Do you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but only one wins the prize? Run so as to win. Every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one. Thus I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight as if I were shadowboxing. No, I drive my body and train it, for fear that, after having preached to others, I myself should be disqualified. - 1 Cor 9:24-27

Friday, January 27, 2012

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Homeschool Planning

This is the time of year that I start looking at our overall curriculum, what's working or not.  I start compiling a list of purchases that will need to be made for next school year for each child.  Why?  Usually, one of the school suppliers has an awesome Easter sale on everything, including the books that never go on sale.  Also, planning now provides a list for me to have on hand when I'm at the thrift store or scanning the swap emails.

Mostly, we've been using Mother of Divine Grace's curriculum.  For high school, I'm still evaluating what to exactly do.  My goal is to prepare the children well so that if they want to go to college, they can ... hopefully doing well on the standardized tests and getting scholarships..

My homeschool planning work in progress is located on this page:  Homeschool Plan

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Yarn Along



The sweater is finished up to the armholes.  It's waiting a purchase of double point needles in the correct size in order to start the sleeves.  Many people have oh'd and ah'd over the pattern in the sweater ... it's not me, it's the yarn.  I'm curious to see if the sleeves will even match up with the pattern of the sweater since sleeves are a smaller circumference.  The sweater is the Wallaby Pattern by Cottage Creations.

In the meantime, I'm back to working on the baptismal gown.  Ripping it out was the right call.

Saturday is my first knitting class!  I'm taking a basic sock class at the local yarn shop, The Crazy Girl Yarn Shop.  Isn't that a fantastic name for a yarn shop!  One of my knitting goals this year is to make socks that fit my size 12 women's feet.  My husband gave me two knitting classes for my birthday.  So for the next ten Saturdays, I have at least 2-3 hours all to myself.  Hubby will either be home with the five children or taking them to a 4-H meeting (all five!).  Best present ever!

Hubby came across the newest Jillian Michaels book, Unlimited at the library.  I have most of her fitness books. They have been a tremendous part of helping me in changing my lifestyle, especially Master Your MetabolismUnlimited is an unusual book.  It's a self-help book written by someone who is not a therapist; though she was in therapy since the age of five, I believe.

I found it funny that early in the book she talks about quantum mechanics and string theory.  Yes, we are all made of energy and are connected.  Great way to describe the body of Christ at a sub-atomic level.  (My connection, not hers)  I'm confused on why she uses the language she does.  To me, swearing is not lifting up others.

There have been a few points that I've written down to work on for myself.  She does an excellent job in breaking down large goals into big size chunks.  I've felt that that has been one of my strong points, but I haven't realized how many people struggle with that. 

Join Ginny on Yarn Along.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Yarn Along




The baptismal gown is on hold.  I finished the gown portion and realized that the gauge was way too big, even for my babies.  So, after tearing it all out, I've started again.

To offset my disappointment on redoing the gown, I finished my running hat.  First time doing a Fairisle pattern.  I wore it on a run the other day and it worked beautifully.

Since finishing the hat, I've cast on a sweater for myself.  It's the Wallaby Pattern by Cottage Creations.

Re-reading "Large Family Logistics" by Kim Brenneman.  With each pregnancy, I feel that I need to simplify even more.
 

For more Yarn Along's, check out Ginny's Blog.