Adventures of LEArning4Him.....

To be, or not...........

2010-04-01T00:15:00.000-07:00

It is now the week after Spring Break and the girls are back in school. Hannah actually said the other day, "I love my school." It is nice to hear. Now, when I drop the girls off at school my heart doesn't hurt. I so love to have them home and wish to homeschool again.

Conferences.....

2009-10-23T10:34:00.000-07:00

Just had our first parent/teacher conferences yesterday. Girls are doing ok in school. Grades are good but they've been sick quite a bit and have some missing assignments They seem to be adjusting to the schedule and workload.

Public school, here they come

2009-08-23T08:58:00.000-07:00

With much trepidation on my part, it has been decided that the girls are attending public school starting this fall. Jessica and Hannah will be at Memorial Middle School and Abby will be at Takena Elementary School (just 3 blocks away). They are really excited and Mom needs the break (health is not holding up)

TTL

Wow...

2009-08-04T20:48:00.001-07:00

It has been a long time since my last post. Most of my posting is on facebook now. We had VBS at SACC last week. We got a lot out of it including 3 sick children and a sick me. Still trying to recover.

Anniversary - 15 years

2009-07-09T10:59:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow will be 15 years with the most wonderful man in the world.

Starting school:

2009-06-10T21:08:00.000-07:00

As public school kids get out for the summer we will be launching our summer term. We've had about 6 weeks off and it is time get back at it. The girls are not thrilled.

June

2009-06-02T22:55:00.001-07:00

already!

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-09T17:46:00.001-07:00

To all you mothers out there. Have a happy day. This will be Bryan's first Mother's Day without his Mother. We miss Phyl so much.

Testing done....

2009-05-04T14:05:00.000-07:00

We finally got the girls' testing done this morning. Hannah scored in the 91st percentile and Abby in the 95th percentile for each of their grades. I'm exhausted and hungry.

bloggy love givaway #2 Grow Your Own Groceries ebook

2009-04-28T08:15:00.001-07:00

bloggy love givaway #2 Grow Your Own Groceries ebook

Posted using ShareThis

Testing

2009-04-27T11:09:00.000-07:00

It is that time of year again. Achievement tests for homeschoolers. We're doing practice tests this week.

I still wonder in the state of Oregon why homeschoolers have to test using either the California Achievement Test (CAT), or IOWA test of Basic Skills instead of the test that the public school children take?

2009-04-19T21:13:00.000-07:00

Join in the fun - from the comfort of your own home!

It's easy. Just visit my Consultant's Web site to browse the Pampered Chef® catalog and place your order. You can check out the high-quality products that make cooking and entertaining so much easier.

Hello ladies;

It is that time again. My show is closing in May which is "Help Whip Cancer" month for Pampered Chef. Check out the guest specials for May: $1.00 from each Help Whip Cancer product you purchase will help support the American Cancer Society's breast cancer education and early detection programs.

I WILL ALSO PERSONALLY DONATE $1.00 TO 'HELP WHIP CANCER' FOR EACH PERSON WHO PLACES AN ORDER DURING MY CATALOG SHOW.

For those of you out of town; you can order online and have your stuff sent directly to your address.

If you want to see a catalog, let me know.

Thanks!

Browse & Shop

NOTE: Please place your order prior to my
Show closing date: Fri, May 8, 2009

Your Pampered Chef® Host
Melissa Lea
LEArning4Him@comcast.net

http://www.pamperedchef.biz/mariapc

Catalog Show Details

Orders Due:
Fri, May 8, 2009

Host:
Melissa Lea

Phone:
(541) 619-6366

E-mail:
learning4him@comcast.net

May 2009 Guest Special

Easter

2009-04-15T08:54:00.000-07:00

Easter dinner put together by Bryan while I was in bed. (I did put the ham in the crock pot the night before, though)

We didn't make it to church this Easter but had a wonderful day at home.

Post surgery

2009-04-09T10:13:00.001-07:00

This is me four days after surgery. Looks like someone tried to choke me to death!

Surgery time has come

2009-03-27T08:51:00.000-07:00

Well it is finally here. Time for surgery is 1:00pm on Monday the 30th of March.

projects

2009-03-18T14:10:00.000-07:00

My latest project is a baby dress. Still have to weave in the ends and put on the buttons but I think it turned out pretty nice.

Happy Birthday to me

2009-03-07T19:39:00.000-08:00

42. Can you believe it? and I still feel like I'm 12 and planning a Kentucky horse ranch with my best friend.

Yarn, yarn, everywhere yarn....

2009-03-04T07:06:00.000-08:00

Ok I admit it. I have a thing for yarn. Can't have enough especially when I don't know what I want to make next nor what colors I'll need. My husband doesn't get this!? I've been busy making baby beanies & booties, wrist warmers, kitchen stuff and whatever else tickles my fancy at the time. These are a few of the little animals I have made. I'm working on a pink piggy right now. Can't wait to see how it turns out.

Baby stuff

2009-02-16T11:13:00.001-08:00

This is a picture of a baby 'snuggy' blanket, booties, & hat I made for our former youth pastor and his wife and new baby girl.

So it's been a while!

2009-02-10T07:43:00.000-08:00

We've been busy since the new year started. Abby turned 9 in January and Jessica turned 13 in February. Where has the time gone?

