Garage Sales

I love to get up early on a Saturday morning and hit the road in search of treasures. Treasures I might find at a yard sale or garage sale that is. You just never know what you might find. I've found some pretty good bargains at yard sales in the past. Of course, its not always like that. Some days I come home with nothing. But even on those days, I can say that I had a good time shopping!

We have been accumulating "stuff" since we've moved to Texas 2-1/2 years ago. Some of the boxes that we brought from our house in Georgia have never been opened. So, I told the family that it is time that we had a garage sale. Our garage was being taken over by all of this "stuff" and it was time to reclaim the garage! LOL

Yesterday we had our garage sale. It was a beautiful day for it, with temps up to 75 and sun shining so nicely. We were able to meet some neighbors that we had not met. That was nice. There were others that came by that were interesting people to meet as well. Like this little Asian lady, who bought Caitlyn's old lady bug umbrella. She was so excited to find that lady bug umbrella! What a sweet and friendly lady.

Overall, we had a nice day. When the traffic stopped coming and we were to tired to stay out there any longer, we decided to pack it up. What was left over went to Goodwill, other than a few items that we wanted to keep. In the end, I think we all agreed that the money made was not worth the effort that was put into the day. I don't plan to ever have another garage sale. However, I sure hope others do, because I still love going to them!

Cooking with Caitlyn

We started Home Ec this week. Oh the memories flood my mind of when I was in high school taking Home Ec! I enjoyed the class, well, at least for the most part. There were things that I learned in class that I still remember and do today. But for the most part I learned how to cook from my mom.

Caitlyn had a microwave project to do. She had to make Microwave Applesauce Muffins. We had to improvise on a couple of things but it all worked out.

Well, I don't have time to finish this post now, but I promise to come back to it later. I have pictures to add as well.

ttfn.....

Rename Our Blog?

When we first started this blog, Caitlyn and I called it, "Our Daily Adventures" because we knew being new to homeschooling would take us down a different road every day.....and it does. It's just finding time to write about it that is the hard part.

Recently in our adventures we went to Louisiana for the wedding of my mother-in-law. Then a week later the happy couple came to our home for a visit. They stayed for a week. My husband took off that week and show them around our area. They flew home on a Wednesday. Our church had a Harvest Fest that weekend, so Thursday and Friday were spent preparing for it. I tried to keep our homeschooling going as usual during that very busy week, but inevitably, we fell behind schedule.

One day during my in laws' stay we went to the Dallas Arboretum. It was beautiful! We enjoyed walking around the property. The paths were lined with pumpkins and Fall flowers. Below are a few photos of the day.

I Dreamed of Changing the World

The following was sent to me by a friend in an email...

When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country.
But, it too, seemed immovable.
As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it.
And now as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize: If I had only changed myself first, then by example I would have changed my family.
From their inspiration and encouragement, I would then have been able to better my country and, who knows, I may have even changed the world.
The best and most productive time we can spend is in growing and elevating ourselves. This process, in turn will start to elevate others – so let’s all start.
~ author unknown

Think about it. The story above is so true. If we set out to change ourselves, and only ourselves, we will in turn make the world a better place to live.

God give us this basic life principle in Mt 7:3-5,
And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

When we find ourselves judging others we should stop and examine our own heart. What we dislike in others are often the same bad habits or behavior patterns that we possess. It's not a pleasant process, I know, but it is a needful one if we want to be a better person. Look to Jesus, our ultimate example, to learn how to be a better person.

Our Trip Home To Louisiana

This past week we made a trip home to Louisiana. My mother-in-law was getting remarried. It was nice to be able to go home without worrying about what she was missing in school. This was our first time to travel and do homeschooling at the same time. When Caitlyn packed her book sack she commented on how heavy it was. It had been months since she had to carry a book sack. One more reason to enjoy homeschooling.....No book sacks to carry!

It worked out well though. Caitlyn did her work speedily, finishing the day's assignments early enough to do the next day's assignments as well.

Since she finished Friday's work early she had more time to spend with family and friends. I gave her Monday off as well. Tuesday we traveled home and she studied for a test to be taken today (Wednesday).

The Wedding.

Kevin's mother got married to a sweet man this weekend. Joy lost her husband in 1998 and Mr. Leo lost his wife a few years ago. The two met at a Tea Dance through the AOA (Active Older Adults). They hit it off and were soon inseparable. Before you know it he proposed to her.

