Help Our Children

I know I haven't been posting consistently, again. I always try to have something new going on. Well, this one is huge.

For several years, John and I have want to become foster/adoptive parents. We finally reached a point in our life where we though it would be right for our family. Timing has always been off.

We had started pursuing this back in Georgia. We completed the class, but never got any further than that.

So, in mid-August, I started getting things rolling. We attended the informational meeting on September 27th.  That was when drooped off our application and picked up the finger print forms.

The following week we had our fingerprints done and were told that it takes about 30 days for the results. We would then be given the information about classes.

Well, last Wednesday night (10/10) we received a phone call that a class would be starting the next day. We scrambled to get child care and get everything situated.

Come to find out, it takes the average couple 4-6 months to get into a class. They only start one per month. How did we get in in two weeks?

We know it is going to be a long journey, but the end result will be rewarding.

It is so sad to hear that there are so many children in foster care and not enough homes. If you have it in your heart and space in your house, do consider it.

I will continue to share what I can about our experience, so that you may one day do the same.

Fall Jacket

This is my latest crochet project. I have been slowly working on it all summer long. I guess it is about time for me to ramp it up. The weather here is still warm, but once September hits it will begin to get cooler. I never thought that I would look forward to the four different seasons here in the Midwest.

I need to finish the left side, sleeves and the collar. I love how it is turning out so far. The color is persimmon. I would have never picked this color out on my own. My hubby helped me. I think it will look great against my skin tone.

I have also joined a crochet along that will begin in September. I am looking forward to showing you that project. I am so excited about it, I think I am going to make a couple, so I can give some away for Christmas. I always try to plan ahead.

What is on your hook?

Homeschool Mother's Journal #3

Join us at iHomeschool Network every week for the blog hop.

• In my life this week…

We actually had a pretty relaxing week. We worked hard at the beginning of the weeks, so that we could get everything done and take three days off. It was well worth it. Our goal is to have a four day week next week, too.

• In our homeschool this week…

We are still studying Egypt in History. Right now that is the kids favorite subject. That is after I scratch off lunch and art. 

• Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…

Be careful what you teach your children. Early in the week we were discussing fire safety and what to do in case of an emergency. Well, that cam back and slapped me in the face. During school work my 5 year old asked to go to the bathroom. He went upstairs and called '911.' I warned both of them about it, too. I guess he just had to test it out to see if I was really serious. 

• I am inspired by…

Other woman, other moms, other bloggers. 

• Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

We are staying home. John has to work all weekend and they are crazy hours. We will enjoy some time together next week. 

• My favorite thing this week was…

Sleeping in, need I say more. 

• What’s working/not working for us…

With us being a day or so ahead of schedule, our school day is a little more relaxed.

• Things I’m working on…

I am still crocheting a fall jacket. I haven't worked on it this week. It will be some time before it is done. I am also trying to get the house organized before the holidays get here. 

• I’m reading…

Forgotten God by Francis Chan

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

This doesn't include what I read to the children. 

• I’m cooking…

My favorite meal this week was stuffed pork chops. It had a home made stuffing with dried cranberry and apple in it. The whole family loved it. 

• I’m grateful for…

My husband, he works so hard for this family and sacrifices so much time away. My dream is to get him working from home. We would love to have time to do more ministry work as a family.

• I’m praying for…

A way for my family to give back to the community. 

• A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

Jonaya had drawn a great picture of an oxen that I wanted to share. I should have taken a picture of it right away. She can['t find it now. The girl really has artistic talent. 

Homeschool Week 2

Join in on, iHomeschool Network, for the blog hop!

• In my life this week…

We have made it through our second week of school. Ian is still adjusting to the new schedule. We also got to go to the state fair. That is always enjoyable. 

• In our homeschool this week…

Right now, we are just practicing being consistent. I spend a lot of my time keeping Ian on task. Home schooling boys are so much different. 

• Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…

Take your time, don't stress if you don't get everything done. Schooling should feel enjoyable and not lie a task, so break things up between written work and fun stuff. 