Winter has been trying this year:
We battled a flooding basement with the torrential rains. Finally got it under control. Who in their right mind would put in a basement where it rains so much?
We've had our share of sicknesses. Mostly head & sinus.

We're now in the planning stage of some backyard updates this Spring and Summer. The girls have pretty much outgrown their swingset (I'd say!) so it really needs to go. That would leave me room for a lovely pond; however, I haven't convinced Bryan yet. A pergola is in order for our BBQ and entertaining area. Tired of having our picnic canopies destroyed by the wind, we are. They always end up on top of the fence or in the neighbor's yard!

New Year's Eve

2008-12-31T07:13:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it? Already?

Our Christmas dinner table.

The girls on Christmas morning with their Webkinz that Santa brought them.

Our visit to "Storybook Land" this year.

Merry Christmas from our House to Yours

2008-12-17T10:49:00.000-08:00

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11

The year has been for the most part, a great one for us, with the exception of the passing of Bryan’s beloved Mother, Phyllis in June.

2008 has nearly come to a close, with the children (sans Jessica, who is too “old”) performing in the church Christmas musical “Donkey Tales”. Hannah was one of the 4 lead characters and a soloist. Abby had a couple stints as a dancer. Melissa was the house seamstress.

A few of our highlights:

In April, Bryan had his second shoulder surgery, which will now limit his chances of making the next Olympic gymnastics team (age could be a factor as well!).

Summer was filled with several camping trips. Hiking, biking, fishing and family and friends.

Our Shih Tzu “Mocha” wanted a dog, so we adopted a blonde Shih Tzu “Tia”. Now if we can just get him to clean up after her!

Melissa continues to homeschool the children while Bryan instructs them in music.

Hannah and Abby participated in a week long “Safety Camp” sponsored by the local police & fire departments in July.

Jessica and Hannah attended a 3-day overnight 4-H outdoor school camp in September.

Melissa attended the annual Women’s Weekend sponsored by our church.

The girls and Melissa took part in the Salvation Army bell ringing on the day after Thanksgiving.

Christmas Cactus

2008-12-02T09:05:00.001-08:00

Here's a picture of my Thanksgiving Cacti. For whatever reason they bloom at this time each year. Why they can't hold off until Christmas, I don't know.

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

2008-11-11T16:49:00.001-08:00

Princess Tia

2008-10-10T07:49:00.000-07:00

Tia is the newest addition to our household. She's a sweetheart although Mocha is not sure about her.

Values-Driven giveaway

2008-10-07T08:03:00.000-07:00

My friends over at Values-Driven Family are having a HUGE yard sale this weekend, but I saved aside a few of my very favorite resources that I want to GIVE AWAY to one of you!

I'm hoping to keep you all better updated on things via our blog (my posting lately has been rather non-existent), so if you will visit our blog and leave a comment on any of the posts written between today (October 7) and Friday (October 10th), I'll enter you to win ALL of these great resources:

"The Wise Woman's Guide to Blessing Her Husband's Vision" Vision Forum 2-CD set by Doug Phillips (listened to once or twice, still in fine condition from what I can tell)

3 gently used books by Emilie Barnes: "The Creative Home Organizer," "More Hours in my Day," and "15 Minute Home and Family Organizer."

3 like-new books by Elizabeth George: "Life Management for BusyWomen," "A Woman after God's Own Heart," and "Beautiful in God's Eyes"
New (with some shelf dust) "Mom" Bible study: "Finding Joy in All You Are" by Jean Syswerda, AND

Some NEW resources from Doorposts: The Blessings Chart, The Brother-Offended Checklist, "Go to the Ant" chart, and a gently used "Checklist for Parents: Questions and Scripture for Self-Examination."

If you post about the giveaway on your blog, I will enter your name THREE times! Just link directly to my blog post and mention in your comment that you did so, leaving a link back to your blog entry.

In other news, I am new to Facebook. Find me and add me as a friend so we can get to know each other better online! :)

Finally, we are participating in a benefit for Hopeful Farm, a retreat for homeschool families with children with special needs. It's going on until November 27th, if you'd like to check it out--you will get tons of excellent e-products from Christian publishers like Cindy Rushton, Jill Novak, and more. Visit www.hopefulfarmfoundation.org/benefit.html for more information.

See you again in a couple of weeks--don't forget to stop by the blog for your chance to win a bunch of great stuff!

Blessings,

Cindy Carrier

Values-Driven, 929 S. Waggoner Rd., Paragon IN 46166

Easter Lily?

2008-10-03T16:51:00.000-07:00

Stairs

2008-09-09T07:53:00.001-07:00

Our stairs are almost finished. This is looking from the living room to the entrance of the staircase.

Here's looking down the staircase.

Another camping trip

2008-08-15T09:33:00.000-07:00

This time in Florence. The girls & the dog had a great time on the sand dunes. I don't remember them being so tall and steep!!!!!!!! I thought I was going to die trying to climb them. The ocean was beautiful as always. Of course it was foggy, windy and cold.

Here we are after climbing the dunes. Wondering how I'm going to get down. The girls rolled down. Look like fun but decided at my age I may hurt myself.

The girls are looking for newts. They actually found one and Jessica almost dove into the water to catch it.

I AM NOT A CAMPING DOG!!!
(don't know why my people can't understand that. "I'm bred to be cute, not camp!") And look at this ridiculous 'sweater' mom made me. I look like like underdog. (It did keep me warm, though)

So what's new?

