Life After Homeschool

Artie asked me to post this writing I did a couple of days ago, so here it is...

Today is May 27, 2008. There are seven school days left in this school year. (okay, now there is only 1/2 a day left in school...)

There are 85 days until the new school year begins. (79 days!)

Now, I know, most mothers aren't already counting down until the next school year starts; but this is going to be an amazing year for me.

We have been a homeschooling family (on & off w/ different children on different years), but always someone for the past 16 years.

August 18, 2008 will be the first time in 16 years I've been alone in my house with no children (aside from a very rare day - that off the top of my head - I can't even recall). All my children will be entering public school. It is a long time coming family decision, today I am just going to be focusing on the results in my life and not all the whys we have wrestled with.

I am going to be alone 5 days a week from 7:00 to 2:30. Again, let me state the fact - I haven't been alone in 16 years!!!

It is like this incredible gift of time I've been given and now it's up to me to decide how I am going to spend it. My mind is racing with the possibilities.

I will have time to invest in my homemaking. It has come along way, but still have such a long way to go. With six children in the house, there is more work to be done than with the average family. Add to that, our house turned 100 years old last year - there are too many needed projects to list, especially those concerning painting.

There is also cooking to think about. I cook a lot, but most of the time it is a rushed meal, not served with beauty. I love the idea of a beautifully prepared table and hot dinner waiting on Artie when he gets home from a long day at work. With all the practice I've had, I've learned to make it very tasty. I'm just looking forward to serving it as nice as it taste.

There is going to be time for longer Bible study and prayer. When I was in college, I studied so much - deep and long. When I began having babies, that all changed. A woman in my church explained seasons of life to me. There would be time again for deep study of God's Word, but now was time to put into practice all that He had been storing up inside of me.

You know it's pretty funny I thought I was such a good person until I had children. That is when I realized just how sinful I was. Selfish, lazy, spoiled. I had to learn how to share my time (time awake and time I was suppose to be asleep), share my drinks and food off my plate, share my solitary moments during the day that I had always taken for granted. I needed God more than ever.

My deep study time was replaced with hymns sung while rocking babies. There Is Just Something About That Name by the Gaithers was my all time favorite. We also rocked to The Old Rugged Cross and Amazing Grace (with a little of You Are My Sunshine thrown in for good memories of my Papa Troy). It was also replaced with tears, realizing my own inadequacies and total dependence on Jesus. There were talks with God at the clothesline (guess that one will still be a keeper for many years to come) and at the kitchen sink (even though I never enjoyed the sink as much as I did the clothesline).

There has been much learning as the girls have gotten older and we've been studying of God's purposes and plans for women. Why did I never study that in college or hear it preached in church?

There will be time to pray and plan - alone in the quiet. Will the quiet be deafening or will I be able to soak in God's voice?

I'm looking forward to having some private time with Artie. The first day of school he is taking off work. After all the children get on the bus, we are getting back under the cover to snuggle and sleep as long as we want. When we get up, we are taking a picnic and spending the day at the lake. It has been YEARS since we've been alone and in a quiet place. We've had date night where we've been to the movies or out to dinner, but never a day alone without children. There will be days where I can ride to Charlotte and have a lunch with Artie. I think in the eight years he's been working in Charlotte - the girls and I went up for lunch once! There will also be a special day here and there where he can go in a couple of hours late, and give us some nice time alone and I think everyone couple of months he will be able to take a personal day or afternoon off.

There are some other people I'm looking forward to spending time with. Both Mimi & Granddaddy and Bobbie I get to see now, but don't get to help them like I would like. I miss Gwyn who will have a couple of weeks in town before thy set out for the DR. I might have to ride out to the mall and visit my friend Sandy. But, the two ladies I've missed the most over the years are my Aunt Bonnie (my mama's cousin, close like her sister) and my papa's Carolyn (the woman he dated the last 10 years of his life). I NEVER see them, but love them so. Maybe my house will be presentable enough that I can have them over for lunch or drive to Spartanburg and visit with them there.

So, when I've cleaned my house, cooked dinner, read my Bible and done a little visiting - then what am I going to do?

