Unfortunately I have some sort of stomach virus so I spent the day resting yesterday and looking at house plans. We have come across a new real estate listing - a beautiful farm that is for sale (we drove by on Friday). The existing farm house is very small and could be fixed up as a guest house/older children house. The land is half pasture, half woods and has a meandering creek. The price is excellent. So, we are considering building a house. The thought is very scary as I have not heard good things about the building process. I will continue to research, including a cedar home company and panelized building systems. More on this to come I am sure.
I also finished Feminine Appeal this past weekend. The book was good, a simple read, with many parts highlighted in my copy. I have begun reading, "Fields Without Dreams" by Victor Davis Hanson. Will comment more as I get further into the book.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Constitution Class
Last night I had my Constitution class. One of the things we talked about was that people should be ruled by laws and not the whims of men, who are sinful, of course. This is so true and I realized that it is also true for the family. So, I began drafting a family constitution yesterday with help from the children. I was given a link to what looks like an excellent resource for this idea, will post more about it if it truly ends up being excellent.
On another note, I am so excited that I won my auction for a set of The Great Books of the Western World which also includes most of The Gateway to the Great Books and the Great Ideas Family Reading Plan (not sure if this is the correct name). I was able to find the other Gateway Books in a separate auction. God has blessed me for sure!
On another note, I am so excited that I won my auction for a set of The Great Books of the Western World which also includes most of The Gateway to the Great Books and the Great Ideas Family Reading Plan (not sure if this is the correct name). I was able to find the other Gateway Books in a separate auction. God has blessed me for sure!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
From the Center For Social Leadership -by Stephen Palmer
Your Life Will Change When:
You spend more money and time on books than you do on entertainment.
You stop waiting for others to solve the problems you notice.
You trust your intuition more than the "wisdom of the crowds."
You muster the courage to venture inside yourself and discover your intuition in the first place (i.e. the conscience God gave you).
You accept that problems aren't "out there"; they're in your own heart.
Your vision for yourself and your life becomes more compelling than your fear.
Your commitment to truth becomes stronger than your attachment to beliefs.
Your desire to love becomes stronger than your attachment to ego.
You realize that you can't effectively influence others until you know yourself.
You value the freedom of forgiveness over the prison of blame.
(words in parentheses mine)
You spend more money and time on books than you do on entertainment.
You stop waiting for others to solve the problems you notice.
You trust your intuition more than the "wisdom of the crowds."
You muster the courage to venture inside yourself and discover your intuition in the first place (i.e. the conscience God gave you).
You accept that problems aren't "out there"; they're in your own heart.
Your vision for yourself and your life becomes more compelling than your fear.
Your commitment to truth becomes stronger than your attachment to beliefs.
Your desire to love becomes stronger than your attachment to ego.
You realize that you can't effectively influence others until you know yourself.
You value the freedom of forgiveness over the prison of blame.
(words in parentheses mine)
Excerpts from Laddie and Feminine Appeal
First from the book, "Laddie" by Gene Stratton Porter-
"Think of being allowed to learn your lessons on the top of the granary, where you could look out of a window above the tree tops, lie in the cool wind, and watch swallows and martins. Think of studying in the pulpit (a special place in her parents orchard) when the creek ran high and the wild birds sang so sweetly you seemed to hear them for the first time in all your life, and hens, guineas and turkeys made prime music in the orchard. You could see the buds swell, and the little blue flags push through the grass, where Mrs. Mayer had her flower bed, and the cowslips greening under the water of the swale at the foot of the hill, while there might be a fairy under any leaf. I was so full, so swelled up and excited, that when I got ready to pick up a book, I could learn a lesson in a few minutes, tell all about it, spell every word, and read it back, front and sideways. I never learned lessons so quick and so easy in all my life; father, Laddie and everyone of them had to say so. One night, father said to Laddie: "This child is furnishing evidence that our school system is wrong, and our methods of teaching far from right." "Or is it merely proof that she is different," said Laddie, "and you can't run her through the same groove you could the rest of us?" "A little of both," said father, "but most that the system is wrong. We are not going at children in a way to gain and hold their interest, and make them love their work. Their must be a better way of teaching, and we should find different teachers..."
Second from the book, "Feminine Appeal" by Carolyn Mahaney:
"What are we known for? How would our family and friends portray our character? As these people observe our lives, they should be more aware of our good deeds than our style of clothing, our talents and abilities, our hobbies or our standard of living. We should be renowned for good works at home, in our churches and extending to our communities. Of course, the goal is not to garner attention for ourselves, but to show forth the compelling power of the gospel."
