We Met the Duggars!

Today we were blessed to be able to meet the Duggar's!  It was so exciting.  The Duggar Family is showing their support for Todd Akin by holding  Rally's and they just so happened to come to a town close to us!! 

First, you need to understand that I LOVE (I mean really LOVE) the Duggar's!   My kids love them as well and Bethany even had it on her Bucket List to meet them!

We got to hear them play their musical instruments and sing songs of worship.  They also shared their life testimony and words of encouragement.  After the Rally was over they signed autograph's and we got to chit chat with them and AND (here is the exciting part)  Michelle Duggar wants ME to make Johannah an "upcycled" denim skirt!  If you didn't know about my "upcycled" skirts for girls click HERE to find out more!  I was wearing a skirt that I made, Michelle asked about it, that led to a conversation about sewing which led to.....yeah, you get the idea. ;)

Anyways, I'm really excited about this opportunity and I still can't believe that we got to talk with them!  It is all so crazy...I mean Josh opened the door for us today.  Jim Bob walked by me in the hall and we stopped and chatted.  We spoke with each one as they signed autograph's.  I talked with Michelle about sewing and raising daughter's.  We chatted with several of the kids.   I guess you could say it was a good day!!!  

Here are a few of the pictures I took!

Bethany always makes goofy expressions and so does Jinger and since Jinger is Bethany's favorite Duggar we had to get a picture!

And a couple videos!!

A Homeschool Graduation

Back in May we celebrated the Homeschool graduation of my son.  It was such a joyous occasion!  A lot of hard work and planning went into it.  I was so thankful for all the ideas I found on the Internet to help me plan the special day and I thought I would share a few of the things I did.

We invited close family and friends along with our church family.  It was a great turnout and I was so thankful for those who came out to support Dakota in this important milestone.  We planned on having the entire ceremony and celebration outside, but since it ended up being so hot we changed it a little and had the ceremony outside, food served inside allowing people to choose to eat inside or out.  We also did presents outside. We would of moved the entire thing inside, but did not have the space.  

For the ceremony I had our pastor open with prayer.  After that I shared a little bit about our decision to homeschool and some special memories I have of that first year.  I then asked those that were there to share some of their memories or to offer words of wisdom/encouragement to Dakota.  This was one of my favorite parts.  I loved hearing every one's words of love.  After that I shared a short story on persistence and offered some biblical words of encouragement to the graduate and then turned it over to Dakota for him to deliver his commencement speech.  If you would like to see what he said you can click here.  He posted it on his blog shortly after.  After he completed his speech I had him stay up with me, I said a few more words and then presented him with his High School Diploma.  After that we ate, visited, opened presents and just enjoyed ourselves.

I had an 8X8 photo album (with blank white pages) and asked everyone to write words of congratulations and/or encouragement. (Kind of like a guestbook).   I haven't done so yet, but I plan on fixing it up with a pictures and memorabilia of the day as a keep sake for him.

Food and Decorations

I purchased a small cake from our favorite bakery and then made some cupcakes to go with it.  

I loved this idea of chocolate graduation caps.  I made the caps using mini peanut butter cups and a half of a mini hershey bars and the tassel is made with Airhead Extremes and Mini M&M's.   I had a table set up with the cake and the cupcakes next to it on a cupcake stand.  It looked really nice.  Not sure why I didn't get a picture of the display. : /

I used some old  encyclopedia's as accents on several of the tables.

I prepared the plastic ware with a graduation stamp set and some card stock!  Perfect for grabbing all your utensils at once.  

Here is what the outside decorations looked like - minus the picture display boards.  I had two picture boards.  One very large one for display on an easel and then a poster board sized one for on the table.  Thanks to the wind they didn't stand very long, but we were thankful for the cool breeze! 

I made little diplomas out of smarties and set them around in bowls.  The kids that were there loved these!

Here is a picture of Dakota giving his speech.

Part of one of the picture boards. 