This is when my mind begins to wander. I keep telling Artie "you know I'm having issues don't you?" Nothing bad, just dealing with big change!!

Last night we were watching a movie an I explained it to him like this...

Our money has always been stretched tightly (just like my time). Now imagine on August 18 from 7:00 until 2:30 - you had all the money you wanted - to do the best with it for the whole school year. I want to be a good steward and not waste a single minute.

The opportunities just seem huge to me.

There sill still be exercising and gardening and then all the normal trips to the doctor, dentist, field days and award days at school just as now.

Shopping will be able to be done in the day time instead of rushing around during out home school time or after dinners and Saturdays - when there is always something going on.

Christmas shopping sounds more fun and less of a hassle to find time. It's stressful to Christmas shop at midnight!!! :-)

Life will continue to run as usual, I just might have more moments to stop and appreciate the beauty of it all.

God has been so good to me over these past 16 years. I have been blessed to have a husband who values a wife and mother's place in the home. I got to be here with my children as they were growing up. I was the one when they skint a knee or had a boo-boo. I was the one who got to see their first steps, hear their first words and watch them experience each new food. I believe all my children with Artie have grown up confident in our love for them. They have been secure and provided for. God has always been faithful!!

So after all this long writing, I opened up my Bible to today's Proverb - 27:1.

"Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth."

Am I boasting? I don't think so, but I will do my best to live in today. To get the most we can out of these last 7 days of home school. And to enjoy each and every day of summer break when I have six of the children here with me every day - all day!! :-)

We've got lots of fun plans...

~ day trips with the church

hiking

swimming

Linville Falls/Caverns

fishing

~movies and popcorn

~swimming lessons

~boys' birthday party

~Carowinds

~summer jobs

~beach trips

~trips to the lake for more swimming and fishing

~bowling

~playing in the new alligator pool (which is on back order - they are really messing with me now!! It's almost birthday time!! )

~riding bikes and jumping ramps

~wrestling practices

~gymnastics

~Popsicles

~tomato sandwiches from our garden

Here I am off in the future again.

Seven more days of school - extra work on handwriting and math, preparing for next year's schooling!!!

Today in the Quinn Home

I'm sorry it's been so long and sparse between my blogs. I'm hoping now that summer is approaching, this will be able to change a little.

Today was a big day for me. It was my last morning alone (with Troy, Brenda, and Emily - how's that for alone?) with Terry. The twins get out of public school tomorrow and next year Terry will be entering Kindergarten... Today was my last day to enjoy him alone - all to me. The boys got out at 11:00, so we didn't have long. Of course, Terry's pick was to go play at McDonald's. He played in the play land and got a Happy Meal for lunch. What could be better??? :-)

I am working today on our summer calendars. I like to make big poster board size calendars for the kids to see what all is coming up through out the summer. It will have outings for church recreation days, programs at the library, swimming lessons, free movie days at the theater and youth group activities for Troy and Brenda. It helps all the questions about when does school start back and when do we get to go swimming again?????

The youth group kick off their summer with a mud war tonight. A family in the church lets them dig up a big mud pit in their backyard that they turn the hose on. They are such a sight when they get in!!!

So, off to work...

I couldn't help but show one more video from Stacy McDonald's blog ~ Your Sacred Calling. Isn't she a doll?

Tradition Azalea

Friday morning, the children were out of school for a teacher's work day. Brenda had been to a birthday party the night before and spent the night. When I picked her up that morning, we stopped by Lowe's to get some more paint for the kids' fort. We found some beautiful azaleas for sale for $2 each. Last year I bought 2 and then Artie bought me 2 more for Mother's day and they were about $15 each. I bought up 10 thinking Troy would plant them for me when I got home. Well... the best laid plans...Troy didn't feel good and spent most of the afternoon sleeping.

The pretty pots lined my front steps as long as I could stand it and Emily and I got out there this evening and planted them all. Hopefully, these will do better than the 3 I killed last year!!! I'm definitely going to save my receipt this time - they will give you your money back if they aren't living for a year!!

Gardening in a little space!!!

(I saw this video on Your Sacred Calling - Stacey McDonald's blog)

and to think... I've said the reason I don't garden more is because we aren't in the country and don't have the room I need!!! This will inspire you to get out there and do it!!

