'm pretty sure that is what I read.

Questions I asked my kids:

What does this art make you feel?

What do you think Durer was thinking as he drew this?

Living a lie ?

2010-09-10T07:27:00.001-05:00

This morning I read in 1 John 2: 3-6 "We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did."

I was struck by this especially because recently, I was having a conversation with a woman about a particular issue she was facing in her life and then I began asking questions like: "how is your time with the Lord?", "Are you praying for this situation?", "Do you have faith that God can change this?"...etc
No matter what question I asked, there was an excuse- quite valid excuses- to her. The more I tried to help her find solutions to some of these roadblocks of time with her Savior, the more complicated the excuses became. I finally walked away from that exhausting conversation thinking to myself, "She doesn't want to change! She just wanted a sympathetic ear and for someone to tell her to keep on sinning- God will overlook it!"
I can't stop at that story, because John wrote this for us all. What excuses do I make for not obeying God? I took out my journal and wrote: " What is my lie?" John said that if we do not do what God commands, he is a liar. So, again, what is my lie?
I could write out a list of areas I need to grow in, and I did, but in taking a deep look into my heart the one thing I am going to focus on is my discipline in patience. I get impatient with people and my kids too quickly. I am going to add that to what Elizabeth George calls a "fat file". That means I am going to begin a study on that subject until I become an expert on it. So, here I go and I hope you will do the same to your "lie".

George Washington's Breakfast

2010-09-09T11:30:00.000-05:00

What did George Washington eat for breakfast? That's what a little boy named George (who also shares the same birthday as George Washington) wants to know in George Washington's Breakfast by Jean Fritz.

Well, I'm not going to give too much away in this wonderful living book teaching kids more about George Washington than they think they are learning, but we made it...

And no, they are not pancakes!

About Ludwig von Beethoven

2010-09-09T10:05:00.001-05:00

This term's composer is Beethoven.

You can listen to a radio show about him here on Classics from Kids.
Today's piece is Piano Sonata 8 (Pathetique) Opus 13 (listen to it on my Grooveshark widget on the side bar).
Here is a link with information about this piece in particular found on Answers.com. I haven's read it yet, but I plan to.

This is what we are doing: After our devotions, once a week, we listen to the audio show on Classics for Kids, and then to the musical piece for the week. From now until the end of the year, I will have the music playing all throughout the day while we work (there is a widget with of this terms pieces on my side links you can click and play or copy to your Grooveshark account- it's free!) and by the end of the year they will have the piece forever playing in their minds and hearts- they will always remember it.

Early Morning thoughts on 1 John ...

2010-09-09T07:25:00.004-05:00

It is a new day best begun with time with my Savior, Jesus Christ. I have been getting up about 2 hours before my children get up for years, and though it is the most precious time in my life, I feel compelled to share a few minutes here (I'm not making this a daily priority- my time with the Lord is too precious for that, this is just something I'll do when I have a couple of minutes to spare).

I am studying 1 John right now, so would you like to come along with me on my study?

First, read the first chapter. A solid understanding of the gospel is clearly presented. When we understand that Jesus died for us in order that we might have life and if we have humbly confessed our sin and acknowledged our need for a savior (Jesus Christ), we are on the right path to living a righteous life (which will take all of our lives).

Now, I am on a slow path through chapter 2-

I John 2: 1 "My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense- Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sin, and not only for ours, but also for the sins of the world."

Have you ever done something you really regret? I have. In keeping with my homeschool/wifely/motherly duties, I have blown it. I have gotten angry with my kids and raised my voice, have lost hope in schooling them when they struggled with a subject, have nagged my husband...yes, I have been a very unlikeable Mommy.

What is the most recurring theme in all of that? Guilt.

This scripture verse, though, tells us that when we do feel guilty, Satan is accusing us. He is pointing the finger at us to prove to God that we are his. He wants us to think that we are not God's children when we sin- we are under trial and that is what guilt says to us. But hold on! Christ is standing up in our defense- the day I confessed my sin (when I was a kid) and recognized my need for a Savior, confessed and repented, I was bought (ransomed) by Jesus from Satan. No longer do I stand accused, Christ covered me with his righteousness. Satan no longer has a right to my soul.

Isn't that good news?

So the next time you feel guilty and if you have been "born again", remind yourself that the Righteous One has already ransomed you and guilt can no longer has a voice.

Welcome to the Thevaos Charlotte Mason Acadamy!

2010-09-08T18:12:00.000-05:00

My school room is getting a little bit crowded with books (how does that happen?), but even so, we are only surrounded by friends (in books) and the best minds that ever lived. So, how can we not have such a wonderful place for creative moments, learning, and meeting so many more friends and places through the lives we get to read about?

Somehow, our little room affords hours of time together.

I can't wait to record another year in this blog - our scrapbook of sorts. I hope you use anything you see here in your home as I hope to learn from the many great school based/ home based blogs that are out there as well.

Here is a peek into our school room- (I 've included a real student just to make it more real - really, she was just doing her work while Mom was snapping pictures).

Happy learning (and reading)!

God of Our Fathers- September Hymn

2010-09-07T09:35:00.000-05:00

Special Note: America's National Hymn
Read about who wrote this hymn and why it was written HERE. (It is worth the read)
Listen to it HERE

1.God of our fathers, Whose almighty hand
Leads forth in beauty all the starry band
Of shining worlds in splendor through the skies
Our grateful songs before Thy throne arise.

2.Thy love divine hath led us in the past,
In this free land by Thee our lot is cast,
Be Thou our Ruler, Guardian, Guide and Stay,
Thy Word our law, Thy paths our chosen way.
3.From war’s alarms, from deadly pestilence,
Be Thy strong arm our ever sure defense;
Thy true religion in our hearts increase,
Thy bounteous goodness nourish us in peace.

4.Refresh Thy people on their toilsome way,
Lead us from night to never ending day;
Fill all our lives with love and grace divine,
And glory, laud, and praise be ever Thine.

Bathroom Etiquette

2010-08-13T20:08:00.000-05:00

Here it is again- my rules for bathroom etiquette (not that they are followed very well! That's why I have them posted in the bathroom until they get it).

Feel free to copy, engrave or burn these rules. One more thing, if you are ever a guest in my home- I won't check to see if you have followed them- these are just for family peace.

Bathroom Etiquette

1. Wash your hands with soap, and dry them when you are done
2. Flush the toilet
3. When you tinkle on the seat, "be a dear and clean it up"
4. lower the lid when you are done
5. close the shower curtain
6. clean the counter-tops and mirror when you splash
7. Pick up your clothes and put them in the proper place
8. Pick up your towel and either hang it up or put in clothes hamper

Walking With the Wise

2010-08-10T12:54:00.001-05:00

Walking with The Wise for Kids is a new CD out by Sovereign Grace Ministries. It is excellent! I would like to encourage any parent who desires (and is working toward )building Godly character in your families, to order this CD. The link I posted has a free downloadable song called Lazy Bones. We have had the CD a week and my kids have played and re played it a hundred times - but you know what's great? They are pulling out the Proverbs sung about and identifying areas in their own life where they need to grow. There is a song about God loving truthful lips and my son recognized that he desires to please God by speaking words that are true. My daughter Audrey identified with "Lazy bones" saying "I sure am a lazy bones, but the Bible calls it a sluggard. I don't want to be a lazy bones any more, I want to be a busy bone!" Laura saw herself in the song about learning to be a good friend as well as learning the fear of the Lord.
What valuable truths songs can have in our kids- they are the same principles I have been teaching all along- but somehow, they "got it" by listening to them in song!

(I don't get any profits from saying all of that- I just really want to encourage parents to consider getting this for your family- it's well-worth it!)

