I simply can not shout this loud enough how proud I am of my sons! They are such wonderful boys, but much more than that, they have a heart for God! Over the last 20 weeks (so sad it is over!) we have attended a class with some friends. It was on financial freedom, but not Dave Ramsey's approach, but a more spiritual approach. Anyway, it has been the best 20 weeks of spiritual devotion I have ever invested. I think you could find out about it at Institute in Basic Life Principles.
So, the leader is my boss (I work for him part-time doing accounting work) and he is very gentle, but with very high expectations. It's all good. We were given a challenging memory verse each week, for 20 weeks. He challenged us to meditate on the verses every day, and commit them to our heart. Then he challenged us to recite all 20 of them (KJV mind you) at the final night for a little competition.
Of course his daughter took first place - she learned them so easily! Such a SWEET girl!!! You would love her! Guess who took second? Yes, of course it was Chris. Third??? Any guesses? Of course it was Andrew! How about fourth? Who would take fourth? ME!!! The Braud hat trick! Gotta love that, and ALL for His GLORY!!!
I may go into a depression now that we are not meeting for the next 2 months....
Thanks for letting me brag a bit, which, if you know me, is something I rarely do.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
A Tale of Two Cows
A person has two cows, and depending on what type of government he lives under, these are his options:
SOCIALISM: He must give one of his cows to his neighbor who has none.
COMMUNISM: The government takes them both and then gives him the amount of milk they think he needs.
FEUDALISM: You have two cows. Your lord takes some of the milk.
BUREAUCRATIC SOCIALISM: You have two cows. The government takes them and put them in a barn with everyone else's cows. They are cared for by ex-chicken farmers. You have to take care of the chickens the government took from the chicken farmers. The government gives you as much milk and eggs as the regulations say you need.
FASCISM: You have two cows. The government takes both, hires you to take care of them and sells you the milk.
RUSSIAN COMMUNISM: You have two cows. You have to take care of them, but the government takes all the milk.
DICTATORSHIP: You have two cows. The government takes both and drafts you.
PURE DEMOCRACY: You have two cows. Your neighbors decide who gets the milk.
REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY: You have two cows. Your neighbors pick someone to tell you who gets the milk.
BUREAUCRACY: You have two cows. At first the government regulates what you can feed them and when you can milk them. Then it pays you not to milk them. Then it takes both, shoots one, milks the other and pours the milk down the drain. Then it requires you to fill out forms accounting for the missing cows.
PURE ANARCHY: You have two cows. Either you sell the milk at a fair price or your neighbors try to take the cows and kill you.
CAPITALISM: You have two cows. You sell one and buy a bull.
**portions of this should be credited to http://sabbah.biz/mt/archives/2007/01/07/politics-explained-with-two-cow-analogy/
SOCIALISM: He must give one of his cows to his neighbor who has none.
COMMUNISM: The government takes them both and then gives him the amount of milk they think he needs.
FEUDALISM: You have two cows. Your lord takes some of the milk.
BUREAUCRATIC SOCIALISM: You have two cows. The government takes them and put them in a barn with everyone else's cows. They are cared for by ex-chicken farmers. You have to take care of the chickens the government took from the chicken farmers. The government gives you as much milk and eggs as the regulations say you need.
FASCISM: You have two cows. The government takes both, hires you to take care of them and sells you the milk.
RUSSIAN COMMUNISM: You have two cows. You have to take care of them, but the government takes all the milk.
DICTATORSHIP: You have two cows. The government takes both and drafts you.
PURE DEMOCRACY: You have two cows. Your neighbors decide who gets the milk.
REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY: You have two cows. Your neighbors pick someone to tell you who gets the milk.
BUREAUCRACY: You have two cows. At first the government regulates what you can feed them and when you can milk them. Then it pays you not to milk them. Then it takes both, shoots one, milks the other and pours the milk down the drain. Then it requires you to fill out forms accounting for the missing cows.
PURE ANARCHY: You have two cows. Either you sell the milk at a fair price or your neighbors try to take the cows and kill you.
CAPITALISM: You have two cows. You sell one and buy a bull.
