This morning we've had a plumber, a house-builder, a contractor, a drywall guy, and soon-to-be a painter at the house. The door frames are fixed, the hot water in the master sink is working, the garage sheet rock is floated, and pretty soon my trim will be touched up. I love the sound of electric nail guns and people banging on walls. I actually like painting, too. I'm so excited that I get to paint this place. When I'm done, there won't be a white wall in the house.

Although we still don't have our beds (they were in the back of the storage unit and we only got half of it emptied), we have been sleeping well on borrowed foam and air mattresses. The living room is finished, the kitchen is functional (still a few boxes here and there with kitchen things possibly), and our clothes are in the general vicinity of our closets. Without dressers, we have resorted to piles.

My project today is the downstairs dining room which we are using as a school room. For now, we have three pine dressers (one of which is still in storage) to put our books on. I'm going to sell them and get something white at IKEA that doubles as a desktop surface for working... and possibly chalkboard doors. Or maybe not. I haven't figured it out yet. Plus, there's hardly money for furniture in the budget after this EXPENSIVE move.

I still haven't checked my mail yet. Most of it is going to my father-in-law's house anyway. If you wrote me, I apologize for the delay. Hopefully the bills won't be overdue. I'll be picking up most of my mail when I go pick up my computer. Right now, this laptop will have to do (although it takes me twice as long to get a post out on a laptop keyboard). The camera has to be at Nana's (as some of you kindly suggested). So I'll be sure to look there when we get the chance to go for a weekend trip. Not sure when that will be... since Nana's is rather far and payday is not until the 3rd. Plus....One of my best buddies is moving away across the world a week from Wednesday. I want to be here to see her and her family off. That means that the mail, the computer, and the camera (etc.) will have to wait.

Well, I hope you are enjoying your last few days of summer. As soon as we get the rest of our stuff out of storage and get unpacked, I'll be able to start to think about school. Moving is tough. However, we are very thankful and are working hard to get settled in. If you need boxes, you know where to find them... and if you happen to be gifted in unpacking, give me a call... I'm sure we can put you to work.

Have a super Monday.


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Buzz Words: personal, moving, to do, list, busy, stress, getting things done, life

Labels: getting-it-done, house, moving, personal

"I'm an American by birth, but I'm a Texan by the Grace of God." - Larry Gatlin

I keep wanting to pinch myself as I drive around town and look out at the landscape. It almost seems unreal that I am here in the Texas Hill Country. I'm not sure I could describe the feeling to someone who hasn't seen the area themselves or lived here for very long. I've never known a Texan that didn't like the area (especially around Austin and San Antonio) if they spent long enough there to get off of a major freeway and explore. It truly is a wonderful sight to a post-homesick native Texan - especially this year with all of the green lush grass from the unusual rains that we've had. Creek beds that are dry most of the year are trickling, the temperature is mild, and deer are all over the place. When the sun has come out in the past few days to paint the sky blue, it has been almost enough to make me cry. When I think of sunny days, I always think of this area. Of course, I know that the sun shines elsewhere... but my "geographical" heart has always been here: "deep in the heart of Texas".

Instead of taking pictures for you myself, I've borrowed a lovely painting off the net. It has such a pretty view of the type of landscape that makes up much of the hill country. You have varying degrees of hills in the Hill Country (tall cliffs such as the famous one that houses the Mexican restaurant "The Oasis" next to Lake Travis, and the rolling hills you see in the background of the painting). Often you will pass an old barn and windmill - the last signs of the glory days of ranching in Texas - as you drive through the Hill Country.

I love windmills and tin roofs. I grew up in a house built over a creek in the Hill Country for quite a number of years. When it rained on our tin roof, it sounded like a herd of cattle stampeding overhead. After the rains, the dry creek under the house and deck would rush with foaming water and listening to it lulled us to sleep. In the late evening and night, the whippoorwill's ghostly call reminded us that the day was nearing an end. If we were lucky, there would be a hundred fireflies twinkling to make the starry sky seem to fall into the canopy of twisted oaks and cedars around us. We might hear a coyote or wolf bay at the moon or see a silver fox try to make off with some garbage at our fire pit in the dusky morning. The mist might spin a skirt of fog around the hills so thick that you couldn't see two feet in front of your face. I used to run down a limestone driveway to catch the school bus through the morning mist and I knew every rock on the path above our house leading up to that terrific view of the valley.