By Wisdom

Do not be envious of evil men,
Nor desire to be with them;
For their minds devise violence,
And their lips talk of trouble.

By wisdom a house is built.
And by understanding it is established.
And by knowledge the rooms are filled
With all precious and pleasant riches.

Paper Back Swap

I have so enjoyed my membership with Paper Back Swap. It's great and it's free!!

You just list the books you are willing to swap and then when someone wants one of your book, you mail it to them (you pay shipping your books and books are shipped to you free).

I listed and mailed many of our unwanted books. Here are some of the books I've gotten so far...

A Daily Rate by Grace Livingston Hill (my new second favorite writer)

Five Children and It (Emily's school book for next year)

Five Little Peppers and How it Grew (Emily's school book for next year)

Mary Poppins (Emily's school book for next year)

Pilgrim's Progress (Emily's school book for next year)

The Pursuit of God (Brenda's next devotional)

Every Man's Battle (Troy's new read)

Career's Working with Animals (for Brenda)

Whispers Down the Lane (Brenda read and loved - a youth book from Beverly Lewis)

You get two free credits for signing up and then a credit every time you mail someone one of your books.

If anyone trys it out, let me know... :-)

Triple Coupon Sale!!!

Last week I went to Shelby (30 minutes away) to a triple sale at Harris Teeter. I did okay, but they have a lot of restrictions. You can triple 3 like coupons and only 20 per day. I saved about $50 and was talking with the cashier. She said that they weren't very busy because everyone was at the BiLo triple sale!!

What, we have a BiLo in Gaffney!! I haven't heard about a triple sale and just drove 30 minutes to come here. Come to find out, the triple sale wasn't in Gaffney, but it was at all 3 of the BiLo's in Gastonia (about 40 minutes from our house).

When I got home I talked with Brenda and we decided to go ahead and check it out. When we got there, there was no triple sign posted out front or in the building. It wasn't in the sale paper. We stopped and asked the manager and she said yes mam, have a good time. The only limit - only 10 of the same item!!!

We did so good, buy I didn't have many coupons left since my coupon lady on the Internet stopped selling them. We got all we could.

Sunday when the papers and new coupons came out I got 10 papers at Wal-Mart. I gathered up all the coupons and Troy and I hit all 3 BiLo's first thing Monday morning.

Here are our totals for my shop with Brenda and then 3 with Troy...

Totals groceries purchased $765. Total Money spent $147!!!! Money saved $618!!!! YEAH!!! I LOVE TRIPLE SALES LIKE THAT!!!

Maybe I can get some pictures of my pantry taken soon?? Some of my freebies were soy sauce, soap, shampoo, conditioner, frozen biscuits, teriyaki sauce, deodorant (men's and women's), hot sauce, pasta salad, ranch dressing, rice mixes, potato chip dip, butter, gum... That's just off the top of my head. Stocked up on a lot of soda's (all caffeine free - Sierra mist, lemonade - yellow and pink, a new orange Sierra mist, Hawaiian punch, tea, diet Pepsi) for this summer's outings.

Right now I am working on filling up my freezer. Food Lion is having hamburger for $.99/ lb this week. I try and never buy it for more than that. We usually use 5 to 7 pounds / meal and that is about my limit for meat. We love meals from hamburger - tacos, spaghetti, hamburgers on the grill, Beef Nacho Casserole, Enchilada casserole in the crock pot, I use a little in soups. Liking Mexican and Italian as much as we do, it seems there is always meals to make needing hamburger!!

Today's Errands

It seems like it has been forever since I have been able to be on my blog!!! I've missed writing about our family!! :-)

Let's see if I can get some post up today maybe???

I have lots of errands to do today.

Here's my list...

~ stop by YMCA and pay for Emily's summer swimming lessons

~ Hamrick's - pick up 3 birthday presents for Brenda's friends

~ Curves for exercises with Emily

~ Lowe's for paint for the fort, blinds and 9 tomato cages

~ Library - turn in Emily's old books and get new ones

~ Food Lion - milk and sales (hamburger - .99/lb!!!)

