Decorating project -- Bead-board Wallpaper

Found this great idea today for plane-jane cabinets & your average unadorned odd wall. We recently had to do some serious maintenance on our old house, and this would be a great treatment for a wall that 'used-to' have a chair rail. Eric asked me, 'why don't we put the chair rail back up?... silly man. Chair rails are for dining rooms, not bedrooms. Well, I'm sure there are some applications, like capping off this project from Southern Hospitality, but that remains to be seen. I'm thinking a small shelf for a bedroom might be the ticket. Her chronicled instructions for this bead-board wall paper are great, escpecially when you aren't changing molding or trim. I'll be going back to this site for more thrifty ideas.

Confidence in Parenting

I was inspired by the writer from Study in Brown where she addressed life,learning and schooling so well. I so often am far less gentle in my words. The following mental response, not necessarily an aswer to a question posed, to her thoughts, came about after reading her article the road less traveled. Visit her site, you'll be inspired too.


I'm finding the site Simply Charlotte Mason very intriguing. I am a firm proponent of The Well-Trained Mind's philosophy in education, for home-schooling or after-schooling(yes, many parents take this approach). However, sometimes there are compelling differences where one must decide, which approach to take.


Parenting is personal. And when you decide to school at home, parenting becomes almost overwhelming, ie; the fear of missing some important thing, burnout, trusting yourself.


But this isn't exclusive to home-schoolers. Most parents these days seem to be at a loss when it comes to trusting their own judgment. They lack the confidence of Maria(Sound of Music), and find themselves spending the day asking comparison questions to other parents, who are just as lost as they themselves. Or perusing the internet, looking for the right blogger to guide them. (Can you hear my laughter at myself..?) One parenting specialist (who laughs at that very title when applied to himself)talks alot about this. Being confident, not foolishly proud, but confident in your decisions. Make a decision and stick by it. What if the president of US(no matter who he was) wiggle-woggled about every decision, wringing his hands going back and forth. We'd begin to wonder, losing our confidence. Children need to trust their parents to be confident in what really matters.


I would suggest that this particular free down-load from Simply Charlotte Mason includes such entries as Confidence in Parenting (p.16), and can be extremely helpful in finding our strength in God's authority as our motivation to parent with strength, love and even fun. The scriptures there are extremely uplifting. Whether you are schooling at home or not.

I included this crazy picure of Jack, because sometimes, it sounds, to me, like we're sitting around reading books about Ancient History already. Like most things, it's easier said than done, and for the most part I'm preparing myself for the years ahead. I'm building my confidence by preparing myself with long-lasting resources. I don't want to get to our 3rd year and panic. I don't plan to, but it would be easy to do in our modern educational climate or when aquaintances or friends express concern. Seldom are parents accepted as sufficient to the task of educating our own children. But that is another subject. I digress. I will mention however, my thoughts traveled to Susan Wise Bauer's Bio, who wrote with her mother, Jessie Wise, The Well Trained Mind . Bauer often expressed confidence in the average parent to be a successful teacher to their child. (p.39 WTM, "I've become convinced that any dedicated parent can do what I did.")

I don't think we are at the point where long history lessons are necessary or appropriate, but there's something to be said for observing behaviors that would put together this ensemble. Reading Charlotte Mason or those who have well analyzed her method's only reinforces my determination and confidence that we are on the right path-- for us.

Before too long, I'll have to write my statement regarding blogging. Blog/Journaling is one thing to be able to reflect on oneself for further growth. In some ways this is an internet journal entry, but also a way for me to converse with others regarding certain subjects, while connecting to certain references available on the internet. I actually pulled my copy of WTM down from the shelf to look up a quote. But the internet helps me connect with others finely tuning resources for many things. This entry may have seemed extremely tedious, but it is what it is. Just call me tedious... :) but, please, never forget to call me for dinner.

Cartoon Artwork for kids... or me!

Found this fun activity on Mustard Seeds. She's a blogger friend of Joanna over at The Simple Wife. They recently had her going away party...visit her site to see the adorable seating arrangment she made, the beautiful beverages for summer & an super creative way to say hello to friends.

Clover Lane: A Giveaway!

Clover Lane: A Giveaway!

Oh yes, you have to go here and hope for an adorable 'messy hair bow', or a snuggie for your sweet baby... Don't miss out! She gives away June 19th!

