Penny And Company

The Same, Yesterday, Today, and Forever!

2010-12-16T16:15:00.000-06:00

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ, the Messiah, is always the same, yesterday, today, yes, and forever to the ages. (Amp)

Romans 8:10 & 11 But if Christ lives in you, then although your natural body is dead by reason of sin and guilt, the spirit is alive because of the righteousness that He imputes to you. And if the Spirit of Him Who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead dwells in you, then He Who raised up Christ Jesus will also restore to life your mortal, short-lived, perishable bodies through His Spirit Who dwells in you. (Amp)

Mark 11:22-24 And Jesus, replying, said to them, Have faith in God constantly. Truly I tell you, whoever says to this mountain, Be lifted up and thrown into the sea! and does not doubt at all in his heart but believes that what he says will take place, it will be done for him. For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe, trust and be confident that it is granted to you, and you will get it. (Amp)

II Corinthians 2:14 & 15 But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph as trophies of Christ's victory, and through us spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere. For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ, which exhales unto God, discernible alike, among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. (Amp)

Isaiah 50:7 For the Lord God helps Me; therefore have I not been ashamed or confounded. Therefore have I set My face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame. (Amp) Amen & Amen

2010-02-03T15:25:00.000-06:00

I read this devotion last night and knew I had to share it with friends. It is so true and so fitting for this time in my family’s life. God is so good to all of us, especially when we are persecuted for His sake; giving us strength and building solid bedrock under our feet. We praise His holy name!

Devotion taken from “Springs in the Valley” by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman

“That it may bring forth more fruit.” John 15:2

     Two years ago I set out a rosebush in the corner of my garden. It was to bear yellow roses. And it was to bear them profusely. Yet, during these two years, it has not produced a blossom!
     I asked the florist from whom I bought the bush why it was so barren of flowers. I had cultivated it carefully; had watered it often; had made the soil around it as rich as possible. And it had grown well.
     “That’s just why,” said the florist. “That kind of rose needs the poorest soil in the garden. Sandy soil would be best, and never a bit of fertilizer. Take away the rich soil and put gravelly earth in its place. Cut the bush back severely. Then it will bloom.”
     I did---and the bush blossomed forth in the most gorgeous yellow known to nature. Then I moralized: that yellow rose is just like many lives. Hardships develop beauty in the soul; they thrive on troubles; trials bring out all the best in them; ease and comfort and applause only leave them barren.---Pastor Joyce.

The barque by tempest vainly tossed

May founder in the calm;

And he who braved the polar frost

Faint by the isles of balm.

---Whittier

Amen & Amen

Pennysue

Learning with Lapbooks

2010-01-28T12:52:00.000-06:00

We have been working on lapbooks the last few weeks. A site called homeschool share has a lot of free graphics, printouts and ideas for lapbooking and has been a valuable tool. They also have a large variety of unit studies. We have done a lot of different studies in the past but have not taken time to create lapbooks. These are fun to create.

Each of my girls do their own research and then I help them compile it into a lapbook. Then the lapbook is presented to everyone else and stored in a filing system where it is readily available to be read again and again. Right now their lapbook topics are the weather, eagles, turtles and my youngest is working on the book “The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats.

Tori's Turtle Lapbook

Her folder became so full we added an additional flap to hold it all.

The Completed Turtle Lapbook turned out great!

I enjoy projects that can be used over and over again. The girls will get a lot of use out of their lapbooks and it really helps increase their comprehension. We hope you are having a great school week as well.

Pennysue

Eagle Viewing Sunday

2010-01-11T09:37:00.000-06:00

My husband and I took the girls on an eagle hunt yesterday. We live not too far from a dam with a relatively large lake.

The eagles come every winter and although we plan to go frequently it seems we go only a few times.

The most we have seen on one visit so far is fifteen.

We have had a very cold winter and have never seen the lake as frozen as yesterday.

Some of the ice formations were impressive.

I don’t have a very good camera but I was able to get a few shots of some eagles in the trees.

Most people we speak to do not even know that eagles can be seen in Oklahoma. But we did see about 5 other people viewing them yesterday and we were glad for that.

We saw ten eagles out on the ice at one time. Two were consistently stealing food that a couple of sea gulls were catching.

They are always fun to watch. They move with such ease for as large as they are. And of course their strength is evident in every movement.

We had to play at the park for a few minutes before returning home.

We had the pleasure of seeing a large flock of cedar waxwings feeding on some cedar berries, a pileated woodpecker, six green herons sitting by the dam run off and a racy set of green winged teal. It was a good bird day.

It was also quite beautiful compared to the eight degree days we have been experiencing. I think the high was around 44 degrees although the wind made it feel like about 20.

