Thanksgiving Day Proclamation~Ronald Reagan 1981

America has much for which to be thankful. The unequaled freedom enjoyed by our citizens has provided a harvest of plenty to this nation throughout its history. In keeping with America’s heritage, one day each year is set aside for giving thanks to God for all of His blessings. On this day of thanksgiving, it is appropriate that we recall the first thanksgiving, celebrated in the autumn of 1621. After surviving a bitter winter, the Pilgrims planted and harvested a bountiful crop. After the harvest they gathered their families together and joined in celebration and prayer with the Native Americans who had taught them so much. Clearly our forefathers were thankful not only for the material well being of their harvest but for this abundance of goodwill as well.

In this spirit, Thanksgiving has become a day when Americans extend a helping hand to the less fortunate. Long before there was a government welfare program, this spirit of voluntary giving was ingrained in the American character. Americans have always understood that, truly, one must give in order to receive. This should be a day of giving as well as a day of thanks. As we celebrate Thanksgiving in 1981, we should reflect on the full meaning of this day as we enjoy the fellowship that is so much a part of the holiday festivities. Searching our hearts, we should ask what we can do sass individuals to demonstrate our gratitude to God for all He has done. Such reflection can only add to the significance of this precious day of remembrance.

Homemade Christmas Candy

One of my favorite things to do each Christmas is to make some candy to give as gifts. I try to make it a few weeks ahead and freeze it until I’m ready to package it.  Candy travels quite well compared to cookies and so it’s nice to send to a long distant friend or relative.  I hope you will enjoy these recipes.

My friend Jane gave this easy recipe to me.  Always a favorite!

Jane’s peanut butter cups
1/2 cup butter
1 cup peanut butter
2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 package of chocolate almond bark (walmart)
1 pkg of milk chocolate chips

Combine butter, peanut butter and sugar. Mix thoroughly to form dough. Chill. Form into balls about the size of a large nickle.
Melt together milk chocolate chips and almond bark in microwave 1-3 minutes stiring a few times.
use mini cupcake paper’s. Layer melted chocolate, peanut butter ball and top with more melted chocolate. Chill. Makes about 50 cups.
These are a hit and a favorite holiday gift.

Peanut Clusters                                                 

1 12 oz bag of butterscotch morsels

1 6 oz  bag of chocolate chips

1 c. salted cocktail peanuts

Microwave morals until smooth.  Add peanuts.

drop spoonfuls onto wax paper.  Cool.

Refrigerate 1 hour.  Store in cool place.

Reindeer Chow

1 stick butter
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
7 cups Rice Chex cereal
2 cups powdered sugar

When You Thought I Wasn’t Looking

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn’t looking I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn’t looking I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there is a God I could always talk to and I learned to trust in God.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don’t.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn’t feel good and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

Little Eyes Upon You

There are little eyes upon you and they’re watching night and day.

There are little ears that quickly take in every word you say.

There are little hands all eager to do anything you do;

And a little boy who’s dreaming of the day he’ll be like you.

You’re the little fellow’s idol, you’re the wisest of the wise.

In his little mind about you no suspicions ever rise.

He believes in you devoutly, holds all you say and do;

He will say and do, in your way when he’s grown up just like you.

There’s a wide-eyed little fellow who believes you’re always right;

And his eyes are always opened, and he watches day and night.

You are setting an example every day in all you do;

For the little boy who’s waiting to grow up to be like you.

Author Unknown

Making Memories & Redeeming the Time

In some of my previous posts I’ve talked about our more relaxed schooling schedule this year.  We are not as focused on our textbooks, and are allowing more time for projects at home, enjoying family activities together, building skills, and strengthening  family relationships.  I have found that this new relaxed year allows for more free time.  Because my boys sometimes seem to need more direction and instruction, I’ve prepared a list for them to use when they are having a difficult time  choosing worthy tasks to fill up their day.  I hope you will enjoy our list and perhaps come up with some ideas for your family.  Enjoy your children….they grow up so fast.  Let’s make plenty of happy memories together! ~Anne

Proverbs 10:8 The wise of heart will receive commands, but a babbling fool will be thrown down.


Ephesians 5:15-17 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might

  • Pray about what the Lord would have you to do
  • memorize Bible verses
  • organize toys
  • play ball outside
  • clean up yard
  • bake something
  • learn a new song on piano
  • learn a new Christmas song
  • ride recumbent stationary bike
  • walk the dog
  • write a letter

Did You Know?

DID YOU KNOW?

As you walk up the steps to the building which houses the U.S. Supreme Court you can see near the top of the building a row of the world’s law givers and each one is facing one in the middle who is facing forward with a full frontal view – it is Moses and he is holding the Ten Commandments!

DID YOU KNOW?

As you enter the Supreme Court courtroom, the two huge oak doors have the Ten Commandments engraved on each lower portion of each door.

DID YOU KNOW?

As you sit inside the courtroom, you can see the wall, right above where the Supreme Court judges sit, a display of the Ten Commandments!

DID YOU KNOW?

There are Bible verses etched in stone all over the Federal Buildings and Monuments in Washington, D.C.

DID YOU KNOW?

James Madison, the fourth president, known as “The Father of Our Constitution” made the following statement “We have staked the whole of all our political institutions upon the capacity of mankind for self-government, upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Patrick Henry, that patriot and Founding Father of our country said, “It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists but by Christians, not on religions but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ”.

A Pittance of Time

Take two minutes today to pray for our men and women in the military.  It’s a pittance of time.   We have the greatest military and strongest country in the world.  Our men and women need to be able to win this war and come home.  I pray that our leadership will give them the tools to fight and win so that they can come home soon.  I pray for their protection,  for wisdom, and for their families.  I hope you will enjoy this song as much as I did.  It always makes me cry but it fills my heart with gratitude and thankfulness for such brave men as these. Be sure to scroll down past the clock on the right and click the little black box to shut the music off.

Take A Moment To Thank A Veteran

Joseph Ambrose, an 86-year-old World War I veteran, attends the dedication day parade for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.  He is holding the flag that covered the casket of his son, who was killed in the Korean War.

When you see someone in a uniform,
Someone who serves us all,
Doing military duty,
Answering their country’s call,

Take a moment to thank them
For protecting what you hold dear;
Tell them you are proud of them;
Make it very clear.

Just tap them on the shoulder,
Give a smile, and say,
“Thanks for what you’re doing
To keep us safe in the USA!”

By Joanna Fuchs

Monetizing Our Debt

Since our homeschooling journey has only brought us up to early Jr. High-school, we have not studied economics yet.  I’m so ignorant when it comes to this subject…..and I have no business even discussing this.  I’m embarrassed at my own lack of knowledge  but am bound and determined to add economics to our course of study in the future.  Perhaps though,  if I write about it,   I will begin to understand it more.  Possibly,   there are other homeschool families reading this who are interested as well….maybe we can pray about this and seek the Lord’s wisdom  and guidance for our families.

My friend and I were chatting today about our economy and what the Federal Reserve has been doing this month.  We used different analogies to try to understand what is going on.    She said that what the FED did this week was like trying to fill up your empty water well with your hose.  It was like playing a game of monopoly and just taking all the money you want from the bank when you are losing the game.  Our government has pulled 600 billion dollars from a carpet bag  just  like Mary Poppins did.

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