McBenning School

New Direction

2007-12-23T10:21:00.000-07:00

Well my dear friends who visit me on my home school front...I am consolidating my blogs to another, one that incorporates all the avenues I have chosen...home schooling, living on less, being a Christian.

I have enjoyed blogging ever so much, and like a silly teen have written and written and written much for my own vanity. I so love to write and have almost a compulsion to use the words...so why not be a little more focused?

Thank you for stopping by, and if you wish here is my new blog Double Nickel Farm.

Merry Christmas to all! Oh and have a very blessed new year!
Jennifer

Holiday Fun

2007-12-15T10:12:00.000-07:00

a Christmas meme

I found this on Diana's blog and liked how fun it was!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I love the paper!!I know not to environmental!

2. Real tree or artificial? I love real trees and going as a family to get one, but when we got a wood stove I bought a tree...I was too afraid of the real tree getting too dry and burning.(I know paranoid)

3. When do you put up the tree? Except for this year(the move) I have always put the tree up the weekend after Thanksgiving. It has been very hard not to have the tree up yet. We are going to set it up tonight and decorate it tomorrow after church and the Dedication of the home.

4. When do you take the tree down? The day after Christmas...this year maybe a week later!!

5. Do you like eggnog?one glass a year.. then yuck!!!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? A Holly Hobbie Lunch pail

7. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes I have 3. One from my little sister in a glass ball, one traditional and one with verses on...I will try and take pictures.

8. Hardest person to buy for? Not really anyone

9. Easiest person to buy for? All

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? None, in fact even my first Christmas(unbeknownst to me my dear sweet Bill was born 4 states away!)

11. Mail or e-mail Christmas cards? Now I e-mail

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? It's a Wonderful Life!!

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? This year 94% is home made...

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes...but carefully to another...that I thought would need.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Sugar cookies!!!!!!!!!!!!!

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? I love both and put white lights around the base and colored around the edges.

17. Favorite Christmas song?Joy to the world

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? We always stay home

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? dasher,dancer prancer and vixon, donner and comet and cupid and blitzen...rudolph

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel picked out by my Second son when he was 5...he said that the tree needed something and we walked around the store and finally he picked the angel...when he marries I will give the angel to him...chokes me up how very important that this was to him...now to us all.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning...although Bill's family opened in the middle of night. I was pregnant and they didn't wake me that first year...so Bill and I have our own traditions..

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? The chaos in the stores, like the stuff will not be available on the 26th!!!(translated into needless overspending and debt that is NOT what Christmas is about!

23. What I love most about Christmas? Well that it celebrates the birth of the Saviour. And also it is Bill's birthday...and I would be lost without him!(Lost without both...wow!)

Scripture Speaks

2007-12-10T13:56:00.001-07:00

I know that for the month of December that More of Him Mondays and Scripture Speaks are on hold, but I have a few moments today and thought that I would continue. I am sure that many of you during the month of December probably do what we do in my home. We read from the Old Testament all of the prophecies foretelling of Christ's birth, and then the prophecy fulfilled in the New Testament.

For today we started with Micah 5:2 that was fulfilled with Luke 2:4,5,7
then Daniel 9:25 that was fulfilled with Luke 2:1 and 2
and Isaiah 7:14 that was fulfilled by Luke 1:26,27, 30, 31.

I haven't written out the scriptures because what is speaking to me this month is that of wow! I mean wow, by this. I had to make a rule that mom and dad make NO promises because no matter how we try, sometimes we make mistakes, even on something that we may have thought we could do for the children for sure. How crazy, but I realized that we are just human and are fallible. God on the other hand is infallible. I am so surprised that a large portion of the world does not see Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of all the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah.

God does not make mistakes and therefore as His Word said...was easy to fulfill. All of the avenues lead to Jesus. Every month should be a celebration that our Saviour has died and rose again for us! Praise God. Every day we should fall to our knees and thank God. He is the only way. We should put on our Jesus glasses before we view our lives. Not that I want to be disrespectful of Jesus Christ, but that before we do anything we should fill up with His word. Then with prayer and fasting to arm us for the day.

So even though we celebrate the birth of our Saviour this month, I have been thinking of such gratitude that He died for me, a simple wife and mother...nothing more nothing less...sinner born and bred. What a great comfort to see how His word...His scriptures speak so loud and clear to me.

Just my thoughts
Jennifer

Gray Brings Out My Eyes!

2007-12-07T07:31:00.000-07:00

This I suppose is a follow up or a continuation of the post I have written on Pen of Jen. I have been very busy but this is a subject that I have much to say on, so I am adding on to the other post. I really must confess that I am on a daily struggle not to color my hair.

But I am not going to, and here is why. The closest external thing I have to my Creator is my body. I have the design that He thought of, and I have the characteristics that come with my genetic background, that links me to my ancestors. Now due to the Fall, I am quite damaged, as sin is rampant in the world and one of the many results of sin, are visible in our bodies.

Now to my reasoning. God is our Father, He created us. As a parent I have seen my children and their innocence and the way they behave. I cherish the drawings and artwork they have created, even the scribbles when they first picked up a crayon. That is what I think God thinks of us, we are like children with our bodies. We originally had perfect bodies, but since the Fall have old tired, prematurely graying, balding, stout, leggy bodies. I see that He still cherishes us with ALL the flaws. I can't do better than what He expects and in the world I will never achieve the body that was originally planned for me, a woman.

When I try to paint and color and tape and texture my body, I am using man's solutions to God's creation. So the path I am on is to use God's solution for God's creation. Read the Bible, pray, and feed my soul with the Spirit. My body, no matter what I do, will continue to die...as a result of the Fall. So if I know that the body is dying and I know the destination, do I really need to put up the false front? How can I get over the self esteem issues of graying so fast? Well all of us know who Steve Martin is...embrace the gray.

So here's my test to determine what I need to do...
1)Am I desiring to be beautiful in the standards set in the US? Wow, thank goodness I was not born in Africa, where woman put rings on their necks and stretch it to the point to where if they take the rings off they will die(beauty) or in China where they used to bind the feet to where one could barely walk...
2) Am I truly seeking to be my husbands mate, or trying to draw all eyes towards me?
3)Is my entire self worth based on my external looks? If so I better bank on dying young, cause I will become a bitter old lady...looks don't last...sorry.

I need to shower daily, wash and maintain my face, hair etc. and be the woman God designed. I need to study the scriptures as I have a huge role that I am to fulfill as a woman. I am to be a good steward of the clothing I have, so that I can be clean and neat.

What I don't need to do...
Live by standards set to make money...yes...money
eyelashes were in now they are not'
blue eyeshadow was in and now it is not
long hair was in and now it is not
feathered hairstyles were in and now not
perms were in and now they are not
frosting hair is in or it is not
bell bottoms long skirts, slit skirts
scarves, sweaters, and all kinds of this and that..

all determined to keep you buying things...keep the styles changing to keep their incomes coming in...BRILLIANT strategy!

Consider what God wants me to be...let me remind all that the women in the Bible were pretty amazing. I will just ask all to ponder Ruth. She is the model woman for us all.(By the way for all of us blondies, whether natural or not...Ruth most definitely had dark hair)

Is my identity based on an image that I think that my husband desires? Because men are very very basic. And if you treat your husband with love and work each day to make his day easier, he will look to do so for you. He will not suggest Maybeline, I promise.

By the way I am writing this for me as well as a follow up. The woman who gave birth to my husbands children is an amazing woman. The first deep emboldened love that she received, based on nothing else but her, was the day she gave him a child. She was without makeup, very fat(prego) and still she saw a desirous love.

As I see Bill look at our teens and then glance over their heads to me I see the same look. It is a deep soul touching look, not of lust, but of lifelong, desirous, LOVE. And you bet even gray, and fuller, the electric jolts of marriage zip back and forth...all without societies requirements!

I guess I have a bit of a footnote to this post. My realization of what the American woman should look like came around 22. I am 5'0". So nothing is really made for me. I realized that the fashion industry was trying to compartmentalize me into something I could never be, so I have slowly been progressing to where I am the choice no one else. Remember the Covenant God made to Abraham was for a senior citizen to have a baby(Sarah was 90 ) how on earth at 40 can I permit gray hair to hold me back?

Just my thoughts.
I will zip around and catch up with blogs over the weekend. I have been thinking of you blogity world friends. Take Care
Jennifer

Life is What You Make of it!

2007-12-04T07:57:00.000-07:00

On my other blog I have a photo for the caption contest that I originally saved to write this post. But I thought it was so clever that I used it for the contest too. When I saw the photo I thought back to a time that we lived in Utah.

We lived in a duplex and had 2 wonderful trees in front. At first we had a hammock in the trees, but the first winter and the hammock was no more. But we hung a rope between the trees. The distance was around 51/2 feet. At first none of my kids could do anything with the rope. They would try and sit on it and swing and would fall.(kids were 8,5,4, and 2) We also were the "hub" for several neighborhood kids and everyone tried that swing.

But the kids did not give up and day after day they would huddle and grasp at the swing and finally one mastered it! Then a few more and then even my baby, Fourth. I was truly astounded at the way they played. Now we had tons of nonsense toys but those trees were the hang out spot.

As I think of the caption photo I am reminded of yesteryear with my kids and then even further of my youth. We are so creative when we are to think on our feet. When one is without one becomes challenged and actually does better. I know.

So in this season of buying gifts, if you are going to buy things consider challenging the creativity of the children. Consider things that bring out skills that will make your child's life. Not wasteful time consuming presents that end up broken in weeks.

Just my thoughts...

Your turn to share any yesteryear play items that you created.

Saturday Afternoon

2007-12-01T19:42:00.000-07:00

We took a drive to see our oldest today. Just a short drive(70 miles to Las Cruces) but well worth the cloudy windy raining day, to see my firstborn. Every year I try and take a group photo for the wall. Every year it takes two different days and lots of luck. Some day I would like to put together the 100 or so photos that don't make the cut!! I think everyone would get a great laugh and would reflect on their own attempts at family photos. If we were sane we probably would go to a photographer! This visit was for the kids to get their antics out, as next weekend I hope to take the annual keeper photo(?)

Here is Fourth waking from the snooze. Yes she is festive for the Christmas season. If you enlarge the photo you can see the quilt that she sewed all by herself.

Here is the casual attempt. First is not so happy because he has a broken hand(hidden behind his back). It took 4 photos to get one that they all are looking forward

photo #2
No comment...

photo #3
I do not understand...one with eyes closed one looking to the oldest...

#4
Again??????

Bill and our oldest...

My Three Sons! And you can get a peek of the broken hand on First(white shirt)

So as you can see we have photo dysfunction...yet I know we have tons of fun...Wish us luck for next week. We will have everyone dressed up and at a local attraction...either Three Rivers Petroglyph Site or the White Sands. By the way as I look over the photos that we took today I cannot believe that I ever succeeded in taking photos. Remember most of the kids growing up was before digital and I had to develop all the photos(Even the out takes...you know where one is crying or picking their nose or hitting another one!!!).

Show and Tell

2007-11-29T22:13:00.000-07:00

Kelli is hosting show and tell Friday so swing over and join in the fun. Here is my show and tell today.This is a post that I have on my other blog about the spending we do around Christmas. I hope that you like this pretty hand crafted doll.

Here is the story behind this pretty doll:

I have written quite a bit about not spending money over the holidays. My reasons are many. Today I am going to explain another reason why it is so important not to spend on frivolous things, but to cherish those around you.

In 2000 my daughter was five years old. For Christmas that year she received a humbling gift. She received a home made doll. Here is the letter that came with the gift:

December 2000
This year would have been Catalina's 2nd Christmas. My plan for her Christmas present was to make her a doll. Heavenly Father decided that she was needed more with Him than here on earth, so I'll have to wait to make her that doll.
So for Christmas, I give to you the doll I would have given to her. I want you to know that each stitch was made by my hand with love. With each stitch, there is a memory of another in it. These memories I share with you along with the love from a cousin you'll not know in this life.
I want you to know that we have a Heavenly Father and that His Son Jesus was born and died for you, because He loved you so much.
Always remember that you have a special "angel" in heaven watching you. This gift is yours with love from your Aunt Melissa and your angel Catalina.

As you may have realized, precious Catalina died that year. She drowned on the day before Mother's Day 2000. She was a twin and the 3rd child. Oh was she such a love. So Melissa had to have her first Christmas without her daughter and she revealed to me that she was making this gift for Fourth. I cried a lot that year with Melissa, and still choke up. But Melissa taught me a huge lesson that year, and that is one of the main reasons that I try not to overspend (or this year spend any money) on Christmas.

The most precious gifts you can give to your family and friends is yourself. Share the love that you have, make presents for those you love and never count on any more time with those you love than you have in the moment. I promise you that you will love more, listen more, hug more and become the best mom, dad, wife, husband , friend and child that one could ask for.

Christmas is the time to celebrate the birth of our Saviour. He gave us a gift that is priceless. Before it is too late receive Jesus as your Saviour, as it will make all the difference when it is your time.

Thank you Melissa for this, as Catalina is always dear to us.

I thank you for stopping by and reading this post today.I also posted this on Pen of Jen.
Jennifer

Kind of a Tag

2007-11-29T08:43:00.000-07:00

I saw this at Theresa's and thought I would try it.

Here are the rules:
*Link to the person that tagged you, and post the rules on your blog.
*Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself.
*Tag 7 random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs.
*Let each person know that they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
I am not tagging anyone, but feel free to try this.

1) I can barely get through singing the national anthem, before I get choked up. Makes me very emotional.

