tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89801416114163504152024-03-12T21:45:48.201-05:00Living & Learning @ HomeLiving & learning & schooling at home has been a fascinating journey for 23 years.
We can't imagine it any other way!KathyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956648051242558284noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980141611416350415.post-50339363231761250232014-04-01T13:02:00.000-05:002014-04-01T16:43:47.639-05:00School's Out—Learning's In<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What adventures are in store for your nature lovers? </span></span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7UFnjpO3g76zuPdk8v13IeXzhkaqBBBqC3Kb6POES0469-nYUDco2XNwxqh1h25WZkGeYlpEYdHWLhRxhj3C0mDAQO83k1zrP6uM-AmlgUrVnYXO9mXyg24fKcvUvjsf6ul1Ip1PbojQ7/s1600-h/turtle-thumb4004389.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7UFnjpO3g76zuPdk8v13IeXzhkaqBBBqC3Kb6POES0469-nYUDco2XNwxqh1h25WZkGeYlpEYdHWLhRxhj3C0mDAQO83k1zrP6uM-AmlgUrVnYXO9mXyg24fKcvUvjsf6ul1Ip1PbojQ7/s320/turtle-thumb4004389.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213699957883181106" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px;" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It is intriguing to me what is accomplished, even when home school is officially out.</span></i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Our
nature enthusiasts, Gideon, 8, and Benjamin, 5, had taken me on many
turtle hunts near our farmhouse in Washington state, with no luck.
Praying about it, Gideon finally captured an orange spotted painted
turtle. Soon after, we found ourselves on an adventure: we moved to
Arkansas. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The boys loved getting to know many new creatures: armadillos,
fireflies, ground hogs, slugs, giant beetles, crawdads, many new
insects, even a skunk. Our animal encyclopedias were in constant use.
They found the remains of turtle shells, and then discovered a box
turtle, who they studied closely for five days. <span style="font-style: italic;">Box</span>
was scared and stayed hidden in his shell whenever the boys got near.
He also did not eat. Two weeks later, we found another they named <span style="font-style: italic;">Friendly Ted,</span> who allowed the boys to hold him, stroke his head, and feed him lettuce from their hands.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Teaching
Gideon to use the card catalog at the library, we found a reptile field
guide and read all about turtles and snakes. We identified states on
maps which told us where the different species lived. On his own, Gideon
got out his dad’s 25 ft. tape measure, and discovered just how big that
python was if it was all stretched out. The boys both learned about
measuring in inches, feet, yards, centimeters, and meters.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">During all of this, their Aunt just happened to send them a book, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Practical Entomologist</span>.
It was a perfect book to further excite their curiosity. On one of our
library trips, Gideon picked out a fascinating video on turtles. He also
brought home <span style="font-style: italic;">Minn of the Mississippi</span>,
by Holling C. Holling, a delightful story that follows the travels of a
snapping turtle. We read this together and even older brother who isn’t
that much into critters, listened in. We learned about some U.S.
geography from this book, too.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGQOSDfDjXEqqMmBzafzJ018gNGlT-KE-_KTn5AXwRuX-r3Rq0ZTQStJPrghHK_ZiA9BJLqqqaBgxeNRND3TWkDBa_l9eEqoEeA1marPCvVwo1TrwhyphenhyphenE-kiX39BqWqXsdxO2kDOMlSf4J/s1600/Minn+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGQOSDfDjXEqqMmBzafzJ018gNGlT-KE-_KTn5AXwRuX-r3Rq0ZTQStJPrghHK_ZiA9BJLqqqaBgxeNRND3TWkDBa_l9eEqoEeA1marPCvVwo1TrwhyphenhyphenE-kiX39BqWqXsdxO2kDOMlSf4J/s1600/Minn+book.jpg" height="320" width="251" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Gideon entered a contest in a
children’s newsletter by writing an account of his summer activities,
including his wildlife observations. He also answered a pen pal request
and wrote a letter about his discoveries and interests in nature.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Being
very artistic, Gideon drew numerous pictures during these summer months
of insects, turtles, and underwater scenes. With my suggestion, he
started a scrapbook for his nature drawings, and wrote titles and
captions to explain them. He was inspired to view a collection of shells
on display at the library, owned by a ninth grade boy. We read up on
their favorite shells. Their Dad divided up his old seashell collection
among our four boys, which they arranged in a new showcase in the living
room. Out came the field guide on shells, and the 25 foot rule. "Wow,
that Giant Conch gets to be this big!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The boys went rock
collecting and compared specimens to a book on rocks and minerals. When
their Grandpa visited recently, together they picked out many new
additions to their collections. And what a thrilling experience it was
for us all when we were invited to visit Hurricane River Cave!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Earlier
in the summer, we picked wild flowers on our daily neighborhood walk,
and made nature notecards from dried flowers and leaves. Another display
at the library detailed exquisitely painted Arkansas wild flowers by a
local artist.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Many biblical and scientific discussions took
place, including talking to God, how God answers prayers, the story of
creation, the beauty of nature, clean and unclean animals, food chains,
taxonomy classifications, and animal reproduction.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As I look back
over the past two months I am amazed at the learning that has taken
place with almost no planning from me. A love for nature, curiosity, a
few supplies, and a shared enthusiastic interest from Mom and Dad
provided a wonderful home (summer) school education for two young
brothers. It makes me wonder if I could have ever planned anything
better!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">-The
above post was from my journal, Fall, 1997. Mary Hood (the Relaxed
Homeschooler) used this in her newsletter back then, and this was the
inspiration on which I wrote an article for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine
in their summer 2011 issue. Of all the summers
we had I think this one was the best, and our introduction to Arkansas
as well! </span></span> </i></span>KathyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956648051242558284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980141611416350415.post-47845560161473871872014-03-21T12:58:00.002-05:002014-03-21T12:59:38.591-05:00From Expectation to Miscarriage - Free E-Book<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9P0QiBC8TpguOSdJpuAL46NvJ4j2PxLmFvWavbLYSZN3au1iud_G9el62zrRKxe-66ywzD7_GEDbhoYpdNqOJ0R4FfjNJZSc2YDHX-FAv377yTTdtkfrt7MkaGU9bSAnwViFBOhhwIR7/s1600/miscariiage+ebook+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9P0QiBC8TpguOSdJpuAL46NvJ4j2PxLmFvWavbLYSZN3au1iud_G9el62zrRKxe-66ywzD7_GEDbhoYpdNqOJ0R4FfjNJZSc2YDHX-FAv377yTTdtkfrt7MkaGU9bSAnwViFBOhhwIR7/s1600/miscariiage+ebook+pic.jpg" height="400" width="307" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/163716150/From-Expectation-to-Miscarriage-True-stories-of-faith-hope-and-healing" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">From Expectation to Miscarriage—True Stories of Faith, Hope and Healing </span></span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">"One moment you are rejoicing at the news that you are expecting a baby—all of a sudden your joy turns to sorrow when you learn that you are
going through a miscarriage.<br /><br />You feel scared, alone, and devastated. You wonder if there is hope after miscarriage."</span></span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have a personal story that I share in this free E-Book compiled by many authors who share a similar yet different journey through miscarriage.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Having
children was always in our plan. Several years of barrenness was not.
Our first two pregnancies resulting in miscarriage within a year of each
other left me devastated. The only one I could turn to was God.</span></span> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you've found yourself alone in a world where the heartbreak of miscarriage consumes you, like I did, it may help to talk to others that have felt your pain and walked in similar sandles. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Of course no one has the same exact story, but many have found a semblance of healing by searching the facts and discovering the grace of God through faith and hope and the love of family and compassionate friends. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">If miscarriage is <i>not</i> part of your story, but you know of someone whose it is, this is a great resource to pass on to them.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">You can read my <i>miracle</i> story along with the other heartfelt stories of precious Moms who have left tiny angels in heaven through miscarriage by clicking on this link: </span></span><br /><a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/163716150/From-Expectation-to-Miscarriage-True-stories-of-faith-hope-and-healing" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">From Expectation to Miscarriage—True Stories of Faith, Hope and Healing </span></span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">May this E-Book treasure be a blessing to you and others. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Thanks to Dollie at <a href="http://teachersofgoodthings.com/" target="_blank">Teacher's of Good Things</a> for producing this valuable resource.</i></span></span><br />
<br />KathyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956648051242558284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980141611416350415.post-72780777163027608752013-06-11T11:41:00.000-05:002013-06-11T11:43:32.427-05:0050 Project Oriented Ideas for Homeschooling<h3 class="post-title entry-title">
<a href="http://windowtomyheart-katheemarie.blogspot.com/2008/06/project-oriented-ideas-for.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><br /></a> </h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwpLAUm5q62xbrlQBawqrxQrIa8BwHlynJAycNR0epFjGI0Ije8_98BQFSVLG0sCVZ6CswQiu2M247N2LfIPDkWBCRAS1kUQSqPNJVqrNsU3-Yqh4111jIUU4JhifcAkBKq3QJfn-cyU_B/s1600/Benjamin+Cropped+4x6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwpLAUm5q62xbrlQBawqrxQrIa8BwHlynJAycNR0epFjGI0Ije8_98BQFSVLG0sCVZ6CswQiu2M247N2LfIPDkWBCRAS1kUQSqPNJVqrNsU3-Yqh4111jIUU4JhifcAkBKq3QJfn-cyU_B/s400/Benjamin+Cropped+4x6.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></span></b></div>
<div style="color: #333399; font-family: arial; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Scrapbooking is a great way to save homeschool memories.</span></span></span> </span></span></b></div>
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<div style="color: #333399; font-family: arial; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Over the many years of homeschooling our four sons we've enjoyed some wonderful projects—perfect for school subjects, fill-ins, rainy days, or simply just an enjoyable part of family get-togetherness and learning.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333399; font-family: arial; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Hands-on projects are one of the best ways for children to learn. They become engaged in something worthwhile and produce a finished product which they can save or share, and they gain and grow in numerous ways from each accomplishment. Unit studies were the norm for us through the years, and had I known about them earlier, notebooks and lapbooks would have been utilized a bit more.</span></span></div>
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<div style="color: #333399; font-family: arial; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">These
are ideas from a list I made awhile ago, fashioned from the top of my head and from resource books that I
have read. Reading through this list often gave us an offshoot of something creative that worked for us, and perhaps you'll find ideas of something that will work
for you. </span></span></div>
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<div style="color: #333399; font-family: arial; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">They are geared for middle to high school years, though you can adjust the activity to meet each child's capabilities. Our four boys were approximately three years apart and we worked on many of the same units and projects on different levels at the same time. It most always worked to our advantage!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">There are endless exciting activities you could add to your own list, but above all—</span></span></div>
<div style="color: #333399; font-family: arial; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Make it Fun!</span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Make a list of all of the things you would like to do someday (be
creative); then start doing them, crossing off one at a time.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2. Write a simplified children's book utilizing information that you are learning and studying about. Illustrate it. Or make a poster.</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">3. Teach your younger siblings something you find fascinating. Write an evaluation.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">4. Make a detailed (to scale) floor plan of your room or house. Or make one of an imaginary room/house.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">5. Create a card game to play with your family, utilizing facts or information you are learning.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">6. Start an anonymous letter writing ministry to encourage others.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">7. Make a scrapbook page using photos or newspaper/magazine clippings or drawings.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">8. Start a collection of favorite scriptures and quotes. Find a new one each day.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">9. Keep a "book of the centuries" timeline.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">10. Do research on the Internet about a famous person you have met through your reading. Write a short essay and share it with your family.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">11. Make up a true/false questionnaire using the material you are studying and have family members participate.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">12.
Interview relatives and start a family memories album. You could also ask
relatives to write their own stories to include in your album. Or write a family newsletter to share with others.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">13.
Do map work of one continent at a time, learning all of the country
names and their positions on the map. (Make an outline map and fill it in
as you go.)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">14. Plan and cook a meal for the family.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">15. Write up an exercise plan and stick to it. You could include other family members to participate.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">16. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span>While reading a book (biographies are great) jot down notes of the
important aspects after the reading of each chapter, then rewrite the
story in your own words. You could even make it into a book, booklet or e-book.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">17. Keep a spiritual journal.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">18. Memorize and/or act out a favorite poem.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">19.
Rewrite a poem, scripture, or paragraph by changing many of the
existing words to a word meaning the same or something similar (synonym) and see
how it changes.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">20. Do a character study—choose a person and study their life, actions, character traits, mission, message, etc.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">21.Write for a young ladies magazine (get a subscription to one) and/or critique or review articles.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">22. Write a book review for Amazon.com or your local newspaper.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">23. Listen to "Weird Al" and "Mark Lowry" type parody songs. Write and/or sing one of your own.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">24. Do a nature study project. Keep a nature journal including drawings.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">25. Find (or write your own) monologue and perform it for others. (Choose a character that is much different from your own.)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">26. Make up an ad or commercial for a real or make believe product (written or oral).</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">27.
Choose a famous painting you like and describe it. Convey the mood you
feel. Try to capture the essence on your own similar painting or
drawing.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">28. Choose a craft and/or an experiment to do with your younger siblings.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">29. Make up a healthy daily menu for your family, finding out what vitamins/minerals are necessary for optimum health.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">30. Research and explore your neighborhood to find out what wild edible plants grow close to your home. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">31. Study the night sky and your favorite constellations. Graph one of your own and name it.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">32. Attend a play or concert and write a review or evaluation. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">33. Each child gets his very own garden plot to tend.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">34. Start a new collection, and make plans for organization.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">35. Learn/make calligraphy of your favorite quotes or scriptures.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">36. Listen to classical music and write about the feeling or imaginations you feel while listening to it. Can you name the instruments you hear?</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">37. Study the life of a favorite author. Tell why you like his or her writing. (E. B. White and Beatrice Potter were two favorites.)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">38. Write a short biography of a bible character, filling in from your imagination the details not provided in scripture.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">39. Write a historical record of something that happened as if you had been there.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">40. Take notes on a presentation, video or cassette lesson. This practice will come in handy!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">41.
