Advent's and other Fine(nell) Adventures

Ni Hao Y'all

ABC Wednesday

Standing Up

2012-01-24T17:28:00.004-05:00

It's been busy here for these two since last Friday. They had to be up at 7:00 a.m to get to our Friday home school class an hour away. They work and study all day to get home by 8 p.m.. There is reading, writing, studying and very little play that happens on Fridays for us. Saturday morning was an other early start. We had to be up before 6 a.m. to get to a debate tournament. That day there were four rounds of debating with this years reform (( should the federal government significantly reform the criminal justice system. )) that lasted all day until 7:00 p.m. that night.

Sunday morning it was finally time to get ready for the important part of the weekend. The part of the weekend that they had been looking forward to for months. They had to be up at a very early 4:15 a.m. to catch a bus traveling to Washington D.C. to stand up for life.

I am told there was a sea of young and old people alike of over 45,000 from all over the world Marching for Life. They told me this was the most awesome thing they have ever been part of. They just couldn't believe how amazing it all was.

When I picked these two up at 2 this morning after a 10 hour bus ride home, one night in a hotel and two days marching in the freezing rain standing up for a cause they believe in these kids were full of energy, excitement and life.

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Life is an opportunity, benefit from it. Life is beauty, admire it. Life is bliss, taste it.Life is a dream, realize it. Life is a challenge, meet it. Life is a duty, complete it.

~ Mother Teresa ~

:: Our World Tuesday :: ::My 3 Boybarians :: :: Communal Global ::

Black and White Wednesday with like Christmas every day::

THIS OR THAT THURSDAY ::

By the Book

2012-01-23T12:42:00.000-05:00

"I don't take no stock of dead people. "

~ Huckleberry Finn ~

This must be Kathryn's favorite quote. She says it everytime I ask, "So, what did you think about what we just read? " It always makes me laugh. But, if the truth was told. . . this is the way we spend most of our days: reading, writing. . . learning about the classics ~ taking stock in dead people.

I heart faces

ABC Wednesday

Lessons of a Life Time

2012-01-22T10:40:00.000-05:00

Kathryn and Stephen are on their way to Washington D.C. this morning to the March for Life rally with a bus load of kids, some parents and their very amazing youth group leader.

I realize my two are going on this trip for many reasons: they want to be with their friends, they want the adventure, they want to have a good time, and last but not least, they want to stand up for life.

Little do they know things will not be that simple. Little to they know they are on their way to learn a life time of lessons this weekend. I admire that they have the guts to not only stand up for what matters in this crazy world of ours, they are fine examples of what our future holds.

I think - What a privilege it is to be called their mother.

Black and White Wednesday with like Christmas every day

Texture Thursday

Ni Hao Yall

Simple as that

her new Glasses

2012-01-20T08:26:00.002-05:00

In the Studio of our Lives today. . . this one tells me she wears glasses now.

You see, "the best Nana ever" took her to see Beauty and the Best in 3-D Wednesday while we were at our home school debate club.

I am told "IT was the best day ever!"

AND

She is "never taking the glasses off again" because they "remind her of the Best Nana Ever and she misses the best Nana so much when they are not together."

A quote, A kite & A little bit of sunshine ~ A

2012-01-17T22:02:00.000-05:00

Be faithful in small things . . .

it is in them that your strength lies.

Mother Teresa

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ABC Wednesday

:: THIS OR THAT THURSDAY ::

the Kingdom ~ 2011

2012-01-17T08:05:00.001-05:00

On this earlyTuesday morning I sit here and think: "What should I write about today?" "What do I have to show you?" "How can I show you how much I love it when you take the time to come to my little corner of the world and say hello." and then. . .

It hit me.

I haven't shown you Christmas and the love our mother pours into her decorating. I haven't shown you the splendor of the ribbons, garland and tulle. I haven't shown you how our mother sets the tables and makes everything look as if we were living in a dream: the trees, the candles, the angles blowing their trumpets announcing the Savior is born.

I haven't shown the grandeur in the front hall adorned with deer, ribbons and berries. Every year it gets better. . .each room makes us feel as if we are royalty and nothing could be finer. Each year the love she has for her family completely inundates us.

I didn't introduced you to the fair maiden Miceala. I haven't told you how this lovely girl puts a smile on my Prince Matthew's face and how she is becoming quite a regular at all the family gathering.

I haven't shown you how great the Squire James looks this year as he has grown into a fine, respectable man.

I haven't shown you the magnificent gifts that were exchanged with simple love.

I failed to show you: how battles are won in this kingdom of plenty,

the pure love a growing boy has for his father,

the girl that is growing up into fine Lady,

and the new baby's first Christmas.

I almost missed showing you the magic of Christmas at our parent's house. I almost missed showing you the pride our Queen Mother has as she looks on and celebrates not only Christmas but a life she built with her one and only King.

Our World Tuesday ,

My 3 Boybarians

Communal Global

"Wanna Play?"

2012-01-16T09:32:00.000-05:00

It happens every time these guys get together.

Someone says. . . "Hey, y'all wanna play football?"

AND

Every time this happens, my girl Kathryn kicks off her shoes,

and they all run out the door for some serious family fun.

Ever Hear These???

2012-01-11T14:24:00.002-05:00

* Did you hear about the bum who walked up to a Jewish mother on the street and said, "Lady, I haven't eaten in three days." "Force yourself," she replied.

* The Doctor gave a man six months to live. The man couldn't pay his bill so the doctor gave him another six months.

* Doctor: "You'll live to be 60!" Patient: "I am 60!" Doctor: "See! What did I tell you? That'll be 60 dollars"

* A drunk was in front of a judge. The judge says, "You've been brought here for drinking." The drunk says "Okay, let's get started."

* The Doctor called Mrs. Cohen saying, "Mrs. Cohen, your check came back. " Mrs. Cohen answered, "So did my arthritis!"

