Keep the Homefires Burning
Oops -- One more thing... {
07:24 AM
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Monday, July 21, 2008
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This may fly directly opposite of my previous entry about peace and silence...but I love it!I found this on someone's blog (can't remember whose) and I wanted to save it. Call it my marching orders for the day! LIVE YOUR LIFE IN SUCH A WAY THAT WHEN YOUR FEET HIT THE FLOOR IN THE MORNING, SATAN SHUDDERS AND SAYS "OH NO, SHE'S AWAKE"! A few quiet moments before the hectic week... {
07:09 AM
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Monday, July 21, 2008
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Come and Find the Quiet CenterCome and find the quiet center in the crowded life we lead, find the room for hope to enter, find the frame where we are freed. Clear the chaos and the clutter clear our eyes that we can see all the things that really matter be at peace, and simply be. Silence is a friend who claims us cools the heat and slows the pace God it is who speaks and names us knows our being, touches base making space within our thinking lifting shades to show the sun raising courage when we're shrinking finding scope for faith begun. In the Spirit, let us travel open to each other's pain let our loves and fears unravel celebrate the space we gain there's a place for deepest dreaming there's a place for hearts to care in the Spirit's lively scheming there is always room to spare. Father, God, help me stay focused on all that truly matters this week and let the rest fall as chaff to the ground. Lead me to my quiet center so I can hear your voice and leading. "Home Court Advantage" by Kevin Leman {
12:49 PM
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Friday, July 18, 2008
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Highly recommend this book! Probably preaching to the choir here at homesteadblogger...but it sure reaffirms and encourages what we all know already: home is where the heart (and future of our country) is!My favorite parts so far include Dr. Leman's use of old Andy Griffith shows to bring home certain points. I ordered several Andy Griffith episodes from Christian Book Distributors because I love to share these old shows with Jack. These shows are from the era where it was still popular to have competent parents and respectful children! One episode Jack and I watched showed how Opie needed to earn his allowance but the new kid got whatever he wanted just by throwing a fit. The new kid showed Opie how to throw a fit to get his way but when Opie tried it, Andy asked him what he was doing. Opie replied, "I'm throwing a fit!" Andy just looked at him and calmly reminded him not to get his clothes dirty rolling around on the floor like that! When Opie said he should get his allowance without having to do any work, Andy listened to his argument and then basically said, "no work, no allowance". Gotta love Sheriff Taylor! Dr. Leman reminds us (especially me!) that everything we do is under the scrutiny of our children. My kids watch how I handle everything from dealing with heavy traffic to helping those less fortunate to my relationship with my spouse and family. Also, he challenges us to think very hard about the memories we are making with our children. And remember: not all memories are good ones. That comment has made me really stop and think: will Jack's memories be about me on the floor with him building k-nex race cars or will he recall seeing my backside as I stand at the sink full of dirty dishes hearing my complaints. Guess what? Dishes don't disintegrate by sitting in the sink for a day! My 19-y.o. daughter came over for a visit (translate that into "hot meal") and she asked if I would come out and swim with her for a while. My first instinct was, "I'm tired, I have dishes to do, and I want to go to bed early". But, fortunately, I said, "Sure". As we floated around the pool on the loungers we talked and laughed and I'm sure I made a memory with her. I give God the credit for stopping my selfish desire and encouraging me to "make a memory". Blessings! Connie Day 3 of 30-day challenge {
07:19 AM
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Saturday, July 12, 2008
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Steve Arterburn of the New Life Live radio show gave a caller who was struggling with guilt from past sin this challenge: read through Romans 6, 7, 8 every day for 30 days and see what happens. I, too, struggle with forgiving myself my past transgressions so I took this challenge on for myself. Even though it's only been three days, I am finding that different verses speak to me on different days. Today what jumped out at me is: "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do no know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express." (8:26) There are so many days when I feel so overwhelmed and burdened that all I can muster is a weak cry of "help". And today, I was reminded that He who knows my heart and mind even better than I do is right there on the floor with me, interceding with "groans that words cannot express". "If God Almighty is for me, who cares who's against me?" (my loose paraphrase of 8:31!) The Creator of the Universe is on my side! What can compare to that?! Blessings! Connie He Is! {