2008-08-06T09:37:00.000-07:00

You may be asking. Well, we (Mom and the girls) went camping for 5 days with a friend and her 3 children in the middle of July where Jessica caught her first trout (11 1/4").

The last week of July, Jessica and Mom volunteered, teaching 5th grade crafts, for a week during VBS at church while Abby and Hannah participated in their grade level classes.

We have at least one more camping trip scheduled before school starts, a wedding to go to the next weekend and a wedding reception to attend the next. Then there is Labor Day. I have school scheduled to start on the 15th of September

Happy 14th Anniversary!!!

2008-07-10T22:22:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it has been 14 years already? This one is Ivory. Bryan got me an ivory colored microfleece blanket for couch snuggling and an ivory rose. Beautiful. I got him a memory foam pillow, ivory colored of course.

Camping.

2008-07-03T15:46:00.000-07:00

The Lea family on another camping trip. This time at Cascadia and the weather was beautiful, warm but not too hot, no rain, didn't freeze at night. Bryan took the girls fishing for the very first time. They didn't catch anything but fun was had by all.

Gramma Phyllis

2008-06-29T21:12:00.000-07:00

We planted a living memorial to Bryan's mom, Phyllis, who passed away June 17th after a short battle with colon cancer.

Phyllis Faye Lea

Phyllis F. Lea passed away Tuesday afternoon, June 17, 2008 after brief illness. Her husband was a tender rock for her and an inspiration to all of us during her illness. She and Dick are long time residents of Billings. She was born in Stevensville, Montana to George T. Wickham and Violet Wickham in 1929. After living in Hamilton for a couple of years, the family returned to Stevensville. Phyllis graduated high school in Stevensville and attended college in Dillon. She eloped with Dick in 1948 much to the chagrin of her father. They started a family while Dick attended the University of Montana in Missoula on the G.I. bill. Eventually they made their home in Missoula. Her passion always was to have children. Her devotion to her family was her greatest commitment and accomplishment. She was a constant foundational presence in the lives of her children and will remain so in death. (She was a particular stickler for grammar and table manners in our formative years!) We could always make her laugh. She had a life long love of reading and music which she passed on to her children. In her later years she was a painter and avid golfer. For years she was a daily fixture at the gym. She learned yoga, worked with weights and treadmill and loved socializing. She was in her element meeting new people. We always said she could talk to a lamp pole. She loved her organ. She enjoyed peaceful evenings in the sanctuary of her garden and yard. Dick added many elements to that sanctuary which delighted her. She even took an occasional turn on the big swing in the yard. Saturday was her shopping day and she always stopped for a latte, bantering with the staff, before coming home. She had a great affection for animals of all kinds, She enthusiastically mothered several small dogs throughout the years. She left us just a few months shy of their 60th wedding anniversary. Our wife and mother pushed through life's many challenges with grit and unyielding perseverance. We are her living legacies. We hope we've made you proud, mama.

Phyllis is survived by her beloved husband, Richard H. (Dick) Lea, three children, Peggy Bargmeyer, Tucson, Arizona, Dan Lea, Belgrade, Bryan Lea, Albany, Oregon; seven grandchildren, Paula Flatt, Livingston, Jesse Lea, Belgrade, Amy Olson, Butte, Zack Lea, Belgrade, Jessica, Hannah and Abby, Albany; and four great-grandchildren, Jacob and Ashley, Butte and Haylee and Piper, Belgrade. She is also survived by her much loved sister, Patti Hellman, Lakeside and two nieces, Susan and Jill. Adoring and adored by every single one. We are honored to call ourselves her family.

There will be no public service. The family will gather to celebrate her life at a later time. Memorial tributes may be made to the Humane Society. Cremation will take place. Arrangements are in the care of Dahl Funeral Chapel. Memories and condolences may be made to the family at www.dahlfuneralchapel.com .

A day at the Oregon Coast

2008-06-11T21:43:00.000-07:00

Aquarium, that is. We took a trip to Newport today. The girls and I really enjoyed the new exhibits at the aquarium. As always, we had to take the picture of the girls on the playground. I need to dig out the others from the past 7 years.

Camping in the rain.

2008-05-30T07:24:00.000-07:00

There's really nothing like it and I prefer not to do it. However, seems like every time we go I choose the weekend it rains! This is us Memorial Day weekend making 'smores in the rain.

Here's a big slug the girls found on our hike. The girls found a newt.

Finally warm.

2008-05-15T07:36:00.000-07:00

Wow. It has finally warmed up around here. I spent most of the day yesterday planting flowers, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and zucchini. Here's a picture of me and the girls with my yellow Rhodie, Tulips and Mother's Day rose bush.

Tase of Home Entertaining - Spring Celebration Party FREE COOKBOOK

2008-05-07T16:03:00.000-07:00

I’m hosting a party with Taste of Home Entertaining and would love to have you there to celebrate with me! The exclusive line of high quality products will inspire your entertaining, and give you great tools and serving pieces to help you prepare and present meals with style and ease.

Every customer can get a free Celebrations Cookbook with your purchase of $29.96 or more!!!

You can preview the Spring catalog here.

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Check out Thereses Monthly Newsletter Here

15 years ago . . .

