I Almost Forgot

I forgot that I was going to post the pictures from the night of the Celtic Woman concert.  My daughter was sooooo beautiful I cannot even put it into words so I will just post the pic and you can see for yourself!

This is a full view of Erin in her dress

I cannot believe how pretty she looks!

This is little ol' me

I Wanna Check You For Ticks

That's our theme song for the day! David took the day off yesterday and today. We went to Wall Doxey State Park in Holly Springs, MS today. We went with two other families and grilled out burgers then went on a hike around the lake. It was great fun but we had critters who decided they wanted to live somewhere other than the state park. They now reside in the sewer! It makes my skin crawl just to think about. EWWWWWW. But, we had fun!

Recipe- Marinated Baked Chicken

I have a habit of using recipes because I had the ingredients. This is one of those.

6 bone-in chicken breasts
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup Italian dressing
1 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp onion salt

Mix the soy sauce and dressing in large ziploc bag. Place chicken in bag with marinade and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight, turning occasionally. Remove chicken from bag and discard marinade. Place in baking pan, sprinkle with salts, then bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes or until juices run clear (170 degrees internal temp), basting occasionally during cooking time.

I paired this with baked potatoes and a salad with garlic Texas toast. My family thought this the best meal I made in a long time. Caleb said it was better than my crockpot chicken. Well, we found a new recipe. I might try to cook this one in the crockpot to see how it turns out. Maybe cook it in the slow cooker then finish it off in oven to crisp it up.

This will definitely be made again. It's a winner!

Leaving Rome Behind

We have been trying to study history chronologically. We have used Story of the World. Hated it! Then we did nothing for a while as time did not allow it because of family illness. Then we tried Diana Waring's Ancient Civilization and the Bible. Although I liked it better, it was not a good suit for our family. I think the problem is me but my children get bored with history. Well they get bored with the dates and memorization. I have a hard time making it "real."

I bought a book called All Through the Ages. It is a resource book but it has been the greatest help. It is a list of great books to read, listed chronologically and by grade level in each group. It is also divided into regions should you want to study history that way.

You see, when we started homeschooling, David wanted me to classically educate our children. I read a few books and researched on the computer. There was NO WAY I could teach kindergarten classically. It was too rigorous. Erin could read well, but it was going to be torture for me and I would be the one teaching. At the time we only had the one child but knew we would have others. I just couldn't do it.

I liked the idea of doing history chronologically but that was it. Nothing else. Copywork. I never did understand how to do science using the trivium. Language arts- well, there's not really a classical way to educate your children in English, is there?

Last year, I had had enough of figuring out how to do history. I haven't always been but I am now a "whole books" kind of teacher. To teach English means to read classical literature (or just the history book) then write a report or tell me about the book. Science, for now, is Apologia's Botany. But, we are only doing the experiments. History is the same as English really. Read a biography, historical fiction, or nonfiction book, then discuss or write a report.

We have studied Ancient Greece and Rome for so long it isn't funny- since Erin was in kindergarten! She's in 7th grade now. I thought the kids NEEDED to learn about these times in history before we could move on. I mean IN DEPTH study. But, I have decided we have officially skimmed through the ancients and it has been mastered and we are moving on to conquering the Dark and Middle Ages now. Knights, castles, and dragons are sooo much more interesting! Hopefully this will get the kids interested in history now!

So, as an intro to our study we borrowed A Knight's Tale from the library. We are watching it as we speak. It not true to life but it's a good introduction. We also got Ivanhoe and Excalibur.

Question: Why did they call it the Dark Ages? We will need to find out during our study.

I-55 North Does NOT Take Me Home

I forgot to mention that we accidentally drove to Arkansas after the concert- which isn't hard to do when you're not paying attention! It was easy to find our way back toward the way we were supposed to be going. It did not help that I was on the phone with David at the time. I think I will blame it on him- it's HIS fault! LOL

Celtic Woman was GREAT!