~ Post Office - mail book for book swap

Mitten Strings for God - Chapter 5

Book study with Dawn from By Sun and Candlelight...

Chapter 5 - Simplicity

I'm so far behind in my book study. I am hoping to catch up a little bit by bit. This is such a good book, I don't want to drop it!!


Simplicity!!! I think that has become over the years one of my favorite words!! If I could just have a little more simplicity in my life…

Here are a couple of my favorite quotes from this book...

"we are the ones who make our own lives more complicated than they need to be. We set the bar too high, take on too much, turn small doings into big ones."

"it can be a challenge just figuring out where to draw the line."

"In simplicity there is freedom ~ freedom to do less and to enjoy more."


Ways we work towards simplicity in our family...

~ use cash only - if the money isn't there for it, we don't do it :-)

~ pare down and give away - there is always a bag being filled to take to Goodwill to thin down all our "STUFF"

~ have family outings (all or just a few) for presents - Artie, Brian and Troy, all attended their very first professional football game together for Artie and Troy's birthday. That will be remembered long after any toy or game they could have gotten. We've been to tea houses (girls), plays and water slides (celebrating 3 birthdays in our family and 1 in our close friends who went with us). There have been picnics for Mother's Day and circus tickets hanging on the Christmas tree. For Emily and my last birthday, we all went horseback riding. Who really needs more stuff? Many of these memories will last forever.

~ sometimes we combine birthday celebrations. Emily (January) has celebrated with Granny (Granny) and me (November - I waited a while - until the money was there!!). :-) The little boys are all looking forward to an alligator party this summer where they will get their alligator pool - to help those long hot summer days pass by peacefully!!! :-)

~ shop at the Dollar Store. All our children buy or make presents for each other at Christmas and birthdays. It isn't about the cost of an item, but the heart behind it. Brian loved the big, gaudy silver jewelry the twins got him for Christmas. They were so excited; they knew that it would be just the perfect thing for him. They were a little sad because they wanted to find a driver's license for Troy. Terry got him a play cell phone - cause he knew he'd been wanting his own phone. Was it the real phone Troy had been wanting - no, but Troy loved it because it showed Terry's heart was for him and he knew his desires and passions. Each one picked out the perfect potholder or serving spoon for the grandmother. No just throwing something in a buggy, we had to find just the perfect gift for each special child to give the people they love.

~plan your meals and shop once a week - It is such a help during the day when I know what is already planned for dinner and have all the ingredients in the kitchen waiting for me!!! So much money saved from those crazy days where you have to run out and get McDonald's or pizza because you haven't thought ahead about what's for dinner.

~stock a pantry - This is something I have just begun in the last couple of years. It is so helpful to stock up on things when they go on sale. It's nice to know there is a cake and some icing in there if there is an occasion you haven't fully planned for. Yesterday the boys reminded me they needed to take some thing to school for the Children's Home Drive - they had a list of needed items. I was able to go in the pantry and find several packs of diaper wipes that were on the list of needed items. Not only were they there and ready for me, I got them free from Food Lion with coupons. :-)

~ use a crock pot!!! Simplicity at it's best!!!

~ teach your children to wash their own clothes - Everyone over 8 in our home washes their own clothes. It's almost time to teach the twins!!!

~glory in your efforts - If you have to wash clothes anyway, you might as well enjoy your time at the clothesline. Notice the birds, talk with God. Nobody really likes to do laundry (that I know!!!), but I can find satisfaction knowing I'm blessing my family. We try to teach the children the same principle in there schooling. You have to do it, you might as well make the best of it.

~Do the next thing~ I heard a talk given by Elizabeth Elliot several years ago. Her husband had just died (I think it was the second one, not Jim?) and she was trying to figure out what she was gonna do now. She said she went in the bedroom and open the curtains, then made the bed. She just did the next thing she knew needed to be done. Things get crazy around here often!!! Many times since then I have just worked off the same principle - just do the next thing. Load the washer, is it going? Load the dishwasher. Make sure everyone has what they need for the next day. Just doing the next thing.

~Don't worry~~ Matthew 6:25-34 (New International Version)

25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?
26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.
29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.
30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

So, how do you all keep things simple??? :-)

May 1st - Barefoot Day!!!

