Starr Heritage Academy

You do what?

Yup you guessed it! In case you didn't know we are one of "those" homeschooling families!  This marks the beginning of our second year homeschooling our oldest and we LOVE it!! Yes , I did say we LOVED it :) Our 2 youngest are still in Public Elementary and totally enjoying it at this point so we are doing what best fits the needs of each of our children. I guess you could say I see both sides of the fence on this. 

This morning on the home school side Garrison and I are enjoying doing our school work at Barnes & Noble! Seriously How cool of a classroom setting is that. I can truly say I too am learning so much and its really awesome to see what the difference our family decision (directed with prayer) has made on Garrison's life. 

I'm still new to this and do not have all the ropes down pat just as yet, but am working on it. My wonderful SIL Christy has totally been an inspiration to me and helped me with all my goofy questions and concerns.

So what do home school families do? Are they related to the Duggarts?

First question: We attend a coop once a week with some wonderful people and lots of friends for him to play with, Violin lessons, outings,field trips bible quizzing etc,etc. The whole world is a classroom it seems.Unlike what most people thing its totally hands on and even more busy than public school!

Second: No we are not related , I could only talk my husband into 3 children.

Whats a typical day like?

We sleep till 2pm, eat... NAH no so, lol

I drop my two youngest kiddos off and Garrison starts school fully dressed promptly at 9am

Devotion

Then he usually starts off with teaching textbooks Math

Writing work

We do a Easy Grammar /Daily grams lesson

10 min Break

History

Violin Practice

Lunch

45 bible quizzing

Reading

Everyday is a different elective Course

Chemistry (3 days a week experiments on Thursdays)

And we need to know this why?

 So here's why I'm even writing this today. So whether you have children in Public school or now have jumped the line with the rest of the crazies to homeschooling, you have made a decision Please rest assured that MANY people will oppose either side of your choice.  My personal thought on this is If you have truly and totally thought out your public or non public  choice, prayed and made up your mind go for it! Everyone thought the wright brothers where crazy, but you can thank them now when you get on a airplane to take a 3 hr plane ride to a place that before would take you 3 days.

We were one of those families who were like "No way Could we ever do THAT".. But about a year before starting God starting changing our thinking. How do I know it was God, because me husband agreed to :) So we waited till 5th grade ended and middle school was going to begin. 

Here's some questions we asked ourselves.

• Why are we wanting to do this?
• How are we going to do this?
• What is our plan in accomplishing our goal?
• What do we expect our outcome to be?
• Can we do this.. (jury maybe still out some days:)

If you are just starting out believe me you'll have opposition and bad days, but its totally awesome anyway. Those that want to nay say your decision are not in your shoes (unless it is a spouse and then you may want to listen up). Your Children are yours and if it something you've decided to do , then no worries  9 times out of 10 its people that don't really understand what it is, and most likely need to tend to their own family situations anyway:)  So here's to education and helping your children reach everything possible for them to attain.. Cheerio !! Thanks for stopping by..Love y'all!!

Falling in Love...

Here we are .. Summer is coming to a close and routines are starting up again.! Seriously I'm actually excited about it! I typically adore each season as it comes, but there is something about fall and the change of things that intrigues me. I mean who doesn't love tall boots, colorful trees, caramel apples and pumpkin spice lattes!!

 We had such a great summer going to Grandmas cabin in Michigan, Church camps, boat outings,old fashioned snow cones, cook outs and picnics so much fun for sure. All grand but as I feel the change of seasons it brings a smile to my face.

 So here's  the Changes our lives brought this season in case you desperately were wondering...
 This year Ainsley enters Kindergarten and somehow is switching from baby girl to spunky little girl. She adores her teacher and classmates already.She is so much fun and a loving little thing and did I mention a darling fashionista!!
 Mr.Cade moved on to 2nd grade and is using his energy to make all his new buddies laugh:) Seriously the kid would break a body part to get a chuckle, but yet his is extremely private about a lot of things. Very sensitive about whats right and wrong and things that have to do the God (Thank you Jesus!!)

