Happy Birthday Blessings to 2 of my dear children! I love you both so much! There was a time when I thought maybe God wasn't going to give us any more children and I would comfort myself with scripture (Samuel,etc...). I want to say today "Thank you God for giving us the privelege and responsibility to raise these children."
Today is RiverGirl's 12th birthday and Little Guy's 4th birthday.
RiverGirl has never gotten over what a wonderful birthday present God gave her when a baby brother was born 4 years ago!
Today promises to be a perfect day for hot cocoa, games, and movies. Tonight is a scheduled family party for Little Guy at Grandma and Grandpa's house...we'll see if the weather allows for that or not. We may have a private party at home. Tomorrow we'll be having a special tea party celebration for RiverGirl at a local Bed and Breakfast. I like to do something special for birthday #12. I've invited ladies and girls only, mostly important family members but also some very dear friends (the almost family kind of friends!). I want this to be a special time when these dear ladies can pass on some words of wisdom and share a quiet time with her. I'll post about what she gets and hopefully add pictures after tomorrow.:-)
Sunydazy

• Nov. 30, 2006 - birthdays
Posted by JNLANG
Have a wonderful day. Hope the weather stays fairly nice for you.

Labels: Holidays and Celebrations

I'm sitting at the computer with my chilly fingers around a hot cup of suisse mocha....I need the steam to keep the end of my nose warm. It's cold and icy outside today.
Yesterday afternoon the temperature was 80 degrees and by 2 hours later it had dropped to 38 degrees. This morning it's 30 degrees and raining.The chill factor is 20 degrees. By noon we're supposed to have lots of snow and ice. Hmmm...There's nothing like Texans driving on black ice to liven up a drive to work...I've got dear hubby in my prayers for the day.

With this weather change it finally feels like winter and Christmas season around here. Hurray!
I've got Christmas music playing..."Angels we have heard on high...Gloria, in excelsis deo..."
Ahhhh!
"Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace, good will to men".

After I finish this coffee I've got to bundle up and go outside with Osprey to stake up some of our baby trees. The ice is bending them over. I'm afraid they're going to break.
A tree is a very precious thing around here. I don't plan on losing any if I can help it. We've probably planted 250 or more trees and shrubs on this property and only 50 or so have survived. Some of them died due to extreme heat and some because they don't like solid clay soil. A few were destroyed by neighbor dogs and or mowed down by accident. A few others froze in late winter ice storms after they had already leafed out for the year. Brings to mind a certain parable about the seed and the sower. I know how important good soil and good conditions are for growing. I have gained new perspective to my life since we moved here 6 years ago.

I recently did a little of my Christmas shopping at the TOS store. Great stuff! And I got a lot of free downloads with my purchases. My kiddoes don't usually read my blog but I won't mention exactly what I purchased just in case. I'm looking forward to printing out some of the free e-books over the next couple weeks. One of the freebies I got was a lap book project about Respected American Women. We've never done any lapbooking so we're looking forward to trying something new. It might be a fun thing for a cold rainy day like today. I think I'll take the ones that are homekeeper ones for me to Office Max and get the covers laminated and get them spiral bound.

Well, I finished my coffee and Osprey and I went out to save the trees. I hope they'll be ok now. My fingers are still a little numb and my thermometer nose is icy! Just call me Rudolph. Time for one more cup of coffee and a bowl of hot cereal.
Happy winter everyone!

Sunydazy

Labels: Another Day

I trust you all had a very nice Thanksgiving.
Ours was great! We had a wonderful time visiting with friends and relatives and the children played till they were exhausted!

Today we plan to put up our outdoor Christmas decorations. I don't know if we'll get the indoor ones done or if we'll wait until next weekend. Either way, today promises to be full of fun for everyone in our house! We love to put up lights and Daddy is famous (in our neighborhood!;-)) for his giant star (approx. 20 feet)! Here is a picture from previous years:
Since this picture was taken we have added quite a few things to our collection, including icicle lights.