**portions of this should be credited to http://sabbah.biz/mt/archives/2007/01/07/politics-explained-with-two-cow-analogy/
Saturday, November 7, 2009
nothing exciting, just an update
It seems like we have been so busy lately, I haven't had time to blog. I think Facebook seems to take the place of the blog, I guess. This was supposed to be the weekend we went camping with our friends, but alas, they have swine flu. It looks like they like us enough to drive all the way up here next month. YIPPEE with lots and lots of exclamation points!!!!!
The boys have been having airsoft gun battles with their friends, attending birthday and Halloween parties, and just doing school. The weather has been beautiful the last week, especially since the rain has given us a break. Falls colors are still vibrant, but fading quickly as the leaves fall to the ground, almost looking like colored snow. You really have to get up here next fall and stay a while. Between the apple festivals and such, we could have a great time!
Chris now has his learners permit. These will be some scary and exciting times for us. He is doing pretty well in school and is not really ready to decide where he wants to go after school. I think the Air Force is a possibility, but the local colleges are a great option, too. He will be 16 next month!
Andrew is moving up the ranks in Civil Air Patrol - he is now a technical sergeant! He is still playing piano, but he won't play loud enough for us to hear him. I am hopeful he will overcome this soon, as I miss hearing him play.
Michael and James are best buddies and keep each other occupied. Sometimes they are having fun and sometimes they are annoying each other, you just never know what you will get each day.
The other day we went to town to help raise the American flags for Veteran's Day. Several hundred were raised and we played a small part of it. It felt very patriotic and I plan to make it something we do regularly, for each Holiday that they are raised. If you want your children to love their country, it involves action, not just preaching. Same goes with anything you want your children to take with them into their adulthood - you have to do it, not just say it.
We are unfortunately church shopping - again. I don't think I have ever been so frustrated in all of my life. For now, we are having church at home with Keith leading. The kids have said they are learning more from homechurch than they have from other church, but I am feeling the loss of fellowship that we once knew, but it seems will never happen again. I am sure it will happen again, but right now, I just feel like we are looking for a church that does not exist. Really, people, homeschoolers are no different from you, we just learn at home. We do not live in a cave, we do have lots of other homeschool friends and our blood is red. Really.
I was able to split 7 new bushes off of my black raspberry bushes! I am so thrilled so now I have nine bushes! Next year, I am certain I will be able to can some jam. I also have a plan to make another huge flower garden in the back. I have several plants I can transplant and then add some seeds for a bountiful butterfly and hummingbird garden. I have been collecting seeds all year so it won't cost me much at all and will have loads of color! The vision I have in my head is incredible, now if I can only make it happen......
I have been doing a new exercise routine and it has been so wonderful, I have to share it with you! It is called T-Tapp, and it is named after its creator, Theresa Tapp. I have had so many benefits from the last 6 weeks of doing it, I plan on making it a part of my life. I am being patient about having inches lost, but the other benefits I am having are enough to keep me tapping. Please check it out and give me a call if you want firsthand testimony of what it is doing for me!
Well, this was not the most exciting blog entry I have made, but at least it is something. Let me know if you get any of the T-Tapp videos and what kind of results you get.
Until the next exciting update....
The boys have been having airsoft gun battles with their friends, attending birthday and Halloween parties, and just doing school. The weather has been beautiful the last week, especially since the rain has given us a break. Falls colors are still vibrant, but fading quickly as the leaves fall to the ground, almost looking like colored snow. You really have to get up here next fall and stay a while. Between the apple festivals and such, we could have a great time!
Chris now has his learners permit. These will be some scary and exciting times for us. He is doing pretty well in school and is not really ready to decide where he wants to go after school. I think the Air Force is a possibility, but the local colleges are a great option, too. He will be 16 next month!
Andrew is moving up the ranks in Civil Air Patrol - he is now a technical sergeant! He is still playing piano, but he won't play loud enough for us to hear him. I am hopeful he will overcome this soon, as I miss hearing him play.
Michael and James are best buddies and keep each other occupied. Sometimes they are having fun and sometimes they are annoying each other, you just never know what you will get each day.
The other day we went to town to help raise the American flags for Veteran's Day. Several hundred were raised and we played a small part of it. It felt very patriotic and I plan to make it something we do regularly, for each Holiday that they are raised. If you want your children to love their country, it involves action, not just preaching. Same goes with anything you want your children to take with them into their adulthood - you have to do it, not just say it.
