This is as close to the color of the sky today as I can get.  We are having severe thunder storms and lightening but my daughter had American Heritage Girls (similar to Girl Scouts) and they only meet once a month.  She missed last month due to mix ups in changed dates.  So, I went out in the nasty weather to take her and they cancelled and didn't inform me.  Grrrr.....


The funny part of that story is that we decided to take Rocky for a ride in the car and he had his nose out the window. When the rain started and hit his nose he pulled his head back in fast and shook his head~he is terrified of water, LOL.


I did the thing the kids loved this morning.  We were all still tired from the busy weekend and lock in so I said it would be an unschool day.  We were especially tired after Rocky escaped from Ty and we spent 35 minutes combing the neighborhood to get him back.  And, this was after I'd taken him on a mile long walk~he just loves to roam!


Tyler spent the day learning about dinosaurs and looking up various books he wanted to read. He also read some and then built with his Legos.  Maddie studied some sewing books, spent time sewing, and researching the type of math book she'd like to use next year.  Wes spent time studying the life of Abraham Lincoln.  He watched a History Channel show on plots to assassinate Lincoln, did some research on them, and then discussed his conclusions from the research with me orally.  He also spent time on some scout stuff.


I'm looking forward to staying inside and enjoying the storm without being in it!!


Today's workout:  Erin O'Brien's Strong Body, Fit Body.  Circuit training weight workout with definite cardio effect.


What I'm reading:  I read a book yesterday (short and small) on homeschooling through high school.  It was okay, nothing earth-shattering.  I got it from the library.  I'm also reading Phillip Yancey's What Good is God as we're studying it in Sunday School.  I highly recommend it, it's very thought provoking.


Oh and Dad~I'll give you my copy when we're done!!

Happy Saturday!  Today Tyler and I went to breakfast and we saw Maddie, Wes and Tom there.  They survived the lock in, yippee.  Tom took Tyler to his Boy Scout Pinewood Derby. Last year he won the entire Space Derby and this year didn't even win a race, lol.  But he and his dad did the work on his car without help and are quite proud.  I think the car lost because he painted the car bright orange like the University of Tennessee, lol.  But actually, orange is Ty's favorite color.


Maddie and I went grocery shopping.  Ugh, I try to avoid Kroger on a Saturday but God was good and we had an open cash register at the right time.


I'm getting ready to go out and walk Rocky soon.  It's a beautiful day to be a part of God's creation here. For all of my northern buddies, hang in there, spring is on the way.


Today's workout:  Tonya Larson Pure Pump, workout 2 and stretch; Power Fit Harmony, Pure Power Abs and Core

Today was our homeschool co-op day.  I was a helper in P.E., as I always am. I did yoga stretches with the kids, some kickboxing kicks (they're doing Tae Kwon Do) and played a game of dodge ball. They put the moms in the middle and tried to get us out. I won, lol. That's 'cuz I'm short and could hide behind the other moms!


The rest of the day has consisted of getting ready for the youth lock-in at the church.  I need to go run to the grocery for Tom and get some other things together.  Tyler and I will be here alone tonight and he doesn't like it~but realizes next year he'll be in youth.  I can't believe he's gotten that old!


Tomorrow Tyler has a scout Pinewood Derby and we have a pizza and game night at church tomorrow night.  I'm looking forward to some nice down time after church on Sunday.


May God give each of you a weekend filled with more and more of Him.


Today's workout:  I hesitate to put the name of my workout, because I hate it.  It's basically medicine ball cardio that emphasizes the core.  Great workout, awful name.  It's called Get Sexy.  Ugh.  I did 13 minutes of it, and most of Tracie Long's Focus Series Breakthrough, also a medicine ball cardio workout, plus abs and pushups.  About a 40 minute workout total.


Thursday's workout:  Powerfit Harmony Lower Body Blast;  Firm Express Ignite Cardio workout (cardio with interval blasts).

I really need to spruce up my blog.  I see so many cute blogs with color, pictures, etc~so not my forte. I'll have to get Wes to help, he's pretty darn good with electronic things.  


Today we finished up our reports on American Revolutionary figures.  Tyler too chose Molly Pitcher, because he thought her name was funny, lol.  We discussed how to take notes, put things in your own words, and annotate sources so you don't plagiarize someone else's work.  One of my children, who shall remain nameless, thought plagiarism a great idea as it takes too much time to think up all the sentences on their own.  Too funny!  After all, I explained, the point is to do your OWN thinking!!


Maddie had to babysit this afternoon and Wes had to go take care of cats for a lady in our church.  When she's out of town he lets them out in the morning and feeds them/puts them in the house at night.  Tyler and Tom had piano lessons.  