So, I told you guys that my daughter and I were going to the CW concert.  Well, I found my way from Desoto County, Mississippi to David's work where we dropped off my little man.  Only us girls were going to the concert- see you later guys!  I left his work and traveled to downtown Memphis.  I DO NOT like Memphis.  I ONLY go there when I HAVE to.  I consider this concert- A HAVE TO!  If you ever get a chance to go, GO!  It was a lot of fun.  Erin and I sat on what was called the Grand Tier balcony.  They were pretty good seats.  Some people we knew sat on the same level- we were on the right, they were on the left.  Next time I think I want center grand tier.  Oh, and I will bring binoculars!  We could see the ladies fine, but binoculars would have been cool!  Erin purchased a souvenir program ---- for $20.  OMGoodness!  They are proud of those things!  Afterwards, we went to the stage door to wait for them to come out, hoping for autographs.  But, alas, they did not sign any.  That's OK, we still got to see them up close in their "lounge" clothes.  They are small, as in short.  I don't think any one of them were taller than Erin.  I did get a video on my cell phone.  I might try to find a way to get it off as we don't have multimedia on our cell phones so I can't upload it to internet/computer.  Oh well!  Still had a blast.  Erin said the concert was "cool" but getting to see them get on their bus was "cooler."  I hope you had fun, sweetheart!

Celtic Woman

Tuesday night at 7:30 pm at the Orpheum Theater. Alex, Chloe, Lynn, Mairead, Lisa. That's the names of the ladies we will be watching tomorrow night. This will be the first time we have been to a Celtic Woman concert and Erin and I are VERY excited!

Praline Grahams- recipe

I have a cookbook entitled 5-Ingredients. I found this recipe called Praline Grahams while I was looking for a recipe that I had all the ingredients. It's really easy!

Line a 15 x 2 x 1 pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Break 12 graham crackers into 4 pieces if not already and place on pan. Melt 1/2 cup butter with 1/2 brown sugar in saucepan. Bring to a rapid boil then remove from heat and add 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts. Pour this over the graham crackers. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes. Let them cool for 2-3 minutes then remove them to a cooling rack.

You sort of need to like graham crackers to like this recipe. I used cinnamon graham crackers and it was fine! Hubby's not a fan of graham crackers but he will eat them. Kids aren't fans of nuts but they ate these anyway.

Enjoy!

Our Garden

This year, like last, we have planted a small vegetable garden.

In it this year, we have tomatoes, slicing and cherry.

We have sugar snap peas which are doing well and I can't wait until they begin to produce their fruit as I LOVE them and usually eat them straight from the garden! I don't think my husband got a single snap pea last year because the kids and I ate them all before we could serve them at dinner or anything.

We have, well make that had, lettuces until today. They got washed away in a storm that blew through our area. Ever heard of "A River Runs Through It?" That's exactly what happened to our lettuce bed. :(

We have red cabbage, carrots, onions, yukon gold potatoes, strawberries, watermelon (a red and orange variety), bush beans, and purple hull peas.

My husband has more or less taken over the garden duty. I came up with a garden plan but we have not followed it, but that's OK. I am really fine with wherever we plant the food just as long as it get planted, I don't really care!

I pray that the seeds produce fruit and the rain does not soak the garden too much and we are not able to get in there to weed and take care of the garden properly.

Skie

This is Skie, the little girl we babysit occasionally babysit.  She tunred 2 on April 2 of this year.  She is too cute for her own good.




Here is the Princess cake that Mrs. LaDonna got for her party.













Trying to get a 2-year old to blow out a candle is crazy. She had no idea what to do. It was quite funny!







Erin says she's going to be in Skie's life for the rest of her life. She does a very good job of caring for her and it's good practice for her!

We love Skie!

Field Day

Wet n' Wild. Spoon Zoom. Tug o' War. Water Balloon Volleyball. Tricycle Relay. These are just to name a few of the games that were coordinated and played at today's Field Day. Ms. Christine Eldridge organized the whole thing and it was our first time to go. I manned the Wet n' Wild game, which I think is a pretty cool game.

Two teams compete. There's a bucket at the front of the team filled with water with a large sponge in it. The first person in line grabs the sponge and tosses it over their head to the next person in line. When the sponge goes over everyone's head and it reaches the last person in line, they squeeze the sponge to release whatever water was left into the empty bucket. Then that person goes to the front of the line and the process starts over. When everyone on each team completes that whol process you measure how much is in the bucket. Whoever has the most water wins! It was fun to watch the youth play these games. I got some pictures but my camera is in the car and it's storming so you'll just have to wait to see.

