An Amusing Morning in The Garden

Lilacs are in bloom

I can see beautiful lilacs from the second story window. This is the view from my parlour, in our old 1800's house.  As I sat here and did a little reading, Mr. White told me there were butterflies in the bushes. I was so excited, I grabbed my camera.  He helped me take out the window screen. But my vision was too far away.

I gave him the camera. It is a digital camera and he didn't know how to use it.  I gave him an easy lesson and watched as he went to the front property.

Photo Credit - Mr. White

Mr. White is over 6 feet tall. I knew he would get some good shots. I happily followed him outside. I tried taking pictures too, but mine didn't come out as well as his. (I am a foot shorter than Mr. White.) The photograph below is one of mine.   I bet you can't even see the butterfly!

Photo Credit - Mrs. White

When we came back into the house. I told Matthew (18) and John (13) about the pictures. Matthew smiled. He was amused. "Is that what Dad was doing out there? Taking pictures of flowers?"

Photo Credit - Mr. White

For someone who has never used a digital camera, I'd say he did a marvelous job. And that, my dears, is what I call a lovely morning here in Vermont.

blessings
Mrs. White

Housekeeping Despite Illness and the Lighting of Our Outdoor Christmas Trees.

Making Things Nice - Pretty Things Around the Home.

Homemaking - Taking a Break that is Deserved.

Tweet


An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email.

This was Not The County Fair

I was recently involved in a voting competition for Bloggers. I was honored to be on the list and really enjoyed the fun of it. Each day, many of us would remind our readers, family and friends to vote. I remember my dear Mother, sitting in her room, glancing at the clock, waiting for the time of her "evening vote."  I even had the support of some college students who were delighted to participate.

This all reminded me of the local county fair. In the old days, the housewives would enter their crafts, baked goods and canned produce. You would see rows and rows of delicious pies and mason jars of strawberry preserves. In the gentle breeze of a warm summer day, you could see beautiful patterned, hand-made quilts. Each housewife would congratulate her fellow competitors and praise them for their work. They would encourage their neighbors and their community for a job well done.


This good- hearted community helped bring together strangers and new neighbors. It gave them a chance to meet, socialize and learn from one other. This is what the current blogging competition reminded me of. I was so happy to find godly women I had never even heard of. I visited their blogs, voted for them and did my best to be an encouragment.

But this all changed.  There were blogs on there that saddened me. The blogs were not like those of my Christians neighbors and friends.  The place suddenly felt dark to me. I didn't want to be there anymore. So I gracefully walked away. Despite the fact that I was very high on the list, it was no longer fun. It was no longer my "scene."  I did not want to be a part of that final list - a list that brought me sorrow and took away my joy-in-Christ.

May I suggest an analogy of the Amish? They live peacefully in their own communities. They rarely interact with the "English" (as outsiders are called). While they are polite and respectful of others, they keep to themselves. Their way of life causes onlookers to yearn for a quieter, simpler way of life. Outsiders wonder what they have that brings them so much peace.  Even though they don't seem to witness to others - the fact is - they do! Their godliness and way of life is admirable.

In my own little world of Christian Homemaking, I want to be surrounded by those of like-mind. I want to be around those who strengthen me in this difficult life. I want their tremendous faith in God to inspire me. When I go to the county fair of life, walking down the aisles, encouraging my sisters in Christ, I don't want the place to be overtaken by something that brings storm clouds, darkness and sadness - for that is the place of the world and I am seeking the path to heaven.

Blessings
Mrs. White

Seeking the Old Paths - The Last Witness of an Era.

The Blessed Example of Grandpa - Holiness from the Garage.

The Joy of Creating a Cozy Home.


Tweet

An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email.

The Christian Home - Issue 17

Welcome to the seventeenth issue of The Christian Home, a weekly Blog Magazine posted every Monday morning.

Each article was submitted by various Christian Blog Authors. I am grateful for their participation. I hope you enjoy visiting them, reading their work and spending some time getting to know them at their own blogs.  If you would like to write for us, please see the instructions at the end of this post. For your enjoyment, there is a selection of music at the end of this issue. Please feel welcome to play the song while reading this magazine.

Blessings,
Mrs. White

May you be blessed on this Memorial Day!


Design and Decorate




Featured Columnist -Deanna presents  Decorating On The Prairie   posted at Home Haven Ministry. 



Finances




Featured Columnist - Kristen Hamilton presents Window Shopping posted at A Day in the Life.




