Memorial Day- May 27

I posted this last year, and it, by far, is still the most touching and appropriate poem I could find to remember  what Memorial Day is all about and the sacrifices of those who have given their lives for our freedom.

As we all celebrate this weekend, let us remember the sacrifices of so many that have made our celebrating possible. It is not about sunbathing and barbecues. It is about death and sacrifice and ultimate love for a nation, the principles upon which it was founded and freedom. Freedom isn't free. God Bless America!

THE FINAL INSPECTION - AUTHOR UNKNOWN 

The Soldier stood and faced God, 

Which must always come to pass. 

He hoped his shoes were shining, 

Just as brightly as his brass.. 

Step forward now, Soldier, 

How shall I deal with you? 

Have you always turned the other cheek? 

To My Church have you been true?' 

The soldier squared his shoulders and said, 

No, Lord, I guess I ain't. 

Because those of us who carry guns, 

Can't always be a saint. 

I've had to work most Sundays, 

And at times my talk was tough. 

And sometimes I've been violent, 

Because the world is awfully rough. 

But, I never took a penny, 

That wasn't mine to keep... 

Though I worked a lot of overtime, 

When the bills got just too steep. 

And I never passed a cry for help, 

Though at times I shook with fear.. 

And sometimes, God, forgive me, 

I've wept unmanly tears. 

I know I don't deserve a place, 

Among the people here. 

They never wanted me around, 

Except to calm their fears 

If you've a place for me here, Lord, 

It needn't be so grand. 

I never expected or had too much, 

But if you don't, I'll understand. 

There was a silence all around the throne, 

Where the saints had often trod. 

As the Soldier waited quietly, 

For the judgment of his God. 

Step forward now, you Soldier, 

You've borne your burdens well. 

Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets, 

You've done your time in Hell.' 




Linking up with:  On, in and around Mondays in addition to Wisdom Wednesday, Living Well Wednesday, Mom's Monday Mingle, Monday Mingle, Modest Mom, Crazy Mama, Homemaking Wednesdays and Raising Mighty Arrows and Titus 2sday and Clever Chicks Blog Hop and Memoir Monday and Mondays with Countrified Hicks and Create with Joy

Homeschool Mother's Journal/Weekly Wrap-Up May 24

It is Friday again!  :-)

In my life/homeschool this week: It was a busy and fun week for the kiddos.

On Friday, our caterpillars arrived.  

They have already doubled in size since this photo was taken.  The kiddos were so excited. They literally were jumping up and down when the package arrived.  They also helped dad get our plants in the garden.  Yay!  I have been nursing those plants indoors since we planted the seeds in February.  So glad to finally have cooperating spring-like weather!  :-)  

In celebration that our caterpillars' arrived,  Kiddo #4 started a butterfly lapbook this week and is already learning about butterfly anatomy and other interesting facts.

Monday was Kiddo #1's 15th birthday.  I wrote a post all about him and how scary the first hours of his life were.  You can read it here.

Each Kiddo decides how he/she would like to spend their birthday.  He chose to visit a 19th century warship and WWII submarine docked in Philadelphia.  We had a great time.  You can read all about it and see lots more photos of it here.

Tuesday was a regular kind of day, just getting work done.  I also posted my weekly recipe linkup.  This week, I shared Kiddo #1's Peanut Butter Oatie cookies.  They were a big hit at our house.  :-)  You can see his recipe and all of the others that were shared here.

Wednesday's highlights were Kiddo #1's airplane made out of some paper he found laying around (complete with engines, which were added after I took this photo, lol!)  Didn't I mention that he could make *anything* into an airplane?  :-)  

Kiddo #4 also made a special cookie treat for her last day of classes at church on Thursday.  I will share them next Tuesday.  They were not only beautiful, but yummy, too.  From the looks of the empty container she brought home, her classmates enjoyed them, as well.

On Thursday, the kiddos got their schoolwork done and got ready for the last night of classes at church.  I will miss my students. 

Not sure what Friday will have in store.  

We will be having a barbecue this weekend to celebrate Kiddo 1 and my hubby's birthday with family, as well as Memorial Day.  I wish more people would just take a moment to remember the true meaning of the day and pass that along to their children.  We need to have a deep-rooted gratitude for the enormous sacrifices that have been made for our freedom.  I will share a beautiful poem all about that on Monday.  Be sure to come back and visit.  Until then, have a beautiful weekend and God bless!  :-)

If you have a chance, I would much appreciate your vote.  As of today (Friday), I am listed under the "Pending Approval" tab, as I was just nominated.  I believe it takes 24 hours to get out of that category.  You can vote once a day until June 13th.

