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Happy Birthday, J9!

June 30, 2005  |  Comments (8)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

TOCTEP

In Russian, the word that looks like TOCTEP is said and means "toaster." It's in a board book we own.

Today C4 sounded it out in English. T-oh-ck-t-ee-p. Doesn't make sense in English, but he READ it in English!

June 29, 2005  |  Comments (3)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Up and Running

The newIntellectuelle blog has opened!

And on a related note, check out this other new blog--Got Me A College Girl. It's a group blog of Christian women who describe their writing as in celebration of formal education in the life of the Christian girl.

June 28, 2005  |  Comments (1)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Saturday on the Gator Gal

Today we went to Myakka River State Park to ride the air boat and look for alligators.

T7, C4, J8 and R5 in front of the Gator Gal.

June 25, 2005  |  Comments (11)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Add to Blogging Research

Sponsored at MIT.

(Via Rebecca.)

June 25, 2005  |  Comments (2)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Most of All, Jesus Loves You: A Diet of Bookworms Review

Several evenings in a row, I have snuggled in bed with my youngest, reading Then every night Mama says, "Good night, and remember. . ."

Like any good bedtime book, Most of All, Jesus loves You has comforting rhythm and repetition. Noel Piper writes like a mother that has read many bedtime stories through the years.

While bold and colorful, Debby Anderson keeps the illustrations in this book peaceful.

Small children thrive in an atmosphere of love and routine--I think this book is a great aid in building both of those.

This is a review of Most of All, Jesus Loves You by Noel Piper and Debby Anderson. This book was provided through Diet of Bookworms as a gift from the publisher.

Related: Read my oldest son's review of this book and more DoB reviews.

June 24, 2005  |  Comments (0)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

God Knows My Name: A Diet of Bookworms Review

Woven throughout God Knows My Name are the attributes of God and what they may look like on a child's level, in day to day life. Especially emphasized are God's sovereignty and His immanence.

God sees me when I go out to play! yay! God is too wonderful for me to see Him now, but He sees me!

Each page has unobtrusive Scripture references for parents to look up with their children, or to encourage older children to read for themselves.

While I grew up with the Eloise Wilkin's tender pictures in children's books, I really like author/illustrator Debby Anderson's cheerful, bold style. The book is energetic, without being overwhelming.

I'm happy to have this book on my children's bookshelf. And with the theme of the attributes of God, I think it would be an especially fine gift for the children of new Believers.

This is a review of God Knows My Name by Debby Anderson. This book was provided through Diet of Bookworms as a gift from the publisher.

Related: Read my oldest son's review of this book.

June 24, 2005  |  Comments (2)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Book Reviews by J8

Thanks to Diet of Bookworms, I have several Crossway children's books to review. I'll be posting my reviews as well as ones written by my oldest son, J8. These are his first two book reviews ever.

God Knows My Name
by Debbie Anderson

Personally, I think that it is short but good. And is recommended for ages 2 to 5. It will tell you in many different wys of how God knows everything.

Most of All, Jesus Loves You
by Noel Piper, Illustrated by Debby Anderson

I like that it says your family loves you but God loves you more. And is recommended for ages 2 to 5.

June 24, 2005  |  Comments (2)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Bits and Pieces. . .

I've neglected any family journaling the past few weeks. Been really tired. So just to remember some of the things we've done during early summer 2005. . .

Lots of swimming!

Hubby and the kids went to Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium on its 50th anniversary.

Chucklehead Day!

Buying lots of used books at library sales.

Saw Robot with the kids. Read Amy's review.

Hubby was sick and we spent a whole weekend cuddling in bed and watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Went on a seasonal shopping trip with my mother-in-law and sisters-in-law to Naples. Saw a local theatre production of Woody Allen's "Play it Again, Sam."

Kids are doing great with homeschooling. Hubby is an amazing teacher.

Visited SCS, considering it for the fall, though it is quite a bit more Mennonite than us Presbyterians would like. Still, Hubby's little brother goes there and it seems like a good environment for the boys as they are in transition.

Had late library books and fines. Ugh.

Falling asleep too early to blog, too early to read much.

Hubby and I cooking dinner together each night, and trying new recipes with all the easy-to-get ingredients in the US.

June 24, 2005  |  Comments (1)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Free Ice Cream! June 29th

Free Starbucks Ice Cream!

Mark your calendars for June 29th.

(Via Trish)

June 24, 2005  |  Comments (5)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Writers / Thinkers / Wannabes Update

The essay contest that I mentioned has been judged, and the new Intellectuelle blog team announced!

Congratulations and get writing wishes to:

Hannah of Hannah Im

Lexie of Lexical Light

Samantha of The Home Realm

Sarah of The Foundation for Women of Faith in Culture

Marla of Marla Swoffer

Laura of A Practice in Belief

Bonnie of Off the Top

Get the full scoop.