There were 8 teams each with 7 or 8 on each team. Neither one of my children wanted to go because we do not usually do much with the Hernando-Nesbit Homeschool group and they don't know very many people. Both of my children had fun today and want to do Field Day again.

Each team is assigned a color. Erin was on the purple team, Caleb was on the yellow. Out of the 8 teams, Erin's team came in 6th. Caleb team somehow managed to come in.....

1st Place! Way to go Yellow Team!

Salvete Discupuli

That's Latin and it means "Greeting, Students."

I have spent the past year (off and on because of holidays, illness, or forgetfulness-don't ask) teaching Latin to my daughter and another young lady. We started with Prima Latin because we were teaching the brother's of the girls, who were younger. We stayed with it just because we wanted to finish what we started. We have one more lesson then we will meet once more to test. Then we will be Fini. It has been fun and the girls of course have learned more than I have. I am able to make sure they do the lessons, but am not memorizing the material like they are. They are very smart and are doing well. If we can squeeze it in, I think I will teach Latina Christiana in the fall. But, am not sure yet.

The Countdown Has Begun

7 Days! That's how many days we have until Erin and I attend the Celtic Woman concert in Memphis at The Orpheum Theater. We have been fans for a while, but this will be the first time Erin has ever been to a "concert." We are hoping to go early. Why? You ask. To get any autographs that we can. Haven't a clue whether or not that will even happen but we are hopeful. Will they even let us in the door before the show. Doubt it. But, we are going to try anyway.

We are going today to look at some formal dresses. A fellow homeschooler has several we get to look at. Hopefully we, well really Erin, will find something she likes. If it's too big, Ms. Patti sews and she said she would alter it for us. How cool would that be! Can't wait. I would LOVE to find something for me but am not crossing my fingers.

Next month, Caleb and David are going to "Star Wars: A Musical Journey" which will be at the FedEx Forum. Both of us have special events we are going to. I am sure we will have fun at our event and the boys will have fun at theirs.

Homeschool Scheduling

I sat down at the computer. I opened Microsoft Excel and began typing. I have done this SOOOO many times, it's not even funny any more. I have made more school schedules than I can count on my 2 hands. The schedules work for a while. I think it would work better if we stuck with it for more than one day and not get frustrated when we get off schedule or something doesn't fit or go according to plan. As we all know, it's takes 21 days to get something scheduled or to make a change in our lives.

Our New Homeschool Schedule
7:15 Wake; Bible Study (whole family)
8:00 Chores (the Bible says a man must work before he can eat, paraphrased)
8:30 Breakfast
9:00 Personal Bible Studies
9:30 Academics (Reading, 'Riting, 'Rithmetic, History, Science, Latin)
12:00 Lunch and Garden Work
1:00 Afternoon activity (We volunteer, go on field trips, orthodontic appts)

At this time, if academic lessons are completed then it's time for more chores, FREE time, or whatever is on the agenda for that day.

I don't know if we will continue with this schedule but we are going to try. Kinda like my husband's calling to the ministry, there must be a reason I still feel like we need a schedule.

Lord, Please be with us as we try this new schedule. Help us to use our time wisely and to do all we do for Your glory. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Mall Madness

While we were at my cousin's house in Cordova we decided to go to Wolfchase Galleria, the area's 2-story mall. We just window-shopped as there was no money in the budget to purchase anything. That's OK.

Erin, our 13yo daughter, was really the one that wanted to go. She wanted a couple of girlfriends to go but had to settle for going with just me, Caleb and Shawn (cousin). Maybe next time, we can take a few friends.

What's new at the mall? NOTHING. Same boring, high priced merchandise. I can't see paying those prices for things my kids are going to outgrow in about 2 months, if I'm lucky!