Gardening and Flowers 




Featured Columnist -  Briana presents  Improving Soil: A Simple Project  posted at I Can't Decide.


Home Business



Featured Columnist -  Kathy Brodock presents A Typical Week for Us- Sort-of - Family Tidbits   posted at Teaching Good Things.


Modest Fashion





Julianne presents  The Modesty Quest- Revelations  posted at New Every Morning.



Hospitality  



Featured Columnist - Heather presents  It's Grilling Time! posted at Marine Corps Nomads.

Lorie presents Frugal Hospitality posted at The Midlife Housewife.




Homekeeping




Featured Columnist - Angie Wright presents When Abundance causes Murmuring and Grumbling posted at Petra School.


Parenting 



Featured Columnist - Susan from Homeschooling Hearts and Minds will be back with us again next week.

 

Movies and Music



Featured Columnist -  Laura O in AK presents Music for Celebrating Memorial Day posted at Day By Day in Our World.



The Godly Home 



Featured Columnist - Molly presents A Godly Home - It's Alive!!! posted at Dancing in the Light of His Glory.

Gina Glenn presents Thy Word is Truth - Establishing the Authority of the Bible in the Home posted at A Cherished Keeper.


Young Adults



[I am looking for a columnist for this section. It must be a young adult who is an established blogger.]


Gentle Humor




Featured Columnist - April E. presents Yet another reason NOT to fold laundry posted at ElCloud Homeschool: Busy Minds, Busy Hands, Busy Feet. She says, "being brutally honest."


Tweet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you so much for reading!


To submit your work for consideration, or to find out more about The Christian Home magazine, just visit the about page.







The Entire Christian Home Series.

An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email.

Winner of Reshaping it All and a challenge

I have greatly enjoyed the book, Reshaping it All by Candace Cameron Bure and Darlene Schacht. I reviewed the book and offered one copy in a giveaway. The winner was supposed to be chosen on May 26, but thunderstorms and internet troubles caused a delay.

Today, I am delighted to finally announce a winner. I was so excited when this dear lady's number came up on Random.org.  She is a fellow TOS Crew member and a great blessing. I know she will love this book.

Who is the winner? It's Debbie from Debbie's Digest!! Congratulations!!

Thank you so much to all who entered!

Did you know there is a wonderful challenge going on at the Reshaping it ALL website? You can join anytime for support and encouragement. 

Blessings
Mrs. White

Missing Church on Sunday

I love Sunday mornings. I love that we are all dressed up and ready to go worship the Lord together at Church. I love the sight of my family walking into the building, holding Bibles.

But, sadly, today I must stay at home. I have been worn out this past week and I have to miss church.

Since I will be at home. . .

1. I will look through my hymn book and read the songs.
2. I will watch Charles Stanley on Inspiration television.
3. I will do only minimal housework.
4. I will read from the Psalms - perhaps all of chapter 119.

Very often, Grandpa and Nana (who live with us) have health issues and aren't able to attend church. On those days, I can hear the sound of an old country preacher coming up through the house. Grandpa has cassette tapes of sermons from the old south, including the sermons of his late brother, who was an amazing preacher.

I also hear old gospel music throughout the house. Those are the happiest, most comforting sounds of all. Hearing Preachers and Gospel music, to me, are the sounds of home - whether it is Sunday or any other day of the week.

When you must stay home from church, what do you do instead?

blessings
Mrs. White

What was life like for A 1950's Housewife?

When things are really difficult - Brave Mothers Who Walk into Walls.

Making things nice for the family - Waking Up To A Cozy Kitchen.


Tweet



An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email.

The Seclusion of Home

It's been a rough week around here. We've had thunderstorms, power outages and internet loss. My teenagers and older children have been through trials. I've heard frustration. .  and complaints . .  and tried to soothe the tears. The world around us can be a painful place.

I have been working here- and- there around the house, as I have been able.  But the mere act of getting up in the morning is becoming too much. I am exhausted.  Maybe this is another forced rest?

I am going to have to really pace myself.   Earlier today, I actually craved a cane. I thought it would help keep me steady.  It's not that something is wrong with me, necessarily, just that life throws a lot of painful things my way. While I can endure it emotionally, it takes a physical toll.

This is why I love the seclusion of home.

This is the place where I can recover.  This is the precious place where hearts can be made whole. . . and weary souls can find rest.

May it be so.

Blessings
Mrs. White

Creating Beauty with -  The Romance of Home.

When I am well, I love - When Mother is Productive.

A heartwarming, inspiring Song - My Mother's Faith.


