I'm so excited! I just found out my Seersucker Ring Pincushion
was featured on the front page of Etsy!
CHECK IT OUT!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Journal Talk
A few years ago, the kids were in public school back in our home town, and the girls had the greatest teacher when each of them was in 5th grade. Mrs. Shriner still holds a special place in our hearts. She was tough and didn't put up with any garbage, and at the same time, she was extremely smart and witty. She and Maddie had a special banter, and when Morgan came along, there was a wonderful relationship between them. "We Love You, Mrs. Shriner--and planting flowers with you in the park, and getting muddy at Swamp Stomp, and not getting to say "fun" until Friday."
Ok...on with the program before I get too homesick...I can feel that little twinge in my heart starting...the sniffles are brewing...I miss my mommy, wait, my mommy's here...I miss...my house....I miss...my brother...I miss... I miss...better stop now
(Mrs. Shriner probably won't approve of my "...'s", sorry....I'll work on that)
One of the really great things Mrs. Shriner did with her students was "Paper Talk". Once a week the kids would write her a note asking her anything they wanted, and she would respond by writing back. It ended up being a really down to earth way for her to communicate with the kids. It seemed like school time was business time, but these notes allowed a more playful side of communicating with her.
We decided after two years of public school we were going to homeschool again, and I've always believed that a good idea is a good idea, so why waste it! We created our own version of "Paper Talk". We call it "Journal Talk".
Every school day for the last two years, the kids have kept daily journals. Each day they write their goals, the week's memory verse, and then we simply talk. They can write about anything that they want, funny things, serious things, emotional things, plans....anything! One of the goals I had for Journal Talk was to make sure that if they had anything really important that they wanted to talk about, it could be done here. There have been times when they felt like they could write out a concern easier than saying it, and it opens the door for us to talk face to face. It's kind of like it gives them an opportunity to get some things off their chest without interruption.
I really wish we had started these years ago, even when they were little. It would have been hysterical to look back at what the kiddos were thinking in 1st grade.
We use Mead Composition Notebooks that have 200 pages in each. That works out perfect for the 180 day school year, and everything in the journal entry is included on one page. It prevents them from feeling like they have to write a ton, but there are plenty of extra pages in the notebook if they do.
Here are the kids Journal Talks. They like to put stickers on them.
Even in High School, stickers are still important!
Here is an example of the Goals section of the page. I try to encourage them to be specific and not give a generic, "get my work done today." The page is also dated so we can keep track of attendance through this as well.
This is Maddie's entry...she likes to draw little pictures...It's her journal, she can express herself however she wants.
We have a memory verse every week, and I try to encourage them to use journal talk to work on their penmanship. They do pretty good!
This is one of Wesley's journal entries, and as you can see at the bottom, his dad responded this day. Sometimes we both do, sometimes it's just me. But every day one of us will.
Here's one of Maddie's journal entries.
Notice the crazy cat! She has a crazy cat named Dash that licks on her face at night. He deserves his own post!
Morgan is my "Poochie Pooh"...my baby girl.
This was an entry that her dad and I both responded in.
Let me tell ya, your kids will love it! In fact, if there is a day that I forget to respond, the day does not begin. I'll have three journals in my face with them saying, "You didn't do Journal Talk!"
If I could pick one thing that is my favorite part of the year, it would be this. There is now record of our daily lives from three different perspectives, and I hope one day they will enjoy looking back and remembering all they did.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Yeeehaw...Pink Links
My family and I love to watch PBS "House" programs. Have you heard of them? They'll take families and single people, and have them do things like establish a settlement on the frontier, or a build a New England colony. Some of them are out there in the wilderness anywhere from several weeks to several months. Everyone succeeds at completing the time, but, with a historical evaluation at the end, not everyone is a success. There are several in the series including, Frontier House, Colonial House, 1940's House (currently watching), Manor House, and more. Check out your local libraries movie section to find these and more.
A few weeks ago we finished watching Texas Ranch House...LOVED IT!! The Cooke family had to establish a ranch in post Civil War Texas. It was a working ranch with cowboys and acres and acres of land. It's amazing to see how people would really struggle without modern conveniences, and do their best to "live" like they did back then. I think this was my favorite because of the clash between the ranch owners and the cowboys...drama, drama, DRAMA!!