2008-05-06T23:35:00.000-07:00

on May 5, 1993 I met my wonderful husband. We've now been married almost 14 years. I thank God every day for bringing this man into my life. Here's a picture of us at our meeting place and favorite restaurant, Mazatlan, in Pendleton. I think this was taken before we were married.

HSS contest

2008-04-07T07:39:00.000-07:00

It is that time of year again. Homeschool Share is holding their annual Back to School Blast (a curriculum drive in the form of a contest)! Click on the above button to go to their website and check out their contest.

Oregon drawings

2008-04-01T12:21:00.000-07:00

The girls have drawn some pictures to enter the OSU Agriculture in the Classroom calendar contest.

Flowers, flowers, flowers

2008-03-25T07:51:00.000-07:00

We've got some beautiful flowers in bloom and I've rediscovered I'm allergic to an awful lot of them. Especially Lilies and Daffodils.

My 41st birthday came and went with little fanfare but I had a wonderful day with my family.

Our next project . . .

2008-03-19T07:42:00.000-07:00

Spring is almost here. The flowers and trees are blooming, my allergies are wreaking havoc, and the bugs are coming out of hibernation. It is also time to embark on our next learning project. What is it going to be? Not sure yet. We'll do a short Easter project then move into another unit study. I think the girls would enjoy the American Girls unit I just purchased. Maybe a science study. Maybe birds. Maybe bees. Maybe veterinary science. One thing's for sure, we best hop to it if we're going to get this school year finished!!!

Have a good one!

Last one in

2008-03-18T17:06:00.000-07:00

The last musher reaches Nome. "The 2008 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race officially ended at 8:36 this Evening. . . ."

Iditarod, again

2008-03-12T12:33:00.000-07:00

We've been watching the Iditarod for 11 days (9 officially) and we now have several finishers. Lance Mackey was the first into Nome, again. We've been keeping an eye on the webcam and have caught glimpses of teams coming in, as the webcam takes still pictures that refresh every minute. It would be great to have live-action streaming video but we didn't want to spring for the insider membership.

We've learned more than we set out to learn through these past 6 weeks. The girls have put together a 'lapbook' on Sled Dogs, the Iditarod and our musher, Rachael Scdoris and her dog team. They are plugging along, staying healthy and having a great time.

We've got a couple more days until the last team comes in. They are awarded a "Red Lantern". (A red lantern is awarded to the last musher to finish. The longest time for a Red Lantern was 32 days, 15 hours, nine minutes and one second by John Schultz in 1973. The quickest Red Lantern musher was David Straub with a time of 14 days, 5 hours, 38 minutes and 12 seconds.)

Iditarod

2008-03-04T07:55:00.000-08:00

We've been preparing to follow the race for about a month. The girls decided to make their own 'dog sled team' out of their webkinz. They have a bear from Hawaii in the 'sled'. I bet he's cold.

The musher we are following is from Bend, OR and is legally blind and has a past winner as her 'visual interpreter'. She's plugging along and doing great. Go, Rachel, go!

Flowers in bloom!!!

2008-02-11T21:49:00.000-08:00

We had sunshine today, enough for me to get outside and clear some flower beds. The crocuses are blooming and the tulips and daffodils are up.

Unfortunately my shoes were wet and I slipped and fell down the front steps and hit my head. I'm a klutz normally but this is ridiculous.

Mush! Gee! Haw!

2008-02-06T19:09:00.000-08:00

Our school has joined the eIditarod 2008 project. We will be learning about dog sledding and following our chosen musher, Rachael Scdoris and her team throughout the race. We chose her because she is from Bend, Oregon, is only 22 years old, and is legally blind. We'll be tracking her team at each checkpoint from Willow to Nome, Alaska. Above is our wall map we'll be using throughout this virtual journey.

Homeschool your child for free....

2008-01-29T07:01:00.000-08:00

Good morning, all! I've come down with a miserable cold that has settled in my chest. I think the girls have it, too.

Anyway, to the topic at hand. If you are interested in "Homeschooling Your Child for Free", Dori over at Oakes Academy of Excellence has a wonderful website full of school stuff. She works very hard putting things together so we don't have to spend an arm and a leg to teach our children. Go on over and check out her site.

God bless you all and we'll try to have a great adventure today.

When did this happen?

2008-01-16T07:23:00.000-08:00

OK! It just hit me today (I'm a little slow on the uptake), I have not 1, not 2, but 3 tween girls!!!

Life is going to get real exciting at our house!

We Are Those Freaky Homeschoolers

2008-01-01T18:42:00.000-08:00

OK, ok, ok!!! I've finally come across a blog (thank you Suzanne) in which I can truly relate to. Over at Barefoot Meandering's blog there is a post called "We Are Those Freaky Homeschoolers". It is great. You gotta check it out.

Happy New Year!!!

2008-01-01T15:27:00.001-08:00

Here's a picture of the New Year's spread
we put together today. Just taking the day off
and getting ready for the new year. (That's Diet Pepsi in the glass)

Merry Christmas to all. . . .

2007-12-25T20:50:00.000-08:00

We have had a wonderful celebration of our Savior's birth complete with a birthday cake.

We are all very tired as sleep did not come easy last night.

Hannah Montana

2007-12-20T15:10:00.000-08:00

Hannah just got a Hannah Montana wig and looks rather cute in it.

Face Painting

2007-12-16T21:20:00.001-08:00

Abby went with a friend to a pizza parlor in town where they do face painting. She is a "Christmas Tiger" and her friend is the "Grinch"

Another project done.