My husband and I are at our best when it comes to celebrations...we love to work together to make special memories!

We have a lot going from now until January.We just LOVE this time of year!
Our holidays start with Thanksgiving and include my oldest DD birthday, my youngest DS birthday, Christmas (and all the family and friend related events), New Years Eve (we like to host a gathering at our house), and our youngest 2 DD's birthdays. Of course, there are some nieces and aunts and grandparents birthdays in there, as well! After that I will probably have a post holiday let down and need to get some rest!

I'm going to close for now...I've had a morning cup of coffee. it's time to serve breakfast and start pulling out boxes of lights...I'll check in and post again if I get a chance so you can see our progress!

Sunydazy


• Nov. 25, 2006 - Happy Holidays
Posted by daylily
Hi! Kristian and I walked to the library today which is only two blocks from our house. I logged on to the librarys computer and was able to go to your website. I do not know why I have not thought of this sooner. My only excuse is stress. I am glad you and your family are getting into the holiday spirit. My goal for this weekend is to rest. have a lot to tell you talk to you soon' Daylily

• Nov. 30, 2006 - Hi there!
Posted by AHappyHome
We had an easy time with our outdoor lights this year; we just turned them on. Shhhhhh.....don't tell anyone we were tacky enough to leave them up all year! Well, we only have ONE neighbor and I don't think she minded........haha Blessings, Keri

Labels: Holidays and Celebrations

I hope you have a special day celebrating Thanksgiving.
God is so good.
We will be spending the day with relatives. We plan to fellowship, eat and play games.
If you are blogging today I hope you'll leave me a message. God Bless you! I'll be back soon!
Sunydazy

• Nov. 22, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by berrymorin
Happy Stuffing Day

Labels: Holidays and Celebrations

For those of you who want to encourage your children to do something for others for Christmas, Samaritan's Purse Ministries offers a great opportunity to be involved with Operation Christmas Child. You still have today and tomorrow to get your shoeboxes for kids made and delivered to a drop off site. We'll be making ours today. We usually go to a local dollar store and each child chooses things for a child of same age and gender. This is a lot of fun--we like to see how much we can pack into a plastic shoe box! If you do this be sure you print out the list of suggested do's and don'ts and some labels for the top of the boxes.You can get these at their website. They have a suggested donation of $7 for each box to help cover their expense in getting them there. Have fun with this like we do! Lunch out at a local fast food place and box of hot chocolate mix to take home help make this a fun family outing. Also, we like to play Christmas music while we pack up the boxes.
This is a great way for the kids to be personally involved in serving others which is the best way to kick off the holiday season!
Sunydazy

• Nov. 30, 2006 - shoeboxes
Posted by JNLANG
we used to do the shoeboxes. the girls love doing them. we we too busy this year between traveling and other lofe things that we didn't get them done. maybe next year it won't be so busy, or maybe i will be a bit more organized.

Labels: Holidays and Celebrations

Here is our supper menu for the week:
We usually have Thanksgiving at home where I do all the cooking myself...but this year we are eating with relatives. I'm looking forward to relaxing a bit more this year!

SAT: Crockpot BBQ Sloppy Joeswith homemade bread & green salad
SUN: Garlic Roasted Chicken & Broccoli w/ cheese& bread & butter
MON: Bacon and Broccoli Quiche
TUE: Salisbury Steaks with mashed potatoes & green beans
WED: Black Bean Chili & salad
THUR:Thanksgiving Dinner @ relatives (I'll take green bean casserole)FRI: Pizza Night

Sunydazy

Labels: Recipes

Yesterday was a hard day here at La Kooka Rancha.
We had to say goodbye to our dear dog Colonel Fitzwilliam. He and our neighbors dog, Bert, decided to go exploring without permission and they ended up on the nearby railroad tracks. My oldest son and I were trying to catch them but they were very far away and not paying attention to anything. We saw the train coming in the distance but were unable to save the dogs.
It was cold and rainy and very windy ...we hugged and cried and wondered a bit about life.
I don't really care for days like that. I wish I could erase the pain in my children's lives...but I know we can grow so much through the hard times that come our way. If you think of it please say a little prayer for our hurting hearts, especially my oldest son who tends to carry a lot of responsibility on his shoulders at a young age.
Goodbye Fitz...we will surely miss you...