2) I have a huge scar on my left calf. When I was a girl, I had a small TV that had the old antenna. The tip was broken of so it was jagged. My brother Pete was always scaring me, and one evening he climbed up on the porch and knocked on my bedroom window. I was laying on the bed watching TV. I jumped and the TV fell and then I scraped my leg on the antenna. I did not know I was cut for a few minutes. Nope I did not have a tetanus shot, and I seem somewhat fine?@?!

3) I play mind games when I drive. Not crazy mind games, but challenges to keep my mind thinking. When I lived in Nevada everything was a long drive so I began this then. I practice saying the books of the Bible in order, the presidents, the states, countries in the world, and the like. I have done this for nearly 20 years and it has been very creative for me.

4) I have swam in the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Erie!

5) I took the letters from my sisters names, my name and my mothers name to create my daughter's name. Sadly you will only know her as Fourth!! But I was so shocked to actually have a girl. I had been told that she was a boy. Well what a delight it has been to have a girl!

6)I absolutely, wholeheartedly love being a mom. There is nothing else in the world(job) wise that I would have ever picked. I know in today's world Mom's are in the workforce and need an identity, but I love that I have stayed home and given my kids...me!

7) I am still head over heels in love with my husband. He is such a kind, charming, silly, sweet, loving, honorable, dedicated man, who loves the Saviour. What more could a woman want? Yes, he does take my breath away when I see him coming home from work. Yes, he is the first person I want to talk to in the morning and yes he is the last person I wish to speak to before I go to bed! Thanks Bill for the best years of my life!! I love you:)

Tuesday Times

2007-11-27T19:10:00.000-07:00

Tuesday's seem to get busy in the Pen of Jen house. So after all our running around, we came home and completed school after 4:30! I really liked how the kids did and have decided to maybe have night school on Tuesday's!!

The kids had their home school park day today, and I went to the grocery and found a great deal on meat. So I am cooking ground beef tonight. This is usually what I do...buy the meat and brown it then freeze it. It saves on planning a meal in a pinch. Ground beef can go in anything.

I am also working on a Christmas tree for First's apartment. I will post it on Lots for Less and so far it is looking very amazing.

I must say that the temperature's have really dropped. I love my sweet charming house, but it keeps the cold in. Funny how that is, cold in-in the winter and hot in-in the summer. But I love that we have wonderful homemade blankets to snuggle under. Oh and more tea and hot chocolate in times like these. All that this weather needs is around 4 inches of snow!

More of Him Monday

2007-11-26T09:26:00.000-07:00

Diana hosts a wonderful activity every Monday at her blog. This is the first time I am participating although I have loved the idea since she began it.

I have been reading 1 Samuel for a few days and I ended up reading and re-reading chapter 1. In verse 19 I found like I was being encircled by the Lord. The verse reads: And they rose up in the morning early, and worshiped before the Lord, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the Lord remembered her.

Now I understand what is going on in this verse. This is the second wife of a man. Hannah has prayed and made many offerings unto the Lord and God answers her prayer. She prays for a child, and God gives her Samuel. But what spoke to me is this: and the Lord remembered her.

This is such a comfort to me. Hannah was remembered. Wow! Without taking too much time, I will just say that this is the verse that I have needed. I have needed to read about someone like Hannah. Not known by any, and even shared her husband. Many times I feel like my life is so small. That my actions, my life, is unknown to all. But God remembers even the meek. I know this, I have known this, but sometimes I allow the day to day grind to be more important than it is.

So I will close with thanking Diana for hosting such a blessed introspective post. This really is something that makes one reflect on the Lord and His word. Thank you.

Update

2007-11-25T23:43:00.000-07:00

Update: First is doing fine. He is more uncomfortable with the contraption he has to wear than the break. The doctors want to have a consultation on Monday. I am sure that they will think that he needs surgery and extensive treatment.(At least until we establish that we do not have insurance) then I am guessing that he will be advised to wait 5-6 weeks, and monitor his hand.

I am a little skeptical of the medical profession today, as when Bill took him to the ER and filled out the medical bills that the person taking the information asked if First was a US citizen. Bill joked and said "does it matter?" and the man said it might be much more beneficial if he was not.

I am sickened by this. For most of our married lives we have had medical insurance and co-pays...no we don't. So far we have just made 2- 3 payments. But what the heck is the matter with our country, when we set the bar so low?

Where is the honor? I am really beyond speech at this point.

Travels X-Rays and Mini Van...

2007-11-23T16:41:00.000-07:00

First came home for Thanksgiving, but had to return to his apartment today as he needs to work early tomorrow. He lives in Las Cruces which is 70 miles away. I always ask him to call when gets there, as I am a mother!!

Well he called and let us know he arrived, then about 5 minutes later he called back and told Bill that he hurt his hand pretty bad, in fact he thought he broke it. Well Bill loaded up the van(first aid kit...and a few other things) and headed over. After a few hours at the E.R. First has a broken hand(or something in it).

So after thankfully stating that we were glad not to have to travel this year over the holidays, Bill ended up traveling. Bill is not back yet, so the details are sketchy. But I do know that Bill will be driving First's car back as it is a standard, and First hurt his right hand. First will get the enjoyment of driving the family mini van for a wee bit. So prayer request from my fellow bloggers. Pray for speedy recovery and low cost ER bills.

Updates as needed;)

Pen Of Jen Thanksgiving

2007-11-22T21:07:00.001-07:00

Pretty simple, pretty humble, but something that we have done together for 20 Thanksgivings! Fourth and I made the Turkey name cards last year...aren't they cute? We saw a picture and created a pattern for each piece. I know that you can see some names...ignore please!

The place mats I crocheted four years ago. The dishes are my mother and father's wedding set(47 years old)the silverware came from my mother too. The goblets have been with us since the early 90's.

2007 Menu
Turkey
mashed potatoes
turkey gravy
stuffing
veggie tray
zucchini from the garden
olives
rolls
pickles

pumpkin pie
cheesecake

This was the BEST Thanksgiving ever...isn't that always the case?

I pray that your holiday was wonderful too.
Jennifer

Great History Book

2007-11-20T08:17:00.000-07:00

For history we use several history books, but I use this as the introduction to American history. It is a book by Cousins and Hill and it was a public school textbook in 1913. We re-read parts of it every year.

During this Thanksgiving week I would like you to know that we Americans have not always hated ourselves and blamed us for everything.

Here is a sample of the text from the first page.

"Yet the distinctively modern man, the man in whom European ancestry and a New World environment have combined to develop the sense of freedom and of power, is the American. In America more than elsewhere, men take hold of new undertakings with self-confidence, drive to the goal of relentless energy, enjoy victory, scorn defeat, and fill their days with accomplishment."

What more can I say? I am saddened that our public school students are missing out on such an image of our countrymen.

Happy Thanksgiving from one very proud American. Wife of a first generation immigrant, mother of 4 beautifully children, daughter of soldier killed in Vietnam and of one strong mother.
I love this country. I love that my husband and his family are linked to Europe(Spain) and to the Indians of our great land(Mexican Indians), because now my children are truly the American poster child. They are the melding that we claim makes a nation great, although now we do not challenge newcomers to bond, but be separate but equal. What a sad loss. By combining backgrounds and ancestry the children have the best of all the combined cultures.
Jennifer

School is Great!

2007-11-19T12:18:00.000-07:00

I know that some take this week off due to the holiday, but I have modified school. The kids have been reading The Landing of the Pilgrims.

They also have to find and read and tell me a scripture in the Bible using the word Thanksgiving. And the game for today is a word creation. Creating as many words as they can with the word Thanksgiving.

In addition they still have to write in their journal, have a spelling quiz, and work on a special assignment to be announced later!

So back to school...

Fourth's Apron Swap

2007-11-16T23:26:00.000-07:00

Here is Fourth's finished apron for the apron swap. Her swap partner is in Australia. We mailed it off today, with a few items to share our state and hometown!

Fourth picked chili pepper fabric because New Mexico is home of the chili festival in Hatch. She also picked out a cookbook of Southwestern recipes to send. Then we picked out several postcards that show New Mexico...White Sands, Carlsbad Caverns, and a Riastra. I really think that her swap partner will enjoy all that Fourth sent.

I had an apron pattern, but Fourth modified it all on her own, adding the ruffle. She then enjoyed experimenting with a variety of stitches. I think she did a fantastic job, and I can't wait to see the apron that she receives from Australia.

Guess What??

2007-11-15T12:53:00.001-07:00

How cool is that?

I Don't Bake Cookies

2007-11-14T21:46:00.000-07:00

Do you remember who started a controversy over saying this???

And why should being a housewife be viewed as derogatory? Should Hillary be lauded just because she is a woman?

Because make no mistake about it, she could care a less that you are.
Just my thoughts.
Jennifer

Contenders Fun

2007-11-13T10:00:00.001-07:00

Here are some of the Contenders of the Faith group. Bill organized(quickly) a paintball excursion in the area outside of town. Alex(the tallest one in the group works on the office next to Bill) came with his girlfriend to help and have fun.

If you look at the center of the photo you will see Second! He is quite stealth!

Here is Third...notice the importance of safety gear! No it is not a bird dropping but a hit!

Some of the ravines that the kids played in.

Plotting strategy.

Bill began the afternoon with a prayer and then a quick object lesson. The opening object lesson did not go over all that well as the boys were very excited to play. Afterwards when everyone had finished the games, Bill organized his second object lesson. This was exciting because Alex and Adreana(sp) were perfect. Bill put the tailgate down on the truck and had Alex(6'4") stand on it. Then he had Adreana pull him down from the ground. Object it is easier to be pulled down to sin then uplift one not too. Then Bill had 2 of the teens stand on the tailgate with Alex...between the three they were able to pull Adreana up. Object, we are strengthened with fellow Christians.

Overall the activity was wonderful and the boys enjoyed the getaway. Cost of equipment...everyone owned their paintball guns...CO2 everyone brought their own...cost to fill up 5 gallons water ...nothing...so total cost of day...PRICELESS...

Fellowshipping and enjoying and exercising are important and we must not forget them.

Thank You

2007-11-10T08:06:00.001-07:00

Here is why we have Veterans Day. Please remember all those who have worn a military uniform in our great land. In the Pen of Jen family: Bill served in the Army as a Military Policeman, my brother Pete who served 20 years in the US Army, my brother Dave who was in the Army National Guard and Bill's cousin William, who was in the Marines. Mighty Mom's~ Subvet, 22 years US Navy, Submarines. His brother US Marines. My Grandad US Army Air Corp, His brother. Deby~MY husband 23 years Air Force...My son... a Major in the Air Force reserves C-17 Pilot..over to Iraq more than you can count...My youngest son...4 years Navy...Navy reserves. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

As I had never read the proclamation I decided to post it so we would appreciate the reasoning's behind the holiday. Feel free to list any family members including yourself that were veterans so I can recognize you!

Thank you

Jennifer

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

3071

Whereas it has long been our customs to commemorate November 11, the anniversary of the ending of World War I, by paying tribute to the heroes of that tragic struggle and by rededicating ourselves to the cause of peace; and Whereas in the intervening years, the United States has been involved in two other great military conflicts, which have added millions of veterans living and dead to the honor rolls of this Nation; and

Whereas the Congress passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926 (44 Stat. 1982), calling for the observance of November 11 with appropriate ceremonies, and later provided in an act approved May 13, 1938 (52 Stat. 351) , that the eleventh of November should be a legal holiday and should be known as Armistice Day; and

Whereas, in order to expand the significance of that commemoration and in order that a grateful Nation might pay appropriate homage to the veterans of all its wars who have contributed so much to the preservation of this Nation, the Congress, by an act approved June 1, 1954 (68 Stat. 168), changed the name of the holiday to Veterans Day:

Now, Therefore, I, Dwight D. Eisenhower, President of the United States of America , do hereby call upon all of our citizens to observe Thursday, November 11, 1954 , as Veterans Day. On that day let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain.

I also direct the appropriate officials of the Government to arrange for the display of the flag of the United States on all public buildings on Veterans Day.

In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans' organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose.

Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and cause the Seal of the United States of America to be affixed.

Done at the City of Washington this eighth day of October in the Year of our Lord nineteen hundred and fifty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and seventy-ninth.

DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER

School Is Cool

2007-11-08T11:43:00.000-07:00

Busy at the McBenning School. Students P.E. class was at the local roller rink! Boy the kids had a great time. Plus they met a boy(16) from Liberia. Elijah was very interested in the Contenders of the Faith program.

Bill had an opportunity to meet with Elijah's parents and explain that this is a program for Christians. It is a fellowship of boys and quite a learning experience too. Oh and fun also!! Bill is planning a get together of the group for a paintball activity. Just to get together and play and have fun. Bill has not started the program for the school year yet...things have been slightly busy.

Being the mom that I am, I used the opportunity about meeting Elijah with learning a bit about Liberia!!

I am almost finished with the rough draft of my home school packet. I have felt for a long time that those who home school are overwhelmed with the curricula out there. At the beginning I felt the same, but have created my own program. Home schooling should not be costly, nor filled with so much that one has no time. Home school offers a unique way to educate the child. So for probably the first time, I am officially stating that enough is enough, and as home school parents there is a limit to what you should buy.

More still to come,
Jennifer

Great Witnessing Video

2007-11-05T23:50:00.000-07:00

Wishing Well?

2007-11-04T19:12:00.001-07:00

So by ignoring the couch, and noticing the hairy critter relaxing, you will understand that Pepsi, the newest Pen of Jen family member, believes her status is higher than I thought. I have the cover on this worn, battered couch to make me not wish for new. But to Pepsi( McBenning School's mascot) the cover translates to welcome in dog lingo!

