New school, same focus

 It has become so prevalent this new age home schooling. I hear my friends say how difficult they find the new situation they have been placed into, because of the pandemic. But, to me the main focus continues to be the well being of our children. 

When I first began to homeschool my children. I knew absolutely zero. I casually knew some church friends who were homeschooling. But, not in depth and certainly not first hand. However, I knew this, that I wanted the best for my children and I knew I didn’t want to send my 6th grader to public school any longer. 

My decision was based more on the actual school campus and how things were handled at that particular middle school. I had inner knowledge of this particular campus. Because I had worked there. I felt my child was still not done being a child and even though adolescence was coming and her body was changing. I knew that her mind was still on younger minded things and activities. One could argue I was protecting her Or shielding her from the rawness of middle school. 

It was a consciences only a mother can possess. I knew my child. I knew her fragile ego and her timidity would not fair well in a place that tends to foster harshness and false sense of self. Most teens spend these formative years trying to compete or impress their peers. 

I wanted to encourage and foster a place where she could blossom into a young adult without fear or insecurity. I think I accomplished that. I’m proud of my choice to home school my children. I’m glad that I was embraced by other home school families. I thank the Lord for leading and guiding me through those 8years. 

It truly was the best choice for my family. I know home schooling isn’t for every family. Some times the dynamics make it impossible. But, for those that do. Even  with all the trials and misgivings. I wouldn’t have traded my decision. Those years keep my heart full of happiness. I think back to that time spent with my two children and I’m grateful. I’m grate for those Park days. For the science fairs and relay races. For museum tours on Thursday’s and Coffee shops and books on rainy days. It was bliss. I know my children loved this time too. They tell me. They remind me. 

CardMaker

 Hello everyone. I’m going to reignite this passion of writing and sharing my art. I hope you find my blog encouraging and peaceful. My sole intention is to inspire others to be kind and chose happy. 

I recently began to take my art more seriously. By method of just creating more. I make cards. Period. And all that entails. Markers, colors, pencils, scissors, glue. You name it I probably got it. I leave you today with my most recent creations. 

A Time of Flocus

In an endless array of distractions, it is time for me to focus. Being centered  on one thing has never been easy for me. I've had to handle multi-tasking all the time.  I want to take things more seriously. I want to make every day and everything count. . .  I recently came back from a international mission trip, and I'm feeling renewed in my Christian beliefs. I have felt compelled  to look at my walk,and to seek the Lord in a more concerned way.

In my personal home life, it has been a difficult adjustment time for me. I recently said goodbye to my sweet daughter, she is 800 miles away at college, studying to be a missionary, and it is a blessing and a burden on my heart. So, my focus for this situation,is to let go and let God.
I look forward  to the situations that have been set before me. It will be interesting to see just what God has in store for me,for my daughter, and for my family.
I will try and keep a better focus on this blog, and in turn keep a record of this journey that has been set before us.

Eww! I'm sick

feeling so sick this week don't want to do a thing. so I'll be back next week. Just  not feeling up to crafting.

Book Review Wednesday

So, I ordered this book from my craft book club, it's called "Pretty little Cozies" published by Lark Books, there are several designers, that contributed to projects in the book. I found the book extremely user friendly. All kinds of techniques and tips were included, in each section. It has 132 pages including the index, so it is packed full of projects like: cozies for your lipstick,sunglasses,credit cards,cash/checks,scissors,diapers,books, to name a few. I liked the tea cozy and the crafty carrier the most. I plan to make one of each, in the near future, for me. :) The basics of the book outlined what you needed, duh and what to do, most contained a visual diagram, so if your a visual learner like me, that came in real handy. Some projects took as little as an hour while others were more detailed, but depending on your sewing/crafty knowledge, most took minimal time to complete, and enjoy. I recommend this book because, it is easy to navigate thru projects, and offers fast finish times. Oh, and all the color pictures in it are fabulous too !

It's a Manic Monday !

For most of you kids are now back to school, except not me because I homeschool. :) But, they are both at the local college buying books :(, those cost money) Anyhoo, I have been busy this weekend, sewing. I made more fabric flowers, 1 keychain,3 tissue holders, and 1 camera case. Today I will start my quilt, it's gong to be a 10x10 so I can hurry and finish it lol. And I found some good recipes I want to cook this week. I called the Hotze wellness center for my daughter's appointment, the place sounds wonderful, but costly, so say a prayer for us to meet this need. I need to go on my way to wally world, wish me luck. Have a blessed day.

Crafty things complete

so, I got my crayon roll completed just a few minutes ago. So, cute will definitely be making some for some church kids i love. :) My hubby made me this Stickles organizer made from wood. It turned out really neat. I haven't painted it but I will post pics soon. I went thrift store shopping today with my mom and found some word tiles,wooden drawer pulls and a neat quilt bag. I love going to thrift shops so many neat things to see. I'm going to try and make another quilt for me 3x3 squares and my daughter wants a felt peace pillow, so I don't think my sewing machine will be put up anytime soon. :) I'm counting on my friend Pat to help me out. And... my friend Hilda is taking me to Archiver's tomorrow...FUN ! okay keep crafting it's good for the soul.