When I was growing up, May 1st was one of my favorite days!!! That was the day Mama would let me go barefooted outside!!! YEAH!!!! My children have been asking how many more days!! It's finally here!!!

Stephen and Bobby are having a nice May 1 - their first grade classes are on a field trip to Strawberry Hill. They will get a tour, a picnic, a tractor ride, a snack of ice cream and then strawberries to bring home!!

Prom Day

For those of you keeping up with our family, you know it's been a while since we've seen Brian - the last time was during Christmas. Saturday afternoon we had a lovely surprise. He stopped by with his girlfriend, Jessica on their way to the prom (I say stopped by, but he had to drive about 40 minutes out of his way to get to our house) - so it was a real planned trip to come and see us. :-) This is the same little girl he was dating when he had moved back home. Not sure where things stand with them now?? Didn't ask too many questions.

They looked very nice. I told Brian he looked a little like the Easter bunny in his white and hot pink!! :-)
All the children were glad to see him!!

As were Artie and I.

He is making plans to finish up high school over the summer and talking about joining the military in January??? We'll see, that still a long way off. And all this time it's been Troy I was praying wouldn't join up!!!

Spring in our Backyard

One of our dogwood trees in bloom with a wisteria vine intertwined.

Carolina Wrens

Easter afternoon during our Easter egg hunt, the children found a bird's nest in our old grill. Daily the kids would peek in and see how the baby birds were doing. There were five.


One day it looked as if the babies were dying. We kept a watch out and the mama bird didn't come back. We weren't sure what had happened to her and looked up online what to do with abandoned birds. It said to feed them bread soaked in sugar water. So, every 2-3 hours Brenda and Emily fed the tiny birds and they seemed to come back around. Three died, but 2 thrived.


They loved when the girls feed them. Finally they were up strong enough to begin learning how to flap around.
This little birdie flew from Brenda's hand up to her shirt. SCARED BRENDA TO DEATH!! :-) (the ugly scratch on Brenda's face was from her doggie - Elmo - it looks much better now!)
Emily even held one of them.

Here they are up close.

After days of no birdie mama, the mama (below) reappeared (or another mama adopted them?? does that happen?) She began coming and feeding them for the afternoon and then they all flew off by nightfall.

The girls had so much fun with them all. It was sweet of God to help them save 2 of the 5 and allow the girls to learn even more about the Carolina Wrens. (Emily's bird from last semester in school)

Terry's 5th Birthday

Well, I guess I am more than a little behind on my blogging. Here are some pictures from Terry's birthday - on April Fool's Day.


I can't believe my baby's five!!!


Terry is going to join in on the twins' birthday party in June, so he got just presents from Artie and I and a birthday dinner on his actual birthday. (all thrifted!!!) :-)



Present #1 - First pair of roller skates!

Daddy likes to get outside toys!!! Not as much clutter in the house!!

Watch out!!
Bobby and Emily to the rescue!

Emily's such a great big sister!!

Present #2 - Zoingo Boingo - Another outside toy!!! Lots of fun jumping and exercise here!!

Terry is such a sweet boy!! We were definitely blessed with his arrival!!!

Danni's Gymnastics Recital - Intro

It's been so busy lately around here that I haven't had time to work on my blog. I am hoping to get a few pictures up today.

Here is Bobby's gymnastic recital. He did so good. Everyone was talking about how strong he is to be able to do the rings. That's his favorite part~~

Here's their intro... (Bobby is in one of the advanced classes, the cute girls in the pink are the competition team.)

The bars - you've gotta catch this one quick. :-) (They are in the back of the gym, behind the balance beam.)

Here's Bobby's floor work. Cartwheel, round off, 2 back bend kickovers, and a limber with a kickover .

And the favorite - the rings!!

Here is Bobby with his medal. We were so proud of him.

Stephen's learned how to tie his shoe!!!

Library Day

We went to the library this morning. I love the library!!!

Emily got 4 accelerated readers and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe on CD to listen to.

Terry got a Dora DVD (they are finally having some kid's DVD's at our piddly little library).