So I have learned to adapt to a young dog again who has 2 levels~ high energy or totally drained! But the reason I began to write a post about her was because of something Bill said. Every Sunday we play games as a family. We cherish the time that we have and really have made some terrific traditions with the kids. Well one of the games we play is Ninety-Nine. It is a fast paced counting game to Nighty-Nine, but you can't go over(using cards) Each person has 3 pennies and you loss a penny every time you loss a hand. The winner is the person with the remaining pennies. Oh and there are 4 cards that are helpers...9-pass, 4-reverse, queen-subtract ten, king-99. Well the boys get a little rambunctious, and after the game, Bill saw a penny in Pepsi's water dish. He asked me, "Jen, do we now have a wishing well?" Too funny!

So Second won the competition tonight and has regained the title of sitting alone on one bench. But the night for Bill and I was a total win, as the laughter and the conversation was priceless. We missed First though. First's roommate JJ came back to town this weekend so FoUrTh made brownies for her big brother and we sent salsa...one of First's favorite foods!!

So thanks to Pepsi, I am going to close by asking my friends to slow down a bit, and cherish the moment. Please do not let the holiday season pull you in and make you get anxious over consumerism. Remember Mary and Martha.

Apron Swap

2007-11-02T08:06:00.000-06:00

Fourth and I have signed up to be part of an apron swap by a blogger in Australia! I signed up because I like the idea of continuing my sewing and to receive one from another. When I shared with Fourth that this is what I was participating in, she voiced interest and I signed her up too.

In the comments where women signed up, many asked to be matched with women in their country, worrying of overseas costs. But I feel that by doing so, one gives up an opportunity to meet another, and learn of another country. So when I signed Fourth up, I mentioned that she was looking forward to a pen-pal from another part of the world.

The swap coordinators are so neat!! They matched Fourth up with a woman in Australia!! How cool will this be for Fourth?

My swap partner is from Louisiana. After a few emails we both learned that we both home school!! The movement is getting larger!

So Fourth and I will be busy making aprons and also a little care pack of our town and state. Just a bit of fun for our new friends to learn a bit about us! It is very exciting!

BTW in the world of home school, this is a major lesson! She will be using a pattern, picking fabric, sewing, writing a note, preparing a mini packet of the US and New Mexico, and then learning about Melbourne Australia! Again the flexibility of home schooling has afforded an opportunity without the pressure from external sources!

Tract Packs

2007-10-31T21:32:00.000-06:00

So I am asking my humble readership to this blog to pray for those that I gave the tract packs to tonight. Pray that they read the tract and begin a new life.

I prayed as I sat out front handing the packs out. Most people were very friendly and I saw myself in their eyes. I saw myself before I was saved. No I have never dressed up for Halloween, but I was lost, and was of the world. I was all about being the perfect me.

Halloween is a great opportunity to see those that are lost. Dressing up as prostitutes, devils, goddesses, and pimps were the theme tonight, although I did see some cute little bugs, lions and sharks!

As a Christian I strongly believe that the tracts I handed out will serve the Lord's purpose. Even if one is tossed on the ground the Lord will use it for Him.

So please consider on Halloween giving out tracts and praying for all in America that received a tract to read it. Step one!!!

Then pray that all the while the children munch on their candy that they peruse the tract again. Step Two.!!

Then I pray that the children receive Jesus Christ as their Saviour!! Step three!!!

Why do I believe that tracts are awesome??? Please read this post...it is lengthy but please read...so awesome!!!!

Teaching Your Child to Become An Entrepreneur

2007-10-30T21:23:00.000-06:00

Big title, and filled with information that a home school parent should do. I must say that home schooling has been a path to knowledge that has constantly amazed me. I think I learn as much as the kids or more.

Now that the kids are older, I have expanded their lessons to include a small business venture. Every Tuesday we sell homemade burritos and soda to some offices in town. Before we broke the ground, so to speak, on this venture, we planned. We discussed the idea, the need, and the amount of effort needed. We then planned to the exact measurement, each burrito. Then we calculated the cost. This cost includes the foil wrap(a baked potato wrap).

After we calculated everything, the kids then made fliers and we distributed them. At first we hit only Bill's office, but now we have expanded. And by taking special orders(no cheese, or sour cream) or soda requests, have made all the difference. The phrase Burrito Tuesday now makes sense to those in the area! And the customers seem to love the product!

In all of my teaching, I explained to the kids that it is important that we do not over price the product. We do not need to make a zillion dollars, but we do need to stick to the steady pace mantra. People like to think that they are getting a bargain. That is why we measured everything. So the consumer feels good. By doing this we have built up a regular base to sell to. Will we ever expand? Yes, I am considering making a take and bake enchilada tray for Friday nights. Receive the orders by Thursday and deliver Friday. Just in the works though, steady pace.

The income from burrito Tuesday has been helping fund the school and drivers ed. The money from the enchiladas will totally be income to alleviate any burdens in the Pen of Jen home! Praise God for becoming entrepreneurs!

Being A Good Christian

2007-10-28T19:25:00.000-06:00

Judging and being a good Christian have come up in the blogosphere a lot lately. I have tried to write a post about this topic as it concerns me a good deal. First off, the biggest stumbling block for a Christian is usually another Christian. That said, I am going to use me as an example for this post.

When you think of me being a Christian, you get what you see. I am a great Christian! Or am I? The Bible is the handbook for my life. I try and live the way the Lord has set up for me.

So as I run to my local grocery I instantly can pick out people living the worldly life. In church I can really see by ones life style that they are out of fellowship with the Lord. I mean, for goodness sake, he is drinking alcohol. So and so saw him just last weekend. Or he does not put any money in the tithing plate, or he swears.

Maybe I see them on Saturdays visiting with an ungodly friend. Whatever I see, I am totally just trying to live so I am living the way the Lord wants me to. Remember He wants me to be separate.(2 Cor. 6:17)

But how can I be separate and live the life the Lord wants. Remember the Great Commission?(Matthew 28:19-20) That is right, we need to read the Word and discern what He wants us to do. Now how can one go and witness and be separate? Well very easy. First not by thinking that we are super-de-duper special because we have been saved. No, we should be rushing out to witness so other people(who we were before the blood of Jesus). We should be racing to and fro, shouting the Good News.

Now back to me. What about these scriptures? Ecclesiastes 7:18, Galatians 5:23, Titus 2:12, Proverbs 23:20-21, 28:7, 23:7, Proverbs 6:16-19. These scriptures all teach me that gluttony is wrong, against God's Word, and leads me out of Fellowship...doesn't it???

I mean if I allow myself to get haughty, and cast another Christian out purely so they can learn from their sins, repent, and turn from it, then don't I deserve the same????

When we cast another out, we best first see how we are in our walk. Now I am being fairly general, but this is more of a broad statement. I know a blogger who's dear son has been long out of the fellowship of the Lord, but she never cast him out. No she prayed and prayed and then she prayed some more. Guess what? That sinner son of hers, felt the Lord on his heart and the Lord answered my blogger friend's prayer.

Now do I willingly socialize with evil people? Of course, I live in a fallen world. Each and every one of us is so filthy, so vile in our thoughts, that the Lord could only offer to cover us. We are so evil. Praise God for that. Now, do I hang out at bars? Nope..I am a housewife...not in my schedule. But I have stood and talked to a woman outside a store and she was loaded with tattoos, and she swore in her speech, but how can she ever see the Light, if one of us does not shine it on her?

What about in church? Do we all step on the scale prior to service? Are we assessed of our gluttony for the week? Do we have to give a tally of the amount of coffee, tea, and sweets that we have eaten for the week? Nope, so before one of you decides to join in *lovingly* to teach another Christian a hard lesson to turn away from their sin, you need to turn from the cupboards.

Just my thoughts...I pray that we all research what church we fit into(by our own actions) in the book of Revelation, because the works we are performing here mean nothing. Not a plug nickel. So if we are being all rigid and adhering to the Word, you have forgotten one thing, the Lord placed himself amongst the sinners. Peter repeated looked away. Pharisees are the current perfect clique in the church...and make no mistake about it, as Christ's tells us in Matthew 7:21-23...I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Christ performed all the work because we are such miserable wretches. Please do not become a legalist, pharisee, as you may cause another to turn away from the glimmer of Light. No one ever wants to be the root of another not hearing the truth.

To Max and Wendy

2007-10-27T22:14:00.000-06:00

This is a post for you! I am so happy for you both and Christopher and Samantha. May Jesus be the focus of the home, and that love is rampant.

If I could paint, this would be for the newly blended family!

If I was a master chef...I would have baked you this

But I am neither so, thanks goodness for the Internet!
May your love forever blossom!
Love ya
Bill and Jen and the students of McBenning School!

Opportunity Will Be Knocking

2007-10-25T07:53:00.000-06:00

Friends, whether you agree or disagree or not, Halloween is a wonderful opportunity. In my vast 40 years of experience, I have learned a few things. And believe me, when someone chooses to come to your door for something that you choose to handout, it is providence.

Think about this: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

So here are some neat things to give a child that may never have heard about precious Jesus.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wow, I just found a new blog, and check out this post...incredible!

Yummy?

2007-10-23T19:58:00.001-06:00

Mighty Mom e-mailed this recipe awhile ago, and the kids and I just made it. I must admit that the presentation is unusual and perfect for a teen party.

This is a picture of the cake

please scroll down

yes, I know but it is all about the presentation!

Definitely click on the photo to get a great image of the cake!
If you would like to make this yummy cake yourself here is a link that will help you! Believe me it is very tasty!

Brr

2007-10-22T10:21:00.000-06:00

Little cold here today, and so we broke out the hot chocolate for breakfast! I do love autumn more than any other season. Maybe because it affords much time inside together. I don't know.

Well still busy here at the pen of jen home. Not ready for the big reveal, but inching closer.

Don't forget home school parents to have the kids watch the political debates. It is never too early to understand the electoral process. We watch every year, whether local, state, federal, or presidential. You can create a political poster and have the children discuss the issues.

Every presidential campaign we hold mock elections. We collect campaign literature and posters from the political parties. Be involved, because your children can make a difference. Maybe they will decide to become a politician and change things.

Well that is my chilly update...the problem with a stucco/adobe home is that it does not get warm easy...the great thing about a stucco/adobe home is that it is very cool in the summer...:)

Due to the High cost of Oil

2007-10-19T10:47:00.000-06:00

Okay I am kidding, but it felt good to write that. Until the turn of the year we are changing our school schedule to a 4 day school week. For reasons yet to be disclosed in blogland, we have been very busy at the pen of jen home.

And the public schools all over the nation, have resorted to this schedule. It may be so enjoyable that we will continue on well into 2008!

Not Maternal??

2007-10-16T16:23:00.000-06:00

I hesitate to even write this post. I am in a window of free time and this post came to mind. The pen of jen gang has been quite busy and all will be revealed in due time, but, my blogs have suffered slightly.

Since today is Caption Contest Tuesday, I am writing this here. I have not written anything about the Madeleine McCann case because my sympathy is always with the child. Always. I have been a parent for 18 years now. I have made mistakes, some based on ignorance, others because I chose wrong. Fortunately I have never made a mistake that cost me a child. Now for this case, I took the first news stories at face value. The parents were on vacation and left the kids in the hotel room, while they went out for a late night meal. Pure stupidity, for sure. They are both pediatricians. In the U.S they can make a call based on their training and assist in the removal of a child from the home by Child Protective Services. Still I gave the benefit of the doubt. Believe me, we all make mistakes.

When there was a 'possible' sighting, I prayed for the family. I prayed that this was Maddie. Sadly it was not Maddie. We may never know what happened to Maddie. Being the wife of a cop for so long, I do know where the focus should be...first. I know the statistics. So should parents of a missing child. Forget the media...find my child. I cannot even imagine the shear day to day trying to function mode...when all I could think of was where on earth was my baby. Is she safe, warm, loved. Please God do not let her be used. Please God, make the kidnapper be a person who wanted a child to raise as their own. That would be what I would do.

What I would not do is say this:The mother of missing British 4-year-old Madeleine McCann believes she's being persecuted because of her looks, and thinks that if she "had a bigger bosom and looked more maternal, people would be more sympathetic,(source).

I have been very sympathetic. I never once looked at how she looked as a woman to decide whether or not my sympathy would exist or not. I am so sorry for the family. I am sorry for the Law Enforcement Agencies in Portugal, that were under extreme scrutiny because this was a British family.(you could also insert American and get the same results). Portugal is not inept. Yet they have been treated that way. Which takes me full circle to another little blond girl. One who was found, and was found murdered in her own home. One that had many clues, but the focus was turned from the statistics to how bad the police were. Parents getting an attorney first before meeting with the police. Hmm....I would be camped out at the police station. Attorney, why?

So as I stated earlier I refrained. I really do only care for the child. Mistake or intent, I solely wish for the answers to Maddie's disappearance. At least with the Ramsey's those in the extended family had closure. I fear that Maddie's siblings will never know.

As to Mrs. McCann, it is not your bust size. It is the mistake or intent...and we shall never know.

Battle for the Benches

2007-10-15T17:31:00.001-06:00

Since First is off beginning his own life, and busy 24 hours a day, we have had to adjust to just 5 most days. First isn't able to come home every weekend due to commitments with the business. So we miss him, but a dilemma has occurred. With First gone the balance of the benches is gone. Here is the table, and in this house it is also the school room. As you can see the table is painted with each place each one of us was born. So each kid sat next to their birth place. With 2 kids on one bench and one of the other, disagreements occurred. So being the mom I am I opened the bench in a competition on Sunday when we play a family game. The winner of the game gets the bench for the following week, for meals, for dinner, for whatever.