To me, this place is home. The smell of the earth after it rains here is as entrenched in my memory as my grandma's Estée cologne. I love the road runners, the live oaks, the lakes and hills, the cowboy hats and friendly faces on local people, the limestone and cedar ranch fencing and the amazing food. I know why Lady Bird Johnson loved it here so much. I know why so many people keep moving here (although it is sad to see so much beautiful land destroyed by builders and businesses). The Texas Hill Country is my favorite place to live.

I hope to have some interesting photos and field trips to share with you soon as we begin our new adventure here. I hope we get to stay forever... or as long as God allows. I am so thankful to Him for all the blessings that He has given us. Sometimes I just can't help get tears in my eyes, filled with amazement that I am here - in this beautiful place... and Kevin loves this job, and we like our new home, and we are surrounded by wonderful people and close to family. What a joy... and what a sweet thing to know that the God of the universe cares not only about our needs... but also our desires. He has given me so many desires that I have had in my life. He is amazing.

Psalm 37:4 ~ Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.


Quick Links
Other Hill Country Posts on Sprittibee


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Buzz Words: memories, growing up, travel, Austin, Texas Hill Country, nature, summer, Texas, paintings, west, America, southern, life, personal, God, Christianity, home, blessings

Labels: art, faith, geography, nature, personal, reviews, Texas

We're still in the whirlwind, but I thought I would stop in at the library and let you cyber-people know what is going on with us. The "baby" doctor appointment went well. The due date for the 'little critter' is March 24th. I had to give half of my blood yesterday at a local lab... and will have to do it again tomorrow. My daughter was brave enough to go in with me yesterday and watch.

Today is moving day (or rather, tonight), so I might actually get everything out of storage and into my house if the rain holds off.

There are a lot more things that I could add to my to-do list from my last post... but my brain is wanting to overload on me right now. It is a miracle I'm able to form complete sentences and remember passwords. Prayers are coveted.

The cable man is coming to my house on the 1st of August to throw me a life-line. Library visits are not the most convenient way to keep up with the blogosphere. Hope to be connected again soon... with camera in hand. If not, I may have to make a road trip out of town next week to search the in-law's house.

Thanks for your patience as this blog experiences "technical difficulties".


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Buzz Words: personal, moving, to do, list, busy, stress, getting things done, life

We're about to go close on our house. That is just the beginning of the rest of the adventure. We might be sleeping on air mattresses for the rest of the week, but we'll be excited to be in our new place. I think we will move the bulk of our things in this weekend. I might head out of town to go get my computer this week so I can get that hooked up, too.

Here's my list:

• Closing


• Meet friends with temporary bedding at my house tonight


• Get set up to sleep there for the rest of the week


• Unload cars


• Move the cat


• Doctor Appointment ... due date March 24!


• Get all our stuff from the friend's house we are staying at


• Get our laundry finished at friend's house and pack it back up


• Get a few loads of important things from storage


• Go to family's house out of town to pick up computer and other things


• Move out of small storage unit by Thursday


• Move out of large storage unit
  


• Get groceries


• Unpack


• Change utilities into our names


• Internet service turned on


• Get mailbox key at post office


• Write to creditors and friends with new address


• Pay bills


• Paint


• Mail birthday cards and anniversary cards for the past two months (I'm behind!)


• Get school room and office set up so we can start planning for the year


• FIND THE CAMERA (YIPEE!!!)


• Set up my computer at the house

If I'm a little absent in the next few days, you know why!