Manners

2010-08-08T12:20:00.005-05:00

Just for the heck of it, I'd thought I'd re-post our list of manners. And just for an idea of what we do: during lunch, I teach them a manner (going down the list- one manner a week). Then we role play to reinforce it. We have fun with it, but also make it our mission all week to act on it.

Manners

At table:
1. When we have company, please serve the guests by asking "Pardon me (or excuse me), would you like to have...?"
2. When we are guests, do not make a comment about how food looks, smells ore tastes. Just eat it, say "No thank you.", or leave it on your plate.
3. When we are guests, do not make a comment on the hour in which we are eating by saying, "It sure is late!", or "Why are we eating so early?" or "I'm hungry! When are we going to eat?"
4. When we have an older guest over, hold the seat for them and then allow them to sit, and then scoot the chair in for them.
5. Place your napkin on your lap, sit up straight, and keep your elbows in or by your side.
6. Ask for something across the table by saying, "Would you please pass the..." (respectfully if to adults, never interrupt or ask loudly), never reach across the table for it.
7. Wait for everyone to be served before eating.
8. Wait for hostess/host, Mom or Dad to begin eating before you eat.
9. Begin using the utensils on the outside first.
10. No-no's : Double dipping, slurping, burping, licking fingers, or dragging your finger across something to taste it!
11.Sit up straight (not hunched).
12. Bring your food to your mouth. Don't take your face to the plate.
13. Butter only a small piece of bread and chew slowly. Don't butter the whole piece.
14. Wipe your mouth gently with a napkin and place it on your chair when getting up.
15. Chew slowly, don't gobble down the food, don't put too much food in your mouth, or chew with your mouth open. Talk after or in between swallowing.
16. Use utensil (always, when at weddings or nice dinners).
17. Always thank the cook. Find at least 2 things you did like and compliment that.
18. Stay seated at the table, or wait until you are excused.

Setting a table:

1. Place the folded napkin in the center of the diners table.
2. Place the large fork to the left of the napkin (and a salad fork to the left of the large fork)
3. Place the salad plate to the left of the forks (dinner plates should not be on the table) (company)
4. Place knife to the left of the plate with the cutting edge toward the plate
5. place dessert and soup spoons to the right of the knife.
6. place a bread plate two inches above the forks (company)
7. Place a water glass 2 inches above the knife.
8. place the coffee saucer and cup to the right of the setting (company)

Conversation Manners:
1. Look at the person in the eye who is speaking to you (especially adults).
2.Introduce yourself and ask their name
3. Use Mr. and Mrs.______ while speaking to them.
4. Ask questions when you don't understand something
5. Stick to the subject
6. Say nice things about people and praise those who deserve it
7. Don't fidget or wander off when you are being spoken to
8. Don't listen to conversations you are not a part of
9. Don't interrupt when someone else is talking
10.Don't whisper in front of another person
11.Don't whine, tattletale, brag, or say mean things about others
12.Don't ask personal questions such as how much things cost or why someone looks or dresses the way they do
13.Don't point or stare Don't argue about things that aren't important
14. Remember the magic words: "Thank You" ,"Please" ,"May I ... " ,"Excuse Me" ,"I'm Sorry"

Telephone Manners:
1. Pick up by saying, "Hello, this is the Thevaos home." or "Hello, this is _____ speaking."
2. After hearing who they need say, "One moment please."

2010/11 Folksongs

2010-08-05T19:00:00.000-05:00

I am doing my research early - all of these folksongs are going to be posted during the Term scheduled in it's full video format with it's story, but I just wanted to have the links ready for myself and anyone else needing them. (Click on the name of the song to see the video on You Tube)

If you are wondering how we do our folksong study, we first find out about the song, and then listen to it. Once a week (or longer if it's a fun or catchy song that my kids love) we listen to it and try to sing along.
That simple.

Term 1 (September-November): Waltzing Mathilda
Term 2 (January- March): Tall Men Riding
Term 3: (April- June): Botany Bay

2010/11 Hymn Choice

2010-08-05T15:49:00.000-05:00

Ambleside Online always does such a great job choosing new hymns for the year, and this year is no exception. I did have to tweak a few for us because I had a difficult time finding beautiful versions out there (I can't play the piano, so I need to find pretty songs we can sing along with our devotions in the morning). If you click on the song name, it will take you to the sight I found the song we will be using. Some I found on You Tube, some on Grooveshark and also the center for Church Music.
Every Month, I will re- post the song we are doing along with a full widget, or video, lyrics and story about the author and song. But here is my list for now.

September: God of our Fathers
October: To God be the Glory
November: The Love of God
December: Tell me the Story of Jesus
January: Oh God, Our Help in Ages Past
February: I'll fly away
March: Come thou almighty king
April: I know that my redeemer lives- modern version
May: Tis so Sweet to Trust in Jesus

Extra songs to learn:
Nearer my God to Thee ( hymn played on the Titanic)
More love to Thee, O Christ
Pass Me Not O Gentle Savior

Day to Day Scedule/ 2010-11

2010-08-04T17:07:00.000-05:00

Do you hear it? Well, I do! The sound of the Angels rejoicing- I'm done with the year's schedule!!!!
Oh, I can't even tell you how wonderful it feels to a gal who HATES to plan. I always do it because it's needed- but I'm not one of those rare women who loves it.
So glad this is over with.

You can visit my schedule by clicking here.

Like I mentioned before, Laura is in year 5 of Ambleside Online, so we are keeping to that schedule. The way Ambleside gives you the schedule is in a week format ant it's up to you to schedule the readings throughout the week. For example a week in year 5 will look like this on the schedule (this does not include the daily work such as grammar, piano, handicraft, free read, etc ):

The Bible
This Country of Ours ch This Country of Ours ch 64. Washington First in War, First in Peace
Abraham Lincoln's World: 1809 pg ix-x, Napoleon pg 5-8, The Next Emperor pg 9-10, Because of England and Napoleon pg 11--14, Young Creoles of Venezuela pg 15-18
Trial and Triumph ch 36. William Carey Father of Modern Missions (1761-1834) 219
Of Courage Undaunted (Across the Continent with Lewis and Clark) pg 13-20
Explore the Holy Land, Turkey, ch 1 OR Hillyer's Childs Geography of the World ch 1, 2 OR Halliburton
Wild Animals I Have Known: Lobo, first third
Physics Lab in A Housewares Store: Measurements, Measuring Devices p. 17, 18
Spread this term's Shakespeare play and Life (from Plutarch's Lives) over the 12 week term
Poetry of Rudyard Kipling
biography of Isaac Newton to be read over the 12 week term as desired
Pyle's King Arthur: Part I, The Winning of Kinghood, ch. 1 and 2 or Roger Lancelyn Green: Bk 1 ch 1 The Two Swords, ch 2 Balyn and Balan
Age of Fable ch 15 The Graeae, Perseus and Medusa, Perseus and Atlas

In the past, I would have just spent some time on Monday morning recording the readings in a teachers record book (which always took about 15-20 minutes out of the morning), so taking this past week to put it into a spreadsheet for the whole year will save an incredible amount of time next year.

If you looked at my weekly PDF schedule, you would have noticed a time when we will have Family Work time. It is during this time that Timothy and Audrey will join Laura in a history reading. I used Truthquest History (American 1800- 1865) as a guide to help me find living books at my library. (That's what took so much time- researching my library files- so if you happen to have k-3 year old kids (and Live in the San Antonio area)and are using this Truthquest guide just copy the books I recorded. Trust me, I'm saving you HOURS of work).