Brenda got the second Box Car book - Surprise Island (this doesn't count for school - so she will be reading this one on her own time) and two books on Amish Quilts. Doesn't that sound fun. We are gonna study the Amish Quilts for her artist study this quarter instead of just one artist. She is just finishing up Mary Cassatt now.



I got nothing!!! I have officially read every Beverly Lewis book they had!!! There is one more series that she's is writing and I've ordered the first book - The Courtship of Nellie Fisher from Amazon. The last one isn't even finished yet, so when I read these two, I'll just have to wait until she's done to find out what happens.

I need to find a new author I guess. I think I'm gonna try and check out Grace Livingston Hill. Any other ideas? Something homemakey!! :-)

New Comforter

Hey guess what, I got a new comforter today. It's really cute. Now all I need are the pretty curtains, lamps, bed, rug and night stand and I'll be all set!!! :-)

The Unit

"Good news, The Unit will be back on, although only with repeats, beginning April 29. This show will air in its regular slot, Tuesdays at 9:00PM. This should be a positive sign that CBS has some faith in the show. Hopefully this will mean a pick up for next season. " This was posted on TV.com.

Hopefully something good will come from it!! There's only so much Dancing with the Stars that Artie can handle!!! :-)

JACK

While I am thinking on TV, I thought I would check on our favorite shows - the ones we are still waiting on to return.

"24 Season 7 - To Return January 2009Fox has announced that 24 will be delayed until January 2009 to ensure that Day 7 can air uninterrupted, in it's entirety. The 14 week writer's strike postponed 24's seventh season which was originally scheduled to premiere in January 2008." - this was posted on Keifer Rocks.

Okay Keifer, that isn't rocking too well with me!!!

Guess I'd better go and check on The Unit now too!!!

American Idol 7 Jason Castro- Somewhere Over The Rainbow

Here is my favorite song from Tuesday night!! :-)

Hey Gwyn, if you want to see American Idol while you're in Costa Rica, it's almost all on different YouTube posts!! :-)

Shout to The Lord American Idols on Idol Gives Back

I was so shocked last night when American Idol Gives Back ended. They ended with Shout to the Lord!!! A truly praise and worship song to Jesus!!! Will wonders never cease???

My favorite quote from the night was a little girl in Africa. She is dying of aids and has no electricity but said she never missed a day of her schooling!!!

If my own children (and me too!) could appreciate all the advantages and blessings we have been given....

The Monster at the End of this Book

Terry and I just finished reading one of my favorite book from when I was little. I absolutely loved this book!! I think Terry loved it too. Emily has already read it to him twice today before I read it and Brenda read it to him last night!!!

If you littles haven't read this one, it's great fun.

Whatever you do, DON'T TURN THE PAGE!!!!

Moses the Kitten

Here is a wonderful living book for Nature Study. (I think Charlotte Mason would love this one!!) Emily is just beginning reading the James Herriott's books (the stories from the Treasury series - our library has each story as it's own book - but not the whole treasury). Moses the Kitten was the first in her readings. It's a lovely and warm book - with lots of good farm knowledge and beautiful pictures passed on.

Mitten Strings for God - Chapter 4

Book study with Dawn from By Sun and Candlelight...

Chapter 4 - Quiet

Wow, I guess to have peace, you must have quiet too huh?

These chapters seem so intertwined in my mind.

One of my favorite verses and the main character trait I am working on with Emily is...

"And let not your adornment be merely external - braiding of hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God." 1 Peter 3:3-4

To be able to quiet your self is such a lady-like quality. It's still hard for me at times, but so well worth the effort.


Here's one of my favorite quotes from this chapter...

"In each day there are long stretches of quiet. I often cook, garden, write and read in silence. Our boys draw, paint, do puzzles and projects - in silence. Before we flick on the car radio or the DC player, we stop long enough to think: Do we want to exchange this quiet for sound?"

What do I hear right now in my house? Cars riding by in the distance, Emily with the hiccups, water dripping in my bathroom (guess I should check on that one!!) :-) , Troy coming in from taking Elmo out.

Do you strive to have some quiet?