While Tom, Ty, Maddie and Wes were all busy, I ran an errand.  I've had the same black boots since Wes was about 5, I'm embarrassed to say.  They're still fine as far as style, just starting to have rips, etc.  I've been watching a pair with soft insoles, a bit more expensive than the originals. Today they were marked down and half off, bringing the price to only $8.74.  Now that, my friends, is God taking care of all aspects of my life, even my feet.


I'm off to church dinner.  I can't wait to see how he encourages me~and whom he uses me to encourage~today.  I can't wait.  To quote (or rather, misquote) Forrest Gump, "Following Jesus is like a box of chocolates.  You never know what you're gonna get."  But you know it will be good~because I've never met a variety of chocolate I haven't liked.


Today's workout:  Crunch Fat Burning Blast (43 minutes of Latin, boxing, and floor cardio  followed by 5 minutes of abs); afternoon yoga:  Hemalayya Yoga for Everyone (I'm really sore from yesterday's workout and this was a gentle way to stretch it all out); dog walk.


What I'm reading:  Hungry Girl and Flat Belly Diet Cookbooks.  Someone told me there are some good recipes in there and I checked them out from the library.  I've gotten into a cooking rut.

It was American Revolution day at our house.  Each one of the children looked up someone to study and write a report on from that era. They'll also give an easy oral report at the dinner table!  Wes is investigating "The Swamp Fox," Maddie is looking at the life of Molly Pitcher, and Tyler is keeping his secret until the grand unveiling!  We also took a trip to the library.  Maddie chose Little House books and some other fiction; Wes 1001 things to learn about the Universe; Tyler a book on how puzzles keep your brain sharp.  No surprises there!


The sun is shining, dinner is pretty much ready to throw on the table in a bit, and I have no commitments tonight.  Truly, life is good!


Today's workout:  Firm Calorie Explosion Kickbutt Power Moves and Warmup; Tonya Larson Pure Pump:  workout 1, abs, stretch. Pretty much a high rep/lower weight workout, really nice.  I also walked the Rocky dog this am!

Today we decided to work on book reports. The kids got to chose or were assigned(yes, Tyler, I'm talking to you!!) books and they have a week or so to read them.  Then we are going to work on plot, theme, characterization, etc. and write reports.  The kids are pretty excited about that, believe it or not.  


All three also spent time looking through some books like Honey for a Child's Heart and Books Children Love  to look for some books that they might want to read.  They spent time doing their test prep books (language arts, math, science, etc) and also watched a History Channel show on the first 5 presidents of the U.S. while eating lunch.


I got to enjoy some time reading in God's word today and was moved by a story in Mark 1.  A leper came to Jesus and said, "if you want to, you can make me well."  Jesus had compassion on the man and told him he wanted to.  He looked the man in the eye and touched that leper's face and said, "Be healed."  Who knows HOW long he'd gone around yelling "unclean, unclean," cut off from society, save that of other lepers, having no one look him in the eye.  Jesus could have healed him in a myriad of ways but touched him. An untouchable, giving him skin to skin contact.  What a tender, wonderful moment.


Jesus is absolutely crazy about you and me.  He longs to reach out and touch us, in those deepest pockets of hurt and resistance, where no one can see, and say, "Oh, but I WANT to."  Do you believe that?  Do I?  After all, this realization is the stuff miracles are made of.


Today's workout:  Powerfit Harmony Upper Body Blast; Powerfit Core Fusion; Dog Walk


What I'm reading:  (I've been forgetting to do this):  Having a Mary Spirit; The Art of Education

It's a beautiful, golden day here.  I think the 70s are coming to an end for a bit, but I'll take the 60s they are saying will replace it!  


I got up to do grocery shopping for the week at Walmart.  When I was leaving, I told the children I really needed their help as I was feeling overwhelmed trying to clean up after 5 people.  When I got home Maddie had mopped the kitchen floor, scrubbed and de-cluttered the kitchen counters, praise the Lord!  Tyler was cleaning up in his room and Wes was sweeping the dining/living room.  It was so good to have them kick in for me.  A gift from God indeed.


Thank you Father for warm sunshine, clean(er) home, and children who are learning to serve with a (mostly) positive attitude.  A serendipity indeed.


Today's workout:  Powerfit Harmony Power Up Cardio and Powerfit Cardio.