2010/11 Weekly Schedule

2010-07-26T14:11:00.000-05:00

I'm one step closer to being done with my planning, my weekly schedule is now complete. If you wish to view it, you can see them by clicking on the day down below:

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday

Our Weekly Schedule PDF

2010-07-21T12:11:00.005-05:00

We are almost there! My weekly schedule is here in PDF format for you to see if you wish. Now... I'm on to our daily schedules *deep breath*

2010/2011 Family Year Overview PDF

2010-07-19T16:41:00.000-05:00

For those who are interested in seeing our new school year overview click HERE .
We will be using Ambleside Online's year 5 as our spine resource and to keep things flowing smoothly for all of us, I will be using Truthquest's American History for Young Students II 1800-1868 to help choose books for the two youngest, keeping the same history time table for us all. So as an example, I will choose a book my five year old can understand and read that to all of the kids, and then Laura, who is an independent reader can read her own books later on in the day.

(When Laura reaches year 7, Timothy and Audrey will begin year 2 guaranteeing they will be on the same history time line)

Just for reference the Ambleside History guide goes like this:

Year 1 -- early history, focusing on people rather than events
Year 2 -- 1000 AD - Middle Ages
Year 3 -- 1400 - 1600 (Renaissance to Reformation)
Year 4 -- 1700's up to the French Revolution and American Revolution
Year 5 -- 1800 to 1920 up to WWI
Year 6 -- end of WWI to present day, then a term in ancient history
Year 7 -- 800-1400's Middle Ages (Alfred, King Arthur, Joan of Arc)
Year 8 -- 1400-1600's (Renaissance to Reformation)
Year 9 -- 1688-1815 including French and American revolutions
Year 10 -- 1815-1901 including the American Civil War
Year 11 -- 20th Century
Year 12 -- ancient history

I will continue to post schedules and book guides in the days to come leading up to our first day of school.

Summer Reading

2010-06-30T10:30:00.001-05:00

Summer is for reading- in our family. I recently found this book in my bookshelf. How it got there? Not quite sure, but it was there and so it deserved reading. I am so glad I did. It was a fantastic book. A book which begs further research just for curiosity sake. Who is Esther Huatzig? What is a steppe?

This book is about a Jewish family from Poland who were forced from their homes and into exile at the start of the war. Suspected to be capitalist by the Russian army, they were enemies of the people. A family born into wealth and richness were now reduced to degrading poverty in Siberia. Written as an autobiography, Esther tells her story of life as a 10 year old child trying to find her place in a desolate land and finally learning to love the land that almost destroyed her family.

I loved reading the incredible strength of a people almost forgotten by our children and even our own generation. What must have it been like to grow up with nothing to play with? I wouldn't know- my kid's wouldn't know.

Planning

2010-05-29T08:58:00.000-05:00

I am currently planing out our next years school year which is why I haven't blogged, but I'll be back with a bunch of non-school stuff like books, crafts, outings, homey things very soon!
Not to mention, I'll have our next years school posted for anybody to look.
See you soon!

Bird Study- Kingbirds and Flycatchers

2010-05-12T16:02:00.000-05:00

Three cousins, king birds, pewee's and flycatchers were the object of our bird study today. We only focused on the type that lives in our area at various times of the year.

The king bird is so called because he is so brave. The king of birds, he intimidates predators by his incessant nagging.
Here in San Antonio, we may be able to find the Western Kingbird during the summer months.

The flycatchers have the best eyesight and swiftest maneuvers to catch insects, including bees (drones, of course). What's interesting about them as well, is they like to line their nests with snake skins.

In San Antonio, we can find the Great Crested Flycatcher during the summer

possibly the Ash-throated flycatcher during summer months

Eastern Wood Pewee during the summer

Scissor tailed flycatcher during the summer which is also the Oklahoma state bird.

For some great bird activities check out this sight:
Texas Park and Wildlife

Wildflower Study - Mexican Hats and Wine cups

2010-05-12T15:16:00.000-05:00

We went hiking last week, and discovered so many wildflowers still in bloom. We were so proud to share our knowledge with fellow hikers (and Dad) , but we were a little dismayed that we still had so many more to learn!
We are taking it a little slower this week since we have all been sick, but we did make time to learn the names of two more.

Mexican Hats (Ratibida columnaris)
It looks a bit like a sombrero, doesn't it?

and Wine Cups (Callirhoe involucrata )

Time to journal

Monet- term 3 artist study

2010-05-11T11:02:00.002-05:00

There is so much to feast your eyes on when studying Monet. I loved his spirit as he paved the path to Impressionism. Thanks to him, we can enjoy a great period in art.
Finding a good sight to help me learn more about his paintings was a challenge, but I did find one that was helpful to me. You can find it here.
The last month, we have studied these four paintings:

Jean Monet on his hobby horse

Terrace at St. Adresse

Laura tried her hand in copying Monet's painting:

Women in the garden
You can read more about Women in the Garden here.

Woman with a parasol- Madam Monet with her son

Hymn of the Month- There is a fountain filled with Blood

2010-05-10T16:00:00.001-05:00

We have had a week of strep and scarlet fever this last week, thus no blogging. It is already 10 days into our month and our first glimpse into our hymn.
Written by William Cowper, There is a Fountain Filled with Blood was written after a time he battled with insanity. After multiple attempts to kill himself, he finally came to believe in the Salvation of the Lord. You can read his story here

There is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Emmanuel’s veins;
And sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains.
Lose all their guilty stains, lose all their guilty stains;
And sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains.

The dying thief rejoiced to see that fountain in his day;
And there have I, though vile as he, washed all my sins away.
Washed all my sins away, washed all my sins away;
And there have I, though vile as he, washed all my sins away.

Dear dying Lamb, Thy precious blood shall never lose its power
Till all the ransomed church of God be saved, to sin no more.
Be saved, to sin no more, be saved, to sin no more;
Till all the ransomed church of God be saved, to sin no more.

E’er since, by faith, I saw the stream Thy flowing wounds supply,
Redeeming love has been my theme, and shall be till I die.
And shall be till I die, and shall be till I die;
Redeeming love has been my theme, and shall be till I die.

Then in a nobler, sweeter song, I’ll sing Thy power to save,
When this poor lisping, stammering tongue lies silent in the grave.
Lies silent in the grave, lies silent in the grave;
When this poor lisping, stammering tongue lies silent in the grave.

Lord, I believe Thou hast prepared, unworthy though I be,
For me a blood bought free reward, a golden harp for me!
’Tis strung and tuned for endless years, and formed by power divine,
To sound in God the Father’s ears no other name but Thine.

Nature Study: Wild flowers

2010-04-29T16:21:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was wildflower nature study. Audrey has been terribly sick with allergies, so we are home bound right now. Walks can't happen, but during our drives, we have taken note of the wildflowers on the side of the road. We choose four of the most abundant right now to study. Here's what I did. I found a copy of Texas roadside wildflower nature book and also a copy of a wildflower field guide at the library and then looked up the four we wanted to learn about. We are planning a trip to nature tomorrow and then, we are going to take pictures of them. For now, I had the kids draw a picture of the flower into their nature journal.

This is a Pink Evening Primrose.

This is a Firewheel.
Some people call it an Indian Blanket Firewheel.

This is called a Prairie Verbena.

This is the ever common Dandelion. They are everywhere right now and the one flower my kids look for everywhere to blow the fun seeds.

Time to journal. This is Laura's journal.

This is Audrey's.

Life on the Space Station

2010-04-27T14:59:00.000-05:00

Today's lesson in Astronomy was the hit of the year. Laura thought it would be so cool to live on board the space station, but after we read about a few key daily problems like showering and toilet use, she changed her mind. Oh, well. This video was a neat picture in the lives of the astronauts, although it does conveniently leave out a few details (like showering and toilet use)- good thing for us.
Note: the music is incredibly annoying. You are more than welcome to mute it- I did.

Handicraft: Sewing

2010-04-27T14:33:00.000-05:00

I love to see kids develop their love for creative things. Audrey asked me to teach her how to sew, so we pulled out her American Girl sewing book. In about 2 hours, we had sewn together a nightgown for her doll. And she did an amazing job of doing so much of the work herself.