Hollister, Abercrombie & Fitch, and something called Ed Hardy (which I'd never heard of until my cousin pointed them out)= ALL TOO MUCH! Not to mention the fact that I did not see even ONE "modest" dress from one of those clothing stores. These people have lost their minds. How do they expect the modern American family to pay those prices? No wonder the debt for America is so high. Stupid people charge these shirts and pants, shoes and socks, on their charge card. Or, they spend their paychecks on their kids wants. Because I bet they are not "needs."

I am glad that my kids do not care about the name on the shirt. They only care about how their clothes look and feel. I pray they understand that it's not what you wear on the outside. You can't take it with you and God could care less, I would venture to say, whether or not you were wearing a dress you bought at Hollister or from the neighborhood yard sale!

Clear the Clutter

This post is about so much more than just the clutter of one's home. I have a cousin, who lives in Cordova. They just bought a house on a quiet cove in the middle of Cordova. Nice house. Plainly decorated. And not cluttered! Unlike my house. My mother is in the process of moving out but she left everything while she "visits" with her brother. Well, it's time to do some SPRING CLEANING! With the house and with my life.

I can't blame my house's mess on my mother. I do a horrible job of keeping my house clean. But, I am going to take this time in my life to clean my house and TO KEEP IT CLEANED. By golly, I am bound and determined to get my house back!

Misery of Math

Anybody else HATE math?

Well, with my daughter, we have used Modern Curriculum Press for Kindergarten. B-O-R-I-N-G! We tried Saxon. It worked OK but Erin was struggling. When our son came along and started school, we also used Saxon with him. Even though he does well with math concepts, since I was changing Erin's, we went ahead and changed him to Teaching Textbooks as well. Erin is thriving on TT. Caleb has entered multiplication and says he doesn't want to do math on the computer. I think he's just struggling with learning the multiplication facts. He just needs to memorize them then we can move on. I think once he masters multiplication we can get back on track with TT. I really like it, Erin likes it. I want him to persevere.

1 Peter 4:17

So, this weekend a very gifted missionary preacher friend of ours was supposed to come from east TN, where he currently resides. He is originally from Ireland and has the accent to go along with it. He came in the fall last year and just returned from a trip to Ireland. We were sooo looking forward to visiting with him at dinner last night and then hearing him preach this morning. But, to our dismay, he cancelled his trip due to family emergency. His wife did not explain the details and we did not ask. I can only pray for him and his family.

Since Mr. Miles McKee was supposed to preach my husband did not have a sermon prepared. We had dinner plans last night so afterwards we came home. I had to go straight to bed as I was exhausted. He had to stay up to prepare his sermon. He never tells me what he's preaching on and I like it that way. I like not knowing, for some reason.

Have you ever read 1 Peter 4:17? If you haven't, I will post it here:

"For the time has come for judgement to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?"

Oh my! That's not something that is normally preached in your local churches. It is overlooked as most pastors do not wish to offend the congregation. But, the "church" is lost because of this weakness. Pastors are afraid they will lose their members.

Well, our pastor is more afraid of God than man and I am grateful for that!

Gee Wally!

My husband borrowed the first season of "Leave it to Beaver." So, for several nights now, we have spent hours watching these episodes. It's funny how our entire family likes these. I think Caleb likes it because the Beave is young and does a lot of stuff he might do. Although Beaver does tell "stories" alot in the show, something I would not be happy with if Caleb were to behave like that. Good thing my son knows better.

One More Recipe-Chicken and Dumplings

On more before I go to bed. My mother-in-law, a very sweet lady, passed away the day after we moved in our home over 4 years ago. One meal she was able to pass down to me before she got sick was her Chicken and Dumplings. It was one my husband insisted I learn to make. I sure do wish I had more time with her before her passing. I hear she made some wonderful meals. I am glad I got to eat some of them, but only on holidays.

1 whole fryer or 4 chicken breasts
Chicken broth (4 cups water + 4 bouillon cubes) or make/use your own
1 can flaky biscuits (generic is OK)

Boil chicken in chicken broth until done. Remove chicken from broth and cool; debone if needed. (you can use leftover chicken- I use the leftover Crockpot Chicken alot). While you wait for chicken to cool and debone, pull the layers apart on the biscuits. The more you pull apart, the more dumplings you will have. Place them in the broth to boil for 20 minutes. Add salt and pepper to your liking now. Place chicken back in with dumplings and heat until hot all the way through again.