"Think of being allowed to learn your lessons on the top of the granary, where you could look out of a window above the tree tops, lie in the cool wind, and watch swallows and martins. Think of studying in the pulpit (a special place in her parents orchard) when the creek ran high and the wild birds sang so sweetly you seemed to hear them for the first time in all your life, and hens, guineas and turkeys made prime music in the orchard. You could see the buds swell, and the little blue flags push through the grass, where Mrs. Mayer had her flower bed, and the cowslips greening under the water of the swale at the foot of the hill, while there might be a fairy under any leaf. I was so full, so swelled up and excited, that when I got ready to pick up a book, I could learn a lesson in a few minutes, tell all about it, spell every word, and read it back, front and sideways. I never learned lessons so quick and so easy in all my life; father, Laddie and everyone of them had to say so. One night, father said to Laddie: "This child is furnishing evidence that our school system is wrong, and our methods of teaching far from right." "Or is it merely proof that she is different," said Laddie, "and you can't run her through the same groove you could the rest of us?" "A little of both," said father, "but most that the system is wrong. We are not going at children in a way to gain and hold their interest, and make them love their work. Their must be a better way of teaching, and we should find different teachers..."
Second from the book, "Feminine Appeal" by Carolyn Mahaney:
"What are we known for? How would our family and friends portray our character? As these people observe our lives, they should be more aware of our good deeds than our style of clothing, our talents and abilities, our hobbies or our standard of living. We should be renowned for good works at home, in our churches and extending to our communities. Of course, the goal is not to garner attention for ourselves, but to show forth the compelling power of the gospel."
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Snow and Lysistrata
I woke up this morning to one of the most breathtaking sights - a snow covered homestead. I love snow and am so thankful that God has allowed us to retire in a place that usually gets lots of it!! I am looking forward to many more years of waking up to snow, Lord willing.
On a different note, I had my first Great Books class Monday night. This class is sponsored by Dr. Shanon Brooks with Face to Face With Greatness Seminars. During this class we are reading works by Plato, Aristophanes and Aristotle. I have already read through most of the suggested readings but Dr. Brooks gave a helpful hint Monday that was really awesome. He said that using cliff notes, spark notes, etc... to give you a background as to what some of these difficult readings mean can be very helpful in understanding them. He was right!! Before I began reading Lysistrata, I printed several different summaries from the computer and read those first before I dived into this play by Aristophanes. It made the reading so much more enjoyable and I didn't stop reading for two hours (other than to look up a few words). I will definitely do this with all of my Great Books readings from now on until I am better able to understand them. I already have the next set of summaries ready to go for Aristotle's Ethics which I should finish today. Lysistrata is pornographic in nature (Dr. Brooks warned of that) but what has struck me the most is how unpleasant it is to read about crass, flirting, unfeminine, controlling women. This play does a great job of making these type of wormen very distasteful to read about. It does the same for wimpy, unchivalrous, impure men. Unfortunately, our culture today seems to want to follow the Greeks into this same methodology. May we wise up soon!!
On a different note, I had my first Great Books class Monday night. This class is sponsored by Dr. Shanon Brooks with Face to Face With Greatness Seminars. During this class we are reading works by Plato, Aristophanes and Aristotle. I have already read through most of the suggested readings but Dr. Brooks gave a helpful hint Monday that was really awesome. He said that using cliff notes, spark notes, etc... to give you a background as to what some of these difficult readings mean can be very helpful in understanding them. He was right!! Before I began reading Lysistrata, I printed several different summaries from the computer and read those first before I dived into this play by Aristophanes. It made the reading so much more enjoyable and I didn't stop reading for two hours (other than to look up a few words). I will definitely do this with all of my Great Books readings from now on until I am better able to understand them. I already have the next set of summaries ready to go for Aristotle's Ethics which I should finish today. Lysistrata is pornographic in nature (Dr. Brooks warned of that) but what has struck me the most is how unpleasant it is to read about crass, flirting, unfeminine, controlling women. This play does a great job of making these type of wormen very distasteful to read about. It does the same for wimpy, unchivalrous, impure men. Unfortunately, our culture today seems to want to follow the Greeks into this same methodology. May we wise up soon!!
Monday, February 22, 2010
My mission statement
Steve and I have been working on individual mission statements using the Franklincovey.com mission builder. I am posting mine here as a reminder to me and also as an archive of sorts.
I am at my best when I am well rested, able to be creative, and am challenged academically and theologically.
I will try to prevent times when I am tired, have to be in control of everything, am cooped up to long or when the kids are all behaving poorly.
I will find enjoyment in my personal life through organization, creativity, study, being with my family and enjoying the outdoors through farming and gardening.
I will find opportunities to use my natural talents and gifts such as organization, research, sewing, quilting and nutrition.
I will strive to be a godly and feminine wife and mother, manage a grass based farm, orchard and garden, make beautiful quilts and clothing and always be learning.
My life's journey is to become and then to be an example of a Proverbs 31 and Titus 2 woman.
I want to be a person my husband, children and grandchildren will say helped prepare them to lead godly lives, serving Jesus.
My most important future contribution to others will be foremost, to be a helper to my husband in his vision for servant hood, loving God and others and being a mentor to future generations; and further, to be an example of a godly feminine mother who helped train her sons to be men of character, valor, courage, purity and honor and who helped train her daughters to be women of feminine grace, pure and holy.