• Nov. 16, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by RollsLife
That is just heartbreaking. I feel for your family and we will keep you all in our thoughts. I know it can be very hard losing a pet.

• Nov. 17, 2006 - Lifting up a prayer
Posted by AmyD
Sunydazy, I am so sorry to hear about your family loosing your beloved dog. My heart goes out to you and I will keep you and your family in my prayers. I know how hard loosing a pet is, they are a family member really, and especially for the kids since they grow up along side their animals. Take care, Amy

• Nov. 18, 2006 - I'm sorry
Posted by kristarella
You are in my prayers. This must have been so very sad for you all.

Labels: Another Day

• Nov. 15, 2006 -
I just recently purchased Zone Cleaning for Kids...I highly recommend it! We haven't had much time to use it yet but I can see how helpful it will be. I also purchased the Clean N Flip one...it focuses on a basket system for the children to use in their own rooms. Simple and easy to use. Check it out!

Sunydazy

Labels: Homeschool, Household Helps

Blogger Friend School Assignment #6
Currently in our world today, there is still of lot of persecution. I believe that most of us, blogging here, are enjoying our freedoms, to not only believe what we choose to believe but more importanty we can do it openly and without fear that we will be made a public display and tortured. We can write our thoughts and feelings and even quote scriptures freely. We can go to a library and choose a book to read of our choice. I am very grateful to all those who have served or are currently serving in any military to protect these freedoms. This week's assignment is taking a deeper look into our spiritual lives and the warfare that we are individually facing. I'd like everyone to seriously think and then blog about a situation in your life where you know that the enemy is attacking you and challenging your spiritual growth. What area in your life are you feeling burdened or challenged? The purpose of the assignment is to use this as a tool to arm ourselves better for this battle not to make you uncomfortable. If this is too personal for you, share an area in your life that you have perservered in a spirtual battle or share your feelings on freedoms in general.~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

This one is hard for me to narrow down! I think my biggest challenge, of late, is the realization of how truly selfish I am. I thought that I was so mature, so well rounded spiritually and selfless! After all, I had successfully mothered and homeschooled 3 children, moved 19 times in less than13 years, been through 3 miscarriages and supported my husband in starting his own business--and kept my hope in the Lord and my spirits joyful, most of that time. I have learned a lot through the years about dying to my own selfish desires and about not putting the physical world on too high of a pedastal. However, the last 10 months of parenting these twin girls combined with some difficulties in other areas of our lives has made my ugly, sinful nature pop out all over the place...a sort of backsliding from the earlier victories I've achieved. I have been praying that God will actually help me grow in this area...because lately I've felt I was only failing the class, so to speak. I've come to realize that when we are battling in some area it is not necessarily to be eschewed. We need to embrace each battle with our full selves and realize that circumstance is not our enemy and neither are people. Our true enemies are only our own old nature and satan, who tries to use our sinful selves against us. I feel that I must win this battle if I am ever to savor more fully the sweetness of the cross...sweet surrender... freedom...
...but guess what! God knows that on my own I am incapable of victory! This was never meant to be a battle that would prove me a victor in the end. It was meant to be a battle that would prove God a victor in the end! He is always faithful. I will continue to strive toward that goal of dying to self but I will do so knowing that God has placed within my reach every tool/weapon that I need to succeed. Instead of wishing I could escape this part of my life I will embrace it with gusto, using the sword of the spirit. I will win and will someday recognize some beautiful new fruit in my life because of Him!

