http://www.pleonast.com/user/sallyanne recent pleonast.com entries by user sallyanne en-us http://www.pleonast.com/user/sallyanne?l=5&entryID=600952 Since I seem to have so many shots of the boys (and always lots of Josh), we took a few of mostly the girls. They are pretty picky about pictures, but I think I got a few they approve of ;)...I could not help but call these the tree hugger pictures! Here are the four girls together. Leah's shrug has three quarter length sleeves, but next to Julia's looks like it has too-short arms because Julia's is full sleeve...I just had to point that out :). Scroll down to the matching dresses of yesteryear and you'll see how much they've grown. Of course, we think they are lovely. Here is one of Hannah, our oldest daughter. Here is Sarah, our second oldest daughter. Here is Leah, our third daughter. Here is Julia, our youngest daughter. Oh, well...I just have to add one of Josh. He was out with us during the photo shoot. He really does have other sweatshirts...seems like he's always in this one for the good shots ;)...it is our favorite though, on account of the puppies! 2008-11-19 http://www.pleonast.com/user/sallyanne?l=5&entryID=599771 What do The Lorax by Dr. Seuss, Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis all have in common? Here’s a hint: add Harry Potter, Grimm’s Fairy Tales and Where’s Waldo? Closer? Have you guessed yet? These books have all been challenged, banned, and/or given limited access in public and school libraries. Let me begin by saying that I believe in censorship to some degree--note the upcoming disclaimer. I took many books home from the library as a child that I should not have read and would not allow my children to read—I would not even recommend some of them to adults. Do I blame the library? The school? No. I do not. **First, a lengthy disclaimer**. In our home I choose the books. I do not allow what I do not wish to allow. I choose to edit my books as well—something I can’t do to library books. I do not allow our children to choose books from the library (once they began r... 2008-11-15 http://www.pleonast.com/user/sallyanne?l=5&entryID=599227 I went through our camp pictures a few weeks after our return and was not impressed. We got lots of pictures of various activities, but none of ourselves--I was not in charge of the camera. I had some friends (two lovely young ladies) e-mail me a few (including the one of my hubby on the left)... Here are a few pictures of Josh and Jonathan II at camp. I should be able to put some recent pictures up soon. I can't believe this took me a month...not impressive, I know. The favorite activity--here is the less popular gray shovel (refer to my camp blog for explanation) The danger of being tall is that you often get partially decapitated in photos. Oh well...my oldest and youngest. Two cuties :) It is interesting to me that the girls took no photos of themselves. I did find some on their friends' blogs, which I should have linked last month. They think they are escaping having photos on my blog, but I will find some...:)I just have to dig on the computer for some cute shots. Here's ... 2008-11-14 http://www.pleonast.com/user/sallyanne?l=5&entryID=596156 He has a great blog with lots of scripture...not to mention some heated discussion. Take a trip to his blog for some good thoughts. He also has some great thoughts on his blog. It has certainly been interesting around here (pleo) today...lots of great discussions :) 2008-11-05 http://www.pleonast.com/user/sallyanne?l=5&entryID=595700 Unlike many of my friends and loved ones, I was rather certain that Mr. Obama would be our next president. I did not lose any sleep over my confidence. God is in control. My faith is in Him. I cast my vote (and it was not for Obama just in case you wondered). I waited nearly three hours in a line with my husband and children to exercise my right to vote. My conscience is clear. What happens now? Now, I plan to support President-elect Obama and pray for him as the leader of our country. I am confident that, in spite of the fact that I do not agree with his politics, he will be a good leader. I am actually quite assured that he does represent the beliefs of the masses--for I know many unbelivers who believe just as he does. He is not the monster he has been made out to be...nor is he the antichrist or a terrorist. No matter what your issues are with him, now you must support and pray for him as God commands. *I Timothy 2:1-4* I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications,... 