* A man calls his mother in Florida,"Mom, how are you?" " Not too good," says the mother. "I've been very weak." The son says, "Why are you so weak?" She replies, "Because I haven't eaten in 38 Days." The son says, "That's terrible. Why haven't you eaten in 38 days?" The mother answers, "Because I didn't want my mouth to be filled with food should you call."

* How many Jewish mothers does it take to change a light bulb? (Sigh) "Don't bother. I'll sit in the dark. I don't want to be a nuisance to anybody."

:: THIS OR THAT THURSDAY ::

Mr. & Mrs. Goofy

2012-01-10T09:50:00.000-05:00

In the family news this week ~ Mr. and Mrs. ~~Goofy~~ Hoverath ran the Walt Disney Wold Marathon.. . . Better known as the Goofy Run.

I think the number one rule to run in the Goofy run is YOU have to be goofy to play. This is a two day run through the magical cities.

Reiner was just a little goofy this time... He ran the half marathon. A total of 13.1 miles. The queen of the goofies ran the whole thing. . . two days. . . a total of 39.3 miles.

You can read all about on My sisters blog when they get home.

You just may see that top photo on her blog too. I swiped it from one of her posts. I know that was very knotty of me to steal but I forgot to get a photo of them together before they left. So please do me a favor and don't say word. I think she'll be to tired to even notice.

Goooo! GOOFIES!!!!
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Our World Tuesday ,

My 3 Boybarians

Merry Christmas Y'all

2011-12-23T10:08:00.004-05:00

You better watch out

You better not cry

You better not pout, I telling you why

Santa Claus is coming to town

Scattered Horizons Photoblog/Tone on Tuesday

this Bokeh thing

2011-12-20T10:15:00.002-05:00

Bokeh or no Bokeh

Okay, I know what your thinking. . . The kid on the left is blurry.

I'm not even sure if this is Bokeh or not. But, my lights come out fuzzy and soft, and isn't that the look we are trying to achieve with Bokeh? If you just look at my oldest girl and the lights behind her, this photo isn't that bad really. AND that kid on the left. . .wouldn't sit still. She actually thinks this whole Bokeh thing is all about fun and games. She doesn't understand how serous the Bokeh is.

What do expect. . . she's 5.

This morning, Cindy from 12 Tribes was nice enough to send me links that helped her learn Bokeh. I'll give it another try later. . .when I have some time. Or maybe I should just do it now. However, I must tell you something ~ I think this Bokea thing is driving me a little crazy! and there are only 5 days left until Christmas.

5 DAYS!!!

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Our World Tuesday ,

My 3 Boybarians

Cheating on the Bokeh

2011-12-16T10:08:00.001-05:00

Some of us have finished with all our Christmas shopping.

and then again, some of us haven't even started.

Some of us are still trying to figure out Bokeh for crying out loud! and then again, some of us can't even remember how to spell ~~bokah~~ bokeh. How can I go shopping when there is bokeh to learn?

Do you want to know what I have done?

I cheated on the Bokeh. . . I did! Shhhhhh don't say anything. Now that I'm finally done with Bokeh. . . I can think about something else. Like, what in the heck am I going to get my kids for Christmas? Did you know there are only like 7 days left?

Did you hear me??? 7 DAYS!!!

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In the Studio

my Sunday Snapshot

Would this be Bragging?

2011-12-14T13:30:00.000-05:00

Would it be bragging if I told you, my bloggy buds, "my bearded baby" made the Dean's List in his first term of college ?

You know, for this home-school mom, who doesn't get out much, or have friends that she talks face to face very often. . . other you then you guys of course. . . This is big and I just wanted to tell you. And then, on the other hand ~ If this is bragging, and I should just keep this kind of thing to myself . . .well . . . forget I mentioned it.

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Deb Duty Photography/This and That Thursday
Our World Tuesday

~ V ~ for VERY excited!

2011-12-13T11:24:00.000-05:00

Hey! Look Y'all!!!

??? Did you see ???

I won a photography award

for this picture!

Emily from Scattered Horizons Photo Blog liked my photo enough to pick it for her Tone on Tuesday contest. . .

and I'm just so VERY excited I'm running around telling everyone . . .especially you guys, my best bloggy friends.

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ABC Wednesday
Mortal Muses
Black and White Wednesday with like Christmas every day

NO! I'm not Worried

2011-12-13T07:54:00.001-05:00

If I didn't know better, I would think someone has been snapping pictures of herself with my camera.

If I didn't know better, I would assume this someone is very please she has figured out just how this photography thing works;

and maybe, she is a little taken with the fact that this "thing" doesn't seem that hard. . . to her.

It doesn't bother me at all that this someone seems to be taking very nice pictures. In fact, the next time I see this kid with my camera, I think I should ~~take it from her quickly~~ help her with her subjects.

Just so nothing is miss handled.

I mean after all . . .her angeling is a little off.

Okay, WAY OFF!

Did you notice?

Even though I have been studying photography and lighting and all things camera for quite sometime, I'm not worried at all that my five year old ~~can take,~~ maybe able to take a picture better then me.

Yes, in fact, I'm very excited for her.

very excited. . .yup!

No! I'm Not worried at all. . .

maybe I should just hide my camera from now on. You know, just so she doesn't hurt herself.

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Communal Global

Scattered Horizons Photoblog/Tone on Tuesday

Me as a mother

First Love

2011-12-12T14:57:00.001-05:00

Have you ever had an old fling that just set your heart on fire every time you saw an old photograph of him again?

This is mine. My first love. . .and then I meet my husband.

I have to say ~ even though I traded in my cowgirl boots for a family ~ this, once upon a time, was my one and only love and. . . sometimes I miss him.

I heart faces and Favorite Furry Faces

the foolish Window

2011-12-10T09:22:00.000-05:00

There once was a grand, but lonely window that needed a home. Even though, this lonely window was stunning and strong, like most things it could not stand alone. This made the window sad . . . all it wanted to do was simply brighten a room and have a place to call home.