This is one recipe that will be passed down to another generation when I teach our daughter to make it.

Another Recipe- Crockpot Chicken

OK, how am I going to do this? I make this recipe that my family really likes but I make it up as I go along. It's called Crockpot Chicken. You simply through some spices on a whole bird, stick it in the slow cooker, and cook until done. Simple!

Spices I use:
Thyme, Rosemary, Oregano, Basil, Garlic Powder, Onion powder, Paprika, a pinch of Red Pepper flakes, Cumin, Salt, Pepper, and whatever else I have on hand and feel like using that partiular time. I have made this several times, and no matter what spices I use, it always turns out great. Feel free to use whatever your family wants/likes.

I have an extra spice containter. I mix a bunch of the spices in a bowl, then use a funnel to pour it into the container. I use what I need to cover the chicken and save the rest for another time.

That's it!

Recipes That I'd Like To Share- Bread Machine Bread

OK, so the food bug has hit me! Several of my friends have blogs and they have recipes on theirs (actually their blogs are dedicated to just food, but I am not going that route.)

My first recipe to share will be Bread Machine Bread. I cheat and LOVE my bread machine. One day, I am going to go rustic and actually spend time kneading some dough into true homemade bread. Until that day, we enjoy this ALOT! It is white bread and we LOVE it!

1 cup warm water
1 Tbsp sugar
1 pkt (2 tsp) yeast
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3 cups bread flour
1 tsp salt

Add to bread machine in order listed and use regular cycle. Mine takes about 3 hours. This recipe does not do well on quick rise so be sure you are around when it goes off.

Enjoy!

Prayers Still Needed

Well, the past 2 days I have spent talking on the phone with my sister, when she can get a signal! You see, I am the kind of person who likes to know the details. I don't have to know the exact time they will happen but an approximate will do. I want to know what we are going to do and when we are going to do it. I am sure I drive my family crazy with this.

So, of course, I am trying to ask my sister all these questions.

*Did you have insurance?
*Did you loose your computer?
*Are the animals safe?
*What will you do with the money? Rebuild on site? Rebuild elsewhere? Put down payment on land? Put down payment on new house?
*Is the community helping?
*Do you need food? Clothing?
*Do you need me to come up there?

And, many more questions that my feeble brain has come up with. More than she could answer. My brother-in-law is very well known in Ripley, TN. His father was constable at one time (God rest his soul) and both his mother and father ran the ambulance service for Lauderdale County before they both retired. The community has stepped up and is helping them get back on their feet by donating clothing for the girls and food. They are staying with Kirk's mother at this time, so they have shelter. My two nieces are in public school so there is no need for homeschool curriculum or anything like that.

So, that leaves prayer. Don't get me wrong, I think prayer is not taken serious enough. Too many people think we pray too much or too long. Well, the bible tells us to "Pray without ceasing." So, if that's how I can help my sister right now, then that's what I'm going to do!

Lord, I thank you for Your provisions. I thank You for Your forgiveness. Please continue to be with my sister and her family. They NEED You, Lord. Please show them that. I thank You for the community who has been willing to help. Lord, You are the great Provider. In Jesus' Name. Amen

I Thought Today Would Be About God

Today is Easter Sunday or what we like to call Resurrection Sunday. Its not about chocolate bunnies, colored eggs or the hunt for them. It's not about some rabbit who brings you "stuff." It's the day that Jesus Christ rose from the dead after having hung on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins.

I try to remember that as the day passes. Along with those thoughts, I am thinking about my sister. Early last year, they moved into a very small house that was owned by my brother-in-law's family. It is very close to the Mississippi River in Lauderdale County, Tennessee. Well, because they live so close to the river, it floods quite often. While the flood waters make them move away from home, they stay at her in-law's house. Sometimes it's 3 weeks, sometimes it's longer. They have been at Peg's (her mother-in-law's) house for a week now.

