3 Gifts Shining

1} Street lights guiding me to an early work day
2} Shining faces eager for a new school week
3} God's Word lighting my path
Blessings,

3 Gifts Shelved

1}Books
2}Clutter
3} A little pair of red boots to remind me of time too quickly gone by

Sufficiency of Scripture

When He had said this, He spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and applied the clay to his eyes, and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which is translated, Sent). So he went away and washed, and came back seeing. Therefore the neighbors, and those who previously saw him as a beggar, were saying, “Is not this the one who used to sit and beg?” Others were saying, “This is he,” still others were saying, “No, but he is like him.” He kept saying, “I am the one.” So they were saying to him, “How then were your eyes opened?” He answered, “The man who is called Jesus made clay, and anointed my eyes, and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash’; so I went away and washed, and I received sight.” They said to him, “Where is He?” He *said, “I do not know.”
John 9:6-12

3 Gifts Shy

1}Little ones at work, not sure if they want to talk
2}Thoughts of a shy friend not seen for a long time
3}Thoughts of how painfully shy I was as a girl and how God has changed some of that and allowed some to remain still

Watching Down the Lane,

A Gift Unexpected, Uneven, Unpopular

1} Going to the dentist today
2} The way my mouth feels after novacaine...got two chipped teeth fixed and a small cavity filled
3}The Word

3 Gifts Flourishing

1}a child's faith
2}a child's love
3}a child's passion for what interests them

Blessings,

3 Gifts Finished

1} The BIG Christmas Gift for the Principessa...she is going to be BEYOND EXCITED and that is one thing off my list!
2} A good school day
3} My Coffee

Blessings,

3 Gifts Funny

1} Technology generated pirate names
2} The things that come out of a 7 year old's mouth
3} The things I have said when dog tired

Blessings,

3 Gifts Quiet

1} Early Morning Devotions
2} Work-only the cash office part
3] The house an hour after bedtime!

Blessings,

More Joy Dare Catch up...

17- 3 Gifts Ugly Beautiful
1} Upcoming eye surgery for my middle boy...will get rid of the marks he does not like, but will be ugly for a long time until healed
2} A relationship with a little lamb bent on hurting themself...progress is made in a painfully slow one small step forward, three steps back...opportunities present to offer love and grace in a tough love kind of a way.
3} My relationship with the Lord as I try to have my own way and and obstinate and rebellious and His loving care is always gentle, full of grace and mercy, and perfect...

18-A Gift Fixed, Folded, Freckled
1} Fixed: Buffalo Chicken Wings
2} Folded: Laundry
3} Freckled: The special surprise we got for my Principessa for Christmas...shhhh...

19- 3 Gifts in Conversation
1} Pirate talk with a jolly bunch of scaliwags
2} Finding one of those who see the good in your rascal
3} Donuts, coffee and conversation with good friends at the park on a BEAUTFULLY SUNNY and warm day!

20- 3 Gifts in Salvation
1} Wisdom
2} Emmanuel (God's presence with us now)
3} Jesus (Our Future Hope!)
4} One more...today is surgery day- PEACE

21- 3 Gifts in Information
1} Encouragement
2} Knowledge
3} The ability to better pray

22- a Gift Rattling, Receding, Reclaiming
1} Rattling- Venti Iced Coffee with a splash, no classic
2} Receding- Bitterness and hurt from a hard situation
3} Reclaiming-The Joy of the Lord will be my strength

Watching Down the Lane,

Sufficiency of Scripture

As He passed by, He saw a man blind from birth. And His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he would be born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him. We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.”
John 9:1-5

3 Gifts Shared

1} Family Meals

2} Learning...at Co-op (and Science!)

3} BSF with Daddy, the Principessa and DD

Blessings,

3 Gifts Paired

1} Coffee & Cream

2} Peanut Butter & Chocolate

3} Husband & Wife

Blessings,

Sufficiency of Scripture

The Jews answered and said to Him, “Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?” Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon; but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me. But I do not seek My glory; there is One who seeks and judges. Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he will never see death.” The Jews said to Him, “Now we know that You have a demon. Abraham died, and the prophets also; and You say, ‘If anyone keeps My word, he will never taste of death.’ Surely You are not greater than our father Abraham, who died? The prophets died too; whom do You make Yourself out to be?” Jesus answered, “If I glorify Myself, My glory is nothing; it is My Father who glorifies Me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God’; and you have not come to know Him, but I know Him; and if I say that I do not know Him, I will be a liar like you, but I do know Him and keep His word. Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.” So the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.” Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple.

John 8:48-59

3 Gifts Drawn

1} My MOST favorite picture of me...with spikey orange hair...and JUMBO EYES...drawn by my DD

2} A watercolor done by my Principessa of me and her...so sweet!

3} a drawing of a man (who is supposed to be our Lord) holding a lamb

Blessings,

A Gift Scented, Scrawled, Started

1} Scented-Scentsy Bar- Sentimental Cider

2} Scrawled-a funny mad lib from Daddy's birthday lunch is becoming a letter to DD's BEST friend.

3} Started- A new cross stitch project...hoping to finish before Christmas...

