I just found a really helpful tool while I was browsing on Crochetville.
Check out this random stripe making tool.
http://www.kissyourshadow.com/stripe_maker.php
It was designed with knitters in mind. But the uses are endless.
Currently I am crocheting a baby afghan and I've been adding a stripe here and there but I found that it wasn't as random looking as I wanted. This tool will let you preview your color choices and fiddle with the pattern until you get it just right. Check it out.
Oct 6, 2009
Oct 5, 2009
Baby Sweater
I just finished a baby sweater. Of course I can't remember where I found the pattern, but I didn't follow the pattern much either. I usually view patterns as a guide, I do use the size recommendations, but the stitch patterns etc I make up a lot as I go.
This one was a lot of fun and really very easy to make. I do plan on jotting down the changes I made to the pattern before I give it to someone, I would like to be able to make this one again.
Sep 24, 2009
Happy Birthday to.... Me!
In keeping with tradition I will post about my birthday. I turned 45 this past Thursday. As usual David took the day off and as usual, (I'm not complaining) since he's in the middle of buying all the vehicles for his company, he ended up doing a lot of work from home.
In an unusual way that was good. The kids and I got to see how dedicated to doing his best he is. How much he cares about the details of the job and how he goes the extra mile to get the job done.
So, how did we celebrate?
In an unusual way that was good. The kids and I got to see how dedicated to doing his best he is. How much he cares about the details of the job and how he goes the extra mile to get the job done.
So, how did we celebrate?
- I got my drivers license renewed.
- I got a new 'Stir Crazy' popcorn popper
- I got a new synch cradle for my Palm Zire 71 that friends gave me
- I got the 3rd Sovereign Grace songbook
- I got 'Sense & Sensibility' on DVD (much to the chagrin of the males in the house)
- I got $$ from my in-laws and I ordered yarn today from knitpicks. I'm going to make a pair of felted slippers and a dressy short sleeved sweater.
- I got to spend the day with my family and even though David was working, he was home and that made the day very special.
consumer search: love what you buy
Several months ago I discovered this website. It was probably a link from one of the many yahoo groups I belong to. Since I have found it to be so helpful, and informative and, best of all, FREE! I thought I would tell you, my loyal followers about it.
It's the same idea as 'Consumer Reports' magazine, but free.
Sep 9, 2009
Heart of Dakota, Creation to Christ
This year we are actually following a preplanned curriculum. I love it!! Everything is laid out in the teachers manual with a two page spread for each day. Each unit takes four days. We are using a variety of publishers such as Apologia for science, Rod & Staff for grammar, Write with the Best for writing, Saxon for math. If you go to the web site, http://heartofdakota.com/ you can download samples of all levels of the curriculum, order a catalog, and join a message board. The author is active on the message board and also answers emails with questions.
We are three weeks into the year and are really enjoying every minute of it. The only thing I have added to our day have been Latin vocabulary, spelling, and guitar. With guitar my goal is to have Daniel continue to improve and teach me at the same time. We'll see how that goes. My fingers do not want to form the chords as easily as he makes it look.
The biggest things I love about this curriculum?
1. Everything is SPELLED OUT! In the event that I am sick, or when David and I go out of town in a few weeks, anyone will be able to take over.
2. The children can self-teach. Really! It's that well planned out!
3. It's completely biblical. All the history and Bible lessons flow together chronologically.
4. Even though I bought more books this year than I have ever bought for school in my life, I was able to buy almost every thing second hand. AND these books are worth keeping. As Charlotte Mason says, "No twaddle".
5. It is leading us into a deeper understanding of who GOD is, it is challenging us to think for ourselves.
' One of the most wonderful things about knowing GOD is that there's always so much more to know, so much more to discover. Just when we least expect it, He intrudes into our neat and tidy notions about who He is and how He works.'
Joni Eareckson Tada
Sep 6, 2009
Happy Birthday Daniel
WOW, Daniel is 13. He was a Labor Day baby in 1996. Our pastor at the time stopped by the hospital on the way out of town to pray with us. Fortunately Daniel had made his entrance by then!