Kirsten is decked out in her kitty PJ's. Great Job, Audrey! Your first sewing project well done.

What's That? Handicraft Inventions

2010-04-22T07:27:00.001-05:00

Handicrafts in my house can involve all sorts of interesting activities. (Very rarely my idea). I know it looks like these two are fighting, but they are not. They are creating something- What exactly, I still don't know. But they ate it. You can't get me to eat some of their inventions.

This is a banana in it's skins with something oozing out of it... I think there was coffee creamer involved.

This looks more normal, but what, oh what is poured over it? I didn't have any cream in my house the day this was invented.

Overall I love to see my kids get creative no matter how strange it comes out.

Wildflower Day- 4 new flowers

2010-04-21T22:14:00.000-05:00

Today is Wildflower Day for us

We took a little time right after our devotions, before everyone scattered to do their individual work, to learn 4 new wildflowers and record them in our nature journals. If you would like to join us in our studies once again,
Here are the three flowers we learned:

Black eyed (or brown eyed) Susan (found anywhere in Texas except West Texas)

Buttercups (found only around the Gulf coast area of Texas)

Asterceae (or Aster) found anywhere in Texas

And lastly, a Basket Flower (also found anywhere in Texas)

Here are some great wildflower links to help you study as well!

Wild about Texas Wildflowers

Texas Wildflower Guide

My Wildflowers

Bird Study- Finches

2010-04-20T14:28:00.000-05:00

This is a purple finch. Isn't it pretty? They are the size of a sparrow, but purple. The female looks like a sparrow as it has very little if any color at all. House finches are very similar in shape and color, but less purple. So pretty. I actually saw this bird in my backyard with the sparrows and couldn't identify it until now. How exciting.

This is a male goldfinch during mating. They become more like the females (below) during the winter months. One interesting fact about finches is that they don't build nests during the spring. While all the other birds are busy feeding their hatched babies, finches are just happily resting. They are seed eaters, and they need seeds to survive. Seeds are usually ripe on mature plants during the summer, thus the wait.

Wildflower Study Kick Off!

2010-04-15T11:19:00.000-05:00

Today we begin a new "tab" in our Nature Studies- Wildflowers! It's timely, isn't it? With spring upon us and all of the beautiful wildflowers out. I only wish we had begun sooner so we know what flowers we are looking at.

We began with studying the parts of the flowers:

And then we began with our state flower- the Texas bluebonnet . Scientific name:Lupinus texensis

If you and your kids are not familiar with lupines, try reading Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney. It is a fantastic book about a woman who makes the world beautiful by planting lupines.

This is the Agalinis. Scientific name is pururea, Common name is a Purple False Foxglove

Another view:

This next one is the Bitterweed found here in the Texas Hill country. Its scientific name is Helenium amarum . It is related to the sunflower. It is called a Bitterweed because it's aroma is very bitter. Cows generally stay away from them, but if a heifer does eat this flower, its milk tastes bitter. Bees honey will also taste bitter and foul if it makes its honey from the pollen of this flower.

Time to journal:

Learning the Night Sky: God's Creation

2010-04-13T14:13:00.000-05:00

"Can you bind the beautiful [a] Pleiades?
Can you loose the cords of Orion?

32 Can you bring forth the constellations in their seasons
or lead out the Bear with its cubs? Job 38: 31-32

Isn't it amazing that the sky was created by God to point out His glory and to tell of the Salvation story? Even before humans gave the stars Mythological names and stories, God knew the constellations and even placed them there Himself. The sky not only points out God's glory, it was created by Him, for Him!

I am posting these two videos because one actually is a lesson helping you find the constellations and the other, a brief lesson on the night sky.

2010-04-13T13:47:00.000-05:00

Viking Ships- Viking Tales

2010-04-13T13:45:00.000-05:00

This is a good video with some interesting information about Viking Ships.

Abigail's Peacefield

2010-04-12T22:15:00.000-05:00

Another reason to love Ambleside- an in depth look into the lives of the one who changed ours; like Abigail Adams. Her biography in "Abigail Adams, Witness to a Revolution" has opened our eyes to an incredible woman.

I have no idea why this was our favorite piece of information today, but it was unanimous- what had to be posted here, on our little blog was Abigail's house- Peacefield. After returning from Europe, Abigail and John moved into their "Old House" and it's many problems thinking that it was a matchbox of a house after their mansions in Europe.- Ummm... If that is a matchbox mine must be ...

Abigail brought home two roses from abroad: the White Rose of York...

And the Red rose of Lancaster ( I don't know... looks pink to me- but what do I know?)

So, if you ever visit Peacefield, like we plan on doing, ask if these two roses are still in bloom (which according to my research, still do)- you might impress a few guides!

Bird Study- Towhee's and Buntings

2010-04-06T10:28:00.000-05:00

This is a Towhee. It is also called a ground robin. It is related to the sparrow and finch family as well as the cardinal and the grosbeak.
I had the pleasure of seeing this little guy at a nature center two weeks ago and was surprised at how fat he was. He is called a ground robin because he sort of looks like a robin, but he doesn't stay in the tree tops. He stays low finding worms and insects under dead leaves on the ground. The also likes to eat fruit and berries.
They make their nest on the ground .

Another relative is the indigo bunting. They can be found here in Texas (maybe) in the summer. The males are a lovely bright blue with black tinges along it's wings. The female looks just like her sparrow cousins with only a very slight tinge of blue along her wings and of course we all know why- females cannot attract attention while nesting. The fathers are colorful (like the cardinal) to attract the attention of predators away from their spouses.

We saw this in our backyard last week. Our beautiful daddy cardinal was eaten by a cat while protecting his family.My kids sobbed for days- we had a funeral and buried our lovely little man. Just today, I saw a new daddy out side, so maybe our female found herself a new guy.

This is the painted bunting. The reason I posted this even though it was not in our actual study is because it is expected to visit us next month!

If you are in the Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana area, he might stop in and say hello! That is a great time to spend lots of time outdoors just for the sight of him. My Peterson's guide shows that he might even visit around Charleston, SC and he also hangs around the very southern tip of Florida during the winter.

The female is a lovely muted green- another little tip: they will only be the size of a sparrow.

I will sing of my Redeemer by Phillip Bliss

2010-04-05T09:14:00.000-05:00

I will sing of my Redeemer,
And His wondrous love to me;
On the cruel cross He suffered,
From the curse to set me free.

Sing, oh sing, of my Redeemer,
With His blood, He purchased me.
On the cross, He sealed my pardon,
Paid the debt, and made me free.

I will tell the wondrous story,
How my lost estate to save,
In His boundless love and mercy,
He the ransom freely gave.

I will praise my dear Redeemer,
His triumphant power I’ll tell,
How the victory He give
Over sin, and death, and hell.

I will sing of my Redeemer,
And His heav’nly love to me;
He from death to life hath brought me,
Son of God with Him to be.

Written by Phillip Bliss
This hymn was found in Mr. Bliss' belongings after a tragic train wreck which took his and his wife's life. He apparently survived the initial wreck, but when he went in to rescue his wife, he and his wife were killed. The night before the accident, he told his audience, " I may not pass this way again." and then he sang a solo, “I’m Going Home Tomorrow.”

Sometimes God does prepare us, doesn't he?