Hopefully we will get back to see them one more time before they leave.

We always have a fun time. All it costs is a little gas money. Watching the eagles is always a great reminder of the creativity and mastery of God.

We returned home to hot chocolate made with fresh cow's milk and a fresh baked apple pie. Happy New Year to all my readers and may it be a blessed one for us all!

PennySue

Beauty in Death!

2009-12-12T10:17:00.000-06:00

This morning my husband and I were discussing how glad we were that my late mother-in-law is enjoying heaven right now. This will be our third Christmas without her and evidently she was on both our minds. My late mother-in-law was a very special lady. Her life was a difficult one yet she always had others on her mind. Every Christmas, although she had little to spend, every one in the family received something from her. We know she was a child of God and is now in the presence of Jesus. Beautifully transformed and free of pain and sorrow!

But Beauty in Death seems like such a morbid topic you say. But think of it. Without death a seed will not grow. Without the death of this tree, this lovely mushroom could not grow.

Without the death of myself, my life could not be filled with Christ. Without the putting to death of bad habits I cannot replace them with good habits. Or good thoughts, deeds, life to the fullest! Life is daily full of death and as a child of God I should notice it and let it strengthen me and give me hope.

Yesterday my girls were painting some little Christmas trees to decorate with and I thought of making a cross.

The wood sticks worked wonderfully and as we put them together we spoke of the cross and how important it is to us.

Christmas is about life you say; new life; abundant life! Abundant life only comes by way of the cross, not just the birth. Beauty in Death!

Matthew 1:21-23 She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus [the Greek form of the Hebrew Joshua, which means Savior], for He will save His people from their sins; [that is, prevent them from failing and missing the true end and scope of life, which is God]. All this took place that it might be fulfilled which the Lord had spoken through the prophet. Behold, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a Son and they shall call His name Emmanuel which, when translated, means God with us. [Isa 7:14]. The Amplified Bible

So through Him; His birth, His life, His death, His resurrection…we are offered; Beauty in Death!

It is a privilege to put away the things in my life that do not lead to Christ and fill it with beauty and life more abundant.

Romans 8:9 But you are not living the life of the flesh, you are living the life of the Spirit, if the [Holy] Spirit of God [really] dwells within you [directs and controls you]. But if anyone does not possess the [Holy] Spirit of Christ, he is none of His, [he does not belong to Christ, is not truly a child of God]. Verse 13 continues with…But if through the power of the Holy Spirit you are [habitually] putting to death (making extinct, deadening) the (evil) deeds prompted by the body, you shall [really and genuinely] live forever. 14 For all who are led by the Sprit of God are sons of God. 15 For [the Spirit which] you have receiver [is] not a spirit of slavery to put you once more in bondage to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption [the Spirit producing sonship] in [the bliss of] which we cry Abba (Father)! Father!

Hallelujah! All praise be to God. Hope for the season and beyond. New life filled with Christ!

Beauty in Death!

In memory of Isabel Junella. Your Godly heritage, along with many fond memories lives on!

Pennysue

Batik with my Girls

2009-12-03T19:02:00.000-06:00

Recently the girls and I have been using our afternoons for some extra crafting projects. There are so many art mediums I want them to experience and it takes constant effort to make time for it amongst all the other school work. This week we are experimenting with Batik. Once again thatartistwoman had great advice for trying this without the hot wax. She gives full instructions for Batik projects with kids so if you want all the details give her a visit.

Using a specific blue Elmer’s glue we created our design on some muslin. Like most blank canvases the kids looked at it and balked. So I simply wrote a message on mine to show them how simple it was.

They chose to write their names on the first one and go with a great design on the next one.

The glue is left to dry for 10-12 hours and then you have fun with paint.

The paint is left to dry for 10-12 hours and then the entire cloth is put into hot water.

The glue washes off, albeit with a little bit of scrubbing but not too bad.

They turned out great.

Now that the girls get the concept I have a feeling we are going to have many Batik pillows, wall hangings and other projects.

It was a lot of fun. I will try to post as they finish new projects. For a really great tutorial with a lot of helpful pictures be sure to visit that artist woman

Have a great week.

Pennysue

God and Impossibilities

2009-11-25T06:14:00.000-06:00

Great devotional printed in Streams in the Desert

“Believe ye that I am able to do this?” Matt. 9:28

God deals with impossibilities. It is never too late for Him to do so, when the impossible is brought to Him, in full faith, by the one in whose life and circumstances the impossible must be accomplished if God is to be glorified. If in our own life there have been rebellion, unbelief, sin, and disaster, it is never too late for God to deal triumphantly with these tragic facts if brought to Him in full surrender and trust. It has often been said, and with truth, that Christianity is the only religion that can deal with man’s past. God can “restore…the years that the locust hath eaten.”(Joel 2:25); and He will do this when we put the whole situation and ourselves unreservedly and believingly in to His hands. Not because of what we are but because of what He is. God forgives and heals and restores. He is “the God of all grace.” Let us praise Him and trust Him.