I will always be striving for not always feeling like I need to be working but enjoy spending time with my husband and children and spending more time in God's word and in prayer.
I will constantly renew myself by focusing on the four dimensions of my life: Physical through working hard and eating well, Spiritual by studying God's Word, Mental by always learning and Emotional by praying continuously.
I am at my best when I am well rested, able to be creative, and am challenged academically and theologically.
I will try to prevent times when I am tired, have to be in control of everything, am cooped up to long or when the kids are all behaving poorly.
I will find enjoyment in my personal life through organization, creativity, study, being with my family and enjoying the outdoors through farming and gardening.
I will find opportunities to use my natural talents and gifts such as organization, research, sewing, quilting and nutrition.
I will strive to be a godly and feminine wife and mother, manage a grass based farm, orchard and garden, make beautiful quilts and clothing and always be learning.
My life's journey is to become and then to be an example of a Proverbs 31 and Titus 2 woman.
I want to be a person my husband, children and grandchildren will say helped prepare them to lead godly lives, serving Jesus.
My most important future contribution to others will be foremost, to be a helper to my husband in his vision for servant hood, loving God and others and being a mentor to future generations; and further, to be an example of a godly feminine mother who helped train her sons to be men of character, valor, courage, purity and honor and who helped train her daughters to be women of feminine grace, pure and holy.
I will always be striving for not always feeling like I need to be working but enjoy spending time with my husband and children and spending more time in God's word and in prayer.
I will constantly renew myself by focusing on the four dimensions of my life: Physical through working hard and eating well, Spiritual by studying God's Word, Mental by always learning and Emotional by praying continuously.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Lila Tueller Designs
Right now I am working on a skirt using a Lila Tueller pattern and her Santorini fabric. Recently, I finished a dress for Elizabeth using the same fabric. Anyway, take a look at her blog -she has posted a beautiful quilt which will hopefully inspire others to take up the art of quilting. The skirt hanging next to the quilt is the same pattern I am making. And in case you dont think you have time to sew, Lila is the mother of 7 children! Enjoy!
lilatuellerdesigns.blogspot.com/
lilatuellerdesigns.blogspot.com/
Farming in this day and age
Trying to balance the need/desire for housing and farm land is difficult for a family of our size and more importantly in this economy. It is so frustrating to see beautiful farms being subdivided or being sold for millions of dollars. How does our nation expect to allow wannabe farmers to start farming when the price of good farmland is so prohibitive these days. I believe the wave of the future may be farming many small plots of land, ie 20 acres that you live on, another 20 close by, 20 or 30 down the road, leasing more within 10 minutes away, etc... I think the days of new large farms may come to an end - those who have been blessed with inheriting a large farm will hopefully hold on to the land and continue to use it or new farmers will go heavily into debt which then takes the fun of farming away. Greg Judy's books on leasing farm land is quite good and is probably they way we will go if we ever choose to farm on a larger scale.
On a different note, I finished Eric and Leslie Ludy's book, "Meet Mr. Smith". It was excellent - one of the best I have read on this subject.
Tonight I have my first "Great Books" class meeting and I am also excited that Steve has signed me up for "Evenings with Victoria" -an online mentoring session with Victoria Botkin. Steve is enjoying her husband Geoffrey Botkins online mentoring session on Saturday mornings - there family is a true inspiration.
On a different note, I finished Eric and Leslie Ludy's book, "Meet Mr. Smith". It was excellent - one of the best I have read on this subject.
Tonight I have my first "Great Books" class meeting and I am also excited that Steve has signed me up for "Evenings with Victoria" -an online mentoring session with Victoria Botkin. Steve is enjoying her husband Geoffrey Botkins online mentoring session on Saturday mornings - there family is a true inspiration.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Love At First Sight
Well, we looked at three more farms yesterday. The first was an absolutely gorgeous piece of rolling farmland with tree groves. The old (very small) victorian house was charming, the outbuildings with character but a bit rough, only 15 minutes from Steve's work. We would have to build another house if we bought that property but could live in the small house temporarily.
The second house was what looks to be an older dairy farm. Lots of big barns and functional outbuildings, a very large amount of great pasture, a 70s ranch style house that is very clean and would have potential.
The third was love at first sight for us. Its unfortunately a bank owned property, a sign of the bad economic times, but making it an excellent price. Its a huge house, victorian in style (my favorite) with some cosmetic issues because of the former owners. It has a guest house as well, a charming barn, and rolling pasture leading to the base of a small state owned mountain. It has approximately 17 acres of pasture (we are investigating the additional 20 acres of woods behind it) and has the most breathtaking views. It has an excellent set up for TJEd - formal living/library room upstairs, large play/entertainment rooms downstairs, bedrooms on the first and third floors for quiet reading/studying.