In this picture, her two sons prepare to walk her down the isle. My husband, Kevin, is standing on the left, and his brother, Wendell, on the right.

Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Scallan....













May you have many happy years together!

We love you both.

Mastering the Arts

Continuing in Fine Arts ~

When we made the decision to homeschool Caitlyn, we didn't want her musical talent to stagnate. Caitlyn has been a flautist in the band in public school since 6th grade. She enjoyed marching with the high school band during football season for the past two years.



(8th Grade Concert Band)

I inherited my Grannie's Kawai piano in 2003 when Caitlyn was in 6th grade. After tinkering on it for about a year Caitlyn showed an interest in learning to play the piano. She has played for the past 4 years or so. Mrs. Linda in Georgia was Caitlyn's first piano teacher. (We love/miss you, Mrs. Linda!) Caitlyn has currently begun her fifth year of lessons. Mrs. Shelley, who has been Caitlyn's piano teacher for two years here in Texas, is currently working with her on certain improvisation techniques for hymns.

(Caitlyn desires to one day own a Steinway.)

When Caitlyn started 9th grade she joined the choir at school. She loved her teacher and her class. Over the past two years they have sung songs such as, "A La Na Nita", "A Joyful Gloria", "Personet Hodie", "Peaceful Gloria", and "Stille Nacht". Caitlyn started taking private voice lessons during 10th grade with Mr. Brooks. She competed twice in the UIL at school. The first time she sang, Beethoven's "I Love Thee" and she scored a "1", which is the highest score possible. The second time she sang, "Loveliest of Trees" and she scored a "2", which is still good considering the music was harder.

Today Caitlyn continues taking piano lessons and private voice lessons. She also plays the flute in our church orchestra and sings in the choir. Caitlyn plans to go to Crown College to train to be an elementary music teacher.

We thank the Lord God for bestowing these talents on her. Our prayer is that He use these talents for His Glory and Honour.

Waiting For Ike

It's Saturday morning and Hurricane Ike has made landfall. It hit land at 2:10 am at Galveston, TX with sustained winds of 110 mph. We weren't sure what to expect here in Dallas, but it looks like we will not get severe weather from Ike. The wind started blowing around 8:30 am, and the rain started soon afterwards. The weather report said we will have wind up to 35 mph along with rain. I'm so thankful that it will not be worse.

I heard that this storm is almost the size of the state of Texas. Ike stretches for over 500 miles. I read somewhere that the eye was 60 miles wide. Even though Ike is only Category 2 hurricane, because of it's massive size it has the potential to do as much or more damage than a Category 4 hurricane.

We are praying for the people that have been hit hard by this massive storm.

Physics

Well this week we started Physics. This is the only subject that we are using a teaching DVD with. I think it was a wise thing to do for this subject. The teacher makes it easy to understand and even fun to learn.

Wikipedia defines Physics as:

Physics, in everyday terms, is the science of matter [1] and its motion; the science that deals with concepts such as force, energy, mass, and charge for example. More accurately, it is the general analysis of nature, conducted in order to understand how the world around us behaves.

Caitlyn and I went with our Homeschool Group to see Ringling Bros & Barnum Bailey's The Science of the Circus. They showed how physics is used in every performance. "Many of the laws and principles of physics, such as balance, gravity, momentum, and more, are brought to life by these talented performers. Science of the Circus helps kids get familiar with these science concepts first hand in a way that makes learning fun!" (Ringling Bros & Barnum Bailey Circus)

Here are a couple of pictures from that day:

Balancing

Gyroscopic Stability

Walking the Tight Rope

If you're looking for a fun website about Physics, try this one. http://phet.colorado.edu/index.php

We haven't had time to play with it much, but my friend that sent the link to me said it is very helpful and fun.

Have a great day!

Playing Catch Up

Hello. Today I'm playing catch up on a few things. I'm catching up on the laundry, cleaning the house, grading school work, and this blog! My, how fast the time goes by. I still feel like I'm on that fast spinning ferris wheel. Even so, it's not a bad ride, just fast!

The last time I wrote about homeschooling we had just finished week one. Now we're on week three. Everything is going well. Caitlyn is doing really well with the new curriculum, and I'm settling into my role also.

We love the flexibility of homeschooling. Soon we will travel to our home state for a family member's wedding. Before homeschooling she would have missed school, causing her to fall behind. With homeschooling she can bring her work with her. I know it "looks good on paper". With all of the distractions of seeing family she may get behind a little anyway. We will see how it goes.