We are unfortunately church shopping - again. I don't think I have ever been so frustrated in all of my life. For now, we are having church at home with Keith leading. The kids have said they are learning more from homechurch than they have from other church, but I am feeling the loss of fellowship that we once knew, but it seems will never happen again. I am sure it will happen again, but right now, I just feel like we are looking for a church that does not exist. Really, people, homeschoolers are no different from you, we just learn at home. We do not live in a cave, we do have lots of other homeschool friends and our blood is red. Really.
I was able to split 7 new bushes off of my black raspberry bushes! I am so thrilled so now I have nine bushes! Next year, I am certain I will be able to can some jam. I also have a plan to make another huge flower garden in the back. I have several plants I can transplant and then add some seeds for a bountiful butterfly and hummingbird garden. I have been collecting seeds all year so it won't cost me much at all and will have loads of color! The vision I have in my head is incredible, now if I can only make it happen......
I have been doing a new exercise routine and it has been so wonderful, I have to share it with you! It is called T-Tapp, and it is named after its creator, Theresa Tapp. I have had so many benefits from the last 6 weeks of doing it, I plan on making it a part of my life. I am being patient about having inches lost, but the other benefits I am having are enough to keep me tapping. Please check it out and give me a call if you want firsthand testimony of what it is doing for me!
Well, this was not the most exciting blog entry I have made, but at least it is something. Let me know if you get any of the T-Tapp videos and what kind of results you get.
Until the next exciting update....
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Rejoice in the Lord!
You have no idea how excited we are in the Braud home! Satan has been defeated with our firstborn becoming a Christian! Chris has always had a heart for God and is a very wonderful young man. We have been studying more deeply in the last few weeks and he made the commitment to give his life to Christ. There was not a dry eye in the place, at our dear friends' home who happen to have an indoor swimming pool. We were going to go to our favorite waterfall but the rain has been so horrible, I don't think we would have been able to climb the steep walk without injuries. Not to mention the water would have been frigid.
Actually, I think this was even better, because we got to share with our Bible study group and they were all moved by Keith and Chris's confession of faith. We have some songbirds in our group that sang a beautiful song they wrote. It was simply perfect!
"I have no greater joy than to know that my children walk in truth" 3 John 4.
I will post pictures later.
Actually, I think this was even better, because we got to share with our Bible study group and they were all moved by Keith and Chris's confession of faith. We have some songbirds in our group that sang a beautiful song they wrote. It was simply perfect!
"I have no greater joy than to know that my children walk in truth" 3 John 4.
I will post pictures later.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Fall is in the Air!
The mornings are cool enough to leave the kitchen door open. You get to listen to Jacque Clousea crow 900 times. Did I tell you another one of our French birds is also a stinkin' rooster? DRAT! He may have to go if the bloodbath starts, but so far, they are sharing the 35 ladies with poise. I guess we need another French name for him - any suggestions? Pierre? Jean Claude?
We went to a beautiful lake last weekend. It is full of little inlets and you can picnic right there, almost in the lake. The boys swam, we grilled, played games and the water people gave us plenty to see (jet skis, boats, knee boarding, etc.). Quite a nice day indeed!
We are back to school (as if we ever stopped schooling?) and we are really enjoying our time together. World geography, ecosystems, missionaries and deep discussions fill our mornings. They are really soaking it up and eager to know more about things each day. I have really enjoyed playing the geography game with them, learning all those little countries in North America that we often forget exist.
A friendly game of poker the other day was all the more fun when we used chocolate chips and combos as our chips. Chris had quite the pile of goodies on his plate! I finally gave in and ate my "chips".... We are upping the stakes next time with peanut M & M's and skittles.....
Chris is becoming quite the artist with his creative color schemes on his Warhammer army. I am impressed with his attention to details and the amount of hours he has spent. He and Andrew are teaming up in a tournament this weekend - what fun!
Andrew is ever serious about his Civil Air Patrol career. He has recently promoted to Sergeant! He went on a weekend camping trip where they learned first aid, map reading and ground team skills. He is beginning to think about trying to get into the Air Force Academy! He would be an excellent cadet - I have no doubt about that!
Michael is the kind of big brother every little boy dreams of having. He treats James with such love! They are always playing together and snuggling to watch a movie. Michael also is so quick to make sure James is safe if we are out hiking or in a strange place. I couldn't be more thankful to God for him!