Robert Louis Stevenson and His Wife

2010-04-01T21:28:00.000-05:00

There is no doubt Robert Louis Stevenson and His Wife is a bit strange.
I mean, why paint him in a way that is most unflattering... and his wife! Why paint her in a way that makes her looks like... well, like a slob *shrink*.
But really, as we read about this portrait, it did become a fascinating piece to us. He was a very lanky man. which would account for much in this portrait.
He and Sargent were very good friends, and it was he who asked Sargent to paint him as he was ( especially during a difficult time in Sargent's life)- he was a thinker. In fact, he was writing "Kidnapped" at the time (which we are currently reading, making it an exciting discovery), he had a habit of pacing the room as he thought up a story. Could he have been writing "Kidnapped" during this time?
Sargent captured him as he really was, and interestingly enough, his wife loved it. She was a bit different by the accounts we read, but she felt like this portrait captured them in a strangely accurate way. I have to agree.
Laura spent time using Sargent's talents to give her some guidance ...

And to make things right with her (Laura) she wanted me to post he corrected copy to Lady Agnew. She fixed the other one- and I wanted to make sure the one she was content with was posted.

Black Holes, Suprnova's and Nebula's

2010-03-31T08:25:00.000-05:00

Yesterday's astronomy was facinating!

Here is a brief gossary about 3 things we learned.

Black holes: When a star collapses inward. It dies and gets smaller and smaller. Here is a great link that will allow you to travel to a black hole: The Hubble Telescope

Supernova: When a star begins to shrink, it produces a huge amout of mass actually generating so much heat that the star explodes.

Nebula: a "footprint" of a supernova. When a star explodes, it leaves behind a cloud of dust and debris.

Cascarones (Mexican Easter Eggs)

2010-03-26T22:14:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to draw you attention to my other blog Simply Domestic for a tutorial on Cascarones if you have never tried it (or heard of them). Its a great way to add some culture to you homeschooling family during Easter! Hope you can give it a try.

Ravel's Bolero

2010-03-26T13:10:00.000-05:00

Ravel (a French composer) was commissioned to compose for a ballet called Fandango. It was Ravel's idea (after watching the first scene the way it was performed and disapproving of it), to have the woman (Ida Rubinstein) perform the scene in front of a factory where the workers would appear and dance together while a bullfighter is killed by a jealous rival. This song is supposed to be the world's most frequently played piece of music.

Minn of Mississippi:How boats changed the river

2010-03-25T11:37:00.000-05:00

We loved looking into the history of boats along the Mississippi. Obviously it was a lot easier to travel down the river, but going back up took plenty of man power until the 1800's when steamboats changed the course of travel along the Mississippi. Here are some pictures of the some of the boats used throughout history.

First was the two-log raft (which I couldn't find a picture of).
Thencame the Bull-boat

Next came the dugout

And then the Pirogue

Next the flatboats

The Keelboats made famous by the stories of Louis and Clark

And then the era of steam. This is just one of the many kinds used for the next century...

An interesting note: During the time of the keelboats, men actually pulled by sheer man power by poling, physically towing or rowing the boats back up the river.

Farewell to Nova Scotia- folksong

2010-03-23T17:17:00.000-05:00

I like the video of Nova Scotia- but it definitely is not the best sounding version of this song. I'll post a better sounding (but a video without any pictures) so at least we can listen to something more pleasant ;)

Chickadees and Titmouse- Bird of the Month

2010-03-23T16:52:00.000-05:00

My kids insist they have seen chickadees in our backyard. I have never seen one, but they have- yea. That means they are looking! Chickadees usually stay around all winter and eat the eggs of harmful worms and bugs in our backyards- so be nice to them. Apparently they can be trusting little fellows if you are kind to them- they may even let you eat out of your hands!

And where you find a chickadee, you will most likely find a titmouse like little best friends.

Astronomy: The night sky

2010-03-23T16:22:00.000-05:00

As we are moving along in our study of Astronomy, we are entering the study of the stars. We learned today that Polaris is our North Star and is located at the end tip of the Little Dipper- I'm sure you all knew that. I always feel like I am learning new things- I sort of remember that form somewher. I remember reading about how to find the north star if you find "The drinking Gourd" or the Big Dipper from our studies about slavery, but after that it's all fuzzy.
Anyway...The North star is not in the Big Dipper. You have to follow the line from the Big Dipper to the Little Dipper in order to find it. So first look for the Big Dipper and then draw a line to the end star of the Little Dipper and voila! you have found the North Star.

Also,a fact my daughter wanted me to record was that Uranus rains diamonds- a fact worth remembering ;)

The Battle of Bunker Hill

2010-03-22T21:30:00.000-05:00

One of the best things I love about Ambleside Online is the tapestry of rich stories that get weaved from different perspectives. From the biography of Abigail Adams, to a rich Historical book like This Country of Ours, then to George Washington's World we get a 3D (if you will) perspective of times in history. I asked Laura what she loved most about her history readings today.
She said what stood out to her the most was the story of Bunker Hill (which did not actually occur on Bunker Hill- it took place on Breeds Hill). George Washington had just been dispatched as the Continental Army's general to which he responded with dread. He simply did not feel he had the strength or the wisdom for such a task.
When certain events lead to the colonist resisting the British, a turning point occurred within the hearts of the brave men of America- they fought; and they fought hard. The Battle of Bunker Hill was a losing battle- the colonist lost, but boy, did they put up a good fight- all heart and strength.
The British lost more men than the colonist and also gained a new found respect for the proud men who fought for their country.
Washington was elated. He now knew these poorly clad and badly weapon men with hardly a weapon could fight-
That was what Laura gleaned from this story. She said it is great to know that we all have more in us than we expect just like the colonist.

Field trip to...nature.

2010-03-20T11:25:00.000-05:00

Spring is in the air! Texas weather is very touchy, so we have to get out on those perfect days. It was perfect on Thursday, so out we went!
First, time to pull weeds...

Plant our garden seeds...

Join our home school group for an outdoor school...

There's Laura crossing over the "Poison River" Challenge.

We'll make it back indoors soon. Spring doesn't last long around here. Summer comes way to fast and doesn't go away for a long time. Until then, we are going to try to enjoy the outdoors. Hope you can to!

Home from Vacation!

2010-03-17T13:48:00.001-05:00

I feels so good to be home from our vacation. *sigh* Today was the first day I was able to take a breath after a week of skiing and then another week playing the catch up game...unpacking, cleaning, laundry...

Here are some pictures of our trip. Being the Charlotte Mason enthusiast that I am, we kept on the lookout for changes in scenery as we drove west. I really, really wish I had remembered to pack my camera up front with me as we drove TO New Mexico from Texas, I missed so much interesting changes in scenery. I did catch a bit of the scenery on our way home, though. The pictures begin with our drive from Santa Fe, NM back to San Antonio, TX- at least until it got dark and I couldn't catch the change any more.

But first... a Steller's Jay! Just look at his beautiful color.

Lady Agnew of Locknaw- Friday Art

2010-03-05T14:21:00.001-06:00

This is such a beautiful portrait. The story behind it makes it even more fascinating. Read here.
Notice how the symmetry of her face makes the picture look so much more enchanting- if you try covering up half of her face with a piece of paper, what do you see? Now, try the other side, what does her expression say? If you read more about her you might come up with your own idea.
Laura thought one side of her face said she was trying to be still but not wanting to, and the other side of her face said she wanted to laugh but couldn't.
What do you think?

This is Audrey's reproduction...
This is Laura's...

Kidnapped- Accents

2010-03-04T23:00:00.000-06:00

As we read Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson this afternoon, an English accent was mentioned in the novel. Most of the novel is laced by a Scotch accent, so when an English accent was thrown in, it suddenly made my daughter question what the difference was in regards to accents- that is a question! This woman sure answered plenty of questions for us- it's a hoot to hear her try out so many accents in a little over 2 minutes.