It's hard to believe that only thirteen years ago he was a tiny 7# infant and now he is becoming a young man. (No 'teenagers' allowed in the Gibson household, only young men and ladies).
To celebrate we spent the day with Dad, and went bowling. I think it will soon become a favorite pasttime. We went to Fryes Lake Lanes, where if you go at the right time, (Thursday after 1pm) Eddie will probably be there, and if you ask he will give you tips on improving your game. Eddie is one of those guys who loves the game and wants to see young people do well form the start.
Hopefully the kiddos and I will be able to bowl at least a couple of times a month during the day and David will be able to join us on his days off.
To all my 'FRIENDS' on facebook
I am closing my facebook account. If, in the future, you want to know what I am up to, then please feel free to call me or even write me a letter. I am home most of the time. Since we homeschool, afternoons are best for phone calls, and it does usually take me at least a few days to respond to a letter. But I will respond. And I LOVE getting a real letter in the mail.
If it is urgent, an email is okay, but definitely not my preferred method of communication.
You may be wondering why I am choosing to quite using something so easy to use such as facebook. Did you read the article I linked in my previous post? No? Then here is the link again...http://voices.allthingsd.com/20090825/how-facebook-ruins-friendships/ read it.
If you truly are my friend, then we will work to maintain our relationship. How many people do you have on your 'friends' list. 100? more? Can that many people truly be your friend? Acquaintance maybe, but FRIEND? Come on, people, get real. Friendships take work. Facebook doesn't require any effort.
Neither does blogging for that matter. BUT, I am going to keep my blog, because it is an easy way to get pictures to Aunt C whom we call regularly as well as to other real friends that are now in other states and to whom we either write or call.
So, good-bye Facebook. it was fun for a while, but not worth the isolation that it caused, or the 'fake' friendships that it encouraged.
Join me if you dare in building real relationships, full of life, promise, trust, and encouragement.
Aug 21, 2009
First week of school under our belts...
and it's been a good week. I did not realize how much we were 'unschoolers' until we started following a preplanned curriculum. I love Heart of Dakota! http://www.heartofdakota.com/
I can't say enough about it. It is steeped in the Bible, I think the only class that doesn't use God's Word in some way is math. In fact yesterday on of the kids noticed that everything we read and did pointed back to scripture and commented about it. When I assured them that this was indeed the case, they wondered if it wouldn't be confusing, so I pointed out that everything followed the same timeline, Creation to Christ and now they are seeing how it all ties together.
We are using resources by Ken Ham, Ruth Beechick, and Diana Waring to name a few. We are studying the geography of the holy land and we are using Apologia for science and learning all about zoology.
I do have to admit, the first 2 days, I taught like I was used to doing, and I was exhausted. Then I realized, this curriculum is designed to be done more independently, and why am I making it so hard on myself? With that in mind, the last 2 days have been easier.
We are still not doing everything that is scheduled. One reason is I just discovered that I overlooked the dictation assignment for this week in our Language Arts section. And we are also waiting on the student book to arrive for our reading program. I think that by week 3 we will be up to snuff so to speak.
Even though I'm tired, I'm really pleased with how the kiddos have taken charge of their learning this week. They are getting started on their individual classes on their own, not waiting on me to say 'get to work'. I have a 2-page excel spread sheet that I fill in for them to check off their assignments, it is semi-detailed and has them refer to the teachers manual for specifics. So far this is working well, I'll probably tweak it a little, but my thought was to give me a printed record of what we did this year and also be able to sell my teachers manual to help finance next years books if it is in His will that we continue homeschooling.
Now the only thing I really need to figure out is how to create a spreadsheet for grades. I think David can help me there.
I can't say enough about it. It is steeped in the Bible, I think the only class that doesn't use God's Word in some way is math. In fact yesterday on of the kids noticed that everything we read and did pointed back to scripture and commented about it. When I assured them that this was indeed the case, they wondered if it wouldn't be confusing, so I pointed out that everything followed the same timeline, Creation to Christ and now they are seeing how it all ties together.
