Looky, Looky!!

It's the FREE Salton Yogurt Maker of my dreams!!

Best Friends are so much better than Swag Bucks!!

No offense Swag Bucks: I really love and appreciate my FREE Starbucks, too.

I'm just sayin'.

Who Likes a Party? I Know I Do!!

Hey y'all, it's Ultimate Blog Party time!!

My name's Laura and I'm a beauty school dropout.  Not really--more like an English major gone bad, very bad indeed.  

I'm not your typical stay-at-home momma, although I stay at home with four kiddos, ages 4-11, and home-school and bake and buy all things organic and in bulk and reuse and recycle and attempt all things handmade--minus the denim jumpers--all while my husb'd slaves under the burning sun to bring home the bacon, and turkey bacon at that. 

But, seriously, I am soooo different.  I was a Marine once--that alone should count for something, right?!

Oh! Here's something new: My heart is to share all I have with those in need.

Everyone needs cookies, right?!

No?

Okay, I've got it!!

My kids are Charlotte Mason scholars!!
Kind of.
And I'm really passionate about old, out-of-print and now free-domain books.
Too weird??
Obviously, I'm not as unique as I wanna be.  I'm just like you--wanting the very best for my family and desiring to find the very best way to serve it to them each and every blessed day we have on this earth together.  Life is such a ride, one in which I'm holding on for dear life whilst trying to admire the view peripherally, and my blog is the only chance I have for remembering a stitch of the trip in twenty years when my kids try and stuff me in a nursing home.
Welcome, soldier.  Be, like, totally at ease.
And, if I be so fortunate to win a prize at this fab party, here are my prefs:
#20--Not one, but 5 bars of goat's milk soap, from Goat Milk Stuff, to soothe my babe's eczema
INTL #41--A $35 gift certificate to The Vintage Pearl ((I've blogged about her cool wares before))!!
USC #47--A $25 gift certificate to Amazon.com, offered by Just Say These Wordsfor books, of course!!
But, if someone special snags my choices, I'm all about #19, 21, 22, 26, 55, 68, 89, 91, 106, 109, 113, 118, 123.
Now, go and get your party on!!
I think I'll slip a little something wild into my green tea this morning just for kicks.

Giveaway?

So, I've been thinking lately a lot about a giveaway of my own.  You see, I hit my own milestone of 100 posts today.  I'm sure it took wordy me not long at all to spew as many posts, but it's my milestone, I'm proud of it, and I'm determined to commemorate it by giving something away.

But, what to give away? In this time of economic crunching, what seems a luxury to you?

A free drink or three from Starbucks?

A gift card to Borders for a much-wanted book in which to escape, a CD of nerve-calming music, or a world map with which to play "Where Now Shall We Live?"

A free book from my "doubles" library?

You tell me.

And, if you have another idea, please share that, too!

Oh, and the picture of my lovely astronaut has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with giving anything away.

Answering Amy

Today, Amy posed these questions, seeking some advice, and I thought I would answer in full in case anyone else might be blessed, too:

"Why did you choose to deviate from [Ambleside Online] a bit, and how do you choose your books?"

I'm a big fan of Ambleside Online, but not so much of H.E. Marshall's This Country of Ours.  I wholeheartedly believe that there are better books with which to cover American History--books written by patriotic Americans at that.

Plus, although Charlotte Mason was a pioneer in education, whom I admire from the gray hairs sprouting from my head down to my pinky toes, she was pioneering her theories and methods in England, not America.  Therefore, I am not convinced that, if she were alive today and living in our beloved country, her curriculum choices would be exactly the same, which is what Ambleside Online purports to attempt.  So, from this perspective, and the fact that I am legally bound to teach our state's history in the elementary grades, I follow Ambleside Online almost to a "T" until Year 3, when we pick up a focused study of American History, using the Truthquest guides and book-lists for younger students, and then spend a full year (#6) in Ancient History, before tackling the near-college level studies of Year 7.