2007-12-12T11:23:00.000-08:00

I just got Mom's lap blanket finished. Our Shih Tzu, Mocha, thinks it is his.

The mess before the celebration!

2007-12-11T08:19:00.001-08:00

We sat down in the middle of the living room floor yesterday to wrap gifts to be sent to our families. Bryan is taking the picture and yes he helped wrap. He also took them to the post office. What a sweetie.

Sunday, the girls and I went over to a friends house to make Christmas candy and cookies.

This is the lapghan I made for Bryan's mom. It is made with Sensations Rainbow Classic Yarn- Bright Multi and worked up really soft and warm. Also pictured is Bryan's new recliner.

12 blogs of Christmas

2007-12-11T07:33:00.000-08:00

I am participating in the "12 blogs of Christmas" contest sponsored by Homeschool Estore.
Here is my contest entry for the blog "Just Some Stuff" by tnmomwith3kids

How many children do you have / homeschool? We have 3 beautiful girls and homeschool them all.
How long have you been homeschooling? Our oldest daughter will be 12 in February and we have been homeschooling forever (it seems).
Have they always been homeschooled, or did they ever go to public/private school? They have always been homeschooled.
Do you plan on homeschooling until graduation? Yes (Lord willing)
Do you belong to a co-op? Yes
Do you school all year long, or use some other schedule? It depends on how the year has gone. We try to school all year long taking breaks when needed.
Do you use textbooks only, or do you like to supplement with other materials? We don't use a lot of textbooks. We like notebooking, lapbooking, and hands-on projects.
Are field trips included in your school plans, or are they just family time? Since we try to capture 'teachable moments' anywhere, we try to include field trips in our plans.
Do you and your kids do crafty stuff together for school time? Yes.
Would you consider everyday household life stuff ‘home ec’? Absolutely!!!
Do you have any advice for new homeschoolers? When you think you can't go on, remember that we have all been there (or are there at this moment). #1 piece of advice: Have a support system of other homeschoolers and don't be afraid to talk to them about troubles they have. Some families look like "perfect homeschooling families" on the outside but you'd be surprised to find out that they have bad days (weeks, months), too.
Do you have advice for homeschoolers with little ones under foot? Include them as much as they want to be included. Give them safe things to play with while schooling. If they are having a bad day use it to show the older ones how to care for an upset little one.

Ladies Christmas Tea

2007-12-03T15:04:00.001-08:00

Here are some pictures of our recent Christmas tea held at our church.

Day before Thanksgiving...

2007-11-21T14:42:00.000-08:00

and all through the house the children are running and creating a rouse.

The sun is shining, I have pumpkin cranberry bread in the oven and stuff on the table waiting to make my Pumpkin layer cheesecake. There are yummy smells of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and pumpkin.

Picture of me.

2007-11-16T07:45:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of me on my 40th birthday. (I think) Paula over at On A Rainy Night challenged us to post a picture of ourselves.

Rainy days and nights...

2007-11-10T08:07:00.001-08:00

It rained really hard last night. I hope we don't get water backed up into our basement (again). I guess that's what you get having a basement in the Willamette Valley.

Today is my brother and sister's (not twins) birthday. He's 42 and she's 38. Wow, seems just like yesterday we were walking through the snow to the school bus stop.

Today's lesson . . .

2007-11-09T07:13:00.000-08:00

How to wash dishes by hand. Haven't done that in years. Our dishwasher quit running yesterday so we will use this as a 'teachable moment'.

Our middle daughter just turned 10 last Saturday. I'm still trying to recover from the sleepover! I'm just not as young as I used to be.

Corn Maze & pumpkin picking...

2007-10-30T10:51:00.000-07:00

It has been a couple of weeks since our outing; but, here are some photos of us at Davis Family Farm in Corvallis. We went out with a few friends and the kids played on the hay pyramid; we went through the corn maze (and got lost); and then sojourned out to the pumpkin patch to select just the right pumpkins.

Hey, my first award!

2007-10-18T08:49:00.000-07:00

Thank you Paula (over at On A Rainy Night) for my first Blogger award. Paula, you are so special to me and I am honored that you thought of me! This award was created by Sultana to honor those people who make the blogging community better. The one's who always stop by your site for a little visit and leave a comment. You know, the people that make you feel that someone is out there and that they care.

Women's retreat

2007-10-15T21:19:00.000-07:00

I spent last weekend with women from our church at our annual Women's Retreat. It was a great time of worship, fellowship, prayer and Bible study. We stay at Aldersgate Conference Center in Turner, Oregon. This is a picture from inside the 'Fireside' Room where we held our meetings. A good time was had by all.

Crochet projects

2007-10-15T21:15:00.000-07:00

I've been busy making things. This is my triangle fringed prayer shawl. It was fun to make and it's cozy.

Camping

2007-09-25T07:11:00.001-07:00

We decided to brave the weather and take a little camping trip last week. There were two days of good weather stuck in between not-so-good days. We went to Cascadia State Park just outside of Sweet Home. It was beautiful; really cold at night; but, well worth the trip. The girls played in the river and caught a crawdad, tiny fish and a baby Garter snake.
This is my husband trying to warm up by the early morning fire. Doesn't he look like a camper-dude?

We were visited by a Spotted Owl who kept eyeing our dog until Mocha got up and the owl saw he was too big to carry off. He sat in a tree not 5 feet from us next to the picnic table. It was really neat.