Because the window was so grand it could not be in just any room. The room had to be an epic, strong room to support the weight of the window.

Now you see, the window was foolish and just couldn't understand why he of all windows, couldn't just be a window and let the sun shine through. After all he was big, strong, and a glorious window in size, all by himself.

Why would he, of all windows, be left in a dark, dusty room?

But a wiser man, known as the Visionary, knew that nothing could stand alone. The Visionary knew, everything worth something needed support. This wise but simple lesson the Visionary not only lived, he taught his whole life through.

So the window waited. . . in a dark, dreary and dusty cell like room.

And it waited,

and it waited,

and it waited.

Until one day the Visionary's son and his wife had a dream to remodel their home. In this special dream, the pair wanted the window to have a special place of his own. For they too thought the window was grand. This made the window very happy. He wanted to move in right away.

But, he couldn't.

Everyone but the window knew these things take time.

First of all: a window like this needed a large frame and strong walls for support. But, before frames and walls could be built, all dreams have to dreamed. Then of course, those dreams have to be formed into plans. Plans have to be drafted and drafted and drafted again. And this, much to the window's disappointment, would take a very, very long time.

One day, as the Visionary was growing weak, his son , the Craftsman, went to his father and told his father all about about this grand and lovely window. The son told his father he wanted the window to live with him and where he had dreamed the window would be.

Now the story goes, before the visionary closed his eyes and bid farewell, he set right to work and he gave as only he could give ~ by: teaching, listening and dreaming the dreams of other dreamers. And most importantly, for the window, the son, and that moment in time, the Visionary did what he always did ~ he carefully and most lovingly, placed all those dreams onto paper. . . so the dreams of all the dreamers could become reality through the hands of his first born son, "the Craftsman".

And though it took time. . . the window grew impatient. He wanted what he wanted ~ and he wanted it all to be done right away. Sadly, the Window didn't know the Visionary had gone.

So for a moment, more time stood still.

Until the Craftsman picked up the plans again that his father had so lovingly and carefully drawn. With a heavy heart, the son decided he must carry on.

Even though the Visionary had gone, his spirit remains close by. This we know is true, because, the Visionary's first born son was wise, like his father. He knew better then the window. The Craftsman knew, from the lessons of his father, the foolish window must have a strong foundation, good support and the perfect plan to stand strong.

There was so, so much to do. To the window, the work seemed to last forever.

and then . . .at long last!

The young, strong, proud walls ~ the old, wise, steady bricks from the mill, now stood ready to support the foolish, impatient but lovely window.

Even though the house was not finished, the window rejoiced ~ for he was finally out of that dark and dreary room. The window had a place to shine. A place to finally call home.

Once again. . . Not the End

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my Sunday Snapshot

Upside Down & other things

2011-12-07T08:25:00.001-05:00

I'm posting a picture of this little guy today for many reasons. 1.) He is just the cutest little guy you'd ever want to meet.

2.) the theme goes perfectly with ABC Wednesday and the letter U.

3.) I just love a three year old.

4.) He is just the cutest little guy you'd ever want to meet.

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ABC Wednesday

Black and White Wednesday w/ like Christmas every day
Me as a mother

FEET

2011-12-06T11:22:00.001-05:00

I heart faces is asking for photos of feet this week.

This was the standard look in our house for quite sometime. Thankfully, these days, Kathryn has traded in her beautiful black boot for a matching pair of plain, old, ordinary shoes.

Very Soon

2011-12-05T09:43:00.001-05:00

Wait a minute. . .

THIS is December?

I have so much to tell you, so many pictures to show you.

But. . . not today. . . soon. Very soon!

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Communal Global

Scattered Horizons Photoblog/Tone on Tuesday

just Smile darn it!

2011-11-23T08:28:00.001-05:00

I'm beginning to wonder if my ~~obsession~~ desire to learn as much as I can about photography and taking a decent photograph is ~~over whelming~~ slightly bothering one of my favorite models.

It has come to my attention ~ when I ask her to simply act natural and smile I'm getting a lot of strange faces.

I may be over thinking this thing, but lately I've been getting a lot of poses like these.

A few weeks ago, when I asked her to smile like she always does. . . she did this

and said, "I don't remember how."

In my frustration, I want to say "Just smile DARN IT! and Be Happy while your at it!" but, that never seems to work.

All this got me thinking. . . Could it be ME??? Could I be the problem??? So, I put my camera away for a few days. . . I thought of how I really had to change the way I'm approaching this photography thing and just relax a little. Because maybe it's me and not my subjects. So I took a good look and wondered . . .

Could I possibly be making her nerves???

When I pulled my camera back out . . . I came up with this photo. I realized we were having fun and I wasn't making a big deal out her perfect smile, she was just doing it.

Now if I can just remember this, maybe, just maybe, I won't have to find a good therapist to reverse all the damage I have caused by saying "SMILE" ~ "No! not like that!"
"Be Normal ~ Just smile darn it!"

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ABC Wednesday

Black and White Wednesday with like Christmas every day
Me as a mother

♥ The Paper Mama ~ Photo Challenge

Without even thinking

2011-11-21T21:19:00.001-05:00

I know this picture is a bit blurry, I know it's hard to see her face, I know it's really not even a great picture. What you don't know is, I was almost running to keep up with them. She was falling a sleep on his shoulders and it just tickled me so, I had to snap this shot. Now that I think about it all, maybe this is why I wanted to share this little moment in time with you.

The beautiful fall colors. The warm sun beaming down.

It was just one of those perfect days.

We spent a full day hiking in the mountains that day. She was so tired after all the walking and climbing, she finally had had enough. Like most good men, Mark carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. When he is with her, ''the apple of his eye'' his burdens are light, his worries are few. Without even thinking, he swept her up, placed her there without missing a beat and we kept moving on. ~ Just like we always do.