During these three years of American History, we continue and finish Our Island Story, based on the time periods covered, and Struggle for Sea Power is part of a series written by M.B. Synge, entitled The Story of the World, which is written in the choicest language from a very solid Christian perspective and beloved by all my children who've had the pleasure of hearing it or reading it for themselves.  I discovered this series at a website called Main Lesson, or otherwise known as The Baldwin Project, which offers many free domain books recommended by Ambleside Online either to read online or download and print; they even have a handful or two of books which they print themselves for very little cost in comparison ((and I love the large and lovely typeset for both wee and aging eyes)).  I choose to have my children read selected chapters of these books as it applies to the time period being covered, in order to continue to introduce world events into their historical diet.  

Finally, it makes the best sense to me to cover our state's history where it best fits in the history of our nation, and I just happened to stumble upon this little living book written for children which deals solely with the history of California.  Since California has such a prominent place in national history, its pretty easy to plot the chapters we need to read as appropriate in our timeline of studies.

Other than the extensive book-lists contained in the Truthquest guides, one of the best resources for finding books that pertain to a particular time period or nation's history is All Through the Ages, written by Christine Miller and published by her company Nothing New Press.  It is my total "go-to" resource when I start to plan another term or year.  It is very much Western-focused and arranged by time period and then again sectioned off into actual events, biographies, historical fiction, literature, and culture, including an extensive timeline and additional book-lists for "don't-miss" world events which happened during the same period in American History you may be covering.  Plus, there are separate portions of the books that lists books by country, if you'd like to do a more focused study of a particular place, such as the birthplace of your ancestors.  And, as if it could get any better, it also contains a list for studying the history of science, the history of the arts, and the Great Books of Western Civilization.  Obviously, I could go on and on, singing its praises...but I'll stop here.  Check out the link and discover the new and improved THIRD Edition ((I didn't even know!))!

At the core of it, I choose books that promise to edify the heart and mind while feeding the soul--classics, word-of-mouth recommendations, and reviews from respected leaders in the home school community.  Sometimes, as with The Sea Around Us, by Rachel Carson, a book fails to meet my expectations, but I don't stress over it.  The beauty of homeschooling is the freedom we have to shape the hearts and minds of our own children by saying simply yes or no.  It did not happen overnight--believe me!  I am one who loves structure and desires to follow the rules.  But, after two years of being frustrated and discouraged, I realized that in our school, we make the rules based upon our convictions and as Our Savior leads.  I pray I do it wisely and by His grace, for in Him alone there is freedom and peace in all things, even homeschool.

Be blessed, not stressed!!  :D

Mo' Money

This was too funny. I had to post it myself!

Too Funny!! Or Is It?

I am a sucker for online quizzes, especially when someone tells me I'm just like someone fab.  But, this quiz was a little too good, if you know what I mean.  And if you don't know, I'll tell you anyway.  This quiz hit home and hard:

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are a Jackie!

(((cha-ching!!))

You are a Jackie. "I do everything the right way."

(((ouch.)))

Jackies are realistic, conscientious, and principled. They strive to live up to their high ideals.

How to Get Along with Me

* Take your share of the responsibility so I don't end up with all the work.

* Acknowledge my achievements.

* I'm hard on myself. Reassure me that I'm fine the way I am.

* Tell me that you value my advice.

* Be fair and considerate, as I am.

* Apologize if you have been unthoughtful. It will help me to forgive.

* Gently encourage me to lighten up and to laugh at myself when I get uptight, but hear my worries first.

What I Like About Being a Jackie

* Being self-disciplined and able to accomplish a great deal

* Working hard to make the world a better place

* Having high standards and ethics; not compromising myself

* Being reasonable, responsible, and dedicated in everything I do

* Being able to put facts together, coming to good understandings, and figuring out wise solutions

* Being the best I can be and bringing out the best in other people

What's Hard About Being a Jackie

* Being disappointed with myself or others when my expectations are not met

* Feeling burdened by too much responsibility

* Thinking that what I do is never good enough

* Not being appreciated for what I do for people

* Being upset because others aren't trying as hard as I am

* Obsessing about what I did or what I should do

* Being tense, anxious, and taking things too seriously

Jackies as Children Often

* Criticize themselves in anticipation of criticism from others

* Refrain from doing things that they think might not come out perfect

* Focus on living up to the expectations of their parents and teachers

* Are very responsible; may assume the role of parent

* Hold back negative emotions ("good children aren't angry")

Jackies as Parents

* Teach their children responsibility and strong moral values

* Are consistent and fair

* Discipline firmly

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy

(((Watch out now!!)))