11:25 AM
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Wednesday, July 9, 2008
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These past days I have been weighed down...down...down to my knees. Then I remembered this song. May it bring you goosebumps and peace like it does for me each time I hear it.Blessings! Connie Enough is Enough!!! {
11:05 AM
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Monday, July 7, 2008
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We are done with behavior meds! We have listened to Jack's doctors (pediatrician, endocrinologist and psychologist) for the past 18 months and now it's time to listen to our gut and rely more fully on God's healing!We've tried concerta, straterra, adderall, risperdol, guanfacine, buspar, abilify, ad nauseum! Jack's behavior either deteriorates or stays the same so obviously, the pharmaceutical road is the wrong way. Time to "fully rely on God"! No matter how many times I say, "trust in God", I still have not burned the bridges that lead to drugs, etc. I am NOT saying that behavior meds are wrong or sinful!! I am saying that we have tried and tried and tried again and obviously meds are not the answer for my sweet boy. As dad and I look at our homelife, our own baggage, and our own fallen status, we see where Jack, in all his strong-willed and inflexible glory :-) needs boundaries, consistency, parents who are stronger than his will, and the grace of God. Philippians 4:13 has become our cornerstone: We can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us. We can all control our tempers, we can all be obedient, and we can all be joyful!! Blessings! Connie Pics of Jack receiving his yellow belt!! {
08:57 PM
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Thursday, June 26, 2008
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Jack has been taking martial arts for the past year at our homeschool parent partnership program. He earned his yellow belt and boy was he thrilled! He worked very hard and was so determined. It was great to see him succeed!  Jack's Ajarn tying his new belt on.  The special "hand shake" for this type of Thailand Martial Arts! With all the behavior issues Jack continues to struggle with, it is SO wonderful to see how he flourishes in his martial arts class. It has been the best outlet for his energy. Blessings! Connie Kitchen mill/grinder questions! {
08:25 PM
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Tuesday, April 22, 2008
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We are thinking we need to try a gluten free diet for Jack and I know many of you grind your own grains. I'm totally in the dark and am wondering about brands of mills, how easy it is to grind rice and corn flour, is it really as simple as grinding up long-grain rice, is there a co-op or other place to purchase ready-to-grind grain, are these questions really as silly as I think they are? :-) We read that 1 our of every 10 kids with Type 1 diabetes are also diagnosed with celiac disease. Until we can get in for the official testing, we have decided to start living gluten-free just in case. I'm quickly learning all kinds of things and researching recipes, etc. Any advice or links would be most appreciated! Blessings! Connie 4minutes, 30seconds - A new understanding of God's love for us! {
01:36 PM
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Sunday, April 20, 2008
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Words will only interfere. Just watch!March what? And snow! {
07:35 PM
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Friday, March 28, 2008
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Can't get over the bizarre weather we're having! Snow!! I went to visit my parents in Montana and had to cut the trip short since Lookout Pass was expecting 3-6 inches tonight! Can't believe I have to pull out the boots and mittens again!Spring (yeah, right!) break is this week. I'm off for a week. Can't wait to enjoy staying home every day! Blessings to all ... and if you are in the WA/ID/MT area -- bundle up!! Men's Brains/Women's Brains--Funny Video! {
07:28 PM
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Thursday, March 20, 2008
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This video explains so much!! Isn't it wonderful how God created two completely different "pieces" that fit together so well?! I hope you laugh at this like I did!Connie Looking for "Hawthorn Cottage" -- Help! {
07:55 AM
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Sunday, March 16, 2008
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I was browsing blogs the other day and came across an entry from "Hawthorn Cottage" I wanted to "bookmark" so I could read it later. So I jotted down the name -- but not the user name or any other info and the search feature doesn't have a spot for blog name! I didn't click on "add to friends" because...I don't know, I'm not sure of the etiquette of adding friends.Does anyone have Hawthorn Cottage's username or name so I can find her? I'd be ever so grateful...and careful to jot down people's username next time!! Thanks in advance! Connie Arrgghhh! {