Sunydazy

• Nov. 14, 2006 - Hi!
Posted by Bobbi
Please don't delete this post...(I saw that you were thinking about it over at Training Hearts) This post is full of encouragement and truth! I think it will truly be an encouragement to others and build and edify the body. Blessings! Bobbi (fellow student in Blog Friend School)

• Nov. 25, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by DanielleW
Great post. And so very true. We can't do it on our own. WOW! Thanks for the reminder. Praying you had a blessed Thanksgiving. Blogger Friend School Classmate

Labels: Blogger Friend School

I don't think I should have to say very much here, but have you seen the clothing available for young ladies these days? I've had to do quite a bit of sewing and creative shopping to make sure River Girl is clothed decently. I have pretty much given up hope that the big companies will do anything about this. Why should they? The vast majority of the country just buys whatever the designers and big companies put on the racks. They never worry about the fact that the standards for decency are now in the toilet, much less that clothing is now just an androgynous type of thing with very little thought given to beauty or femininity. I am a true believer in being wholly feminine. Girls should not dress like boys...but being feminine does NOT mean being 'sexy' or immodest. Wake up world! Let's protect our daughters from this shamefulness. Surely we have enough common sense to buck the trends on this one...
For those of you who have an interest in supporting some small companies that have dared to stay with traditional and lovely styles check out the following links:

Lilies of the Field
Hannah Lise
A Joyful Handmaiden
Simply Modest
Swim Modest
Cottage Primrose
Vessels of Mercy
4 Modesty

I'm sure there are many more companies doing this and maybe even some large companies. My goal is not to tell you where to shop but to encourage you to think before you choose. Don't buy into the modern society's low standards just because you haven't noticed. Make a stand for goodness, innocence and femininity!

Moms for Modesty Mission Statement
As a Mom for Modesty I believe in common-sense modesty for girls and young women.
I believe in refraining from sexualizing our girls and young women.
I believe that it is unwise and unfair to taunt boys and young men by permitting my daughter(s) to dress in an immodest manner.
I believe that true beauty comes from within and I strive to teach my daughter(s) this truth.
I will loyally shop at retailers that provide girls' and young womens clothing that is modest, affordable and stylish.
Sunydazy


• Nov. 9, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
Thank you for your post. I do not have any daughters, but we recently attended a birthday party for a little girl we know. I was stunned at the way this girl (and her fellow classmates from a Christian preschool!) were dressed. Disgusting, to say the least. And these were four and five year olds. I can't even imagine how their mothers will let them dress as teenagers.

• Nov. 14, 2006 - cloths for girls
Posted by JNLANG
I sew most of the girl's shirts because the ones in the stores are not long enough to cover their bellies. I do let them buy some shirts, but they have to be approved by me first. and I don't let them buy anything with a companies advertising on the shirt. Shirts are not for advertising. I'm sure I will have more problems with this as the girls get older.

Labels: Misc

I have decided that I want to particiopate in the One Thousand Gifts activity.
What a wonderful idea! Writing down God's blessings as you go.
I have a little journal in my room that I call my happy book in which I sometimes do this.
So, this entry will be continually expanding as time goes. I will keep adding God's gifts as I see them every day. I hope you enjoy this and perhaps get inspired to notice the gifts he has given you. If you want to read more, or if you want to participate, click on the One Thousand Gifts tag on the right hand side of this page ...you'll be able to read many other Christian Women's lists.