It didn't rain on us this time!!!

2007-09-12T15:02:00.000-07:00

The Name Game...

Copied (with general permission of course!) from Paula at On A Rainy Night

The Name Game

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car),
Tippy Astro

2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie),
Cheesecake Oatmeal

3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name),
M-LEA

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal),
Purple Pig

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born),
Kaye LaGrande

6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first),
Lea-Me

7. SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink),
The Yellow Margarita

8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers),
Walter Wilbur

9. STRIPPER NAME: ( the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy),
Lavender Dove

10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names ),
Kay Henry

And a few more…

11. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter),
Falk Fresno

12. SPY NAME/BOND GIRL: (your favorite season/holiday, flower).
Autumn Rose

13. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”)
Peach Tankie

14. HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree),
Banana Aspen

15. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”),
The Crochet Sunny Tour

16. YOUR WRITING PERSONA NAME: (The name your parents "almost" gave you + your Grandmothers maiden name)
'I don't know' Armon

Well that was interesting....

The braces saga continues

2007-09-12T06:45:00.000-07:00

Went to the orthodontist yesterday. Had my wire changed and made impressions for a bite plate and inserted spacers around my bottom molars (ouch!). This bite plate is supposed to sit on my upper palate and open my bite. I get it and my bottom braces on in 2 weeks.

Back to School

2007-09-04T13:50:00.000-07:00

Here it is the first day of the 2007/08 school year. Not much else to say.

Camping

2007-08-23T21:44:00.000-07:00

The girls and I went camping with a friend and her 3 children from Sunday night until about Noon on Wednesday. It rained really hard all day Monday. Imagine that, 6 children, ages 7, 7, 9, 9, 11, & 11, with leaking tents, soaking wet... Tuesday was warm and sunny. We spent the day at Foster Lake and then the river. We came home Wednesday tired & sore. Forgot to take my camera so no pictures.

Can you believe....

2007-08-17T21:49:00.000-07:00

We are more than half way through August??????? We've got school scheduled to start in 2 weeks. I'm excited about the new school year! Hope the girls are.

The girls and I are going camping with a friend and her 3 children from Sunday to Wednesday while Bryan stays home and does a few projects. We're praying it doesn't rain. We couldn't have picked a weekend with worse weather. Oh well, it is supposed to be warm enough.

5 Things Meme

2007-07-31T07:43:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by Paula over at On A Rainy Night.... to join in the "5 Things" meme.
Here we go:

5 THINGS I LIKE:
Hummingbirds flitting around
Sitting on the front porch with my Love watching the sunset
Family BBQ's
Schooling my girls
Fall time

5 THINGS I WAS DOING 10 YEARS AGO:
Turned 30
Being Pregnant with child #2
Living in Pendleton, Oregon
Moving into our new house
Working part-time as a Juvenile Probation Counselor

5 FAVORITE SNACKS
Pudding cups - butterscoth!
Dark Chocolate Truffels!!!
Ice Cream
Chips & Salsa (don't tell my orthodontist)
BBQ French Fries from C-ZR's drive-in in Elgin ~ Yeah, Paula ;o)

5 SONGS YOU KNOW ALL THE WORDS TOO;
The Devil Went Down To Georgia - Charlie Daniels
Almost any Alabama song
Country Boy- John Denver
Any of the children's musical songs from the past 5 years!!!
I Can Only Imagine - MercyMe

5 THINGS YOU WILL NEVER WEAR AGAIN:
Plaid pants
Size 4 pants
Satin bell bottom pants with Shawn Cassidy's picture on the leg
Any other bell bottom pants
Moon boots - remember those?

5 THINGS YOU WOULD DO IF YOU WERE A MILLIONARE:
Move to the country
Buy a Hummer
Buy a Mustang
Buy a cabin at Wallowa Lake
Buy a vacation home in Hawaii

I tag YOU!!

Pay It Forward...

2007-07-30T08:02:00.000-07:00

Here's a great challenge I found and joined over on Paula's blog.

Here's how this one works:
1. Sign up here in my comments section as one of three people to join me in this challenge.
2. I will make you a handmade gift and send it on it's merry way to you. (I have one year to complete this task. I think I can do that.)
3. You will post this Pay It Forward challenge on your blog and also make a gift for your three people. You will recieve one gift from me, and pay it forward by making gifts for three others.

I hope there are 3 of you who would like to join me.

County Fair Time

2007-07-19T21:24:00.000-07:00

Took the girls to the Linn County Fair today as it was free admission day. Brought back memories of me and my best friend Paula running around our county fair. It's not quite the same to attend a fair as it is to be involved in one.

I did partake in my yearly dose of pink cotton candy.

Where's Ty?

2007-07-12T08:55:00.000-07:00

We have Extreme Makeover: Home Edition just outside of Corvallis this week. We went to the jobsite on Monday to see them clean up the demolition. It was really exciting to see all the blue shirts. We've signed up to help but haven't gotten a call yet. We're going to head back to see if we can help build or something. I can't wait to see the house. Reveal is on Saturday.

HOT!!!

2007-07-12T08:41:00.000-07:00

"Is it hot in here, or is it just me?" A question I ask regularly, usually to the answer of, "It's you." But, it really IS hot now with several days at near 100*. PTL we decided to get an air conditioner.