Second won 3 weeks running. The other 2 were slightly angry but amicable. Then FoUrTh won for 2 weeks running, and Third was really ready to win. So last night we played Ninety-nine. It is a fast paced counting game, that each player has 3 pieces. Lose all the pieces you are out. Third won!! Yay!! So the competition has been rough, but a challenge to win a bench to oneself has wonderful advantages. School all alone on one side, no one to short-stop the food at dinner and so on.

So another window in a long about way as to why I think passing on awards is a good thing. It is rewarding to accomplish something. Sure some awards are cheesy, but cheesy or not blogging is not easy, and to keep ones privacy, while sharing oneself is difficult.

So for this week Third will reign on the lone bench. I will smile and slightly miss my sweetie, my first born and his jovial ways at the table, all the while looking forward to next weeks competition!

Happy Birthday!

2007-10-13T16:26:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday to the Sunniest Blogger I know! Diana I love coming over to visit you, thank you for taking time each day to brighten my day!

I hope that your day is a delight!!!
Jennifer

No Joke or so I thought

2007-10-12T07:16:00.000-06:00

Okay when I found this post ...Why Public Schooling is Better Than Home Schooling (from Sit With Me Awhile)I had to click on it, because hey if there is legitimate information, I am willing to read the findings,

When I got to the link I found this

Why Public Schooling Is Better Than Homeschooling

Why Public Schooling Is Better Than Homeschooling ~ Scott Ott

1. Most parents were educated in the underfunded public school system, and so are not smart enough to homeschool their own children.

2. Children who receive one-on-one homeschooling will learn more than others, giving them an unfair advantage in the marketplace. This is undemocratic.

3. How can children learn to defend themselves unless they have to fight off bullies on a daily basis?

4. Ridicule from other children is important to the socialization process.

5. Children in public schools can get more practice "Just Saying No" to drugs, cigarettes and alcohol.

6. Fluorescent lighting may have significant health benefits.

7. Publicly asking permission to go to the bathroom teaches young people their place in society.

8. The fashion industry depends upon the peer pressure that only public schools can generate.

9. Public schools foster cultural literacy, passing on important traditions like the singing of "Jingle Bells, Batman smells, Robin laid an egg..."

10. Homeschooled children may not learn important office career skills,like how to sit still for six hours straight.

I copied and pasted the reasons so to read the blog of the person who put it together click on the link.

I really was thinking that I had found an objective paper. Oh well...Friday funnies...that is all!

Dad's Away

2007-10-11T10:08:00.000-06:00

Bill had to go to training on Tuesday and will not return until Friday. So the kids and I are missing him!

Lots of Jabber...
We were heading to the post office and the van sounded like a helicopter. So we did not go to the post office, and came back inside and made tortillas instead!

Last night we played Clue, and of course, I was not myself and revealed a tip that was not even asked for???!!! So needless to say Second loved my mistake!

I made beef stew and dumplings for lunch. Our roast has stretched to 5 meals and still I have enough left for one more~

The big treat is since Bill is not here and will be gone for 3 nights, I have given each kid a night alone on my bed! I am sleeping on the couch, as I do not like the feel without Bill. The kids love the bed and I think enjoy this opportunity!

I am going to can green tomatoes today, some to make later as green fried tomatoes, and some for green salsa that I found on line. I am not sure how this will taste, but the tomato crop is wonderful, but the nights are getting chilly and I do not want to lose any.

I also have to can more applesauce.

I am going to try and make a small batch of mint jelly too. My mint did not do as well here as in other places, so one jar will be all I will make.

Oh and so cool...we found a huge spider, yet to be identified, and it is currently is a science aquarium as we document the day to day activities. The kids have given it flies ...to the peril of the flies, and a cockroach(its NM they are all over outside) and the cockroach and the spider fought and the spider won! SO this has been a creepy find(for me) yet and incredible find for the students! (This visitor is nearly as long as my thumb)

Well my ramblings are coming to a close! School is resuming!

Happy Birthday FoUrTh and Uncle

2007-10-09T00:14:00.001-06:00

Today is my daughter's birthday. She was born 10 weeks early and just so happened to be born on my brother UJ'S birthday. I love my brother and he is a wonderful brother but an incredible uncle, so I was so very pleased to have her on his birthday!

We went to Las Cruces on Saturday and took the two to Pizza Hut for a yummy birthday celebration! Then we took FoUrTh to a few places for her to pick her own gift. She is very creative and picked a jewelry making/bead kit.

So in honor of her birthday I will tell you 12 things about her.
12. She is the sunshine in every room.

11. She has made all the difference in my life. I love the boys, but it was nice to finally be able to buy pink things!

10. She has very curly hair. If she lets it air dry the curls appear. In fact I sometimes call her Curliana, which is a play off her *name*.

9. I knew that she was our last, due to major complications, so I gave her a name that honors all my sisters and mother. Her name is a combination of 3 older sisters, and one younger sister. My mother's middle name is also my daughter's middle name.

8. She is her dad's joy. He loves being the dad in daddy's girl that she is. She has always had him wrapped around her finger.

7. FoUrTh loves to read. She is a Little House on the Prairie fan, and I imagine that one day she will name a child after one of the characters she has read about!

6. FoUrTh loves doing every kind of crafts.

5.She loves animals of every kind, but truly loves horses...someday she will live on a ranch!

4. My daughter is the sweetest person that I have ever known and she is truly a love.

3. FoUrTh is the best friend of each of her brothers. They truly watch over her and love her dearly.

2. She is all and more that Bill and I could have ever imagined for a daughter

1. She loves the Lord with all her heart.

On Sunday we did another dinner for FoUrTh so that First could be with us. We had a very simple elegant dinner with a pretty pink cake!

So my dear sweet baby, that is no longer a baby, thank you for being my daughter, I am the mom I am because of the splash of pink that was thrown into my life 12 years ago at a Naval Hospital!

Love you very much FoUrTh
Dad and Mom!

Mightiest Of Mom's Wants to Know!

2007-10-03T08:27:00.001-06:00

Mighty Mom tagged me for this "2" Meme:

Two Names You Go By: Mom, Honey

Two Things you are wearing right now: glasses and a clothespin to hold up my hair!!!

Two Things you would want (or have) in a relationship: I have a best friend, and I have a Christ focused man

Two Things you like to do: write and craft

Two Things you want very badly at this moment: I would love it to be able to move into the country, and I would love to have more animals

Two Things you did last night: went to a Bible study and visited with Bill

Two Things you ate today: garlic and onion potatoes, water(can you chew water...ice!)

Two People you spoke last to: Second and Bill

Two Things you're doing tomorrow: Picking the winners to caption contest , finishing making applesauce

Two Longest car rides: crossed the country from Florida(port charlotte to Fort Irwin California) and then back

Two Favorite holidays: Thanksgiving and Christmas

Two Favorite beverages: Orange Soda(Mcdonald's) and water

Two Jobs I have had in my life: Wife, Mother

Two Movies I would watch over and over: Seven Brides For Seven Brothers, and many of the Alfred Hitchcock movies(insert almost any title)

Two Places I have lived: Let's see in my married life moved 35 times, and before that about 7. So Germany, and New Mexico!

Two of My Favorite foods: Onions and Pumpkin pie!

Two Places I'd rather be right now: in the country, and right here

Two People I'm tagging to do this meme: Third and FoUrTh

Steady Journey

2007-10-02T14:26:00.000-06:00

I have been quite busy and have not been as attentive to my blogs as I would like. I must say that no matter what is going on in one's life, it can be a learning experience!

Due to budget restraints, I have been weighing every purchase with absolute scrutiny. And I then see if it is a product that I can make at home. So far I am learning a great deal about all of the little things we throw in our shopping carts without much of a second thought.

I uncovered a statistic that I am trying to support with additional data, that shows that only 11% of all of the products in our homes have gone through any safety of health testing. Now is that alarming? Yes, as the number of cancer cases and autism rates, and this and that have sky rocketed.

So I began to research what I could and could not live without, based on finances and what the product contained. With cleaning products, I resorted to the big 3...lemon juice, baking soda, and vinegar. With these 3 products most of our home and laundry will become squeaky clean and fresh. And the big bonus is that these products are very inexpensive and natural.

I will post on my blog Lots for Less the actual mixes to create the needed cleaner.

Then I went to the dental products, haircare products, and things of the such. I already posted on Lots for Less how to make liquid hand soap, and soap bars, and soon I will post several hair rinses, and shampoos that are made with non toxic chemicals. Most of the products going into hair care have synthetic ingredients which then are absorbed into our scalps. Makes one wonder about Alzheimer's and things of that nature, right? I have several recipes for natural hair sprays, and gels. I will only list the ones that I have made and have used. By the way making these things is cheaper too. The best bonus is that you will know all the ingredients that are contained in it.

Now I must say that even though my childhood was not lacking in any material item, my mother was very creative, and I learned from her. I know that my creativity has allowed me to think out of the box and has made our lives not strained from the lack of currency. I am able to make even the most humble of things look better. I also look at things that may appear to be broken and consider the possibilities. I am so grateful for this skill. So I did not begin the journey of living on less for any other reason than it takes the burden off of Bill. But in my seeking to save, I am discovering many incredible things.

I must say that the children have kicked in and begun with me selling burritos to several offices downtown. We only make the burritos on Tuesday and so far the success is really wonderful. Even the smallest efforts in unity are rewarding.

So as I ramble in my thoughts of the journey that we the Pen of Jen family have taken since Bill's accident I must say, having an option to redo anything would be so sad. As each step has brought us to this point. To a point of learning that one can live for less. Believe me Lots Less.
Jennifer

This and That

2007-09-25T16:13:00.000-06:00

Just a bit of wandering today. I am a home school mom that loves the idea of Journal writing. I have the kids maintain a journal every other day. I do not read it, but I do look to make sure that they have written a full page. I do this for several reasons. First I do this because writing is an important skill that many people do not have. I also do this for the children to observe, because usually they will write about what happened where. This is so important.

I also have them keep a journal because we so a Christian type of scouting In the Keepers of the Faith Scouting, they have journal writing under the heading of Biblical Girlhood, or Biblical Young Men.

Our option of Scouting was the traditional scout groups. But Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts have strayed quite a bit from yesteryear, and I wanted the children to have the Lord in their thoughts in all their activities. So we use the Keepers of the Faith books in home school. Bill is over the boys(Contenders for the Faith) and is planning to begin again in October. The girls(Keepers at Home) meet after January, so until then, I have incorporated activities in the curriculum. We have boys as young as six participate, but I think that 7-8 is the best age. The kids work towards merit badges, or patches. They do cost around $2.50 a piece, but again it is extremely fun for the kids. (Keepers and Contenders)
(Oh I paid around $14.00 for each handbook...well worth it!)

Now to my wanderings...I went to a thrift store today. I found a great book for .50!! I will be infusing this into their journal activities. It has subjects such as faith, loyalty, compassion, courage and so much more! It also has some craft projects that I know FouRtH will love to do.

So as I wander, I guess I am coming to a close. As a home school mom, every moment I look for an opportunity to blend teaching and learning. I only have a small period of their lives to teach them what they will need to function in the United States, and I take this very seriously!

McBenning Students

2007-09-21T10:25:00.000-06:00

Here is FoUrTh. She wanted this picture taken the other night because she loved how her hair looked! I agree:)

Here is Third and Pepsi. I am not sure, but I think that the students were trying to pull a fast one!!(Pepsi is wearing Second's shirt)

Here is Second, after working out. He came into the living room and we surprised him. Forgive the fact that the top of the tv center is our collection *spot*.

Now a quick update about First. I have been adjusting to him living 70 miles away as he has too. One week after he moved to Las Cruces the owners of the company he works for wanted to meet with him. He called me the night before. He said "Mom, I have made some notes on how I think that we can make improvements, and I want to share them with the owner, what do you think?" I told him off course. (We have taught the kids do your best and always give all you can to what ever job you are in.)

Well, when First was hired last August he was told that to be a store assistant manager, one must be 21(he has been a crew manager for a year..one week after hired was elevated). After his meeting with the owners, they began training him as a store assistant manager, and he will next year have an opportunity to have his own store. It is a start up company that is really doing well here in New Mexico. First is so excited. Me too, but honestly, he is such a hard worker. Bill and I have really tried to instill strong work ethics in the kids.

So my baby is growing up, going to take business classes to help him, and by next year(age 18.5) will possibly have ownership in his own store. I must take a moment to praise God for leading us in home schooling, as I know it has made all the difference.

School Update

2007-09-19T09:47:00.000-06:00

We have been studying the Bible(every year) in our home school. Monday, my schedule was off so instead of going from my notes I told the kids for Bible to read the book of Jonah again. This time I want them to pay attention to as many details as possible.

Then on Tuesday I asked them to write a full page paper about the book. They could brainstorm in the top sentences, then they had to come up with as much detail as they could.

Jonah has just 3 chapters and 48 verses, but the kids were incredible. They *got* a verse that I think is so important, when Jonah was swallowed by the fish, he prayed.

I was impressed, because although there are 48 verses there are not that many unique things that happened. FoUrTh had 22 correct matches, Second had 18 correct matches and Third had 15 correct matches.

They loved this and asked me to do challenges like this every week. So as I know it is an incredible learning tool, we will use this every Monday!

Study and Prepare

2007-09-14T20:02:00.000-06:00

A while ago I signed up at the Blue Letter Bible Institute. It is a free on line accredited school. One can audit classes or take them for credit. I am taking the classes for the knowledge about the Bible and Christianity.

