Under Construction to prepare for 2011

Yup, this blog is under construction again.

It is hard to believe that 2011 is right around the corner.  Although I have never been a fan of New Year Resolutions, this year I have a few things that I am planning on 'working' on.  So as I am working on my redesign I thought you might like to know where I will be spending my time...besides the usual homeschooling, The Homeschool Lounge, cooking and cleaning...yadda yadda.

The first place is Do Not Depart where I am working on memorizing the book of Philippians.  I have already started this, and I am a bit slower and therefor behind the other ladies, but they are a great group to fellowship with.  Next I have signed up to with Moms Toolbox to read the Bible in 90 days - and if you have been reading my blog at all, you will know that I have attempted to read the Bible before, and not followed through.  Praying for God's support on this one!  lol  The third thing is the 3 in 30 challenge hosted by Ashley and Meghan, great gals, great challenge, you should check it out.  I am narrowing down my list of goals and will post about them shortly.  I almost forgot, I have also joined a 5:11 homeschooling group that is being hosted by The Homeschool Village.  Fun stuff!

So, for the few remaining days of 2010 I am redesigning my blog, planning our lessons, and goal setting.  How will you be spending your time?

Music Monday ~ So Long, Farewell

Today I am saying farewell to Music Monday...I have enjoyed sharing some of my favorite music and hearing the awesome songs you have all shared with me for well over a year and a half!  Like many of you, I am planning on making some changes in the New Year and this is just one of them.  Thank you for stopping by and reading my blog, and for your comments, you bring me joy!

Fall Into Reading 2010 Wrap Up

Well fall has come to an end and that means it is time to wrap up Katrina’s 2010 Fall into Reading Challenge.  I started the Fall into Reading challenge with a BANG, reading through my first book (last in the Twilight series) in two days.  Then I hmmm'ed and haah'ed over which book to read next, BIG mistake!  I should have just grabbed one a dove in, but instead I procrastinated.  Thankfully, the kids and I had a date to see the movie Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows on its release day, so I absolutely had to re-read the book before that, and just like that I was back on track...or so it seemed.    Books read from my list:

• Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer ~ Fabulous, loved it!  I am so glad that I changed my mind and gave the vampires a chance to woo me.  The final book ended the series nicely, although I wish there was more of a fight scene!

• The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C. S. Lewis ~ We had planned on seeing the movie the day it released but it was only showing in 3D so we passed on it for now.  I am glad I finished the book before I knew that or otherwise I may have put it off a while.  The Narnia series is absolutely wonderful!

• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K. Rowling ~ It had been a while since I had read this book and it was nice to re-read it so close to seeing the movie.  Like the other HP books, I enjoyed reading over watching the movies.

• The Truth Behind Left Behind by Mark Hitchcock & Thomas Ice ~ I was enamored with Left Behind series a few years ago and truly enjoyed learning more about the biblical truths that were referred to in the books.  Great read!

• Ancient Rome by Richard J. Maybury ~ This is one of the ‘Uncle Eric Books’ and it was fascinating to read, I plan on purchasing the entire series to have on our book shelves.

• Get Energy! : empower your body, love your life by Denise Austin ~ This book was okay, full of helpful tips that everyone pretty much already knows, the problem being that we I don't implement them!

Books read that were not on my list:

• uncharted terriTORIby by Tori Spelling ~ I have read all three of her books, out of a mere wonder of what her life is like. A guilty pleasure, but it fulfilled my 'Hollywood' curiosity for the time being.

• Teach Like Your Hair is on Fire by Rafe Esquith ~ This book is all about Rafe and how he educates the students of Room 56, a very interesting read filled with plenty of practical advice for homeschoolers. 

• I also read a few books from the library, mostly photography, web design and homeschooling books, but I didn't think to keep track of the titles.

Books not yet read:

• Nourishing traditions : the cookbook that challenges politically correct nutrition and the diet dictocrats by Sally Fallon ~ I am still waiting to get this from the library, I have been on the wait list for 5 months now!!

• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen ~ I am not sure why I am struggling with this book/author.  I think I may just ave to sit down and make myself get through the first three chapters...and then see what happens.

• Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis ~  I picked up this book to read and immediately spilled a cup of coffee on it (accidentally!!)  I only picked it up again after it had dried, and that was to put it back on my shelf. 

If you would like to read about the attempt I made in 2009 you can find the post here. 

Happy reading everyone!

Music Monday ~ Christmas Edition Part III & Some Rambling!

Happy Music Monday!
Christmas is almost here, I am so excited!  I love the whole 'season' of Christmas, from the lights and decorations, to music and greetings of "Merry Christmas!".  I cannot help being happier this time of year.  Lately I have been reading some different opinions about Christmas, what is politically correct and what the true meaning is, what we should and should not be doing.  My quiet response to this has been "Bah Humbug!"  I love EVERYTHING about Christmas, whether others may approve or not.  We visit Santa at the mall for pictures from the ages of 1-12, we leave homemade cookies and milk out for 'you know who' and even leave reindeer food on our lawn!  The kids awake to a stocking filled with treats and a special gift that Santa left just for them.  We talk about Jesus' birthday and put ornaments on our Jesse tree. We listen to a lot of music from songs like "Mary Did You Know?" to "My Christmas List".  Our movie choices vary from "It's a Wonderful Life" to "Elf" to "The Polar Express".   It is fun and exciting, and at times, commercialized...and I love it!  Counting the days until...

Thank you for joining me for Music Monday, if you would like to link up please take a moment to read the guidelines I have posted here and grab the button from my sidebar, if you so choose.I will be hosting one more Music Monday, on December 27th, I do hope you will be able to stop by for it.  Have a blessed day!

Music Monday ~ Christmas Edition Part II

Welcome to the Christmas Edition of Music Monday - part II, thank you for taking some time out of your busy day to visit my blog!

This is not a traditional Christmas song but one that reminds me of all the sacrifices our heavenly Father has made for us.
I am at a loss for words just thinking of it...

How Many Kings - Downhere

Thank you for joining me for Music Monday, if you would like to link up please take a moment to read the guidelines I have posted here and grab the button from my sidebar, if you would like.Until next time, December 20th, I hope you take a moment each day to enjoy the music.  Have a blessed day!

Music Monday ~ Christmas Edition Part I

Happy Music Monday!
What a joyous time of year this is; once the Thanksgiving leftovers have been put away I am 'in the Christmas spirit'!   I had a couple songs that I wanted to share with you today, then I thought, why not share one each Monday from now until Christmas?   The first 'Christmas Edition' of Music Monday has begun and I would love to have you join me, once, twice or even three times!

Today I am sharing the very first song we play every Christmas season, this song goes in the CD player and we start dancing and singing, then it is on to putting up the tree and decorating the house. The video leaves something to be desired, but I have posted the lyrics for you.  It is all in good fun!!

I Wish it Could be Christmas Everyday - A* Teens

When the snowman brings the snow

Well he just might like to know

He's put a great big smile on somebody's face

If you jump into your bed

Quickly cover up your head

Don't you lock the doors

You know that sweet Santa Claus in on the way

[Chorus]

Well I wish it could be Christmas every day

When the kids start singing and the band begins to play

Oh I wish it could be Christmas every day

So let the bells ring out for Christmas

When we're skating in the park

If the snow cloud makes it dark

Then your rosy cheek's gonna light my merry way

Now the frosty paws appear

And they've frozen up my ear

So we'll lie by the fire

'Til the sleet simply knocks 'em all away

[Chorus]

When the snowman brings the snow (snowman brings the snow)

Well he just might like to know (just might like to know)

He's put a great big smile on somebody's face

So if Santa brings that sleigh (Santa brings that sleigh)

All along the Milky Way (along the Milky Way)

I'll sign my name on the rooftop in the snow

Then he may decide to stay

[Chorus]

Why don't you give your love for Christmas?
~*~     ~*~     ~*~

Thank you for joining me for Music Monday, if you would like to link up please take a moment to read the guidelines I have posted here and grab the button from my sidebar, if you so choose.Until next time, on December 13th, 20110, I hope you take a moment each day to enjoy the music.  Have a blessed day!