It is interesting to be 40 years old and not one of the 'young ladies' at church. You know how the 'older ladies' are supposed to "be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God." (Titus 2:3-5) ? It was a shock to realize that when the 'older ladies' were talking about the 'young ladies' they weren't talking to me. 'Cause I'm in the 'middle-aged' group. WOW!!! Just my thoughts for this morn.

I am my beloved’s....

2007-07-10T08:05:00.000-07:00

And my beloved is mine. Song of Solomon 6:3

Today is our 13th anniversary. I can hardly believe how the time has flown.

Back to school, back to work

2007-06-27T08:03:00.001-07:00

Bryan's recovery is going well so off to work he went yesterday. I pray he doesn't push it too hard. His arm was sore yesterday when he got home.

Also, back to school for the rest of us. The girls had great attitudes and finished their work in no time. We went out into the back yard and gave the dog a bath in the wading pool, cleaned out the pool and set it under the slide. The girls had a blast. The dog however, not so much. After he was dry I proceeded to cut his hair. He's much cooler now.

The afternoon found us at the library for story time. It was Junk Food Fest! They had a puppet show, a story, and named junk food from A-Z. Fun was had during the 'push the butterscotch across the floor with your nose' game and the bubble gum blowing contest. There was caramel stacking, pretzel dropping, remember the 10 things on the tray, and junk food art.

Today, we'll get some work done, have lunch and hit the park with the wading pool (just 1 1/2 blocks away) for the afternoon.

Oregon Coast

2007-06-20T21:07:00.000-07:00

Today we took the day off and sauntered over to the Oregon Coast Aquarium. We really enjoyed the exhibits, especially the "touch pool". Of course the "Passages of the Deep" is always a favorite. The sharks are getting big.

On the way home we stopped at Beverly Beach and tried not to freeze to death (it was only 52) while we explored the beach.

Got home to Albany to a beautiful 82 degrees!

Saga of the braces.....

2007-06-09T09:40:00.000-07:00

Got my braces on Monday. Monday night while grinding my teeth as I slept, I knocked off 2 of my bottom brackets. Another hour at the orthodontist on Tuesday to put the brackets back on. Tuesday night..... you guessed it. I knocked the same 2 brackets off. So on Wednesday they took all my bottom brackets off. Wow does my mouth hurt. Couldn't chew for 3 days (lost some weight so I'm not complaining much). Now I definately have empathy for the girls.

Raining today. Supposed to be nice again starting tomorrow.

Braces

2007-06-04T17:49:00.000-07:00

Today I joined the ranks of adults with braces. I keep reminding myself that when done it will all be worth it. Right now it hurts. Oh well......

Looking back...

2007-05-31T20:45:00.000-07:00

As this is the last day of May 2007, I look back with fondness at the first part of this year. We had birthdays in January, February, March and April. The girls endured their mandated testing (they both passed, yeah!) in May. We've seen snow, rain, sun, and wind. We've been cold and yesterday we installed a new air conditioner. We've had some marvelous field trips with our homeschool group.

Bryan goes in for surgery on his shoulder tomorrow morning. I'll be about 4 months until he can use it normally again. I get to be in charge of mowing the lawn and whacking the weeds. Should be fun since I enjoy whacking things. :o)

Memorial Day

2007-05-29T21:29:00.000-07:00

Officially, Memorial Day is tomorrow. However, this past weekend our family travelled to Eastern Oregon to celebrate with family and friends. Saturday we drove up to Wallowa Lake to drop Bryan off for a weekend of camping with a friend. On Sunday the girls, my mom and I went to Elgin Christian Church and then to the cemeteries in Elgin and Wallowa to decorate the graves of lost loved ones. The girls saw where their great-grandparents are buried and heard stories about them. We spent time wandering around reminiscing about the people no longer with us noticing the American flags among the gravestones.

We decorated the grave of my mom's best friend with a bouquet of lilacs, iris, and peonies in a teapot. It's hard to believe it has been almost 9 years since she's been gone.

22 years...

2007-05-24T07:54:00.000-07:00

As the girls were writing the date on their schoolwork yesterday, I thought to myself "Self, you graduated high school 22 years ago today!" WOW!!!

Testing Day

2007-05-18T09:36:00.000-07:00

Jessica (grade 5) and Hannah (grade 3) completed their state mandated testing yesterday. I find it interesting that homeschoolers have to take the 3hr CAT5 (California Achievement Test version 5) and public schoolers take a much easier Oregon test with as few as 35 questions.

Mother's Day

2007-05-13T21:52:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful Mother's Day today. The girls and Bryan served me eggs benedict in bed with a bouquet of pink carnations and a "Mom" locket. They made a huge card for me. Bryan and I worked with the K-5th graders at church and then we all had brunch at a friends house. It was a completely terrific day!

Reptiles and Amphibians

2007-05-02T07:58:00.000-07:00

Our adventure yesterday consisted of a 2 1/2 hour tour of a local wildlife area. The girls really enjoyed the tour and the catching of tadpoles, caterpillers, bugs and snakes. I think they liked walking in the icky pond water the best.

We found a Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus):
http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~titus/herp/punctatus.html
A Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis): http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~titus/herp/sirtalis.html
A Pacific Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenife): http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~titus/herp/catenifer.html
A Northwestern Garter Snake (Thamnophis ordinoides): http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~titus/herp/ordinoides.html

The weather held out for us. It was cloudy with the threat of rain; however, the rain didn't show up until after the field trip. Yeah!