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Buzz Words: personal, moving, to do, list, busy, stress, getting things done, life

My husband and I usually agree on most things. We raise the kids in mostly the same manner, we agree on doctrine and religion, we love the same foods (for the most part), and we even like a lot of the same music. When it comes to the latest fashion trend for women's tops, however, we sadly have to 'agree to disagree'. The baby doll or kimono shirts that so many women are wearing now days are one of his worst pet peeves in fashion design. He absolutely HATES them. I, on the other hand, love them!

I had a baby doll dress in my early 20's that I really enjoyed wearing (he hated it). It was bright red with flowers on it. He also hated my Bohemian patchwork-quilt purse I carried for a year or two. I usually like bold patterns, silky or shiny materials, velvet, and long flowing skirts. These new baby doll shirts are wonderful for hiding flaws and making a girl's figure look better. They make the slightly overweight girls look more trim, and they make the smaller-chested girls look more curvy... Not to mention - they WORK GREAT AS MATERNITY TOPS!!!

I had wanted a baby-doll top for a few years, but I never bought one because of my husband's aversion to them. After all, no wife wants her husband cringing every time he looks at her. Most of the time in the past, if I mentioned to Kev that I wanted one... he would say something like: "Those are so gross." or "You don't want to look like a hippie."

Getting pregnant has given me an excuse to finally get one (or four). When his step-mom took me to get a few maternity clothes the other day, I made it a point to NOT take him with us. I kind of figured I was going to find at least one or two baby-dolls in the maternity section that I couldn't resist. I came home with two silky kimono tops, one long-sleeved baby doll and one short sleeved one. Each one has a skirt type bottom that will expand with my belly as the baby grows. Of course... I'm not going to tell him now that I plan to wear them long after the baby gets here! Shhhh!

In case you wanted to order one yourself, I left the link under the title to this post (or you can get one at your neighborhood Kohl's). And no, I'm not an associate or getting paid for any type of advertising. I'm just a fan of "Boho-Chic" style! Sorry Kev!


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Buzz Words: personal, style, fashion, women, clothes, designer, shirts, babydoll, material, motherhood, maternity, wardrobe, husband, disagree

Our laundry pile was spilling out of the wall hamper here at my friend's house. She graciously has given us her upstairs bathroom and two bedrooms for our own as we wait for our closing on the house. I asked my 10 year old son to help me sort out the laundry by color so we could do some wash. While he sorted, I was picking up and making beds.

"Mama," he said, "Not doing chores for so long has made my brain turn into mush."

I had to laugh. "Really, Kaden? You mean you think we need to get to work as soon as we get in our new house and maybe start school up early?"

He thought about that for a minute. "I do want some free time." He dropped his last shirt on the white pile and turned to look at me with the most serious expression. "But not THIS much free time!"

Wow. All those years making him pick up after himself are starting to pay off! This is the same kid that asked me when he was only 4 or 5 years old if I had kids 'just to have a slave').


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Buzz Words: personal, summer, kids, parenting, life, bored, responsibility, chores, children, motherhood, son, family, home, getting things done

I thought I would leave a boring update for anyone still checking in to see if we are surviving the whirlwind. We're in the Austin area this week, staying with friends and family while we wait on our closing for the house. We may be the happy owners of a new home as early as next week some time.

My camera is missing... leaving me with less tools for interesting blog material. I've been quite upset with myself for loosing it due to the wonderful photo material all around me. I can usually find something ANYWHERE that is interesting enough for a photo. The sunlight on the cat's whiskers... the mustang grapes along a wooded path... even the odd angle of a modern building against the sky: all these things beg to be photographed.

As for the job, Kevin's first day went well and he is excited about the prospect of being somewhere 'LONG TERM'. He is glad to be learning something exciting and new - which will provide him with more than just a paycheck... but also a challenge. He'll be working daytime hours and getting most weekends off, also. That will be a welcome change to our school schedule. No more questions as to when or if Daddy will get home or be off work. This year (aside from the little Critter's arrival), we may actually be able to put in 5-day weeks and get a whole lot more accomplished.