Tweet

An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email.

Vintage Healthy Home Link Up

1950's - The White Family Kitchen

It's time to Link-up your posts! 

In the 1950's, families were more active, ate healthier foods and had more family time. Convenience foods had not yet come into fashion. This made for healthier homes! We want to bring back a more vintage lifestyle. 

Writings can be about anything related to Family happiness, Family game time, Family health, Mother's fitness, Outdoor activities and Nourishing foods. All you have to do is write something on your family-friendly blog and then come here to link-up! - Older posts are okay too!-

Just remember to link back to this post, so everyone else can enjoy all the submissions.

If you need a graphic or would like to read the introduction to this Link-up, please go to the Vintage Healthy Home Invitation. 


NOTE -  This edition is so late. I apologize.  I lost internet last night and am just now getting it back. I have also been very weary. I hope to get back to regular posts soon. I appreciate your patience!!





An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email.

How Huge the Night - Review

Product - "How Huge the Night" by Heather and Lydia Munn

Publisher - Kregel

The story is based on true events.  We learn about war time through the eyes of 15 year old adolescent.  I really enjoy WWII Stories. I expected to get lost in this book and learn about life during that difficult time, from the perspective of a teenager. I have to say for me, this was a labored read. I found the first few chapters to be depressing. The chapters did not flow as well. It was a bit frustrating for me. I was distracted and had trouble reading the story. Honestly, I was not able to finish it.  I found it far too sad.

I would suggest you look at other reviews to get an accurate picture of this book before making a decision. This could just be an off - review for me.


*Disclosure -  This is part of a litfuse blog tour. I received this book for Review purposes*

Read for the Heart by Sarah Clarkson

Product - Read for the Heart  by Sarah Clarkson

Publisher - Apologia

Price - $17.00

"It's like having a Children's  Librarian for a Best Friend."  (from the publisher)




The book contains 12 sections:

1. Reading to Live
Contains a beautiful description of the author's reading experiences as she grows into adulthood.
She says, "From the earliest days of my childhood, I have lived in a world shaped by the books I read."

2. Reading Lost: The State of Literacy in America
Contains fascinating statistics and inspiring information to urge us all to want to read books, and encourage our children with a love of reading.

3. Life by Books: How to Begin
Lots of great ideas for making reading time a part of our lives.

4. A Roadmap for Using This Book

Chapters 5 through 12 include lists of Authors and their books. This also include a brief background on each author's work.  These chapters cover "Picture Books;" "The Golden Age Classics:" "Children's Fiction:" "Fairy Tales and Fantasy;" "History and Biography;" "Spiritual Reading for Children;" "Poetry;" "Music, Art and Nature."

There are several more sections in the book, including Caldecott medalists, Landmark History books, complete indexes and more.

This book would make a marvelous resource in every homeschool. I absolutely love it!

To see more reviews of this product, visit the TOS Crew Blog.

To find out more about my homeschool reviews, please visit "Introduction to our Homeschool Parlor"

*I received this product, for review purposes through The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Crew*


An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email.

The Sweet Voice in the Kitchen

I must have been very ill today. I slept away most of the day. I remember cleaning my kitchen this morning and smiling while I worked. Then I laid down for a few minutes to rest. . . I fell asleep for hours. . .

I have teenagers here at home and everyone had projects of their own. They didn't seem to mind that Mother was sleeping. It made for a quiet day.

But the strange part was, when I finally got up to start working again, it was 4 in the afternoon. I put the laundry on the clothesline, hoping for the last bit of warmth from the sun. I could not believe how tired I had been.

I went into the kitchen and did some dishes. I was weak and weary and could not move at my usual pace.

Then I heard a voice. . .

It was my 13 year old son, John. "Mom, can I do those dishes for you?"

I loved cleaning, but knew I should accept his offer. I continued to work, but said I would love his help.

He urged me to go back to bed. He would make me a little supper and some hot chocolate.
 
I was grateful.

I laid back down and watched an episode of The Waltons while I enjoyed some food. The house was very peaceful. I thought about how much I wanted to just sit and read the Bible. It is amazing how weariness and helplessness can draw us closer to God. It also amazes me how sweet my children can be to me when I am somber and quiet. If only I was that good all the time!



Blessings
Mrs. White



When Mother is Sick - A Hospital in the Home.

I will do this  - No Matter What It Cost Me.

The Godly Culture of my kitchen compared to the world - Sermons and the Godly Home.





Tweet


An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email.

