Grace Coolidge

I don't know that there has been a more charming and versatile First Lady (with perhaps the notable exception of Dolley Madison) than the lovely Grace Coolidge. I think she is also one of the most successful, but how should we define "success"?  That's the question I will try to answer with my students in the First Ladies of the United States course this semester. I am so excited about getting to teach this course again and hope my students enjoy it as much as I do. 

Who is your favorite First Lady?

Time for Some Ginger . . .

This is a favorite picture of my favorite little Gingersnaps.  I pull it up every time I get in the mood for gingerbread or gingersnaps.  I would love to have some with some hot tea, Lady Grey decaff, I think.
It is cold enough outside to make this particularly appealing. I'll have to get out Mr. and Mrs. Ginger as well.  DS 2 wants to play his new Dr. Who Monopoly tonight. Maybe afterward, I can watch a little TV and cross stitch with my tea and ginger--whichever. Hope you're all staying warm tonight.

Thoughts

I just read a post written by Diane; she is one of  our daughter's teachers at the Homeschool co-op.  She is  a homeschooling mom very dedicated to nurturing her daughter's strengths and interests as she goes through the learning process. Diane's post put into words some thoughts I have had but was unable to express the way I wanted.  Our children's education is to prepare them for life, and to help them find their unique gifts. Most importantly, our time at home should draw us closer together and closer to the Lord. We are not competing for awards or accolades from the world.

When we first began homeschooling about 9 years ago, my husband and I worried about getting them prepared for College. As we went along, I became more and more aware of why we had taken them out of the public schools, and I came to the conclusion that if the kids came away knowing how to write their names, I would be pleased! No doubt, that sounds extreme to many on both sides of the issue. Certainly, I want them to love learning, to love reading and to possess life skills.  But those things fall into place--I have seen it with our kids, and I know Diane has as well. Homeschooling has protected their tender hearts and nurtured their individuality and personal strengths.

I disagree with the adage promoted a few years back, "It takes a village to raise a child." No, it takes a family.  Our children have been blessed by others, notably at Church, at the College where we teach and at the Homeschool Co-op, but the onus of the raising comes back to my husband and me.

Thanks to Diane for saying this so much better; check out her blog post at
 http://cabininthewoods-diane.blogspot.com/

Okay . . . Finished . . . Kinda . . .

Here it is--I just had to go ahead and finish this one without the other colors. DH seemed favorably disposed to acquiring the new colors, but I wanted so much to FINISH something!  I also have some ideas about another similarly themed afghan with some minor changes in color placement. The flash in the camera keeps the real lustre and nature of the colors from showing accurately. I flipped it over on the rocking chair so that you could see the top and bottom. 

We had a great time watching westerns tonight--yes it was hamburger and hot dog night. The Pastor had a turkey burger and seemed to like it. Had some success in housework today, and am actually getting caught up on the boys' laundry. They cannot change clothes for the next week--I want the hamper to remain free from any clothing! Haha

Hope you have a great day worshiping the Lord Jesus tomorrow. 

Rats!

Well, guess what?  I am on the verge of finishing the afghan for my son using the Lion Brand Heartland National Park colors. BUT, they have just released 5 new colors!!! No, they are not the ones in this stock photo, but I will have to sweet talk the Pastor into letting me order these new colors if I want to stick to my plan of having all the Parks the company has represented. I really want to FINISH something, being the world's worst about starting projects and not finishing them. JoAnn's has 25% off all their yarns, but they do not have the new colors yet. In fact, I think they are trying to clear out what they have for the year's new colors. Herschnerr's has them at a good sale price, but they take a good while to ship. We live in an instant world, don't we? DH and I were talking the other day about how everything used to take "4-6 weeks" for shipping! Now we fret if it takes a week! Oh my . . .

On a Brighter note, I have to tell you that my craft lamp Christmas present has changed my life. I can move it around to my desk for grading papers and reading. It can easily be placed by the bed for night time reading, and it also makes husbands reading small print Bibles very happy!  Haha! As I write this, the Pastor is sitting in the green chair reading with the aid of the WONDERFUL lamp!

We all know, however, What is the TRUE Light Unto his Path . . . .

Hope you are all safe and warm this stormy Saturday!

Hard to Beat . . .

I grew up in a home with all kinds of music, and I am grateful for that blessing. Moma always liked Hee Haw, and it was on every Saturday night unless she and Daddy decided to watch Lawrence Welk. As I grew older, I rediscovered these great sources of music. I love the Hee Haw Gospel quartet:  Buck Owens, Kenny Price, Roy Clark and Grandpa Jones.  I credit this CD with helping to shape our daughter's love for Gospel music and hymns.  We listened to it a lot when she was little, and I think that style of music has stayed near to her heart.

The Lawrence Welk CD is just about as wonderful. The arrangements of the hymns are so beautiful. I was trying to describe the beautiful voice (and personality) of Norma Zimmer to our daughter yesterday. Her life was a lovely testimony of her faith in Jesus Christ. 

If you are looking for two sides of sacred music, here they are, and both are blessings. 

And here is another thought for this post:  some of the programs on television today reflect an appreciation for good singing and music; however, they are so different in their spirit and character. 

I wish we still had what used to be called "variety" shows. The Lawrence Welk show often had a weekly theme--great songs of Broadway, Love songs, Hawaiian melodies, etc. Seeing the beautiful costumes and sets added so much to the music. 

Update

I can honestly say I have never enjoyed working on an afghan the way I have this one. It is a bit over half-way complete now.  The camera and lighting don't do justice to the colors of the yarn.  Last night, I was able to get quite a bit done after supper. We all sat and watched a John Wayne movie, Circus World, from 1963. It was great and the time together even better. We have some cold weather here and more coming. This is a great time of year to be working on an afghan. Thanks to DD for teaching me this pattern, and to Mrs. Sheila B for inspiring me with her beautiful ripple afghans.