We will obviously be continued in prayer regarding God's choice of housing for us, realizing that He has the best house/farm for us, already picked out and is writing His story in the meantime, using the tools of patience and waiting to increase our appreciation and thankfulness for when He reveals it.
The second house was what looks to be an older dairy farm. Lots of big barns and functional outbuildings, a very large amount of great pasture, a 70s ranch style house that is very clean and would have potential.
The third was love at first sight for us. Its unfortunately a bank owned property, a sign of the bad economic times, but making it an excellent price. Its a huge house, victorian in style (my favorite) with some cosmetic issues because of the former owners. It has a guest house as well, a charming barn, and rolling pasture leading to the base of a small state owned mountain. It has approximately 17 acres of pasture (we are investigating the additional 20 acres of woods behind it) and has the most breathtaking views. It has an excellent set up for TJEd - formal living/library room upstairs, large play/entertainment rooms downstairs, bedrooms on the first and third floors for quiet reading/studying.
We will obviously be continued in prayer regarding God's choice of housing for us, realizing that He has the best house/farm for us, already picked out and is writing His story in the meantime, using the tools of patience and waiting to increase our appreciation and thankfulness for when He reveals it.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Looking at farms
We looked at two farms yesterday, both in the town of Springale. The first was an Amish farm (part of a community of Amish farms before the Amish moved from this area) - it is surrounded by two other old Amish farms, now converted. Anyway, the landscape was beautiful, pasture land that led up to the base of a tree covered hill. It has a large pond, surrounded by cattails, large fenced pasture areas, awesome workshop, barn, chicken house, green house, garden space, etc... I imagine the grove of aspens in bloom is breathtaking. The house is plain but has some cool features (walk in freezer, plenty of storage, etc...) but the bedrooms (6 of them) are small. It is still in the process of having the electric wires covered up,and various other things like that which is why the price is pretty reasonable.
The second house is one we had driven by before but the price was too high for us. The realtor who showed us the second house also happens to own it with his dad and brothers so he explained how they could work with the price. They have all moved north so they are trying to sell. Anyway, it is gorgeous land, again large fenced pastures leading to many acres of trees. It has a large green house with an incredible garden, rows and rows of many kids of berries, fruit trees, garden plants, etc.. It has a genuine, built into the side of a hill root cellar, an outhouse for power shortages, a large workshop and a sweet house that with some minor modifications would be pretty good for us. The family that owns it are also committed to organic farming and self sufficiency so they understand what we are trying to do.
Unfortunately both houses are still on the far side for Steve's drive to work and also to church so we will keep looking. We should be looking at three more today...
The second house is one we had driven by before but the price was too high for us. The realtor who showed us the second house also happens to own it with his dad and brothers so he explained how they could work with the price. They have all moved north so they are trying to sell. Anyway, it is gorgeous land, again large fenced pastures leading to many acres of trees. It has a large green house with an incredible garden, rows and rows of many kids of berries, fruit trees, garden plants, etc.. It has a genuine, built into the side of a hill root cellar, an outhouse for power shortages, a large workshop and a sweet house that with some minor modifications would be pretty good for us. The family that owns it are also committed to organic farming and self sufficiency so they understand what we are trying to do.
Unfortunately both houses are still on the far side for Steve's drive to work and also to church so we will keep looking. We should be looking at three more today...
Meet Mr. Smith/Farm Hunting
Today is a holiday (President's Day) so everyone except Lucas is still asleep, he is taking one of his online classes. Anyway, I just wanted to quickly post how much I am enjoying the book, "Meet Mr. Smith" by Eric and Leslie Ludy. Eric's writings about purity and holiness are wonderful and told in such an engaging manner. His Ellerslie School of Honor looks excellent - I would love to see some of our boys attend this training in the future.
Steve and I will be looking at an Amish farm today for sale. In addition we will hopefully be driving by two others (non Amish, but farms) that we will be looking at inside tomorrow but as I am afraid it will be dark then, a drive by the land today should give us an idea for a comparison.
I am continuing to work on some sewing projects, ordered a surprise "outfit in the making" for Linda - hope she will like it.
Finally, I am excited that Steve has signed me up for Western Conservatory's, "Evenings with Victoria" - an online mentoring session with Victoria Botkin. Her two daughters are my inspiration for what I hope my little girls will become. Their book, "So Much More" and video, "Return of The Daughters" are life changing.
Well, Little Miss Hannah just woke up so blogging time is done...
Steve and I will be looking at an Amish farm today for sale. In addition we will hopefully be driving by two others (non Amish, but farms) that we will be looking at inside tomorrow but as I am afraid it will be dark then, a drive by the land today should give us an idea for a comparison.
I am continuing to work on some sewing projects, ordered a surprise "outfit in the making" for Linda - hope she will like it.
Finally, I am excited that Steve has signed me up for Western Conservatory's, "Evenings with Victoria" - an online mentoring session with Victoria Botkin. Her two daughters are my inspiration for what I hope my little girls will become. Their book, "So Much More" and video, "Return of The Daughters" are life changing.