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Communal Global

ABC Wednesday

Ice Cream & the Mexican Hat Dance

2011-11-20T11:09:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow is Alexander Micheal's birthday. He will officially be 11.

11!!!

So yesterday, we took him and started the celebration the only way we knew how. . .

by eating ice cream while he learned the Mexican hat dance.

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my Sunday Snapshot

"Hey! Occupy Wall Street guys!

2011-11-18T11:48:00.001-05:00

If this blog is anything, it is NOT a political blog. I have never once mentioned my point of view here. Today, I have to tell you. . . This morning I was listening to NPR. They were doing a story about Occupy Wall Street . The spokes man on the news talked about this great Occupy cause. I listened with empathy and interest. While I listened, I thought Yes! Yes! Yes! Insurance companies and Banks are taking over the world. It's about time someone spoke up and did something.

When it comes to politics, I have become one of the cynical ones. I feel, the reason gas is so high is the oil companies have some Washington big wig in his or her pocket. It seems to me everyone involved is making a lot money. So way lower the prices? We'll pay. My cynicism has gotten so bad, I rarely listen to the news anymore.

As I listened today, for the first time in awhile, the Occupy Wall Street spokes guy came on and told his story in a rally cry. As he spoke his words the crowd repeated word for word after their beloved spokesman of the day.

~ The chants went like this ~

"I'm unemployed." The crowd chants "I'm unemployed" "I can't find a job" again the crowd chants "I can't find a job" in my mind I think "Yeah! Yeah! You tell'em! It's tough out here! I know so many people looking for work, people without insurance, fighting to keep their home! You Go Guy!" The guy goes on to say "I live with my parents." the crowd cries "I live with my parents." and in my mind I think ~ "Wow! that's tough..." and I wait for the rest... the guy goes on to say "and I'm 25" I think huuuu??? the crowd chants... "and I'm 25!". The chant ended there. . . in my mind I hear the scratching of an old record player coming to a halt and I think ~

THAT'S IT???

. . .THAT'S IT???

THAT'S THE BEST YOU'VE GOT??? THAT WAS YOUR BEST GUY WITH THE WORST STORY???

THAT IS OCCUPY WALL STREET?!?

??? WHAT???

Why don't they have the uninsured construction worker guy who's wife is sick with cancer chanting that rally cry? Why don't they have the single waitress mom who's trying to raise her children alone speak for america? How about the man with two part time jobs, with a chronic illness, struggling to keep his family together and keep the family home?

Oh! Yeah! those guys have real problems and need to keep going so they don't fall over from exhaustion. They can't take time to occupy wall street.

and I think . . . GEEEEEE!

THAT WAS THE BEST GUY THEY COULD GET??? a guy that's 25 who lives with his parents?

"Hey! Occupy Wall Street guys! I'm sure you have a great cause and all but, I don't get it. I know I told you I don't follow the news. . . but I have to say, What's your cause ??? Maybe you should get a leader for crying out loud! Then get someone to speak for you with a real hardship story. Get someone that has been through something. Not a 25 year old who lives with his parents. Get someone with kids to do those chants! Find someone that has really been through it. Maybe someone that has to worry about how they are going to feed their family, keep their home or just take care of simple medical needs." You won't even have to look hard. We are out here.

I also want to tell that guy that lives with his parents. "Go home! Clean your room! Do the dishes in the sink while your at it. Stay off facebook and find someone you can help!." Stop wasting tax payer money on your silly issues. Your mother would appreciate it.

Yicks!

2011-11-18T07:15:00.001-05:00

Did you know. . . Thanksgiving is next week!??!

She's ready. . . Are you?

Did you know ~ Over 60% of new lung cancer cases are never smokers or former smokers, many of whom quit decades ago. One in five women and one in twelve men diagnosed with lung cancer have never smoked.

Because you Need to Know

2011-11-12T18:00:00.000-05:00

Did you know November is Lung Cancer awareness month?

All over the country there will be fundraisers to raise much needed monies for Lung Cancer research. November 12, 2011, was the Caine Halter Lungs4life 5K run in Greenville, S.C.. It's a great little run. If you live in Greenville and went down to support Lungs4life, We would like to thank you. If you don't live in the area and you find there is a Lung Cancer 5K or a one mile fun run that supports lung cancer research ~ please help by signing up for this race. You may think it does not matter, but surprisingly patients of Lung Cancer and those who have lost loved ones to Lung Cancer need you to be there to hold them up and to keep them strong. Most of all, Lung cancer research needs your money to find a cure.

Don't worry about being in shape or even being a runner to do this fund raiser. ~ The thing you need most is a loving heart.~

Surprisingly, Lung Cancer does not get the support it deserves. You don't have to be a smoker to get lung cancer.

Lung Cancer is out there and it is a killer.

People that shouldn't even have Lung Cancer die from Lung Cancer everyday . Did you know: Lung cancer remains the leading cancer killer in men and women in the Uniting States among every ethnic group, yet still receives the fewest research dollars. Lung cancer causes 1 in every 3 cancer deaths and took 156,940 lives in 2010.

Let me repeat that. . . Lung Cancer Kills more people in the United States then any other cancer. . . and receives the fewest dollars.

I wonder. . . how could that be?

Is it because smoking and Lung Cancer have a stigma?

It shouldn't.

Never smoked!

These are hard the facts:

Lung Cancer is the Leading Cause of Cancer Death in Women and Men

We know these hard, cold fact personally. Lung Cancer hit our family like a fright train six years ago. Lung Cancer killed our father. Lung Cancer killed my mothers husband of 56 years. Lung Cancer changed our lives. Lung Cancer burned a whole in our hearts.

My father never smoked. He never lived with smokers. He exercise everyday of his life. He even exercised in bed when he couldn't get up anymore because the lung cancer took over his body.

Don't think just because you live a healthy life style you won't be affected. Lung Cancer doesn't care. Anyone can get lung cancer.

So as I said before, if you hear about a Lung Cancer run this month. . .get out and support. It really doesn't matter if your a runner or not. We just need you!

