EXTRA!! EXTRA!! READ ALL ABOUT IT!!!

Arty the Hedgehog, Crime-fighter Extraordinaire, Beats up Bane and Puts Batman and Superman Out of Work!

Arty the Hedgehog came to the rescue early Thursday evening by foiling a plot by the evil villain Bane to attack the living room of a fun-loving family. The family was home but completely unaware of the danger that lurked in the middle of their floor. Assuming that the tiny villain was merely left there to sleep by the family three-year-old, they had simply stepped around the action figure unaware that he was only playing possum while waiting for the opportune time to carry out his plan of terror.

The plot was discovered by Arty the Hedgehog while he was out in the living room exploring. As hedgehogs have large ears and an excellent sense of hearing, it is assumed that he heard the action figure mumbling about how long it was taking for the family to fall into his trap. With Superman napping in another location on the living room floor completely unaware of the impending doom, and Batman nowhere to be found, Arty sprung into action as best as a hedgehog can spring and attacked Bane by biting his leg a couple times and slamming him to the ground rendering Bane useless and putting and end to threat.

Although none of this information can be confirmed because Hedgehogs can't speak and only make "pftshhhh pftshhhh" sounds, it was quite obvious to his loving, adoring, and grateful family that this is indeed what happened and that they were saved by this tiny and brave creature. They are forever in his debt.

Bane has been transferred to the toy box where he was interrogated by the Marine Corps action figure who was faithfully executing his post behind enemy lines protecting the play area from the Joker's plot of household tyranny when Bane was taken down.

"I just can't be two places at once," the Marine Corps action figure said saying that he was proud to have Arty as an ally. "I look forward to working with him in the future."

While Arty the Hedgehog and the Marine Action Figure are playing down the day's events saying that it's just who they are and what they do, both are expected to receive commendations for their actions. Bane is expected to receive therapy to help him deal with his horrific childhood growing up in the underground prison, Pena Duro.

Just had to laugh!

I came across a quiz at a friend's FaceBook page.  It asked the question: Which classic rock band are you?  My results made me laugh because it's truly accurate, according to what those who know me best say.  LOL!

You got: The Doors

Via commons.wikimedia.org

You’re strange, but undeniably awesome. Sometimes you come across as eccentric and controversial, but those who understand your universal mind will appreciate just how profound you truly are.

But for the Grace of God

Last night our electric went out.  The electric company came out and told us that the master breaker to the house was bad.  In fact, we'd had a fire inside of the box at the pole.  At first I considered us "lucky" that it hadn't back fed to the house and burned our home.  Tonight however, I feel differently.  The electricians just finished the major repairs and I called our electric company to come out and get the power back on.  She informed me that the crew was already on their way to our area; they were heading to a house fire to shut off the electric and would be at our place as soon as they finished.

Couldn't help but cry as I thought about about the people watching their home burn.  I thought about the people here at the hotel who are here because of house fires, which is problem during the winter months with all the space heaters.  We met one of them last night when checked in.  As I thought of what total strangers are going through at this very minute and prayed for them with tears, I remembered something my daddy use to say, "But for the grace of God, there go I."

But for the grace of God, we could have lost our home.

We had thanked Him for there being just two non-smoking rooms left at the only hotel in town.  We thanked Him for the electricians who were able to come out today.  Now, I am thanking Him for sparing our home.  While I will continue to pray for those who have lost so much these winter months, I will keep in the forefront of my mind the Amazing Grace that the Lord, for some reason, showed us last night.

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  ~ I Thess 5:16-18

Passing on the Art of Bread Making

Be sure to play the music while you read ...

Give us this day our daily bread.  

~Matthew 6:11 (KJV)

 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:  

~Isaiah 55:10 (KJV)

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.  

~II Corinthians 9:10 (NIV)

Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.  Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”  

~John 6:26-27 (NIV)

He will dwell on the heights,

His refuge will be the impregnable rock;

His bread will be given him,

His water will be sure.

 ~Isaiah 33:16 (NASB)

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”  

~Matthew 4:4 (NIV)

Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty."  

~John 6:35 (NIV)

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 

~Acts 2:42 (KJV)

When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them.  Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.  They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”  

~Luke 24:30-32 (NIV)

 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.  