Sunydazy

November 8~
1. Chubby hands of two 10 month old girls clapping as they say "yea" with glowing smiles...
2. The quiet chirp of a cricket on a summer night
3. Moonglow over the fields
4. My oldest son's sense of humor
5. My oldest daughter's genteel, ladylike ways
6. My second son's keen ability to find what he wants
7. The sharp smell of frost in the air when the temperatures drop to freezing
8. Strong, sheltering arms of a loving husband
9. Gentle nuzzling of a baby's so soft cheek against my skin in the wee hours of the morning
10. The coolness of a smooth, clean sheet against a feverish face
11. Fragrance drifting from the vase of roses...a gift from my true love
12. gentle purring from the warm kitty against the toes
13. Mmm! I smell the hot, steamy, beef stew simmering all day on the back of the stove
14. A small 3 year old clutching mother's leg in a hug as she tries to cook
15. Birdsong...of every variety
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
November 14~
16. blue,blue skies
17. delicate porcelain dolls
18. fragrance of cedar wood
19. fresh, gentle breezes ruffling my hair on a fall day
20. sunbeams slanting through the dining room window
21. lace doilies crocheted by my dear grandmother
22. large , waxy leaves and blooms on a magnolia tree
23. brilliant colors of leaves in the fall
24. distant sound of a train whistle
25. crushed, pressed style of ice served at Sonic Drive-In! :-)
26. little ones singing in the bathtub
27. tangy flavor and crispness of a freshly made caesar salad
28. belly giggles of little ones playing peek-a-boo
29. gentle guitar melodies drifting from my son's bedroom~ expressions of his heart
30. orderly schedules
31. the smell of fresh peaches
32. warm water running over my feet after a long day
33. the cozy crackle and glow of a fire in a fireplace
34. photography
35. the yippy squeak of a little puppy
36. crunchy fall leaves under my feet


• Nov. 10, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by KarenW
Sounds like you have a lovely family. I enjoyed reading your blessings. I am working on my list too. I only have 950 more to go!

Labels: Inspirations

This is last weeks assignment for Blogger Friend. I'm running a bit behind. I put this one off because it seemd like it would take a lot of thought.

1. Share your family traditions for Christmas and/or Advent:
When my husband and I got married we had very little money and no Christmas decorations, so that first Christmas together we made a few homemade decorations. That was 18 years ago and the tradition stayed with us. Every year we make something , sometimes it's only something small but it's the time spent together as a family that counts.
A few years ago we added something new...making a gingerbread house. The children enjoy it so much that I think that it's a tradition that will stay with us.
We also have an annual Christmas decoration party. Each year I choose a date and mark it on the calendar to be set aside for the party. On that day the children and I pull out all the boxes of decorations and get the house prettied up, while snacking on things like popcorn, cheeseball and crackers, olives and more and drinking eggnog ,etc...but we don't do the tree until Daddy gets home. When he arrives the tree decorating can begin. From the time our oldest son (16yo) was tiny, it has been his job to help his daddy put the lights on the tree. They do that first and then we all add ornaments. I am always the one to add an angel to the top. After we finish decorating we all sit around in the dark with only the twinkle lights on and enjoy our finished work. We usually have a cup of hot chocolate to finish the day.
Another tradition is our advent calendar. It has a picture of Bethlehem and lots of little doors and windows to be opened, one each day. It has an accompanying story book. We read out of that each night before bed.
On Christmas morning we have a tradition of eating boxed cereal! This may sound strange to some people, but for most of the year we eat wholesome cooked cereal, pancakes, eggs etc for breakfast. We very rarely eat boxed cold cereals. On Christmas eve I get out a large basket and fill it full of small single serving boxes of cereal and nuts (like walnuts) and I set it on the table, ready for breakfast. This makes a quick and easy eat and cleanup the next morning.We have other traditions that I haven't listed here but for sake of time I'll stop here.