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside my window...tiny white flowers are blooming, making it feel more like spring than winter.

I am thinking...how sad it is to change sometimes.

I am thankful...for the peace great music brings.

From the learning rooms...my three students hover over an Usborne book, looking for the tiny yellow duck hidden on every page.

From the kitchen...the dishwasher begs to be unloaded and filled yet again.

I am wearing...my fave pants.

I am creating...a curricula plan for 2009-10.

I am going...to get on the treadmill in 20.

I am reading...1776, by David McCullough, while treadin'.

I am hoping...to make it to the women's Bible study tomorrow.

I am hearing...my eldest daughter read to my youngest one.

Around the house...fresh laundry, sibling affection, a sleeping babe, and a much needed tidy.

One of our favorite things...baking sweets for the week: Chocolate Chip Cookies and Sweet Potato Bread.

A few plans for the rest of the week...piano lessons, first PE Club event, star gazing, Family Game Night, finalizing a "purchase order" for our loving headmaster.

Here is the picture thought I am sharing...

Outside my window...

Grillin' Goodness

So, this seems like a really fun meme: it's easy-peasy and narcissistic, which is just another way to say, "It let's you get to know me a bit better."  So, let's have at it:
1.  Have you ever ridden a horse?Yes, during my sixth grade camping trip.  I was the only one to get the trained trail horse to gallop off the trail.  I was a rebel from my youth.
2.  Have you ever run out of gas?Oh, yes.  During my time in the Marines, I was an MP, which meant I got to play cop on a secured location for several awesome years.  Anyway, one night I accepted a vehicle from the off-going shift that was low on gas.  This was not uncommon nor overly burdensome.  It just meant I had to stop and fill up after a first round of security checks.  BUT, it was a busy night and I was sent on several calls before I could get a break to fill 'er up.  I ran out of gas thirty feet from a major intersection in the middle of nowhere ((prob near rifle ranges)).  
While I covertly radioed a friend, also on shift, to bring me some gas, my supervisor approached and asked why I was stopped near the intersection.  Since I could possibly get into some minor consequential trouble, such as a good deal of teasing or, perhaps, car-washing, I had no intention of telling him the truth.  Instead, I said, "I'm just running radar, Gunny ((thirty feet from an intersection and in the middle of a speed limit alteration path, where one goes from 50MPH to 35MPH))!"  Needless to say, my Gunny thought I was either inept or insane.  Ten long and humiliating minutes later, I got my gas and moved on, but Gunny never looked at me the same way again.
3.  How many different schools did you attend while growing up?Seven...we moved a lot, like, every year until fifth grade.  And, my mother wondered why I never made friends easily!  Oh! and then five colleges thereafter.
4.  Do you have, and use, a library card?Yes, my library card is my life!  I bring the kids to the library once each week for both school and pleasure reading.  I love audiobooks for the treadmill, too!
5.  Hand-wash or dishwasher?Both.  We load the dishwasher on Sundays, always, but then hand-wash most other days.
6.  Does your alarm clock beep or play music?What alarm clock?!
7.  Do you know how to roller skate?Yes!  It's one of our fave family outings!  I only wish I could roller-dance.  When that funky music comes on, I just wanna form a train and get down!!
8.  What would you consider one of your greatest accomplishments?It's part mine and part my momma's: The summer before my senior year, our cheerleading squad attended a great UCA camp, which offered an individual competition at its end.  I won.  I won!! and my prize was the opportunity to attend the Lord Mayor's New Year's Day Parade in London, England, as part of a national squad!!  We were sooooo dirt poor, but somehow my momma pulled together the pennies to get me there, and it CHANGED MY LIFE!  The single best experience of my youth.
So, how 'bout you?  Tell me more 'bout you over at Golden Goodness, and discover more 'bout many more fun and funny gals, too.