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my Sunday Snapshot

Unknown Mami

~ the question ~

2011-11-07T08:42:00.000-05:00

"Who sees the human face correctly: the photographer, the mirror or the painter? " ~ Picasso

iheartfaces/black

and it was Magical

2011-11-05T20:57:00.001-04:00

The best nana ever took Liz, Alex and Brian to see the play Peter Pan this week.

It was a magical night.

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Out of sOrts

2011-10-25T10:20:00.001-04:00

Lizzy has been out of sorts these past couple of days.

You see, "the best Nana Ever" is out of town and things have been kind of off.

But, don't worry. . . "the best Nana" will be home today and all will be right with the world.

We are so Happy!

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Communal Global

Weekly Kodochrome

ABC Wednesday

Once upon a time

2011-10-20T11:27:00.001-04:00

This may look like a big pile of rubble to you. But, to us it's history. . . it's our past. It times Margaret, our mother and I shared with our dad.

Our father was a visionary. He was able to see beauty and opportunity in everything. . . Even a big pile of bricks.

Once upon a time, many years ago, there was a old abandon mill that fell down. There was no hope for this big pile of devastation ~ until one day our father drove by and saw art laying in the rubble. He saw hand made bricks that could be used again. If only he had someone to pick them up, clean them off, and get them to a new home.

Never really seeing a problem, our father knew he could always count on the woman in his life to figure out these minor details. So, one Sunday afternoon, after Mass, our father convinced our mother and two of his little girls to go out for a Sunday drive to see a mill that fell down. It just so happened that the owner of this mill didn't mind if . . .someone picked up the bricks and cleaned up the area just a little bit.

And that someone you see just happened to be. . . me, my mother and sister. . .that's three.

So Margaret, our mother and I set to work with our father by our side. We piled, cleaned and scraped bricks. Two little girls, a devoted wife and the visionary moved, one by one, well over 10,000 bricks to a new home in the country.

Through out the years the bricks were used many times.

Once there was a devastating fire in our childhood home. The bricks were used to rebuild, remodel and repair to make the house "better then ever". There were so many bricks not all of them could be used at that time . . . So they waited. . . until at long last. . . the visionaries son used them on his own home many, many years later.

NOT
the END

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Favorite Photo Friday

In the Studio

Tickled Pink

2011-10-17T10:37:00.001-04:00

Even when I catch her being naughty and doing things she shouldn't do:

Like when she slips outside, without anyone noticing, to dance and celebrate in the pouring rain.

I can't help but see how this 5 year old child embraces life and I have to say. . . "Hold it Missy!!! I need to get one more picture and then you have to come in and take a warm bath."

The way this little girl see beauty in everything. . . just tickles me pink.

Our Father's Hands

2011-10-11T13:23:00.000-04:00

Our mother has always said, " Bill was born with a hammer in his hand." He has always had a love for building. Because of our father's construction business this natural talent Bill showed could be nurtured. As the years past it came to be ~ our father would design and our brother's would build his creations. George worked on everything electrical and Bill would handle the building and craft work.

As Bill grow older he truly became our father's hands.

It has come to pass in this bitter sweet moment of time our father's last creation is being made reality now that Bill has decided to remodel his own home. . .

AND

"Our Father's legacy and dreams will live on his family."

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ABC Wednesday

the "Why"

2011-10-06T11:15:00.002-04:00

Through the years of writing this blog I have talked very little about our home school life. Sure I have sprinkled hints of home school here and there; however, I have never really talked about the why. I have received many e-mails and much encouragement from friends outside of this blog saying I should share the why. Just last week I received an e-mail from Brandis, a blogging friend, asking me if I would do this very thing as a guest host on her blog. Without giving it much thought I dove in. I wrote a post talking about " why" we home school. Mainly it's a post about what brought us to this wonderful life of homeschooling. I shared the post with my son first and then with his approval I sent it off to Brandis. To my surprise this son of mine said, "Mom that was really nice. You should post this on your blog."

~So, here it is ~

Everyone home schools for a different reason: it maybe family practicality, religious reasons, academic, the list just goes on and on. But, the truth is "why" a family homeschools is very personal. I have home schooled all our four children for 9 years now.

I believe in home schooling.

I believe most families would love homeschooling their children. There is a closeness to home schoolers that just can't be matched anywhere. Home schooled kids are not weird. They are not antisocial. They are just normal children. Home schooled kids have to be made to do their homework, made to get up in the morning, made to go to bed at night and for the most part they have to be made to practice their piano just like other kids.

I was not always a home schooling mom.

At one time my children went to school. But, I soon realized public school was not the path we needed to take. I had a son that was struggling terribly in first grade. He wanted to read but just couldn't get it. Time went by and I talked to the teacher weekly about his struggles. I talked to the teacher about my son's upset stomach and how sick he felt every morning going to school. It was clear to me, even though I was telling her often this teacher was not aware of my son's distress. It was clear to me she was not listening. Unbelievably, she was not aware, by any means, that one of her students was not reading. She told me time and time again my son was fine. But, I knew better. I knew he was struggling and desperate to achieve.

Then there was the day my phone rang. It was the school principle. He wanted to talk to me about my first grader who had just been caught cheating on a daily spelling test. I remember it all like it was yesterday. I went down to the school and learned my young son had spelling tests daily. I learned that the children in this first grade class had 10 minutes in the morning to study 10 new words each day and then they would be tested on them. I learned my little boy kept his new spelling words out on his desk so he could see them while taking the test that day to finally make a passing grade. He wanted to feel good about himself, if only for a moment.

My reaction was not at all what was expected by the principle or the teacher. My reaction was not anger towards my son. My anger was directed towards the teacher. My thinking was, and my thinking still is, 6 year olds do not cheat. . . unless they are desperate and he was.

