The Slide show will come, I am having problems getting it to load. I am still learning how to use my Mac.

I promised a post so I will keep my promise and what better way than to tell how much fun we had on our vacation.

We took a mini tour of Kentucky for our trip, and we had so much fun. First stop on our tour was Cumberland Falls(a place we love to visit). While at Cumberland we stayed up until about 1230 at night to see the elusive Moonbow. We were rewarded with one that kept coming and going. It is very difficult to take a picture unless you have a camera with a 3 minute exposure time, my does not. It only does about 15 seconds and even though it is not a good picture I did manage to get it. I will post one later. On monday we did some hiking. We hiked to Dog Slaughter Falls. Absolutely beautiful, strenuous at times but worth it. before going on the hike, Alex asked me about Dog Slobber Falls, and I had to correct him and tell him it was Dog Slaughter Falls. His response," but that means to kill". Yes it does and there is a not so nice folk lore history revolving around that.

Second stop on our tour, we went to Mammoth Cave. I was amazed at the underground beauty that God has placed there. I took many pictures but it is something you have to see for yourself. Tuesday we took a short 1 hour tour of the historical entrance, the one the indians used to mine the resources for trading. The inside is so vast, I was thankful for lights because otherwise it would be very dark. Weds we took a much longer, 4 1/2 hour hike underground. We even got to eat lunch in the snowball room. It was an old lunch room for the CCC workers back in the early part of the 1900's. We walked some wide open spaces and we walked some very narrow places. Even with having to climb many stairs and steep inclines I enjoyed it so much. I would love to go back. We were at one point put in total darkness. I have never been in a darkness so thick that you can't even see your hand in front of your face. Well, I could write and write about our adventure but I think my pictures will show you the fun we had.

I will post a slideshow shortly. Have a wonderful day.

It has been so long since I have posted anything on my blog, almost 2 years. Too, long if you ask me. I think I just might pick it back up again and start posting. The problems is FB has overtaken my blogging. This is just a short note but look forward in the very near future of fun blogging and photos.

Because it is right

If a child can get away with disobedience they will, they will question authority until they are made to realize they, either, obey or face the consequences. I have been dealing with that a lot in my home lately. One particular child has problems with questioning my authority in such a way that I get very frustrated. I will admit it makes me angry because I have told her time and time again that she is to obey, no matter what. A couple evenings ago she started questioning and kept asking why she had to obey me, the reasoning behind what I wanted her to do. This child is never happy with the short answer, she wants a long detailed explanation before she decides if she agrees or not. As we were talking I thought of what the Bible says in Ephesians 6:1 Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is right. There it is the short answer, because it is right. Not because you have to obey for a specific reason, sometimes there just is no other reason than because I just want you to do the way I told you. I have a firm belief that children need to obey because they are told to obey. I explained to her this verse that says it so simply, and how Jesus wants us to do what is right. I want her to understand that as she grows up she may be expected to do things and if she wants a big long reason she might lose the joy of just doing it because it is right.

I am, in no way a perfect parent, but as we go through our days God is faithful to show me how I can teach my children what it is he wants from us. Just plain and simple obedience.

Preschool Activities

Homeschool moms with little ones who aren't quite ready for school but need ideas to keep them busy. I heard of a great idea to make acitivity packs, I then googled preschool activities and guess what, here is a place that gives very good ideas for those packs. I also thought of my older children who might feel a little left out of the fun and I am going to make them a special activity pack that they can do during a 15 minute break from regular school work. What I have read that is recommended is limit the time with activity packs, like 15 or 20 minutes and then clean up that one and move on to another. Happy homeschooling!

Disclaimer: none of these ideas are mine but come from other great and wonderful homeschool moms who have tried these wonderful ideas and found that it works to relieve the stress of trying keeping everyone busy at the same time.
Preschool Activities

Learning as I go

I have to admit I am not the most organized person. Just trying to get organized can be quite difficult, but I have talked to God about this and have requested his help and you know what is happening. He is helping me. Are you surprised? I'm not, he has proven true in difficult circumstances before and he his proving true once again. I am not trying to be super organized or get everything done in one day, I am building on what I have learned each day. Maybe we could call it "saxon organization", whatever it is its working. The fun part is I am getting my kids in on the fun. They are learning organization with me. I have figured out that if they can get in a routine of doing the same things everyday like, empty the dishwasher, take dirty laundry to laundry room, and unload washer and load dryer, along with cleaning their rooms each day and just getting into the habit of helping when asked. This has worked wonders, they have quickly learned that it is easier to get it done early then to miss on playtime later. I don't claim to be the next writer of a book on organizing you house, or getting your kids to cooperate but I just wanted to blog about it. I have actually gotten a lot of tips from other bloggers and different website who offer home organization tips. Also our unit study curriculum gave tips on keeping your kids organized and doing their chores along with their school schedule. It keeps on track with our day and they are up and moving so when the "school bell rings" they have gotten their brain cells active and are ready for some learning. I'm telling it works, think about kids who may ride the bus to school or sleep until the last minute, when it comes time to sitting down at their desk they are still lethargic, cold and just want to lay their head down and sleep. The was my oldest last year. I thought that if she is always so tired then she must need her sleep, so I waited to get her up and even when she did, she would come to the couch with a blanket moan and groan about having to busy with school. On top of that, fights would break out between the three and then I would get stressed and frustrated and just plain ready to give up. God has promised to give us wisdom if we ask, what better to ask for than wealth or a better job, or even a bigger house. I don't need any of that, because it is wise to always depend on God for what we need, and since wisdom is my current and ongoing need that is my request. God has been faithful to provide for that request. I also believe that in order to teach out children to live godly lives they need to learn to honor their family and work together. Do I expect everyday to go smoothly, oh no, but I do know that God will give me the wisdom with each new day he allows me to enjoy on this earth.