Keep a record of all finances for your family for a month. Include all
expenses, food, rent, payments, items purchased, bills, etc.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">42. Make a chart or graph utilizing information gained by a topic you studied.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">43. Research and compile information on an exotic place you'd like to visit.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">44. Visit a museum (the one at the College of the Ozarks in Hollister, Missouri, is incredible) and tell/write about the one thing that amazed you the most.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">45. Do a mural project with the whole family. (One idea is to make a family tree.)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">46. Make a paper construction 3D model of something, (or just a creative original design.)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">47. Make a pop-up 3D card for someone special.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">48. Plan a surprise party for dad for no special reason.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">49. After watching a TV program or movie, analyze it in light of Philippians 4:8.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">50. Keep a memorable photographic journal of your hobbies and school projects. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>I'd love to hear some of your special homeschooling projects you've done or added to your list!</i></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Linking up with <a href="http://teachersofgoodthings.com/mom-tested-family-approved-ultimate-homeschool-blog-hop-1/" target="_blank">Mom Tested Family Approved Ultimate Homeschool Bloghop</a></span></div>
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KathyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956648051242558284noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980141611416350415.post-19458984984531792782013-02-09T10:04:00.001-06:002013-02-09T10:04:54.353-06:00Easy-Peasy "Paleo" Pizza - No-Wheat Crust!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSEySkStbSISceby8bIXwecLJlVQTMZo5EePaRFCyi1TWUCQ5bASns3GBXAxFmr3rROqQumS8jYfrFXlX8KsZGhOKDdWzp_ieGG19QDrhk8mLsXPt8EH-5Osav4qsUhHeJXvasTbquxSbH/s1600/PaleoPizza.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSEySkStbSISceby8bIXwecLJlVQTMZo5EePaRFCyi1TWUCQ5bASns3GBXAxFmr3rROqQumS8jYfrFXlX8KsZGhOKDdWzp_ieGG19QDrhk8mLsXPt8EH-5Osav4qsUhHeJXvasTbquxSbH/s320/PaleoPizza.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #660000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Easy-Peasy "Paleo" Pizza </span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">—No-Wheat Crust—</span></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So many families today have special diet concerns and restrictions: no dairy, gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, etc. I'm right in there with them, following an anti-inflammation diet that includes not eating wheat and limiting dairy among other things. </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I love <span style="font-size: large;">p</span>izza, but it always gave me headaches </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">and I've missed eating it!</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Well, I stumbled upon this different-kind-of-crust and EASY-to-make pizza via <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Molly.Green.Econobusters?ref=ts&fref=ts" target="_blank">FB Econobusters with Molly Green </a>who featured this recipe:</span><a href="http://paleobutterfly.blogspot.com/2012/02/paleo-pizza.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span>Paleo Pizza recipe.</span></span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Since it was dinner time, I hurried to the kitchen and had the crust ready-to-go in just a matter of minutes. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpbIY8Eb4mQc3plivi49emj6vjYV5Tv9u5WJ8yAi4qt2Het_kmPSt2XX2PSCxjwpeQ52lP8D8a_WvDyWM7zAlDaJbiW1OTQEbb_OMXAq-R_HAqaYi1jkYsCUWiyUXZrd4rymPNo18quQ_J/s1600/PPizza3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpbIY8Eb4mQc3plivi49emj6vjYV5Tv9u5WJ8yAi4qt2Het_kmPSt2XX2PSCxjwpeQ52lP8D8a_WvDyWM7zAlDaJbiW1OTQEbb_OMXAq-R_HAqaYi1jkYsCUWiyUXZrd4rymPNo18quQ_J/s320/PPizza3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Very tasty indeed— </b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>My Hubby loved it too!</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span>Here is the recipe as I made it:</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Crust Ingredients:</span></b><br />
<span class="hasCaption"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
<span class="hasCaption">2 cups almond meal (flour or ground almonds)</span><br />
<span class="hasCaption">2 eggs beaten</span><br />
</span><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2 tsp olive oil<br />
1 tsp sea salt</span></span></span><br />
<span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1 Tbs seasonings (basil, oregano, parsley, onion and garlic powder)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Beat egg with all ingredients to form a dough. It will be sticky!<br />
Press onto an oiled baking sheet and make a large round, thinning as you go.<br />
<br />
Pop it in the oven and bake at 375 degrees for approx 10-12 minutes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Top with your choice of tomato sauce and toppings. I made mine with sliced onion, cut pineapple and diced red bell pepper. Since I don't eat cheese, I made only half with mozzarella for Hubby. Know what? I don't miss the cheese at all!</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Now, place it in the oven for 10 minutes or longer until cheese is melted and slightly browned. </span></span></span><br />
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<span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What an easy lunch or dinner this is! I bet your family will love it too! </span>
</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKdXQYnrhqc9BV_FkQGXmKwJQbSHztAXP_LZm-n_cy3G1N5DnVh2w6DuNGeXH75zlMflCYo6j9UdHAbfxb4hz91SYf4KbVsDNh8Yr6E-ZQ0Mll4db4LPhuLSv1i7_Envc5ZKOaX2qowG63/s1600/PPizzaNoCheese.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKdXQYnrhqc9BV_FkQGXmKwJQbSHztAXP_LZm-n_cy3G1N5DnVh2w6DuNGeXH75zlMflCYo6j9UdHAbfxb4hz91SYf4KbVsDNh8Yr6E-ZQ0Mll4db4LPhuLSv1i7_Envc5ZKOaX2qowG63/s320/PPizzaNoCheese.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #4c1130;"> <span style="color: #660000;">My Cheese-less, Wheat-free Pizza—</span></span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Yummy indeed!</span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Where do you find almond meal or flour? Apart from grinding your own almonds, I bought a bulk bag from a local co-op group through <a href="http://www.clnf.org/" target="_blank">Country Life </a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.clnf.org/" target="_blank">Natural Foods</a>. I've also seen i<span style="font-size: small;">t in Health Food stores and in a special section at a local grocery store<span style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A<span style="font-size: small;">nother thing I'm doing for my health is eating mo<span style="font-size: small;">re raw foods prepared in some interesting ways. I'm desiring a <span style="font-size: small;">50% raw diet but I'm not entirely there (yet)<span style="font-size: small;"> and I'm making some healthy habit c<span style="font-size: small;">hanges to regain my health<span style="font-size: small;">, look good, and feel great</span>.</span></span> Please visit me at <a href="http://rawchef30days.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kathy's Kitchen & Raw Nutrition</a> to see what I'<span style="font-size: small;">ve been up to<span style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'll also share with you a fantastic <a href="http://rawchef30days.blogspot.com/2011/07/raw-pizza-and-zucchini-spaghetti-with.html" target="_blank">"RAW" Pizza</a> from Kathy's Kitchen that <span style="font-size: small;">does take some time<span style="font-size: small;"> since it has a dehydrated c<span style="font-size: small;">ru<span style="font-size: small;">st, but it <span style="font-size: small;">is so very good t<span style="font-size: small;">asting and great for you!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What are some of your favorite pizza toppings?</span>KathyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956648051242558284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980141611416350415.post-7129851029062647692013-01-11T17:06:00.001-06:002013-01-11T17:14:37.172-06:00My One Word for 2013<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="hw">Many of you have chosen </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="hw"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://myoneword.org/pick-your-word/" target="_blank">one word</a></span> to represent what you want to accomplish in 2013. This word</span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> represented what I most hope God will do in me this year—<b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">REJOICE!</span></span></b> <b> </b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>That's my main focus for this year.</b></span></div>
<span class="hw"> </span><br />
<br />
<span class="hw"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Rejoice makes me think about a church song we used to sing when the boys were little: </span></span><span class="hw"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="st"><i>"Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, rejoice." </i></span>The chorus goes something like <i>"Rejoice, rejoice, and again I say rejoice"</i>.
It's a fun song with a peppy beat and we used to sing it in rounds.
When you sang it, the happiness bubbled up all over in you. You couldn't
sing it with a sad face—that just wouldn't be right—you smiled or
laughed and sang with, well . . . joy! <i>(Overjoyed</i> is another good word.)</span></span><br />
<span class="hw"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
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<span class="hw"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<span class="hw"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Many
years back I went through a huge life challenge. My mind had a blow-out
with repercussions to every other part of me, and my <i>joy </i>vanished,
along with my ability to think and respond sensibly. Fortunately, the
cave in which I lived had a subtle glow from the hatch so that in time, I
emerged back into the light of a busy life as a wife and homeschooling
mom to my four sons. It was a rough time though, and my point is that I
know first hand what the <i>opposite </i>of rejoice is. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="hw"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I
think there are many others out there that have also felt a lack of
joy—it might even be epidemic, considering the times we are living in
and the crazy things that happen to people and their loved ones.</span></span><br />
<span class="hw"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="hw"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Well,
this year will be a special time to reclaim my joy! I want to live life
fully, get excited about it, let it seep into my bones, heart and mind.
I want to face everything, even negativity, heartbreak, and
disappointment in the face of joy—that my attitude of rejoicing does not
waver, and if it does, it can bounce its way back.</span></span><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="hw"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Rejoice means to:<span style="color: #0b5394;">
feel joyful; be delighted; to fill with joy; gladden; feel happiness or
joy. <span style="color: black;">It's related to:</span> being on cloud nine; exultation; jumping for joy;
walking on air; triumph, glory, and elation.</span></span></span></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><span class="hw">How often do You <i>Jump for Joy</i>?</span></b></span></div>
<br />
<span class="hw"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I just finished a wonderful book . . . <i>Bird by Bird—Some Instructions on Writing and Life<b> </b></i>by Anne Lamott that my son gave me at Christmas. I don't want to give away the punch line but here's a quote: </span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="hw"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"When writers make us shake our heads with the exactness of their
prose and their truths, and even make us laugh about ourselves or life,
our buoyancy is restored. We are given a shot at dancing with, or at
least clapping along with, the absurdity of life, instead of being
squashed by it over and over again. It's like singing on a boat during a
terrible storm at sea. You can't stop the raging storm, but singing can
change the hearts and spirits of the people who are together on that
ship."</span></i></span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sounds
like rejoicing to me! And there's courage in that boat too. A big part
of it is that we are interconnected, sharing those happy as well as
crazy moments, with each other.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span class="hw">Some Questions I have to Ask Myself. . . </span></span></b></div>
<br />
<span class="hw"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What <i>is</i> my source of joy? Is it found in material things? Family? Relationships? Egotistic ideals? God?</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="hw"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What
are my foundations? How am I programmed to view the world? What
expectations do I have? What or who do I trust? What happens if that
trust is broken?</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="hw"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What am I thankful for? How often does prayer fit into the overall scheme? What am I afraid of? </span></span><br />
<br />
<b><span class="hw"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There's more . . . </span></span></b><br />
<br />
<span class="hw"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What excites me? </span></span><span class="hw"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What makes me dance when no one is looking? What do I find myself doing that I can't live without?</span></span><b><span class="hw"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span></b><span class="hw"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Who is on this rousing journey with me?</span></span><span class="hw"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Do I hang out with uplifting people? Who are they?</span></span><b><span class="hw"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="hw"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b>
<span class="hw"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Who do I love? What makes me feel great about myself, and others?</span></span><b><span class="hw"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span></b><span class="hw"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Can I visualize the person who I want to become? What does she look like, what does she say, what does she do?</span></span><b><span class="hw"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<span class="hw"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">These are all good questions to contemplate and ones that I'll be examining in the weeks to come. </span></span><br />
<div class="passage version-KJV result-text-style-normal text-html ">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="text 1Thess-5-16" id="en-KJV-29638"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>"Rejoice evermore.</span><span class="text 1Thess-5-17" id="en-KJV-29639"> Pray without ceasing.</span><span class="text 1Thess-5-18" id="en-KJV-29640"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." </span></span></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="text 1Thess-5-18" id="en-KJV-29640"> —1 Thessalonians 5:16-18</span></span></span></blockquote>
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<br />KathyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956648051242558284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980141611416350415.post-73992132153419323662013-01-05T22:22:00.002-06:002013-01-09T14:41:14.229-06:00Grain-free Banana Blueberry Pancakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZw-GolU1EKWuRDzbbVjOojMu3e26zF2wInpxyqmEqx4gGPxh1xpPxaqDaA8g82w8n6gPzxlVoidZRvtSB0SXpZgZLStUsHJsbwfjNBBbVRVf1so2V73uAcoa4NU0Zg1wb1uxg3kLjB3d/s1600/3panWsyrup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyZw-GolU1EKWuRDzbbVjOojMu3e26zF2wInpxyqmEqx4gGPxh1xpPxaqDaA8g82w8n6gPzxlVoidZRvtSB0SXpZgZLStUsHJsbwfjNBBbVRVf1so2V73uAcoa4NU0Zg1wb1uxg3kLjB3d/s320/3panWsyrup.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Grain-free Banana Blueberry Pancakes</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We tend to eat the same things for breakfast each morning, and I'm looking to add more variety. I'm also in the process of embracing an anti-inflammatory lifestyle change which ideally includes eating gluten-free. I decided to try these this morning and served them to my husband and teenage son who gave them a big thumbs up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Though a bit different in consistency from regular flour-based pancakes they were delicious, but the first batch were too large and fell apart when I turned them (I got to eat those), and you have to be careful that this banana/egg-based pancake doesn't burn. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This recipe is very similar to the one from the book: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/More-Anti-Inflammation-Diet-Tips-Recipes/dp/0897936213/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1357434547&sr=1-1&keywords=More+Anti-Inflammation+Diet+Tips+and+Recipes" target="_blank">More Anti-Inflammation Diet Tips and Recipes</a></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">which I highly recommend.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8dOz1_IkXpJPp7YBVCqojjUz5s3_Vnqlxtaw-L8PFzYF2p4DTkoGpKXxVzCSxrXlG8QUQ231vhMcPsOm7TTS_cu_fjAGlLw_UiE193ZuhsuzS3TjV_cz9Pt0HszVK-8ISgPRSSAwFRU1Z/s1600/book.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8dOz1_IkXpJPp7YBVCqojjUz5s3_Vnqlxtaw-L8PFzYF2p4DTkoGpKXxVzCSxrXlG8QUQ231vhMcPsOm7TTS_cu_fjAGlLw_UiE193ZuhsuzS3TjV_cz9Pt0HszVK-8ISgPRSSAwFRU1Z/s320/book.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><u><b>Ingredients:</b></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2 bananas</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">4 eggs (farm fresh preferred)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2 Tbs raw almond butter (or other nut butter)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2 Tbs melted coconut oil</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1/2 tsp cinnamon </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Dried blueberries (or fresh)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Whip cream and maple syrup (optional)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Place the first five ingredients in a high powered blender and blend until smooth. Pour a minimum amount of batter into a hot greased pan or skillet making small-sized pancakes (not too large or they might break apart when turned). Add blueberries on top. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBCPiW3NupDbg8x7UU7XQODG71SNyHsOoFzQWMUqe_hJRfT06TPCm1prSdhOo4xEhvzNWCp-Mqo88rADrW6Jrgz_UpYckKXNaHhtutyflaNpUrzUqJm_AoDdet4EeRloOxV1T-M5jE16e/s1600/flippedpan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBCPiW3NupDbg8x7UU7XQODG71SNyHsOoFzQWMUqe_hJRfT06TPCm1prSdhOo4xEhvzNWCp-Mqo88rADrW6Jrgz_UpYckKXNaHhtutyflaNpUrzUqJm_AoDdet4EeRloOxV1T-M5jE16e/s320/flippedpan.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Cook on
medium low heat and watch for bubbles while the bottom is browning. A
good indication to turn them is when you see steam or smoke appear and
bubbles cover the top and the pancake is firm enough to flip.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">You can substitute for another nut butter in this recipe.</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The original called for sunflower butter. It reminded my husband of a cross between a pancake and a crepe.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I gave those remaining pancakes a squirt of whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon! Not bad at all for a grain-free pancake!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>GO here for a <a href="http://bornagainclassics.com/KMR-Blog/Grainfree-banana-blueberry-pancake.pdf" target="_blank">printable pdf</a> of this recipe! </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Are you making diet changes and honing in on developing better habits this year? If interested check out my <a href="http://rawchef30days.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kathy's Kitchen & Raw Nutrition</a> blog to follow my progress there and check out some great raw foods recipes. Thanks!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Linking up with Wellness Wednesday</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b> </b> </span></div>
<a href="http://intoxicatedonlife.com/tag/wellness-wednesday-link-up/" target="_blank"><img alt="Grab button for Wellness Wednesday" height="125" src="http://intoxicatedonlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Wellness-Wednesday-Link-Up.png" width="125" /></a>
KathyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956648051242558284noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980141611416350415.post-41484719969433610012013-01-04T16:43:00.003-06:002013-01-04T16:44:08.906-06:00My Goals for Healthy Habits 2013<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The following is a guest post from my other blog: <a href="http://rawchef30days.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kathy's Kitchen & Raw Nutrition</a>. Please visit me there!</span></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">For breakfast this morning I’m
sipping a thick, icy, delicious, “green” apricot-peach smoothie topped with a dollop
of whip cream as I write out my <i>Health and Happiness</i> goals for the
coming New Year. I have an emotional attachment to food—healthy or otherwise—and
that’s just one of many concerns I’m dealing with. But for now, I’m simply
going to enjoy the pleasure of this marvelous treat! Ummmm.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">We all have our individual
bents and devices. Whatever yours are—they are unique to you, and you owe it to
yourself to pay close attention. Our bodies are God’s temples and they deserve
respect. Migraines, fatigue, insomnia, and thick fungal toenails do not make
life enjoyable! I got myself to where I am today and there’s hope to living a
better life, if I treat myself well and feed my body what it needs and craves.