We are using resources by Ken Ham, Ruth Beechick, and Diana Waring to name a few. We are studying the geography of the holy land and we are using Apologia for science and learning all about zoology.
I do have to admit, the first 2 days, I taught like I was used to doing, and I was exhausted. Then I realized, this curriculum is designed to be done more independently, and why am I making it so hard on myself? With that in mind, the last 2 days have been easier.
We are still not doing everything that is scheduled. One reason is I just discovered that I overlooked the dictation assignment for this week in our Language Arts section. And we are also waiting on the student book to arrive for our reading program. I think that by week 3 we will be up to snuff so to speak.
Even though I'm tired, I'm really pleased with how the kiddos have taken charge of their learning this week. They are getting started on their individual classes on their own, not waiting on me to say 'get to work'. I have a 2-page excel spread sheet that I fill in for them to check off their assignments, it is semi-detailed and has them refer to the teachers manual for specifics. So far this is working well, I'll probably tweak it a little, but my thought was to give me a printed record of what we did this year and also be able to sell my teachers manual to help finance next years books if it is in His will that we continue homeschooling.
Now the only thing I really need to figure out is how to create a spreadsheet for grades. I think David can help me there.
Jul 2, 2009
Is summer break already over???
Tonight, at 10.30 pm, my children dug out their math books and started working on math for the 2009-2010 school year. Sarah couldn't find the math book she wanted so decided to work on spelling instead.
This after only 4 weeks of "summer break". I am no where near ready to resume teaching. Shoot, I still have to reorganize all the bookcases, order the books we need, and my teacher's guide for next year isn't even going to ship until August 1. (I plan on officially starting on August 17).
Daniel asked if he worked all day tomorrow on books would I count it as school. "NO"!
Sarah is also in the process of writing a preschool curriculum. I'm trying to encourage her to stick with it. After all, isn't that where a lot of the great homeschooling products have come from to begin with? Other homeschoolers? Why shouldn't she be one more author? She loves children and is really good with them. She seems to be a natural teacher. She has some really good ideas, now to get them on paper, organized and eventually submitted to a publisher...
Daniel on the other hand has a mind for computers and music and story telling. Who knows where God will take him with those interests and skills.
During these next few years, we are really focusing on helping them to grow in the areas where they have interests and skill, to become stronger in their weak areas and to grow in their love for Christ and for others. Sometimes it seems that it is all for naught. We cannot see the future. But our Father is in control and we have committed these children to Him from before they were born. They belong to Him. We are only temporary parents, hopefully teaching them to serve and to love as the Father has loved us.
This after only 4 weeks of "summer break". I am no where near ready to resume teaching. Shoot, I still have to reorganize all the bookcases, order the books we need, and my teacher's guide for next year isn't even going to ship until August 1. (I plan on officially starting on August 17).
Daniel asked if he worked all day tomorrow on books would I count it as school. "NO"!
Sarah is also in the process of writing a preschool curriculum. I'm trying to encourage her to stick with it. After all, isn't that where a lot of the great homeschooling products have come from to begin with? Other homeschoolers? Why shouldn't she be one more author? She loves children and is really good with them. She seems to be a natural teacher. She has some really good ideas, now to get them on paper, organized and eventually submitted to a publisher...
Daniel on the other hand has a mind for computers and music and story telling. Who knows where God will take him with those interests and skills.
During these next few years, we are really focusing on helping them to grow in the areas where they have interests and skill, to become stronger in their weak areas and to grow in their love for Christ and for others. Sometimes it seems that it is all for naught. We cannot see the future. But our Father is in control and we have committed these children to Him from before they were born. They belong to Him. We are only temporary parents, hopefully teaching them to serve and to love as the Father has loved us.
Jun 8, 2009
Health Update
Went to see my Doctor today. Good news. No wheezing in my lungs, so no new meds for my asthma, just use my rescue inhaler as needed and call her if I think I'm using it too often. I've lost 12 pounds!! in the past few weeks, that's really exciting for me. Especially since everything else seems to have been going the other direction! She did increase my medicine for my diabetes, BUT it's the same medication and it's one that does NOT cause weight gain, instead it helps with weight loss. That's a good thing.