Hyacinth- Greek Mythology

2010-03-04T22:18:00.000-06:00

Ever wanted to know the story of certain flowers? Well, to be honest, I didn't even know flowers had stories. Apparently almost anything has a story dating back to the times of the Romans. For instance, the flower Hyacinth 's story dates back to a Roman myth of the god Apollo and a very dear young friend named Hyacinth. During a game of quoits (which looks very much like the game of horse shoes check the video below for an idea of what it is, Hyacinth was mortally wounded when struck by a spear (or something like it) on the head. In his sorrow, Apollo took the blood of his dear friend and turned it into this lovely flower which blossoms in the spring to remind us of the faithful friend and his fateful death. Apollo's tears stained the new petals with Ah! Ah! as a sign of grief.

Alas! And did my Savior bleed- March hymn

2010-03-02T10:14:00.001-06:00

I was moved to tears listening to this song- and trying to read the words to my kids was next to impossible- but we got through it and will spend this month learning this hymns with humble hearts.

Alas and did my Savior bleed
And did my Sovereign die
Would He devote that sacred head
For such a worm as I
Was it for sins that I had done
He groaned upon the tree
Amazing pity, grace unknown
And love beyond degree

My God why would
You shed Your blood
So pure and undefiled
To make a sinful one like me
Your chosen precious child

Well might the sun in darkness hide
And shut His glories in
When Christ the mighty Maker died
For man the creature’s sin
Thus might I hide my blushing face
While His dear Cross appears
Dissolve my heart in thankfulness
And melt my eyes to tears

Music and chorus lyrics by Bob Kauflin
Lyrics by Isaac Watts read more Here

Olaudah Equianao

2010-03-01T17:45:00.000-06:00

" I might say my sufferings were great: but when I compare my lot with that of most of my countrymen, I regard myself as a particular favorite of heaven, and acknowledge the mercies of Providence in every occurrence of my life."

Olaudah Equiano was kidnapped as a young boy along with his sister and sold as a slave into the brutal market of the times. After gaining his freedom later in life, he spent his remaining years as a key abolitionist- 10 years after his death the English slave trade was abolished- watch this video made by a high school student for interesting insight to this man.
You can read more of his life and incredible faith here

Narration Journal

2010-03-01T17:39:00.000-06:00

Audrey's Narration to Our Island Story's "The story about Gregory and all the pretty children"
" Gregory found some children who were going to be sold as slaves and he took them home to be his children and told them about the gospel. His children were so good, that he wanted to tell all the Britons about Jesus, so he told Augustine to go to Briton to tell them about Jesus."

With eyes on the cross: Mercy

2010-02-28T20:20:00.000-06:00

Luke 6:27-36
"But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28bless thosewho curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29To one who strikes you on the cheek, offerthe other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either.30Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do notdemand them back. 31And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. 32If youlove those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love
them. 33And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? Foreven sinners do the same. 34And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, whatcredit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. 35But loveyour enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will begreat, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.36Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful."

Think of the most challenging people in your life...go on... who is it that makes you groan? Who makes you uncomfortable... and rubs you the wrong way? They can be found at home, at church, at work and occasionally in one time meetings. I don't have to look back very far in my memory for one of those moments... it just happened a couple of nights ago. I was sinned against by my husband in a weak moment of his- he was tired and I was tired. I was complaining and he let me know it. I responded in sharp tones and he corrected me again and again. Sound familiar?

The amazing thing about mercy is this: We received it despite our sin. God poured out His mercy when we deserved judgement and wrath. The Cross is the place we go to remind ourselves that we deserved death and yet God has loved us. So, what does that mean for me? That means that I have a mandate... a command from my Father to be kind to those who sin against me because He was kind to me! He displayed his mercy on the Cross and it is His example we must follow.

Christians...the church should look different than the world. The world responds to offences with anger... pay-back...bitterness... snubbing, but the Bible shows us God's model for us: "he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil."

If God is kind to those who ungratefully reject his sacrifice, shouldn't we, His children be kind and merciful to those who sin against us?

All of this ran through my mind as I locked myself in the bathroom to think about my heart after the conflict my husband and I had. I wanted to be angry with him, but God's truth would not allow me to. I had to line my heart up with the truth of the gospel: I deserve only judgement but Christ died for me and saved me from death, can I not humble myself, overlook my husbands offence and respond to him despite his sin with kindness? After all, he had to do the same for me.

By God's grace, I can, and I did. My husband poked his head in moments after I got my heart right. We looked at each other and laughed- it is amazing how sin can distort our emotions. The truth has a way of bringing it all into perspective and shining the light of joy and peace into even the hardest situations. That is truth I am holding onto this week- The truth of Mercy.

Finlandia ~ Jean Sibelius

2010-02-27T20:22:00.000-06:00

This is a great story of the National Song of Finland written by it's most beloved composer: Jean Sibelius

Minn of Mississippi: Cahoika Mounds

2010-02-27T19:56:00.000-06:00

As we are studying the Mississippi in our Geography, we have discovered all sorts of interesting information about the river. From the shape, to the historical links to stories we have read (Little house on the Prairie), to ecosystems and habitats. But the most interesting think I have never heard about before now is the ancient city of Cahoika located near St. Louis, Miss. in Collinsville, Illinois. It is a fascinating story of an ancient people who lived long before the Indians we are familiar with. They thrived and had a very large community for centuries and then they disappeared. The Cahoika Mounds is where one of the largest archaeological sights in North America is happening- and the information they provide is staggering! Check it out!

One Small Square: Winter ground study

2010-02-27T19:25:00.000-06:00

Again, we participated in The Handbook of Nature Study Blog Challenge. This week's challenge was to section off a one foot square with some yarn and begin to study what is in that area. My kids chose their section and then were stumped. I told them to choose 5 things they could find in their area. Laura chose a spot in my dead garden...well, to be exact, I have 6 beets still growing.

Audrey choose an interesting spot: There were only a few blades of grass growing there.

Audrey discovered an insect pod in a clump of dirt.

Laura dug up my beets.

Here were the five things we found: A grub, a leaf from a Mexican Oak, a piece of mulch, a piece of rock, a funky beet.

Time to journal. Laura pulls out her watercolors and tries to put her lesson in dry brushing into practice- she liked it!

Audrey recorded her findings.

A rock, a leaf, a bug pod, a dead flower, a button.

If you are wondering where my little munchkin (Timmy) is, he err... needed a bath.

Happy Birthday to me!

2010-02-24T16:13:00.000-06:00

My kids have been hard at work organizing and cleaning up my desk and school room as a surprise for my Birthday today! I was here on the computer oblivious to what they were doing -I thought they were playing, but lo and behold, they were hard at work cleaning and organizing. Sweet kids.

Handicraft: Art

2010-02-24T14:33:00.000-06:00

I have been on a little bit of a blogging slump. It seems like if ever I take some time off, it's hard to get back on the band-wagon. Just like exercising, or getting up early...

I love to blog, but seriously, sometimes I'm on a roll and other times it's mind-racking to think of basic things... but putting it into perspective; my blog is our family journal and one day I hope to compile our best moments into a blog book... so that is motivating enough!

I'm back to recording our life... important!

Art seems to be the choice of handicraft around here; well actually, the other two need a handicraft that will bring out their natural talent, but for now, they are Laura's sitting models. They are happy to do it- they are pretty good sports when their older sister makes them hold pose for over an hour... but I've got to admit, the one hour of peaceful drawing if pretty nice.

We'll try a new handicraft for Audrey and Timmy next time...

Cedar Waxwing

2010-02-18T14:14:00.000-06:00

We were shocked the other day by a flock of birds in our back yard . We had never seen them before- Look closely and see all of them in the tree, there must have been twenty. They just flitted about and looked so happy bouncing from branch to branch. We immediately grabbed our camera to take pictures and then just watched them to see what they did before they took flight like a collective cloud of yellow and green.