Mitten Strings for God - Chapter 3

Book study with Dawn from By Sun and Candlelight


Chapter 3 - Peace


The first thing I did before I finished the first paragraph was ask Terry to turn off the TV. No one was even watching it. The local noonday news was invading our home even without my knowledge. I have been addicted to TV since 7th grade. I had a TV in my room and spent most of my hours in there with it on. Even if there was nothing to watch, it kept me company. When I went off to college, my TV went with me like a trusted friend. It has gotten better over the years. Most days it is off during school (we had cable removed and that helps a lot), but most evenings it is still on. Just background noise often - like we need background noise in a house with six children!!! I love the sound of quiet - while am I still so often drawn to take a break and sit down in front of the TV?

Emily, Terry and I just got back from a trip to Goodwill. It was a nice and productive (that's Artie's word for the month - PRODUCTIVE!!) trip. Emily got a cute pair of sandals and three dresses. She has been wanting to wear more dresses lately and needed some new (or new to her) ones for the summer. I hope in a couple of weeks we can find a few more and she will be set.

Anyway, while we were walking around the store - it was a peaceful time. Troy and Brenda were home - but they are old enough where I don't have to worry about them while I'm gone. So much of my time is spent rushing to get back home to the children. It was nice to quietly walk around the store and just browse a while. Terry and Emily played with the games they had for sale. Peace can be found most places if we take the time to enjoy it I think.

One of the things we try to do to maintain peace is not to have too many outside engagements - especially in the evenings. With 6 children - it's hard not to have everyone going in different directions. Most of the children only have 1 thing that they are involved with after school - so we don't spend all our time running all over town from this to that. The little boys all take wrestling together - so that is exercise for all three with only one outing. Plus I gain a quiet hour to read!! (I finished my latest Amish book - The Brethren - by Beverly Lewis



and have started Mother by Kathleen Norris)



I am still hoping to get the girls in swimming this summer together - that will probably be in the day time - so again - will help leave our nights peaceful. I plan through my day looking ahead to the night and next day. Tonight Bobby has practice for the Jr. Miss pageant. No, you didn't read that wrong. :-) His gymnastics class is providing the entertainment for the Jr. Miss pageant. So, I've gather all the clothes he needs and everything is ready for him. Artie will enjoy his time with the other children while we are gone. Artie called today and said he has an opportunity to work some overtime tomorrow - so added to today's list is make sure all the clothing he needs for tomorrow are washed and ready for him. Hopefully all in a peaceful manner!!! :-)


Here are some of my favorite quotes from this chapter.


"Just as our children depend on us for three meals a day, they also need us to prepare peaceful spaces for them in the midst of this busy world."

Along with Dawn's favorite quote by Thoreau to love "a broad margin to my life' - the less packed into a day, the better."

"I am learning to leave some space around the edges of our days"

"The impact of just a few minutes of quiet attention can be profound, changing the mood of an entire day, restoring equilibrium to a distressed child, and to a frazzled mother as well."


How do you all foster peace in your life and in your family?

Paper Back Swap

I just found a fun sight through Shower of Roses - it's called - Paper Back Swap. I listed 10 books I have been meaning to list on e-bay (much easier than listing on e-bay!!). That gave me two free books to pick and have mailed to me free. Next, I have already had one the the books I had listed chosen and will mail it off tomorrow. That will give me a third free book. I pay for the books I ship and each other person pays their own shipping. It looks like a great set-up. I can't wait to pick my books!!

Has anyone else used this before?

If you register, please use my e-mail address - artiequinn @ yahoo . com - i think I get credit for you signing up, but I'm not sure how to post their banner here yet??? :-)

Everything Glorious

Glorious!!!

Do you ever have those glorious days? Spring is just beautiful today!! I am gonna try and get some of our neighborhood sights later today. God is so good. Some days it just almost seems to much!!!

Great Homemaking Blogs!! :-)

I'm so excited. Lady Lydia (also known as Mrs. Sherman) has listed my blog in her blog roll of Great Homemaking Blogs!! Wow, that feels special. Lady Lydia writes for Ladies Against Feminism - a great website!! She is a total lady and is very inspirational in her writings for homemakers and women of God!!!

Check out her blog and her writings - Home Living.

Country Armoire by Kay Lamb Shannon from allposters.com