~Acts 2:46-47  (NIV)

 23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:

24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death until he comes.  

~I Corinthians 11:23-26 (KJV)

4 1/2 cups warm water

4 1/4 tsp yeast (2 packages)

1 T Sugar

1 cup bread flour

Let proof, then add:

1 tsp salt

1/4 cup honey

2 eggs

1 cups coarse ground oatmeal

1 T gluten (if you have it)

Then add:

1 cup bread flour

3 cups whole wheat flour

Knead for 10-15 minutes adding flour as needed.

Let rise for an hour.

Punch down and form into loaves.

Let rise until doubled.

Bake in a 350 oven until brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped.

Rub butter on top and cool 10 minutes before cutting ... if you can.

It's been a while...

It's been crazy around here while we prepare to move.  Our eldest graduated from bootcamp and is now a MARINE!!!!  Oooooooooo-Rah!  We are so proud of him!!!!

I hope to post a REAL post soon.  So for those few who read this, and you know who you are (yes, people actually do read this, not many, but a few, and they call, text or email instead of posting online ... I'm not sure why) I have tales to share.

Many blessings!!!

OH!  I made some lavender soap today, and I promise to share!!!!

A Reminder of Why I Homeschool

It's from 2009, but I've just come across it ... by accident ...

HOME-SCHOOLING: Outstanding results on national tests

I miss these days when the table was full of homeschoolers!
Their ages now are 20, 17, 16, 13, 11.
And of course now we have the three-year-old
who isn't in the picture.

 The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) estimates there are more than 1.5 million children being taught at home. Furthermore, the DOE estimates that home-schooling has been growing at 7 percent a year for the last 10 years.

Two related questions many people ask are, “Why has home-schooling become so popular?” and “What is motivating parents to take on this daunting responsibility?” In the most recent report by the DOE, parents gave three basic reasons for choosing home education: to provide religious or moral instruction, concerns about the school environment, and dissatisfaction with academic instruction at other schools.

Regarding the third reason, there is new research showing that the average home-schooler who takes standardized achievement tests is doing very well. The study, commissioned by the Home School Legal Defense Association and conducted by Brian Ray, an internationally recognized scholar and president of the nonprofit National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI), is called “Progress Report 2009: Homeschool Academic Achievement and Demographics.”

The study included almost 12,000 home-school students from all 50 states who took three well-known standardized achievements tests — the California Achievement Test, the Iowa Test of Basic Skills and the Stanford Achievement Test — for the 2007-08 academic year. The students were drawn from 15 independent testing services, making it the most comprehensive home-school academic study to date.

This one is now 13.

The results reinforced previous home-school studies conducted over a period of 25 years.

Five areas of academic pursuit were measured. In reading, the average home-schooler scored at the 89th percentile; language, 84th percentile; math, 84th percentile; science, 86th percentile; and social studies, 84th percentile. In the core studies (reading, language and math), the average home-schooler scored at the 88th percentile.

The average public school student taking these standardized tests scored at the 50th percentile in each subject area.

Beyond academics, there were significant results regarding achievement gaps. It is common knowledge that gender, as well as parents’ income and education levels will greatly affect a public school student’s academic results. Public schools have invested greatly to try to close these achievement gaps. The study, however, shows the achievement gaps found in public school were greatly diminished for the home educated.

For example, home-schooled boys scored at the 87th percentile and girls at the 88th. Household income had little impact on the results of home-school students: Children of parents with an income between $35,000 and $49,000 scored at the 86th percentile, whereas children of parents with an income over $70,000 scored at the 89th percentile.

These two are now 16 and 11.

As one would expect, the education level of parents did affect the results. For example, home-school students of parents without college degrees scored, on average, at the 83rd percentile for the core subjects. When one parent had a college degree, those students scored at the 86th percentile, and when both parents had a college degree, those students scored at the 90th percentile. There was virtually no difference, however, between the scores of students whose parents were certified teachers and those who were not.

In summary, the results were slightly better than the most recent large academic study regarding home-schoolers (the 1998 Rudner study), and the average home-school test results continue to be 30-plus percentile points higher than their public school counterparts.