Later, we looked through our copy of Peterson's Field guide and found our bird- it is a Cedar Waxwing They are Winter visitors from up north. We discovered that they are sometimes called Cherry birds since they like to eat cherries and other types of berries as well. Our Burgess Bird Book describes them as birds who are valuable to an apple orchard because they feast on worms that would otherwise consume the apples.
Look at the tuft on it's head- so much like a cardinal. They have a yellow breast and olive feathers as a coat. The tip of it's short tail is trimmed in a yellow and red stripe and it's eye is trimmed in a velvet black- beautiful.

Song that inspired Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose

2010-02-13T09:01:00.001-06:00

If you studied Sargent's Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose, you might have read that the picture was inspired by a popular song of the time. I saw the sheet music, but I can't play the piano, so I was disappointed when my search went unrewarded... until now. Here is a link where you can listen to the song on the second posting from the top: Listen HERE

Nature Study Challenge- Birds

2010-02-12T14:54:00.000-06:00

This time around, we are getting more comfortable with our nature studies, so I thought we could join the Handbook for Nature Study Blog for their continuous challenge in nature. Although we have been studying birds already with Burgess' Bird Book in year one, we also use Anna Comstock's Handbook for Nature Study once a week to study a particular bit of nature.

(Observing nature and loving it is a new thing for me, but we are trying hard to fit it into our lives. So call us a nature beginner; nature study for dummies- that's us. Please don't laugh or hate me- we are genuinely trying hard to fall in love with nature- it takes time but it's coming one study at a time.)

This weeks challenge was to learn about migratory patterns in birds. We discovered that we have Winter "visitors", Summer "visitors", and we have Permanent Residents. We learned about the paths birds have taken for centuries and happily enough, we are smack dab in the way- that means we need to keep our eyes open during the spring! We are going to get some little visitors and we had better be aware of them.

For today, I had my children make some bird suet and also fill our bird feeders before sitting outside for 10 minutes very quietly and observe what birds they see. We noticed several birds we have seen all year. Pigeons, black birds (I think they are crows), house sparrows, a blue jay and a woodpecker.

Next, we made a note whether or not we have noticed them all year or are they just here for a brief time. We all agreed- all of the birds we saw with the exception of the Jay we have seen all year. They are permanent residents.

The Jay is our project. We are going to make a note as to whether or not he lives here throughout the year or not.

(Our next lesson will be on Hens. We are going to the Rodeo today. We have our journals and we have some notes about what our observations need to be. See you tomorrow with more of our studies!)

If you look close you can see the blue jay among the cedar foliage.

We've got a study in black birds to do, it seems. These are two different kinds of birds- one is a bit browner and smaller than the other. Our little house sparrows have stuck around all year long- little faithful friends.

Please correct us if we are wrong, but we're pretty sure this is a pigeon. You can see the woodpecker poking his head out among the branches.

Our woodpecker- he didn't leave! We thought he had left us, but a little bird suet in our bird feeder proved he is still around.

Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose

2010-02-07T21:59:00.000-06:00

Carnation, Lily, Lily,Rose by John Singer Sargent is such a fabulous painting with such a rich story of Sargent's brilliancy using light. It took Sargent two years to complete this portrait mainly because he only had a couple of minutes ever day from August - November during the time the sun was setting. He wanted to capture the moment the sun's descending rays hit the flowers, but not just that; he captures the lighting of the Chinese lanterns during the moment the sun was setting allowing the light from the lanterns to glow, but the darkness had not yet blanketed the scene allowing the lanterns to be the predominate light- he captured the precise moment the sun was setting and the glow of the lanterns became part of the scene.

The name of the portrait came from a popular song during that time telling of a lovely maiden who wore a wreath made of carnations, lily's and roses. The wreath's beauty described her loveliness: He hands were white as a lily, her lips crimson red, and her cheeks pink as a rose.

Read the complete story of how he drew the most replicated postcard paining here.

John Singer Sargent

2010-02-07T21:58:00.000-06:00

Here is a beautiful video on some of Sargents greatest works

Edvard Greig

2010-02-07T21:46:00.000-06:00

I want to draw your attention to Classics for Kids- they have an excellent show about this term's composer- Edvard Greig.
Listen Here for the short radio shows explaining Norway's most famous Composer's Works.

Madam X

2010-02-07T21:42:00.000-06:00

One of John Singer Sargent's most famous works and the object of his near career catastrophe- Madam X. Watch this video to give you a commentary on this fabulous portrait.

Greek Mythology- Glaucus and Scylla

2010-02-05T22:22:00.000-06:00

I haven't been posting regularly on our Mythology stories, but I need to do it more often. Laura's drawings are just fantastic and I want to keep an account of what she is doing for the future here. The stories are also very interesting- where was I in school? I don't remember learning this stuff!

The story of Glaucus and Scylla goes a bit like this: Glaucus was a fisherman who one day noticed the fish he caught were literally moving themselves back into the water.
He ate a bit of the herbs they were laying on thinking that the herbs must carry some kind of special powers.
So, sure enough, he began to long for the water so much, he gave up his life on land to live in the water.
He fell in love with a land- girl named Sylla, but alas! She spurned his love.
Needing help to earn her love, he asked advice from the enchantress Circe, but finding her solution of despising Scylla too severe, he rejected her advice.
In her anger, Circe caused Scylla to be consumed by horrible sea monsters and ultimately changed her into a wretched rock in the ocean becoming the terror of the sea- the cause of many shipwrecks.

Read a Book With Me- Moss Gown

2010-02-03T22:09:00.000-06:00

This book is an interesting recommendation for me. It is a southern tale having been told for many, many years and also changed a bit through time. What I love about this book is the love story. The youngest daughter of an aging plantation owner is asked, along with her two ungrateful sisters to prove their love for their father in order to help him decide who he would ultimately pass his wealth to when he died. The two sisters found flattering words to express their love (albeit shallow and without true love) while the youngest and wonderfully genuine daughter could only find these words to express her love, "I love you more than meat loves salt."

Horrified and angry at her expression of love, being misunderstood, was ordered to leave the plantation and never return. She is ultimately helped along by a "fairy godmother" and the meaning of her words to her father coming back to truly express how much she really did love her father and at the end, her father did finally understood her deep love for him.

What I didn't love about this story was the griss griss woman who helped young Candice. Although this story is southern Cinderella story, the griss griss woman appears strangely magical when compared to the jolly, plump fairy godmother in the traditional Cinderella story.

However, it is one of our favorite stories. My daughters and I have read and reread this story dozens of times. It has solidified our bedtime expressions of love to each other. I begin with "I love you more than meat loves salt." And one child will come up with something creative like, "I love you more than pigs love mud." And " I love you more than T rex's love to hunt!" Back and forth until we finally can't come up with more.

I hope you will read it one day.

Hummingbirds and Loggerhead Shrikes- Birds of the Week

2010-02-03T16:41:00.000-06:00

We all know about hummingbirds, but to see them in a new light is always exciting. After studying their sounds and habits, we are so anxious to get a feeder for our backyard and watch them for ourselves. Listen to their call and buzz here

Shrikes were a new bird for us altogether. I had no idea what they were, but now I'm on the lookout. A clue for us to recognize them would be their similarity to a mockingbird which we have in abundance here in Texas (our state bird). They are primarily black and white though with a black stripe across their eyes. What is interesting about these birds is that they actually catch mice and English sparrows and other insects and stakes them on thorn bushes in order to save the meal until they are ready to eat. For such a small bird, that is fascinating! Listen to their call here

February Hymn- 2010 (I know whom I have Believed)

2010-02-01T09:18:00.001-06:00

Daniel W. Whittle, the author of this hymn was a major during the American Civil War. When recovering from the loss of his arm in a hospital he began reading a Bible. He did not receive Christ as his Savior until he was asked to pray for a young soldier, wounded and dying. He knelt beside the young boy and then and there asked the Lord to forgive and save him. The boy sighed and died at that moment. Whittle credited the young boy as being used by God to bring him to Christ.