(No, it’s not Junior Mints, chocolate éclairs, or beef jerky.)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">What will make <i>you</i> healthier?</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">As you know, or can guess,
eating raw, enzyme and nutrient rich foods is a priority that I believe can help
heal what ails me. Do some reading at <a href="http://www.hacres.com/" target="_blank">Hallelujah Acres</a> or the <a href="http://www.gerson.org/" target="_blank">Gerson Institute</a> and you’ll glimpse some of the
amazing benefits of adding more alkalizing fruits and vegetables to your diet
and their relationship to the disease process. But that’s just <i>part</i> of my
plan, and no, I don’t aim to eat <i>all raw</i> foods , but I am desiring
a healthy lifestyle change and <i>mostly</i> <i>raw</i> is a part of it (and I’ve been
at it for awhile).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Three months ago I fit into
my clothes better than I do now, and eight years ago, I was 30 lbs. smaller and
had kept it off for several years, but the weight slowly crept back up. I need more balance.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Losing 30 pounds again is one
of my goals, and I’m giving myself a whole year in which to do it, BUT, weight
loss is not my main goal—<span style="background-color: #9fc5e8;"><b>Health</b></span> is! Physical, mental, and spiritual.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-zwTgD5XOME_JYD_st_PGZ6VS0A4AReC1w4XAgaxeRCZXsxCHLrwACQklEhQFCYi14wLwfCpCco1zV_-7mgEWlSpR0Rb1Z3JDKY20vjpjcOW1j9o_gikVezJKPKBNzGcB9_B8ONnikLZV/s1600/the+Fam+XMas.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-zwTgD5XOME_JYD_st_PGZ6VS0A4AReC1w4XAgaxeRCZXsxCHLrwACQklEhQFCYi14wLwfCpCco1zV_-7mgEWlSpR0Rb1Z3JDKY20vjpjcOW1j9o_gikVezJKPKBNzGcB9_B8ONnikLZV/s320/the+Fam+XMas.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I had an excellent Christmas 2012 with my family. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm 5'10" though I look like a midget next to my very tall sons and husband.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I’ve outlined my goals, with extensive plans to implement them for the coming year, and part of my new plan at <i>Kathy’s Kitchen</i> blog is to break them down, concentrating one week
at a time on just a few individual things to put into practice. I’ve selected
four category titles to concentrate on each week to share: <span style="background-color: #9fc5e8;"><b>Move, Munch,
Motivation, and Mindset</b></span>. You can follow me there and on <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/KathysKitchenRawNutrition" target="_blank">Facebook</a>
</b>to see what I’m up to and if you are joining in on the <a href="http://teachersofgoodthings.com/health-habits-new-years-resolutions/" target="_blank"><i><b>Healthy Habits Linkup</b></i></a>
fun and community accountability, I’ll be following you and gaining inspiration
from you all as well.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">My Simplified Health Goals for 2013</span></b></span></span></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Improved overall health (#1 priority)</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Look good / feel good</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Assert a positive outlook and attitude</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Increase knowledge of health, fitness, and
nutrition</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Maintain excellent eating habits specific to my
health issues (including anti-inflammatory diet + raw foods-based diet)</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Lose weight—30 lbs total for the year (2.5
lbs per month)</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Increase energy, strength, and flexibility </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Exercise routinely </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Minimize stress </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Experience less frequent migraines and untoward symptoms of
disease </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Have a well-fitting, slimming, wardrobe </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Reach out and help others, sharing similar interests
and needs while following the Health Habits Linkup and post my weekly response
</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Experiment, update, and add new healthy recipes
and information to <a href="http://rawchef30days.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><i>Kathy’s Kitchen</i></a> . . . blog </span></span></li>
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<span style="background-color: #9fc5e8;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Move</span></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Exercise! I’ve been lax with
exercise recently, but I feel so much better and my energy level increases when
activity and exercise are part of my routine. For me, this is crucial, so it’s
a priority. I simply won’t drop an ounce if I’m lazy. I like to pop in a
Jazzercise DVD and I’m just starting to do a yoga routine (Yoga for Inflexible
People) which I find very relaxing. In nicer weather I need to start walking
around my neighborhood again. <b>My aim is for exercising five times per week,
put my feet up and relax in the afternoons for 30 minutes, and otherwise make a
conscious effort to keep moving.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #9fc5e8;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Munch</span></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Drink My Greens! I like to do
fresh fruit and vegetable juicing, but it’s time consuming and I don’t do it
but several times a week if it’s a good week! But I can make green smoothies
kind of quick and I can put organic dried green powder into a cup of water (with
lemon, and stevia) for a quick nutrition boost. <b>The plan is to drink my greens
every day—fresh juicing, added to smoothies, or just in a cup.<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b><span style="font-size: small;">(Scroll down this page to see my
<a href="http://rawchef30days.blogspot.com/2011/07/breakfast-in-raw.html" target="_blank">basic smoothie </a>recipe from an older post titled <i>Breakfast in the Raw</i>.)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #9fc5e8;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Motivation</span></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Something new! I’m excited to
be alive today—the first day of the New Year, and I’m looking forward to this
opportunity to <b>renew my promise to love and care for myself, while working on
some</b> <b>healthy habit changes along with other ladies through a Health Habits Blog
Hop.</b> Thank you, Dollie at <a href="http://www.teachersofgoodthings.com/" target="_blank">Teacher's of Good Things</a>
for sponsoring it!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #9fc5e8;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><u><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Mindset</span></u></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Baby steps! I know the right
answers; it’s implementing them that are the tricky part. <b>Taken in steps, I can
accomplish much and so can you.</b> It’s like I’m starting over . . . One thing I
am good at is that if I blow it, I will start again. So, while I’ve come a long
way in changing my lifestyle and eating habits . . . say in the last 10 years,
there’s much more I can, and <i>want </i>to do and learn.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-GZ3GWIKf-FjRcjL0rdKoO2d4hDAVxSJtGxa0LOYA0QgsRMsD12g37Q_Qvi0uS_MrUkIljn8Ju2_yLPfYtzn6V3Vu0jK5gh2Rn2qmt3BWhcZC-1blhCMK9xaVRlRkAku-uSNx8e8pEd3/s1600/littlebylittle.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-GZ3GWIKf-FjRcjL0rdKoO2d4hDAVxSJtGxa0LOYA0QgsRMsD12g37Q_Qvi0uS_MrUkIljn8Ju2_yLPfYtzn6V3Vu0jK5gh2Rn2qmt3BWhcZC-1blhCMK9xaVRlRkAku-uSNx8e8pEd3/s320/littlebylittle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Some sweet day in the future,
maybe I’ll be able to share with you some before and after pics (I love those,
don’t you?) but if you want added inspiration and care to read some very encouraging
stories check out this link: <a href="http://www.welikeitraw.com/rawfood/before-and-after-photos.html">http://www.welikeitraw.com/rawfood/before-and-after-photos.html</a>
Two ladies that have positively motivated me to take a closer look at
the way I eat and the choices I make (included on that page) are Angela
Stokes and Tonya Zavasta!
Keep in mind that we are not all Angelas or Tonyas but there are lots of
things
we can learn from others.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Excuse me while I pop in that Jazzercise DVD! </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://teachersofgoodthings.com/category/health-habits/"><img src="http://teachersofgoodthings.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/healthyhabits125x125.jpg" /></a>
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KathyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956648051242558284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980141611416350415.post-52383543855563189592012-11-04T12:47:00.005-06:002012-11-04T14:19:53.442-06:00Trusting—Then, and Now <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-TBA5h6IyN8pt2v_Tj7RkqUB9_cP4-gh0bSYDI_cIQMD-4f78PkFHRsQwcNoRLUq3HyxbCuR7OCSRpirv72-QtL_dTlDLhq5yab0s76bRdRkjnjBFcU464XEoPlDAfcM-j9g4LJ391Pa/s1600/Jeremiah+and+bird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-TBA5h6IyN8pt2v_Tj7RkqUB9_cP4-gh0bSYDI_cIQMD-4f78PkFHRsQwcNoRLUq3HyxbCuR7OCSRpirv72-QtL_dTlDLhq5yab0s76bRdRkjnjBFcU464XEoPlDAfcM-j9g4LJ391Pa/s320/Jeremiah+and+bird.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>It used to be easy—trusting God. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When the boys were young, they were hardly ever out of my sight—and for good reason. I was the ever watchful Momma Bear, and frankly, since no close family were around when the boys grew up, I just didn't trust anyone else to care for my boys.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It was so natural to homeschool them. And of course, I was delighted in that I didn't have to send them off to be taught by strangers. Wasn't it important, who I entrusted to teach my child? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">As a young girl, I used to <i>play </i>school all the time with my sister who was four years younger than me. I fashioned worksheets for her and loved teaching her what I knew. In high school I really wanted to study art and possibly teach it. But art teachers were not getting many jobs at that time, and well, I went on to study nursing which was high in demand. I would have never guessed that one day I'd become a teacher of language, science, history and (gulp) algebra! And yeah, I got to teach art too. All through the years I've truly felt that guiding my boys through homeschooling was my true calling, and my greatest joy.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">God is so good.</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">But as some of you know, 2012 was the last year for us homeschooling in the traditional sense, though these last several years seem nothing at all traditional to me. The boys grew up, and guess what? They had minds of their own. They asked even more questions than when they were small. They weren't always patient with <i>me</i>! They became very determined and independent minded—a good thing, right? Plus, I could no longer follow them around everywhere to keep an eye on them. The time I spent instilling character in the younger years was over. Their outcome surfaced. The guilt crept in.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVBI3tQN7aE_ENvNoyW30K_cLSraZsflvA323ubwxrnY6TvisMd6WAxPTRRp5SeKfxRULA62LyzHXwqJPf4mIffghKKN_7SXSrHPmJRJqg-kc6LAmxuZ9zfB8tEOWoDtc7f2SNfK9bcHLx/s1600/karate+guys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVBI3tQN7aE_ENvNoyW30K_cLSraZsflvA323ubwxrnY6TvisMd6WAxPTRRp5SeKfxRULA62LyzHXwqJPf4mIffghKKN_7SXSrHPmJRJqg-kc6LAmxuZ9zfB8tEOWoDtc7f2SNfK9bcHLx/s320/karate+guys.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Did I do okay?</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">While I'm very proud of my sons, and we did some very creative projects, learned a lot—even independently, and had a love for learning and a heart for God, at times I am overwhelmed, especially when I am confronted with worldly things, and those sinister mindsets that lurk out there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Not only do I have to trust God to guide my sons and keep them in His care; I have to trust myself, that I did the best I could, and simply let go. But now, I think of many things I should have spent more time on. I wish I'd done a few things better. I wish I'd known some things earlier on. I wish I hadn't been so darn lazy sometimes.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFTzNQb7dz7LWLwTykYhiW11K0EzdydXJlG_QpzwFErn3I6QoL4quPvm_bmDfemgOElnxEt_a9CHT5hrZFAAIcNWX3gmumgKRUzfxKxN-q5xogZ1Ew94xx4u4qfl2c1rKD-DCIW0A6OIw8/s1600/BEST+4x6+JJ+head+scrap+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFTzNQb7dz7LWLwTykYhiW11K0EzdydXJlG_QpzwFErn3I6QoL4quPvm_bmDfemgOElnxEt_a9CHT5hrZFAAIcNWX3gmumgKRUzfxKxN-q5xogZ1Ew94xx4u4qfl2c1rKD-DCIW0A6OIw8/s200/BEST+4x6+JJ+head+scrap+2.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My faith reminds me that whatever the circumstances, the One who knows ALL is in charge. He's got my back. He loves us even more than I love my own family (hard to even comprehend). He's been there for us more times than I can count. In times of stress and doubt, I can trust that what happens in life is meant to be for a purpose, and I can look for the learning moments in each one. Then, I can use those lessons of life, make them part of who I am, and use them to benefit others.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Just a few weeks ago, I came the closest to death I had ever been. Though it was a scary experience, and I did not want to leave my family this soon, I was ready to go meet my Maker. Feeling <i>scared</i> and <i>peaceful </i>sound like opposites, but that's how I felt at the same time. I remember thinking, "Mom, I'll be with you soon." But I was ambivalent to actually go, and thankfully, the hospital ER probably saved my life. (Atrial Fibrillation, in case anyone wants to know.)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0dG1JtMZiqoKomVDElwitgRGJIwoQRpmskiy85XUFbCCgFQ9nZ57vKDObeSd-Il5OsKyrLFd2te490LmwYedRqv2XQmGrR2WCp5mRuE6XsFYfIvY6E4uZL4QQMbuWxeXEJ44i6iy5BVn/s1600/talking+teacups+header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0dG1JtMZiqoKomVDElwitgRGJIwoQRpmskiy85XUFbCCgFQ9nZ57vKDObeSd-Il5OsKyrLFd2te490LmwYedRqv2XQmGrR2WCp5mRuE6XsFYfIvY6E4uZL4QQMbuWxeXEJ44i6iy5BVn/s320/talking+teacups+header.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Each day is a gift from my Creator. </span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have so much to be thankful for! How cool it is, that I just found out that I won a copy of Mary DeMuth's book "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Everything-What-Give-Become-Jesus/dp/1400203988/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1351986542&sr=1-1&keywords=everything+mary+demuth" target="_blank">Everything:</a><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span id="btAsinTitle"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Everything-What-Give-Become-Jesus/dp/1400203988/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1351986542&sr=1-1&keywords=everything+mary+demuth" target="_blank"> What You Give and What You Gain to Become Like Jesus</a>." I look forward to reading it, and I imagine I'll come away with much needed inspiration, something we all need. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7yLQbHn_eH6WsQaONabzW0ZKrbj7t3vehLY23-BqrcVVzSDmNkdXTD0l9rlqADc8-blM5MnZW2pOjA0sL4py0qxoSCGs9_qmsqjPSffLHZ7yGi4PRrHq2vrajDP7R-_Gz_XiI7BSEuG_/s1600/KathyMarie+sig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7yLQbHn_eH6WsQaONabzW0ZKrbj7t3vehLY23-BqrcVVzSDmNkdXTD0l9rlqADc8-blM5MnZW2pOjA0sL4py0qxoSCGs9_qmsqjPSffLHZ7yGi4PRrHq2vrajDP7R-_Gz_XiI7BSEuG_/s200/KathyMarie+sig.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span id="btAsinTitle"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Resting in Him. Relying on Him. Thanking Him. Loving Him. Counting my blessings and trusting Him today and everyday.</span> </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.godvine.com/bible/Romans/15-13"><i><span style="color: black; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;"></span></i></a><i>Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that
you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.</i></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">—Romans 15:13 </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7yLQbHn_eH6WsQaONabzW0ZKrbj7t3vehLY23-BqrcVVzSDmNkdXTD0l9rlqADc8-blM5MnZW2pOjA0sL4py0qxoSCGs9_qmsqjPSffLHZ7yGi4PRrHq2vrajDP7R-_Gz_XiI7BSEuG_/s1600/KathyMarie+sig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>KathyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956648051242558284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980141611416350415.post-23411265570919713852012-10-12T21:44:00.000-05:002012-11-10T12:27:23.857-06:00Convince Me—How to Write Compelling Ad Copy<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="color: #660000;">As a homeschooler, you are determined and driven.</span></span><span style="color: #660000;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #660000;">You invest time and resources. </span> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">You create, with ideas and inventions.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"> Now that you're ready to strut-your-stuff to the world . . .</span> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">What do you say?</span></span></b></span></span> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Many of you turned your creativity into merchandise or a service worth</span> promoting—a web site, unique product, or family business. You may be interested in self publishing: professional blogging, writing curriculum, or plugging your E-Book. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What do you know about marketing? Or writing advertising copy? </span> </span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">With my experience as a marketing copywriter in the homeschool sect, I'd love to share a few things I've learned with you. How you present yourself and your product is essential, and writing effective ad copy could make a big difference for you. Read on, and utilize these tips to help you look your best—<u><span style="background-color: white;">writing fresh, inviting, and exciting ad copy. </span></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Convince Me—</span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">How to Write Compelling Ad Copy</span></span></b></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ogc4KxQKb6ZOj-nphSPpjYsOo2ugxb0sEkqV4cZ2zBGg8Xn4YJDkjqg7JkRdrJsINO8Le7H26YAUzDLKaW-7lkaWIcgt1hz3YiqA8FYkpbpJLgslaZ54qIN2cj_tdpk50wlDqvvry_Lf/s1600/cute+penguin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ogc4KxQKb6ZOj-nphSPpjYsOo2ugxb0sEkqV4cZ2zBGg8Xn4YJDkjqg7JkRdrJsINO8Le7H26YAUzDLKaW-7lkaWIcgt1hz3YiqA8FYkpbpJLgslaZ54qIN2cj_tdpk50wlDqvvry_Lf/s320/cute+penguin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span>Advertisements are almost everywhere, used in a wide variety
of mediums. Do people want to be bored, or engaged by what they are reading? Which ads do <i>you</i> like best?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What's the focus behind every ad you see? <span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><i>Securing
the SALE</i></span>—how to reach those millions who need a particular product or service, and how to get them to buy, sign up, support, or take
that one-step leap to purchasing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Writing
ads could be compared to writing in general. Its words should <b>appeal to the
reader</b> (the audience) and in the case of an ad, it appeals to the reader/buyer.