Triathlon pics

2007-04-23T08:58:00.000-07:00

Well, we finished the triathlon. Bryan placed 1st in his division (Male, 50-59, Mountain Bike), and our team placed 1st in our division (Relay, Mountain Bike). The weater was great, except for the wind on the bike route, not too hot or cold and no rain!

Albany Sprint Triathlon

2007-04-21T09:36:00.000-07:00

Triathlon is tomorrow. Bryan will swim (750 meters), I will bike (20k), and Bryan will run (5k). It is supposed to be below 60 degrees with a shower or two. I hope it decides not to rain during my biking. That can be pretty miserable. I also pray that the wind isn't blowing.

Beautiful weather

2007-04-07T09:45:00.000-07:00

We took advantage of the wonderful weather yesterday with a drive, a hike and a picnic at Soda Springs. We're a day away from Easter and 2 weeks from the Albany Sprint Triathlon. Bryan will be swimming, I will bike and he will run. Should be fun. I'm in no shape to do the whole thing this year but am determined to be next year. I'm still trying to get my asthma and allergies under control. Breathing is an important part life.

Hobbies

2007-03-21T08:53:00.000-07:00

I've been crocheting a lot during the past few months. I made dishcloths, coasters, blankets for family at Christmas time. I've been working on slippers but haven't quite got them figured out yet. I'm not sure exactly how to read some of the patterns. As I am a self-taught crocheter I can't ask the teacher. Well, I could ask the teacher but would probably end up in a huge debate :o) The latest projects have been cotton coasters, pot holders, 12" granny squares and head hugger caps. I took a short knitting lesson in January and did manage to make a really cool scarf. Now if knitting needles had hooks on the end so the stitch didn't fall off, I'd do much better . Oh, well. Time to get the kids going on schoolwork. Testing is coming up for my 2 oldest in May so we'd better get busy with practicing and making sure we don't miss anything that is going to be on the test. Have a beautiful day!!!

Hello Spring

2007-03-21T08:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the first day of Spring. Thank you Jesus!!! Of course it was raining. But to have the flowers and the green grass you have to put up with a bit of rain. My flowers are beautiful right now. (I hope they didn't freeze to death last night.)

My favorite colors are pink and purple (lavendar) and with a little yellow thrown in... WOW!!!

Happy Birthday to me!!!

2007-03-08T07:27:00.000-08:00

Well, its here. My 40th. My parents sent me a coffee mug that says: "I'D RATHER BE 40 THAN PREGNANT". Amen to that!!! Should be another rainy day in Oregon. 40 years ago we were having the worst snow storm of the winter.

Running Around Like.....

2007-03-07T09:35:00.000-08:00

a chicken with it's head cut off. A Tuesday in the life of this homeschool family. The girls, dog & I went for a 30-minute walk in the morning as the sun was shining and forecast called for rain later in the day. (My husband and I are training for the Albany Sprint Triathlon.) After returning home the girls got out their 'school boxes' and chose what they were going to work on as I took a shower. Lunch time was upon us faster than we had anticipated. We quickly threw lunch together and headed out the door for Corvallis where the girls are taking classes with our homeschool co-op. My two older girls are taking a craft class where they learned to use fabric to create a scenic picture. They've also done a tye-dye t-shirt, removed color from a t-shirt and stamped/painted on a t-shirt. Our youngest daughter is taking a Spanish class and is loving it. Mom is a helper in the craft class.

Spring is definitely on the way. My Daffodils and Rhodies are blooming like crazy. I spent the weekend planting primroses, trimming rose bushes, and pulling weeds. Meanwhile my husband spent time painting and finishing up some wallpapering projects.

I guess I should get off the computer and get the school day started.

In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb ..................

2007-03-01T07:39:00.000-08:00

Well here it is the 1st of March. We had some snow, hail, wind, and rain yesterday. The girls went outside to "play in the snow" and got soaked to the bone. They had fun. My daffodils are blooming and my allergies are booming. Crocuses can't figure out why it is so cold. Can't wait til Spring.

Approaching 40..........

2007-02-23T09:31:00.000-08:00

Well, here it is almost the end of February. Just like normal, we had a few nice days of shirt-sleeve weather and a week later it was back to scraping ice off the car windows. My oldest daughter just turned 11 and I'm turning 40 in March! Life goes by fast!!!

This is the day the LORD has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!

Finally warming up a bit

2007-01-19T11:50:00.000-08:00

After our little cold spell this past week, it is finally warming up. It is 42 degrees which actually feels warm. Isn't Oregon grand? Don't like the weather? Wait 5 minutes and it will change. You know you live in Oregon if you use your heater and air-conditioner on the same day!!! I praise the Lord we don't live in the Portland area. They really got the ice and snow. Of course growing up in the Blue Mountains of Eastern Oregon, I know what real snow is. It is quite entertaining to watch people try to drive and/or walk on solid ice. I do pray for the people who were hurt during this storm.

New Year

2007-01-09T22:07:00.000-08:00

Well, here it is 2007 already. My youngest just turned 7 and my oldest will turn 11 in 3 weeks. Their sister turned 9 in November. We've had a restful few weeks after completing our church's childrens' musical in December. Time to get back at it.

2006-11-15T08:08:00.000-08:00

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