On todays Crafty Agenda......

Hey , Crafting buddies today I have cleaned off my work table and have already repurposed a soup can for a catch-all. I'm going to mod-podge it and add some flower embellies. Also, want to make a crayon roll for my daughter, we saw them this week-end @ a farmer's market, they looked easy enough. :) And I want to try a new recipe Banana cake. Remember this week-end is tax free week-end if you need something SU just let me know. Also. last night I went to my Relive meeting, it's a nutrition drink that works wonders, I'd love to share it with you. okay got to get crafting and baking . Happy scrapping/crafting. hugs.liz

And here is where we begin...

to all my crafting buddies, from now on here is where you'll find the latest happenings on my scrapbooking,cardmaking,and crafting attempts. Our meet-ups can still be held here at my home, and I look forward to seeing some of you real soon. I as of late have been working with/on Tim Holtz tags,stamps,distress ink and am still going strong. I absolutely love his new book, "Compendium of Curiosities" I highly recommend it. I'm learning so much. I have been visiting some great blogs lately also. I'm so inspired to keep scrapping and to start some crochet too. :) I am pulling out my sewing machine today... plan to make some pillow cases . I'm making some lemon-poppy seed bread again today, really liking that stuff and so is my family. My mom says she will pay me to make a loaf for her. lol I plan to make a SU order this weekend so let me know if anyone needs to order. It's Tax Free !!! okay happy scrapping for now, hugs liz

On her way to Brazil

So, tonight was Spirit Night at our local Chick-Fil-A. This means that 20% of the purchase price made is donated to the sponsoring organization. This is where my daughter and her youth group come in. In June of this year my daughter will be traveling to Manaus Brazil, for ten days on a mission trip to spread the Gospel. I ask for your continued prayers for her and her goals this year. I always knew she would be leaving me. Just not this soon. She is a continual support to me and my reason for joy in my heart. To fill you inn on the trip... well they will be on the Amazon river living in house boats. She will eat rice and fish and fruit. she will drink water that she will have purified herself. And she will was her clothes as she takes a swim for fun. She has been advised to put a tide tablet in her pant pocket while she swims and swish it around. But, the real important part is how she is preparing herself by memorizing scripture and Portuguese. So that she will be able to communicate and eventually lead someone to Christ. I'm so proud of her.

Somewhat Sad Sunday

I got the news today that an old friend had passed away. More precisely He was the husband of a friend of mine. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones. It just reinforces what we all ready know... that life is just a moment in time. And that we should live like we earnestly mean it. Tomorrow, will be the wake and viewing, so just join me in prayer for all those involved. My heart aches or all the tragedy of Haiti and for all the innocent children. To say this week has been rough is an understatement. But, I still give thanks to the Lord for His goodness and grace. He is abundantly good and knows all. I have a praise .. my daughter got to witness to someone this week and she is growing in her spiritual walk ,she has become such an encouragement to me. I thank God for her. She starts college this week so I will see less of her(sigh). Well. I leave you with this thought and suggestion to love your loved ones. Hug them. Tell them. and forgive them. This after all is what the Lord commands.

Trying this again !

hi friends it's been a while but I'd like to get this started again. writing helps me heal and right now my head is spinning with lots of different worries. I will have to take it slow and try and get everyone who reads this caught up with everything going on. bit for now this is my official notice "I'm back !"

So Happy Birthday

Thanks Mari!

My new layout is due to my teen daughter and her knowledge of html codes. Who knew those things would actually benefit me one day ;) so a big thank you to her. I wanted to let my friends and fellow bloggers know that my recent family turmoil is finally taking a turn for the better. I am so grateful to everyone who has been praying and all the kind letters and e-mails, I appreciate all of you. My church family has really been there too and I am so grateful to them also. And mostly to God above. He is the true healer. Amen. Last week I ran across this quote I wanted to share with you all.

Every experience God gives us,
Every person He puts into our lives is the
perfect preparation for a future
only He can see
_moon son lee

I have learned and re-learned that these last couple of weeks. God is good and He knows all. I basically wanted to give an update and let everyone know that my brother is healing. It will be some time before he is back to the way he was but we are grateful to still have him here and for God's grace that has chosen to answer our prayers. I look forward to a changed heart and a grateful heart my brother is already demonstrating. thank you Jesus. Sometimes He calls us to Him in different ways. I continue to ask for your prayers and thank each of you with a humble heart. To Him is the glory.
blessings, lize

Urgent Prayer request!

To my circles of family and friends it has been a tuff weekend and a week ahead is still scary for me. I ask that you all continue to pray for my brother George. He had a ruptured aneurysm on friday and was treated with the coil method. But, now he has developed fluid in the lungs. so please just pray for his healing and that it be God's will to save him. Thanks so much, lize

It's Sunday!