04:41 PM
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Thursday, March 13, 2008
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After spending $300.00 to fix the starter in the car we found out that the head gasket (? or something like that) is blown. I got one block from the repair shop and was blowing so much bluish-white smoke that I thought something was on fire!Needless to say, that repair would cost more than the worth of the car so we are now car-less! We do have hubby's pick-up but it only gets about 12 miles to the gallon and at $3.40 a gallon...well, you get the picture! But in all things I will give praise! We live an easy 10 minute walk to a city bus stop that takes me very conveniently to my school. We will be less likely to make extra trips out which invariably lead us to Walmart or Target or the thrift stores "just to see" (translate: spend money on bargains we don't really need)! I'm getting great exercise walking to the bus stop. We're saving money on insurance and gas. Jack loves to ride the bus so that's an incentive to get him up and out the door with me on his school days. Now, this is going to seem very goofy to some of you, but as I was loading up my bag for school the other day and putting my "walking" shoes on, I got this sense of peace running through me. As I walked down to the bus stop I realized how great it felt to be walking, smelling the early morning air and not putting any kind of strain on our tight budget. It was a sense of freedom, in a way. My son in Seattle walks or busses everywhere. It's just the way you do things there when you're young and just starting out. Well, I'm not young and I wouldn't be classified as "just starting out" but I'm not sure I'm in a big rush to replace the car. (We'll see how dedicated and infatuated I am with public transportation in a few more weeks!) I figure my parents lived with one car most of their lives, I can do it for a while!! Blessings! Picture of my Cowboy boy {
02:18 PM
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Sunday, March 9, 2008
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I just had to upload this picture of my little cowboy. I've been looking into "dude ranch" vacations and realized that's way out of the budget. I'll need to call around and see if we can find somewhere that offers horseback riding. He keeps telling Dad we need to move to a farm...hmmmm....:-) Blessings to you and yours! My little boy wants to be a cowboy! {
07:20 PM
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Thursday, March 6, 2008
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If I could I'd move us to Montana and live a real homestead life. My son would be packing up tomorrow! Since going to the Sanders County fair for the past two years with my parents and attending the rodeo, Jack has been obsessed with all things western. Boots, chaps, spurs, western shirt, cowboy hat, etc. I found an old National Geographic book for kids all about cowboys and he all but sleeps with it! This is when that yearning for rural life really wreaks havoc on me. I lived in a small town for about two years and loved every minute of it. I would love to raise my third munchkin in that atmosphere. If I could make a living as a teacher in Montana, I'd be there tomorrow. Unfortunately, teachers there earn half of what I earn here. I know I'm whining, and I believe I am where God wants me and my family....(I think!!)...but every time I see Jack in his western gear, trying to rope the cat and dog, asking for a chance to live on a farm...well, I would if I could! For those of you blessed with the true homestead lifestyle, don't take it for granted! There are so many of us that envy you! In the meantime, I will "bloom where I'm planted"! Blessings to all! Connie 9:40pm and finally finished (Hubby is so relieved!) {
09:39 PM
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Sunday, February 24, 2008
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I had written a few days ago about my husband's incessant, inexplicable need to upgrade our computers and how, on his latest impulse-driven outing on my computer, he lost all my i-photos and slideshows I had prepared for my mom's upcoming birthday.Well as of 9:40 this evening, I have completed (and backed-up on a disc) the two slideshows I'd lost. Phew! My mom's b-day celebration is next Saturday and I am thrilled to have finished the slideshows...again! I have to say I'm pretty proud of them. I used Point of Grace's "How You Live" for one of them. For the more goofy, funny slideshow I used a little-known song by Lori Loza called "Perfect Woman". It is such a cute song. Here are the lyrics. My mom loves Proverbs 31 (the theme of her party) so I HAD to include this: Well I had a dream just the other night I was perfect woman in the perfect life. I prayed every morning at the crack of dawn All my children called me Saint Mom I never got tired, I never ran late My house was spotless 24 hours a day. My kitchen produced only gourmet meals I ran a taxi on the side to the little league