That day I learned most of the children didn't pass these spelling tests. I learned this teacher was trying a new program that was not working for her class but she wanted to stick to it because it was an expensive program. I was appalled the school would let such a thing happen. I was told by the principle not to worry because "next year things would be better".

I demanded my son be tested for reading issues. I told the principle my baby had been struggling. I told this man how my son would tell me when he tried to read words would slip off his paper and it all made him sick to his stomach. I told the principle how many times this year I told my son's teacher about these issues and she told me time and time again my son was fine. And now, here he was in trouble for cheating and I blamed them. I made it clear that the school was not to punish my son for this act. I would take care of it at home and I did.

As time went on that year the company my husband worked for was closing and moving to China. His job was ending and our young son was still not reading. After months of persistent fighting with our school our little boy was finally tested for his reading issues. The report came back visual perception problems. . .bottom line

Dyslexia

An IEP was set up for this child. This smart little boy of mine would have to leave his class mates during science and history and go to a remedial reading group to learn the one thing he wanted so badly. This first grader was also required to keep up with the other studies he would be missing to go to the remedial classes. I knew my son was bright. His IQ tests showed me his intelligence was way above average. I already knew this about him. I knew if a 6 year old was going to take apart a VCR and put it back together. . . mostly right. . . he had to be smart. I could not figure out how in the world a school expected a child to keep up with reading subjects when he was struggling so much with reading. When I pressed the school to keep my son out of gym or art I was told this was not allowed by our school district. It was plain to see this plan would cause more frustration for this wonderfully bright, loving child of mine.

My husband and I knew if our son was going to achieve we had to help him ourselves.

~ and so our home school journey had begun ~

To much disapproval from everyone around us we took all the kids out of school and started a new year. I learned a lot that first year. Little did I know this thing called dyslexia that my son had came from his mother.

I learned Dyslexia runs in families.

I got mine from my father, he from his mother and so on. I also learned Dyslexia is a gift. It's a gift that has to be worked around to reach the gift of reading. With a lot of hard work it can be done. But, never the less, this gift of Dyslexia brought us to home schooling and I am so grateful for that.

I can honestly tell you as a dyslexic home schooling mother of four this is one gift I would never trade for anything.

Home school is something I know I have to do for my son. I take one year at a time. Not everyday is bliss. There are many days I wonder why am I still doing this thing. And then there are those days that I know why I do this thing.

It doesn't happen often but every now and then I will hear a "thank you" from one of my kids. Like the time my oldest said "Thanks Mom." "Home schooling me was the best thing you could have done for me." and that my dear Friends nine years later was my ah ha moment when I knew following my gut and home schooling our children was right.

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In the Studio

Look at her. . .

2011-10-04T09:14:00.002-04:00

Did I blink?

Look at her. . .

When did she get so big?

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Communal Global

Weekly Kodochrome

ABC Wednesday

~ Just ~

2011-09-20T21:24:00.001-04:00

I have come to realize I haven't posted any pictures of my oldest daughter lately.

This is not because I don't Just adore this oldest daughter of mine. I haven't posted about her because well. . . simply. . .It's not easy getting this daughters photograph. Every time I whip out my camera, she turns her back, puts her head down, or she walks away.

And that leaves my photos blurry or worse ~ I am left without even one good picture of her.

So today, I realized it has been awhile since I have posted about this beautiful daughter of mine. This daughter that's JUST perfect for me. This daughter that's strong willed and wonderfully funny. This daughter that challenges me and drives me to be a better mother . . . To be a better woman. . . everyday. She makes me rise to the occasion . . .what ever that may be and be her mother.

In this picture I can see a girl blossoming into a young woman. She is growing up beautifully right before my very eyes. I am thrilled to be able to say, I have been with her every moment of her life. This daughter of mine. . . that I JUST simply adore.

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ABC Wednesday

Black and White Wednesday with like Christmas every day

My Bearded Baby

2011-09-20T08:13:00.001-04:00

Look Y'all. . . My baby has a beard.

He's my bearded baby.

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My 3 Boybarians

Communal Global

Weekly Kodochrome

Between the Sunbeams

2011-09-19T12:33:00.001-04:00

Come a little closer and look between the sunbeam and the two bears ~ you can see a joyful face.

You know who that is. . . that's May Ree Lizzy Beth. . .the girl with many names. For her birthday, that was in July. . . the birthday I didn't have a chance to post about. . .the fifth birthday. . .remember? She was given two bears: One from Me. . .the light one. . .and one from "the Best Nana Ever" . . . the dark one.

Guess which bear she kept.

You got it!

~ The Dark One ~

and My Spirit Thrives

2011-09-15T22:49:00.002-04:00

On this Fabulous Friday I am redefining the finer things in life while I embrace every moment in the Studio of my Life. . . As I embrace the beautiful gift I received in the mail a few weeks ago.

It is a painting by one of my dear blogging friends, Robin, from Well of Creations. It's an original ~ Signed and everything! The inscription on the painting says,

"With God, My Spirit Thrives. " Psalm 31:5

Robin sent me this painting because. . . well. . . I really, really liked it. She read between the lines and just knew I needed a little lift. . .and you know what? This did the trick! This adorable painting lifts my spirit and I can feel it thrive more then I can tell you. I smile every time I see the painting and read the words written on it. This gift is just perfect for me. With all my heart I thank you Robin. ~ Your the best!

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Black and White Wednesday with like Christmas every day

Wordless Wednesday but with Words

Her Hollow Leg

2011-09-14T10:13:00.002-04:00

I have come to think of Fridays as a day off for me. A day I take a step back, a step away from our busy school week and rest. . . well. . . kind of.

Friday mornings Liz and I drive Kathryn and Stephen to Spartanburg, a good 50 minutes from our house to a class. . . a Biology class. Biology is something I am NOT capable of teaching in this home school life of mine.

I thank God every Friday all our high school sciences are taught by Dr. Bennett. Who is a college professor at one of the local colleges. He teaches home schooled kids science at a college level. . . every Friday. And I, their teacher, four days a week, leave two of my babies at this class knowing they are in the best of hand. And most importantly, their high school future looks brighter because of Dr. Bennett.