I also made my first appointment to go see a doctor about the pea in the pod. I hate switching doctors, but the one I am going to has been highly recommended by three people I know. I'm finding that thinking of baby has me eating healthier and exercising more. I actually lost a pound yesterday... even after cooking Spanish Rice (using brown rice and fresh veggies fried in olive oil), tacos and beans. We've been hiking and walking some, and I'm trying to avoid fast food and cokes as much as possible. Maybe by early next week I might have a delivery date or other news to announce.

Hope you are enjoying your summer! Ours has been a very strange one, but we are thankful for so many things (despite the chaos that appears at first glance).


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Buzz Words: personal, summer, baby, pregnancy, life, blessings, job, changes, stress, parenting, health, family, home, house

Nana has a lovely back yard. I wanted to leave you with a few photos I took since we have been visiting at her house. We are heading out again tomorrow morning early for a family reunion out of town... and then we are going to stay with some friends while we wait for our house to close.



Monday is Kev's first day at "the new job", so pray for his first impression and for him to be confident and at ease in this new environment. There are so many things going on with us right now that we are just trying to be still in God's palm and take the waves as they roll in.



Check out this baby bird that I was able to get very close to in Nana's bush. Speaking of babies, I am VERY thankful that I have not had any morning sickness. What a blessing! I would never have known I was pregnant if it hadn't been for my mom making me take that test. It is a good sign that this "little critter" likes Mexican food. Morgan told me today that this new pea in the pod was "her baby". So since my son belongs to my mom, and she belongs to her dad... I guess none of them are mine! I find that pretty unfair... since I am the one going through labor and delivery (plus changing 90% of the diapers).



I got to eat Thai food today for lunch. [... and no, that has nothing to do with the photo of flies mating above... eeeew!] It was wonderful! Pad Thai, Thai Fried Rice and Masaman Curry with Chicken. Oh, and of course... the Thai Tea. I had them cook it "medium". It was just hot enough. Kevin says that the baby is going to come out looking Thai or Mexican because it doesn't mind us eating such spicy foods. Hopefully the rest of the pregnancy will be as easy and I can continue to eat the spices I love.



After tonight, I may not be able to get in here daily for a bit. Our loan papers on the house are in underwriting right now, and we have not yet been told when closing will be. My computer will have to be broken down and packed tonight as well. I'll stay as plugged in as I can.

Until I see you again... enjoy your world. Go outside and smell the flowers.


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Buzz Words: back yard, insects, bugs, pictures, photos, life, birds, flowers, prayer, nature, plants, outdoors, photography, garden, personal, grandparents, plans, Texas, summer, travel, vacation

Homeschooling is about to take on a whole new twist at my house. I've been reflecting on what life will be like with a little bee in my bonnet. Visions of nap-time are dancing in my head. Sad thing is: I bet Mommy is going to be the one needing most of the napping!

In review of the past five years we have spent homeschooling... I have gathered up a few morsels of advice from many different sources. Probably half of these originated with someone other than me... but they are all true... and all of them need repeating (especially to those who might not have heard them before). Below is a great list you can keep on your fridge in case you need a little clarity or a kick in the bo-hunkus. I hope you all have a super year homeschooling (or whatever it is you are doing: being a mom, a wife, a grandma, a friend - or even a dad!).

Sprittibee's Favorite Homeschool Advice
40 tips that I would share with any homeschool friend (newbie or old-hat alike)

1. If you are doing it on your own strength, you are going to fail (don’t forget to pray hard).


2. Ignore what other people are doing. Do your own thing.


3. SCHEDULE time off and me-time each day/week/semester.


4. Really work at it (nothing comes without effort).


5. Talent is overrated. There are very few prodigies. So what if your Johnny can’t make a stick figure. Not many people are just BORN knowing how to do things. You should still TEACH Johnny HOW to draw. If he hates it, at least he tried it. Same goes for you and homeschooling. Just because you didn't get a teaching degree doesn't mean you aren't capable of teaching.
   


6. Maintain adult contact. Do not be a hermit. You MUST have support (from people older than your kids). Your kids need friends, too.


7. Curriculum won’t ensure success. God + You + the Child = Success. Curriculum is just a tool. You can do just as good of a job with free stuff and the library as you can with the most expensive curriculums on the market.