Watching Down the Lane,

3 Gifts in His Word

1}From the Good Morning Girls Study, "Loving Like Jesus" Luke 18:15-17
And they were bringing even their babies to Him so that He would touch them, but when the disciples saw it, they began rebuking them. But Jesus called for them, saying, “Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.”

2} BSF started today for me...and we are doing Matthew...so I will share Matthew 4:4, which is the memory verse for this week...
But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’”

3} And last, from a conversation with a precious friend...we will be starting a study based on this verse...Titus 2:3-5
Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.

I could really share so many, but to encourage you to get into the Word, I will leave one more...You NEVER know what you are going to find there...
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Watching Down the Lane,

3 Hard Eucharisteos

1} Busy new fall schedules have me wondering how on earth we will get everything done, but have the sweet addition of new curriculum, band, co-op and science class. Trying to stay on track, but so many things to do pull at me at every turn. Very thankful for this season as my children are growing up.

2} A hard discovery

3} Letting go of MY plan and trusting God has it all...very easy to say, but hard to walk out...

Blessings,

3 Gifts Moving

1} Our Van...I know...I have said this before...but I am SO GLAD that it is STILL MOVING!

2} Children...busy with their play, work, serving, entertaining...such a treat. One of my children made a zoo and separated all the stuffed animals into groupings...it was great fun...wish I would have been able to get a picture before it all got put away.

3} It's a soccer practice day...so I will be thankful for ways to exercise our bodies...soccer, softball, skateboarding, roller blading, bike riding, walking, running, etc.

Blessings,

3 Gifts Framed

1} My Marriage Certificate

2} A Collage frame with 10 years worth of family Christmas photos

3} A stitched gift from a good friend

Blessings,

Sufficiency of Scripture

They answered and said to Him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus *said to them, “If you are Abraham’s children, do the deeds of Abraham. But as it is, you are seeking to kill Me, a man who has told you the truth, which I heard from God; this Abraham did not do. You are doing the deeds of your father.” They said to Him, “We were not born of fornication; we have one Father: God.” Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and have come from God, for I have not even come on My own initiative, but He sent Me. Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot hear My word. You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I speak the truth, you do not believe Me. Which one of you convicts Me of sin? If I speak truth, why do you not believe Me? He who is of God hears the words of God; for this reason you do not hear them, because you are not of God.”

John 8:39-47

A Gift Made, Masked, Marveled

1} Made:Dinner...a new recipe...Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

2}Masked: Cheese that was hidden in the casserole...for those in the family that do not prefer cheese! Shhhhh...

3}Marveled: GRACE...as long as I live, this will be a great marvel...

3 Gifts Given

1} A baby shower gift for a sweet princess

2} Fellowship with dear friends...their friendship is a great gift to us

3} Prayers for a special event happening...that it would be just what everyone hoped for,

Blessings,

3 Gifts Growing

Well, this WOULD NOT be something in my garden...I have the black thumb of death disease...so...

1} Growing in wisdom and knowledge through His Word

2} Growing closer to sisters in Christ

3} Seeing God's growth in a family of new believers...such a sweet gift from the Lord for dear friends of ours.

Blessings,

Peanut Butter Dream Bars

At one point in my life, I received a cookbook by Debbi Fields...I cannot even remember the name...and I have long since passed it on, taking out the one recipe I LOVED from it. You see, I have a VERY FAVORITE item at Mrs. Field's Cookie Stores...the Peanut Butter Dream Bar. And that recipe was in that cookbook...and I made it frequently for a while...then forgot all about it...then rediscovered it and brought it to an event...
Well, I have since forgotten all about it again...but a friend asked about the recipe again...so here it is...

8 medium sized Chocolate Chip Cookies- You can bake your own, but I almost always use Chips Ahoy...
1/4 cup butter, melted

15 oz. milk chocolate chips

1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
1/3 c. butter, softened
3 c. powdered sugar
2 tsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 325.

In a food processor or blender, process cookies until finely ground. Add butter and mix together. Press into an 8 x 8 pan (usually I double and make in a 9 x 13). Bake for 10 minutes. Cool completely.

Melt chocolate in a double boiler. Pour 1/2 of the chocolate over the crust. Chill. Keep remaining chocolate warm.

Blend peanut butter and butter together until smooth. Slowly beat in powdered sugar, then add vanilla. Spread over the cooled chocolate layer.
Pour remaining chocolate over the peanut butter layer. Chill for one hour or until firm. Cut into bars...I would recommend you make them kind of small.

Blessings,

3 Gifts Autumn

I know for many of you, PSL is THE signal of fall...but I must confess, I really do not enjoy Pumpkin Spice Lattes, so you have my blessing to drink them all!

1} Soups

2} Return to regular schedules...this is given a super boost when we fall back and dark comes at 5 pm...so children KNOW it is bedtime AT BEDTIME!

3} A new gift for us this year...band and choir!