2008-11-05 http://www.pleonast.com/user/sallyanne?l=5&entryID=594617 *Give a Smile* There is a gift that you can share Most anytime and anywhere, Its worth with gold you can compare— Give a smile, Give a smile. You need to wear it in the street, And give to everyone you meet For all the folk in life you meet will need a smile. Chorus Someone needs your smile today, Be sure to give a smile away For it is more than words can say— Give a smile, Give a smile. Someone needs a smile somewhere, Someone burdened down with care, So give a smile and breathe a prayer— Give a smile. The aged man whose steps are slow No longer free to come and go, Some cheer would give his face aglow— Give a smile, Give a smile The little child who stands alone His tender heart within doth groan Perhaps a pain to us unknown- He needs a smile. Chorus The world is full of toil and pain, So give a smile and start a chain Of joy that may a soul sustain— Give a smile, Give a smile. So many hearts are filled with fear, Their future path looks dark and drear T’wou... 2008-11-03 http://www.pleonast.com/user/sallyanne?l=5&entryID=591052 ***************************** Homeschoolers Take a Break Together By Sally Anne Perz In the year 2000, our family and several other families began vacationing together annually. It all started with a simple discussion on an e-mail list for homescholers. The idea behind the gathering was to visit with other likeminded families and, more specifically, for our children to get to know one another. It is now a vacation not to be missed! So far we have visited parks in Kentucky, Missouri (twice), Tennessee (twice), Pennsylvania, Florida and Indiana (twice). As much fun as it is to see various parts of the country, the real highlight is the people! With the help of several “pioneer” families, the campout has been organized into a wonderful vacation for home schooling families. With the first year under our belt, we developed loose guidelines by which we have continued to plan each successive year. From modest beginnings, continuing to improve as we see the need, we have organized an u... 2008-10-24 http://www.pleonast.com/user/sallyanne?l=5&entryID=586878 Well, I've been tagged by two sweet girls I love. One mine, one hers...I guess I'll play, too. I won't tag back, though, but I'm enjoying reading all the random facts and if anyone wants to play, do share! Eight random facts about me...You don't expect short ones, now, do you? 1. When I was in high school I weighed 102 (at 5"3"). Here is what I ate most week days. My mother sectioned a grapefruit for me for breakfast (can you imagine?). I ate three, yes three, packages of Little Debbies (swiss rolls were my favorite). On the way home we (my best friend and I) stopped for a King Size Snicker Bar and a Large Fountain Soda (diet coke). We went out a few nights on our way here and there and we always had McDonald's if it was fast food (Chili's if it was sit down). At McDonald's we both ate quarter pounders with cheese, large fries dipped in BBQ and a large diet coke. I can no longer eat that way and remain 102. I have not been 102 since college :( and, thankfully, my husband pr... 2008-10-13 http://www.pleonast.com/user/sallyanne?l=5&entryID=586455 Do you know any of these homeschooling moms? Silly gals...I can't find out how to resize these...I've borrowed them from him I know some of these ladies well...some are already like sisters to me...some I just met so please let me know ASAP if I've labeled them wrong!!! Here goes--from left to right Top: Rebecca Clapp, Cindy Villander, Yours Truly, Stephanie Edwards, Julie Webber, Jodi Bannister Bottom: Lara Slawson, Teresa Oleinik, Carrie Smith, Diane Cain, Adondra Betts 2008-10-12 http://www.pleonast.com/user/sallyanne?l=5&entryID=584035 Camp was wonderful. I have brought back a sore throat, but I'm certain it will not damper my excitement over such a great week. I'll blog more about it later when I have more energy. I just could not resist saying, "Hi." I've got pictures to share, too. And, lots of white names to catch up with :) I taught the teen girls Bible class on Modesty. It was a great group of girls and I really enjoyed the class. Teenagers are wonderful people :)...I had over forty girls in the class! Imagine forty lovely modest girls. What a blessing! It was wonderful to renew acquaintences from years past, visit with dear friends who we've know for many years now, and meet new friends. I've tried in the past to meet each new family (at least the wife), but with 400 happy homeschooling heads this just will not work. So, I've tried to at least meet a few new folks and build on that year after year. Josh LOVED camp. He cut a tooth the last night...but other than that he slept from nearly 11-5 or 6 ... 2008-10-06