8. Everyone has one subject they hate. Get your husband or a tutor to help. Sign the kids up for classes. Don’t let “ALGEBRA” stop you from homeschooling.


9. Creativity can not make up for DRIVE. A kid who WANTS to draw and puts out the effort will far SURPASS a child with “natural born talent” who is lazy. SKILLS are worked for. Talents that are not used DRY UP. Practice really does make perfect.


10. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. Who cares if your grandmother’s sister hates that you homeschool. Are your kids happy? Are you happy? Then what’s your problem?


11. Bake cookies for your librarian. Get to know her. When you get charged 40$ in late fees, you may be glad you did!


12. You are the parent. What you say goes.


13. Don’t compare your kids or their grades to anyone else’s kids or their grades. Don't compare them to their siblings, either.
    


14. Passion is a God-given gift. Feed it. If your child is fascinated by volcanoes, buy them books on volcanoes. One day, they will be interested in something else. You never know just what you are helping God to shape in them.


15. It doesn’t hurt to color in the lines, but it also doesn’t hurt to draw your own lines. Don’t look down on someone else because they like to school inside the box.


16. Everyone needs to learn how to type and use a computer. No more living in the dark ages. Sorry, mom.


17. You CAN do this.


18. Advice is not a mandate. Read what you can and take it all with a grain of salt. See what works best for you and do THAT.


19. Find your own groove.


20. Homeschool from the heart.


21. Hang up your children’s artwork.


22. Really listen to your children and get to know them.


23. Understand that there will be bad days. MANY OF THEM.


24. Set your own schedule. Then STICK to it.


25. You do NOT have to finish every worksheet in the book.


26. Keep records. One day you’ll wish you had them.


27. Make sure your kids know you are proud of them. Even if they are struggling.


28. Try to include dad as much as possible.


29. Have awards ceremonies. Show your kids off to the grandparents. Make them feel appreciated.


30. Success breeds more success. Keep the challenges at a doable level and watch the kids blossom in confidence.


31. Knowing what is expected of you helps you stay on track. Give the kids a set schedule and a list of assignments. Use a chore chart. Be consistent.


32. Call your homeschool buddy who is having a hard year. You may be what keeps her from giving up.


33. Rewards are what everyone is after. You don’t work for free, so why should your kids? Give them a reward for hard work: Time off, sleepovers, screen time, free time, visits with friends, money or their favorite dinner.


34. Co-ops and field trips are great… but don’t over-schedule yourself. Have your goals in mind before you say yes to any activity outside of the home.


35. Plan ahead. Nothing will get done if you don’t.


36. It is OK to change course in the middle of the year.


37. You have my permission to take off the month of December instead of the month of June. In fact, you can take off any time of year you want. It is YOUR homeschool. You set the calendar.


38. READ. TO. YOUR. KIDS. Read in front of your kids. Read, read, read!


39. If you go to the conventions, spend more time in the lectures than at the vendor tables. You need the pep talks. Even if you think you don’t. You also don’t need to buy a ton of THINGS that will collect dust once you get them home.


40. Have fun. Take pictures and make memories. One day you’ll be able to look back at a job well done and a beautiful lifetime’s worth of wonder that you got to share with your babies.

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Buzz Words: advice, homeschool, homeschooling, education, wisdom, parenting, school, teaching, Christianity, motherhood, children, learning, family, tips, opinion, encouragement

New state.
New job.
New house.
New bills.
New doctors.

...

New baby?

I thought things only came in threes!?!


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Buzz Words: Baby, Stress, Blessing, Mommy, Parenting, Pregnant, Surprises, Expecting, Motherhood, Changes, Life, Family, Personal, Kids, Pregnancy

Bling bling has never sounded so good. Check out An Island Review for ideas on how you could win these little ear buds (also linked behind post title).

Aren't they cool? I want them because my dumb ipod earphones are always getting tangled and I've always wanted some retractable ones! The bling is a definite plus (my husband calls me "the crow" because of my passion for all things that glitter in the sun). I love me some 'sparkly'.