Where Did Monday Go?

Is it Tuesday already? Our days have been going by so quickly! Just like a ferris wheel spinning and spinning. Before we know it the day is done, the ride is over, and then it starts again with the morning sun.

"...For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." James 4:14b

We can not stop time, but we can prioritize our time so that we can stop to "smell the flowers". Stop to enjoy what God has given us for that day. Today I took a picture of a wood pecker that was finding his lunch on the tree in my front yard. Unfortunately, the photo came out blurry. But I'm glad I was able to take time from my busy day to notice God's creatures.

I pray that you and I will stop each day to pay special attention to something our Lord has created, or spend time with someone we love.

Have a blessed evening.
(Above photo was taken by Donna at a local carnival.)

Week One ~ Done!

I'm happy to say that week one is done and we survived it. LOL Not that we thought we would not. It's been a week of adjustments, for both of us. We are enjoying the homeschooled life.

Caitlyn said the other day, "Well, I can now officially say that I'm homeschooled." I asked her why, and she said, "I've done laundry during class!"

I have to say that I am so proud of Caitlyn's attitude. The other day I heard her tell a friend (from public school) that she really likes homeschooling because she learns so much more. I'm glad she sees the importance of learning, and that she is enjoying it.

Today we are having our church's homeschool support group over for a time of fun, food and fellowship. It's kind of a Back-to-Homeschooling party.

Have a wonderful weekend!

What Kind of Day Will You Have?

This came to me via email the other day. I felt it would be fitting to post today. Especially after the day we had yesterday. (Author unknown.)

***************

I woke up early today, excited over all I get to do before the clock strikes midnight. My job is to choose what kind of day I am going to have.

Today I can complain because the weather is rainy or I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free.

Today I can feel sad that I don't have more money or I can be glad that my finances encourage me to plan my purchases wisely and guide me away from waste.

Today I can grumble about my health or I can rejoice that I am alive.

Today I can lament over all that my parents didn't give me when I was growing up or I can feel grateful that they allowed me to be born.

Today I can cry because roses have thorns or I can celebrate that thorns have roses.

Today I can mourn my lack of friends or I can excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new job relationships.

Today I can whine because I have to go to work or I can shout for joy because I have a job to go to!

Today I can complain because I have to go to school or eagerly open my mind and fill it with knowledge and adventure.

Today I can dejectedly murmur because I have housework to do or I can feel grateful for shelter for my mind, body and soul.

Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped, and here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping. What today will be like is up to me. And I shall decide what kind of day I shall have!"

What kind of day will you have???

Mama Said There'd Be Days Like This...

Well today was not a bad day, but it has been very taxing. I'm not really sure why. We are still adjusting to a new curriculum. I'm still adjusting to being the teacher, or more like the director of events. LOL I realized today in the middle of things, that I forgot to order the Literature Teacher's Guide. Oh well, it is ordered now. Even Caitlyn feels exhausted.

The weather may have some contribution to our gloominess. It has been raining the past two days, and the forecast is calling for rain the rest of the week. I'm not complaining, mind you. We desperately needed the rain. The rain has helped to cool things down a bit. It is only 81 right now! For that we are most grateful. These hot August days in Texas can be an energy drainer also.

On a lighter note, we did enjoy a good laugh at a squirrel in our front yard. It was raining pretty hard and he didn't seem to like it. It was as if he was throwing a temper tantrum. He would run up the tree a little ways, then down the tree, up the tree, and down again. Once the rain let up he came into the yard and sat on a tree root. He didn't like the wet grass. We had a good chuckle about him.

Our First Day

Today is our first official day of homeschooling. We had planned
to start on the 25th, but since her curriculum was in, Caitlyn was
anxious to begin.

Caitlyn begins her day at 7:00 am. She has two hours in which to prepare for school. During this time she does her daily devotions, makes her bed, tidies her room, gets dressed and eats breakfast.



As school begins, we start out by praying for our day, and for the other homeschooled children and their moms in our church's homeschool support group.



Deuteronomy 6:6,7
"And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."

I Will Survive!