So, all this western livin' got me thinking of my next Pink Links post, and I figured it just had to be about cowgirls. I've been working on it for a while now, and I thought it was about time I filled you all in on what I've found.
Don't forget to click on the Pink Links and they will take you directly to the shop and item.
Have fun ya'll!
This photo called
reminds me of when Maddie was about 3.
We had helped friends move out to Wyoming,
and we brought all the kids back cowboy boots.
Maddie's were RED and looked just like these,
which totally matched her personality.
I still have them sitting on a shelf in my work area...
(memories....excuse me while I get a tissue)
Ok...someone give me a time machine!
I want to pop my girlies in it and turn back the clock!
makes the cutest little tutus.
Here is their
...."ya jest gotta git yer girlie little red boots to match!"
Not only are these outfits super sweet,
but these girlies are the cutest.
I'm thinking they are sisters...possibly...they sure look alike.
I had to show my big girls..."Look these sisters hug!"
You've got to check out
Get one for your daughter!...
or grand daughter!...
or the little girl down the street!
I think it will make the world a happier place!
Speaking of happy places....
I really loved this
Everything is precut and ready to go with the binding included.
She's already taken care of all the time consuming cutting
that completely stops me...
...I mean us,
from tackling such an adorable project.
There are absolutely no excuses left!
"Thank you, Kelly!"
You just can't be a cowgirl without appreciating
heritage, heirlooms, and quilting.
Thus sayeth, The Frog!
has got all your bases covered...
wait that's baseball...
got all your horses in the barn....
you know what I mean...
will be that perfect place to rest yer head. The shop owner, Amy, also has a terrific blog with more samples of her beautiful work.
Hop on over, and check out
and tell her The Finicky Frog says, "Hi!"
When you still live in town, like me, but you still have aspirations of owning a horse,
these Horsin' Around Bookends are perfect.
You don't have to feed 'um or nuttin'!
Wouldn't these be great
with a collection of old western stories nestled between them?
You've just gotta go look!
She also has a blog, by the same name, that I drool over.
In fact, you have to take a peek at this post
to see all of the cottage decorations she's designed.
Trust me, you'll instantly be a fan!
Every time I look at this picture I hear gunshots in the distance
....pick-ewe pick-ewe
(that's what my gun sounds like)
has a huge selection of western themed candles.
was perfect for this weeks Pink Links.
The color of the candle reminds me of a summer shade of lipstick
that smells like pink sugar.
YUM!
One of the really cool things that I noticed about this shop, is that they give free samples with your orders.
Isn't that just smart?!!!
The cowgirl gem of the west has got to be turquoise!
It's my favorite!
Every time I wear it I think of all my family in Arizona.
Especially when it's cold and there are 236 inches of snow on the ground.
It just makes me all warm inside.
The Rattan earrings
over at Stone Wear Designs are perfect.
I totally can see them with a casual outfit or
dressed up for date night.
(Hint Hint Honey....Mother's Day....Wink WINK!)
You really can't have too much turquoise when your a cowgirl.
(Gosh darn this eye just keeps a winkin')
I think it's exciting when I find shops on Etsy that are just getting started.
They've still got that new shop smell!
just opened in March of this year,
and they have a great selection of unique bracelets.
Stop in and check out her selection and keep an eye on this shop!
The Wild West Bracelet is my favorite.
It has all the elements of western wear.
Leather, turquoise and style!
Let me know what you think, and I would love to know if you have any cowgirl favorites that I've missed!
God Bless, Y'all!!
Monday, April 5, 2010
And The Winner Is...
Thank you all so much for entering the Giveaway,
and for your sweet comments.
I want to give a special welcome to all of my new friends
who have decided to make this one of your morning coffee stop.
I have a list of posting "idea-rs" with some handy household hints and homeschool tips that I'll be working on this week.
I hope all of you pencil me in to see what's "hoppin' nin" ( I kill me!)
Now, for the winner of their very own Ring Pincushion.....
drum roll please!!!!
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
Mary from jamfiescreations1
CONGRATULATIONS!!
You may select any one Ring Pincushion from my Etsy shop
I hope you love and cheerish it,
and think happy froggy thoughts whenever you use it.
Again, thank you everyone,
and I hope you had a wonderful weekend!
He is Risen!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Time for a GIVEAWAY!!
I thought it was about time that I got on with the GIVEAWAY
that I mentioned several weeks ago at
There's really no special reason for this one,
other than it's spring,
and it's sunny, and I want to do something nice
for all you girlies out there.