Good luck to all you contestants out there. May I win. Oh, alright... I guess whoever wins deserves them. I'll try not to get too bent out of shape if it isn't me.


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Buzz Words: Win, Blogging, Contest, Music, Bling, Electronics, Earphone, Ipod, Listen, Chick, Pink, Blogs, Gadget, Cool, Techie

I got passed this little link this morning on Republican Ron Paul of Texas. I think he's actually Libertarian-leaning, rather than all-Republican. He's "smart conservative". Little Government - For the People. I couldn't help but pass it on. So far in the poll, he has 38% of Houston's vote (more than anyone else)! The article says that he is Googled more than the iphone or Paris Hilton lately. Go Ron Paul!

..in other news...

Someone nominated me for a blog award: The Bloggy Hoss Elections. Funny that I haven't even been blogging lately due to the tornado that is my life right now. I think that there is only a day left for voting, so I'm not sure that telling you will do much good. I was nominated in the "Most Artistic" category. So kind of you, Amber (and anyone else who nominated me). Either way (win or not), thanks for the nomination - I appreciate it. I didn't even know about these awards... because I've not been reading blogs since we left Arkansas.

IF YOU would like to vote for me... you can do so at the link here: Vote for Sprittibee.


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Buzz Words: Vote, Blogging, Blog Awards, Fun, President, Election, Poll, Nomination, Artistic, Ron Paul, 2007, Blogs, Thank You, Awards, Bloggers, Weblogs, Friends, Personal, Opinion, Politics

We celebrated the 4th of July at my mother-in-law's house. It stopped raining long enough to let the kids swim. Most of the day it was sprinkling. They didn't mind the constant drizzle since they were already wet with pool water. Kaden's fingers looked like raisins when we left Grandma's house. I think he is part fish.





Another really great bug from Texas. There's something for every type of bug-lover here. Not surprisingly, a lot of them are REALLY BIG. Kaden and I thought that this one was particularly cool-looking. My son had no problem picking this bug up off of a tree and playing with it. I, however, am not that brave.





This year has been an amazingly wet one in Texas. Even in parts of the state that are typically drier climates, the grass is lush and green... in JULY. There has been a lot of flooding this year in areas that are not prone to flooding that often (or at all).





This rock is famous. Can you guess where it might be?





The kids have been enjoying 'summer vacation'. They are happy that we are homeless because that means they get to spend lots of time with cousins and friends. No schooling is getting done. But if it were, what would I call it? Homeless-schooling? So much for my plans to do 'summer school'. They are sad that we have to eventually unpack and get the Math books out again soon.






I can't believe the new trend that builders are using to keep their prices down. Look at this profoundly cheap looking 1-sided brick home. Why use any masonry at all? I remember the day when brick went around the whole house. We have had to take a lot of 'step-backs' from our last home in this house hunt because of the increase in prices for real-estate in Texas. In just two years, prices have skyrocketed.






This is actually a photo of my kids - standing at the bottom of our stairs. I say our stairs, but they really aren't ours just yet. We finally found a house that we put a deposit on. It has room enough for my mom and us to live together. Hopefully we'll be moved in by the end of the month. I'm praying that the rest of the process is smooth sailing. If all goes well, I'll be sitting in my new school room while I blog in just two or three weeks!

Sorry for neglecting the blog, but I just don't have time to get in here lately. Thanks for your sweet comments and prayers. We covet them.



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Buzz Words: 4th of July, Insects, Bugs, Pictures, Photos, Life, Vacation, Rain, Prayer, Houses, Children, Nature, Family, Outdoors, Personal, Pool, Plant, Texas, Summer, Opinion, Real Estate

Labels: bugs, house, moving, nature, parenting, personal, photos, Texas

Just a quick note to let you know that I'm busy looking for houses and driving all over Texas. Keep us in your prayers. We need a miracle. Hopefully I can check in where I end up. If not... I'll see you in a few days!