Well, Little Miss Hannah just woke up so blogging time is done...
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Spokane Symphony and Chorale at the Fox Theater
Steve and I attended our first ever symphony concert together last night. We went to see three pieces by Mozart performed, including a Requiem. It was breathtaking and beautiful - hard to drive through downtown after sitting enraptured by music for two hours. It was amazing how Mozart made the choral voices sound like an instrument, I believe this is possibly because he uses few words which are repeated. Lots of words tend to muddy the music (especially twaddle words which seem to comprise so much of the contemporary music).
Anyway, it was funny when the older woman next to me started snoring... that's it for now, need to get ready for church.
Anyway, it was funny when the older woman next to me started snoring... that's it for now, need to get ready for church.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Unalienable vs. Inalienable vs. rights
Last night in my The Constitution Made Simple class we talked about the difference between Unalienable (or Inalienable) Rights and just plain rights. Our mentor made the distinction that a "right" is the "right to do what is right or just", not just to do what you want. We talked about the impossibility of believing in unalienable rights if you don't believe in God, as where would the authority to protect those rights come from?
There are still some things I need to mentally hash out and Steve suggested I look through RJ Rushdoony to see what he has to say on the subject.
I started perusing a couple of new books yesterday, they are added to my shelf. Will post as a I read more, but so far, the little bit of "Meet Mr. Smith" by Eric and Leslie Ludy is very interesting.
I am looking forward to a little extra sleep tomorrow and attending a Mozart symphony concert with Steve tomorrow night!
There are still some things I need to mentally hash out and Steve suggested I look through RJ Rushdoony to see what he has to say on the subject.
I started perusing a couple of new books yesterday, they are added to my shelf. Will post as a I read more, but so far, the little bit of "Meet Mr. Smith" by Eric and Leslie Ludy is very interesting.
I am looking forward to a little extra sleep tomorrow and attending a Mozart symphony concert with Steve tomorrow night!
Black Turtle Bean and Chorizo Soup
I like making up recipes but unfortunately many times I forget to write them down. We have some soup simmering in the crock pots right now for lunch that tastes pretty good so I am writing down the recipe now to share and to not forget.
Soak 6 cups of black turtle beans in water for 2-3 days, rinsing and re-adding fresh water each time. The night before you plan to eat the soup, rinse, fill the crock pot with water again (I use a 6 qt crock pot) and then turn on low so the beans will cook overnight.
The next day, after beans are tender, cook one pound of chorizo sausage and one chopped onion together, after cooked, add to crock pot. Add 2 Tablespoons of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper and 1 1/2 cups of frozen corn. Mix, and let simmer for two more hours and then serve. Should serve 6-8.
If you have any recommendations or changes, let me know...
Soak 6 cups of black turtle beans in water for 2-3 days, rinsing and re-adding fresh water each time. The night before you plan to eat the soup, rinse, fill the crock pot with water again (I use a 6 qt crock pot) and then turn on low so the beans will cook overnight.
The next day, after beans are tender, cook one pound of chorizo sausage and one chopped onion together, after cooked, add to crock pot. Add 2 Tablespoons of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper and 1 1/2 cups of frozen corn. Mix, and let simmer for two more hours and then serve. Should serve 6-8.
If you have any recommendations or changes, let me know...
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Not much sleep
I am tired this morning as we stayed up later than usual last night with Eric watching a required movie for his Film and Worldview class called, "Little Miss Sunshine". Fortunately we have a Clear Play filter to get rid of the really bad language and sexual issues in the movie but even so it was in my top 5 worst movies ever made. Eric's mentor for the class wanted the kids to watch it to show them a picture of nihilism and also to show them how horrible a movie could be. He was right!
Speaking of Eric, he finished reading Sean Covey's "Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens" yesterday and liked it so much he wants to sign up for the TJed Academy online class covering the same book in March. He has encouraged all the other kids to read it as well.
I said I would post more about schedules, so here is our youth daily schedule (youth being those kids in dialectic/transition to scholar/scholar phase:
6:00-12:00 - Hygiene, Breakfast, Math, Chores, Grammar, Read Aloud, Classical Reading (not in this order, they can structure when they do what except for Real Aloud and Breakfast)
12:00 - 3:00 - Lunch, Play with the little kids, Are of Interest/Classical Reading
3:00-5:00 - Chores, Classical Reading
5:00 - 8:00 - Whole house pickup, Dinner/Bible/Sing, Personal or Family Time
You will notice no where on the list does it talk about playing. I believe once young people reach this stage, there time of playing should be completed and they should be young adults, structuring their day like an adult would. For them, their "play time" should take on a more adult feel and is usually available to them on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. This may sound harsh but we have too many youth that spend all of their time playing and the time for that is past.
Tomorrow I will post on our younger childrens' schedule.
Speaking of Eric, he finished reading Sean Covey's "Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens" yesterday and liked it so much he wants to sign up for the TJed Academy online class covering the same book in March. He has encouraged all the other kids to read it as well.