June 23, 2005  |  Comments (3)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

More Sarasota Links

Sarasota Christian Moms

Sarasota Christian Moms Yahoo Group

Radical Mama

June 23, 2005  |  Comments (4)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Feeling Homesick

Just read this and this and this, and am having a surge of emotions.

June 21, 2005  |  Comments (2)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Reading and Mothering

As asked on a previous post:

As a mother of 4 how do you find the time to read so many books?

Wellll. . . I only started reading "real" books again about a year and a half ago. To be honest, there was a period in which I only had the focus to turn pages in magazines looking at the pictures.

Now that I have the desire and ability to read again, I just seem to work it in. After the kids are in bed, I like to soak in the tub and read. Or sprawl on the bed and read. Or sit near Hubby as he does his projects and read.

Books on tape are great for the car. I listened to The Secret Life of Bees during the solo drive from IL last week. The boys and I are listening to The Hobbit.

I read aloud to the kids. (Though not as much as I'd like.) Little Pilgrims Progress and The Chronicles of Narnia are favorites for that.

I've read books while cooking. Making jam and jelly provides for good reading time as you stir, stir, stir.

When I was nursing, I tried to find good pick-up-put-down books. Elisabeth Eliot's Keep a Quiet Heart was good for that.

Hubby reads everywhere he goes. He doesn't walk outside the house without a book. This gave him a lot of reading time when we were in Ukraine--on the metro, walking, riding in taxis.

I was an avid reader when I was a kid. I think when you're always trying to find more reading time as a kid, it's easier to find time as an adult.

Personally, I'm never able to read and watch the kids at the playground at the same time. I'm not THAT good at multitasking.

I know I have many bibliophiles reading here--how do y'all make time to read?

June 18, 2005  |  Comments (25)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Good to Know

How to Season and Care for a Wok

June 17, 2005  |  Comments (0)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Challies Giveaway--Two CDs and a Book!

This draw is open to anyone, anywhere in the world and runs from now until June 23, 2005 (12:00 PM EST). Two equal prizes will be awarded based on a random drawing from all entries received. Each prize is a copy of Pilgrim Days: Indelible Grace II CD, a copy of For all the Saints: Indelible Grace III CD and a copy of Twentysomeone by Craig Dunham & Doug Serven.

Btw, Twentysomeone is co-authored by the husband of my blogging-and-moving friend, Megan. *grin* Small world, huh? (Oh, and Craig and Doug have their own blog, too.)

So go ahead--enter Tim's drawing. You know you want to. You might even win (like I did in February!) My referral ID is 70971.

June 17, 2005  |  Comments (4)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

In the Review Queue

Diet of Bookworms:
Big Truths for Little Kids: Teaching Your Children to Live for God
Hymns for a Kid's Heart (Great Hymns of Our Faith)
Most of All, Jesus Loves You
Big Picture Story Bible
God Knows My Name

Mind and Media:
Natural Law
Boundaries of Technique
The Thinking Toolbox
Connecting With Your Kids
Unlock the Prison Doors (Reviewed 06/30/2005)

Do you judge a book by its cover? See them here.

June 16, 2005  |  Comments (0)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Another Reason to Love Presbyterians. . .

They're blogging the General Assembly.

June 15, 2005  |  Comments (2)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Loves Me Like A Rock

When I was a little boy,
And the devil would call my name
I’d say now who do,
Who do you think you’re fooling?
I’m a consecrated boy
I’m a singer in a sunday choir

Oh, my mama loves, she loves me
She get down on her knees and hug me
Like she loves me like a rock
She rocks me like the rock of ages
And loves me
She love me, love me, love me, love me

When I was grown to be a man
And the devil would call my name
I’d say now who do,
Who do you think you’re fooling?
I’m a consummated man
I can snatch a little purity

My mama loves me, she loves me
She get down on her knees and hug me
Like she loves me like a rock
She rocks me like the rock of ages
And loves me
She love me, love me, love me, love me

And if I was president
The minute congress call my name
I’d say who do,
Who do you think you’re fooling?
I’ve got the presidential seal
I’m up on the presidential podium

My mama loves me
She loves me
She get down on her knees and hug me
Like she loves me like a rock
She rocks me like the rock of ages
And loves me
She love me, love me, love me, love me

Words & Music by Paul Simon

June 13, 2005  |  Comments (3)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Biblical Relationships or Behaviourism

This is written by one of the "older women" God has put in my life. I'm copying it here, so I can find it easily to reread when I need it.