Labels: moving, personal

A few years ago, my husband was in Iraq as a contractor. I know what it feels like to have someone you love in harm's way. I look back on those days now with thankfulness that he is home and a respect for our military that all of us should share. The men and women from the USA that are serving us so selflessly overseas are brave heroes. On this day, as no other, we should remember the blood that has been shed since the birth of this nation ... by those who (like Jesus) were willing to sacrifice their own lives and comfort for the sake of freedom and liberty for all. I'll be thinking of our military, missionaries and contractors who are overseas today.

I pray that the Lord lets freedom ring; all around this lovely world He made. I pray He brings all of our friends and family overseas home safely.

Happy 4th of July.


Quick Links
What the 4th of July Means to Me
Field Trip Foto Friday: Houston Ship Channel (great photo of a U.S. military ship)
Govt., President, Election Unit Fun (crafts for 4th of July)


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Apart from our 4th of July party at my mother-in-law's house tomorrow, we will be on the road and house hunting for the next week or two. My sweetie starts his new position on Monday the 16th! We have a very short time to find a home. The market is looking a tad pricey, so please pray for a miracle and the perfect home (with the perfect price-tag) to be "dropped into our lap". Also pray for the process to be smooth and stress-free. Heaven knows we need some sanity as we go through all these major life-changes.

I have been reading Clay and Sally Clarkson's "Educating the WholeHearted Child" in my 'spare' time. I am looking forward to being in my own place again and unpacking everything. I would love to get prepared for next school year and start our homeschooling in early August. That is my prayer... that we can be settled in a new home by the 16th (or so) and totally unpacked by the end of July!

If I'm absent from blogging a few days here and there, I hope you will excuse me!

God bless and Happy 4th of July!


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Buzz Words: Houses, Texas, House Hunting, Moving, Changes, Life, Stress, Realtors, Realty, Mortgage, Financing, Unpacking, Homeschooling, Plans, Personal, Adjusting, Decisions, Summer, House, Finances

Strange things happen when bloggers meet. I found that out the day before we moved out of our apartment in Arkansas. Beverly met up with me to wish me well before I left for Texas and our little girls were two bees in a hive! Little did Bev know, her daughter was wearing my favorite shirt. However, the one I had is a bit too snug now, so I handed it down to Morgan. When they got to our house, Morgan changed in to her bee shirt and both of them wore them all day as we drove in to Little Rock to ride the trolley and eat at the River Market. The two were so cute in their matching bee shirts that they generated quite a lot of friendly conversation with passersby.

Morgan enjoys writing Bev's little girl and the two will always have this happy memory to look back on. I hope to get back up that way as much as time and money permits. We miss our friends there already, and we've only been in Texas for a week. There were many things we didn't get to do in our 2 years there. A few travel destinations on my "To-See-Someday" list are: Eureka Springs, The Passion Play, Silver Dollar City, Branson, and Crater of Diamonds State Park.

My first experience with meeting another blogger went rather well. I do know three other bloggers personally, too (but we didn't meet after I knew they started blogging, so I don't count them as "meeting a blogger"). I have to admit that Beverly and I actually knew each other long before I began blogging, though (but had never met in person). Come to think of it, I have met three of my good friends through online contact. Not all internet meetings go awry. However, you should always be extremely cautious before trying to meet someone in person that you have only talked with online!

Bev and I were introduced via the internet through an online pregnancy board back when we were both pregnant with the two little girlies in the photo above. One year, she sent us a can full of home-made chocolate chip cookies, a stuffed lion, and a cool Tonka bulldozer for Christmas. I knew she was a wonderful person long before our last week in Arkansas. It was such a joy to finally meet her in person. I think great minds really must think alike... she's a blogger, a Christian, a homeschooler, and THAT SHIRT is AWESOME!


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Buzz Words: Friends, Arkansas, Pictures, Blogging, Buddies, Life, Sweet, Meeting, Fun, Plans, Internet, Field Trip, Moving, Goodbye, Personal, Visit, Travel, Photos, Shirt, Roadtrip

Labels: blogging, field-trip, friends, fun, homeschool, links, motherhood, parenting, personal, photos