I said I would post more about schedules, so here is our youth daily schedule (youth being those kids in dialectic/transition to scholar/scholar phase:
6:00-12:00 - Hygiene, Breakfast, Math, Chores, Grammar, Read Aloud, Classical Reading (not in this order, they can structure when they do what except for Real Aloud and Breakfast)
12:00 - 3:00 - Lunch, Play with the little kids, Are of Interest/Classical Reading
3:00-5:00 - Chores, Classical Reading
5:00 - 8:00 - Whole house pickup, Dinner/Bible/Sing, Personal or Family Time
You will notice no where on the list does it talk about playing. I believe once young people reach this stage, there time of playing should be completed and they should be young adults, structuring their day like an adult would. For them, their "play time" should take on a more adult feel and is usually available to them on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. This may sound harsh but we have too many youth that spend all of their time playing and the time for that is past.
Tomorrow I will post on our younger childrens' schedule.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Practicalities
I thought I would share a favorite family recipe this morning and also jot down our daily schedule as it stands right now. God has blessed me with being very organized and I like schedules (as do the children). I have to be careful not to be hyper about the schedule but to be flexible as life changes daily. Anyway, a recipe first:
Peanut butter granola
Mix in large shallow pan-
12 cups of oats
2 cups of raisins
3 cups of coconut chips
Melt in sauce pan together:
1 lb of butter
2 cups of peanut butter
2 cups of sugar (we use sucanat)
Drizzle melted butter/peanut butter mixture over oat mixture. We then leave in the pan overnight and I bake it in the morning at 270 degrees for about 45 minutes because my kids like it warm. If you are not the warm granola type, bake for about 45 minutes to an hour and store. This is my kids favorite granola by far. This amount feeds my crew of 17 for one meal- most others it should last awhile. If there are leftovers, we store them in the refrigerator.
Now on to the schedule. Here is what our day looks like:
5:00 a.m. - Steve and I wake. He gets ready for work, I have some coffee, write my blog, check other blogs, emails and facebook and make Steve his breakfast.
5:30 - Steve leaves for work, shower for me
6:00 - Older kids wake (older than 5 yrs old). They clean their rooms, get ready for the day, and get started on their education.
6:30 - Breakfast, usually.
6:30 - 8:30 - Chores, school work, etc... Little ones usually wake around 7:30
8:30 - 9:00 - Reading to the little ones
9:00 - 10:00 - Read aloud to all the kids
10:00 - 12:00 - Cooking chores, kids continue with their studies, little ones play
12:00 - 12:30 - Lunch
12:30-1:00 - Farm check for me, little ones outside, exercise for some of the older kids
1:00 - 3:00 - Mandatory rest time. All kids are in their rooms. Little ones nap, olders read, this is my personal bible and classic study time.
3:00 - 5:00 - Read aloud to little ones again, chores, dinner prep, studying for older kids, sewing time for me.
5:00 - 5:30 - Room time for kids while one assigned kid gets the house in order. I get myself ready for Steve, get our room ready and then check school.
5:30 - 7:00 - Dinner, family sing and bible study
7:00 - 8:00 - Baths for littles, Steve does music lessons and bible study cards with kids, free time for most.
8:00 - Bedtime/reading in bed. Lights out usually at 9:00.
That's it - more on schedules tomorrow.
Peanut butter granola
Mix in large shallow pan-
12 cups of oats
2 cups of raisins
3 cups of coconut chips
Melt in sauce pan together:
1 lb of butter
2 cups of peanut butter
2 cups of sugar (we use sucanat)
Drizzle melted butter/peanut butter mixture over oat mixture. We then leave in the pan overnight and I bake it in the morning at 270 degrees for about 45 minutes because my kids like it warm. If you are not the warm granola type, bake for about 45 minutes to an hour and store. This is my kids favorite granola by far. This amount feeds my crew of 17 for one meal- most others it should last awhile. If there are leftovers, we store them in the refrigerator.
Now on to the schedule. Here is what our day looks like:
5:00 a.m. - Steve and I wake. He gets ready for work, I have some coffee, write my blog, check other blogs, emails and facebook and make Steve his breakfast.
5:30 - Steve leaves for work, shower for me
6:00 - Older kids wake (older than 5 yrs old). They clean their rooms, get ready for the day, and get started on their education.
6:30 - Breakfast, usually.
6:30 - 8:30 - Chores, school work, etc... Little ones usually wake around 7:30
8:30 - 9:00 - Reading to the little ones
9:00 - 10:00 - Read aloud to all the kids
10:00 - 12:00 - Cooking chores, kids continue with their studies, little ones play
12:00 - 12:30 - Lunch
12:30-1:00 - Farm check for me, little ones outside, exercise for some of the older kids
1:00 - 3:00 - Mandatory rest time. All kids are in their rooms. Little ones nap, olders read, this is my personal bible and classic study time.