Here are two versions to the song: (the first one being the original and the second a contemporary version) 1. listen on grooveshark here ,
2. Listen on grooveshark here

1. I know not why God's wondrous grace
to me he hath made known,
nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
redeemed me for his own.
Refrain:
But I know whom I have believed,
and am persuaded that he is able
to keep that which I've committed
unto him against that day.

2. I know not how this saving faith
to me he did impart,
nor how believing in his word
wrought peace within my heart.
(Refrain)

3. I know not how the Spirit moves,
convincing us of sin,
revealing Jesus through the word,
creating faith in him.
(Refrain)

4. I know not when my Lord may come,
at night or noonday fair,
nor if I walk the vale with him,
or meet him in the air.
(Refrain)

The Daughters of Edward Darly Boit- Sargent

2010-01-30T07:47:00.000-06:00

I saw this video last night after it was posted on our Ambleside Yahoo group- it is a fascinating description about the wonderful painting we recently studied by John Singer Sargent.

What is also an interesting bit of information written about them which you can read in it's entirety here tells us that Florence (14) and Jane(12) (the two eldest daughters in the background never married and eventually became mentally or emotionally disturbed as they grew up. Mary Louisa (8) and Julia (4) also never married. They grew to become very close as sisters; Julia later becoming an accomplished painter in watercolor .
It is suggested that because of Sargent's unique and gifted view of life; he would have possibly seen something different about Florence and Jane; choosing to paint them in the distance; obscured and shaded as if they were not really part of the family and yet hinting that they are by the dresses he chose for them all to wear (if he did choose them- he usually did choose the dress of his subjects).
Whatever the case is, the painting is a fascinating object to ponder over. I was curious about the parents- why did they raise four daughters who never married- two becoming mentally unstable?
Below the video, I am posting a portrait of Mrs. Boit (the girls mother) also painted by Sargent.

George Washington'e World- Thomas Jefferson

2010-01-28T22:00:00.000-06:00

We thought it fascinating today as we read from George Washington's World how much Thomas Jefferson loved his "hill". He loved it so much that he wanted to be buried there. As we went on a search to find out about his loved home, Monticello captured our interest. Watch these videos and see if doesn't capture yours as well. (Visit the Monticello sight HERE to explore a 3D view of the house- looks more like a mansion to me)

Here is a fascinating video about the man who build his own home, which by the way took 40 years.

This short clip is fascinating as well- it is just the trailer to the movie they show if you visit Monticello- no fair to us who can't just up and go take a day trip to the house.

Laura's Art

2010-01-27T18:08:00.000-06:00

The Breakfast Room- John Singer Sargent (Last weeks study)

This is the reason I love to home school~ This is Laura's reproduction after a week of working on it

Read a Book With Me - Elsie Dinsmore

2010-01-25T22:53:00.000-06:00

Since my children were born, the undying tradition in our home is to read to them before bed. One hour before bedtime is devoted to reading. If we miss a night, it is like the world coming to an end to my sweet kids. We have read hundreds of books and it is my joy to share some of those with you. If you have never read Elsie Dinsmore to your daughter, I would highly recommend it simply for the godly character the young girl of the story exhibits. I have never seen it on any of Charlotte Mason's recommended reading, but I don't let that stop me from reading books to my children that would encourage godly character in them. Set before the Civil War, little Elsie longs to have the love of a father in her life as her mother died when she was young. Her father left her in the care of her grandparents and showed no love to her until one day, he re appeared, a stern and unloving shadow. Elsie displayed unwavering love for him and a steady love for the Lord through every trial of her young life. It is a book worth investing into your daughters.

Polka Dot Birthday

2010-01-21T15:11:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday to Audrey! As a solution to a big problem (How to have a party for 35 kids ages 6-12), I threw a polka dot party for her during our children's ministry class. Everything dots. Bingo, Twister, Connect 4, Sorry... It worked out great with the exception of one rule: Never give that many kids candy DURING a party. Always wait until they leave to give it to them. *grin*

Ignorance's very thought provoking reply...

2010-01-15T17:17:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, as we were reading Pilgrim's progress, we read a conversation between Christian and Ignorance. It served as such a great conversation starter about sin and salvation for my children, I thought I'd post it here:

"IGNORANCE: What be good thoughts respecting ourselves?

CHRISTIAN: Such as agree with the word of God.

IGNORANCE: When do our thoughts of ourselves agree with the word of God?

[164] CHRISTIAN: When we pass the same judgment upon ourselves which the word passes. To explain myself: the word of God saith of persons in a natural condition, "There is none righteous, there is none that doeth good." It saith also, that, "every imagination of the heart of man is only evil, and that continually." And again, "The imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth." Now, then, when we think thus of ourselves, having sense thereof, then are our thoughts good ones, because according to the word of God.

IGNORANCE: I will never believe that my heart is thus bad.

CHRISTIAN: Therefore thou never hadst one good thought concerning thyself in thy life. But let me go on. As the word passeth a judgment upon our hearts, so it passeth a judgment upon our ways; and when the thoughts of our hearts and ways agree with the judgment which the word giveth of both, then are both good, because agreeing thereto.

IGNORANCE: Make out your meaning.

CHRISTIAN: Why, the word of God saith, that man's ways are crooked ways, not good but perverse; it saith, they are naturally out of the good way, that they have not known it. Now, when a man thus thinketh of his ways, I say, when he doth sensibly, and with heart-humiliation, thus think, then hath he good thoughts of his own ways, because his thoughts now agree with the judgment of the word of God.

IGNORANCE: What are good thoughts concerning God?

CHRISTIAN: Even, as I have said concerning ourselves, when our thoughts of God do agree with what the word saith of him; and that is, when we think of his being and attributes as the word hath taught, of which I cannot now discourse at large. But to speak of him with reference to us: then have we right thoughts of God when we think that he knows us better than we know ourselves, and can see sin in us when and where we can see none in ourselves; when we think he knows our inmost thoughts, and that our heart, with all its depths, is always open unto his eyes; also when we think that all our righteousness stinks in his nostrils, and that therefore he cannot abide to see us stand before him in any confidence, even in all our best performances.

IGNORANCE: Do you think that I am such a fool as to think that God can see [165] no further than I; or that I would come to God in the best of my performances?

CHRISTIAN: Why, how dost thou think in this matter?

IGNORANCE: Why, to be short, I think I must believe in Christ for justification.

CHRISTIAN: How! think thou must believe in Christ, when thou seest not thy need of him! Thou neither seest thy original nor actual infirmities; but hast such an opinion of thyself, and of what thou doest, as plainly renders thee to be one that did never see the necessity of Christ's personal righteousness to justify thee before God. How, then, dost thou say, I believe in Christ?"

Isn't this a great picture of our need for salvation? When we see the scripture say we are evil and sinful, then it makes the gospel real. We need a savior. Jesus did not come to die for the sinless, but for the sinners. Thank you, Lord Jesus!

Bird of the Day- Vireo's

2010-01-11T14:20:00.000-06:00

Today's Bird study was on vireo's. Here are the three kinds of vireo's we learned about:

Red eyed vireo:
These birds are characterized by red eyes, an olive coat, white breast, grey cap, and a black strip across it's eye, and a white strip above it. These song birds will sing all day rarely without a break, they are private birds making their nest among the tree tops. They can be found here in Texas during the summer- so we'll be on the lookout!

Listen here

Next is the Warbling Vireo:
This bird is a bit plainer than the red-eyed, but the coat is a lighter olive and it's breast is more cream colored with the exception of the slight color and the red eyes ~ other than that, they are very similar:

Listen here

Lastly among the cousins, is the yellow throated vireo (also very similar with exception of color):

Listen here