In my opinion, there are two main factors for these outstanding results: the educational environment where learning takes place, and the individualized, one-on-one instruction. Most home-school students are directly taught by their parents, who love their children enough to make the sacrifice to stay at home to make sure their child is taught in a safe and loving learning environment. Second, one-on-one instruction emphasizes the best interests of the child rather than the best interests of the group.

In a sentence, home-schooling is a recipe for academic success.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/aug/30/home-schooling-outstanding-results-national-tests/#ixzz2RbtwVk00 

So Much to Do ... So Little Time!

My family is moving 1,000 miles away this summer.  We have a lot to do!  We've already made one trip to look for houses.  We are working on getting our house ready to list.  We have to make another trip to try to find a house to fit all of us.  There is still three weeks of school for us to complete.

I'm a bit worn out ... but following the Lord's leading.

Three years ago the Lord gave this to me:

Where I go, God has been.
If I go where God has been, He has prepared a path.

If God has gone before me and has prepared a path
He has prepared and provided for everything along the way.

If I believe that where I go God has been,

that He has provided a path,

and that He has prepared and provided for everything along the way,

then I can rest knowing in full confidence that everything will be okay.

IF I follow the path He has made for me.

~ Written April 1, 2010

Please remember us in prayer.

YUMMY BROWNIES!!!!

I came across a brownie recipe that really intrigued me.  It has no flour.  It uses black beans.  Yes, I know it sounds pretty gross by I just made them and they are absolutely FANTASTIC!!!!!!  I found the recipe at Chocolate Covered Katie.

I ended up pouring extra chocolate chips on top, letting them soften, and then spread out the chocolate like frosting.  We decided that was boring, so I sprinkled some powdered sugar on top.

They are definately two-year-old approved.  The other children found them amazingly wonderful and they couldn't taste the black beans at all!!!!

Her recipe called for canned black beans, but I was making black beans for dinner tonight so I measured out 1 1/2 cups of the soaked beans, simmered them for a while, and then let them soak in the hot water until they were soft.

Here is the recipe off of Katie's blog:

No-Flour Black Bean Brownies

(gluten-free)

• 1 1/2 cups black beans (1 15-oz can, drained and rinsed very well) (250g after draining)
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder- dutch or regular (10g) (add a little extra if desired)
• 1/2 cup quick oats (40g) (See nutrition facts link below for all substitution notes.)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup or agave (Honey will work, but not for strict vegans.) (75g)
• 2 nunaturals stevia packs or 2 tbsp sugar (or omit and increase maple syrup to 1/2 cup)
• 1/4 cup coconut or vegetable oil (40g) (See “nutrition facts” link for all substitution notes.)
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup to 2/3 cup chocolate chips (115-140g) (Not optional. Omit at your own risk.)
• optional: more chips, for presentation

Preheat oven to 350 F. Combine all ingredients except chips in a good food processor, and blend until completely smooth. Really blend well. (A blender can work if you absolutely must, but the texture—and even the taste—will be much better in a food processor.) Stir in the chips, then pour into a greased 8×8 pan. Optional: sprinkle extra chocolate chips over the top. Cook 15-18 minutes, then let cool at least 10 minutes before trying to cut. Makes 9-12 brownies.

Soap! Soap! Soap!

It had been a while since I had made soap.  In fact, my family had been using COMMERCIAL soap for several months.  GASP!!!!  A friend contacted me on Facebook and asked if I still made soap and if I would be interested in selling it in her store.  Their entire store is about re-purposing things that others find useless.  They are very down to earth people ... and they homeschool!  Anywho ... I've not been in her store, but I've read her blog (Patina in Paducah) and I have seen many pictures up on Facebook.  I very excitedly said, "Yes!  Yes!  Yes!"

Okay, maybe it was only ONE yes ... but inside me I doing a happy dance.  And it came at a perfect time for me.

So my daughter and I started getting busy making homemade lye soap (my daughter also created and earned a Create Your Own Badge for Girls Scouts).  I think they came out quite lovely and I enjoyed the time with my daughter teaching her something she had only watched me do before.  If you ever have the chance of using lye soap DO IT!!!    If milled properly with a good recipe, it rinses clean away leaving you squeaky clean.  My mother-in-law says that my Oatmeal, Milk & Honey is the only thing that keeps her eczema clear.  