3:00 - 5:00 - Read aloud to little ones again, chores, dinner prep, studying for older kids, sewing time for me.
5:00 - 5:30 - Room time for kids while one assigned kid gets the house in order. I get myself ready for Steve, get our room ready and then check school.
5:30 - 7:00 - Dinner, family sing and bible study
7:00 - 8:00 - Baths for littles, Steve does music lessons and bible study cards with kids, free time for most.
8:00 - Bedtime/reading in bed. Lights out usually at 9:00.
That's it - more on schedules tomorrow.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Winter squash burritos
We tried a new recipe last night, much to the complaints of many of the children. The recipe ended up being delicious (the ardent naysayers had thirds). I found the recipe on the "Seasonal Recipes" website. It was called Butternut Squash Black Bean Burritos. We changed a few things to accommodate things we had on hand - we made our own spelt tortillas, we used small white beans in place of black and we used acorn squash as I got a really good deal on it through Azure Standard. Anyway, I encourage you all to try it- if you cannot find the recipe in a google search, let me know.
I began reading the book, "Feminine Appeal" by Carolyn Mahaney last night. She points out that women tend to love their husbands with a servant love but we are actually commanded in the Bible to love them with a friendship love (phileo). She states that the servant love is natural for the woman but the friendship, passionate, expressive love is much more difficult and not in our natures because we get so wrapped up in the things that we need to do. AMEN!! On the flip side, our husbands are commanded to love with Agape love (completely unconditional and sacrificial). I find this fascinating and look forward to reading more of what she has to say.
During my study time I am reading the book of Matthew, finishing up The 5000 Year Leap, How To Read A Book and working on my classics reading for a class I am taking through the Face to Face With Greatness Seminars. I finished reading "The Coming Aristocracy" by Oliver Van De Mille last week - again a hearty recommendation from me on their writings.
Thats all for now...
I began reading the book, "Feminine Appeal" by Carolyn Mahaney last night. She points out that women tend to love their husbands with a servant love but we are actually commanded in the Bible to love them with a friendship love (phileo). She states that the servant love is natural for the woman but the friendship, passionate, expressive love is much more difficult and not in our natures because we get so wrapped up in the things that we need to do. AMEN!! On the flip side, our husbands are commanded to love with Agape love (completely unconditional and sacrificial). I find this fascinating and look forward to reading more of what she has to say.
During my study time I am reading the book of Matthew, finishing up The 5000 Year Leap, How To Read A Book and working on my classics reading for a class I am taking through the Face to Face With Greatness Seminars. I finished reading "The Coming Aristocracy" by Oliver Van De Mille last week - again a hearty recommendation from me on their writings.
Thats all for now...
Analyse by Portobellobixie
I really like this pattern - going to make one for Elizabeth this week I hope. I made one for Hannah last week - will post pictures of all three girls together when I am done.
. I made one for Hannah last week - will post pictures of all three girls together when I am done.
To Stay or Not To Stay
A brand new week has begun - I have lots of things to put into practice this week. I finished "Authentic Beauty" by Leslie Ludy. Over all, I really enjoyed this book and she showed me a few things that are missing in my life. I intend to put her plan of action in how to study the bible to work during my study hours of the day.
Yesterday, I ordered the Lila Tueller pattern Calista and some of her Santorini fabric. I am going to start livening my wardrobe a bit and improve my sewing skills at the same time. I also want to begin making leg warmers with my knitting machines for the girls. Steve is going to help me set up my machine this week.
Finally, we are considering staying at Elk Springs Heritage Farm and adding on to this house. There are some things about this home that we really like and we think we can improve it a great deal. There is lots of pasture in this area, hopefully someone will be amenable to leasing some. We could also host "Mom School" classes at the local grange, God willing.
We will be praying in this regard and look forward to what God has in store for us...
Yesterday, I ordered the Lila Tueller pattern Calista and some of her Santorini fabric. I am going to start livening my wardrobe a bit and improve my sewing skills at the same time. I also want to begin making leg warmers with my knitting machines for the girls. Steve is going to help me set up my machine this week.
Finally, we are considering staying at Elk Springs Heritage Farm and adding on to this house. There are some things about this home that we really like and we think we can improve it a great deal. There is lots of pasture in this area, hopefully someone will be amenable to leasing some. We could also host "Mom School" classes at the local grange, God willing.
We will be praying in this regard and look forward to what God has in store for us...
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Gifts from the past
Yesterday I received a belated birthday gift for myself and Emma and Elizabeth. Along with the gift, included in the box were three dresses of mine from when I was a child (around ten years old I think) that my Grandma Re made as well as a crazy quilt she had made in 1978. Included in the box was a picture of me at that age, wearing one of the dresses. My children said, "who is that?" and then realized how much my second son looks like the picture.
Its fun to receive treasures from the past...
Its fun to receive treasures from the past...