Today was refreshing, I got to spend time with the 3 and 4 year olds at church. I was amazed at how big they have all gotten. Some of them I watched when they were 6 mos old. It is neat to see them so grown up! Wow! God is great. I'm thankful for each of them. It was also good to see my friends and fellow believers. I need constant uplifting and I am blessed to have them in my life also. I am excited that summer will be here and along with it all the outside activities. It has been so long since we have been in the pool it will be neat to get it set up and ready for the hot summer days.
I'm also getting excited about the Sweet 15th we have planned for my daughter. I feel better and more on track now that the invitations are done and the photos have been taken. All the table favors are mostly done and a few more things to buy but basically I think we are ready. My family has been a blessing and I appreciate all their help. I wouldn't have made it without them. My hubby has been working long hours and now we just recently started trying to do yard work as an extra income for us. Soon he may be getting laid off and we need something to fall back on. But, we are glad for everything we have now and look forward to even better things ahead. Our Father is good to us. Lately, I've had to stop and remember how blessed I really am. Some people say your so lucky ... but it has nothing to do with luck at all. Everything we have is heaven sent, it has taken me awhile to comprehend that. I wish each of you a lovely day and hope to hear from you soon. love,lize

We are getting ready for a party!

So as of late we have been printing invitations,making favors,and buying dresses! Our family is celebrating my daughter's fifteenth birthday. In our Hispanic culture it is a big thing and very traditional. It is also very expensive. We have tried to stay on a budget but, things are so costly. we have had fun making some things but others we have to purchase. This Saturday we have to do photos and hairdo's! I know I will look back and wish it wasn't over but right NOW I'm tired of all the running around.

Homeschool- Mari has just well almost finished up her first semester at college. She takes finals next week!
Matt- He is learning pre-algebra and making head way. I think he struggles a bit but we just need more one on one time ! plus his mom used to struggle too!
Our group is getting ready for a mini-conference and that should be neat !! I'm excited about it.

Stamping and Scrapping- I have had a group of ladies come over and learn new techniques every last Friday of the month and that has been fun.

At my church we have been getting ready for summer activities for the kiddos and more than likely I will help out with vbs as usual. I like watching the kids have a great time and having fun. the year is coming to an end and soon summer camps will be in order can't wait for that too!!

let me know what your up too! bye for now !

Whirl Wind Daze !

I'm spinning to fast. things are crazy as usual. I should be used to it. In normal circumstances this is how my life revolves. I'm planning to many things at one time. The other day my 11 year old said "mom you need to learn to say no" I don't know if I came hard wired with that word ! Well, I have been trying to do some invitations for my daughters 15th, and that is as of yet not working out. It seems I have more ideas than I know what to do with. HA!

On the home front we are plugging along kind of slow. not that we are on a time frame, but I would like to get Matt done with 6th grade work this year. Mari is finally done with mid-terms this week and she feels confidant. That is always good! I'm trying to get this mini-conference for my homeschool group off and running. I'm still rounding up speakers, but I think it will be good.

To my pen-pals- hello ladies I got your cards last month! They are awesome! i love being in the group it has turned out to be so much fun.


the other day a friend was commenting on how things are so different from when we were kids. I have to agree. I remember when you could go out to play ... in the street and be gone till supper and you were fine no worries. I miss those days. Jesus hurry come back for us! I for one can't wait. much love, liz

hi to my friends on SCS... love those stampers!

hi Ladies, I know some of you asked if I had a blog so here it is. I will try and keep up with it. It has been great getting to know all you guys through our pen pal group. I have been blessed by each of you. i just love getting happy mail! Well, most of you know I have become a demonstrator for Stampin Up! and it has been so fun. I have always liked the product and used it now for 6 years. So , thanks to all of you for your encouragement. I need to still find a group to scrap with but I'm sure it will get started soon.:) We got together this Friday and made cards and that was fun. Thanks to those who showed up! Here is my site where you can find me to check out what I got going on! :
http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/lize/
Let me know what you think.

homeschool- we have a field trip planned and that should be fun! Also I've been thinking about a community garden project I think we could all learn a lot and it would be so awesome! but, it's still a dream in the works so wish me luck!

Okay, it's Sunday so we plan to plant some flowers and maybe a bar-b-que. Take care have a great day... hugs, lize

Hello Again!

Well, yes it has been awhile since we last spoke ;) much has happened, but then not really. In the grand scheme of things my life is pretty ordinary, and I'm cool with that. I like my little life and my little world. My kids are awesome and my hubby is well, so Amen to that. Lately, I have been busy with a book and it has kept me up well into the midnight hours. I love to read and this author is so very good. "Echos in the Darkness" by Francine Rivers. Good reading! I have also ben up to some crafting - card making and that has been fun and a creative escape for me. I have been really into it and it has inspired me to be more crafty! On the homeschool scene we have our daughter enrolled in college classes and completing dual credit for her high school diploma. Our son is doing a dvd class and that is going well also. I have been encouraged by their growth and understanding. smart kids ... we are so proud of them. We are excited about the up coming holiday and Spring Break! I think this was the first year I wasn't going to make the kids baskets and this year they actually asked for them !! go figure. Now I'm scrambling to get something together. I don't see us traveling anywhere but maybe ;) never say never! Coco our poodle will turn three pretty soon and we are gad for that, he is a good doggie! I think that's about it! See told you 5 months and I have caught you up on all the exciting things in my world. thanks for stopping by. Say a prayer, liz