Behaviorism is not a biblical means of dealing with PEOPLE. God has given people mental, emotional and spiritual faculties, a conscience, emotions, etc, and His Word shows over and over again that it is through those avenues that He reaches us and disciplines us and it is through those avenues that we are authorized to reach others and teach and discipline them. Here are some examples--observe the lack of Pearl-style training and instead the presence of grace based discipline:

Quote

"we proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, that we may present every man complete in Christ" --Col 1:28

"Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another..." Col 3:16

"Fathers, do not exasperate your children, that they may not lose heart" Col 3:21

"We proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children, having thus a fond affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us....you are witnesses and so is God, how devoutly and uprightly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers; just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory."--1 Thess 2: 7 and following

"we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that, as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk) that you may excel still more for you know what commandments we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus."--1 Thess 4:1-2

"We request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you...and we urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the faint-hearted, help the weak, be patient with all men...."--1 Thess 5:12 and following

"In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following." 1 Tim 4:6

And so on, and so on. In fact the very existence of the Bible itself is an example of grace-based discipline. God COULD have made it so that we didn't have a Bible, we just had bolts of lightning hit us when we got out of line. In a world like that, there would be no need of a Bible.

In the above examples, perhaps someone would say that it doesn't apply because Paul is teaching the churches how to disciple adults in the community of faith, but I believe that this emphasis on teaching, encouraging and admonishing is an EXAMPLE of the biblical relational model for teaching and learning, and although he is not discussing (for the most part) a parent/child situation he is discussing the situation of how people in some kind of spiritual authority are to disciple the rest. But notice too, when motherhood and fatherhood do come up in Paul's discourse, his tone and language does not change--and mothers are held up as a known example of gentleness, fathers are held up as known examples of patient instruction.

If we fail to notice and appreciate Paul's "grace-based" model, perhaps it's because it is too familiar and we take his level of civility and restraint of power for granted.

Thanks, katiekind. My continual prayer is to understand and integrate God's grace and the Gospel in my inner and external life.

June 12, 2005  |  Comments (6)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Writers / Thinkers / C.S. Lewis Fans / Wannabes

Announcing the Intellectuelle contest!

Who: Open to evangelical women who are secretly C.S. Lewis wannabes
What: Submit something (<500 words) you've never blogged or published which demonstrates you're a deep thinker with a strong orthodox Christian faith
When: May 17th-June 16th
Why: To be part of a seven-woman team blog called "Intellectuelle"

Marla is starting a new blog and hosting a contest to assemble the blog team for Intellectuelle. I'm not entering--but I know a lot of great women thinkers, and I'd love to read more of their deep thoughts over there.

So, get writing! Only a few submission slots left!

June 10, 2005  |  Comments (0)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Aromatherapy Recipes

Tension Tamer Blend

1 oz carrier oil
5 drops lavender
5 drops lemon
5 drops rosemary
Directions: Mix oils well in a clean, dark-colored glass container. Use during times of stress. Especially good for back rubs to help calm upset children.

Moon Massage Mix
1 ounce carrier oil such as sweet almond
15 drops Peppermint
10 drops Cypress
5 drops Lavender
Directions: Mix oils well in a clean, dark-colored glass container. Gently message a small amount into the abdominal area during your menstrual period.

I used both of these aromatherapy massage oils regularly. Sometimes instead of a massage, I add them to epsom salts for the bath. Recipes gleaned from information found at AromaWeb.

June 10, 2005  |  Comments (2)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Other Mamas of Four Sons

Blest With Sons

Boy Story

Annie Barlow

Selkie

Laurie's Boys

Randomly Organized Megan

Zoo Full of Boys

Voth Family Adventure

And who am I forgetting right now? I know there are a few more. . .

June 09, 2005  |  Comments (11)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Narnia Goodies

TeachNarnia.Com

Narnia Downloads (via Miss O'Hara)

The Stone Table (Via Today's Lessons)

June 09, 2005  |  Comments (0)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Parental Growth and Development

"I read a paper on the stages women go through as they "acquire the parental role" and not surprisingly, idealism and perfectionism fit into the picture early on. I remember when I was going to be a perfect mother. . ."

I recognize myself in much of what katiekind writes. Read more on mothering and the stages of parenting over on the Yellow Porch.

June 09, 2005  |  Comments (1)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

PCA GA -- Wired

PCA General Assembly to be Web Cast

The 2005 PCA General Assembly begins next Tuesday, June 14; it will be broadcast "live" on the Internet. Gavel-to-gavel coverage will begin at 7:00 p.m. (EDT) on June 14 with the opening worship service led by retiring moderator Dr. Ligon Duncan, and continue through adjournment on Friday, June 17. The worship services on Wednesday (Dr. Sinclair Ferguson preaching) and Thursday (Dr. John Piper preaching) evenings will also be broadcast live.