If you are interested here is the website. Blue Letter Bible Institute. I am enjoying the classes that I am taking. It does require reading, but then you can test your knowledge immediately.

Many people will take a stand and say that it is not approved(to enroll in this institute) for this reason for that, but I am very conservative and read strictly the King James Version, but everyone of us, from the very old to the very new should study the Word.

I have found many in the blog world that are obsessively controlled and it worries me. I understand my role and my place as a Christian. I also understand that if I am limiting my circle to only other believers or my church group, then I am doing a mis-service to the Lord. The Great Commission gives us a very plain clear message.

By staying in the word, and studying the word in addition, one is preparing themselves for each witnessing moment.

I abhor alcohol, BUT, one of the most profound moments in my life occurred when I was at an ice cream shop with my kids...Bill was at the window ordering. A homeless drunk man made a random statement about what a great night it was. I quietly said yes it was. Then he stepped closer, my boys and my daughter went and sat, and I repeated myself. He was shocked and told me that I don't understand. He told me that since Vietnam his life has been pure hell.

I told him that it was because we live in a fallen world. He told me that he knew all this *junk* but Vietnam changed his thoughts. I was so filled with the Spirit. Bill stood beside me and I decided to share how very easy it was. He choked up, and asked me really? I said yes, it is. Then I asked him what his name was. I reached for his hand and he broke into tears, I knew that he hadn't been touched in years. He then told me that his name was David. I broke into tears as a result. David was my dad's name and I told this David this, we both gulped.( Unknown to me, the ice cream shop called the police while I was talking to him) David heard the plan, he was very receptive then he saw the cops. His demeanor changed, but being a former cop's family, I asked the officer if I could finish. She allowed me. Bill also bought this man a hot dog and drink. We had one track on us, and Bill slipped in a 5.00 bill in it also. This David, I told him that I believed that we were to met, and share our grief and so he could move forward to the Lord. He did not receive Jesus in front of me, but I believe that the Lord has many in the line of David(no play intended) to bring David home. I know that if had looked down on him, an opportunity for David would be lost.

His very soul is at stake. Now did I place myself in a situation that was giving an appearance of evil on myself? No, my husband was there and all my kids witnessed their mom, allowing the Spirit use one for another.

So as I share this story, I pray that as Christians we remember that the Lord gave us our gift, and prior to it we we dirty filthy vile sinners.(Hey that is rude, I never drank)Too bad without the blood of Jesus, we are sinners not worthy to be in the presence of God.

So please take a look at your life, are you afraid to taint you with the evil? Well guess what? The world is evil. Walking to the store, going to a restaurant etc. exposes you to the most vile of people. We can shelter our children, and home schooling protects their minds until they are older. But what about you. What are you doing? Have you buried your coin, or are you out investing in the Kingdom???
Jennifer

Response

2007-09-14T07:44:00.000-06:00

I had a friend ask me in an e-mail what is wrong with my teeth as I had told her I have another dental appointment today. Not my favorite thing to explain but I feel maybe it may explain things.This post will be similar to other posts on this subject. I will make it disappear after a day or so.

Let's see. I had some problems with a root canal not done properly. Costs....too much for the first round and lots to save and deal with the pain for the second round.

Then after the root canal my dentist referred me to a periodontist. I am only 40, maintain my teeth and yet some issues. Last Friday was HARD. I have serious bone loss. I was told that I grind my teeth and the pressure that the jaw exerts is tremendous. Now I came home shocked. It is very substantial. I at first wondered at the appointment how could this have been missed in all the years I have been around?

Then I realized this was not a problem until 1-1-05. I began grinding as a result of Bill's accident. He spent six months trying to recover and leveling off his pain. Then he tried to go back to work and had problems. So off another 4 months light duty. Then he was told that the county has no position for a deputy that is light duty. That is true it is a large county, small population, and not much money. So Bill was without a job all because he did he job, working so many hours on that fateful night. Grind...grind ...grind grind.

We moved right after the turn of the new year 2006. Bill then spent the year attending school trying to regroup and figure out his new direction. December 2006, we were almost out of money. So he took a job. It is in a similar field, but the pay is lots less. Can you imagine 30-35 thousand dollars less in a matter of a year? Grind...grind grind grind

Being strong and putting on a brave front and trying to accept this is what I have been trying to do. I grew up without my dad, so make no mistake about this I KNOW THAT THE ALTERNATIVE IS WORSE FOR US. But there are times when I feel consumed. Things like dental that have no place in our budget of three in braces. Braces are our luxuries now. Grind grind grind grind

I am ashamed to admit to you that I snapped at Bill yesterday. I gave him both barrels. I can only get a job after 4 because of the home school issue. Whine blah blah blah. So if you had a chance to read pen of jen today...the post is for me, I need to leave it at the cross. I thought I had been. But I am a closet hoarder of burden and grief and carried it in my person so deep that grind grind grind grind. So please say a little prayer for me to leave all my burdens with Christ. I know it is that easy, but apparently I think that I am so strong that I can carry this weight. Let me tell you something, I am not so strong to look at the freezer and see barren shelves, nor the fridge, nor the pantry. So today I leave it at the cross. It will become easier, and I have lots to leave but I will.

Hope that makes sense.
Jennifer

Required Reading

2007-09-13T08:36:00.000-06:00

Last year we had required reading that followed biographies. Several Christian missionaries, and several prominent historical figures. It was a huge success and the kids wrote book reports galore.

This year, we are reading some classics. We have started with my favorite author, Mark Twain, and his complete short stories. If you are familiar with his writings, yesterday the kids read the Death Disk. It is not a story of evilness, but of character, military discipline, and finally asking for forgiveness from the Lord. It is only 8 pages and very well worth the read.

Mark Twain has several great works aside from his short stories. We are going to do a author biography as a group while following each author.

Remember the education and training of your children is Your responsibility first. If the children attend public school please follow up on everything they study. Read what they read and if necessary supplement. The final arena of blame if children are failing in public schools are the parents. So get rid of the TV, the game systems and sit down and read the Bible, read a good book, paint together, walk together. It is that easy.

Back to reading, we will read several works by Twain, concluding with Tom Sawyer. Then on to Charles Dickens.

Have a wonderful day, and my advice is slow down and take the time to read. First the Lords word and then a book of great merit, that shows and teaches and causes one to laugh.

A Meme

2007-09-12T15:45:00.000-06:00

My sweet angel created a meme. I love her so much, and she shines with her love to dear people on the internet.

So in honor of my angel I am doing this meme.

First this is for Susan at Penless Writer

I am just one
As I ponder my way
When the Light Beacons
And I look over and say

Alone we stand and can weaken
But together the Pen and the Writer
Can become two
Two can stir the water
Two can become a multitude

I no longer ponder
As my eyes view in wonder
Of Susan and the world
Resting at our fingertips

Christ is the head
And we are the Body
And we uplift and nourish each other
Day by day here and there and even in Oklahoma!

To my daughter
I am here because of you
My life was fading
My life became anew

You stood up
You entered the world
You came so early
So I could be saved

You are the wind beneath my wings
You are my everything
I love you
I am so much in awe of your strength
I am so happy for your love of the Lord

You are my angel and I love you

Trip to Arizona

2007-09-12T09:27:00.000-06:00

Here are a few more photos from the trip...
Third performing the technically difficult *cannonball*!!!

FoUrTh as she popped up!

Pool for the boys and flexing the muscles of Second( anyone with boys understands that this is a common activity for teen males...muscles flexes!)

I love the southwest. Check this picture out. There are 3 different types of cacti all close together. Beautiful!!

We took several prickly pears(even though they grow near us) Third wants to make some jelly. We also are going to try and make some needles from the stickers. First we will rub them in a wax of sorts.

We went with little cash, but the trip was so fun. I love saguaro cactus, so we stopped along a dirt road and parked and enjoyed hiking and exploring. We found many rocks for my collection, and here is Bill standing next to one of the smaller saguaro's. Bill is 6'3".

Well I just noticed that this is my 200th post here. Hip hip hurray Jen has lots to say( as I meekly smile and say sorry:)

Christian Word List

2007-09-10T16:06:00.000-06:00

In addition to other schoolwork, I have the kids define 26 Christian words per month. They use a student Bible dictionary and also have to reference a scripture. This teaches the children words and their meanings in the Christian faith, additional writing and penmanship skills and using reference materials to look things up.

I talked to a family that lives nearby and promised to copy this list for them. Robert and Jamie, time has gotten the best of me, so I am posting it here. Please forgive me.

Here is September's List. I have it written in a standard notebook, with 3 columns, one for each child. When they finish a word, they check that word off in their column.

assurance....barren....Caesar....derison....endure....first fruits....genealogy....Hades....idle....
Jubilee(Yearof)....know....Latin....maker....necromancer....
ordinance....palsy....quiver....rebuke
sacrifice....tablet....unbelief....vile....Xerxes....yearn....zeal

October's List
astrologers....Bridegroom....cleave....dulcimer.... eunuch....froward....gird....hastle....idol
just....kerygma....lurk....maimed....nether....omega....parable....
quench....roe....selah....terrestrial....unsearchable....vanity....
wormwood....yoke....zealot.

The assignment for September is also to write a paper about science and the Bible. They must take a scientific fact and walk the reader through the information, the opposing side, and the facts in the Bible.

I am going to post the completed papers for the kids when they are done. Second is using the mountains in Jonah for his scientific fact in the Bible. His initial draft is very good.

Third is taking the premise of Creation. This is a tougher subject yet he too has made great strides in his rough draft. Fourth is taking the position of Adam and Eve. I have not read too much of her paper as she is still honing in on the initial draft. I am pleased at this subject. We must learn the bible. Not as something that we open once a week, but every day multiple times. God gave us this as a guide and it is marvelous for so many things in our lives.

So that is a brief update on McBenning School.

Biosphere 2

2007-09-04T11:58:00.001-06:00

We went to *see* the Biosphere 2. I had seen a movie with Pauly Shore, and the Biosphere was in it. So we passed it and I asked to stop.

I think that it is past it's thrill, as many gates were overgrown or falling down, and here is half of the parking lot. The other half is closed off.

Read this, may need to enlarge it!!

Another view of the sign!

In the parking lot you could not see the Biosphere, so here it is as we traveled to it. We did not go in as it cost 20.00 per adult, and 13.00 per kid. (79.00) So I was pleased to see that no one else seems interested either!!

BTW I did not have to go in, and saw beautiful butterflies..click to see what I saw. They were busy in the flowers!

Frogs or Toads or Unidentified???

2007-09-02T22:09:00.001-06:00

It is funny how something that I took for granted as a kid, isn't so common. So after 6 years of not seeing frogs...tada...everywhere!! BIG MeDiUm and tiny !

This one really made me a little queasy!

Not dead...just looking for an escape from the giant ME!!

Then we saw this bunch...who know what species they are! Where on the evolutionary ladder do they fit??? Bill has decided to take these creatures home!

This and That

2007-09-02T09:49:00.001-06:00

Just a few traveling things to mention, and I know many understand!

I left a ketchup packet from McDonalds in the 5TH wheel, last time we were traveling, and had a little visitor! Not too many droppings, but I washed all the dishes, and sprayed everything down with a bleach spray. Huanta virus(sp) is in New Mexico, at least 4 causes this year! And when we opened our bed, droppings all over the sheet and egg crate mattress cover.

I am a gagger!! Awful, gross, yet thank goodness it was not more!! Bill and the boys took all the items out, bleach sprayed everything, and I slept a little leery.

But to outshine all that~ frogs, frogs, and more frogs! I cannot wait until tonight for the kids to see more! I hadn't thought about it, but they have not seen frogs forever. In fact I am not sure if FoUrTh even remembers them!

So we are finishing up chores. I made breakfast, FoUrTh is doing the dishes,and the boys are cleaning the truck out from the travel gunk.

For questions asked....
The truck is an extended cab and has a full size back seat...seats six.
One can bathe with only six gallons of water and feel refreshed!
It only cost $14.00 a night to have my own home parked with full amenities!
We are 13 miles from Tuscon.
Aside from the mouse, all is amazing!

Prep For Trip To Arizona

2007-08-31T20:52:00.001-06:00

Third and Second are never serious! They are helping Bill go over the checklist of prep before we leave on our trip to Mammoth, Arizona. They helped attach the rack for the bikes, and other things. As the camera came out, so did the antics!

Here Bill is kneeling telling Second what needs to be done. These boys are amazing and help Bill so much!

Third(and Second) constantly advertise their buffness!! So here is My Mr. T(remember the 80's tv show?)and his dad!

Here is an view of the 5th wheel, looking from the kids room down. It is a tip out so we add square feet when we stop.

Rain Glorious Rain!!

2007-08-31T15:00:00.000-06:00

Look what is happening at my house!!

Memory Through the Middle

2007-08-28T11:22:00.000-06:00

OK Sarah and Susan did a fun thing that I thought I'd try it, although slightly different.

First I must list one fact that is somehow relevant to my life for each letter of my middle name. This is something that I decided to modify slightly, to make it something that I will use daily.

So my middle name is Amy. My mother gave me this as a middle name because it means the same thing as my dad's name did~beloved. Dad's name was David.

A- Awe . Psalm 4:4 Stand in awe, and sin not: I love this verse and I will memorize it using the middle name method! MY GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD!

M-Mightier. Psalm 93:4 The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters. Memorization will be so easy! MY GOD IS MIGHTIER!

Y- Years Psalm 90:4 For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night. Years are yesterday!! MY GOD IS TIMELESS!