Blessings,

A Gift Cool, Warm, Sun-Soaked

1} Cool: Air-Conditioning in the house

2} Warm: Fruit cobbler

3} Sun-Soaked: Children after playing at the lake

Watching Down the Lane,

3 Gifts Yellow

Well, Yellow is a color that I am not TERRIBLY fond of...so this is going to be a little hard...but we will find yellow blessings to count anyway...may be a bit of a stretch though...

1} My kitchen wallpaper border has a sweet touch of yellow in it...I love that border! Makes me happy!

2} Found a small rug with lemons on it that SORT OF matches that border...if you can't see like me...or it's dark in the room...etc

3}Bananas...just the way I like them...JUST BARELY YELLOW...

Watching Down the Lane,

3 Gifts Cut

1}Pumpkin Bread...into slices

2} Booklets for our Composers lapbook...CANNOT WAIT to see the finished project!

3}Pizza for dinner!

Blessings,

Homeschool Programming KidCoder Web Design

Homeschool Programming
KidCoder Beginning Web Design
Grades: 4-12
Price-See Below


We were given the opportunity to review a Homeschool Programming course of our choosing and I JUMPED on the Beginning Web Design option, thinking that would be a GREAT SKILL for my boy to learn. I thought he would be interested in it and I have about as much knowledge of computer-y things as your average kitchen sponge, so I KNEW this would NOT COME from ME!

We received a downloadable textbook, a link to download the files for the course onto our computer and a link to view videos to help along the way. Since my eyes sort of begin to glaze over with techy talk, I handed this over to my 15 year old son to handle...and since it was SUMMER, I thought...woohoo! He will have plenty of time to work on this! The Beginning Web Design course is a one semester course and will earn my boy half a credit for an elective. We did not have any issues with any of the links loading, but it was difficult having a PDF of the textbook. I printed off a few of the pages of the book, but at about 200 pages, I thought my boy could just look at it on the screen...while not impossible, it would have been more helpful to print the whole thing. I believe that the PDF and file download was just for review purposes and a printed textbook and a CD Rom is what you will receive when you order your course.

The textbook and videos step you through the process of designing a website. If I am understanding things correctly, it is not necessary to have both, but one may be more helpful than the other depending upon learning styles. Your student then works on a practice website: Raptors: Birds of Prey. As they are inputting the codes, they see things coming together piece by piece.

For those of you in the know, here is a list of topics covered in Beginning Web Design Course:

Mark-up concepts
Website layouts and files
Backing up projects
Essential HTML symbols
Styling of text
Using symbols and lists
Internal and external hyperlinks
Navigation bars and footers
Simple CSS effects
Spacing and positioning
Graphics and image editing
Tables

Here are a couple of screen shots of my boy working through the program:



This is still a work in progress, as we were busier this summer than anticipated, but my boy has been working on it and learning quite a bit. He thought that it was a good way to learn how to build a website...and while he may never do this again, he has gained a skill that I cannot even begin to teach.

Ok, so what we thought:

This was a TOTAL SELF STUDY...every time I tried to look in at it, I felt like I was reading a foreign language...I did not need to know anything!!!! HUGE PLUS!!! This program was designed by homeschool parents with degrees in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering...I am telling you...I am SO THANKFUL for these people! They created these products after finding nothing on the market to teach computer programming to children and young adults. These courses work with natural interests to fan the flame of delight into a possible future career path (or even a fun hobby). As many of you know, I LOVE PRODUCTS created by homeschool parents!

This is a great way to teach a subject that I am not skilled (AT ALL) to teach...my boy was able to complete every task that he came to. The directions were very good and he understood what he was reading. There was quite a bit of information in the textbook giving a lot of background that was necessary for the course.

There is an option for giving high school credit to student who finish the course. I could not find much about it on the Homeschool Programming website, but that it should be left to the determination of the teacher. After my boy completes this course, I think I would require some sort of an independent project to show that he KNOWS the material (Maybe a face lift for my blog!!!) and then would give him a half of a credit. This looks like it would be entirely up to the parent.

Cost is always something to consider with homeschool families, as many are one income homes. The course we selected was $85 for the course with the video (which I recommend!). There is an option to buy both Beginning Web Design and Advanced Web Design for a discounted price.

I am not sure if my boy will become a Web Designer, but it was a fun course with great instruction. If you have a child who has interests in this area, I think it would be a great fit for you. I have added links for sample pages and video below...check it out if you are not sure.

Here is a list of all the courses offered by Homeschool Programming:


You can view sample pages from each of the courses here and sample videos here. I think these would give you a feel for if it would be a good fit.


Check out more Mosaic Reviews for Homeschool Programming here

3 Gifts Summer

1} That we ACTUALLY had summer like weather...we never know what we are going to get in our area and we had an amazing summer with lots of warm, sunny days!

2} We were able to do MANY family things this year...trips to the beach, lake, zoo, etc...This was a great blessing and treat

3} Snow Goose Ice Cream...seriously...ONE scoop is VERY close to the size of a newborn baby's head...

Blessings,

Sufficiency of Scripture

So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never yet been enslaved to anyone; how is it that You say, ‘You will become free’?”

Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are Abraham’s descendants; yet you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you. I speak the things which I have seen with My Father; therefore you also do the things which you heard from your father.”

John 8:31-38