I had to laugh when I read the "I Will Survive (the first year of homeschooling)" song lyrics, considering this is our first year. Caitlyn and I have talked a lot lately about our feelings of homeschooling. We are excited, yet a little nervous. We see so many positives to homeschooling, but we really can't see any negatives. I think that any thing we may be nervous about will dispel once we get into a routine. Below is the song that prompted this post. :-)


I Will Survive (the first year of homeschooling)

Originally written and produced by Freddie Perren and Dino Fekaris
Originally performed by Gloria Gaynor Mercilessly altered with apologies by Natalie Criss
Here's the tune: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xv6lHwWwO3w

First I was afraid, I was petrified.
Kept thinking I could never teach
'Cause I'm not certified.
But we spent so many nights
Reteaching homework that was wrong.
I grew strong, so now I teach my kids at home!
We study math,
and outer space.
I just kept on despite the fear
with a big smile across my face.
I bought a set of Base Ten blocks.
I bought books with answer keys.
My parents think we're nuts,
but they don't even bother me

Come on, let's go, walk out the door.
We're on the road now,
'cause we're not home much anymore
My friends would laugh and say we'd be unsocialized.
I heard one mumble
that I'd give up by July.
Oh no, not I! I will survive!
As long as I know how to read
I know we'll be alright.
I've got all my life to learn.
I've got energy to burn,
and I'll survive.
I will survive.

It took all the strength I had
not to fall apart.
Decided to attend
a play date at the local park,
and I met oh so many moms
who offered eagerly to help.
They used to cry.
Now they hold their heads up high,
and so do we!
My kids are cool!
They're not those chained up little people
stuck inside at school.
So if you feel like dropping by,
and just expect us to be free
you'd better call ahead first
'cause we're probably busy!

The Privilege of Motherhood

"There is no greater place of ministry, position, or power than that of a mother." ~ author unkown

Have you ever desired a higher position than what you have? Maybe one with more power? If you are a mother, I'm happy to tell you that you already have the highest position, and most powerful position possible. You have the power to shape and mold a young mind and life. Maybe you have never thought about that. Our children will be influenced by someone. Wouldn't you rather that someone be you? I know I would rather my children to be influenced by their father and I, than by others in the world. Mainly because I know how her father and I believe, think and feel.

Proverbs 1:8 & 9 says,
"My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
9) For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck."
The child's part is to hear and obey; instructing them is our part. When every one does their part, then the child is like a badge of honor worn around our necks. This also pleases God because we obeyed His word. (See Proverbs 6:20-23 also.)

Homeschooling will be one extra way that I can help Caitlyn grow into the young Christian lady that God desires for her to be. Even though our school year has not officially begun, I can see positive changes in her. I also see positive changes in myself. This year will be a growing year for both of us!

HUZZAH!

Alright, my daughter said that "Huzzah!" is the same as "Yeah!" but cooler. Thus the reason for the title.

She is excited because, even though we had given up on the UPS man yesterday, her curriculum did arrive. It was around 6:30 pm when the big brown truck came. Yeah, ummm, Huzzah to the UPS man!

We were like kids on their birthday as we opened the boxes. Everything was there and is now nicely organized. We are excited about everything, except Trigonometry. That is not an adventure we are looking forward to. BUT! We can do ALL THINGS through Christ which strengtheneth us.

Waiting Anxiously!

Here we are in the office...waiting...for the UPS man to stop at our house with Caitlyn's homeschool curriculum from A Beka. We are anxious to get everything unpacked and organized, and be able to look through the books.

Our plan is to begin school on Monday, August 18th. Woo Hoo! In case you haven't heard, this is our first year to homeschool. Caitlyn is going into the 11th grade, but will actually finish her 12th grade this year as well. I know that all of our friends who will read this will be praying for us. :-)

While we're waiting, allow me to give God praise for His protection last night. We were on the way home from dinner out with friends after church, when we came to a screeching halt behind a stalled car on the interstate. A lady had ran out of gas. We were stuck behind her, with cars zooming around us going 70 & 80 mph. We called for help and started praying. We were sitting ducks. The inevitable happened. A bronco hit us, shattering our rear window, and smashing into us. Glass flew everywhere, hitting me in the back of the head, and landing on the dashboard. Fire trucks and police arrived at the scene, making it safe for us to get out of our car. Once all of the statements were taken care of, we were free to go. Surprisingly, we were able to drive our car home. Our children, Casey and Caitlyn, had to ride in the police car that was giving us an escort home, because the damage to the car would have pressed against the wheel if they were in the back seat. They enjoyed that. The police officer was a band nerd (like them), so they had a lot to talk with her about on the ride home.

None of us were injured, and we thank God for that. Here are a couple of pictures of our car. The damage is so minimal compared to what it could have been.