Coffee for Breakfast

Aubree designed her own.

Today we worked on and completed four quilt squares. They will be mailed to another homeschooling mom who will then have them put together and quilted. These quilts (four of them) will be gifts for a grieving family. They recently lost their two year old in a horrible accident. We moms, who frequent a homeschool message board wanted to do something to comfort them. My girls helped by embroidering on "their" quilt squares. I will hopefully post pictures later of our completed project.

Barb's Apple Chip Cake 1 1/4 c. oil (I use olive oil) 2 c. sugar 2 eggs 1 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. baking soda 3 c. flour 1 tsp. vanilla 1 c. chopped nuts 3 c. peeled, chopped apples Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In mixing bowl combine oil, sugar and eggs. Beat until smooth. Sift together flour, salt, baking soda and cinnamon and beat into the wet ingredients to form a stiff batter. Add vanilla, chopped nuts and chopped apples and stir to blend. Spoon the batter into a greased 9x13 pan and bake 1 hour. Doesn't that sound wonderful?! I can't wait to make a trip to the apple orchard this year. I'm loving fall already.

My medium: yarn I started with leftover yarns from my stash. After all of the baby blankets last year, I had quite a selection. The point of this project was to just enjoy different color combinations. I chose to make granny squares. After making a few squares, this project evolved into a doll blanket. Upon completion it reminded me of stained glass. So here is the stained glass doll blanket... My newest project is also an experiment with color. My purpose this time is to make a monochromatic project. I purchased some Fishermen's Wool a few months ago. I have decided to make a throw for my family. I'm lovin' this blanket with it's cable stitched rows. It is still a work in progress but it may be my favorite...

As I was browsing a few blogs I enjoy last night, I came across an idea that inspired me to my core. We who homeschool do it for a variety of reasons. Some for religious convictions, shelter from ideas that we don't agree with, children with giftedness or learning disabilites that can be better served in a home environment, or too many others to list. Some of us homeschool for a combination of reasons. However, one common thread I have observed is a homeschooling parent's desire to learn. We love to learn and want to instill a love for learning in our children. So when I came across Bev's plan last night on her blog, I was completely caught off guard by the emotions stirred within me. I guess I have been on a journey of sorts lately. I am in the process of rediscovering who God created me to be. Sometimes we moms get a little lost in the shuffle of helping our families in discovering who they are meant to be. I discovered that you can literally wake up one morning, look in

Yay! The pumpkin spice latte is back! I went through the drive- through at Starbucks today to get a much needed triple. I was very happy to see my favorite fall beverage back on the menu. Now, I know I can make it through the long days. Lol

Your dad takes your picture beside roadkill. LoL

Today marks our our 12th year of homeschooling. Kaitlyn is a Freshman this year, Kyla is starting 7th/8th grade, and Aubree is in 4th grade. I realize that homeschooling isn't "for" everyone, but we can't imagine life any other way. I remember our first year. I felt so insecure . I told my husband, "I don't know if I can do this." He always encouraged me and never doubted my abilities. (thank you for believing in me) Homeschooling isn't something you "do". It truly becomes a lifestyle. Our year begins in September. Each new year is filled with possibilities. I look forward to the adventure this school year brings. We are geared up for the next twelve weeks (our 1st term) when we take our 1st break. I will post some of our projects, adventures, and outside activities as I get a chance. Happy New Year to all you fellow homeschoolers. I hope you have a blessed year.