Did I say, Thank GOD! I don't have to teach Biology???

Let me hear a Hallelujah!

Thank You!

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So anyway, My little friend and I drop these guys off for the whole day and we go out to play, get some running around done and do a little school work.

Our first stop for the day is always, without a doubt, Panera Bread. My girl likes the cinnamon rolls there. I get a coffee and an apple and we sit and talk, work on her school stuff and just spend time together not rushing.

But, here is the funny thing:

This girl must have a hollow leg.

Because she eats. . .

the whole DARN thing!

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I is for . . .

2011-09-13T07:09:00.000-04:00

In remembrance of September 11th my sister and I wanted to do just a little something, in our own way, to remember that dark, dark day . . . to honor the dead. . .to honor the living. . .to Remember.

Since she is a runner ~ you can tell because of the hat ~ she suggested we run 9.11 miles. . . and because I am a glutton for punishment I said, "Okay!"

. . .So we did. . .

We ran, we laughed, we talked and we remembered. . .9.11 miles

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My 3 Boybarians

Communal Global

Weekly Kodochrome

ABC Wednesday

The Home School Journey

2011-09-12T09:37:00.004-04:00

I have home-schooled our children for 10 years now. I even home-schooled our oldest son all the way to college. When you home-school you never know what the day will bring. There are so many things going on in a life the day could change in an instant.

One thing you do as a home-school family is study.

And, boy do you study many, many things. Through the years my kids and I have studied: Ichthyology, Theology, Economics, all the maths, Nato, English for 10 years now, American Literature, World Literature and the list just goes on and on and on.

~ But ~

Do you want to know what my favorite subject to study in school is?

~ reading ~

This year my girl has started 5K. Now that she knows all her letters and their sounds ~ it's time to put them together to create words. Real words! and we couldn't be more excited. The journey continues

A 9 -11 Baby

2011-09-11T21:21:00.000-04:00

On this day of nine eleven ~ My brother's baby girl had a baby boy.

Mr. and Mrs. Jamey King are proud to announce the birth of their son,

BRANTLEY TROY KING

7lbs 13 oz, 21 1/2 inches long

September 11, 2011

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Just the two of us

2011-09-08T22:00:00.000-04:00

The other day I was talking to my youngest; we were talking about spending time together and how wonderful it was that it was just the two of us. . . alone at last . . .without. . .the other kids.

She told me she didn't really see why she had to share me with everyone else and sometimes it was just hard for a girl like her.

As we talked, I could see her little heart filling with pure Joy and that it was dripping with Love.

She was eating up the attention I was giving her and I was thrilled with the attention she throwing my way. It felt good to be alone with this little daughter of mine. . .just the two of us. She took a deep breath and sighed. I could tell whatever IT was that was on her mind was big. I could see whatever it was that she was going to say next would be ever so loving.

I was ready.

In her sweetest most serious little voice she says ~ "Mommy, I just love . . .

"Nana." "She's the Best".

and I smiled and laughed at myself. . . and then I said very seriously and lovingly ..."Yes, my darling she is the best." "She is the best Nana ever. "

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Playing alone with: Show off your Shot

Favorite Photo Friday

H is for. . .Happy Birthday

2011-09-06T10:11:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow is "Stevie Wonder's" birthday. . . He will be 17.

17???

He's one of those kids that just makes heart sing. This son of mine truly is a pleasure. He would give the shirt off his back if he thought you needed it more then he did. He has always been this way, even when he was a very little guy. Kind, Generous, the Helper. . .that's my Stephen

~ May he never change. ~

As I think of the years gone by. . . I wonder. . . Where has the time gone? How could 17 years come and go so fast? How could he be 17?

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My 3 Boybarians

Communal Global

Weekly Kodochrome

ABC Wednesday

G is for . . .

2011-08-31T09:10:00.000-04:00

Good Grief am I behind ~ Life has Gotten in the way of bloGGinG. ForGive me for not stopping by and commentinG. I will fill you in soon on all the happeninGs. . .

In the mean time: G is for little Girls and Good Friends and an afternoon filled with bakinG, playinG and happy, happy Grins

ABC Wednesday

the Artist

2011-08-25T21:04:00.003-04:00

On this Fabulous Friday we are redefining the finer things in life while we embrace every moment in the Studio of our Lives. . .

As my brother Bill , ~~master carpenter,~~ cabinet maker, general contractor,

Artist

examines

measures

guides

and molds every piece of wood

that he hand selected for the fine cabinetry that may have only been part of a dream turned into reality for the homes he builds and the lives he touches as only an artist can.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Playing along with:

Fabulous Friday

finer things in life

F ~ is for . . .

2011-08-24T13:52:00.000-04:00

Friendship, guidance, and holding on tight.

ABC Wednesday

the Economist in my house

2011-08-20T21:50:00.002-04:00

Okay, It's time you knew. I have kept this secret long enough. I have to come clean on this one. You are my friends right? You won't judge me to harshly.

Will you???

I mean you put up with my bad spelling, my poor grammar and my rambling thoughts. So I thought I should just tell you.

I have this son that's, well. . . a little strange.

He likes. . . lectures A LOT! He likes economics as much as he likes lectures. Strangely enough, he likes lectures and economics together. . . at the same time.

Okay, yeah, there is more.

He like lectures and economics enough to win a scholarship to study economics in a lecture setting for. . . 12 hour days. . . for a week.

I know!

A whole week. 7 days . . . 12 hours a day.

I have tried with this kid, I really have. But, he thrives on lectures and economics. . .at the same time. He tells me, "because I have home schooled him he knows how to think. . .for himself."

"Wait a minute!" "I did that?" Huuu???

So here we are, I have an economist in the house. Not just any economist, we have an Austrian Economist. Most particularly, I am talking a Ludwig von Mises Institute school of economics economist. AND that's a mouth full!