“Nothing is too hard for Jesus

No man can work like Him.”

Penny

Banners and Garland

2009-11-21T06:40:00.000-06:00

I think banners and garland have probably been around since the beginning of time. Banners were carried in to war to show allegiance to ones country or king. Garlands were twisted into wreath forms to show honor to someone or used to decorate during times of celebration. I can understand why as the simple act of hanging a banner or garland brings smiles and joy. At least it does in my home.

Who doesn’t enjoy arriving home after a long journey to a great big “Welcome Home” banner or being surprised with a “Happy Birthday” banner and the party that follows? How about a “You are Special” banner on a nothing sort of day, just because somebody loves you? I remember a saying from the past that I have often quoted to my children, “I would rather receive a 50 cent gift on a nothing day than a 500 dollar gift on my birthday.” It seems to me that all the little remembrances mean a whole lot more than someone remembering my birthday. So lately we have been making some banners and garland.

Our most recent banner was for a cousin who had an October birthday. We wanted to wish him happy birthday but we wanted the banner to be useable for longer than just one day. The girls started by making some colorful fall prints with some watered down paint and some straw blowing.

It was fun and gave a unique blended effect. It took quite a bit of air though and a lot of giggles.

This great idea for fall prints can be found at that artist woman.

After the paint dried they rubber stamped some fall type designs, along with words to describe their cousin.

Next we punched holes on either side of the top edge and threaded on to a leather cord. We wanted to add a little more color so we tied on some fall fabric scraps.

Overall we thought it turned out really well.

In October, Sew Mama Sew featured quick and easy scrap projects. One of the projects was a scalloped fabric garland.

You can see a tutorial to make your own here. It gave me a great idea for using up scraps from the dress making that takes place around here. I just finished one in blues and plan to do some in a variety of colors for various special appearances.

It only uses 13 pieces of 6 1/2” x 8” fabric along with one package of bias tape.

The girls love pointing out the fabrics from some of their clothes. Super easy and fun to hang…for just the love of it or the love of them, however you want to look at it! Have a great weekend!

Pennysue

A Recycled Bedspread

2009-11-18T19:42:00.000-06:00

Recently I acquired two old chenille bedspreads for a couple dollars at a thrift shop. I love chenille. It reminds me of staying at my grandmothers house, which is a fond memory. I decided to make my oldest daughter a robe out of one.

Back in September I had taken a challenge at Sew Mama Sew to make pajamas.

However the best laid plans often go awry and although I had everything I needed to get my girls pajamas made I did not get them completed.

But I persevered and have finished the robe and a pair of pajama pants from an old vintage sheet. I still have several pajamas to go but I am moving in the right direction. I enjoy taking something old and giving it new purpose.

Lately I have made several projects out of scraps or old sheets. I will try to share them soon. Thanks for posing Nats.

Pennysue

All Creatures of Our God and King

2009-11-14T00:23:00.000-06:00

One of our hymns this week during devotions was “All Creatures of Our God and King” by Francis of Assisi, 1182-1226. The girls were delighted when they saw who the author was since we have been studying the middle ages and St. Francis of Assisi was one of the persons in Christian History that we had read about. It got even more exciting when they saw that the arrangement was written by Ralph Vaughn Williams, an English composer whom we are currently listening to. I love it when God blesses us with something special for school that is totally unplanned by me.

All creatures of our God and King,

Lift up your voice and with us sing.

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Thou burning sun with golden beam,

Thou silver moon with softer gleam!

O praise Him, O praise Him!

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Thou rushing wind that art so strong,

Ye clouds that sail in heaven along,

O praise Him! Alleluia!

Thou rising morn, in praise rejoice,

Ye lights of evening, find a voice!

O praise Him, O praise Him!

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Dear mother earth, who day by day

Unfoldest blessings on our way,

O praise Him! Alleluia!

The flowers and fruits that in thee grow,

Let them His glory also show!

O praise Him, O praise Him!

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Let all things their Creator bless,

And worship Him in humbleness,

O praise Him! Alleluia!

Praise, Praise the Father, praise the Son,

And praise the Spirit, Three in One!

O praise Him, O praise Him!

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

The words of the song fit in beautifully with the other hymns we have picked out for our Thanksgiving Day Celebration. We are not a hymns only family, but we use them daily for devotions to teach them to our children and because they are some of the best praise and worship songs ever written. Hymn books can be found quite frequently these days at thrift stores as a lot of churches are no longer using them. Do your family a favor and pick some up! If you aren’t much for singing then use them for copy work or recitations. The words are powerful and have stood the test of time.