P is for perfection-- Reality check

We finally got a replacement for my missing hubcap. Eric decided it was time to fix the 'hoopty', and we went shopping at Hubcap Annies. Yes, Annie came out to help us, sharing the finest of her wares. A full set of replica style volvo hubcaps that would resemble my old one or a simple replacement for $10. I thought about how it might be nice to have them all matching, and realized, I'd be dipping into the deeper pocket, and decided to go with the less than perfect match. Can't really tell at a distance, until you really zoom in. It works for now. And will probably remain the same till she, The Road Warrior, goes kaput on the side of the road. This came to mind as I read, The Simple Wife's ABC's to Simple Living(seen in my sidebar). This Particular 'Perfection' entry is extremely helpful when you're needing to 're-focus'. Lot's of changes and moments in our world that are currently not a part of the 'perfect picture.' and I'm needing to be super flexible. What mom isn't? What person in general isn't? Anyway, check out her list of ABC's if your needing a little pick-me up or help in re-focusing in an imperfect world.

Scripture Memory

"Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105

Such a powerful scripture and so simply illustrated in the Obedience Unit of Konos curriculum. Looking at different sites that discuss homeschooling, I came across Simply Charlotte Mason. This particular link talks about scripture memory and an effective method for all ages, both long & short passages. There is an abundance of materials, ideas and discussion boards found at the general site for Simply Charlotte Mason. Can't wait to check it out.

Locks of Love & The Simple Wife's Inspirational New Haircut

I think I've had a bad day, and then I remember my friend, cousin, & extended family who have had breast cancer & lost their hair. Really, I know that sounds dramatic for an opener, but it's been a rough day, & I needed to see this, to be reminded of how important perspective really is.

I've colored my hair to the point that even if it's long enough, I don't think they'd take it, but if you have hair that's not colored and at least 8-9" in a ponytail, consider the big step of donating it to this organization, Locks of Love. I have the link in my side-bar... check it out. Wigs can be made for those who are trying to make it through some of the toughest days of their life, and need their over all appearance to not scream at every moment of the day "I have cancer & I've lost my hair from the treatment."

There are days I wish my hair was not something I have to 'worry' about, but I haven't had a day when it was falling out against my wishes. Just days when I'm pulling it out... that's a whole 'nuther discussion.

If you need inspiration, check out Joanna Heim's blog & see her & her 2 daughters new hair cuts. They (she and her daughters) are beautiful both inside and out, but have cut their hair after dedicating it at Christmas, and are showing off their new-doo's.

HOLES in my Shiny Veneer: Recipe for Preserving Children

HOLES in my Shiny Veneer: Recipe for Preserving Children

Found this post at Holes in my Shiny Veneer, when looking at the Book Read on The Simple Life's Book Read. The book read is Last Child in the Woods. My daddo has my copy right now, but I'll be retrieving soon. Really good inspiration for the summer, for living. It talks about the theory of nature-deficeit. Not a clinical term, not even close, but if you have kids, this has probably crossed your mind.
They also mention another excellent read I promised last year about this time to talk about: Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, by Barbara Kingsolver. I can't explain how hard I laughed, thought, and planned after reading this book. Makes you think twice about what you eat, where it came from and that scary turkey back at Audubon Historical Site.

Chicken Spaghetti and Bargains

I ate this at our last pot-luck, and remembered how YUMMMY it was. Mandi told me the recipe, but I of course forgot, but pulled this one up.

So dinner, after a day of thrifting at the the thrift store. Jack got a hand game for .48 & H got a antique fisher price gas station garage for .79. I got a wicker handbag w/adorable embroidery 30% off 2.48, and a dress for my friend Leslie,(splurge at 6.88). She doesn't mind a thrifty dress, and neither do I. Jack also scored a pair of plaid Children's place shorts for 3.88. Those were not the bargain of the day, but they were sooo cute I couldn't resist. BTW, I'm no where nearly as thrifty as these ladies, including MoneysavingMom, so be sure to check out her site for some seriously thrifty inspiration. I clicked over to her friend Laura's site, and met some new friends there. Check it out. :)

(MSM can manage to feed a family well with a budget of $40/week..... really, check it out)

I also got a hub-cap for my station wagon. It's been looking a little mistreated as of late. The cap is mis-matched but was cheap until we decide on a matched set. My car is a 1998, and it's beginning to be, well, old. It's worn, but is still wearing. I'm sure you can relate. In this economy, my mechanic is thriving. We just fixed the lawnmower sound with a repair at the mechanics & Eric bought the Haynes manual so we could fix some other annoying things... like the right side blowing heat when it's on cool, and the "shot-gun" door handle that wouldn't let you open from the inside.

Those 2 are fixed. We have one part on order to finish the job. We only have one door lock that doesn't open with the clicker & she's back in business. I call her the 'Road Warrior". Perhaps I picture Mel Gibson when I say that, but she really is. It's a Volvo, and they are safe & ride like tanks. I love her..... We talked about a new one, but just can't get ramped up for something new. Afterall, I'd probably have shot Millie on site, as she put what looks like bear scratchings across my hood just yesterday, trying to retrieve her frisbee. Can you imagine my reaction if the car had been new(to me)???