As I wrote this I did not try and stay in the Psalms, nor verse 4, yet I did. Amy means beloved, David means beloved and I found my verses in the Psalms! How is that for having an awesome, mightier, timeless God!

Total Eclipse of the Heart

2007-08-28T07:17:00.001-06:00

This morning around 3:30 am the Pen of Jen family all rose and checked out the lunar eclipse. Although it was not a total eclipse, I cannot get the song out of my mind. Who sang Total Eclipse? It sure was a neat song to hum on the heels of my anniversary!

*enlarge the photo, it is very cool, I ended up taking 4 photos*

Remember education and learning do not always take place in traditional settings, or traditional places. Bill and I laughed though, because everyone wanted to be awakened, but as soon as the eclipse was seen *poof* they all went back to bed. So we know currently that astronomer is not an occupation that any wish to become!!

A Bundle of Learning

2007-08-26T13:40:00.000-06:00

Tips for home schooling or those that love knowledge.

Materials for schools do not have to cost very much. The local newspaper is a goldmine for learning. The newspaper can be used for all subjects and should be used for all subjects.

Research and fact checking- a story can be read and them followed to sources to make sure that the news is reliable. It also can be compared to another news agencies interpretation to confirm the facts. Am I implying that the media spins stories? No, but I am suggesting that learning is not being spoon fed information. No it is all about understanding how to find information.

Editing-believe it or not, even after the newspaper has been printed, one can still find grammatical errors or spelling errors. And also one can look and see if the title matches the article. It is amazing how much one can learn by teaching and hands on methods.

Weather patterns- The weather is listed every day. So the children can plot a storm or a weather front until it dissipates. Weekly records of temperature can be recorded then the weekly average can be calculated. By following the storm, one can learn geography, local, state, federal and internationally. Safety, by understanding the implications of weather and its potential for havoc, one can appreciate tornadoes, hurricanes and major storms. Learning about hurricanes is a great unit study that can begin using a newspaper. On-line newspapers for Florida, Hawaii, and the Eastern Seaboard truly will give an exacting understanding of a hurricane, the naming process, and its incredible magnitude.

Obituaries- Math is here too. Calculate the exact number of days the person lived. Get a map, locate where they were born and where they died. This is also a way to learn about the variety of occupations that are available to be filled. And finally a way to pray that the person had salvation, and that the message in Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Ghost...
A person's time is numbered, and we should take it quite serious that we may be the very person that completes the link in their chain. This also is a time to understand that not all will receive Him.

Sports- the statistics can be followed, and a daily health regime can be implemented. Sporting events also can be studied following the money. Who sponsors the big teams, and the power of advertising can truly be delved in to. Chart a teams winning and losing schedules. Chart the mileage a team has to travel each week and compile average miles traveled.

Opinions and Editorials - this is a great way to *see* what is bothering the citizens of the community. Study the issues addressed and compile a response. This is not to be mailed, but to see if there is a solution or not. This is also important to learn about the right to speech and the forums one uses to implement change. Create an Editorial Day for your home. Have the children write a column once a month about the issues in the house . Then you respond in like. Then switch the roles, because you want the children to learn of resolutions and problem solving.

Comics-such a way to get the kids started in reading. Notice aside from Sunday that the comics are in black and white. It does not need to be all glitzy to be funny! Have the children identify if it is a political satire, or not. Is there a message in the comic or is it for entertainment? Have the children create a single storyboard comic. This is so amazing for creativity, and to allow the child's humor to come through.

Advertisements-excellent, so many uses. Have the children see if they can create a menu for dinner using a store flier. Give a budget and see if they can still create this menu. Do comparison shopping by using several fliers. This is an amazing way to learn budgeting.
For fliers from clothing stores same process, just with clothing, same with toiletries.

The classifieds - so much to study. Take an item or category, then see how many things are for sale. Such as exercise equipment. Then create a chart, and plot several categories and the prices, showing the variations. Find the most unusual thing for sale. Calculate an average between the lowest priced home and the highest price. Find apartments in the northern, southern, eastern, and western parts of your community. Begin a car graph. Graph how many Fords, Honda's, Chevrolet's and other brands. Calculate interest on a 5 year note. Discuss why it is so much more financially responsible to not have a car note.

Police reports- using a city map plot the crimes on it. Color code the pins and keep this running for a year. Then write a report as the safest and most dangerous areas in the city. Do the same for auto accidents. Use this opportunity to meet with a local police officer/department and discuss safety in driving, using seat belts.

Spotlight on events in the community- these are great because they usually list events that are family friendly and low cost, so attend and have the children be reporters and report about the event that they went to. Because of the computer, the kids can do this and take photos and not wait for developing. We do live in incredible times.

Well I could go on and on, but I wanted you to realize that this is all done with little or no expense and yet the knowledge acquired could be vast. For my readers that do not have children or their children are too young, or they are moved out, remember these tips can work for you too. Keep the mind going or cater this to a smaller child. Learning is so awesome and wonderful that you will benefit all your life.

2007-08-23T13:15:00.000-06:00

Susan tagged me with this neat little survey of sorts. I love this because it shines a light on me, and gives my blog friends another window to view me. All these are my answers so you may chuckle with or agree with or say that you didn't know that, but I completed this to share me.

ACCENT -nope, just old fashioned mid-west America

I DON"T DRINK - alcohol, coffee or tea...so my line to catch Bill was of course...ME!

CHORE I HATE - putting the laundry away. I am doing this while three laundry baskets(folded) sit on my bed.

PETS - a Basset Hound named Pepsi, and a guinea pig named Buddy(and 20 zillion flies:(

ESSENTIAL ELECTRONICS - computer, laptop, cellphone, digital camera

PERFUME - I like Lady Stetson...but rarely wear perfume.

GOLD or SILVER - neither. As I posted before, my wedding rings were stolen, so I have never replaced them,although they were white gold. I am pretty basic!

INSOMNIA - nope. But my sweetie suffers at night from pain. He is up and down many times.

JOB TITLE - Wife and Mother

MOST ADMIRED TRAIT - I am at a pause!?

KIDS - 3 sons, 1 daughter...all delights for their dad and I!

PHOBIA -SNAKES

RELIGION - I am a born again Christian, knowing of my destiny. I am part of the body of Christ.

SIBLINGS - 3 brothers, 2 sisters, 1 half sister, 1 step sister. But I have many brothers and sisters in the Lord!

TIME I WAKE UP - Bill wakes me up around 6:00. He then nudges me by 7:00 to iron his clothes:)

UNUSUAL TALENT/SKILL - I have known all of my adult life that I can see in others what they cannot see. I take this very seriously, and try diligently to uplift another and let them see who they are. I am always amazed when one minimizes their talents or skills.

VEGETABLE - ONIONS

WORST HABIT - twirling my hair!

X-RAYS - When I was a kid many for bronchitis, dental x-rays, several ultrasounds for pregnancies!

MY FAVORITE MEAL - Bean enchiladas with rice, and sides of salsa, onions and lettuce!!!!

OK this was fun and I am supposed to tag 5 people. If you want to do this feel free and let me know.

I am tagging FoUrTh
Jackie
Sarah
Jackie

Surprise... Creativity is Awesome!

2007-08-22T22:38:00.000-06:00

I again am so amazed with the results I am seeing while homeschooling my bunch! I have been trying to play catch up on my laundry and I also received an amazing call from Sarah(AKA Mighty Mom)so I stepped away from the kids to visit in the back, and hang the laundry.

How great it was when I hung up! FoUrTh is working on a patch quilt and she quietly sat and sewed while I was on the phone. Second is working on a film and spent part of the time creating story boards and taking photo shots of the boat that he is using in the movie. Third spent the time polishing off 2 chapters in a book that he is writing.

I let out a cheer when I saw how they all worked independently on their projects. A few times during the call I tried to reign the kids in to complete the Preamble work, when I was unaware of how well they were doing.

I am so proud of them, and I got out the ice cream and served up sundaes!!! It is so neat to be a parent, especially on days like today!!

Oh and First called and is coming a home this weekend...so I will have all my babies together for a day:)

Happy Birthday

2007-08-22T11:07:00.000-06:00

Today is my sister Liz and brother Dave's birthday! They are fraternal twins and are *cough* older than me!!

I wish them both a marvelous birthday, filled with happiness and good health.

Girls first so here's your cake Liz!!

And Dave here's yours.

Liz has three wonderful kids...Danielle, Cameron, and Mari
Dave has 4 wonderful kids, David, Ann, Ashley, and Carson. Dave also has 3 grandkids...David IV, Lily and Parker

Things Heard Around the School

2007-08-20T11:10:00.000-06:00

I have incorporated "how to clean" in the daily school schedule, because many times we presume that our children understand the idea of say dusting. Well Third was dusting the top of the bookshelves(something heavily neglected) when FoUrTh came over me fake coughing and said "Mom, I am going to die of the black lung if Third doesn't stop dusting!!!"

I love home school, results are always gratifying! It is so neat to realize that a concept stuck, because it becomes part of their humor!!

History, Math, and Driving...Oh My!!

2007-08-16T09:48:00.000-06:00

We have been slowly getting back into the groove of school, and so for the past week have been working on the Constitution, American History, math review, and drivers ed!!

Now the boys will have to take drivers ed. before they can get their permits, but I have had the Escort parked in our backyard...So I have been giving drivers ed. classes. FoUrTh sits at the picnic table and critiques each lesson.

So far we have done 3 point turns, reversing, parallel parking and the general logistics of driving in such a small place. If you are wondering, since we live in the desert, we have no grass and formed gardens around the sides of the yard. The center is open~dust~sand~dirt~(originally for an area to play)now it is open to drive.

They are doing remarkably well considering the first time fears associated with driving, and the very tight quarters of the training zone!

Today they will be working with some under the hood items. I feel that every driver should know the basic mechanics of an engine.

Oh and we will be memorizing the Preamble this week! Well...today will be lots of Home Ec. as the house needs some tidying first:-)

Fair Today!

2007-08-15T10:20:00.000-06:00

UPDATE OF THE UPDATE!! Here's the photo of her Reserve Grand Champion, and Blue Ribbon!! Just click on the picture to see all better!!

Here is FoUrTh's Crookneck Swan entry! We dropped it off to the fairgrounds earlier today. So I haven't had too much chance to read any blogs yet! I will be visiting soon!

These are all the youth entries!!

Here is the Swan resting on the chair as we were prepping to leave for the fairgrounds.

We are heading out the door again to see how she did, as judging was over an hour ago! No matter what FoUrTh has put a tremendous effort into the garden, and this swan has been the icing on the cake!

UPDATE: We just were telephoned...FoUrTh won Reserve Grand Champion! Photos tonight with the ribbon.

First Night Alone!!

2007-08-14T07:53:00.000-06:00

Too Funny! I called First last night to see how his first night alone in his first place was(roommate moved in yesterday). First laughed and told me that he had planned to stay up late, his house his rules, but he was so tired that he went to bed early!!

He and I laughed together! I know that this is such an amazing step for him! He started his job yesterday at 10:00am, and it is the same company, so he is still one of the managers, but now they are going to put him in charge of the training policies for new hires, because he is doing so well!!

Well he would only have to be my son for me to be proud, but it is nice to hear he is doing well.

Moving Day

2007-08-12T08:13:00.001-06:00

After church today we are moving First to his new place. It is an apartment not too far from campus, next to the mall, and well 70 miles from home! He is very excited and I must admit I am too.

I understand that this is it, and he will be on his own from here on out, but I know that as parents that we have done all that we can, and it is his turn.

So as you go about your day, pause and take a moment and remember the day that you moved out!

Show and Tell Friday!

2007-08-09T19:16:00.000-06:00

Still Not Up To Par

2007-08-09T07:01:00.000-06:00

You are most like: You are Orange
Brilliant and stunning, you provide a pleasant surprise to any room into which you walk. This is a hard color to pull off, but you do it well.
Take this quiz: Which Crayola Box of 8 Color Are You?
Visit Toys For Your Blog.com for more blog quizzes

You are most like:

You are Orange

Brilliant and stunning, you provide a pleasant surprise to any room into which you walk. This is a hard color to pull off, but you do it well.

Take this quiz: Which Crayola Box of 8 Color Are You?

Visit Toys For Your Blog.com for more blog quizzes

I found this at Leigh Ann's, and since I still am not up to par...I thought I'd see what color crayon I am!!

First ...First Car

2007-08-07T18:11:00.000-06:00

After working for five years and First having to save 80% of his check(10% church, 10% spending)he has bought his first car!

No he did not deplete his savings, but he was able to buy this Pontiac Sunfire outright! I think that it is a very nice car, and he matches!!

If you look over First shoulder, you can see the lady in the mountain!! Pretty neat!!

Prayer Request

2007-08-07T03:03:00.000-06:00

Just a quick post. Today is the big dental 'fix' day. I am asking for your prayers as at 3:03 am I am in almost the worst pain I can recall. Praise God for a light at the end of the tunnel!

UPDATE: I returned and am so thankful for your prayers. I am not too comfy right now, but I am visiting my blog friends while I sit and try to feel better.
Jennifer

The Revolving Door!

2007-08-06T09:33:00.000-06:00

First went to Nevada to our old hometown to visit some friends. He left Wednesday and drove all 900 plus miles the first day! He sounds like he had a wonderful time, but we sure missed him.

This was his first big trip and it has been such a wonderful experience for him. But he will be busy upon his return. His apartment will be ready on the ninth, so in the door, wash laundry, pack and prepare to move out! He is going to room with a buddy from work and they are excited as they can be!

Well FoUrTh and I are going to leave for our daily walk so more of the Revolving Door in the future!!!