James is really excelling lately in his schooling. He wants to spell well and read more challenging stories. I am delighted with his perpetually sweet personality. Right now, he is learning how to draw animals with more detail. I think he has his dad's gift of drawing, just like Michael and Andrew! How lucky am I??
I have been befriending my sour dough mother, almost on a daily basis! I have made countless loaves, waffles, rolls, etc. I really love it and especially love that it is so much more healthy for your gut. I have noticed I am not bloated after eating the sour dough baked goods. I have been doing many sewing projects, including some Roman shades to match Chris's new quilt. It's really going to look good when it's all done. I repaired an old quilt I made my dad almost 20 years ago, and it is good as new! I have several other projects in the works and it gives me that business that I need.
Keith and I are doing a very intense study with some friends of ours on how to handle your finances God's way. It is one of the most challenging courses we have ever done. Each week is more provoking than the last one. We feel so blessed to have the fellowship with our like-minded friends! They are such sweet families and the kids are thriving with it as well. Of course we always share wonderfully good meals together! Gotta love that!
It looks like we are going to have an early fall, so if you are wanting to see some fall color, you may need to get over here in middle October! We always have room for you, so give me a call.
We went to a beautiful lake last weekend. It is full of little inlets and you can picnic right there, almost in the lake. The boys swam, we grilled, played games and the water people gave us plenty to see (jet skis, boats, knee boarding, etc.). Quite a nice day indeed!
We are back to school (as if we ever stopped schooling?) and we are really enjoying our time together. World geography, ecosystems, missionaries and deep discussions fill our mornings. They are really soaking it up and eager to know more about things each day. I have really enjoyed playing the geography game with them, learning all those little countries in North America that we often forget exist.
A friendly game of poker the other day was all the more fun when we used chocolate chips and combos as our chips. Chris had quite the pile of goodies on his plate! I finally gave in and ate my "chips".... We are upping the stakes next time with peanut M & M's and skittles.....
Chris is becoming quite the artist with his creative color schemes on his Warhammer army. I am impressed with his attention to details and the amount of hours he has spent. He and Andrew are teaming up in a tournament this weekend - what fun!
Andrew is ever serious about his Civil Air Patrol career. He has recently promoted to Sergeant! He went on a weekend camping trip where they learned first aid, map reading and ground team skills. He is beginning to think about trying to get into the Air Force Academy! He would be an excellent cadet - I have no doubt about that!
Michael is the kind of big brother every little boy dreams of having. He treats James with such love! They are always playing together and snuggling to watch a movie. Michael also is so quick to make sure James is safe if we are out hiking or in a strange place. I couldn't be more thankful to God for him!
James is really excelling lately in his schooling. He wants to spell well and read more challenging stories. I am delighted with his perpetually sweet personality. Right now, he is learning how to draw animals with more detail. I think he has his dad's gift of drawing, just like Michael and Andrew! How lucky am I??
I have been befriending my sour dough mother, almost on a daily basis! I have made countless loaves, waffles, rolls, etc. I really love it and especially love that it is so much more healthy for your gut. I have noticed I am not bloated after eating the sour dough baked goods. I have been doing many sewing projects, including some Roman shades to match Chris's new quilt. It's really going to look good when it's all done. I repaired an old quilt I made my dad almost 20 years ago, and it is good as new! I have several other projects in the works and it gives me that business that I need.
Keith and I are doing a very intense study with some friends of ours on how to handle your finances God's way. It is one of the most challenging courses we have ever done. Each week is more provoking than the last one. We feel so blessed to have the fellowship with our like-minded friends! They are such sweet families and the kids are thriving with it as well. Of course we always share wonderfully good meals together! Gotta love that!
It looks like we are going to have an early fall, so if you are wanting to see some fall color, you may need to get over here in middle October! We always have room for you, so give me a call.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Domesticated, but not tame
It's been a very nice summer, but during the summer, I often take a vacation from many of my domestic talents. Sewing, creating, cooking and such are put on hold until the flowers have stopped blooming and the air is cooler. The kids and I have had much fun with many fabulous friends to visit, hike and picnic with in great locations. We've had many great fellowships and potlucks, but it is time to get back into a more productive routine. The kids have really wanted a routine back, where the meals and the schedules are dependable.