I made little sandwich diploma's by removing the crust of a piece of sandwich bread, rolling it flat with a rolling pin, rolling it up with sliced turkey inside and tying it off with a piece of chive.  We also served chicken salad on croissants, sub sandwiches and crock pot pizza.

Another picture of Dakota giving his speech.

Miscellaneous Tidbits

I purchased the Diploma and the announcements from HSLDA.  If you have a membership with them you get a discount! 

I purchased his tassels here.  They have every color imaginable and tons of other homeschool graduation supplies including diploma's and announcements.

If money is tight, try doing your own senior pictures.   Spread out the purchase of your items so it is not a huge expense all at once.  Be creative, make your own decorations and food!  

I have a few more years, then I get to do it all again!

Just a Swinging

There is something about a tree swing that captures my heart and brings back a flood of childhood memories.

When you sit on a swing your cares just slip away, caught up in the breeze that is blowing by.  

When my children were little I would hold them on my lap while swinging and sing our own made up swing-time song... "Swingin, swingin, ♫♪♫ up to the sky and back again, swingin, swingin, ♫♪♫ I can almost touch the sky."  Their giggles of glee where pure joy to my ears. 

 Here are a few pictures of some awesome tree swings that make my heart smile.  <3 :)   

Modesty Heart Check

Modesty seems to be something that is lacking in today's world.  As a christian mother I desire to teach my daughter the importance of modesty.  First I need to show her what the word of God says and then I need to show her by example.  


I recently ran across a Modesty Heart Check and thought I would share it.

Heart Questions to Ask

1.  What statement do my clothes make about my heart?

2.  In choosing what to wear today, whose attention do I desire and whose approval do I crave?  Am I seeking to please God or impress others?

3.  Is what I wear consistent with biblical values of modesty, self control and respectable apparel, or does my dress reveal an inordinate identification and fascination with sinful cultural values?

4.  Who am I trying to identify with through my dress?  Is the word of God my standard or is the latest fashion?

5.  Have I asked other godly individuals to evaluate my wardrobe?

6.  Does my clothing reveal allegiance to the gospel or is there any contradiction between my profession of faith and my practice of godliness?

Before you leave the house, do a modesty check (some things you should look for as you stand in front of the mirror).

From the top...

1.  When I am wearing a loose-fitting blouse or scoop-neck, can I see anything when I lean over?  If so, I need to remember to place my hand against my neckline when I bend down.

2.  If I am wearing a button-down top, I need to turn sideways and move around to see if there are any gaping holes that expose my chest.  If there are, I've got to grab the sewing box and pin between the buttons or put on an undershirt.

3.  If your top is see through, put on an undershirt. 

4.  Does my shirt reveal any part of my cleavage?  Does my midriff show when I raise my hands above my head?  Is my shirt just plain too tight?  If the answer to any one of these questions is yes, then I need to change my outfit.

Moving down...

5.  Does my midriff (or underwear) show when I bend over or lift my hands?  If so, is it because my skirt or my pants are too low?  Either my shirt needs to be longer or I need to find a skirt or pants that sit higher.

6.  I also have to turn around to see if what I am wearing is too tight around my back side, or if the outline of my underwear shows.  If so, I know what I have to do!

7.  Do a "sit-down" check with your skirt or dress.  If you see too much leg you need a longer skirt/dress.  I must remember to keep my skirt pulled down and my knees together when I am seated.

8.  And speaking of skirts, watch out for those slits!  Does it reveal too much when I walk?  Pins are also helpful here.

9.  Before I leave I need to give my skirt a sunlight check.  Is it see through?  If so, I need a slip.

10.  Finally, I must remember to do the modesty check with my shoes on.  High-heels make dresses and skirts appear shorter.

I think this is a good list to keep taped on the closet door or by a full length mirror!

1 Timothy 2:9-10

 ⁹In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

¹⁰But which becometh women professing godliness with good works.

1950's Birthday Party

Bethany wanted to celebrate her Birthday with a 1950's party!  What a blast we had!  We had 50's music, poodle skirts, ice cream floats, bubble gum blowing contests, drag races, 50's charades and to top it off we had each person write down a few sentences to Bethany using 50's "lingo" so we can put it in her scrapbook.   The party was a hit and Bethany declared it the best Birthday she ever had!  Here's a few pictures of our fun time.