All American Meal

2007-08-05T13:37:00.000-06:00

I am writing again about the Pen of Jen dinners. I am not writing to drive all crazy but to give a window on how we can budget and still eat yummy meals.

This a meal I refer to as 'The All American Meal'. Bill is not a big fan of hot dogs, but if we grill them he loves them.

The menu is: Hotdogs, mac and cheese, rice, watermelon(garden)zucchini, and crookneck squash(garden), salsa, sliced pickles.

In the photo I have the containers etc. that I use so one can see my method. We have memberships to Sam's Club and Costco, and the annual membership for both is $90.00. By shopping at the price clubs, I can buy one gallon of Ketchup for $2.98(which I then use to refill 3 containers). I can buy 3 packs of Oscar Meyer hotdogs for $5.98.The Velveeta cheese I paid $3.00. I also buy the pasta and rice in bulk. I store them in plastic juice jugs.(in case you haven't noticed). We were stationed at Fort Polk Louisiana, and the bugs were terrible, so since then everything goes in a container,then I put a creative label...Now I am the low cost no cost champ, so I use what I have on hand, when planning the menus and the snacks.

Back to the meal, I make my own pickle relish, because it needs more onions than store bought!

As you can see, we have plenty of food. An abundance if you will, and it was absolutely delightful. Bill added a last minute addition of grilled potatoes. He sliced 2 potatoes, covered them in olive oil and grilled them with the zucchini, and crookneck! Yummy.

So, whenever I shop, I look for bargains and buy in bulk. Barbecue sauce was on sale over Fourth of July so I bought 10 bottles. Even though I only have 4 kids, I live like I have a large family. Both Bill and I came from large families so the concept has never left us. I also pre-plan menus, down to the spices,and go from there. I have a weeks worth of menus on the fridge, so at the last minute I can switch the dinner to something else based on family's needs.

It has been a priority of mine to be respectful of the fact that Bill works very hard to bring the money in, so I do not have to work. I am not always on target, but come very close. I have tried to instill in the children this idea too, because they have seen their dad strap on a duty vest, and were very conscious of the risk. A very good friend of ours was killed on duty in front of Bill. So spending the money is something I was careful to do.

Now Bill works in an office, and the risk is not there, but the pain from his accident is, so I still work very hard to appreciate all that I have been given.

I hope that this helps. By the way the total cost of this meal was $3.70. The hotdogs were the most expensive item, yet all was very affordable!

Lemon Herb Chicken

2007-08-03T21:54:00.000-06:00

Here is the prep for Friday night's dinner. We had lemon herb chicken, country potatoes, fresh green beans, fresh cherry tomatoes, and buttered zucchini, fresh plums, and a peach.(in the photo I have corn bread mix, but I forgot to start the bread in time)[the green beans, cherry tomatoes,and zucchini were from my garden, the plums were a gift from a friend.]

Cost for all this is $9.07. The reason I tabulated the total was to give a window to how we budget. This is rather high for a meal, but Fridays are "fun day's"! If every dinner cost this much we would spend $281.17 for a family of six!(lunches and breakfast not included.) Our average for a meal is less and soon I will give a complete total.

The completed dinner! Yummy
We love to eat green beans raw like carrots, so if you haven't tried this do so!!

Here is the prep for the desert. We had brownies. I have all of this on hand so no expense.

Yummy brownies!

Show and Tell Friday

2007-08-02T21:47:00.000-06:00

Sweet and Educated

2007-08-01T17:04:00.000-06:00

I had the opportunity to call my bloggity friend Pam today. I am plotting something and needed her help! So after an e-mail, I picked up my phone and gave her a jingle. I must say that the Southern accent is so special!!!

Plus she's Southern and educated! Home school moms are so, well smart! I went on and on and loved hearing about my blog dad, and Pam's sweetie, and Josh and Shane. And I even got to speak to Shane. In case you don't know Shane, he is a Battle King of the highest honor!

My dear sweet Pam is so kind, and wonderful that I thought I better tell you all in blog land about her. When I stop by her blog I am uplifted and overjoyed. Then she sometimes mails me the cutest of e-mails, I just love having such a friend.

If you haven't been over to Pam's, stop over and say hello!

Happy Birthday Cathy

2007-08-01T07:49:00.000-06:00

My sister who visited last week is celebrating her 46th birthday today!!! She is the oldest of my siblings, and absolutely the sweetest of all the girls! She married a younger man, just like me. Her husband Scott, will celebrated his 46th birthday on the 5th of August.(Bill is 6 months younger than me)

This is a big week for Cathy, they celebrate the birthdays on the 1st and the 5th, and on the 3rd they celebrate their 23rd wedding anniversary. So have a great week Cathy and Scott!

A New Look

2007-07-31T18:09:00.000-06:00

McBenning School has a new look. The doors to McBenning School are preparing to open, so blogging will slow down. Best wishes to all

Sandy Surprises!

2007-07-30T08:04:00.000-06:00

When I downloaded the blogs in the White Sands photos look what I found. While I would prepare the Sand for the next blog, Bill patiently waited...or was he busy?

It is kind of faint, but ever so sweet!

Pass Punt Kick

2007-07-28T12:02:00.000-06:00

Second participated in a Pass Punt and Kick competition today. It was sponsored by Pepsi and was very neat. He received a certificate,and the final results will be in later today.

Second and his certificate!

Judging tables

The park

Second kicking!

What I love from the photos is that everything looks so green!!! I wish it was as green as it looks!

White Sands

2007-07-26T16:32:00.000-06:00

My sister and her husband came out to visit, so we went to White Sands National Monument.
Cathy, FoUrTH, Third, Second, Scott

We had a wonderful time(we missed Bill and First as they had to work.) We adults also sledded down the hills and enjoyed every moment.

Third burying Second!

Second surfing!

Strawberry Banana Smoothies

2007-07-23T06:50:00.000-06:00

Update: Forgive me I accidently spelled Smoothie, smootie....I do not know what I was thinking!!!All corrected now:)

As it is summertime, we make smoothies to cool us down. They are very easy to make and are very delicious.

Blender
3 cups ice
1/4-1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup chopped strawberries
1 banana
1/2 cup milk

Blend and serve! Yummy
FoUrTh is having another caption contest, feel free to jump over and enter!Crazy Critters.

Little Red Jen

2007-07-21T18:31:00.000-06:00

(I know, the title is hmm, unusual, but read on and I think you'll understand:-)

Well today I spent the day making pumpkin puree(to prepare for pies, muffins, and cookies).

The pumpkins that we grew in the garden have a funny story behind them. I love to decorate the front porch in the fall. The harvest colors are beautiful and I just love pumpkins, gourds, and the like atmosphere that they create.

Being a mom, I always buy 4 pumpkins(one for each kid). Keeps the peace, because even if the kids get older they love the traditions, and they love cutting the top off to get the seeds. Then they carve a shape in the front to allow windows for a candle to glow through. They love it.

Last year one of the boys did not want to cut the pumpkin...it was too nice. So along comes December, and I wanted to decorate the porch for Christmas, so I move the pumpkin to the back by the grill(designated area for the boys to grab stuff and haul to the garbage.)This pumpkin stayed out there until February, when I needed to move it to plan for the garden. I thought...I wonder if the seeds are still good? So I cut it open and the seeds were growing!!!! I planted 10 of the seeds, and 6 grew!!!

Because it was still cold at night, I made mini green houses for the plants using milk gallons cut in half. During the day the top was off and at night I put it back on.

Here is the 'pumpkin patch' in March.

Here is the 'pumpkin patch' in May.

Here is last weekend's harvest!

Cutting and seeding the pumpkins.

Cooking the pumpkins to peel the skin off.

And here is the end result. Pumpkin seeds...tasty! 8 cups of pumpkin puree...ready and waiting for the time cookies or pie is needed!

Yummy!

Show and Tell Friday #2

2007-07-20T00:10:00.000-06:00

Kelli over at" There is No Place Like Home", is the host of Friday Show and Tell. She explains it this way:"Welcome to Show and Tell Friday! Do you have a something special to share with us? It could be a trinket from grade school, a piece of jewelry, an antique find. Your show and tell can be old or new. Use your imagination and dig through those old boxes in your closet if you have to! Feel free to share pictures and if there's a story behind your special something, that's even better!"
Click on the link below to join the list!
There is no place like home

Well here goes, the more you share, the more another learns about you. My show and tell for today is about a young woman who, had been married 12 years, and had 4 children. She wasn't even sure if anyone noticed her let alone thought she had anything to say. But boy did she ever! This young woman spent every spare moment when the children were sleeping, and her husband was still at work, creating. She loved the initials of her name, and they didn't change when she married. She was JAGG... like the car, unique and creative. A few months after she married she began a saga that has not ended to this day. She began to put to paper her ideas. But she kept the ideas to herself.

Here is the binder 19 years later.

One day she decided she was bursting at the seams and needed to get these thoughts and ideas out. The town she lived in had a weekly newspaper, so one day she walked in and asked to speak to the editor. You see after studying the paper for a few months she determined that the paper needed a craft column. So she went in met with the editor, and sold the idea that the paper needed a craft column, and that she should do it. This woman was not on line( had a very old computer)and not a very good camera. But for some reason the editor saw the sheer courage of this woman and hired her on the spot! This woman had not worked out of the home for 11 years and hadn't conversed with adults besides her husband in a long time.

So she told the editor that the column was to be called The Craft Corner, and the housewife would write under the pen name of Jagg Creations! The editor actually invited this woman to lunch! She gets emotional thinking about this even today, lunch, away from the children, and with the editor(a woman)To be very clear, this woman is crafty but not in a "looks like you bought it way" but in the way the an average person is. This woman has many skills which she is fairly good at, but loves to constantly learn new as apposed to mastering one. So crafting had begun.

The projects she created were under the slogan of "low cost no cost" and were things that she did with her own children. The first article was how to make a spider using her child's hand prints and washable paints. She tried to create crafts that would be memories to. Then she began to experiment with ideas and created projects. The editor would come over every Thursday and collect the article, then take a photo of the finished product. She decoupaged a dresser, made ornaments, showed creative ways to take 4 children to the grocery store and so much more. Then in June, nearly 7 months after she began she had the courage to step a little further into the world.

Every year the town had a celebration, and this woman went to a city council meeting( after being placed on the minutes) and asked the town to hire her to organize a Craft Corner for the Kids to run 3 days straight. The council agreed and gave her a spending budget too. The Craft Corner for the kids was a huge success, and the woman continued to come into focus.

Here is the last article published by Jagg Creations for the newspaper because her husband had taken a job in another state. Rarely did this woman put her own children in the photos, as her husband was a police officer, but in the last column she included her beautiful little girl.

When all the boxes were packed, the house walked through a car came up the lane and low and behold it was the editor. She had tears in her eyes and handed a letter to this blooming young lady.

The letter was a reference letter. Here are a few sentences that it has...Jennifer is a person of dedication, who is self-motivated and conscientious of her work.(and) Aside from the Craft Corner Jennifer was a creative contributor to the newspaper in all arenas: editorials,features, news and promotions. Her ideas brought vitality and stimulation to our publication.

Now many of us have heard a loved one recite such kind words, but this woman had not heard such things since she had become a wife.

When this woman moved to her new home, her mother who lived in Florida, had sent her a package of clippings. You see her mother was so proud of her 6th child that she had a Utah newspaper mailed to her each and every week. And being a mom herself wasn't all to sure if her daughter would have saved her writings. This woman became a child once more and wept openly as she is doing now.

But this show and tell has a moral at the end. Throughout the years of being so devoted to being a mother this young woman was afraid that all of her skills were only of value to herself and her family. That alone was a silent tear to her insides, as God could give one the ability to create, and then not finish. But whoa, she then understood. A talent or gift is yours to use and share. It is the fulfillment and completion of oneself if it does not take place of the responsibilities of wife/mother.

So the tale I share today is the blossoming of a young woman into a woman. A woman who has never slowed down, and started a county wide youth program for the children in her new state( the county is larger than 6 eastern states) and brought in $40,000.00 of donations into the program. And it never took her away from her children as they went to each activity. In all irony, 2 elementary schools asked her to head there PTA's knowing full well she home schooled. And then this woman not so young, moved once more, and within a few months stepped up as a youth director for the home school group that has more than 80 families as members.

But most of all she has been a better wife and mother, all the while staying with her children. She now writes daily, she has(7 blogs) 2 that she shares with all and has written almost 400 posts since December 27, 2006.

So my dear friends, be true to who you are. God has blessed us each with talents and gifts and abilities not to be hidden but shared. Thank you for reading how I came into focus as a child of the Lord.

Jennifer also known as Jagg Creations and Pen of Jen

Cookies to Quiche

2007-07-18T20:02:00.001-06:00

As we continue on through the summer, we have been blessed beyond measure in our desert garden.

This is the weekend harvest...pumpkins for cookies, bread, and pie; zucchini for buttered zucchini, quiche, and cookies; crookneck squash for soup, bacon buttered squash, and shishkabobs;onions for everything for Jen!; Lemon Basil for mosquito rub, cooking and to dry; mint to dry; watermelon to enjoy; sunflower seeds to dry for planting next year and to snack on;cherry tomatoes to snack on, enhance a salad; greens to much on, and to snack on...wow:) God is an awesome God!

Now to the title of my post. Since we have an abundance, we decided not to get burnt out on any one delightful garden goody. So I have made zucchini pizza, the basic butter and salt and pepper zucchini, to tonight's special.