• I am inspired by…

Woman who are able to manage there households and still help by making an income. 

• Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

We are not going anywhere else this week. We spend too much money where ever we go. We all look forward to the fair all year long, so we made an exception. I wasn't feeling all that great so I didn't buy anything on a stick. 

• My favorite thing this week was…

Watching my son light up when he learned something new. It was so special when he got something. I also enjoyed watching my daughter work on her crafts. we bought her some modeling clay. 

• What’s working/not working for us…

Threatening to put them on the school bus in not working. They know I won't do it.

• Things I’m working on…

I am crocheting a jacket/cardigan for the fall. I am looking forward to the weather getting cooler and it being complete. 

• I’m reading…

Forgotten God by Frances Chan

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (Hunger Games #3)

• I’m cooking…

Mushroom Swiss Burgers for tonight. Lots of new things on the menu. I love to change it up. That is why I love getting my ideas from eMeals. 

• I’m grateful for…

Support from other moms. I never feel like I am doing this alone. My husband is also a good support system and shows involvement when he gets home.

• A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

We are learning about Egypt and Ian had the opportunity to make a sphinx. His pyramid from the previous week is behind it, but the sphinx came out bigger. 

Homeschool Week 1

We have already completed our first week of school. I used to post along with, A Homeschool Mother's Journal, but I don't know how to do HTML at the new place, so I will just post on my own.

Jonaya is just starting 4th grade and Ian is in Kindergarten. Things were old hat to Jonaya, but it is going to take Ian some time to adjust to doing school work full time.

I think we had a very successful week. I was tired, though. Oh, and the house was a mess. We were able to start studying many different subjects. I have incorporated some things that we weren't doing last year, like some basic computer skills and physical education.  Keeping a boy's attention is so different from a girl.

This year I am taking the time to enjoy my children and their accomplishments. I don't want to stress about grades and tests.

It's That Time

Summer break is coming to a close. It has gone by so quickly! We have new friends two town homes down from us. It has been a blessing to have someone to talk to when the husbands are at work. Our kids play together pretty well. There was the normal fighting and bickering. The little ones do it more, but it is now a joke. We take bets on how long it will be until the next argument will break out.

Jonaya has completed her summer reading at the library. We still have the month of August to finish the one for Barnes and Noble. We didn't get to do our summer sewing lessons. The machine that I had bought at Good Will didn't work right. I did teach her how to make friendship bracelets. Remember, doing a bunch of knots with embroidery thread? She loved that!

She re-pierced her own ears with a pair of earrings. I promised I would buy her some more grown up earring that hang. So, last week we went on a shopping spree.

Dad got a bonus at work, so she also got a new bike. It was promised to here once she learned how to ride her other one.

Ian has lost his first two teeth this summer. He has also learned how to ride a bike. He has completed his summer reading, also.

He has spent a lot of time outside this summer. He is so brown...lol

We have a couple of more weeks to hang out while I work on school assignments. Jonaya will be entering 4Th grade and Ian will be Kindergartner.

In many subjects we will just be continuing where we left off back in May. I want to find a few new things to add and some things for us to do as a group. Bible, for one.

I am actually looking forward to getting back to our routine. The kids, not so much...lol

Now that things are settling down, I will try to post more often.

Praise and Coffee

I started leading Praise and Coffee nights back in August. I am so encourage every month when we get together. I am still new to the area, but haven't let that slow me down. Even if it is just two of us it is worth getting together.

I have been working on getting the word out today and I just feel that the Lord is going to go great things.

We don't have anything formal planned. It is just woman getting together in a local coffee soap to encourage, inspire and connect. We get so busy with the daily responsibilities of life that it is just nice to slow down and enjoy each others company.

The group was originally started by Sue Cramer and a group of her friends. It has grown by leaps and bounds. People are forming groups all over the world. If it is something that you would like to join in on, check to see if there is a group in you area. If not, start one of your own. It is pretty easy.

I look forward to seeing what God does in the coming months.