Considering God's Creation - Review

Product - Considering God's Creation - Set includes Teacher's Manual and Student Notebook.

Publisher - Eagle's Wings

Age Group - Elementary grades 2 - 7

Price - $29.95

I don't particularly like Science.  I don't like messy experiments and I don't like thinking about cells, molecules or any other terms that are foreign to my daily life. (smiles) But I really do like Considering God's Creation and I will tell you why:

It's Different

The Student Notebook is full of tear-out pages for the student to complete. You'll find easy instructions, things for them to color, label and tape. It is mostly about creating a notebook!

The Teacher's Manual has a variety of suggestions. I can share the Bible section, the review, the introduction, the vocabulary words and can ignore the "digging deeper" part if I want.

I found this program to be educational, informative and even enjoyable!

Here's what we did

I tore out 2 pages from the solar system.  John (13) had to color in the planets according to a color code. Then he cut them out, glued each one, then attached string. Finally, he taped them all in their respective spots onto another piece of paper. When he was finished, we were able to hold the paper upside down and he could see all the moving planets!

While he worked, I was able to leisurely rest and read from the Teacher's Manual. We talked about the sun, the moon, the stars and I sang "The Planet Song," which I learned when I was a child. We also talked about how amazing God's creation really is and had a sense of awe as we worked.  There were Bible references which I looked up and read to him.

Now that is my kind of lesson!!

 There are a total of 36 in-depth lessons which can take anywhere from 1 - 2 years to complete. I plan to do one lesson each week. We will take our time, enjoy discussions, further research and give us both time to really absorb the information.



To see more reviews of this product, visit the TOS Crew Blog.

To find out more about my homeschool reviews, please visit "Introduction to our Homeschool Parlor"

*I received this product, for review purposes through The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Crew*


An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email.

The Blessing of Being Trapped at Home

I didn't have the use of a car yesterday. It was one of my best days at home. I got up early and did some housework. I hung laundry on the clothesline. I polished and scrubbed my kitchen, throughout the day. I cleaned and organized my bedroom. Mr. White vacuumed out windowsills and put in screens. I vacuumed our carpets and put away all our clothes. I didn't want to see anything hanging over the back of my grandmother's rocking chair. The room looked lovely and inviting. The room became our spring and summertime escape from the rest of the house.  It made me grateful that our long Vermont winter was over.

I had to be creative in the kitchen. I was not able to do the grocery shopping.  So I made homemade biscuit dough. Then I shaped it into personal size mini-pizzas for each of us. I was thankful for tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese!

I dreamed about cake and cookies, but enjoyed a stick of gum instead. . . I drank water and hot tea and took happy breaks.

Then I started organizing one of my children's rooms.  I loved dusting bookcases, and refolding laundry. I sorted and smiled. I hauled out clutter and trash. Soon it started looking like a real room.

As I worked, Mr. White mowed the lawn. We were both busy making a home.  We smiled and joked about how much work we were doing, but we were proud. I would go outside and visit him and he would come inside the house to visit me.

I loved being here all day. I loved being trapped without a car. I loved that no one could ask me for a ride.

Even though we didn't have much food, or any resources, we found a way to get by. Neither of us could drive to the store for cookies or drinks or ingredients for supper. But we managed. We were more creative and much happier.  It was a joy to be forced to stay home.

Blessings
Mrs. White




Very difficult days - Financial Survival in Hard Times.

Who I want to be Like - Mother's Day Resolutions.

I Love The Old Sunday Dinner.


Tweet



Joining with
Women Living Well

An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email.

Reading Street - Homeschool Review

Product -  Scott Foresman Reading Street, books 2.1 and 2.2

Publisher -  Pearson

Subject - Language Arts - Reading and Writing

Age Group - Grade 2 (or remedial learning)

This is a set of 2 large books. Each one is around 450 - 480 pages long.  They are colorful, exciting and packed with plenty of interesting stories that teach and entertain at the same time. These are also traditional, heavy duty school books like the ones you see year- after- year in schools. They are top quality hardcover textbooks.

The Details

Book 2.1

- Contains 3 units: "Exploration;" "Working Together" and "Creative Ideas." Each unit has several stories, vocabulary lessons, activities, and assignments. There are also lessons from Science and Social studies that correlate with the stories.

One example of a story is on page 286, "A Turkey for Thanksgiving." The genre is animal fantasy. It is considered "fantasy" because, as we all know, animals don't really talk or act like people. But the story was cute. The Turkey ended up being a guest at the table which will make readers happy!  At the end of the story, there is a lesson about the first thanksgiving. You'll also see a grammar lesson and a quick writing assignment.