I am telling you, Matthew studies and studies and studies this thing. He reads books that are bigger then. . .I don't know. . .a dictionary about this stuff. He really finds it all very interesting.

He fills me up with the things he has learned. I listen and think. . .could he be right? Does he really know what he's talking about? and then I hear the things he says on the news about: the way things are going in this great country of ours and what needs to be done and why our government won't do them.

It's quite overwhelming.

And I think. . . well, maybe an Economist in the house is not so bad. There are days I get to call him "my son sunshine" because of the gloominess of his tone. "My Son Sunshine" tells me all about why the FED is bad and what really needs to be done in our government. . .to make things work again for all of us and why our government won't do them.

And, sometimes I just have to say to him. . .

"STOP!"

"I can't take it anymore!" I know! Doom and Gloom. The FED is bad. . . Our government is corrupt, Congress violates the Constitution with nearly every new bill they enact. We all get it! "

" Ron Paul rules! "

and then I'll lovingly say:

"Matthew tell me this?

Why did you have to learn so much about the constitution?"

"Why didn't you just pretend to read it like the other kids do?"

So, my oldest son, Matthew, the son I home schooled for nine years, won a scholarship to the Ludwig von Mises Institute at Auburn University with an essay that he wrote. The scholarship paid for everything from his food, to his room and board, to the lecture classes that was all about economics. All Matthew had to do was get to Atlanta Georgia the very same weekend Mark got out of the hospital.

His bag were packed and Matthew and I drove the 176 miles to the Atlanta Airport.

We talked about how very nerves he was about going to a place where he didn't know a soul. We talked about how proud his father and I are of him for doing this all on his own. We talked about how excited he was to meet his idols and learn more about this subject that he loved. . . and maybe, just maybe Ron Paul would be there.

Matthew went to Auburn and the school of economics with the hopes and dreams that only a 19 year old could. He learned, and he studied , and he studied and he learned. He called me three times a day to share the things he had learned and to tell me how excited he was to be there. He told me who he had met and how brilliant the "average" person was at the institute that week. Matthew talked about what was said and what he already knew to be true. He talked about his hopes for the future. . .if only the government of today would listen. . . and stop thinking about. . .well, themselves and who's pockets they are in.

When Matthew came home, he was not only a week older and wiser, he was "intoxicated" from the all the knowledge that was swimming around in his head. He was tired from the long week of lectures and note taking. He was full from his week of listening to arguments and debates from the people he had only read about and admired from afar. For weeks now, Matthew has been filling us up with von Mises ideas for the world and the things he wants to become. He told me how he wants to fight for what is right. . .and how he can't wait to go back to "the Institute" next year and learn and study and listen for a week and those 12 hour days of more studying, learning and growing. AND just maybe just maybe Ron Paul will be there.

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"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest."

Benjamin Franklin

Playing along with:

Fresh Mommy
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Communal Global

New Beginnings

2011-08-18T21:09:00.000-04:00

On this Fabulous Friday we are redefining the finer things in life while we embrace every moment in the Studio of our Lives. . .

As Karen celebrates her new beginning and she redefines her life. . .

as the new girl on the block.

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Playing along with:

Getting Old

2011-08-14T16:55:00.002-04:00

The other day she said,

"I'm old mommy." "You see, I'm five now. That's very old."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The other day a man asked me what I thought was the best time of life. "Why," I answered without a thought, "now." ~David Grayson

Playing along with:

Fresh Mommy

Tomorrow

2011-08-12T07:38:00.006-04:00

On this Fabulous Friday we are redefining the finer things in life while we embrace every moment in the Studio of our Lives. . .

Things are moving almost faster then I can keep up. The children are growing by leaps and bounds. Life is moving. . . School is starting again soon and then I'll really be busy.

I have so much to tell you. . .Tomorrow

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Playing along with:

Black and White Wednesday

finer things in life

Fabulous Friday

Maybe It's just me

2011-08-10T09:02:00.004-04:00

I have read that sometimes you can see a person's soul in a black and white photo.

I don't know, maybe it's just me. Maybe I'm looking to hard. . . Maybe I just know him that well.

But you know what? I think I can see his soul here.

I see a young man that works hard and puts everything he has into most things he does. I see beauty and kindness and just a little bit of his wild side. . . All in this photo.

Maybe it's just me. But, that's what I see.

ABC Wednesday

A Lesson in Friendship

2011-08-08T11:42:00.005-04:00

It seems strange to me I'm just getting around to posting again after letting another two weeks go by. Things are settling down around here but, I guess sometimes things like these just take a while.

So the short story today is: I heart faces is holding another photo contest. The theme for this contest is Friendship. As we all know, friendship comes in all sizes, shapes and colors. You just never know where you'll find it.

When I think of friendship, I can't help but think of Tommy. He's the hippy on the right. The man with the bandanna around his head, holding the red cup. Tommy is my brother George's friend. He has been around for. . . well. . .I guess, forever. The other guy in this photo, holding the yellow cup, is my brother George's son. . .Little, Bigger George, as I loving call him.

The one thing I always think of when I see Tommy is how genuine he is. What you see is what you get: a true, loyal friend.

I will never forget the action Tommy took when our father died. He cut his hair, shaved, bought himself a suit, arrived at the mortuary early, before any of us got there and waited outside for his friend George.

Tommy told me that night. . . when I saw him standing there waiting: "I don't want anyone of you walking in there alone tonight. Your father was better to me then my own father and I will always be grateful for that." In his kindness, Tommy offered to walk in with me because, Mark had gone to be with my mother. I told Tommy I would be okay, I had my kids with me and then I remember Tommy saying; "I'm just going to wait right here for George. . . so I don't miss him and he doesn't have to walk in alone. " and my heart filled with love that night. . . and I'll never forget the lesson in friendship a man named Tommy taught me without even trying the night of October 2, 2009.

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