So Gymnastics camp is over for the week. We made our first visit to see "Mike" for the summer. I'm sure we'll go again. Jack loved the gymnastics & has been showing us starjumps & tumbles like we can't believe. He's been 'instructing' Henry. Henry is not quite old enough for the official program so Jack will be the instructor, for now.

Back to the spaghetti for me-- yum!

Making a Candle- Summer & School

I have to say, I was a little intimidated when I was supposed to melt wax or crayons to make a candle for our first activity in the new Konos curriculum. But this tutorial is extremely fun. I don't know if the candles will burn except for the actual b'day candle in the top, but I just wasn't ready for the whole melt the wax in the can routine. (Our family has experience with parafin disaster.) But the candle is the fun part of the lesson that deals with God's Word and it's light for our path. Tonight we get to test it out, after dark. Since it's summer, we might be up till midnight.

It's summer & we're enjoying the normal summer time activities, but I couldn't help get into the lessons on obedience in our new curriculum. Jack just wouldn't let me put the stuff in the closet.

So far we've made a crown for marking memory work, which gets a jewel with each new memory verse.

This verse came to mind --

"Hear my son, your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching; they are a graceful wreath to your head and ornaments about your neck." Proverbs 1:8-9

That wasn't his memory verse, but it is a good one... his first in the curriculum was Ephesians 6:1. The lesson establishes God's authority over all mankind and our need to obey Him, as well as the importance of children obeying their parents and the authority God has given to us.

We'll see how the candles turn out-

It's all I can do --- When Homeschooling Just Jumps Out at You

Since I was a kid, I've been teaching school. I mean since I was 7, I lined up my dolls, put papers on their desks, and taught my little heart out. I liked the order, the papers, I'm sure I liked the worksheets & I definitely graded the papers. I taught in real-life a long the way in a variety of capapcities, but now I'm on the 'final frontier' of my teaching experience. Actually, I don't personally believe I'll never teach outside my home again. But for now, this is where I'll be teaching.

I like to think of this year ahead as 'the year that would be kindergarten.' In my humble, but much thought out opinion, kindergarten just ain't what it used to be. When 4 year olds have homework(yes a friend just told me about her son's pre-school homework), there is something wrong with the system. (btw, Jack will be 6 in August)I won't delve too deeply into that abyss this morning, but that 's why I've never been that worried about putting the kids in a program somewhere. It's just too high pressured. But that is for another day, entirely. What I wanted to share it what keeps coming to the surface. I have been looking at curriculum for years, lots of years, because it often overlaps with Bible class material. And one area always rises to the top. Medieval Knights and Chivalry, and all things related. So when my son asked me many months ago, "Can you make me a knight suit?" I laughed thinking to myself, ' this is one of those moments where a mom thinks to herself, 'ah, it's all fitting together, he really wants to homeschool, ' confirming the answers to questions that have plagued her as to the best way to educate her child (as tho his opinion was educated enough to make such a decision). I didn't immediately give in. I didn't have the plan to make the suit, (you know I have studied costumes & I can't always leave behind authenticity, which in this case would have put me making actual chainmale.) But after several months, when I realized this might be a worthwhile investment, I agreed to buy one and found on e-bay an excellent interpretation in polyester. He's beside himself. But baby, this has snowballed. While looking for materials for our 'year that would be kindergarten', materials that would help guide study, & inspire learning while not putting him in front of endless worksheets, I stumbled upon http://www.konos.com/ . Yes I say, stumbled because I'd never heard of this exact company/product. It is exactly what I wanted. It incorporates secular & Biblical study with character building focus & includes a time-line for putting these people & elements of history into sequence. It can be used for elementary to middle-school kids which is perfect. As much as I wanted to jump into everything in schooling, it's not age appropriate (consider Bludorn's ideas about '10 things to do before age 10') and there are so many other things we need to work on before concentrated study. But this curriculum allows for it. More of a natural transition into schooling. Soooo, lo, and behold, what do you think one of the areas of study included under 'Obedience' was? Knights & Castles. Oh my, we have so much fun stuff to do, I can hardly wait! He can't either. I can barely keep him out of the box!

But this story get's better. My husband is super creative. He's an engineer by trade, but they are all artists of some sort in his family. He decided the boys (or he) needed shields with insignia on them to complete the picture. He has produced some of the most beautiful shields, with personalized detail. I made sure the swords were made of swim noodles, but the shields are cut with a jig-saw from a 1x12 & have leather handles on the back. He's working on an idea for helmets, that will fit, but for now, 'Fort Hope' our $25 play fort has become a castle, and is the site for many a future battle. I'll be doing my best to embrace the moment and not 'curricularize' 'the moment'. There will be plenty of time for concentrated study. For now, I'm just optimizing the opportunity.