Here is a couple links to blogs that have proved useful to me, and in the meantime read Ephesians chapter 5

http://www.donnayoung.org/

www.butfirstwehavecoffee.com

Country Profiles -

This is a link to an interactive map dipslaying countries that make it difficult to be a Christian in.
Because of what my children are going to study in school this year, I am trying to become more aware
of the issues of christian persecution around the world. We need to pray for the many men and women
who suffer in these countries.
Country Profiles -

'Stillborn' 1.1.-Pound Baby Wakes Up Just Before Funeral, Remains in Stable Condition - Pregnancy - FOXNews.com

This is an amazing story. You have to read it.

'Stillborn' 1.1.-Pound Baby Wakes Up Just Before Funeral, Remains in Stable Condition - Pregnancy - FOXNews.com

Pray for Persecuted Christians | Open Doors USA -

Pray for Persecuted Christians Open Doors USA -

Oh boy, what a two days. We have had much excitement around and things are finally settling down. I only have a moment so I will talk fast, can you keep up . . . Well for starters my mom arrived here to the city built on 7 sevens hills. She will be working on the hilltop(GBS) and is living just about 15 minutes away. We are so very happy about this and will enjoy having her close by. The past two days we have been going out and about to find the things she needs to set up house here. The Lord was good and she found many things for a very reasonable price. Of course there are bumps in the road, the lock to her appartment was not behaving so she kept getting locked out but when someone would come to see what was wrong it would mysteriously start working again, finally its bad behaviour showed up with the right person present and the problem is in the process of being solved. I think that is all for now. I will have another update next week for you, because we are going to start school and I want to share that with you as well. I hope you have a blessed weekend and I will talk to soon.

The Cross in Prayer - My Utmost For His Highest

The Cross in Prayer - My Utmost For His Highest

The Bewildering Call of God - My Utmost For His Highest

Here is a link to a deviotional from My Utmsot For His Highest.

The Bewildering Call of God - My Utmost For His Highest

I have a wonderful 7 y.o. and her name is Emily. Someday she is going to make a wonderful wife and mother. She already has the ability to take care of others and loves doing it. Today she prepared lunch for all of us, she made tuna salad all by herself and set chips on the table and bread to go with it. I am so very pleased that God has blessed me with a daughter such as her.

Here is a little update on our life in Kentucky. As it goes with almost everyone, with children, school will be starting soon. I am waiting on part of our curriculum to arrive, I should say anxiously waiting. The kids are excited, looking forward to a fresh start and new adventures. I am changing things around this year, I have chosen as our unit study curriculum to use My Fathers World. This encompass, history, geography, science, and so much more. As for spelling, I am using, Rod & Staff's, Spelling By Sound and Structure, and then their penmanship for Megan. We are using Writing Strands and Emma Searl's Primary and Intermediate Language Lessons. And, of course the library will provide us with a vast qantity of books to read. Before I forget I am going back to Math-U-See for the girls. I like the format of weekly lessons instead of daily lessons. I used that the first year I homeshcooled and liked it but due to trying to be cost effective, I did some other things. My little Alex, who will be 5 in september will be doing Kindergarten work. I am using My Fathers World A to Z for him, that is a complete kindergarten curriculum and I like that format also, it is weekly lessons too. I have to say that God has really guided me and helped me in choosing the work we are to do this year, without his help I would still be floundering in the mess of what to choose. He also provided so much for us that the cost out of pocket was minimal.

We have another blessing coming our way, my mother is moving close by, about 15 minutes away. Praise the Lord, this has been a prayer of mine and God knows how much I need her near to provide encouragement and support. She is such wonderful mother and has always tried to guide me in the paths of righteousness. It will be a joy to have her near.

It has been a rainy summer and although my tomato plants are loaded down with tomatoes they are all green except one I picked and one a squirrel stole. I am praying for a bountiful crop so I can can some sauce this year. The Lord knows our need.

That pretty much is the story of our lives at this point. Not to exciting I realize but maybe we will have some excitement to tell you about someday. Enjoy the weather wherever you maybe.