All writing has a purpose intended to cause a reader to <b>react or act</b>. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">C</span></span>ompelling ads aim to get
the viewer to do something in particular. This is the <span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><i>call to action</i></span>, the
essential part of all ad copies. Competition is great, so <u>what compels a
potential customer to <i>act</i> or buy? </u> . . . A well composed spiel or ad copy that meets the consumers’ need,
along with several extras!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A persuasive ad contains certain elements enabling it to
succeed. Some would appear to be common sense items you'd expect to
include: </span></b></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Gripping,
enticing headline <span style="background-color: white;">(it pulls you in)</span></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">High-interest features drawing attention to your message </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Attractive
display </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Relevant
information</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Informal
style</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Explanation
of benefits </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Believable,
credible, and excellent content</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Positive
and cheerful approach (keep away from negatives)</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Correct
spelling, punctuation, and grammar </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Legible,
concise, and complete</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Business
contact, endorsements, and ordering information</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Reasonable price range (too high or low could cost you the sale)</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b> To write advantageous ads, you'll consider including: </b></span></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">An
active “personal” voice (individual style or rhythm) </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Promise
of benefits (with reminders)</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Testimonials
</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Freebies,
demos, sales, deals, deadlines</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Carefully
chosen words and illustrations</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Short
headlines of up to three words</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bullets,
side bars and text displays</span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Italics</i>,
<u>underscoring</u>, <span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">highlights</span> (not to excess, and don’t use all CAPS)</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Short
paragraphs</span> </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A
separate, specifically crafted order card </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Key
words (wanted/why/how/which) used to capture a striking headline</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Signature,
logo, and identity information </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There's more to consider though, if you want to be the one scoring
phone calls and making sales. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Ad-copy writing is a creative, artistic one, endorsing your company’s exclusive expression of ideas. There is more than doing
an “A to Z” on your check-off list. <b>It attracts attention by sight, ear,
or emotion. </b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1WctxtXabDhWf7KywyWLBM7Sy_phi0k8v9DxsCamR78_dGAtRC1iy3MZUwYKbCTMqrEbYia3FUFPWVtVeP-W3IGRJT49_MY7VGH30tyiKI4v6cqbIynN-R28PNATnEAS4q4rO0b54rQiq/s1600/JJ+ahhhh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1WctxtXabDhWf7KywyWLBM7Sy_phi0k8v9DxsCamR78_dGAtRC1iy3MZUwYKbCTMqrEbYia3FUFPWVtVeP-W3IGRJT49_MY7VGH30tyiKI4v6cqbIynN-R28PNATnEAS4q4rO0b54rQiq/s320/JJ+ahhhh.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The overall design or style of the ad is pleasing to the
eye, visually balanced, and in unity with the text. The visual imagery is impressive. Use of color and artistic elements are
included in your design, and this is where a graphic artist/designer can assist you. I encountered this expression in my marketing study: <span style="color: #660000;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">“The finished ad is the symphony composed of many perfect notes.” </span></b></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"></span>I
like music and I like that picture thought!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The <b><i>rule of thirds</i></b> is a helpful guideline as you sketch
the first rough of your ad. The first third designates the <b>headline</b>, the second is reserved
for the <b>illustration</b>, and the last third is for the <b>copy and signature</b>. <span style="background-color: #ffe599;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">An
important component is the</span> <b><i>white space</i></b> <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">included as part of the design.</span>
<span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Adequate</span> <b>white space</b> <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">generates a feeling of being <span style="background-color: white;">open-fresh-clean,</span> and
enhances readability.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like to think of</span>
<b>white space</b> <span style="background-color: #ffe599;">as frames and boarders that set off your important information. <span style="background-color: white;">Simplicity
should rule, not clouding your single message with clutter. This includes text as well as illustrations. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What works for one product may not work for another, and your particular
product won’t interest everyone in the world (in most cases). Individuality plays
an important role here. Speak to your specific viewers addressing them as such
(college students, teachers, classic car owners, loved ones of cancer victims,
etc). Customize and adapt to their interests. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The ad copy’s unique style is a representation of you or your company and <b>its <i>voice </i>has to fit its image and be
compatible with your target audience.</b> This is a major selling point. Logos,
captions, banners and graphics used in connection with company image are
remembered. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Customers will be impacted to repeat business with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Know what your business represents and can do
in detail. Take a close look at your competitors. Keep the needs of the
customer in mind, not the needs of the company’s. <b>Think in terms of the
benefits for the consumer that you can offer him.</b> Knowing your prospective
customers and what they want, and knowing your business in terms of what the shopper
will buy, are basics to success.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">These three essential “E"s will grab
and influence the viewer in a profound way: </span></b></span></div>
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<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">One is
the advantageous role that <span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><b><i>emotion</i></b> </span>plays. Making an
emotional connection with your readers links your product (or service or
company) to them. The readers identify with something in the ad and it
incites them, desiring them to be like what they see or envision in their
mind, or may be to help-a-cause or fill-a-need. Most often this comes from
a photograph but sometimes an illustration will work. Emotions like love,
anger, passion, pride, freedom, or fear, are often used. As an example,
think of a photo of an attractive couple embracing, featured on a cabin
rental advertisement in a magazine. (That could be me!) The National Guard
ads are also great examples. (B<i>e all you can be</i>!) Sometimes a few
well chosen words alone can stir up an emotional response. I'm thinking of
a certain ad that I hesitate to include here, but the headline alone
conjures up imaginary images in your mind (it may even shock you enough
that you simply can’t forget it!) It could elicit a negative response on
purpose (somewhat risky), though it’s better to stick with positive based
promotions. Humor is another touchy area that may be difficult to use
effectively. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><b><i>Empathy</i></b>
</span> is emotion's sister. You are establishing a trusting friendship with your
clients through your ad, and it lets them know that you understand their
problem and that you can help provide the solution. A homeschool product
ad with a photo of a mother seated at the table with smiling children
reading a book together, with a message offering to make my job easier
(because they know how difficult it can be at times) is sympathetic to my
situation. It just may be that what you are offering is exactly what the
customer needs and desires <b>(sold!)</b>. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">You’ve
heard that <span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><b>e<i>nthusiasm</i></b></span><i> </i>is contagious, and it’s fundamental
to dazzling, convincing ads. Get excited! Write in a conversational tone with
zeal! Help fulfill the dreams of your patrons while you fulfill your own.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> When you've completed your work-of-art ad and after following all the <i>rules </i>of the
advertising game, you can be pretty sure it'll work to its best capacity for
you. But, there are always exceptions and occasionally it's fine to break those
rules on purpose. I'm thinking of a Lambert's (<i>throwed rolls</i>) Cafe
billboard in Springfield, Missouri where the entire sign is upside down
capitalizing on its <i>Heads Up</i> theme in the headline! A little distance
down the road you find the exact same sign is placed right side up. That’s a successful
ploy done deliberately. And Lambert’s always has lines of people outside
waiting their turn for that fun roll throwing. I am sure it’s just one little
element in their marketing scheme.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhxoxXS9oh5uY4DMhiJRjSka975v2mGu6zB4dBXhdw8V7i8B9nIFAVnqTn6LMIy0QuI15g1VlYfGEoCkIjjRBPHUe2SK5woRDZEPPqnQqa93VSubQwfKTwaaytmj2TfOX8ReaR25B0iFq/s1600/Lambert's.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhxoxXS9oh5uY4DMhiJRjSka975v2mGu6zB4dBXhdw8V7i8B9nIFAVnqTn6LMIy0QuI15g1VlYfGEoCkIjjRBPHUe2SK5woRDZEPPqnQqa93VSubQwfKTwaaytmj2TfOX8ReaR25B0iFq/s1600/Lambert's.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">These four “D” reminders will assist you in writing
good ad copy: </span></span></b></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><i>Dazzle
</i></b>your prospects </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><i>Draw</i></b>
them into the ad’s content creating a sense of urgency </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">and <b><i>Drive</i></b>
them </span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">to <b><i>Do
</i></b>what you want. </span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There’s a lot of creative energy, imagination, skill,
intuition, common sense, courage and plain old experience involved in ad copy
writing. While I believe it is a fun process, I hope you have a new appreciation
for writing artistic ad copy and are eager to apply this material that will aid you in reaching your marketing goals.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>About Kathy:</b> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Back in 2008, she put into practice what she
learned through personal study and in a marketing class
taught by the professional ladies at </i><a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmagazine.com/" target="_blank">The Old Schoolhouse Magazine</a><i> where she worked as a marketing copywriter for several years. She is an RN, a freelance writer, and contributor to the E-Book: </i><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/market-selling-home-education-sector-pdf/7054995030311/pd/21944DF" target="_blank"><b>To Market, To Market: Selling to the Home Education Sector</b></a>. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja1hdSYEFPO1-2QXYTNjEqQ-fqHQpTqECHgvQ_7BXXjCGroAgF5Z7Fl0O9xWVd5p1ywq0uDzk4XKxpbxTDSC_ZQ9xB1n0xUvAX6wa9Vzelq7FbQkKz2N0k82IK7iFa9_MAdKFSmLT5j5OY/s1600/To+Market,+to+market.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja1hdSYEFPO1-2QXYTNjEqQ-fqHQpTqECHgvQ_7BXXjCGroAgF5Z7Fl0O9xWVd5p1ywq0uDzk4XKxpbxTDSC_ZQ9xB1n0xUvAX6wa9Vzelq7FbQkKz2N0k82IK7iFa9_MAdKFSmLT5j5OY/s1600/To+Market,+to+market.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Could you use an opinion or a little help with writing your ads? <b>Email Kathy at: simplynaturalhomeschool@yahoo.com.</b></span></span> </span></div>
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KathyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956648051242558284noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980141611416350415.post-49213624123955823742012-10-11T20:43:00.002-05:002012-10-11T21:02:47.941-05:00Healthy Truffles for Holiday Gifting and Eating<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnhtOKCc1PHrWvEV15LaMwTlgvb7R64AmckB4Eeh86E7xvs3J65FLT7M5IpSSq0VUa70zxN8vCRdLfe-aVcjXUxG808LOcFHGezkBmGor_aojuaGbyKYNGDDin3RFXCs3hCf9OfvdyDbdI/s320/truffles+in+blue+box.JPG" width="320" /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> Truffles </span></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Easy to Make—Naturally Sweet—Great Holiday Gift!</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Your children will be delighted to help you make and decorate these sweet little treats for the holidays.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I've made a healthy mostly-raw version of truffles half a dozen times and decided to try a new recipe last week. I made some goodies for a bake sale to benefit a needy family in our local homeschool group and these were a portion of what I ended up bringing. See the easy instructions below—take your pick from TWO Truffle recipes!</span></span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Today I am happy to link up with <i>Walking in Faith's</i> </span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://walkinginfaithokc.blogspot.com/2012/10/holiday-treats-blog-hop.html" target="_blank">Holiday Treats Bog Hop</a></span></span></span></span></b></span></div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_RWX9Y-301kzZ2D9ESe-CtbY8YcOcmG7pMn5k_rRlYeDonWyTKr3KJlFO0SQdEueD6AKtS2-SDLRSG95BoR08XPd9vOlxevR1kQBjVUtXhBhlTaTJ-NwEb25Q1IIXlPe9f6VWbZ_5Qg6/s1600/Holiday+Treatsblog-hop-button2.jpg" /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"> Join in the fun!</span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: large;">Chocolatey Truffles: </span></span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">This recipe </span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">is like one found in the book <i><b>Raw Family Signature Dishes</b></i> by <a href="http://www.rawfamily.com/" target="_blank">Victoria Boutenko</a>. The basic dough ball is formed from the same mix she uses as her basic chocolate cake (but there's no chocolate in it)!</span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0QaP7iDNvtHOs2BltFdPeFqYpcNRT0PyDb0xsdvkD4lXkTsaFcvfrXqhFOz8qUIceHDFd9hKw7Cc0DzoR1xG-CGVR_hV-HnTiI-rKcd2E-s3AToloFiPOOz1v5RJh5ztecwhcnEqc0Qq/s1600/DSC_7347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0QaP7iDNvtHOs2BltFdPeFqYpcNRT0PyDb0xsdvkD4lXkTsaFcvfrXqhFOz8qUIceHDFd9hKw7Cc0DzoR1xG-CGVR_hV-HnTiI-rKcd2E-s3AToloFiPOOz1v5RJh5ztecwhcnEqc0Qq/s320/DSC_7347.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Yes, it does look like chocolate! But here are the simple ingredients: </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2 cups walnuts (soaked, drained and dehydrated) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2 cups organic raisins </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2 Tbs olive oil,</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">juice from 1 lemon </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Of course—it's the raisins that give it that rich dark color! And it really does have a chocolate taste.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Directions: </b>Place walnuts into a food processor and grind well. Remove walnut mixture to a bowl. Add raisins, lemon and oil to the processor and mix until it's creamy. Combine this mixture in the bowl with the walnuts. Roll by hand and form into one-inch or teaspoon size balls. Set them aside.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Place small dishes of your favorite toppings to dip your truffles in. I chose: </span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">shredded unsweetened coconut, </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">sesame seeds, </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">cinnamon, </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">carob chips </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">melted dark chocolate </span></li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXzaSZO8dA0zTjv9GMotEz0UzkO6UccPAEEligp3Qk_bWVIFhj5W_vgcbwD36jmpKWdoiFak1Nv05DxZkAUr7ByK-Rxuzo_tJS1eQ7lUKhFY3aMpBbX3HsbqrW42YjEu-Qdstfqi-3ik4G/s1600/toppings.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXzaSZO8dA0zTjv9GMotEz0UzkO6UccPAEEligp3Qk_bWVIFhj5W_vgcbwD36jmpKWdoiFak1Nv05DxZkAUr7ByK-Rxuzo_tJS1eQ7lUKhFY3aMpBbX3HsbqrW42YjEu-Qdstfqi-3ik4G/s320/toppings.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The Toppings</span></span></b></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQ0DDdB1fHQXc0CAXWXPQ0k9LNCPtusDY8ghxRxC0E6jafgYxnpDqyRgQEjMTF2NxxFTWZeht5WMc-TKZreoPeFCviTe64JJASeZ2ENLIFSmHcaQEYsYd71DQP2SNMl_K-ASSD0AZvVis/s1600/DSC_7348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQ0DDdB1fHQXc0CAXWXPQ0k9LNCPtusDY8ghxRxC0E6jafgYxnpDqyRgQEjMTF2NxxFTWZeht5WMc-TKZreoPeFCviTe64JJASeZ2ENLIFSmHcaQEYsYd71DQP2SNMl_K-ASSD0AZvVis/s320/DSC_7348.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> Dipping</span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Place dipped truffles in small candy-size papers and arrange in a pretty box and top with a bow. I also arranged a six-count amount in inexpensive plastic storage containers. (You must save some to enjoy for your own family!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Optional: Decorate with a cherry half, nut, or candy, pressed into the top center of each truffle.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3o8npgq0eLB79Z2CLtnq_3gpbqlWDEhGGpYcNGunLiwP_SDU4opuLB2alnhJOCngQZKzJhxnx7k9i3kiTALV-d69jQEOHSxlGIR6CO8gN3B9GMNV2eCnntzzZA00KiEU-z0WiFSsrJGA/s1600/boxed+truffles.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3o8npgq0eLB79Z2CLtnq_3gpbqlWDEhGGpYcNGunLiwP_SDU4opuLB2alnhJOCngQZKzJhxnx7k9i3kiTALV-d69jQEOHSxlGIR6CO8gN3B9GMNV2eCnntzzZA00KiEU-z0WiFSsrJGA/s320/boxed+truffles.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Pretty boxes add some holiday color.</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000;">Here's another truffle recipe from my</span></span></b><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #660000;"><a href="http://rawchef30days.blogspot.com/2011/07/salubrious-thoughts-and.html" target="_blank">Kathy's Kitchen & Raw Nutrition blog</a></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #660000;"> </span></b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We're not done yet—</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Scrumptious Truffles</span></span></b></span></div>
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<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">
For
many years I made what we called <a href="http://livinglearningathome.blogspot.com/2008/06/no-bake-munchies.html" target="_blank">No Bake Munchies</a>, a recipe similar to
this one, but where you'd boil honey and some butter for one minute
together and then add in natural peanut butter and whatever other
ingredients you wanted to amount to 3 cups worth. Now, I make a variety
of nut/seed/fruit balls and bars that are mostly raw and better for you.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmCBi2Evkvqjhp6_fmV1bI37JtopH99WsWz-UP6gPIFEYp_-lzIrkJiYiZzftJkXLZKoxkiT2nPnlN2JzYZMqfX9fXTOxVXGD3jnAND9ayUiKvsXAcJYKd-cEnRrFcYR-fr6hyFCcQchpO/s1600/ben+making+truffles.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmCBi2Evkvqjhp6_fmV1bI37JtopH99WsWz-UP6gPIFEYp_-lzIrkJiYiZzftJkXLZKoxkiT2nPnlN2JzYZMqfX9fXTOxVXGD3jnAND9ayUiKvsXAcJYKd-cEnRrFcYR-fr6hyFCcQchpO/s320/ben+making+truffles.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Benjamin Mixes the Truffles</span></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2nIXWxZ4Ro4HPPKLu_T-wccBCPCiY7BzfH1RynlcRxtvOw5woBOSK6STQEC98B4H9pqCnG-tVXjxhzbc0QrMLbhRjfIdyM3zv_VntL_fApDG1Sz-ei6Bfbe3x97vyu5biimErMiB1cpMW/s1600/truffles.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2nIXWxZ4Ro4HPPKLu_T-wccBCPCiY7BzfH1RynlcRxtvOw5woBOSK6STQEC98B4H9pqCnG-tVXjxhzbc0QrMLbhRjfIdyM3zv_VntL_fApDG1Sz-ei6Bfbe3x97vyu5biimErMiB1cpMW/s320/truffles.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Carob/Almond Truffles</span></span></b></div>
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It was fun to have Benjamin join us for this <i>Desserts Class</i> where he whipped up this truffle recipe. They're great!</div>
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<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">
1/2 cup honey</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">
1 cup uncooked oats</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">
2 tsp. ground flax seed</div>
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: left;">
1 cup almond butter</div>
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1 Tbsp coconut oil</div>
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1/4 tsp. vanilla</div>
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1/4 cup carob powder</div>
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14 tsp sea salt</div>
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1 cup minced nuts (cashews, walnuts, or pecans)</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Mix first list of ingredients together and roll mixture into one inch balls. Roll balls in nuts. Refrigerate.</span> <br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Enjoy your holiday gift giving! Got a recipe to share? Link up at <span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://walkinginfaithokc.blogspot.com/2012/10/holiday-treats-blog-hop.html" target="_blank">Holiday Treats Bog Hop</a>.</span></span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></b></div>
KathyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956648051242558284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980141611416350415.post-75349114397530903642012-10-05T22:07:00.000-05:002012-10-05T22:08:50.899-05:00Homeschool Struggles—What Will They Remember?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sDDw271ufkq9OsrJOtycnRaCuGqEks0-2Dmahp-_H0SiQgG-Pffno2fkLei3OIW8AM4gtroK7hcxOYNiy41zW8ZCBCorhMWDgJRQ345F9nvpaOgL-rgD4Cjr34dZXuH7rRDc7ESTy4mU/s1600/ReynoldsFamilyPhoto3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sDDw271ufkq9OsrJOtycnRaCuGqEks0-2Dmahp-_H0SiQgG-Pffno2fkLei3OIW8AM4gtroK7hcxOYNiy41zW8ZCBCorhMWDgJRQ345F9nvpaOgL-rgD4Cjr34dZXuH7rRDc7ESTy4mU/s320/ReynoldsFamilyPhoto3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My article <a href="http://www.thehomeschoolmagazine-digital.com/thehomeschoolmagazine/201210/#pg105" target="_blank"><i>From Barking to Fluency, Helping you Focus While Your Struggling Reader Figures It Out</i></a> just came out in the new FREE October digital issue of <a href="http://thehomeschoolmagazine.com/" target="_blank"><i>The Old Schoolhouse Magazine</i></a>.