It's Friday, our homeschool co-op day.  It always makes for a nice break in the week and reminds us that the weekend is here when we're done.  When we get home, about 1pm, we eat, play, do chores, etc. Any work that's not been finished on Monday through Thursday must be completed.  You can be the kids work HARD to have it all done by the end of the day on Thursday!!


Tom and I decided to sneak away early this morning for coffee and a chat, which was a nice way to start the day.  Right now Tom's using, er, abusing, er, getting Wes to assist him in cleaning out some of the basement.  I think Wes would rather be studying!!


It's overcast and that always makes me slow down, for some weird reason.  So I've been reflective today, thinking about how blessed I am to be so loved by God my Father.  I pray you feel that today too!


Today's workout:  Powerfit Plus Total Express; Powerfit Harmony Core Express

The kids had a hard, hard time concentrating today.  It was 70 degrees out and they had spring fever!!  We did as little written work as possible and then watched an episode of Drive Thru History I found at the library.  It's put out by the National Day of Prayer, 30ish minutes long, and was great.  They also did several hands-on science experiments, so at least they weren't sitting all day. Then they got outside to enjoy the sunshine. 


This morning I had to go to the post office.  I was overwhelmed when talking to God on my drive home about how much he loves me.  So many Christians don't take the time to bask in God's love, letting it warm our very souls, like the sun warms us with it's rays. I began to weep with the knowledge of how much he loves me.  


So, my prayer for you is that you find time to sit quietly with the Father, letting his rays warm your soul.  There's just something so uplifting about spending time with the Son, isn't there?


Today's workout:  Petra Kolber, Cardio for Beginners, 10 Minute Athletic Cardio; Weight Watcher's Belly, Butt and Thighs Stability Ball workout with my gal Stephanie Huckabee.  I've found since going mostly low impact that my feet don't hurt like they did, my hips aren't grumpy, etc.  BUT, it's hard to find workouts that are low impact~you end up using beginner ones and making your motions bigger, etc.  I've gotten good at modifying my workouts up.

Okay, I said I'd dish about The Eagle some, so here it is.  This is the story of a Roman regiment that was lost in Britain, along with a gold Eagle, a prized symbol of Rome.  The son of the commander who led the regiment comes to command in Britain, hoping to somehow figure out what happened to his father and find the eagle.


To me, the engaging part is his relationship with his slave.  After being hurt heroically and discharged from the army, he goes to live with his uncle in another part of Britain.  He sees a slave acting heroically during a fight with a gladiator and encourages the crowd to save him. His uncle then purchase the slave named Esca for him, who pledges his loyalty to the Roman young man.


Esca's family was killed by Roman soldiers, in fact the 9th regiment we later learn.  He hates all that Marcus, the Roman, stands for.  Marcus hates the residents of Northern Britain who probably killed his father.


Yet, their friendship, respect, and loyalty unfold in the film, often in spite of the two of them.  The ending is powerful and left me thinking about relationships.


Am I willing to take people for who they are, not who their families were?  Am I willing to serve people who aren't always nice, out of my loyalty to Jesus, and his sacrifice to save MY life?  Am I willing to act out on my convictions and speak up, even when everyone in the crowd around me is shouting loudly for something else? 


All these things ran through my mind at the end of the film.  So God's serendipities, once again, can come in unexpected places.  Even in a local theater.


Today's workout:  PFH Move it (Cardio); Low Impact Fat Blaster section from 10 Minute Solution Rapid Results Fat Burner; PFH Body Balance (core and abs).

The past two days have been lots of fun for the kids!  They've done science experiments, studied piano and how it works, read books on Egypt and other countries, gone to the library, done some on-line math, just because they liked it, and a million other things I can't name!


Yesterday Tyler went to his homeschool buddy's house. Garrison, his friend, has a LARGE snake and he got to watch Garrison strip her (read make the snake go to the bathroom in the toilet) and feed her (she eats live mice).  Too much for me, but Ty thought it was awesome.


Today Tyler walked the dog early with me and we enjoyed just talking together.  These are the moments, the serendipities, that will stick with me long after homeschooling is done.  It's what homeschooling offers us:  time to be together.


Tom and I went to see The Eagle for our Valentines' Day date tonight and I highly recommend it.  In fact, I may blog about some of the Christian themes I found in there soon.  All truth is God's truth and it's so much fun to find that in unexpected places, the perfect definition of a serendipity!!