I got a call from my sister this morning. I wasn't expecting a call from anyone as it's Sunday and everyone knows we would be getting ready for church. I looked at the caller ID on my cell phone. It was Peg's number. Now, she wouldn't be calling me but my sister would. But, why? Something must be wrong! I answered the phone. Silence. Then sobbing. My initial thoughts were, "Oh my gosh, someone's died!" More sobbing. She finally got her breath and was able to speak.

"Our house is gone."

Now the silence was on my end. Did she just say what I think she said?

"It burned to the ground," came the voice on the other end. "We lost everything."

"Are you serious?" It's April 4th not the 1st. This wasn't some mean, ugly joke someone was playing. This WAS serious.

I have never known anyone who has lost their home to a fire. No one that close to me. I have heard of those who have lost a home but no one that I knew. I cannot believe it!

Our family tries to look on the bright side when we can. They were not home, everyone is safe, and some of the material items can be replaced. It is not pretty. It will not be pleasant but eventually a home can be rebuilt, clothes rebought, and more pictures taken.

But, we Americans or maybe it's just being human, get too close to our material possessions. Pictures cannot be replaced. Once they are gone, that's it! But, we have to remember that we cannot take those things with us anyway.

I pray that this whole ordeal will bring my sister and her husband close(r) to God. I pray they will know that God loves them and they need Him. I hope they realize they are on this earth to glorify our Father in Heaven. We are not here for our selfish desires.

In all this, I am glad. I am joyful over my forgiveness. Jesus died on the cross. But He did not stay there. Three days later, He arose from the dead. The tomb is empty! He ascended and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty!

Happy Resurrection Sunday! And if you so desire, please pray for my sister and her family.

His Chosen Servant!

Ecclesiastes

I was reading my Bible this morning. I did as I sometimes do and just opened my bible and began to read the words on the page. Sometimes they have a significance and sometimes I just read them and pray. Today, they hit me like a ton of bricks.

Have you ever had times when the Lord just "grabs" you and "shakes" you? Do you ever feel that He is trying to tell you something and you want to do it but selfish desires get in the way? That's how I feel sometimes! My husband has said in a sermon once, "You must put away selfish desires EVERY DAY. You must get up each morning and make that decision." I have that decision to make. I, and no one else, is responsible for ME.

Ecclesiastes 5:1-2
"1) Walk prudently when you go to the house of God; and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they do evil. 2) Do not be rash with your mouth, And let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven and you are on earth; Therefore let your words be few."

I only read verse 2 at first, then I happened to go back and read verse one. I am not a bible scholar like my husband. But, I am going to tell you what these verses mean to me.

I do not think the word "walk" in verse one is to be taken lightly. It means, like my husband says, to decide every day to Walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh.

Then it goes on to say, "draw near to hear rather than give". So many of the modern Christian churches just want to get people in the door. They are more out to please the people than pleasing the Lord. Youth groups, contemporary worship, coffee shops. Whatever they think the people want, then they want to do it.

"What can the church do for me and my family," is also what many churchgoers think. They've got it all wrong. Many places in the bible teach that the "church" is not for what we get out of it! It is for the Glory and Worship of our Lord and God! We should desire to "draw near to hear."

Then it goes on to say, "Do not be rash with your mouth and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God."

I have struggled with this all my life. It's not an excuse though. It hasn't been until recently that I even "cared" to control it. I knew my mouth got me in trouble more than I cared but I excused it as "my personality."

"It's who I am," or "I've always been like this. It's too hard to change now."

Well, neither one of those is going to "fly" with the Lord. He's not going to judge me by how my mother or daughter acted. He's not going to compare me with anyone other than Jesus. And, that is very sobering. It is NOT what I was taught growing up. And it is NOT who I want to continue to be.

"Therefore let your words be few."

Oh My! I think this one is one I have been trying to incorporate into my life the most. It's the one I struggle with the most. My husband will tell me, "Spit it out, Michele!" I've had a friend tell me more than once, "To sum it all up...." I have a tendancy to tell the whole story so that you get the picture. That is not always necessary. In MOST cases, it is not necessary.

Lord, please forgive me for not being the child of God I should be. Please help me to Walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh. Help me to have few words. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

As I type this, I am thinking, "That's enough, Michele."