Thursday, February 4, 2010
The Constitution Made Simple
I officially started my first online class last night. The class is called "The Constitution Made Simple" and is being sponsored by The Center For Social Leadership. James Ure is the mentor. Anyway, last night's class was about how there can be so freedom in a nation unless that nation is built upon the principles that God has laid out in the Bible. Our mentor gave examples of other nations that have tried based on various religions and they have all failed. Our nation is crumbling because we have stepped away from our reliance on God's law. I pray we are like Ninevah and turn our hearts back to God.
On another note, in "Authentic Beaty" I read the suggestion of reading both Song of Solomon and Revelation together to note what Jesus the "Warrior Poet" looks like. Eric Ludy suggests this is also what Christian manhood should be and that ladies should encourage our sons and husbands toward that goal. Will begin that pursuit today, God willing.
On another note, in "Authentic Beaty" I read the suggestion of reading both Song of Solomon and Revelation together to note what Jesus the "Warrior Poet" looks like. Eric Ludy suggests this is also what Christian manhood should be and that ladies should encourage our sons and husbands toward that goal. Will begin that pursuit today, God willing.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
House showing, new class
Today will be a whirl as we have another house showing. Preparations for house showings usually take up several hours so the morning will be devoted to that, then I will take the kids for a drive and we will read the rest of "The Lonesome Gods" by Louis L'Amour.
I read in the book, "Authentic Beauty" last nigh,t the verse, "Delight yourselves in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." I read that verse with a new emphasis yesterday. All I have to do is concern myself with obeying and pleasing God and the time I spend worrying about other things (right now searching MLS listings for the "perfect house and farm" I should be spending focusing on Him. I need to let Him bring us the property He wants us to buy.. After all, its His vision we will be fulfilling. It may be different from ours. I have to be willing to not be in control (VERY HARD for me...)
Finally, my online class on The Constitution starts tonight. More on that tomorrow, God willing.
I read in the book, "Authentic Beauty" last nigh,t the verse, "Delight yourselves in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." I read that verse with a new emphasis yesterday. All I have to do is concern myself with obeying and pleasing God and the time I spend worrying about other things (right now searching MLS listings for the "perfect house and farm" I should be spending focusing on Him. I need to let Him bring us the property He wants us to buy.. After all, its His vision we will be fulfilling. It may be different from ours. I have to be willing to not be in control (VERY HARD for me...)
Finally, my online class on The Constitution starts tonight. More on that tomorrow, God willing.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Applesauce and Beauty
Yesterday I enjoyed making 15 quarts of applesauce (I have another 15 quarts or so to go today). Steve spoiled me with an "apple master" that cores and slices the apples very quickly. Pair that with the Sauce master and applesauce is a quick process. I wonder if the pioneering women did much canning - where would they have stored all of the goods and I wouldn't think they would crate cases of glass canning jars around with them but that is something I will have to investigate. I am not a big fan of canning because most of the nutrients of the foods that are canned are lost in the high heat process. I would much rather dehydrate or freeze, however we have an excellent applesauce muffin recipe we like to make and applesauce is great for a little one's stomach ache or sore throat. My organic canned applesauce is certainly cheaper than the purchasable kind.
As far as beauty goes, I began reading the book, "Authentic Beauty" by Leslie Ludy yesterday. This book is geared toward younger women but part of my quest in learning is to garner an authentic, godly femininity for myself and then teach it to my daughters. I will be using the book list at the end of the book, "Raising Maidens of Virtue" by Stacy McDonald as a starting off point and this book is included in her list.
Finally, found some great resources on Vision Forum we want to pick up to peruse. More about that later.
As far as beauty goes, I began reading the book, "Authentic Beauty" by Leslie Ludy yesterday. This book is geared toward younger women but part of my quest in learning is to garner an authentic, godly femininity for myself and then teach it to my daughters. I will be using the book list at the end of the book, "Raising Maidens of Virtue" by Stacy McDonald as a starting off point and this book is included in her list.
Finally, found some great resources on Vision Forum we want to pick up to peruse. More about that later.
To Teach or Not To Teach
Steve and I went on a date Sunday as two of our children gave us a gift certificate at Christmas for a movie and dinner out (not that we need an excuse to go out together but the kids wanted us to take advantage of their gift). Anyway, Steve encouraged me again that I need to not to be too shy (i.e. prideful) to share the things I have learned and he said sharing through a blog is a a great way to accomplish this (in lieu of writing a book someday).
Right now I have been comprising a "marriage" between the Thomas Jefferson Education model and the Classical Education model. There are a few more gaps to fill in but I hope to someday outlay a plan/overview of what I think this would look like from a distinctly Christian Heritage point of view.
On the home front we are solidifying our vision for our future coop/school/farm - more on that to come...
Right now I have been comprising a "marriage" between the Thomas Jefferson Education model and the Classical Education model. There are a few more gaps to fill in but I hope to someday outlay a plan/overview of what I think this would look like from a distinctly Christian Heritage point of view.
On the home front we are solidifying our vision for our future coop/school/farm - more on that to come...
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