Book 2.2

- Contains 3 units. "Our Changing World;" "Responsibility" and "Traditions." Each section is a continuation of the first book. You'll find great stories, lessons, activities, etc.

I asked my student to share his favorite story. He really enjoyed "The Signmaker's Assistant," on page 268. The genre is humorous fiction. It is a cute story and a lot of fun to read. A young boy worked with an elderly signmaker. He learned all about signs such as -  Enter, Stop, and even advertising signs like "Good Food Restaurant."  The boy came up with an idea. He would make signs like "No School Today" and see if  people would obey the signs.  Some really funny things happened from there! Eventually, the boy learned his lesson and stopped his mischievous actions!   At the end of the story, you will find a discussion section, a short writing assignment, and fascinating ideas about signs in our everyday lives.


How it worked for us.

I used this with my dyslexic teenager, who is a struggling reader.  He loved these books.  If we had to run out on an errand, he happily grabbed one of these books. He read and he read and he read. He even enjoyed reading! If we were having quiet time here at home, he reached for Reading Street!

There are still many stories we haven't gotten to yet, but we plan to take our time going over the assignments and fun activities. I am really looking forward to spending plenty of time on this resource for many months to come.


To see more reviews of this product, visit the TOS Crew Blog.

To find out more about my homeschool reviews, please visit "Introduction to our Homeschool Parlor"

*I received this product, for review purposes, through The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Crew* 






An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email.

The Christian Home - Issue 16

Welcome to the sixteenth issue of The Christian Home, a weekly Blog Magazine posted every Monday morning.

Each article was submitted by various Christian Blog Authors. I am grateful for their participation. I hope you enjoy visiting them, reading their work and spending some time getting to know them at their own blogs.  If you would like to write for us, please see the instructions at the end of this post. For your enjoyment, there is a selection of music at the end of this issue. Please feel welcome to play the song while reading this magazine.

Blessings,
Mrs. White


Design and Decorate




Featured Columnist -Deanna presents Little Girl's Bedroom posted at Home Haven Ministry. 



Finances




Featured Columnist - Kristen Hamilton presents Thoughts on Food posted at A Day in the Life.

Lorie presents Frugal Living with an Extravagant Spouse posted at The Midlife Housewife. 

Gardening and Flowers 




Featured Columnist -  Briana presents Watch Out For the Chickens As We Walk Through the Garden posted at I Can't Decide. 

Home Business



Featured Columnist -  Kathy Brodock presents Three Keys to a Successful Family Economy posted at Teaching Good Things. She says, "If money were not an option, how would you live? What would you do with your days? What really are the most important things to you? Is it simply to live comfortably? Is it not to ‘have’ to work? If those are your goals I am afraid your idea of success is shallow. For our family, we are learning that there are only a few things that define our success."


Modest Fashion





Julianne presents The Modesty Quest, pt 3. Keeping Warm!  posted at New Every Morning.



Hospitality  



Featured Columnist - Heather presents CSA, Farmers’ Market, Bountiful Baskets  posted at Marine Corps Nomads.

Rebecca Knox presents Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas posted at Rebecca's Hearth and Home.

Annie Kate presents Party Pictures posted at Tea Time with Annie Kate. 


Homekeeping




Featured Columnist - Angie Wright presents Buried in McDonalds' Toys posted at Petra School.


Parenting 



Featured Columnist - Susan presents Raising Boys, a look at our past posted at Homeschooling Hearts & Minds. 

 

Movies and Music



Featured Columnist -  Laura O in AK presents Another Large Family Movie Selection posted at Day By Day in Our World. She says this is, "old and new versions of Cheaper by the Dozen."



The Godly Home 



Featured Columnist - Molly presents The Godly Home: Wisdom or Folly  posted at Molly Cook.

Brittany presents Advice from a homemaker of 50 years posted at The High-Heeled Housewife.

Young Adults



[I am looking for a columnist for this section. It must be a young adult who is an established blogger.]


Gentle Humor




Featured Columnist - April E. presents Motherhood Hint #88 posted at ElCloud Homeschool: Busy Minds, Busy Hands, Busy Feet. She says, "Sometimes we have to think before we speak. Sometimes we don't think, and we ask our kids a question ... and we immediately realize it was a mistake."


Tweet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you so much for reading!


To submit your work for consideration, or to find out more about The Christian Home magazine, just visit the about page.







The Entire Christian Home Series.

An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email.