Good Reads

The lovely Jenn (sorry, Jenn, I just couldn't resist *grin*) at Classless and Lovin' It has started a post about 'Good Reads'. She shares her favorite Christian fiction books and has set up a Mr. Linky so that everyone can share their favorite reads too. Well, if you know me at all then you know that I have a few of these, so I couldn't help but to play along.

Okay, I don't think I can truly decide among the following what my absolute favorite is, but I really, REALLY like these books...


Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers is a wonderful historical fiction based on the book of Hosea. This book is a shining example of how God loves us so much, woos us, and chases after us, even when we are unfaithful.



This four book series by Lizz Curtis Higgs starts with Thorn in my Heart. Again, this is historical fiction based on the biblical story of Jacob, Rachel, and Leah. You will definitely want to purchase these books as a set (or get them all from the library at once) as you will want the next one as SOON as you finish the one prior. I have loaned out these books time and time again. They are so good, I think everyone should read them!


The Mark of the Lion Series are more books by Francine Rivers. This trilogy is set in Rome and follows the persecution of the early Christians. This is edge of your seat, don't-bother-me-I'm-reading type books. You'll want the complete set before reading with these as well.




I read Madman by Tracy Groot two summers ago. The cover looks creepier than the book really is. This one was full of surprises and suspense. This wasn't what I would consider a 'light read', but has a great story and very well written.




The last one I'll share is A Bride Most Begrudging by Deanne Gist. I just finished this one last week and picked up a new one by Gist at Half Priced Books this evening. The kids and I are learning about Early American History (yes, I'm definitely learning too) this year and have just been studying about Jamestown. Interestingly, when doing some research to teach I came across some information about the early settlers purchasing brides from Europe with tobacco. Many of these brides were prisoners who were banished to the Americas to be sold. They called them the "tobacco brides". I picked this book up at our church library and it just happened to be about a 'lady' who was kidnapped and sold as a tobacco bride.


I love finding good Christian fiction...I know there's a lot of fluff out there, but I think there's fluff in every genre. I'd love to hear your favorite Christian fiction...only the REALLY good stuff, okay? Tell me if you post about it and make sure to sign the Mr. Linky at Jenn's blog. Pin It Now!

Have You Heard It?

If you're not listening to Need To Breathe, you should be.



And this next one I know forward and backwards because its the exact conversation we've been having at our house for the past year and a half...



I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. -Romans 8:18 Pin It Now!

Free Ebook for Fall!

Did you ever dream of getting a horse for Christmas? You can get a sneak peek of our Fall issue and see Nancy Carter's first horse! Oh, and she's not the only one sharing her childhood pictures. You'll see photos from the 50's through the 80's.


But, you'll need the Fall issue of The Old Schoolhouse Magazine to go on this walk down memory lane.


Plus, do you like to create holiday memories? The brand new TOS holiday E-Book can be yours, too. It's all about the fall and winter holidays - mainly Thanksgiving and Christmas. But it's not even for sale yet. This is your chance to get it first - for FREE ($12.45 value)!


Normally when a person subscribes, their subscription starts with the upcoming issue which can take a while. But, TOS thought about that when they planned their Fall Special.



If you subscribe now with their Fall Special,



you'll get almost 50% off the cover price for 2 years the current Fall issue as soon as it is ready


6 Bonus gifts


12 months of Teacher's Toolbox, which contains a FREE E-Book every month PLUS, the new E-Book, Homespun Holidays for FREE!


This is over $250 worth of product for only $39!!


CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE NOW!
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Pumpkin Painting

For the past few years, we have painted our pumkins instead of carving them. What can I say...carving is just really, really messy. The kids enjoy painting them and its easier for me, so we all win.

Here are this year's creations:

H3 and my pumpkin.

G7, A6, and E5's pumpkins.

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October Creation Club

Our October Creation Club theme was 'Trees'. I was absolutely shocked to have 75 people (kids and adults) attending our October event! This was our one event for the year that was less like a nature study and more like a field trip.

We started our day at the Forest Discovery Center where we walked through an indoor forest. The animals you see on the slideshow are not real...at least not anymore. We watched a short video about forest regeneration and took a tour through a large wood manufacturing factory (no pictures aloud). Then we headed upstairs to the activity area where we saw the world's largest wood mosaic mural (1,000 square feet). An artist was there demonstrating the process of wood mosaic. Also there was a large tree that we could walk through and the kids could sign there names. Hubby left a message for me.

After eating a sack lunch, we then headed over to Huber's Farm. We took a tour called "What happens to apples after they're picked." Apparently they are stored in a 'cold room' where they are kept at 32 degrees. Apples will stay fresh at this temperature for six months. We also saw how the apples were cleaned and sorted.

Afterwards, we headed out to the pumpkin patch where the kids each picked a pumpkin. We walked through the rope maze, the corn maze, and the bamboo maze. The kids had fun jumping on some sort of large inflatable and walking through the petting zoo. A6 has recently developed a fascination for all things horse related and was elated to ride on a pony for the first time.

We also bought some yummy apple cider, apple butter, and half a bushel of apples...did I mention we got some apples? Looks like I'll be making applesauce again.

And don't miss our hot off the press school shirts. They were printed a couple of weeks ago. They have our homeschool logo on the front and 2 Peter 1:5-7 on the back.

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BFS #106- Have it your way!

Memory Verse: Isaiah 40: 1- Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.

Assignment: Tell us all about how you have “your” relaxing time, more especially how during the cooler months you take time to curl up with your favorite movie, book, Bible study, and what your favorite warm drink would be.

Share a picture of your favorite spot in the house or your favorite warm beverage, your favorite movie or book; possibly even your favorite Bible Study or maybe your women’s Bible group.



I know this is totally unoriginal...but this simply is my favorite spot in the house. I love a hot, HOT bubble bath, a good book, and a diet coke with ice. I turn the roaring vent fan on to drown out all the "kid noise" and relax for a good hour or two.

I have to say, I've enjoyed this assignment. Even though hubby is always willing to give me my time, this event still does not occur very often. And since we were required to show a picture, it was necessary to fill the bath. And since the bath was already full, there was no sense in letting all that water go to waste...needless to say, I finished the book. Pin It Now!

Baby Dedication

We had our Baby dedication service at church last Sunday and we dedicated Baby L to the Lord.



While we waiting in the lobby, Baby L became very talkative and I got a cute video of her.



"Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." -Matthew 19:14 Pin It Now!