Using our custom media player you'll be able to follow along with all proceedings, voting, and listen to the audio or watch various committee reports and worship services with live streaming video. Also featured this year will be the GA Blog and podcasting of several of the day's events for those who enjoy listening on their favorite MP3 player. Visit the site now to see last year's content and bookmark it for the event, live content will begin June 13, 2005, at http://www.pcaga.com.

Gotta love Presbyterians.

(Via ByFaithOnline e-mail update.)

June 08, 2005  |  Comments (4)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

J8's Reading List

I kept meticulous records of what I read when I homeschooled in high school. I hadn't kept track of what I read before then--or very much since. I currently have a program on my blog (thanks to Tim) that lists my Amazon wishlist and the books I've read. It's been great.

I remember coming across my high school reading list a few years ago. It was so cool to read through the titles. I fondly remembered some of the books, and was surprised that I had read others (which were quickly forgotten.)

So, ever since J8 started reading I've tried to help him keep track of what he's read. He reads so fast, though, that it's been hard to do that (for him or me!)

I think I've found a system now for keeping up with it. On his daily homeschool checklist is now "Update Book List." All he has to do is pile the books on my desk and I spend a few minutes entering them into an Amazon "wishlist." But rather than a list of what he wants, it's a list of what he's read. The date I enter it is marked next to the book which provides a loose gauge of when he read it. We started this at the end of April, but have only recently been keeping it updated.

So, want to see what my oldest's reading interests are?

J8's Reading List

Update: Sparrow mentioned that she is redirected to her own wishlist instead of J8's. I changed the direct link, and if you still can't access it try to put "J8" in the search box where it says "Search for a Wishlist."

June 07, 2005  |  Comments (7)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

And the Discoshaman is Back. . .

I wasn't expecting it today, but Hubby is back in the blogging saddle over at Le Sabot Post-Moderne.

His recent posts?

Dean's first 100 -- buyer remorsing yet?

Gitmo, the (K)(Q)(?)uran, and Snivelling

What's On My Mind

June 06, 2005  |  Comments (1)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

AwareParent.Net is Back

After having the messageboard hacked, AwareParent.Net is back online.

AwareParent.Net serves as a forum intended as a friendly debate/discussion in order to promote truth and good parenting. We are a group composed primarily of Christians who have concerns about parenting principles such as those taught by Gary and Anne Marie Ezzo and who feel called to encourage discussion about them.

I'm not a moderator for AwareParent.Net, but I know the mods there and they promote logic and good discussion. Those of all parenting persuasions are welcome.

June 06, 2005  |  Comments (1)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

He Loves Me. . .

. . .and brought home a new printer as a sign of his affection.

Years and years ago, Hubby came home with a dozen roses and a printer for me. This time it was fresh coffee and a printer. *mush, mush*

We actually shipped our newish HP to the States, totally blanking out that it runs on European current.

June 05, 2005  |  Comments (4)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Eighty Years of Marriage

Asked for their secret, Florence said you must never be afraid to say “sorry.”

“You must never go to sleep bad friends,” she said, while Percy, 105, said his secret to marital bliss was just two words: “yes dear.”

Congratulations to Percy and Florence Arrowsmith for 80 years of marriage. May we all love our spouses as dearly as this couple.

June 04, 2005  |  Comments (1)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Safe, Effective Disinfectants

Vinegar and hydrogen peroxide work synergistically as disinfectants.

In tests run at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, pairing the two mists killed virtually all Salmonella, Shigella, or E. coli bacteria on heavily contaminated food and surfaces when used in this fashion, making this spray combination more effective at killing these potentially lethal bacteria than chlorine bleach or any commercially available kitchen cleaner.

The best results came from using one mist right after the other - it is 10 times more effective than using either spray by itself and more effective than mixing the vinegar and hydrogen peroxide in one sprayer.

(Via GCM thread on Natural Cleaning Recipes.)

June 04, 2005  |  Comments (5)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

What I'm Doing. . .

What I'm. . .
Drinking: Portsmouth Tea, Avalanche Rooibus
Writing: Résumés and Cover Letters
Munching: Popcorn
Wearing: Florida clothes!
Reading: The Boundaries of Technique
Playing: Tennis
Buying: Hurricane Supplies (No tax, June 1-10.)
Cooking: Fajitas
Going: Downtown Farmer's Market
Watching: Return of the Sith
Listening: To the rain

June 04, 2005  |  Comments (12)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Blogging Pays Off

Took some skills tests today.

Editing, grammar and math skills -- 100%
Typing speed and accuracy -- High

June 03, 2005  |  Comments (1)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink

 

 

Phil Johnson, PyroManiac

Phil Johnson is blogging.

Yes, THAT Phil Johnson, of Phil Johnson's Bookmarks.

A household name to many.

I'm swooning.

(Via Tim Challies.)

June 02, 2005  |  Comments (2)  |  TrackBack (0)  |  Permalink