Pennysue

2009-10-29T13:38:00.001-05:00

We are enjoying the cool autumn weather with nature walks every day. We follow the suggestions given on the Outdoor Hour Challenge and always have a fun yet educational experience. Lately we have found several different galls. The large one we know is a wasp gall,

The small one I found I believe is called an apple gall. It was located on the bud growth of an oak and has hollow chambers inside.

I found some beautiful red ones under a cedar tree. I cut one open and it had a small white larvae inside. The inside change from a beautiful white to a dried up red in a matter of moments.

The girls found several on oak leaves with small orange larvae inside.

We don’t know the name of everything we find but the hunt makes for a lot of fun sketching in our nature journals. I cannot imagine all the beautiful facets of nature I have missed out on in my life time simply because I didn’t take time to be observant. I am glad I am able to have these times with my girls; teaching them about God’s wonders all around us on our 80 acres.

We are not currently doing a mushroom lesson but have found a great variety on our walks. I have been taking pictures and journaling information to have for when we do have extra time to discuss them. Here are some of the photos.

And these are only a few of the mushrooms we have found. I really didn't know we had such a wide variety of types on our property. It will be fun to learn more about them. One thing I enjoy about being an educator is that there is never a day that passes that I don't learn something new. It makes life a lot more interesting.

Until next time,
Pennysue

Tea Time Treasures

2009-10-29T11:18:00.000-05:00

My family and I love treasure hunting. Whether it is mushrooms in the woods or a special acorn like no other, we can’t help but hunt. We also treasure hunt at thrift stores and occasionally antique stores. So was the case on our trip to Nebraska recently where we found several old tea cups for our afternoon tea, along with several wood bowls and some dessert plates.

We always meet some fun folks and laugh a lot as the hunt progresses. We find these little diversions always make our trips more memorable.

Have you had any hunting fun lately? We would love to hear what treasures you found. Until next time,

Pennysue

Living Room Transformation

2009-09-27T17:26:00.002-05:00

I enjoy decorating. Neither to the point that my house can’t be lived in, nor anything fancy that would become a burden, just good old fashioned decorating. The creating of a space that is special yet livable for the entire family. However since I have several children and home educate my budget for decorating is very limited; OK almost non-existent. So over the years I have trained myself to always be on the lookout for thrift store items that could be given a new lease on life. Something new for me but definitely not new, as I really do not like paying full retail for anything! Nothing in my house matches and my style is very eclectic but it works for me.

For a while now I have wanted a cabinet to house the stereo system in my living room. I wanted something painted and vintage looking. My husband is a carpenter and agreed to make me a cabinet since I hadn’t found one in all my treasure hunting. However I found one of solid oak for very little money on craigslist. My husband couldn’t even build one half the size for the money so he told me to purchase it. It was HUGE!!! Once we moved it into the living room I thought I had made a mistake. It is 8 feet tall and has a lot of storage, which is why I bought it, but now what do I do?

The New Cabinet-minus the knobs as they are shiny brass…I will replace them and maybe some day distress and paint it. But for now, here is the monster cabinet.

Time to redecorate! This is a great experience for your children by the way, to assist as you make something work that looks like an eye sore. Here are some before and after pictures of the transformation. I didn’t purchase anything new but the cabinet. The only things I added to the room was a kiva ladder with quilts to tone the height of the cabinet down, a plant from another room, a table lamp and a wooden bowl with a pumpkin. I did take down the curtains to open things up more. It was fun and the children were pleasantly surprised. They like the hidden stereo and so do I!!!

It is amazing that up against a wall the cabinet looked terrible. But once I moved it in to the corner and got a good balance between it, the couch and the rest of the furniture it fit right in. The key was balance and openness. I moved the piano back against the wall which opened the visual clear through to the dining room. Then the logs themselves helped the balance to work. It was fun. So if you have a room you do not like. Take everything out (or at least move it), take everything off the walls and start over. My family loves it and it only cost me the price of the cabinet.

I still have new valances to make and a few items for the wall, but I thought it turned out pretty good. I want my home to be a comfort to all who enter in.

Welcome to my newly transformed living room!

My First Post

2009-09-23T09:03:00.000-05:00

This is my first post for Penny And Company. It reminds me of an empty sketch pad just waiting to be filled with drawings or a fresh linen table cloth waiting for a beautiful place setting. It is just a little intimidating. What should I write? How will I share creativity with my guests? Where do I start as life is so full of rich experiences and nature’s bounty? I’m sure I will figure it out, but for now I will at least have a post for my empty page. Blessings to all who enter and peace for the journey as you leave!

Pennysue