If you've been watching my shop,
you've noticed that I have a new design for pincushions.
It's the new thing, baby!
So, here we go! The rules.......
You get one entry for each:
1) Leaving a comment on my blog (btw...I love all your comments)
2) Post a link to the GIVEAWAY on your blog (just drop me another comment to let me know)
3) Become a follower! (Ok....I'll admit it....I want more followers..."followers" sounds horrible...how 'bout, I would love to see your cute little face over on the side of my blog...I promise to say, " hello" every morning!)
The winner gets to pick the Ring Pincushion that they would like out of my Shop. Any one! Pick away! I will also ship it anywhere (my fingers trembled a little when I typed that). YES, anywhere! Be sure to keep checking back into the SHOP for new designs. I'll be adding new Ring Pincushions throughout the week, so you'll have plenty to pick from.
The GIVEAWAY ends Monday April 5th in the morning!
Have fun and be sure to tell all your friends!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Hey Good Lookin'...Pink Links
....Watcha Got Cookin'?
Moving into a new home has inspired me to redecorate and daydream about how I would l♥ve the new kitchen to look. I realize that these things take time, and since I'm now in a place that I no longer have complete control over (like...what color my walls, floors, cabinets, etc., basically a rental) I'm forced into the cyber world, decorating in my mind, and making my blog as pretty as I want, knowing that one day all the pieces will be put together in the kitchen of my dreams.
So, welcome to my "Dream Kitchen".
Can you smell the chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven?
Can you see the cherry pie sitting in the window sill as
the fresh country breeze blows the aroma through the house.
Did you hear that? Robins are singing outside!
Now that the mood is set....
...be sure to click on the Pink Links to access these items directly
and their wonderful store fronts.
Nothing says "it's the kitchen" like a BIG sign
You have to make your first stop in the shop,
Liz and Rick have a great collection of signs, shelves, and collectibles.
Their photography is just fantabulous! Be sure and check it out.
at the Coffee Klatch.
It just makes me want to go and get my pearls and heels
and walk around pattin' all my kids on their heads.
"You're all good little children,
and Mommy l♥ves you sooo much." xoxoxox
from Jadite Kate
I just think they are as sweet as can be.
L♥VE Them!!!
This could very well be on my "Need" list.
"Honey, I really think I need a minty green
I do, I do, I do!! It would help make all my cake batters uniformally moist!"
Lola Krauss is the only Etsy shop
that I found that had this mixer in this color with a matching cord
...HELLO...need I say more?
No matter how I try, I can't escape decorating in red.
It just happens!
I've tried blue, pink, and green, but red just slips its way right in.
speaks to the inner woman that would really love to wear red patent leather shoes
everywhere she went.
But, as that's not very practical, having a beautifully USEFUL, made in the USA, vintage collectible is.
Aren't the colors on these vintage
just eye poppin'?!?
I don't think I've ever seen them in these pretty colors before.
It was so hard to just pick one thing from
She has so many unique colorful selections that will remind you of being a kid in
yo momma's kitchen.
A kitchen just isn't a kitchen without Canisters!
I think Artsy Mama knew I was going to stop in...
see how she put out the polka dots just for me (just kiddin')?
And there goes that red again....gotta have it!
I really could have used this little guy the other day.
I was making some home made icing for a WWII cake recipe
I found in a great cook book at the library.
Anywho....the recipe wanted me to sift the cocoa and powdered sugar together,
and I had to use a little tiny strainer to do it. (took For-E-Ver)
This Vintage Flour Sifter
Clearly I'm a fan of pretty crocheted things, and
I particularly have a real soft spot
for Vintage Hot Pads.
Is it just me or is there something about them that says...
"cozy"..."Mama made these"..."remember that one Thanksgiving when".
Whatever it is you hear them say,
you can find them at the Vintage Eye shop.
I'd l♥ve to know what your favorite vintage kitchen accessory is. Pass along some of your favorite finds, and who knows, maybe they'll end up in Pink Links.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Faithfulness Farm Giveaway!!
Mrs. P at the Faithfulness Farm is doing an amazing Giveaway for her 100th blog post. She's quite the generous blog hostess.
Be sure to check out her collection of Skillet Suppers and other amazing recipes when you make your visit,
and tell her The Finicky Frog says, "HI!".
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