Yesterday's workout:  PFHPower Up (cardio);  Powerfit Chest, Tris and Glutes; dog walk


Today's workout:  PF Plus Cardio Kick; PF Back, Bis and Thighs; dog walk

The kids were so excited because we were to get Monday and Tuesday off for Winter Break.  Floyd County had their break, three days, a couple of weeks ago but since we follow Rome's calendar we waited. Today we found out they have to make up their snow days (Rome is much more uptight than Floyd County, lol~don't tell them I said so).  As a compromise (we only took one snow day, not 5)we decided to unschool the next two days.  They have to learn and show me the result of their learning.  No watching Sponge Bob, playing XBox, etc.  But, they're excited that they don't have to do their regular workbooks for a couple of days.  


Maddie and I went dress shopping yesterday, and out for coffee, and had a great time.  She's growing up so fast~making me feel happy, sad, proud, and scared, all at the same time.  The best news of all is that her Heavenly Father loves her more than I do and has her in the palm of his hand, as she is the apple of his eye.  Makes the bitter a bit more sweet.


Friday's workout:  Extended Core Day.  Powerfit Harmony Core~Pure Power; Powerfit Core Fusion


Saturday's Workout:  Dance off the Inches Country Line Dance Party (a follow-up to the first one, more intense and even more fun!) and Powerfit Harmony Strong Pull.


Today~glorious rest day.  I did go to Kroger, Kmart and walked around quite a bit in the afternoon.  The older kids had youth and Tyler was at a friend's house so I took advantage of the time alone to get some Valentine prep done.

The good news of the day is that we got only a dusting of snow. Not even enough to close schools, and you KNOW schools close in Georgia for snow.  The bad news is that I've not felt my best.  The wonderful news is that God is faithful and been right here, helping me  get things done. 


The kids did a fun project together today. They looked at a map of the Americas in made in 1592 and had to answer questions about the land, animals, knowledge of the area using only the map. And, come up with limitations and questions that arose from looking at that.  They did a great job and really worked well together.


Last night at church they played Church Family Feud.  Maddie was on one of the teams and did really well.  Tom and I came in first place in a guess the Romantic Movie game from clues.  For example, Breeze Departure was Gone with the Wind.  I won $10.  Wonder if that counts as gambling, lol?


This reminds me of one of the greatest serendipities I've ever known:  being with believers in the body of Christ.  I've been a part of some toxic churches, some lukewarm churches and some wonderful churches, including the one I'm in now.  Yet, no matter what, God in his Word tells me that being a part of a fellowship is not optional.  While it's still called today, we must meet together and encourage one another.  Living, loving, laughing...it's what makes the unbearable bearable, the boring alive, the knowledge of the Holy tangible.


So please, promise me you'll thank God tonight for your church family, warts and all.  And will look for every opportunity to hang out with them.  After all,  staying away too long is how real church family feuds get started.


Today's workout:  Powerfit Cardio; Powerfit Harmony Strong Pull. 

Well, it was 50 today so I walked the dog this afternoon before the snow/rain mix started...again.  The good news is that it's supposed to be gone by tomorrow as it will warm up into the mid 40s.  We had piano today, and a church Valentine party.   We had a couple of fun games, including the Church Family Feud, where they answered questions for the top answers about Valentine's Day.  Maddie participated, as did Tom, and they both did really well.


The last couple of days have been busy with school work, piano, regular chores, some fun math games (Ty did some Harry Potter based word problems, Wes studied the history of Pi).  We also have been trying to incorporate a bit more "formal" Bible study together into our routine and have enjoyed that a lot!!


Today Wes and I watched Kentucky beat Tennessee in the afternoon~it was on late so we'd recorded it.  We enjoyed the outcome of a Kentucky win and seeing John Wall, a player from last year, at the game.  We jokingly said we were doing Algebra by trying to see what trajectory was the best for a three pointer!!   


Yesterday's workout:  Powerfit Harmony Upper Body and Core Express; Dog Walk (finally the weather has cooperated).


Today's workout:  Powerfit Harmony Speed Burn (cardio) and Powerfit Legs and Shoulders; another dog walk, yippee!!

Is anyone out there but me so ready for spring?  It's raining now and supposed to maybe flurry overnight. And, we may get snow flurries Wednesday night and Thursday.  It may be a record for our part of Georgia.  


The kids did some great work today.  We worked on state capitals and some hard, hard spelling words via some internet sites, plus or regular stuff.  And, of her own accord, Maddie decided to clean Ty's closet for me~that girl's a saint.  And, a good organizer.


I wanted to share something that happened Saturday. That morning, Tom broke a bowl that a friend gave me for a wedding present. She was doing an internship in Gettysburg, PA and picked it out just for us and it can't be replaced.  I actually cried when the bowl broke, I just loved it, always have.  