My sweet Bethany all decked out in her 50's outfit!

My wonderful neice Katy!  Isn't she pretty!

The whole gang!  I absolutely love this photo!  I told the girls to look at Dakota like "he's so dreamy"  It took a while to get the right expressions.  Sister and cousins had a bit of trouble thinking that way. Hee! Hee!

Charades!

Bubble gum blowing contest.

More charades!

The Birthday cake!

Another one of my pretty girl!

Bethany and her cake!

Drag races with hotwheels and straws.

Dakota is so goofy!

The girls!

Who wants an ice cream float?

Bethany insisted that Daisy had a poodle skirt too. lol!

Happy13'th Birthday Bethany!

Sweet little Bethany Rose, the sweetest little Rose that grows and grows.  That's the song I sang to you as a baby as I held you in my arms.  You are still my sweet Bethany Rose, but no longer  so little.  I have been watching you grow, watching you bloom into the sweet young lady that you are becomming.  You are so beautiful inside and out and a mother couldn't be more prouder than I am of you.  You are such a special girl and I know that God has a great plan for your life.  Continue to trust in Him and walk in the light.  Momma loves you!!

Boys to Men - Raising Godly Boys

As a homeschool mom of a boy and a girl it didn't take me long to realize that resources in purity, modesty, and virtue are limited when it comes to raising boys.   You can find numerous books, blogs, curriculum, etc. for raising your daughter to be a Godly woman.  But what about raising Godly men?  There are a few good books out there, but compared to what there is to offer for girls it's very limited.  As important as it is to raise our daughter's to be Proverbs 31 women, it is equally important to raise our boys to be godly men.  I like to think that there is a mother out there that is raising her son and teaching him about God's ways right now, a boy that will someday be my daughter's husband.  Likewise, I want to raise my son in a way that he is prepared to be a good husband, father, family provider and leader, all according to God's word.  So I thought I would share a few great resources I have found for raising Godly men!

Online Resources

Online Bible -  Best resource!

In all Purity - This is a blog written by a young man on purity.

The Rebelution - A great online resource to encourage young men.  Alex and Brett Harris are young men of conviction, passion and courage.  Their call to their generation is faithful to the gospel and honoring Christ.  We had the pleasure of getting to know Alex and Brett a little bit last year when we volunteered at their conference.  These boys are the real deal.

A Look at Life from a Deer Stand - this is my son's devotional blog.  He also had a friend who has a great blog called....

Counter Cultural - Another devotional type blog.

What better way to teach your son to live a Godly life then showing him that there are other young men out there that are trying to do the same. 

BOOKS for Him

The Bible - The best handbook ever!



A Call to Die - Two words for this book...Life Changing. It goes straight to the heart and is able to do some amazing things in your walk with God.   I seen a profound change in my son with this book.

Do Hard Things -  This book was written by Brett and Alex Harris when they were 18.  It is a revolutionary message in its purest and most compelling form, giving readers a tangible glimpse of what is possible for teens who actively resist cultural lies that limit their potential.

Books for Parents

The Bible - The best guidebook ever!

Future Men

Raising a Modern Day Knight

That's My Son:  How Mom's can Influence Boys to become Men of Character

Homeschool Curriculum

The Bible - The best resource ever!

Plants Grown Up

Prepare Thy Work

Honor your Father and Mother

Doorposts has so many great resources for boys and girls alike.  Plus resources for parenting.  I've listed several but you may find something that fits your needs better on their site!

The Best Resource EVER

THE BIBLE -  I have listed it under each category, why???  It's the best, it's full of truth, answers, and encouragement.  It is the most important resource needed.   All other books and curriculum pale in comparison.

Am I Sheltering my Child too Much??

I just received an email from The Old Schoolhouse entitled Am I Sheltering my Child too Much? You can read it for yourself here. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.