So, I'm praying for good air quality days so I can be out working in the yard and going for walks with the kids and Oscar. For continued weight loss and improved blood sugars and improved health.
The one thing that continues to be tricky is the migraine disease. We still have to find the perfect combo of preventive and rescue meds. But I hope we are on the right track there as well.
We're on a 2 month school break, so hopefully when we start back on August, I will be feeling better, more organized, and able to be the wife and mom God has called me to be. And if I'm not where I think I should be, I need to remember that God is in control, and His ways are higher than mine.
Blessed be the name of the Lord
So, I'm praying for good air quality days so I can be out working in the yard and going for walks with the kids and Oscar. For continued weight loss and improved blood sugars and improved health.
The one thing that continues to be tricky is the migraine disease. We still have to find the perfect combo of preventive and rescue meds. But I hope we are on the right track there as well.
We're on a 2 month school break, so hopefully when we start back on August, I will be feeling better, more organized, and able to be the wife and mom God has called me to be. And if I'm not where I think I should be, I need to remember that God is in control, and His ways are higher than mine.
Blessed be the name of the Lord
May 17, 2009
Happy Birthday Sarah
Today is Sarah Kate's 11th birthday!
Our pastor announced it at the close of the service before the benediction and since we've only been at the church since the Sunday after Easter, I got a lot of well wishes from folks who mistook me for her, when I corrected them, one lovely grandpa said it was a special day for me as well.
Indeed it is.
Happy Birthday sweetie. We love you.
May 4, 2009
Happy Anniversary
Today marks the 25th anniversary of my first date with my sweet hubby!
In November we will celebrate 20 years of marriage.
That's right we dated for 5 1/2 years.
We both wish we knew then what we know now.
There are a lot of things we should have done differently in the first 15 or so years of our relationship.
But GOD has been patient with me and has grown and changed me.
There are 2 books that GOD in HIS wisdom placed in my life that really had an impact on me.
The first is, "The Excellent Wife" by Martha Peace.
The second is "Sacred Marriage" by Gary Thomas
I chose to read the first book when I was asked to lead a monthly ladies Bible Study at church. Teaching something always has a huge effect on the teacher.
The second book was used as a small group study we were in at another church. It was harder for me. The reading was harder, maybe it was my heart that was not ready to listen. But in the end it is another book I would highly recommend to young couples.
But regardless of the reason those books came into my life, GOD used them to help change my attitude, my thinking, and my life.
So now that I am the "perfect" (NOT), wife... I can tell y'all how to be the perfect Proverbs 31 woman.
NOT A CHANCE!!
May 2, 2009
Thunderstorms
We are having a thunderstorm right now. Oscar, pictured above does not like thunder, he pants and is visibly stressed by it.
Psalm 29
A psalm of David.
1 Ascribe to the LORD, O mighty ones, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of HIS holiness.
3 The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD thunders over the mighty waters.
4 The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic.
5 The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.
6 HE makes Lebanon skip like a calf, Sirion like a young wild ox.
7 The voice of the LORD strikes with flashes of lightning.
8 The voice of the LORD shakes the desert; the LORD shakes the Desert of Kadesh.
9 The voice of the LORD twists the oaks and strips the forests bare. And in his temple all cry, "Glory!"
10 The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD is enthroned as King forever.
11 The LORD gives strength to HIS people; the LORD blesses HIS people with peace.
Personally I enjoy a thunderstorm, when I'm awake. If awakened in the night by one, they at first terrify me. But once awake, I can once again enjoy the voice of the Lord.
Oscar on the other hand is a dog, he will never be able to enjoy the majesty of God's voice in the thunder. He doesn't have the capability of understanding.
But I do.
You do.
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; worship the LORD in the splendor of HIS holiness.
For a wonderful recording of thunder, consider the above mentioned album.
It has a 30 minute track of a thunderstorm. We have it on vinyl, I need to get it for David on CD.
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