Early Sunday morning I was lying in bed, praying, and God asked me a question:  Do you weep over the brokenness in the lives of people in the world who don't know me?  Because I made them all, each is unique, designed by me.  Just out of love.  And I long for their souls to be free in me.  


I can tell you what~right now I do weep for the lost. And I pray God will remind me of this again and again.  That's why he's left us in this broken world.


Because, after all, we all, saved or not,  need a little help cleaning out our closets.


Sunday's workout:  Rest Day.  Way to go Packers!!


Monday's Workout:  Punch (kicboxing style workout, 30 minutes); Powerfit Harmony Lower Body Blast.

Wes and I walked the dog. It's 42 but windy!  I got some cleaning done and took my youngest out to breakfast.  I had coffee at McD's while he ate an entire Big Breakfast, except the sausage and biscuit.  This 10 yo kid weighs about 60 pounds and is skinny!  Probably because he likes to eat fruits and veggies and chooses them as snacks, lol.  He at all the eggs, a hash brown, 1/4 of the sausage and 3 pancakes.  Where do kids put it?


Maddie and the big eater Tyler are going skating with buddies here in a minute.  Tom has to go to meet a family that had a death to prepare for the funeral.  Wes is begging me to take him to Kroger to get some gift card for some game he wants to buy.  After that, mom gets her time to do my exercise.  I also see a nap in my future as I woke up at 2:30 and couldn't get back to sleep until after 4:30!! 


Today's workout:  Powerfit Harmony Cardio, Power Up; Powerfit Plus Total Express (total body).

Yesterday was a fun day for the kids.  I gave them each the option of picking a history or science project to do.  Tyler chose "Ten Questions about the Civil War," where you look up and write answers to straight-forward questions.  Wes chose Oceans.  He did a vocabulary quiz, and got them all right.  Then he did a more creative project where he chose what ocean he was (he was the Pacific). He had to tell countries he saw, other oceans he ran into, his deepest point, largest animal that lived in him, etc.  Maddie chose to look up information on China.  She took a list of words like pagoda, rickshaw, emperor, kite, panda, abacus...and had to write a creative story using all the words.  She did a FANTASTIC job, the story was too funny!  They also got their regular work done.


Today was homeschool co-op.  The older two have classes in PE, Chorus, Drawing, and Hands on Equations.  Tyler has classes in Hands on Equations, Origami (Wes put his foot down about chorus, and takes this with Ty), PE and Heroes of the Faith.  


I absolutely LOVE Hands on Equations.  Ty, as a 4th grader, can already do some complicated algebra problems using hands-on tools.  It tells kids WHY they do algebra, and makes it so simple.  When they have to do this on paper at an older age, they'll know WHAT they're doing and WHY.


On this rainy, sleepy day, I pray all who read are safe.  That the Lord is blessing you, keeping you, and making his face shine upon you.  And, above all, granting you peace.  And maybe, a funny story about an emperor loosing his abacus to read.


Yesterday's workout:  Powerfit Harmony Strong Pull (biceps, outer thighs, back, hamstrings); Powerfit Core Fusion (abs/core); Leslie Sansone 5 Day Slimdown, 1 mile walk.


Today's workout:  Ellen Barrett Slo-Robics from FitTV.  Ellen is a master at incorporating pilates and it's principles in all her workouts.  Her routines feel good and work you in ways that others don't.  I highly recommend them.

It's definitely cooled off here.  The high today was 45, low around 25, but it felt colder with the wind.  But hey, compared to the rest of the country it's like summer!!  


Tom and Wes attended a conference last night called Enough.  According to Wes it related to financial and spiritual contentment.  My Bible reading today was about allowing God to love me to the point that I find the contentment I need in knowing that He is for me, in all things, in all ways.  I consistently need these reminders as living in a western culture there is NOTHING around me to encourage me in this pursuit!


Yesterday we spent a lot of time studying angles and areas of triangles.  The hardest thing for me, and for the children, is simply remembering the formulas for these math problems after not using them for a while!!


Today we spent some time on language arts, Alex math, and geography. The funny thing is that Maddie had an old globe that we got from my MIL, Pat.  It's large and on a stand, really beautiful.  After searching a bit, Maddie asked me to help her find Singapore on the globe.  We ended up looking it up on the internet and figured out that the name Singapore is the only blemish on the globe~it's been rubbed off.  Too funny!!!


Tuesday's workout:  Powerfit Harmony Move It (Cardio); Powerfit Back, Biceps and Thighs; Powerfit Harmony Body Balance (Core and Ab training).


Today's workout:  Powerfit Plus Cardio Kick (cardio); Powerfit Chest, Tris and Glutes