Last year we made a feeble attempt at unschooling. It bombed, to say the least. I am sure it is because I didn't do it "right". The kids just want to learn together and discuss together. They want to have our daily talks with God and then walk into a country or an era or a science project together. They may not openly admit they love learning new things, but I am their mom and I know they do love it. They flourish when we are learning something new, sometimes it is even new for me. (nothing against unschooling, I think if it works for you, go for it. We wilted trying it)
We are studying countries, cultures and missionaries this year. So far, it has been very fun. Who knows, we could have a missionary in the making... They are studying Spanish, Algebra 2, biology and several fun computer games. We plan to have a relaxed schedule, always having time for a friend to stop in for a visit. Chris and Andrew will be responsible for 2 meals a week - this should be interesting. I hope they will be brave and try something new....
I have been freezing lots of goodies, making jam and have two quilt projects going. Today I made 5 dozen butternut squash muffins. They won't last long. Tomorrow I will make granola bars for Andrew, who is going camping for the weekend. He is excelling in Civil Air Patrol and is setting his sites on getting into the Air Force Academy. That would be so awesome!
We have friends coming in from LA next week and we couldn't be more excited. The kids are asking for homemade donuts and another trip to the waterfall. What can I say but yes?
Keith has been told there is a potential, don't get your hopes up, expansion. This would make his site one of the the top ones in his division. We are in much prayer about this and have no doubt that the Lord will Bless it, even if the answer is no.
I am looking forward to apple season in Ellijay, fall colors, winter soups and lots of board games being played together. The blessings abound, in more ways than I can count.
Last year we made a feeble attempt at unschooling. It bombed, to say the least. I am sure it is because I didn't do it "right". The kids just want to learn together and discuss together. They want to have our daily talks with God and then walk into a country or an era or a science project together. They may not openly admit they love learning new things, but I am their mom and I know they do love it. They flourish when we are learning something new, sometimes it is even new for me. (nothing against unschooling, I think if it works for you, go for it. We wilted trying it)
We are studying countries, cultures and missionaries this year. So far, it has been very fun. Who knows, we could have a missionary in the making... They are studying Spanish, Algebra 2, biology and several fun computer games. We plan to have a relaxed schedule, always having time for a friend to stop in for a visit. Chris and Andrew will be responsible for 2 meals a week - this should be interesting. I hope they will be brave and try something new....
I have been freezing lots of goodies, making jam and have two quilt projects going. Today I made 5 dozen butternut squash muffins. They won't last long. Tomorrow I will make granola bars for Andrew, who is going camping for the weekend. He is excelling in Civil Air Patrol and is setting his sites on getting into the Air Force Academy. That would be so awesome!
We have friends coming in from LA next week and we couldn't be more excited. The kids are asking for homemade donuts and another trip to the waterfall. What can I say but yes?
Keith has been told there is a potential, don't get your hopes up, expansion. This would make his site one of the the top ones in his division. We are in much prayer about this and have no doubt that the Lord will Bless it, even if the answer is no.
I am looking forward to apple season in Ellijay, fall colors, winter soups and lots of board games being played together. The blessings abound, in more ways than I can count.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Beware of Hartz Flea Treatments
PLEASE do not use Hartz flea treatments for your cats. We gave Lucy a treatment yesterday and today she is not playing and has tremors in her paws. I was gone much of the day so didn't think anything of it this morning. I thought she had gotten her paws wet and was just shaking the water off of them. When I got home, I noticed she was still under the weather and still had shaking paws.
Still in denial, I figured it was nothing. Just before going to bed, we decided to do a search and have found out with Hartz products, seizures and even death can occur! We immersed Lucy in water ( not fun) and have prayed over her. If she is not well in the morning, I will be making a vet visit.
I have written a letter to Hartz and I will NEVER buy another Hartz product ever. I hope you will use the same caution.
Still in denial, I figured it was nothing. Just before going to bed, we decided to do a search and have found out with Hartz products, seizures and even death can occur! We immersed Lucy in water ( not fun) and have prayed over her. If she is not well in the morning, I will be making a vet visit.
I have written a letter to Hartz and I will NEVER buy another Hartz product ever. I hope you will use the same caution.
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