Linking up today with:  Homeschool Mother's Journal, Weekly Wrap-Up, NOBH, Show-Off Friday, Learn and Link and It's a Wrap, Friendship Friday and Friday Connection and Family Fun Friday

Thankful Thursday- May 23

This past Monday was Kiddo #1's 15th birthday.  I wrote a birthday tribute here, where you can read about what a wonderful young man he has become and how we almost lost him at birth.  He even had a cancer scare at 4 months old.

One of the blessings of homeschool is being flexible with our schedule.  I let the birthday child decide what they would like to do on their special day.  So, not only am I grateful for that blessing, but for the wonderful time that we had.

The morning started with my homemade french toast and Kiddo opening his presents.

He decided he wanted to visit the U.S.S. Olympia and U.S.S. Becuna, permanently docked at Penn's Landing in Philadelphia.  I haven't been there in many years.  It was the first visit for all 4 Kiddos.  They really enjoyed it.

The Olympia is the flagship from the Spanish American War (also served in WWI) and the submarine Becuna saw action in WWII, Korea, Vietnam and the Cold War.

How amazing to go into both, literally stepping back into time and seeing what life was like onboard these vessels.  The sub was incredibly tight and it definitely shocked the kiddos that 67 enlisted men had to share 2 sinks, 2 toilets and 1 shower!

The interior of the Olympia was quite beautiful with ornate woodwork and decoration. (even carpets and a fireplace!)  This ship was considered a marvel of its time.  It was the first vessel ever to have refrigeration and electricity.  Most people in America didn't have these at the time.

Included with admission to the vessels was admission to the Independence Seaport Museum.  The history of sea-faring vessels in the area is documented in many fun, hands-on exhibits.

The afternoon continued with lunch and a visit to see Kiddo #1's godfather, who is pastor of the church where I grew up.  The evening ended with Kiddo's choice of dinner-- make your own pizzas.

A wonderful day for a wonderful son!  I definitely am grateful.  :-)

Linking up with ,Lisa at The Army Chap's Wife, NOBH,Miscellany Monday, Raising Homemakers and Modest Mom and Raising Mighty Arrows,, Spilled Milkshake,Crafty Spices,  Mom's Monday Mingle, Monday Mingle, and Just the Stuff Ya Know , the Fontenot Four and A Sorta Fairytale and Field Trip Friday

Try a New Recipe Tuesday- May 21

It's time for another wonderful week of recipe sharing.  Thank you all for your participation and support.

This week I am sharing Peanut Butter Oaties.  Kiddo #1 made them for us and they were really good.    The adults enjoyed these as much as the kids!  :-)

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 cup (2 sticks) butter
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.  In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and oats; set aside.

In a small saucepan (Kiddo did it in the microwave instead), melt the butter over low heat; add the peanut butter and heat, stirring, until smooth.  In another large bowl, combine the sugars, eggs and vanilla; add the peanut butter mixture and blend thoroughly.

Gradually add the flour mixture, blending well by hand.

 Drop by tablespoonful onto cookie sheets.  Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden.  Remove from cookie sheets and cool.

Enjoy!

Here are today's features!  They were ALL wonderful!  :-)

Layered Strawberry Shortcake at Heavenly Savings

Ice Cream Sandwiches from Scratch at Eat.Play.Love.More

Grandma's Potato Salad at Five Little Chefs

Strawberries and Cream Angel Food Cake at Treasuring Life's Blessings

Meatloaf and Roasted Potatoes at Kitchen Korner Recipes

Linking up with the Gathering Spot, Kids in the Kitchen, Tasty Tuesday, Tempt my Tummy Tuesday, Domestically Divine Tuesday, Raising Mighty Arrows,Addicted to Recipes, Homemaking Wednesdays, Living Well Wednesday,NOBH, Judy H-J's Thoughts, Wisdom Wednesday , Favorite Things, Modest Mom, Full Plate Thursday and Melt in your Mouth Monday and Show Off Friday and Tuesday's Table and Look What We Did and Titus 2sday,  Mom's Monday Mingle, Monday Mingle, Crafty Spices, Better Mom,Create with Joy, Thursday's Treasures, Tasty Thursdays and Wonderful Food Wednesday and Mondays with Countrified Hicks and Tuesday How to Party and the Tried and True Recipe Party and Kids and Mom in the Kitchen and Family Fun Friday and Clever Chicks Blog Hop and All My Bloggy Friends