In it I share a bit of our personal story with a few of my reflections
regarding our reading struggles along with some reassurance that you might find helpful, some of which I learned in retrospect. If
you have unanswered questions in this area, or are seeking help or guidance, I urge you to read my article and the many other inspiring articles in this
issue.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">No one wants their child to hurt or suffer. It's tough to see your children struggle, and seeing them distressed and frustrated with learning (to any degree) can test your patience. And your emotions. Often, we lack understanding.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I think Jim Hensen had it right: </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span>“<i>[Kids] don't remember what you try to teach them. </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>They remember what you are.”
</i> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Or who you are.</i> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Regardless of my child's particular need or situation, I have to ask myself: How did I present lessons? What were my priorities? How did I react? Did I show respect to them and others? Did I encourage? Was I truthful? Loving? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What <i>will </i>they remember? </span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Yelling? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Crying? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Laughing 'til their guts hurt? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Letting them have a say? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Disagreeing with them? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Thanking God? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Joking around? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Eating late dinners? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Unjust punishment?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Losing my cool?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Apologies? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Trying alternatives until something works?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Smiles and praises for a job well done?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Ignoring them? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Spending too much time on the computer?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Explaining things to them? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Making nourishing meals and yummy snacks?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Pushing too hard? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Standing up for them?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Rejoicing and praying with them?</span></li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJ87qfHcVvaC0CV_ITUyWI7EIj-rkvkhvxdfUTx-N_9YepjzqAqqQVI8MJdZyq6X5E_E_BrB7L2k75BV2PQLyXslF2cJYzt_2vIc1m_o04XIOMhfUWn7iLGbSME59cn3-WFjY3XAOdA_R/s1600/ReynoldsFamilyPhoto5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJ87qfHcVvaC0CV_ITUyWI7EIj-rkvkhvxdfUTx-N_9YepjzqAqqQVI8MJdZyq6X5E_E_BrB7L2k75BV2PQLyXslF2cJYzt_2vIc1m_o04XIOMhfUWn7iLGbSME59cn3-WFjY3XAOdA_R/s320/ReynoldsFamilyPhoto5.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I don't know exactly . . .</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">They still speak to me, and sometimes want to be around me, and give me hugs. I think they know that my heart has always been in the right place, and though we've had our <i>moments</i>, love shines through and it lasts. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We all make mistakes and hopefully learn something constructive along the way. Sometimes I've pondered . . .</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZkJiHww0Or09vSuuW1-2l28PDHutm480ODGomKGJ13ubeWuDXXkavLQWZJfHOsoQaMsKN3TcTcWpo6SDOsQ2w8o3FKZ_JcguaaRtge0GpEX9isJF2sRjK4_l7Tzra_I4oROB_g8BhWLfb/s1600/ReynoldsFamilyPhoto1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZkJiHww0Or09vSuuW1-2l28PDHutm480ODGomKGJ13ubeWuDXXkavLQWZJfHOsoQaMsKN3TcTcWpo6SDOsQ2w8o3FKZ_JcguaaRtge0GpEX9isJF2sRjK4_l7Tzra_I4oROB_g8BhWLfb/s320/ReynoldsFamilyPhoto1.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Has homeschooling been the best thing for us? </span> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My husband and I think so, that's why we did it for so many years. And as much as I love homeschooling, and I'm missing it, there is also a relief in knowing that those formal homeschooling years are behind us now. There is a freedom that is exciting yet restful, but at the same time, as the home nest empties, I find myself worrying more about each of my sons—much more than I ever used to. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The anxiety level has risen and I pray <i>a lot</i> these days.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span>Hey, I used to be in charge! Me—the Momma Bear, and I had a pretty good eye on my cubs at almost every minute of the day. I no longer have that option, and let me tell you (or maybe I don't have to) it's HARD sometimes! That's where faith comes in and trust in God to keep them close to Him and help them (and me) through the rough spots. </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm thankful for each of my sons and the ups and downs and the good and bad and all that we have shared over the years and I look toward the moments in the future where we'll link our hearts and minds together just like in the old days. And I hope they each have memories—of who I was—my character—and if it was good—that some has rubbed off—and most of what is remembered, will be worth remembering.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I don't
know where you are in your homeschool walk of faith. Amid any struggles, I hope you are leaving good memories behind you. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> <b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i><span class="text Ps-143-8" id="en-NIV-16302">"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-143-8">for I have put my trust in you.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-143-8">Show me the way I should go,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-143-8">for to you I entrust my life."</span></span></i></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-143-8"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></div>
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-143-8"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> —Psalm 143:8 NIV</span> </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Thanks for visiting me here today! Make each day count as the blessing it is!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">—Kathy</span>KathyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956648051242558284noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980141611416350415.post-81921070759660332342012-09-08T11:42:00.002-05:002012-09-08T17:40:07.791-05:00Polishing the Armor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8uPA7DmGS9Gaiyl2aEw2eqe9KirUdNsS-v1tmoEhAofJ8j_9yBKzkHZsRFOBluzBA9hl9AKtJHTKAHPcLkWho1x-AbK9obacnlZxTjwVS0Y1BsA39D-LxDUreMXr2_jA2KPf21P7_gl6/s1600/K+n+M+knight+in+shining+armor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8uPA7DmGS9Gaiyl2aEw2eqe9KirUdNsS-v1tmoEhAofJ8j_9yBKzkHZsRFOBluzBA9hl9AKtJHTKAHPcLkWho1x-AbK9obacnlZxTjwVS0Y1BsA39D-LxDUreMXr2_jA2KPf21P7_gl6/s320/K+n+M+knight+in+shining+armor.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A few days ago we sat in our living room along with all four of our sons (a rare occasion these days) and after Gideon's spiel and demonstration with <i>Sheen Genie</i>, a new metal polishing product that he sells at car events, we had a wonderful party, shining up all the metal items we could find. Keys, coins, jewelry, lamp bases, car parts and wheels, ammunition rounds, photo frames, you name it! So many things had sat in an ugly, dirt-smudged, and sometimes rusted state for years because no one thought about or cared to keep them polished and clean.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I could say the same about many things in my life that I have ignored or considered unworthy of my attention. I have a supernatural ability to make things invisible, like closet clutter and cobwebs, dust, and miniscule corner-dwelling creatures. A sad fact is that our relationships fall in this category too!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Rust damage is permanent, and if severe, the object may not be
repairable. That's why it's important to protect it from rust in the
first place. Rust eats away at the original and creates varying rough
spots along the edges. A controlled grinding (or polishing) smooths out
the rough surface and restores the shine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Some important lessons are learned the hard way, and thankfully,
our rusty marriage has been on the mend for about eight years now. My
husband credits me with helping him remove the rust and restoring his reflective shine. In fact, I'm starting to glow more too. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSicNK4C_gUJVFyfU3JZMokwplzUyZbUk1M_cg6X7wXga82xDEA-6V7N3EFqzVstAi3zLgRLMFwU7hgtiHPAXAGmVCQyqhvV11f-3sk4XKbqQXw0kNYZdZWaAlgCnBPCQTkv5lSQUqpeFg/s1600/M+n+K+wedding+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSicNK4C_gUJVFyfU3JZMokwplzUyZbUk1M_cg6X7wXga82xDEA-6V7N3EFqzVstAi3zLgRLMFwU7hgtiHPAXAGmVCQyqhvV11f-3sk4XKbqQXw0kNYZdZWaAlgCnBPCQTkv5lSQUqpeFg/s320/M+n+K+wedding+pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you are homeschooling, you know that your marriage is one important cornerstone of keeping it all together. </span>All marriages and all partners are different and I don't expect everyone
to relate 100% to this, but perhaps there are a few universal points
here that will get your attention. Following, is my list for preventative maintenance.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> 10 Ways to Keep His Armor Shining</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1. Remove the rust. </span></span></span></b> </span></span></span></b></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I woke up suddenly one day to find</span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">myself
in a rusty relationship. How did this happen? Where had I been? What
was I doing? First I cried. Then I prayed. Then we talked. I had a
decision to make: Start polishing!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>2. </b></span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Admire him</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">. </span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This is a biggie for my husband and I hadn't realized it. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">He's bound to fall off a pedestal, so don't go that far. </span></span></span>Remember
that he is human and not perfect. Respect him, and admire all those
wonderful things about him—the ones that made you fall in love with him
in the first place—and all of those that came with time and wisdom
since. For me, it required an attitude change of the heart. During one of our most difficult years I made a conscious effort and made him an "Admiration Award." He loved it, and it hangs on our bedroom wall as a reminder to us both.</span></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">3. Know his needs/desires. </span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And act on them. This includes speaking his love language. We took a survey once from the book <i>His Needs, Her Needs</i>,
to find that, out of a list of ten needs, his top five needs coincided
with my bottom five needs, and my top five needs were the same as his
bottom five needs. Our priority needs were the exact opposites! I wasn't
surprised though, I knew that we were opposites and it was one of the
those things that attracted us to one another in the first place, so
very long ago. You can't be proficient with knowing his desires and
doing them though, unless you have practice with #4 . . . </span></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">4. </span></span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Communicate effectively. </span></span></span></b></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I
can't believe how many years we went without talking about important
issues that affected our marriage. We let a major storm slam us into the
floor before we woke out of our dazzled state and did something
constructive like reading and discussing books together. Once we stepped out of our comfort zone the light began
to shine on those hazy areas. A little counseling didn't hurt either.
Don't belittle him or his judgement. Don't talk to him like one of the children.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Check your attitude.</span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">5. Hold him accountable.</span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Finances.</span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Internet.</span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Don't ignore pertinent issues or assume that all is well when you really don't know.</span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Work as a team to meet set goals and jointly keep each other in the loop.</span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">For
years, my husband didn't want to burden me with financial issues so he
handled them alone. I didn't question him, but it was not a wise
decision. Down the road this led to problems that need not have been. A preacher once told my husband that he would not have the Internet in his home—because he would not want the temptation there. Christians are human too.
Be informed and proactive. You are in this thing together—remember that!</span></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">6. <b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Pray for him and with him.</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I
am a huge proponent of prayer! Praying together will bring you closer.
Time and time again, our Father Above has been there for us, intervened,
and sustained us through the difficult and the blessed! Prayer is not
just for meals, it is for every occasion.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUjp7l_DVpswQ-JoLGF1-XdKm5zawf1CZ_GqRtinlXln97rbcTLtc1ngIe8E6fIrY7r3MR1MYc9TNtCm726_KlQdYKWCSNLbIvImhatosU1SXOW-ZBMHMmACrHZCWYmxcQMcIGUzZ15MGn/s1600/M+n+K+karate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUjp7l_DVpswQ-JoLGF1-XdKm5zawf1CZ_GqRtinlXln97rbcTLtc1ngIe8E6fIrY7r3MR1MYc9TNtCm726_KlQdYKWCSNLbIvImhatosU1SXOW-ZBMHMmACrHZCWYmxcQMcIGUzZ15MGn/s320/M+n+K+karate.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">7. Enjoy his company.</span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Find things to do <i>together</i>. Laugh. Share hobbies. Smile. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This
has become easier since our sons are all grown. One of our problems
years ago was that we hardly ever used babysitters and we were seldom
alone outside of the bedroom. Have a weekly date night. Make time to
enjoy his company, just between the two of you. </span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">8. Forgive.</span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And keep forgiving. This is huge, yet so simple and profound. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have to admit that this was
hard for me to do. I had thought that some things were unforgivable. I
was a grudge keeper. I'd act like I was OK, but deep down I kept a list,
and the list grew and grew and then it got so big that it</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
impeded my vision and my focus and my heart was in torment. It dawned
on me one day that forgiveness may be the biggest problem I faced. I
started re-reading and studying the words of Jesus, and several outstanding books on the
subject and finally came to terms with my unforgiving attitude.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
I found out that I'm in need of forgiveness too, and that most people
really do, do the best they can. If they could do better, they would
have. I'm still working on my forgiving attitude and I've come a long
way.</span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Mostly, it has helped me more fully trust God and be happier within myself.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> I have to leave the past in the past, learn from it, and create peace in the present. God forgives us as we forgive others.</span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDiDG8DOI9DllI6lyHh9lepVHDAprhLn6IVe8CV3xe6uw0rn61JDOOxTCMSm_sV6Ph_CNLu3jncVA2NLJleCNOOzNdrHDkn6xEtUp7cqM6Kdtg9HsgbGzIIXejT7TYAVfdFbf1t0GbN6Dj/s1600/first+family+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDiDG8DOI9DllI6lyHh9lepVHDAprhLn6IVe8CV3xe6uw0rn61JDOOxTCMSm_sV6Ph_CNLu3jncVA2NLJleCNOOzNdrHDkn6xEtUp7cqM6Kdtg9HsgbGzIIXejT7TYAVfdFbf1t0GbN6Dj/s320/first+family+pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">9. </span></span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Coat with kindness. </span></span></span></b></span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">You can protect the marriage coat with love and kindness. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I cannot change him. </span></span></span>I don't have to like everything about my husband. </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And I don't.</span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
I remember reading a long time ago how to think of my husband as having
two halves of his face. On the one side are the things I really love
and admire. On the other are the things that I don't particularly like
or maybe totally dislike. Well, I simply keep my focus on the good half.
That's what I've tried to do. Treat him like I would a stranger—and
better—he's worth it.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">10. Labor with love.</span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">You know the territory . . . love is a decision. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">An act of your will.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">In
addition to all of the above, I have to mention that you should be his
#1 fan and feed him well. No one can feel good, look good or
continue to run on empty. Consider his diet and what nourishment you provide. Are
you affectionate? Are you lifting
him up or cutting him down? Are you caring for yourself properly?</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm thankful for the turmoil we went through. Without it, we'd be back
in the same sad situation we had been in. Through adversity comes
triumph. God can even take something meant for evil and use it for good!