The first ones we made were the Lavender Goat's Milk and the Cinnamon Scrub with Nutmeg & Clove (the little soap up front is a Gentle Milk Handsoap that came later ... it was leftover).  The Lavender smell so relaxing and it great for shaving legs and the Cinnamon Scrubs exfoliates amazingly (it smells yummy too)!

The next soap made was Avocado Peppermint Burst.  I had never made this before.  I wanted to try something new, so I added two pureed avocados and peppermint essential oil.  The main bars were all the standard square, but I decided to get creative with the leftovers.  The round one came from a finish round "block" of soap that set up in a tall plastic cup.  The heart one was poured into a heart shaped mini cake mold.  I carved a mesage in it for my lovely daughter.  I have been washing my rather long hair (down to my waist) with this soap for a little over a week.  My scalp has cleared up and my hair is super soft without using any conditioner.  YEAH! a few less chemicals on my body!!!  It's really a good morning wake up soap.

Another new soap for me was the Jamaican Morning Coffee.  Coffee soap is good for removing odors, I've been told, so I made my own.  I decided to try using cupcakes tins for another mold.  I think it's cool how the cupcake papers made ridges on the sides.  The next day when we made the Oatmeal, Milk & Honey, I set some plain soap aside, added milk to it, then put swirls on top the soap to make Mocha Latte Cupcake soap.  My beautiful, sweet and amazing daughter said they needed decorating and added the coffee beans.  She's so creative!  My 13-year-old son decorated a few as well.  The leftover from the "latte topping" was swirled on freezer wrap to make small palm sized soaps.

The last soap we made was the Oatmeal, Milk & Honey.  The cupcake soap was left the way it was, but wanting to experiment with something new, I double milled the bar soap.  That means I took out of the mold the next day, broke it up, added some water, then set it in a warm oven for an hour stirring and mushing every 15 minutes.  Then when it was nice and thick I spooned it back into the mold.  I used the back of my spoon to make peaks on the top.  I think it looks a bit rustic.  I couldn't be more pleased!  

 Our next creative soap endeaver will be making a soap cake ... 

42 TODAY!!!!

I woke up this morning singing Mighty is the Power of the Cross.  I thought it was a perfect reminder of the greatest gift one could ever be given!!!

What can take a dying man and raise him up to life again?

What can heal a wounded soul?
What can make us white as snow?
What can fill the emptiness?
What can mend our brokenness?
Brokenness

Mighty, awesome, wonderful
Is the holy cross
Where the Lamb laid down His life
To lift us from the fall
Mighty is the power of the cross

What restores our faith in God?
What reveals the Father's love?
What can lead the wayward home?
What can melt a heart of stone?
What can free the guilty ones
What can save and overcome?
Overcome

Mighty, awesome, wonderful

Is the holy cross
Where the Lamb laid down His life
To lift us from the fall
Mighty is the power of the cross

It's a miracle to me [2x]
And It's still a mystery [2x]
It's a miracle to me
The power of God
For those who believe

Mighty, awesome, wonderful
Is the holy cross
Where the Lamb laid down His life
To lift us from the fall
Mighty is .......
Mighty is.......
Mighty is the power of the cross

Thank You for the cross [2x]
Love the cross [2x]
So Powerful...... ohhhhh yeahhh
What can take a dying man?
And raise him up to life again?

Worship You Jesus
By your wounds we are healed
By your wounds we are saved
Mighty is the power of the cross [2x]
Thank You Jesus for the Holy cross

Turning 42!

I'm turning 42 on Wednesday.  I AM SO EXCITED!!!  Yes, I am one of the few women who look forward to their birthday each year.  I have no problem growing older.  Although, I do wish my children didn't do it so fast!  I blinked a couple times and my eldest is now at boot camp ... **sigh**

Anyway, we have a big day planned!  **cough cough**  There are three dental cleanings and a minimal amount of school work to be done (just enough to keep each one busy while their siblings have their appointments).  Then I'm going to relax for a few hours and read.  I haven't decided yet what I am going to make for my birthday dinner.  Maybe panCAKES ... !!! 