My Reading Goals for 2009

This is a challenge for me, to say the least, because I am such a by-the-seat-of-my-pants reader.  If I read a good review by a respected writer, if Masterpiece Theatre is producing a new adaptation of a classic, or if I feel convicted to read less fiction and more biographies or histories, I will just pick up that book and run with it.  With me, reading goals tend to become infected with the Netflix-syndrome: the list just gets longer and longer until you find you will never get to that movie ((or book)) in this lifetime.

But, since the words came to form sounds in my mouth, I have had an open book.  So, when Terry posted her reading goals for the year, it challenged me to make my own goals less haphazard.  I mean, without a plan and with a strong tendency toward OCD, I missed, in 2008, quite a few hopefuls from my somewhat-mental list.  Ouch.  I don't want that to happen again.  So, here's my humble list of wanna-reads for 2009, in writing, so you can make loads of fun when I read everything but:

Classics (Masterpiece Classic's winter schedule)

• Tess of the D'Ubervilles, by Thomas Hardy
• Wuthering Heights, by Emily Bronte
• Oliver Twist, by Charles Dickens
• David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens
• Little Dorrit, by Charles Dickens
• Old Curiosity Shop, by Charles Dickens

Christian Living

• Mere Christianity, by C.S Lewis
• The Reason for God, by Tim Keller
• Christless Christianity, by Michael Horton
• Love or Die, by Alexander Strauch
• Polishing God's Monuments, by Jim Andrews
• Respectable Sins, by Jerry Bridges

Biographies & Histories

• John Adams, by David McCullough
• Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor, by D.A. Carson
• Amazing Grace, by Eric Metaxas
• John Newton, by Jonathan Aitken
• The Life of Charlotte Bronte, by Elizabeth Gaskell
• 1776, by David McCullough

Contemporary Works

• Amsterdam, by Ian McEwan
• Angela's Ashes, by Frank McCourt
• The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, by Junot Diaz
• The Snow Leopard, by Peter Matthiessen
• Shadow Country, by Peter Matthiessen
• The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox, by Maggie O'Farrell

Let's see if I can commit, without modification.  Haha! says my honest friend, Tash.

I am such a biblio-rebel.

Don't forget to check out what Terry's reading this year:

Breathing Grace: Some (Hopefully) Good Books I Plan to Read This Year

Indeed!

So, although my plan was to make something bloody and beefy for our Christmas Eve dinner, God had an entirely different plan.  

My brother called late last week and offered us a 23-lb. fresh turkey.  Although I've not cooked a turkey previously, and although I'm not a fan of turkey found outside of the deli counter's glass partition, I thought about the 20-pounds of FREE MEAT.  

"Yes, surely we'll have turkey."

So, my brother and I spent the day massaging our first-ever turkey with fresh four-herb-butter, sea salt and cracked black pepper, faithfully basting the now greased-up turkey every 45-minutes, and, finally, swiftly pulling Regina ((naming her posthumously)) from the roasting flames of death just as her temperature registered perfection.

Great turkey.  

Tons of leftovers.

You see, there were only seven of us: three fully grown and one of those not quite a fan.  And the kids, well, I let them eat cookies too soon before dinner.

I now have 18-pounds of turkey, plus a carcass.

That's two weeks of turkey...approximately.

S.O.S.

My To-Do List

Being very task-oriented, I always have a to-do list.  It's how I gage my day.  If I can slice through the majority of my list, it was a good day.  If my list has a huge carrying-over factor, my day was dismal at best.  

The worst thing about having a to-do list is that everyone is gaged by it, me and you and them.  If it's been a good day, I'm happy with me, and I'm happy with you, and I'm happy with them.  But, if my expectations for the day go unmet, I'm definitely not happy, and you can wager that I'll make you and them unhappy too.

The list is my idol.  

I worship it daily.

I sacrifice on its alter my relationships with you and them.

But it does nothing for me in return: it cannot save me from eternal damnation; it cannot change my life.  As a matter of fact, it keeps me from changing because my list is essentially the same each and every day.

And my God is a jealous god. 

So I repent and tear my list to pieces.

And I ask Him and you and them to forgive me for my idolatry.

God is the master of my minutes, hours, days, and years, if He grants them.