It takes time to smooth out the rough spots, but in the end you could have a
reflection of <i>near</i> perfection—a glimpse in the mirror of the One that gave you life.</span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Make
it a habit. Every time you come in contact with your treasured
man-of-steel, give him a loving wipe-down. If you do this every time,
you'll help keep him polished and his armor shining and rust-free.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'd love to hear your reflections on polishing the armor.</span></div>
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<br />KathyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956648051242558284noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980141611416350415.post-20759016567993021892012-08-21T13:31:00.002-05:002012-08-21T13:35:23.349-05:00Making Connections: Keepers Club<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFoi6Ap2VCRUCZpuMyfDAl-JiYF6a_rdh1cq_wnd3ic2ftLYDSGyNKrn-ErN5Y_SE4N-BqPOrLGReZyp-d4eb_irlYfT3Nf5H4TcHSYNLOxdn1REBopMutG_av_PZuKhc54n7HhEEvpIOm/s1600/DSCN1566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFoi6Ap2VCRUCZpuMyfDAl-JiYF6a_rdh1cq_wnd3ic2ftLYDSGyNKrn-ErN5Y_SE4N-BqPOrLGReZyp-d4eb_irlYfT3Nf5H4TcHSYNLOxdn1REBopMutG_av_PZuKhc54n7HhEEvpIOm/s320/DSCN1566.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Hiking trips acquainted us with our beautiful local terrain, and our use of newly acquired skills.</span></span><br />
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Making connections with other like-minded families was an important part of homeschooling for our family of four boys. When we first moved to a new state when our oldest was 11 and the youngest was 2, we felt out of place and it took awhile to feel comfortable around others. Fortunately, we joined forces with a local homeschool group which helped a lot, but we still had to make efforts to meet others, and get to know families on an individual basis. It's worth the effort to shake away the shyness, smile, and invite others into your lives.<br />
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Although we did this <a href="http://www.keepersofthefaith.com/category/KeepersClubs" target="_blank"><i>Keepers of the Faith</i></a> program within our own family when the boys were younger, just a few years ago we used this excellent program while meeting every two weeks with a number of families we knew from our local homeschool group. We called ourselves the <i>Keepers Club</i>. This is a Christian based program that taught our children many practical skills not normally learned in an academic setting. It was a fabulous, fun year of learning all sorts of things! There were delightful hands-on activities, creative crafts, and interwoven field trips, and interesting things to learn and people to meet. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Who can catch the most crawdads at the lake</span>?<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Within the program our
children worked toward completing requirements for a specific study as
outlined in the purchased program books (<i>Contenders for the Faith</i> for boys and <i>Keepers at Home</i>
for girls), but our club combined the whole family together and
we selected topics of interest to all. The <a href="http://www.keepersofthefaith.com/category/AchievementAwards" target="_blank">category selection</a> is huge—from home skills and caring for animals, to creative arts, hobbies, recreation, and academics too. We always customized and added to the
standard requirements. The children earned colorful insignia pins
(badges) that could be used in a variety of ways. For this
particular group we also offered an alternative—a certificate of
completion.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><u>Badges Earned that Year:</u></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">Hiking</span></b></div>
<div style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;">Knots</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">Birds</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">First Aid</span></b></div>
<div style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;">Scrapbooking</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Many of you take part in a co-op and I've heard marvelous things about some of them. Then I've heard some not so marvelous things. Attempts to set up a large co-op in my community failed, but attempts to combine a limited number of families on a small scale like this worked great! I do think of it like a small co-op where every family participates and adds to the whole.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I shared my love of scrapbooking and several creative paper designs.</span></span></div>
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Hamming it up after a lesson in first aid bandaging techniques.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Making bird masks added to our bird study.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The Certificate of Completion was an alternative to the insignia pins.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Part of our first aid study included an awesome field trip </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">with the Air-Evac Life Team and helicopter.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Here's how you do it! Practicing CPR.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">J.J. and Ben stop for a rest on a hike.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">J.J. shares his road runner drawing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The kids loved learning about fire safety and enjoyed a trip to the police station.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It's a boy thing—being handcuffed!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Take time to find out what</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> interests your family, and team up with some homeschooling friends to enjoy a fabulous year!</span></div>
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KathyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956648051242558284noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980141611416350415.post-54445528612767457562012-08-08T16:05:00.003-05:002012-08-08T16:05:33.151-05:00Today's Contest Winners are . . .<div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Congratulations! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Deanna and Rachell</b></span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">* Deanna is the winner of the </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>International Geography Quest</i> project pack on CD, and Rachell is the winner of the</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> <i>North America</i> project pack on CD</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">*(Deanna, I need you to contact me: katheemarie77 at yahoo dot com) </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> A big thank you to all who entered and please visit again!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Happy Homeschooling,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">KathyMarie </span></span></div>KathyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956648051242558284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980141611416350415.post-67750719728313621062012-08-07T21:03:00.000-05:002012-08-08T13:38:57.106-05:00Looking Back: Top 10 Homeschool Projects<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
Today I am linking up with <a href="http://www.manylittleblessings.com/" target="_blank"><i><b>Many Little Blessings</b></i></a></div>
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for Top Ten {Tuesday}</div>
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Now that I have graduated the last of four sons, I'm looking back and missing many of those wonderful moments-days-weeks where we enjoyed a close bond while learning about life together with special projects and activities. Off the top of my head, I'm randomly pulling out memories to store and share right here: </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Top 10 homeschool projects to focus on while you forget about everything else!</span></b></div>
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And that's kind of how it was with most of these particular projects. We allowed creativity to lead us, and rolled a number of subject areas into one. (Most often math was left out, but we did happen to do some math related projects too, though none made it into this particular list). I'll provide you with a short commentary here, but look to the future for lengthier posts on some of these:</div>
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1.<span style="color: #073763;"> </span><b style="color: #073763;">In-house mailboxes</b><span style="color: #073763;"> </span>- They were made out of cereal and oatmeal boxes, decorated and placed in various places in our house. All four boys had one as well as Mom and Dad, and we wrote notes and shared surprises with one other. It was an encouraging lark for a season of our lives when the guys were smaller. <br />
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2. <b><span style="color: #073763;">Real book and story making</span></b> - While reading a book (biographies are great), jot down notes on the important aspects after the reading of each chapter, then rewrite the story in your own words. On several occasions the boys also wrote stories of their own and made real handmade hardbound books. (Creating Books with Children was one of the resources we used.)<br />
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3. <b style="color: #073763;">Published our own newsletter</b>: The <a href="http://www.homeschoolgazette.org/" target="_blank">Homeschool Gazette</a> lasted for six years. You can read about it in <a href="http://livinglearningathome.blogspot.com/2009/10/our-homeschool-gazette-story-newspapers.html" target="_blank">another post here</a>. Wonderful experience all the way around!</div>
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4. <b><span style="color: #073763;">Anonymous quote-card writing ministry</span></b> - Most often we sent cards to friends or folks we wanted to encourage at church. The boys would discover a favorite quote or Scripture they liked and write it in their best hand writing and send it out in the mail. It was fun!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="st">A homeschooling friend practices the Heimlich Maneuver </span></span></div>
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<span class="st"><span style="font-size: x-small;">as part of our first-aid study</span></span></div>
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5. <b style="background-color: white; color: #073763;">Keeper's Club</b><span style="color: #073763;"> </span>was the name of our homeschool group based on the <b><a href="http://www.keepersofthefaith.com/" target="_blank">Keepers of the Faith clubs</a></b>. We actually participated with just our own family years before we joined forces with families from our local homeschool group. I think it was the best homeschool year we had. We customized studies from: knots, birds, first aid, hiking, and scrapbooking! It was a WOW year!<br />
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6. <b><span style="color: #073763;">Science Fair projects </span></b><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="color: black;">were</span></span><b><span style="color: #073763;"> </span></b><span style="color: black;">few and far between</span><b><span style="color: #073763;"> </span></b><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="color: black;">but I wouldn't trade those experiences for anything. We'd take off school entirely for a month and just work on projects!</span></span><b><span style="color: #073763;"> </span></b><span style="color: black;">Highly recommended!</span><b><span style="color: #073763;"><br /></span></b></div>
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7. <b style="color: #073763;">A goals list </b>is a handy thing to have. Make a creative list of all the things you would like to do someday (goals), and then start doing them, crossing off one at a time. You can write a supplementary list of goals to work on immediately and then list how you will go<br />
about meeting those goals. Included are short and long term goals.<br />
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8. <b style="color: #073763;">Do a nature-study project</b>. I think most families already do this to some degree—it just comes naturally. Keep a nature journal including photos and drawings and/or start a blog. The year we studied birds with the Keeper's Club, my son spent the winter and spring photographing birds and making a photo/journal. But, there were really a lot of different projects with nature study that went on over the years.</div>
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9. <b style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Make your own Monopoly Board Game! </span></b><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">The boys had the best time making this and coming up with the names and card sayings. You can read about the <a href="http://www.homeschoolgazette.org/CreativeConnection.html#anchor12" target="_blank">Monopoly Make-over here.</a></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">10. <b style="color: #073763;">Memorizing Psalm 91.</b><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="color: black;">We did it—we memorized the whole (KJV) thing! Mom too. Making time for memorization and studying God's Word is the best project around. I know a family that memorizes whole books of the Bible. Go for it.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="color: black;"><i>He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: </i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="color: black;"><i>my God; in him will I trust.</i></span></span></span></div>KathyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956648051242558284noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980141611416350415.post-68602994940196433222012-08-05T15:05:00.001-05:002012-08-05T15:05:41.055-05:00Our Contest Winner for God & Christian Artists is . . .<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRGGzV9zgWsKgqKBg9auLVwM0uKCK7oVif9bdLHXQr_x7EDdgn4bv25gqsJxYh8Sq6cnMVOsWrHPcuFcdDyL9e-Ur3iprGhlLIKoD5ZL6mnlO9TQBGZAAPowlvppDmjrxiHj6uAZjgCkAT/s1600/god+christian+artists+color.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRGGzV9zgWsKgqKBg9auLVwM0uKCK7oVif9bdLHXQr_x7EDdgn4bv25gqsJxYh8Sq6cnMVOsWrHPcuFcdDyL9e-Ur3iprGhlLIKoD5ZL6mnlO9TQBGZAAPowlvppDmjrxiHj6uAZjgCkAT/s1600/god+christian+artists+color.gif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Ambre, you are our winner! </span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">My thanks to all of you who visited and participated in the <b><i>Curriculum Clean-OUT </i></b>here at <a href="http://livinglearningathome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Living & Learning @ Home</a>!<b><i> </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Ambre, I hope you and your family enjoy the book.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Happy Homeschooling,</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">KathyMarie</span></span>KathyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956648051242558284noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980141611416350415.post-54494623671283910912012-08-02T20:02:00.000-05:002012-08-08T15:55:17.024-05:00Curriculum Clean-OUT: 2 ITHOAC Geography Unit Pack CDs<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
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<b>This contest in now closed.</b></div>
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<b>Congratulations to our winners:</b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i style="background-color: #d5a6bd; color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Deanna and Rachell </i></b></span><br />
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<b>Homeschool Book Give-away! You could win!</b></div>
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<b>In the Hands of a Child . . . </b></div>
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<b style="background-color: #9fc5e8;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">International Geography Quest on CD and North America on CD</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black;">There's a </span><b style="color: black;"><i>Curriculum Clean-OUT</i></b><span style="color: black;"> going on over at </span><b style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.homeschoolcreations.net/2012/07/2012-curriculum-clean-out-begins/" target="_blank">Homeschool Creations</a></b><span style="color: black;">
and I'm offering these two wonderful products in addition to the <b><a href="http://livinglearningathome.blogspot.com/2012/08/curriculum-clean-out-win-god-christian.html" target="_blank">God & Christian Artists</a></b> book that could be yours. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"></span>Do you love the idea of notebooking? Or lapbooking? Unit studies have been one of our favorite ways to learn over the years and while we kind of missed the lapbooking craze when it first came out, we've been avid scrap-bookers and book-makers never-the-less. These hands-on, creative unit packs really make learning fun. So, let me suggest that you give these a try and others from . . .</div>
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<b><a href="http://www.handsofachild.com/" target="_blank">In the Hands of a Child</a> . . . </b></div>
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<b>International Geography Quest on CD:</b></div>
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Learn about the science of
Geography in a unique and interesting hands-on way! This CD is jam-packed with information and
activities! Includes a 12-day Planning Guide, Related Reading List, 22
Hands-On Activities, 19-page Research Guide, and Answer Key PLUS- Use
the 21 additional Hands-On Activities to complete a study on any
country. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJx11Ugtf3Io-IrVlYUSYJZaK-42jpK8kGNbLgcjPQGugdJFLpLiVUdqCkk3OuLhPEU41Vz-YE966aA5G_p-m46gJVUoZ6PnL0i5SvoGQtCmn4hXzkG-wCLbGQWs6l0gvk5LVktPpnvhu/s1600/ITHOAC+North+America.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJx11Ugtf3Io-IrVlYUSYJZaK-42jpK8kGNbLgcjPQGugdJFLpLiVUdqCkk3OuLhPEU41Vz-YE966aA5G_p-m46gJVUoZ6PnL0i5SvoGQtCmn4hXzkG-wCLbGQWs6l0gvk5LVktPpnvhu/s320/ITHOAC+North+America.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
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<b>North America on CD:</b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">With this thematic unit study pack you will
teach your kids (3rd grade and up) about the continent of North America.
This pack includes a
14-day Planning Guide, Related Reading List, 23 Hands-On Activities, a
24-page Research Guide, and Answer Key about North American people,
geography, climate, economy, wildlife, countries, and more! </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>We'll choose two winners—one for each of the unit pack CDs mentioned above.</b></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: red;">To enter</span></b>: Please leave a comment below telling me <b><i>where in the world you'd love to take your kids on a field trip, </i></b><i>or</i><b><i> tell me about the best field trip you've ever been on!</i></b></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> You'll get a <span style="color: red;">bonus entry</span> if you decide to follow my blog by becoming a member. You don't have to, </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">just let me know that you did.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
We'll pick a winner at random on Wednesday afternoon 3PM, August 8th. Please make sure
in your comment that I have a way to contact you if you win. (Ships free
media mail to mainland U.S.)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgosMLa7BlEw6fBDwnxHcQ6KyG7Pc9oYwLwaFv27kqHq61sYDTebe9IrlOL581SAa_6jDPtbJmyxVNSJlnrP5IMhA9JX2v-YaDnJ_EQ2A2WnQ6HHQTLLmbUKqg_bUj6OMX9f97KRd2NzCtF/s1600/Curriculum-Clean-Out-Button-2-copy1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgosMLa7BlEw6fBDwnxHcQ6KyG7Pc9oYwLwaFv27kqHq61sYDTebe9IrlOL581SAa_6jDPtbJmyxVNSJlnrP5IMhA9JX2v-YaDnJ_EQ2A2WnQ6HHQTLLmbUKqg_bUj6OMX9f97KRd2NzCtF/s1600/Curriculum-Clean-Out-Button-2-copy1.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"> </span><a href="http://www.homeschoolcreations.net/2012/07/2012-curriculum-clean-out-begins/" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" target="_blank">Homeschool Creations</a></div>
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<i><span style="color: black;">You'll want to go to their blog to find the other fabulous giveaways posted. It
won't cost you a nickel if you win!</span></i></div>KathyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956648051242558284noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980141611416350415.post-2321752763989321292012-08-01T22:00:00.002-05:002012-08-05T16:21:05.559-05:00Curriculum Clean-OUT: Win God & Christian Artists<div style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">This contest is now closed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Congratulations to our winner: Ambre </span></b></span></div>
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Homeschool Book Give-away!</div>
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Anyone who knows me, also knows how much I have loved being a homeschooling Mom to my (now graduated) four sons. I learned along side them and learned from them. What a great blessing learning at home is!</div>
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At this stage, I have a lot of books and curriculum that need to find a new home. I reluctantly sold a few larger items on Ebay (my beloved books, my steady friends!) and set lower prices to move some books at a local used book sale. Then I saw this neat blog hop <b><i>Curriculum Clean-OUT</i></b> going on over at <b><a href="http://www.homeschoolcreations.net/2012/07/2012-curriculum-clean-out-begins/" target="_blank">Homeschool Creations</a></b> and thought I'd join in. When you get done here head over to check out the other giveaways posted. There are some interesting items and it won't cost a nickel if you win!</div>
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Have you decided what to use for art this year? Let me suggest . . . </div>
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<b style="color: blue;">God & Christian Artists</b></div>
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How Great Thou Art Series by Barry Stebbing</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRGGzV9zgWsKgqKBg9auLVwM0uKCK7oVif9bdLHXQr_x7EDdgn4bv25gqsJxYh8Sq6cnMVOsWrHPcuFcdDyL9e-Ur3iprGhlLIKoD5ZL6mnlO9TQBGZAAPowlvppDmjrxiHj6uAZjgCkAT/s1600/god+christian+artists+color.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRGGzV9zgWsKgqKBg9auLVwM0uKCK7oVif9bdLHXQr_x7EDdgn4bv25gqsJxYh8Sq6cnMVOsWrHPcuFcdDyL9e-Ur3iprGhlLIKoD5ZL6mnlO9TQBGZAAPowlvppDmjrxiHj6uAZjgCkAT/s1600/god+christian+artists+color.gif" /></a></div>
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<b> <span style="color: blue;">Win this book!</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What a neat art exploration/art history book! This text provides a 69-lesson, one-year art course. Drawing
and color theory are covered while exploring artistic periods and
artists—Rembrandt, Fra Angelico, Millet, and others—who have used
their talents to glorify God. Ages 8 to 13. 102 reproducible pages,
spiralbound softcover</span>.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: red;">To enter</span></b>: please leave a comment below telling me <b><i>what you love most about art, or a funny incident that happened in your homeschool!</i></b></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> You'll get a <span style="color: red;">bonus entry</span> if you decide to join my blog by becoming a member. You don't have to, </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">just let me know that you did.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> We'll pick a winner at random on Sunday, August 5th. Please make sure in your comment that I have a way to contact you if you win. (Ships free media mail to mainland U.S.)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSsoFwwP8gNTxp53m49aYF1b62cho29btFB-kYg_fUlYdOG-gRzLTG6pHf02m91d6nHm15v99DND_1THqM-itFs0x0RsFodJH1r53R2OQlH5ruHo_CjB9zXn755c3d4uHzH8MM64Au3MC/s1600/Curriculum-Clean-Out-Button-2-copy1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSsoFwwP8gNTxp53m49aYF1b62cho29btFB-kYg_fUlYdOG-gRzLTG6pHf02m91d6nHm15v99DND_1THqM-itFs0x0RsFodJH1r53R2OQlH5ruHo_CjB9zXn755c3d4uHzH8MM64Au3MC/s1600/Curriculum-Clean-Out-Button-2-copy1.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.homeschoolcreations.net/2012/07/2012-curriculum-clean-out-begins/" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" target="_blank">Homeschool Creations</a></div>
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Enjoy these great homeschooling years with your family—they end too quickly.</div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">—KathyMarie</span>KathyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956648051242558284noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980141611416350415.post-77036974924196580582012-07-24T18:36:00.001-05:002012-07-27T08:37:14.665-05:0010 Favorite Quotes<blockquote style="color: #20124d;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires. —William Ward </span></blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYX_tGO4AbLcl39maA59kXpvrlNaH5u3A6xH62GcV4aKncl4qk5E3xG1MvbPDWfXGrBLeG_P8Y99YhlsS3xPr9jhbN7T26C3_AZqH8HeVJaPcKwFjTjw0QB-mxT4vD2cF9DglffSglUmqd/s1600/ReynoldsFamilyPhoto2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYX_tGO4AbLcl39maA59kXpvrlNaH5u3A6xH62GcV4aKncl4qk5E3xG1MvbPDWfXGrBLeG_P8Y99YhlsS3xPr9jhbN7T26C3_AZqH8HeVJaPcKwFjTjw0QB-mxT4vD2cF9DglffSglUmqd/s320/ReynoldsFamilyPhoto2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love books. I love words and word images. I love and collect quotes. Here are 10 top favorites that I've collected in recent months with a short commentary:</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #20124d;">1. </span><i style="color: #20124d;">I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet. The proper function of man is to live, not to exist.</i><span style="color: #20124d;"> —Jack London</span></span></blockquote>
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This last year my motto has been to<i> seize opportunity when it knocks</i>. As an introvert I don't get out often enough and I find that if I push myself a bit I am rewarded by the experience.</div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">2.<i> I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions.</i> —Stephen Covey<i> </i></span></blockquote>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Whose in charge of my life? I don't have to embrace ill circumstances of what may have happened to me in the past, and the important decisions I've made and accepted regarding them are what shape me.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">3.<i> </i></span><i>Timid men prefer the calm of despotism to the tempestuous sea of liberty. —</i>Thomas Jefferson<i><br /></i></blockquote>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Oooeee. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> I'm a peacemaker at heart and I like calm! Guess I'm in the timid category. I'm all for liberty, but I surrender to my hubby most of the time and let him fly with the tempestuous sea part.</span><br />
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4.<i> If you can't get a miracle, become one.</i> —Nick Vujicic, man born without limbs</blockquote>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I love this quote and greatly admire <a href="http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/" target="_blank">Nick Vujicic</a>. When I think of Nick I instantly perk up. Listening to him speak gives me goosebumps and makes me further in awe of our Creator who made Nick the way he is, and who gives God glory for all. </span><br />
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5. <i>Sometimes
I think it's better to suffer bitter unhappiness and to fight and to
scream out, and even to suffer that terrible pain, than to just be...