We're sick.

Yeah, that's about it.  :P~~~~~~~~

Going Away and A Little Bit of Mischief

We had our son’s going away party Saturday. My best friend of over 30 years made his cake.  It was wonderful to have so many people there to support him. Even people who weren’t able to attend sent cards. One of the children who was there made a huge card for him telling him by taping 8 pieces of paper together. She colored it and wrote in the inside of proud of him she was and that she would be praying for him. One of the little boys painstakingly colored several pages from his coloring book for him. It was so sweet!


After we left the restaurant, my mom and lifelong best friend and her family, came back to our house. There was just a little bit of mischief going on when people weren’t looking…

What my best friend encouraged my mother to do to my bathroom...

What my best friend and I did to my mother's car ...

What I did to my best friend's car the next morning while she was still sleeping ...

It's All My Sister's Fault!

When I was in elementary school my big sister taught me the following chant:

I must!  I must! I must increase my bust!
The bigger the better,
the tighter the sweater!
The boys depend on us!

While you chanted it you were suppose to press the heals of your hands together and make your chest move.  I didn't know what it was all about exactly, but she was my big sister and I faithfully executed the exercise many, many times.  Eventually I stopped as I grew older, but the deal was done. 

I sit here now with my DD's, sore back, and indentations in my shoulders and have decided that it's all her fault.  She who ended up with much smaller boobs than mine. 

I miss my sister!

Lazy Day

Public school was called on account of the sleet we had last night.  We only have one in public school, but I went ahead and called homeschool out as well just because I could.  Even if we aren't all hanging out together, I like having all of my children at home.  It won't be that way much longer.  I can't imagine what it's going to be like with my son not here, and while he's in boot camp I won't be able to visit or even call.  I've added them up.  In 24 days he leaves for boot camp.  After that we get him for about 7-10 days before he's off to military combat training for 40.  Then we get him for another 7-10.  And then he's gone.  He won't be at college where we can visit.  He'll be overseas somewhere and I know I will worry every day.  I'm sure there will be a lot of tears there too.

I didn't realize it would hurt this much when he left.

He's still that little boy sitting on the counter wearing his Daddy's Raider's cap holding a ladle while he patiently waited for the apple butter to be ready for canning.  How did the time pass by so fast?!  I want to go back there and hold him just a little bit more and kiss his sweet little forehead again.

My Son's Going Away Party and My 1st Quilt of Valor Quilt

This morning I completed the handmade invitations to my son's going away party.  He starts Marines bootcamp on February 11th so we are having a little party for him with a few of his friends and a few adults who have watched him grow up over the last several years.  It will be about 25 people.  I'm really having fun doing this for him and I think he's eating it up.  He is the kind of person who needs people to make a fuss over him, but you can tell this he likes.  I am so proud of my son and the decision he has made to serve our country.  Of course I have water works off and on, but that's okay.  I'm a momma!

On another note, there is an organization called Quilts of Valor Foundation that makes quilts for our military and our veterans.  "The mission of the Quilts of Valor Foundation is to cover all combat service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor."  It's really neat.  They have donated 80,298 quilts since November of 2003.  I came across their site just before Christmas.  This is what they do: Someone purchases the fabric and makes the topper.  They keep a journal of what is going on in their life and the work on the quilt as they go along.  Then they send the journal and the topper to another person who donates the batting and backing for the quilt and then quilts it.  Then the quilt and journal gets sent back to the first person who puts on the binding and attaches a label on the back.  A presentation case is made for the quilt and the quilt is sent for presenation.  They say the for the men and women who recieve them, the journal is as precious as the quilt itself.  I KNEW I had to do this! 

I also knew that my first one needed to be for a very special person because it would be my first quilt.

Yesterday I purchased some fabric for my first Q of V quilt.  I'm giving it to my friend's brother who is getting a medical discharge from the Army after fifteen years.  He has been through so much and I wanted to give him something to let him know that there are those who really appreciate the sacrifices he has made.  I found the above quilt posted online.  I think it is really neat and his sister said he would love it.    When mine is done, I'll be sure to post a picture.