field I joined every committee that the church could form But I was always waiting when my man got home They listed my phone in Proverbs 31 So the women could call to see just how it's done. I was a perfect woman Impossible though it seems I was a perfect woman Even if only in my dreams! I never made one mistake while training my kids Dr. Dobson even called to get some help with his The Lord never said no to my requests I was always anointed, I was always blessed I was always smilin' I never got down I never showed a wrinkle and I never gained a pound I was a perfect woman Impossible though it seems I was a perfect woman Even if only in my dreams! Well, if you're feeling somewhat overwhelmed Don't be afraid to lay that burden down You can't do it all haven't you been told Sometimes a woman's gotta just say, "No" Stay true to your God and your family and if you're perfect chances are you're dreaming just like me! I should try to figure out how to upload the song. It's so fun. I suppose I could ask my husband...no wait! What am I saying? He's not allowed to touch my computer for a year!! Blessings to all. I shall sleep the sleep that comes from total mental exhaustion!! (But it was worth it for my awesome mom!) Connie Upgrading the computer should be illegal in some states!! {
06:10 PM
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Thursday, February 21, 2008
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I love my techy husband...honest! But when he upgrades my computer without permission and THEN loses my i-photo slide shows I spent hours building for my mom's upcoming 70th b-day....well, let's just say it took all my will-power to smile sweetly and tell him not to worry and that I can re-do the slide shows.He really did feel badly and he is going to try to search out the old i-photo library on the hard drive. Of course, if this hadn't been the second time he'd done this I wouldn't have been so...hmmm, what's the word? Strained? Annoyed? Ready to break our promise about never "locking" each other out of our computers!! :-) Let's see...a new password to protect my little digital domain from his obsession to upgrade... upgrade upgrade upgrade! Whew! I feel better! Blessings to you all...and protect your computers from the upgraders of this world! Connie Homeschool radio shows HUGE sale! {
04:42 PM
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Sunday, February 17, 2008
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Someone on homesteadblogger introduced me to Homeschool radio shows on the web (I'm sorry I can't remember who!) and I love it. Each week they have a free download of an old radio show from the days of yesteryear. I've downloaded a few shows and when I went to check the site today there is a huge sale going on!Follow this link http://www.homeschoolradioshows.com/ and check out all the great history shows available for $27.00! The Civil War, Revolutionary War, WWII, and more. The sale ends midnight February 18th so you need to check it out now. I can't wait to get mine. DH and I love listening to old radio shows (Superman, Jack Benny, etc.) and we were so excited about this website. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do! Connie Scattegories game {
09:31 PM
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Thursday, January 31, 2008
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Found this at Kitty’s blog, give it try. *Scattergories*. .. it's harder than it looks. Copy and paste into a new post. Erase my answers and fill in your own. *Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of the questions...they have to be real places, names, and things*...and you can't use your name for the boy/girl name question.What is your name? Connie 4 letter word: comb Vehicle: car City: Coeur d’Alene Boys name: Carl Girls name: Cathy Movie: California Suite Occupation: cook Something you wear: cap Celebrity: Carrie Underwood Food: carrot Something found in a kitchen: coffee cup (2 points! :-) Something found in a bathroom: comet Reason for being late: Couldn’t find my keys. Cartoon character: Curious George Something you shout: Come on, ref! Animal: cat Body Part: calf Now it's your turn! Record snow days! I feel like a kid again! {
08:38 AM
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Thursday, January 31, 2008
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This is the fourth snow day in a row and for this part of the country that's odd. Last time we closed school for any length of time was 12 years ago during a devastating ice storm...and then it was only for three days!But as I posted before...I'm looking at this as a gift because I'm home with my family feeling like a mom and wife again. God knew I needed to fill that maternal tank and it's working! I've been baking, making hot breakfasts, cleaning, organizing, doing the homeschooling, and falling asleep content with my efforts! What a wonderful way to be! I'm going to try to post some pics from this latest deluge! Lots of white out there. "Stay, stay at home my heart and rest. Homekeeping hearts are happiest." { Last Page } { Page 1 of 4 } { Next Page } |
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