safe. At least she knows she's living. </i>—Betty Smith, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn</blockquote>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>A Tree Grows in Brooklyn</i> was my favorite fiction book I read in the last year (based on the author's true life experiences).</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Oh wow! I want to write like Betty Smith. I want to live and feel like the characters in her book.</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Read it!</span><br />
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6. <i>So the writer who breeds more words than he needs, is making a chore for the reader who reads.</i> —Dr. Seuss</blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOfyKsi4ao69ZbUcU9GJ6JEpT3QFsd8EswzvYQuEEiKFMwcpF8ifzg1WvNFN5kZx_4YdsswPWmMTa3bqs2rphfc1eS0b7k0D1ZMatqX4APV7swfvyYuSZswcmhCVyFyqD0cOcq4col8IT/s1600/One-fish-two-fish-dr-seuss-+.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOfyKsi4ao69ZbUcU9GJ6JEpT3QFsd8EswzvYQuEEiKFMwcpF8ifzg1WvNFN5kZx_4YdsswPWmMTa3bqs2rphfc1eS0b7k0D1ZMatqX4APV7swfvyYuSZswcmhCVyFyqD0cOcq4col8IT/s320/One-fish-two-fish-dr-seuss-+.gif" width="254" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I actually took out and replaced two quotes from this original list because of their length, style, and creed. I didn't want to make it a chore for possible readers to read.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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7. <i>If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead, either write things worth reading or do things worth writing. </i>—Benjamin Franklin</blockquote>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have lived a long fulfilling life thus far, but perhaps no one would realize it but me. I should write a memoir!</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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8. <i>What
makes people smart, curious, alert, observant, competent, confident,
resourceful, persistent—in the broadest and best sense, intelligent—is
not having access to more and more learning places, resources, and
specialists, but being able in their lives to do a wide variety of
interesting things that matter, things that challenge their ingenuity,
skill, and judgment, and that make an obvious difference in their lives
and the lives of people around them. </i> —John Holt, Teach Your Own</blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm going to miss homeschooling my four sons big time! I'm thankful to have been introduced to Mr. John Holt early on in our homeschool.<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span>He was a very wise man.</span><br />
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9. <i>. . . We cannot
change our past . . . we cannot change the fact that people will act in a
certain way. We cannot change the
inevitable. The only thing we can
do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude . . . <b>I am
convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. </b></i>—Chuck Swindoll<i><b><br /></b></i></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Old, but so true.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Attitude is everything, or as Chuck puts it—it comes pretty close! </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This goes along with #2 above. It must be that these sayings resonate with my life in an important way.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">10.<i> </i></span><i style="color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We were lucky enough to grow up in a home
environment where there was always much encouragement to children to
pursue intellectual interests; to investigate whatever aroused their
curiosity.</i><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> —Orville Wright</span></blockquote>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Heroes are important to have. The Wright Brothers have inspired us through their writings along with a host of others over the years. Biographies and autobiographies are a pleasure to read</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> and we walk away a better person as a result.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What are your favorites? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It's fun to be linking up to </span><a href="http://www.manylittleblessings.com/" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;" target="_blank">Top Ten Tuesday</a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">!</span><a href="http://www.manylittleblessings.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Top Ten Tuesday at Many Little Blessings" height="114" src="http://www.manylittleblessings.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/top_ten_tuesday_small.png" width="150" /></a>KathyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956648051242558284noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980141611416350415.post-29938699557600013522012-07-21T18:42:00.002-05:002012-07-21T21:57:57.790-05:00Momma Hugs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This cute little picture put a big smile on my face today. (That's me, on the left.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">How often have I been in a difficult place of mind when something simple changed my focus? A touching incident, or an actual touch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Out of the blue, my teenage son comes up to me . . . "Can I have a Momma hug?" or "I haven't had my Momma hug in a while." Then, the best part—he wraps his strong lanky arms around me and squeezes me tight. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">For the brief minute this takes place I am transported to Momma Mountain, that restful place above the clouds where everything is fine and life is at its best. I am loved. I am nestled in God's arms through my son's. I linger there awhile.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm overwhelmed 'cause God lovingly chose me to be the Momma to four living wonders—servants of His in a world gone crazy. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I realize that we did something right in raising these boys. I'm reminded that they all need hugs too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sometimes a hug is all you need. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sometimes a hug is all I need.</span><br />
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<br />KathyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956648051242558284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980141611416350415.post-87935176958455645582012-07-18T17:18:00.001-05:002012-07-20T09:55:46.853-05:00What Works Wednesday: How I Educated Myself<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
I already knew how to read when I entered first grade at St. James Elementary. In fact, I don't remember a time <i>not</i> being able to read, or write for that matter. Maybe it's just my poor memory, since I do have what seems to be <i>years</i> of my life that I cannot remember at all, or maybe it's because I'm already half-past the age toward self-destruct. But I don't want to go there . . .</div>
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This July 18th post I'm linking up with <b><i>What Works Wednesday </i></b>thanks to<i> <a href="http://www.upsidedownhomeschooling.com/what-works-wednesday-gardening/" target="_blank">Upside Down Homeschooling</a>:</i></div>
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<i> </i>When my first child was born 26 years ago my husband <i>gently brought up the subject of homeschooling</i>—NOT! He matter-of-factly <i><b>told </b></i>me<i> </i>that we would homeschool. (It was kind of like the way he announced that we'd have our babies at home the year before.) His desire for homeschooling stemmed from his misadventures in public school education. He did not want his sons to have to go through what he did. I however, loved school, and used to play teacher to my younger sister, the student. I kind of liked the idea!</div>
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My baby—the last of the bunch!</div>
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So, I left nine years of registered nursing behind to embark on this new journey called <i><b>boys</b></i> and all that would come with it. My heavenly dreams of having a child finally materialized, but with my mind reeling and my heart skipping, there was a lot I needed to know, and quickly. I had a great desire to learn. I read numerous books. I interviewed people. I took classes. I discussed things with hubby, and the <i>perfect</i> plan ensued.</div>
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In time, I found myself as the nurturing Momma hen to four delightful boys (about three years apart in age). Our homeschool journey fascinated me. Having loved books and going to the library as a child, I adored taking the boys to check out books and we read aloud 'til they dropped off to sleep at night. And I discovered <b><i>the classics</i></b> that I had missed as a child (pretty much all of them) so I delightedly would read, while the child-in-me clapped at each book's end for an encore.</div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> Just about all grown up!</span></div>
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It dawned on me down the road, somewhere between consonant blends and algebra, that I was getting much more out of homeschooling than I'd realized. I had been educating myself right along with the boys! </div>
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The history and geography I knew little of and hadn't liked in grade school, now caught my attention through the lively stories we read and fun activities we did. The arithmetic I had forgotten, reappeared with new meaning. Experiments pretty much just happened in our household and my love for nursing and the workings of the human body kept me on my toes fashioning unit studies using living books in many fascinating areas of science. The arts I enjoyed gave me opportunities to share with my sons and we ventured into new crafty areas. The creative writing I adored (needing much polish) opened doors for self-improvement as I learned many of the missing links in my English education. Bible studies came alive as we took from what we learned to make our lives more complete and useful with our new understanding of God's design for our lives and grace through Jesus Christ. </div>
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Of course, parenting, being a homeschool Mom, and attempting to keep a marriage in swing was/is quite an education in itself.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I think there is a point here somewhere . . . You will learn what you have an interest in learning. Force feeding doesn't work. A child needs to be engaged to learn, just like we do as adults. Sure, I </span><i style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">learned</i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> things and passed tests with As for many years growing up, but that information quickly left me. Last year I studied for four months every day and re-took my RN licensure exams and passed! I was stunned, but you know, I had some interest in the material, but did cram a lot in and that short-term memory study for a test didn't last too long. If I don't use the material much will be lost.</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We can expect the same from our kids.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Perceptions are important. Writing is not a school subject, it's a necessary life skill. Engaging children in such a way that appeals to them is a worthy goal in all subject areas. Embracing a child's learning style and individual abilities just adds more education to your life! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Now that all my sons have graduated, homeschool hasn't ended for me, and it hasn't ended for them. In fact, my youngest son wasn't all gung-ho about the graduating aspect completing 12th grade at all. I thought it was a big thing—apparently not for him. He said he doesn't like the way some new grads he knows think that they've <i>arrived</i> somehow. For him the transition toward his future life is just another step in the learning game, as it should be. Every day brings something new and there is so much to learn! I like that mindset. And I admire and respect his perspective, so I didn't make a big deal of graduation (even though I wanted to).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We educate ourselves in our own ways. Just by living, we learn whether we want to or not. Make the most of it! </span><br />
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<i>“I have set the Lord always before me: because He is at
my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory
rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope” (Psalm 16: 8, 9).</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I think I've had a pretty good education thus far—thanks guys, for all you've taught me!</span> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Happy Homeschooling! </span><i></i></div>
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<i style="color: black;">—Kathy</i><i><span style="color: black;">Marie</span></i></div>KathyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956648051242558284noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980141611416350415.post-62442506702623000192012-07-15T11:05:00.001-05:002012-07-20T08:00:38.024-05:00Thankful for the Drama in our Lives<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Jeremie (as Anthony) and Hannah (as Johanna) </div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">sing a duet "Kiss Me" in the performance of the musical <i>Sweeney Todd</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Our lives are filled with drama! Not a week goes by that something doesn't catch us off guard and throw a wrench into our living-happily-ever-after existence. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm thinking of the last several months . . . brother-in-law dies an unexpected death; take a sad trip to Florida; local teen brothers die in a car wreck; purchase of new car (how we gonna pay?); </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> homeschooling is officially over; </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">son stays out too late; the <i>nest</i> is almost empty; I feel like a<i> bad</i> mother; diagnosis of an autoimmune disease (Hashimoto's thyroiditis); hubby could lose a second toe from a new infection; the air-conditioner breaks; saying good-bye to my beloved homeschool books on ebay; grasshoppers devour my garden; fires in Colorado . . . you get the picture.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Wouldn't it be cool to assume the identity of someone else—but for an evening, and take a breather? I think it would be very healthy. And it beats having to <i>clear your mind</i> (as in don't think at all) to avoid stress. But I'm not going to talk about </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">the</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> everyday life's drama here. Even though it has given us experiences in which to use while we perform on the big stage—if we choose to do so.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm thankful for our local theater, the Lyric Theater, and the wonderful people that make it possible that a starting out nobody kid can get a chance to act on stage, even get a lead role, and have a great time making new friends and exploring the wonders of music and drama, creativity, perseverance, and hard work.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> The Wig Maker (Jeremie, from <i>Sweeney Todd</i>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">While my youngest son Jeremie started out years ago by attending a Children's Workshop, he then got a part as the Grinch in <i>Seusical the Musical</i> (and won an award too), it wasn't until this last homeschool year that he really started to get involved. His 12th grade year encompassed many delight-directed activities including voice lessons, piano and guitar practice, singing duets with his lady friend, and writing songs. With three plays under his belt in the last year, <i>The Wizard of Oz</i> looms ahead in August. Can't wait to see it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Ben has the best animated voices, and should look for work in that area! He took an acting workshop at age 15 where he <b><i>wrote his own</i></b> skit and performed it along with his classmates who had each written their own. He almost quit the class since he shared the stage with mostly older accomplished women, but he hung in there and learned lessons of a job well done and starting what you finish. His humorous and friendly personality shined. He was in <i>South Pacific</i> before he moved to another country (<i>not really—only 1.5 hours away</i>). And surprise! He won an award for young supporting actor for his performance! Bravo I say! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sometimes I feel bad in that I discouraged my sons when I should have been encouraging them in past years. I have since learned that mindset is VERY important! You <i>can do</i> what you put forth effort into learning. Simple. My sons have showed me that over and over.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">South Pacific was a blast for Ben and Jeremie (the two shirtless sailors)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">An on-the-shy-side homeschool kid his whole life, Gideon took a drama class at college his first year and had a blast there. It changed his personality—he lost his fear of people it seems (a good thing) and he just sort of blossomed into who he is today (an outgoing, adventurous, talented, and spontaneous 23 year old). He got the lead role of the Cheshire Cat in <i>Alice in Wonderland</i> (a phenomenal production) and seeing his cat-like slithering and mewing on stage was nothing short of delightful. I'm quivering as I remember him . . .</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">His love for acting didn't die when he left college. There was a stint when he worked for <i>Olive Garden</i> waiting tables and he'd have fun using different accents with the patrons (Russian, Australian, German, etc.) Most of them thought he was cute, clever, and divine, but at least one co-worker was jealous of the attention he got and complained. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">He was Captain Jack Sparrow on occasion and won two costume contests. He says that he stayed in character the whole time and that is mainly why he won. He had quite a following of smitten teeny boppers too! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In real life, we often see the results of his theatrical mentality . . . he, his brother, and a number of friends just decided to sit down in the middle of Wal-Mart one night and play cards! What? Why the manager let them, I don't know!</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Jeremie as Flute in A Midsummer Night's Dream</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This was different. My son dressing up as a woman? Well, <i>it's theater</i>, after all. He played the part of a guy that reluctantly has to dress up and play the part of a woman in a play (sound familiar?) and I tell you, Flute added an element of hilarity that fit perfect among the other comical meanderings. He was hilarious! And gee, I finally got to have a <i>daughter</i> (for a few hours at least).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The benefits of participating in theater are many. Though I did a few small acting things in my early schooling days, I am not in theater at this stage of my life. But I have a love for the arts and grew up as a participant in audiences all over south Florida. I marvel at the way God used drama in our homeschool and am thankful for all its benefits to our family.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Get out of your comfort zone if you have to, but consider the whole array of arts as an adjunct to your homeschool experience. Exchange a little of life's natural drama for a fun experience of cultural characterization. Just run with it and see what happens.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">P.S. Here's hubby dramatizing a bit at home in his "V" bike outfit where V frequently stands for vehicle or voracious, but also valiant! </span></div>