2. List 10 ways that you can prepare for the season
This one is a hard one for me...
1. More Prayer
2. More Bible reading
3. Make lists of gifts for kiddoes and relatives
4. Mark the calendar with all upcoming events and choose some family days
5. Begin purchasing extra food items now (this helps keep us from having too much of a budget strain all at once)
6. Begin purchasing gifts and checking them off the list
7. Schedule a day for Samaritan shoe box shopping (another fun tradition in our house...each child makes a box for a child with things that they would like)
8. Start addressing cards.
9. Get a picture of the children ready to go into the cards.(Yes, dear relatives, you will be getting a picture! Yea for me!)
10. Schedule a day to have another family over to enjoy a cozy winter meal with us (as I'm typing this it's 81 degrees outside :-/)

3. Post a Scripture that will help you "get into the spirit"
Luke 2: 10-14
Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.
For there is born to you this day in the city of David a savior, who is Christ the Lord.
And this will be a sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger."
And suddenly there was with the angela multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
"Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"

Oh, I just love that scripture! Just think about the meaning of this...Joy to all people!
and just imagine hearing the multitude of heavenly host saying "glory to God and speaking peace and goodwill toward men! This really helps me get into the spirit of the season. I would like to add here how awesome I think it is to hear wonderful old hymns and songs procaliming Jesus birth and the joy He brings being played on radio stations all during December...gives me chill bumps and smiles :-).... God is great!

Labels: Blogger Friend School

Election Day
Today is the day to exercise your right to a voice in this country.
It's election day! Get thee to the polls!
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About Homeschool Blogging
It has recently come to my attention through an unnamed source that certain of my friends and relatives have not been commenting on my blog because they feel like 'outsiders'. I thought they just weren't interested. In fact I didn't even know any of them were reading my blog at all...
Well, I have a thing or two to say about that! There are no outsiders here! This blog is here to share with friends and family whether you homeschool or not. Homeschoolblogger is simply a great base for my blogging because I homeschool. It is in no way restrictive in readership! Please comment here! I love you people (you know who you are).
Besides all that, if you are in any way interested in homeschooling: a wannabe, a grandparent, or just interested in it...this would be a great place for you to blog, as well.
Please, please be nice to me and leave a note now and then. It would mean so much to me! Thank you!
*************************************************

About relatives and friends who need hugs:
You know who are! Why don't you write or call when you need a prayer or someone to talk to? I'm so sorry I didn't know what you were going through sooner.....Here are some hugs and love sent your way! ((((hug))))
**************************************************

About my new 'Bulletin Board'
I've added a chat box to this page. Scroll down a bit and look on the right hand side. I labeled it Ranch Bulletin Board. To leave me note all you have to do is type in your email address or web address and your name. Then you just type in a little message and click go. Your message will instantly appear in the box.
See, isn't that easy and fun?
***************************************************

Ok, I think that sums up my thoughts for this morning. I've got to sign off and get myself to the polls while the babies are still in their happy morning mood! :-)

I'll be back to check in on some of my blogging friends later. Have a beautiful day!

Sunydazy

• Nov. 7, 2006 - I love your blog space!
Posted by icart61
I feel like I have been transported to an easier more peaceful time...thanks for the break! Now everyone get out there and VOTE! Take the kids, the coffee...and vote! make it a treat for your kids...give them the "I voted" stickers...start a collection...but go VOTE! If you have the time, I have some interesting facts posted on my blog about past Hollywood stars. Come for a visit...icart

Labels: Misc

I've gained some inspiration from reading other people's menu ideas on their blogs so I thought I would share my menus here occasionally. I might even share a recipe or two. :-) I'm going to add a little menu section on the right hand side of my blog if you want a quick look at the week's menu. Otherwise, watch for my weekly posts and/or look in the Recipe/Menu category of the archives.

SAT: Crockpot Chicken and Noodleswith Broccoli and Carrots
SUN: Tomato soup, salad and grilled cheese sandwiches
MON: Crockpot Beans and Hamwith Green Salad
TUE: Hamburger Skillet (whatever I can find I throw in)~This is a family favorite
WED: Chicken Nacho Salad
THUR: Cheese Soup (I make it spicy and add leftover chicken and broccoli)
FRI: Pizza Night

• Nov. 5, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by InjoyLife
Thank you for sharing your menu. You have laid out some very frugal, healthy and enjoyable foods--I am always looking for ideas like that! Sherry

Labels: Recipes