Do You See Jesus in Your Clouds? - My Utmost For His Highest

Do You See Jesus in Your Clouds? - My Utmost For His Highest

Matthew 5:6 Blessed are they that do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
This is verse is so true. God certainly does fill me time and time again. Just this morning I was reading Matthew 5 and was blessed by the many promises in this passage of Scripture. I encourage you to read it. It will bless you I am sure. I recently read a book, Amanda Smith, the Kings Daugter; wow, was she ever on fire for God. We need someone like her to come in our midsts and preach the truth even though it may be uncomfortable. Her message was holiness, being pure at heart. Even in the late 1800's as she went all over the world as God lead her there were those who opposed her message. I have felt that same feeling in our world today, it makes others uncomfortable to hear the holiness message because they know that they must change their ways if they follow the true path of holiness. Amanda hungered and thirsted after righteousness, she would pray day and night until she found peace in her heart about something. She lived by faith, and she truly believed that if God wanted her somewhere he would provide the way, and he did many times, always giving her exactly what she needed.

In reading this book, I noticed how Amanda Smith did not live her life as it was her own, she lived it totally consecrated to God. I have been thinking how we live in an I/me/mine society. "I deserve everything I get, it is me who did it, and it is mine to do with it what I want". I want to live my life for God and give my time to him, my home is his too, I also give my children to him. Everything I have is a gift from God, and can direct me in how to use what he has given me. I also realize I deserve nothing, God in his infinite mercy has forgiven me and has taken me as his child, what more could I do but devote my life to serving him.

I do hunger and thirst after righteousness. I want to be filled and overflowing. I once saw a quote, by whom I do not know, "I'm drinking from the saucer, because my cup is overflowing". Praise his holy name. He his wonderful and I know he will keep me in his care.

His Nature and Our Motives - My Utmost For His Highest

His Nature and Our Motives - My Utmost For His Highest

Wow, what a whirlwind of a two weeks I have had. Lots of fun and lots of hard work. My mom came for a couple weeks and she helped me accompish a lot. We painted the entrance, living room and hallway, and then the next day we tore up the carpet in the living room. When I walk in my house I almost feel like I have entered a different house. It is so refreshing to like walking into my house. The carpet was such a mess, no amount of cleaning it made it better, it just made the room look dingy and dirty and then my walls have many autographs on them we were able to cover them up with the paint. I had to laugh because the kids have written on the walls but of course won't admit who did it, but you can always tell because they write their name. Not to smart. Hopefully we have passed that phase of things right now.

Now onto the fun things, I can't remember if I mentioned our outing to Big Bone Lick State Park. Well, if I didn't we had fun walking the trails and seeing the bison. I will post pictures too.

On monday we had special visitors, Tina and her children came to see us, that day we went to the aquarium and also took a fun ride called, Ride the Ducks. It is an amphibius vehicle that drives the streets and takes a flying rush into the Ohio River. It is actually fun and very informative ride and I might even be able to count it as a field trip for the kids. On Weds, Randy handled the kids, all of them, by himself and us ladies went to the mall and had lunch. That evening we went to a park and grilled out, took a walk and made smores. We had so much fun.

Disaster diverted.

Lifes has been a little crazy and busy, but in the midst of that crazy busyness my wash machine that we bought less than two years ago started acting strangley. Making a strange noise and would not complete all cycles. I noticed an error message and finally went on line to see if I could find any information regarding that. I will say the Lord is good because with the information I got of the web, I was able to figure out that my wash machine has a water pump with a lint trap on it. After cleaning the ball of lint and several coins out my wash machine is working like new. I will not check monthly to make sure it does not get clogges. I was also thinking that our lives are little like that sometimes when we are getting rid of issues or giving our problems to
God we tend to grasp at the fragments that trail behind. We need to make sure we are giving it all to God not just what we think is improtant. My mom has this saying, " its the little foxes that spoil the grapes", little things can hold us back and we need to pay attention or we will be taking it all in but not letting go our probems. Give your all to God, he wants to carry your burdens.

God's Little Blessings

Sometimes God sends me a little blessing just to let me know he is thinking of me. That blessing came Sunday morning as I am getting everyone ready for church. As usual we were rushed and I was helping Emily find a pair of shoes and she was looking in her closet she pulled out a white pair of shoes that were too big, because someone had given us several pair and the girls had not grown into some of them. Well, this white pair of shoes was a size 3 and she remembered that sometimes I wear a size 3, yes I know I have small feet, and she thought these might fit. I will back track many years ago, when I was 3 I was run over by a lawnmower which severly injured my right foot and as I grew it became increasingly difficult to find shoes that fit properly or even well enough to wear due a size difference in my feet. God was looking out for me even then because he created me to have a small shoe size, if my left foot had grown to be to large I would have had to special order my shoes and that would have cost a lot of money. At this time I can usually go to the girls section and either by two pair of shoes or find some made in a way that will stay on my smaller foot. This spring and summer I have been looking for a pair of white shoes to go with my summer outfits and just could not find any, little did I know an answer to my prayers was right in my girls closet. I tried the shoes on and yes they fit and had straps on them that went across my feet to keep the shoe on my poor little foot. They may be a little bit girlie but I don't care I look at them and think God has answered my prayers.