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KathyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956648051242558284noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980141611416350415.post-87683048726352922872012-01-21T22:37:00.023-06:002012-07-15T12:51:44.717-05:00Links to Inspire You and Your Kids to Write and Be Published<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Learn More About Writing and Publishing</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Looking for places where you or your kids can polish your skills and perhaps get published? Here are a few favorite sources and a few new ones I found to check out:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.wordplay-kmweiland.blogspot.com/"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">WordPlay: Helping Authors Become Writers</span></b></a> (A favorite!) </span><a href="http://www.wordplay-kmweiland.blogspot.com/" style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Homeschool graduate and author, K. M. Weiland, has this outstanding and informative, award winning website. </span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://jodyhedlund.com/for-writers/"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Jody Hedlund - Tips for Aspiring Writers</span></a></b> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Jody Hedlund, author and speaker, has a heart for encouraging and teaching aspiring authors. </span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.writeuncaged.com/freebies/"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Mary DeMuth - Write Uncaged: Freebies</span></b></a></span><a href="http://www.writeuncaged.com/freebies/" style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Free electronic writing helps and get published resources from this Christian author and speaker. </span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.homeschoolgazette.org/">Homeschool Gazette</a></span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Though no longer accepting submissions, you can find creative writings from homeschoolers and a lot of ideas to use. (This is our family's older website.)</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.writeshop.com/kidscorner.htm"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">WriteShop Kid’s Corner - Writing links for Kids</span></b></a>: </span><a href="http://www.writeshop.com/kidscorner.htm" style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Check out these links for more help and ideas. </span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.writermag.com/"><b style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The Writer Magazine</b></a> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Learn more about the craft of writing; I like the magazine. </span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.hslda.org/contests/default.asp"><b style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">HSLDA Homeschool Contests</b></a> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Enter Essay, Art, Photo, and Poetry contests. Read and view past winners for inspiration too. </span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://ywp.nanowrimo.org/"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Young NanoWriMo</span></b></a> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Young National Novel Writing Month isn't so much a competition—rather a month long challenge to children to write a novel. If approved and they complete their word count in time, they can get a printed copy of their book. </span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.oneyearnovel.com/"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">One Year Adventure Novel</span></b></a> </span><a href="http://www.oneyearnovel.com/" style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Student writer’s contest open to licensed users of this program. We have a local homeschool family that highly recommends this creative program. </span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=8980141611416350415&postID=8768304872635292287"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span></b></a><b><a href="http://homeschoolwriters.com/default.aspx"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Homeschool Writers – Writing Contests and Resources</span></a> </b><a href="http://homeschoolwriters.com/default.aspx" style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Try entering a writing contest! </span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=8980141611416350415&postID=8768304872635292287"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></a><a href="http://www.everyday-education.com/articles/writing-contest-list.shtml"><b style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Home-School-Friendly Writing Contests for Students</b></a> </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.scholastic.com/bookfairs/contest/kaa_about.asp"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Kids Are Authors Contest</span></b></a> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Hosted by Scholastic. Grades K–8. Under the guidance of a project coordinator, children work in teams of three or more students to write and illustrate their own book. Deadline: 3-15-12 </span></span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Get Writing—Get Published! </span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">I was hoping to find many more homeschool publications but here are a few links to check out:</span></span><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></b></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.apricotpie.com/%20"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Apricot Pie</span></b></a> </span><a href="http://www.apricotpie.com/" style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> A unique website designed by and for homeschoolers, where young people can post their stories, essays, poems, and photography. For homeschool students and graduates. </span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.kidscom.com/create/write/write_howitworks.html%20"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Write Me a Story</span></b></a> </span><a href="http://www.kidscom.com/create/write/write_howitworks.html" style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> A place where children can try their writing skills, share their imagination, read fun stories, and maybe even get published on the Internet! For students (11 and under) and teens (12 and older). </span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.tooter4kids.com/classroom/writing4kids.htm"><b style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Writing for Kids</b></a> </span><a href="http://www.tooter4kids.com/classroom/writing4kids.htm" style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> A kid-friendly site that welcomes student writing samples. Send yours in and get published! </span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://thekidsark.com/"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The Kid’s Ark</span></b></a> </span><a href="http://thekidsark.com/" style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Children’s Christian magazine - Geared to kids ages 4-12, quarterly 36 page, full-color, interactive magazine. </span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://pbskids.org/writerscontest/"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">PBS Kids Go!</span></b></a> </span><a href="http://pbskids.org/writerscontest/" style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Neat format for sharing stories, poems.</span></span></li>
</ul>KathyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956648051242558284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980141611416350415.post-43143657830058866092012-01-21T16:59:00.002-06:002012-07-15T12:54:09.858-05:00You Have Something Worth Saying—15 Ways to Embark on a Wild Writing Adventure<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11pt;">I had the privilege of sharing my experience with, and love for writing with our local homeschool group this week, along with several published authors. Below, I am sharing part of a handout I prepared (along with some commentary) to help young students.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Do you want to write and publish your work? Where do you begin?</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">15 Ways to Embark on a Wild Writing Adventure </span> </span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span dir="LTR">Believe in yourself, and be the peculiar person that God made you to be</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span dir="LTR"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Everyone is unique. We all come from different backgrounds with special gifts, experiences and talents. Don't try to be someone you aren't—tap into your own creativity and style—making it your own.</span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span dir="LTR">Possess a <i>growth mindset</i>—you <i>can</i> learn and <i>do</i> what you put effort into</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span dir="LTR"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I wish I had understood this much sooner in life</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span dir="LTR"><span style="font-size: x-small;">, <span style="font-size: small;">so I really want to emphasize this. Don't hinder yourself by thinking you cannot learn something—you most certainly can! Even the most talented and experienced people began at the bottom, putting forth a lot of patience and practice. If it's worth doing, don't limit yourself.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span dir="LTR">Think creatively—play with words and sentences and make it FUN</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span dir="LTR"> <span style="font-size: small;">Writing <i>is</i> hard work, but you can make it more fun</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span dir="LTR"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">if you view it creatively and lightheartedly. Enjoy the process of writing.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">4.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span dir="LTR">Write ‘til your hand and wrist hurts—NOT, but write every day you can</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span dir="LTR"> <span style="font-size: small;">Practice, practice, practice. The best writers got that way by doing what they love: writing.</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span dir="LTR"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">5.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span dir="LTR">If you have a brain freeze, write anyway, and see what surfaces</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span dir="LTR"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">It happens sometimes. But there is a type of writing known</span> <span style="font-size: small;">as <i>freewriting</i> where you just write and see what comes.</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span dir="LTR"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">It could get you started to where you want to go.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">6.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span dir="LTR">Finish what you start (or play trashcan basketball with your paper wads)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span dir="LTR"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's a good idea to give each project your all, and then look toward the final edit where you can change it anyway you want. </span><span style="font-size: small;">It just might be that it needs a new twist or a major overhaul, but your diligent attitude will pay off.</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span dir="LTR"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">7.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span dir="LTR">Keep breathing . . . and save editing until you get your thoughts down </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span dir="LTR"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Spelling, grammar, the hard stuff .</span><span style="font-size: small;"> . . let it wait till you have something nice to work with. No one writes the perfect paper first time around.</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span dir="LTR"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">8.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span dir="LTR">Read a lot—including classics, and reach beyond your normal interests too</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span dir="LTR">I did not</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span dir="LTR"> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">know about the classics until I was a homeschooling teacher, and then I read aloud with my sons and read</span><span style="font-size: small;"> also on my own. Becoming well read will add a wonderful element to your overall writing experience, growth and knowledge base.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">9.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span dir="LTR">Read <i>how-to books</i> or web sites on the craft of writing </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span dir="LTR"><span style="font-size: small;">I</span><span style="font-size: small;">'m going to do a post following this one with some favorite and new links that will greatly help you.</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span dir="LTR"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">10. <span dir="LTR">Be brave—share your work with others</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span dir="LTR">Don't be shy, but most beginning writers are.</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span dir="LTR"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;">Find a friend, family member, or small group of writers who will join forces to help each other improve and bounce ideas around.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">11.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span dir="LTR">Listen to constructive feedback, even if it’s your mother (you don’t have to agree if you don’t want to)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span dir="LTR"><span style="font-size: small;">I</span><span style="font-size: small;">t's your work, only make changes that you decide, but do listen to and respect your reader's comments.</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span dir="LTR"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">12.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span dir="LTR"> Be an inspiration to yourself and take a writing course (you might find out a lot more about who you really are)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span dir="LTR">You may not know what you are capable of until you stretch yourself into a new learning zone.</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span dir="LTR"> <span style="font-size: small;">Try it!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">13.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span dir="LTR">Enter a contest (you <i>could </i>win $$$) or submit your writing to a friendly market</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span dir="LTR">Just start somewhere. Once you get</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span dir="LTR"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">a small (or big) effort published or known, you'll be spurred on to new writing heights.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">14.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span dir="LTR">Set goals, and plan out the steps to get to where you want to be, marking off little achievements as you go</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span dir="LTR"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lists can be your best friends. Decide your plan and make it happen.</span> <span style="font-size: small;">You'll feel great as you get closer to your big goal, and when you do, celebrate!</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span dir="LTR"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">15.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span dir="LTR"> <span style="font-size: large;">In everything, give thanks! (It could be worse you know—think Cinderella)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span dir="LTR">Attitude is everything.</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span dir="LTR"> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Did you know that God can take something that seems bad and turn it into something good? There are going to be trying days and hard times, but take heart and know that everything will work out in the end. You can do this!</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Wingdings 3"; font-size: 28pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 22pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Think About It</span> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">. . . </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">—Philippians 4:8</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">"If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way."</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;">—Napoleon Hill</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;">“Don't say the old lady screamed. Bring her on and let her scream.”</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;"> —Mark Twain</span></span></h6>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="yiv2044742272messagebody"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;">"So the writer who breeds more words than he needs, is making a chore for the reader who reads." —</span></i></span><span class="yiv2044742272messagebody"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;">Dr. Seuss</span></span><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-weight: normal;"></span></i></span></h6>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">"Always be a first-rate version of yourself, </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">instead of a second-rate version of somebody else."</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
—Judy Garland</span></span></div>KathyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956648051242558284noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8980141611416350415.post-45573785008393509332012-01-08T22:12:00.078-06:002012-07-15T12:55:57.265-05:00Tricks that Encourage Young Writers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I often hear from homeschooling moms who ask me how to motivate their kids to write and to <i>enjoy</i> writing. What is the <i>trick</i>, they want to know. There are a number of things that could contribute to their dilemma and many ways they can begin to implement good habits leading toward inspiring children to enjoy writing.<br />
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Writers learn by writing. </div>
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Perhaps young students have been pressured into writing before they were ready. Maybe the required writing activities held no real interest or meaning to the child. A lack of a good read-aloud diet and good oral skills could be the cause of immature language development. Kids are not made from a cookie cutter mold but there are some <i>tricks</i> (if you prefer to call them that) that will help your students become more interested and engaged in writing pursuits. Let's look at these closer. <br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Writers are comfortable writing. </span></div>
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Writing is hard work. Kids need plenty of time to get comfortable with writing—even the use of a crayon or pencil. Aren't most little kids pleased as punch with their new discovery in drawing (writing): You find your child's pictorial portrait on the wall or creative signature on the side of the house, crayon marks on the curtains, and marker stains on clothes and skin, etc. But some kids haven't had enough time to develop before they are suddenly required to make these neat little lines and circles and stay between the lines—and it's simply boring. Boring to those that already have a good grasp on things and boring and frustrating for those just starting to form letters and understand the process. Don't rush the process too soon if met with defiance.<br />
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When my guys were small most of them had a great vocabulary but slowly emerging writing skills. We did a lot of oral narration. I would write down what they dictated to me. This could be in the format of a letter to Grandma, a story that we made into a book, or a funny poem to be shared or just a retelling of something they learned or experienced. Oral "writing" is a prelude to the writing process. Once they get good at oral communication, the next step is getting what's in their brain onto their paper. Copywork can be used effectively here, as they copy what you have written down for them.<br />
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Writing takes patience and lots of practice. The best writers tell us the more they write the better they write. Give your kids time to practice their wonderful new language skills with plenty of encouragement. Help them brainstorm for ideas when appropriate. Editing is also a major part of writing which they learn as they go, but be careful, too much criticism too soon will only backfire. Let them get those thoughts down without worrying about spelling and correct punctuation just yet. Find positive things to say about a funny word or interesting thought or sentence that they used. Keep the atmosphere a lighthearted one.<br />
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Writers are good readers.</div>
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I mentioned a read-aloud diet. The avid reader is most always a better writer; they go hand in hand. I found this to be true in my own family. My oldest son learned to read early at age five, was fluent by seven, and adored reading. He was also a natural writer. The two middle boys were late readers who weren't fluent until ages 10 and 11. My last son was sort of average and in between the others but he was slower in language development—it just did not come easily to him. For all the boys, reading aloud offered them the ability to hear the words and gain proper grammar and excellent language syntax in which to base their internal linguistic processes. It all certainly pays off big time in creating a love for the written word and its capabilities. Kids who are not read to often and who may be less than great readers will most certainly be far behind their peers who are.<br />
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Writers are curious minded, and good communicators with many interests.</div>
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What excites your child and what interests do they have? How can you develop these into a writing passion? You don't want to stifle your child's natural curiosity and many kids get turned off in school subjects by having to digest and spit back endless amounts of information that have no real interest or meaning to them. I don't know who makes up those elementary scope and sequence charts or who writes those snippety texts, but I refused to follow their classroom focus. Instead search out real <i>living </i>exciting books that grab interest. Look for colorful language and stimulating detail about the subject matter. Let them get their hands dirty. It could make a huge difference in how your children view learning<i> and</i> their desire to learn more and to <i>express</i> themselves through words and writing about those interests. Hey, if you haven't given lapbooks a try, I highly encourage you to give it a whirl.<br />
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Writers write for a reason. </div>
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My boys always wanted to know the relevancy behind what I asked them to do. It wasn't good enough if I said, "because I said so," plus I could see their point. Why not make the things I asked them to do useful? What <i>is</i> relevant? How can I turn this writing assignment into something useful in the <i>real</i> world? After all, isn't that what I was preparing them for—the real world?<br />
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Writers need an audience.</div>
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Everyone has something to say, in their own unique voice. Keeping a journal is wonderful in and of itself and I certainly encourage kids to do this, however, it makes a big difference when they are able to share their writing and impact an audience other than themselves. Getting feedback on a job well done is important and the encouragement will spur them on to continue writing and consider other projects. There are many ways to do this, from reading a paper to Dad and sending a thank-you note, to getting a poem published in a magazine, or even publishing your own E-Book.<br />
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Over the years we made homemade books, wrote book reviews (Amazon.com and the local newspaper), started the <a href="http://www.homeschoolgazette.org/">Homeschool Gazette</a> and participated in other newsletters for kids, wrote letters to family, sent anonymous Scripture notecards, made scrapbook pages, narrated, participated in homeschool classes, blogged, entered contests, wrote letters to the editor, made up written tests for friends and family, acted out stories, gave oral presentations, participated in a local theater workshop and wrote play scripts, wrote letters to companies about their products, and much more.<br />
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Writing is habit forming. </div>
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Make it special, make it fun, and write everyday if possible. Enjoy, and remember that parents should share what they write with their children also. That's one of the best models children can have, to see Mom and Dad enthusiastically engaged in writing.<br />
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Writing is not a <i>school</i> activity, it's a lifestyle habit that is necessary, pleasurable, and rewarding.KathyMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07956648051242558284noreply@blogger.com0