Zucchini Quiche

Now I don't know if it is the chef or the recipe, but this was a don't do over. Anytime I make a new recipe I quickly do a survey and quiche may be too upper crust for the Pen of Jen gang!

Lemon Zucchini Cookies

Now these were an exiting hit! I have the recipe I found on Tracy's blog, and it is on her sidebar:)

On My Front Porch

2007-07-18T11:18:00.000-06:00

This is a Giant Root Borer. The kids found it on our front porch. Here is a better picture from a bug guide. The one on the porch was about 2" long. Just enough to make me realize that even though this guy is not dangerous, my imagination does all the work and he is lethal!

And yes, we collected the specimen, and identified him using a field guide. We are a home school family, of course!

Now I did make sure that the lid was secure on the jar...just in case!

Silent Saturday!

2007-07-14T18:05:00.000-06:00

OK not so silent, just a few pictures from today!

I am Asking My Blog Friends For Photos

2007-07-14T08:50:00.000-06:00

Please read this post that I wrote the other day. I am putting together a post, I would like to have done by August 20, of my readers buying one weeks worth of groceries and the cost. Please try and take a picture of you in front of the groceries like the link did!

Something to Chew On

Show and Tell Friday

2007-07-13T09:23:00.001-06:00

This is my first show and tell Friday. I have seen many of my blog friends share on this theme and I loved the idea.

Pam wrote this, so I borrowed her explanation....Kelli over at" There is No Place Like Home", is the host of Friday Show and Tell. She explains it this way:"Welcome to Show and Tell Friday! Do you have a something special to share with us? It could be a trinket from grade school, a piece of jewelry, an antique find. Your show and tell can be old or new. Use your imagination and dig through those old boxes in your closet if you have to! Feel free to share pictures and if there's a story behind your special something, that's even better!"
Click on the link below to join the list!
There is no place like home

Here is a picture of my daughter, FoUrTh and my garden sunflowers. I live in New Mexico and it is very difficult to grow anything, due to the lack of water. We are on water restrictions, so instead of much of a lawn, I grow small vegetable gardens.

The sunflowers brighten the desert and add to the flavor of my yard. In front of the sunflowers are the zucchini and tomatoes! We are actually selling the surplus, as we cannot eat the food as fast as it is growing.

BTW... I am putting together a post, and I need my blog friends help. Please read the post below for information.
Thanks for stopping by.
Jennifer

Something to Chew On

2007-07-12T20:37:00.000-06:00

Jump over and read the article here, and look at all the pictures. It is quite eye opening.

I am asking my readers to take a photo of their weekly shopping expedition goodies, and record the cost and email it to me at penofjen(at)yahoo(dot)com

If you want to participate in this, please try and have another take the photo so I can have the family, and the food, in the photo.

I really hope that all my readers take part.

Thanks so much!
Jennifer

It is Monsoon Season After All

2007-07-11T22:35:00.000-06:00

I couldn't even see the mountains during the heavy rains!

The street always fills when it rains as we are on the top of town and the water of course has to run down hill!!!

Here is my dirt yard...now temporarily muddy. All will be dry tomorrow, and I did have all my buckets out to gather the rain!

It's This Hot!

2007-07-11T08:48:00.000-06:00

Rockin' Girl Award

2007-07-10T11:39:00.000-06:00

Susan of Penless Writer nominated me for this Rockin' Girl Blogger Award on June 28, 2007.

I am honored to be considered for this award, and accept it ever so gracefully(loud applause rumbles in the audience!!)

Like Susan, I find it quite humorous to be awarded this because I am anything but...
Well here it was Susan said about me:

Jennifer of Pen-of-Jen - The Pen of Jen is a powerful pen. Jennifer falls into a Rockin' category all her own. She writes with such conviction and amazes me with how well informed she is on social issues. She is a happily married Home School mom of 4 children and so on fire for the Lord. You can tell from her writings what a close knit family they are. She has truly become a wonderful and close friend. Jennifer , and leaving wonderful comments that encourage me.And then the privilege of reading all the wonderful blogs and what you post.You make me laugh, cry and THINK!!! Most of all you make me realize how there should be a special ROCKIN' GIRL CATEGORY just for you.

So before I pick five women to nominate for this award, I must say thank you so much Susan. I really am so pleased that others can see my love for the Lord, and my love for my family. I am so pleased to have found so many blog friends and so if I leave any out please forgive me.

So now, I am supposed to pick five women to nominate.

Theresa... A Note from Theresa She is so amazing, so sweet, and so much onfire for the Lord. She too is a Rockin' Girl. She has four beautiful children, and home schools them! She often writes a few scriptures and leads the reader gently how to apply this in their daily lives. I find this incredible. Theresa, thank you so much for Rockin' the blog world!

Pam...Midnight Musings. I almost want to say that Pam created this award herself. She is a Rockin' Girl of the highest caliber! Pam also loves the Lord. She is very bubbly and loves her family ever so much! I enjoy going over to Pam's to visit because I leave feeling refreshed, and renewed. I also love the funny e-mails that Pam sends me! I often find myself thinking of the joke or photos as I am driving. Thank so so much Pam for being such a Rockin' Girl!

Jackie...Jackie-Happywife. Jackie is the relative of many bloggers in my reading circle. Jackie is the wife of Brian and they are serving a mission in Paraguay. Jackie is way above being a Rockin' Girl blogger. She loves the Lord and had the utmost faith that He will see things through. She is on the last leg of her pregnancy and going to have the baby at home! I am so in awe of this sweet young woman who is so strong. Jackie, thank you for being such a Rockin Girl!

Jackie...Family Daze. This Jackie is the mother of seven beautiful(yes boys, you too) children! Jackie also loves the Lord. I found Jackie one day and I have been forever grateful, as she and her family lift me up every day! Sometimes I have to wait for a new post, but boy is it ever worth it. Thank you Jackie for being such a Rockin' Blogger!

Sarah...My Wonderful Life. Sarah is a funny, Rockin' Girl and I have rolled laughing so much! She is the mom of 3 little ones and is constantly busy! She lives in Texas like Theresa and is a pediatric nurse staying home to raise these little ones(ages 31/2, 2, and 4 months). She is married to a retired submarine sailor and the life they live is a delight to read about. Hats of to Sarah a true Rockin' Girl!

So to all my readers thank you for stopping by, thank you for returning, and making my blogging well worth the time!

Please stop in and visit all these Rockin' Girls, and I know that you all will enjoy their blogs as much as I do!

I Have Been Nominated! Twice!!

2007-07-08T08:44:00.000-06:00

I have been nominated for a few awards. I have not had a chance to write about them yet, but I will try to do so in the next few days. I must thank Susan for both nominations!

I have been nominated for the Rockin' Girl Blogger, and the Reflection Blogger awards. I am beyond flattered and I will make sure to do both. I am very pleased with both.

I will post the awards and my choices on both my blogs.

Thank you so much!

I must go figure out what to wear for the award ceremony!!!!!

Community Service, Godly Service

2007-07-06T13:35:00.000-06:00

On July 6, 2001 Bill had his first wake up call. He was on duty, as a police officer, and was going to be coming home for dinner around 6:00 pm. His Chief Cecil Gurr, was not on duty, but he was going to come over to visit with Bill and I when Bill ate.(we were buying a car from the Chief)

Bill called me and told me he was at the 'y' which was about a mile from my house. He then didn't come home. As a cop's wife, I didn't worry, as he might have a call. Then I received a phone call. I didn't even recognize the voice, it was Bill and he was calling me because he knew we usually left the police radio on, and he didn't want me to worry. All of the radio transmission's were"officer down, officer down" and so Bill called to tell me that the Chief was killed.

You see Bill had a domestic call and headed to that, and his Chief went also to back Bill up. The problem with domestics are that they are very dangerous calls. The suspect had a weapon and pointed and aimed at Bill, and the other three officers on duty. The gun was jammed or something. The Chief was yelling at the suspect waiving and drawing his attention away from Bill and the other three officers. You see they all were fairly young late 20's to early 30's and all had several kids. So Chief Gurr got the suspect attention, and was shot and killed doing what he loved. He drew the suspects attention away from the others and became more than the Chief who loved my husband and all the other officers, he became a Hero in every sense of the word.

So today on July 6, I am thinking of Cecil, drawing the fire away from Bill, Cody, Lance, and Henry, and I found pictures of Bill's second wake up call. I have written about Bill's accident here.

Here are a few photos of the patrol car. As you can see, I am so thankful that God is patient with us.

Click on this photo to see how bad the driver's side impact really was.

Yes, that is Bill's blood on the passenger's headrest. I am so thankful that God has allowed Bill to live and study to be His faithful servant.

I always think of how compassionate Bill was as a police officer and I look back and realize that Bill has always loved serving others, even in there worst moments. What better training ground, as the lost are at their worst, awaiting salvation through the blood of Jesus.

Bill and I both agree that the Lord has wanted Bill to be a servant and Bill kept thinking that after he retired that he would become a pastor. It is not for us to question the Lord. Thank God that we as a family were granted this 2nd chance. For all my readers if today was your very last day on earth, do you know absolutely where you are going? If not please e-mail Bill or I at mcbenningministries@yahoo.com

I will not be posting too much

2007-07-05T12:12:00.000-06:00

Due to health issues I will not be posting too much, please enjoy the weekend! Oh tomorrow I am posting an article on penofjen, compliments of Connie, of Texas. It is well worth reading several times.
Jen

July 4th Roundup

2007-07-05T08:37:00.000-06:00

We had friends over for a BBQ and great visiting yesterday. We had the traditional all American BBQ, then had our own mini fireworks in the back yard. Second was the fireman with the hose ready. Our friends brought their 3 daughters so Fourth had tons of fun!

After our firework show, we all sat across the street in the neighbors driveway, and enjoyed the town's fireworks, that were performed at the New Mexico Space Center.
The Space Center is on the top of town, just about 1 mile from our house, so we enjoyed the show without the traffic.

Well the kids are all still in bed(8:45 am) as last night was a late exciting night!
I hope everyone else had a wonderful America's Birthday!
Jennifer

America

2007-07-04T14:56:00.000-06:00

America

The flag gently waving in the breeze

The uniform crisp and neat

BBQ's aromas so delightful

Parades on main streets from sea to shining sea

Fireworks booming in the night take me to thoughts of

the gunfire, the raging war, the death on the battlefield

Sadness, burials, honor guards, 21 gun salutes.

Freedom, honor, bravery, integrity, love of God and country

These are just a few of the things I think of on Independence Day

Happy Birthday America

2007-07-04T07:21:00.000-06:00

Some of the kids are in the parade, so today is starting early! Be safe and Happy Independence day!

America and All Her Glory

2007-07-03T07:26:00.000-06:00

I have written several times about the idea of freedom. America is more than a place, it is an idea, or concept if you will.

I remember a family we knew in Germany(they were American). The husband worked in Germany but they were not military so they did not enjoy the American base privileges. We got to know them fairly well, and shared meals and child rearing tips. They had their second son on July 4, 1992 in a German hospital. I was not the best driver on the cobblestone, hilly streets of the quaint German town we all lived in, but I quickly made Angie a cake, and headed over.

I made a Patriotic cake for her, and the family. This son of theirs was born on foreign soil, but I will never forget what Dave, the husband said. Dave said no matter where Garrett was born, he is an American through and through.

See the concept? America is more than a place, it is a dream, a refuge, a place of hope, and a place of freedom. When I carried the American cake through the hallways, with its flags, and stars, and red, white and blue frosting, the staff at the hospital smiled and cheered. They too understood the idea, and they were happy for Dave and Angie too.

America is an awesome place, and one can be American before becoming an American. So I am just offering up this as a reminder for all of us to appreciate our citizenship in this great land.

We truly have so much and many of us seem to take for granted what we have. So take a moment and reflect about our great land!
Jennifer

Oh and Happy 15th Birthday Garrett!!!

Distress

2007-07-02T09:19:00.000-06:00

We are now at a time of distress in the United States. I found this photo on Michelle Malkin's blog and felt it absolutely appropriate to post pending our 231st American birthday.

To fly the US flag upside down is a sign or a symbol of distress, or extreme danger.(source) I grew up knowing this because we raised the flag every day on our farm. Now my children hang the flag up every day.

We are now at a time in our history where we will need to make a stand. It is time to require all those that enter the US or are in the US(illegally) to uphold all the laws of the land. It is time to set the bar back up to the actual laws. We must not permit another country's citizen to set the tone for our country, ever.

Yet we are, we are allowing illegals to vote, to receive medical care(using our welfare, Medicaid), use our public schools(where we must teach in Spanish) and so many other things. This issue has been turned into a race issue, and anything one says against illegals is deemed racist. Tough, I am calling this what it is- a crime against every American, and we all need to take our responsibility seriously.

We must no longer accept the fluff. This is a clear cut case of a crime. And this crime is impacting each and everyone one of us(medical costs, educational costs, and in fraud) By not securing the borders we also have advertised to all the world that we may act tough and actually carry the big stick, but our back door has been left wide open.

So let's get tough on these criminals! Today

I Have a New Name

2007-07-01T18:01:00.000-06:00

It has been decided, I have a new name, and it is none of the names that were previously mentioned! Every Sunday, my family has a dinner, where they all sit down, have nice table settings, everything! This meal the kids had bought Pepsi to have as their drink of choice! Mom reached over to hug Second and tipped Second's drink over(Pepsi) and it spilled all over me. Instead of doing anything I started licking up the Pepsi and wagging my tail. My family all cracked up and it was unanimous, Pepsi!!!

What is funny is Mom(Jennifer) drank diet coke for years!!!

So greetings blog friends I am Pepsi. Read the previous post to learn all about me.