 Garrison is now in 7th grade, yup you heard right 7th grade!!!!Hes so funny and doesn't even mean to be, reminds me so much of his Daddy and Uncle Anthony. He has now taken up violin, which he is totally loving , and here's to hoping our bluegrass gospel band is being birthed!!LOL

In addition to this my sweetie has gone back to college full time, plus working and pastoring..I get tired just thinking about it!! WHEW Hes also hit 56lbs of weight loss and looking F..I..N...E.. okay enough about that before I have to rate this paragraph.

Me? Thanks for asking just sewing along,  living life to the best of my ability.. ready for chilly afternoons so I can enjoy some candles and hot tea.

There really are some many wonderful things in life if you would just look around.. I'm gonna start "Falling" In Love! Happy Fall Ya'll!!!

SEW very inspired!

  I grew up watching my momma sew and create all types of crafts and such. Both sides of my family tree are gifted with some kinda artistic minded talent , so I have a natural love of these types of things. I have been a Chandler (better known as candle maker:)  and soap maker for years and even started a business over 9 yrs ago with it. There has been scrapbooking, knitting, crocheting, quilt making etc. I love all things "artsy"to be honest. I have had a sewing machine for years and could do the basic stuff, but that was about it.
 A few months back the Wilbanks Singers came and parked on our lot for  a few weeks and I got to see them "create":) If you know them at all you know that not only are the fantastic Musically, but they are very talented Crafters (and thats for lack of a better word). I was so inspired by their creations ,and sewing that it started the fire under my feet to pick it back myself.We had a blast to say the least.

I learned so much from our time together here, I owe them a gratitude of thanks. I have been in love with sewing again  ever since and have really enjoyed using the tips I learned to sew for my little girl. Anyway, thought I would share why I havent been blogging for a while :) LOL

Get organized!

This site is awesome, It will change your " home" life persay , if you'll let it:) Hope you enjoy it as much as I do..

http://www.flylady.net/pages/sneak_peek.asp

Beautiful Workspace

My creative space, originally uploaded by *jenny b allsorts.

Oh How I love this craft room set up! This workspace really begs me just to rush in a create something!! I love the beautiful colors and organization!! The Fabric Buffet is Lovely too..Hmmmm now I want to create my own " Sewing space" ! This could be dangerous!!

Daddy, I Love when you visit!

   Papa recently came for a visit to our house. When Papa comes there is much excitement awaiting his arrival, and we are thrilled when we finally hear those tires bringing the awaited arrival in.  We all got our hugs and smooches in, especially Little Ainsley as she adores her Papa with great affection:)   

    My father spent a few days here and we enjoyed his company so much. It was my birthday weekend and he drove several hours just to be with us. If you know my father Rev. Martyn Ballestero at all , you know that he has got to be one of the most giving people that ever walked the earth. Growing up I can only remember asking him for money one time as I was afraid he would give me everything he had and leave himself with nothing!!lol He did just that he opened his wallet and gave me what he had. You never mention you like something he has, or many times he just takes it gives it to you whether he still needs it or not:)

  As the years have progressed and I have my own family , my father will come by when he can. I know what will happened every time . ...The toolbox will come out and bikes, chairs, pictures, doors, and furniture that have been awaiting repair will suddenly get done. You need a cord for a computer ? Charger for your phone? A set of Molds to make soapmaking easier? A makeshift wick setter:)? This , that or the other? You name it if it needs done or theres  a way to make like easier for us he will do it, make it or get it. I feel amazingly humbled and sheepish at the amount of time and work he does when he comes to instantly make life a little better for us. It dosent have to be fixing in the natural either sometimes I need to discuss my feeling , thoughts and hurts and he has a beautiful way of listening and knowing whats right!! I know when Daddy Comes everything is gonna be alright!! What a trait:!!)

     So the following Monday  after my Dad had long gone I had a need in my life. I needed something fixed that I could not do myself. It's One of those things were you wonder , "Umm theres no way I can do this, What am I gonna do?" As I was praying that morning The Lord brought something to my attention. My mind thought of how every time my natural father came I felt peaceful, protected, and provided for.  I felt impressed that God wanted me to know How much more even than the natural father that he loves me. How Many times before had he just stepped in with the "little" things to make something easier for me? Provided for me when there seemed no way to make it? Brought peace in troublesome situations? All the little "Fix its" along the way he had done for me so many times before? 

  Why do we fear when we go through hard times and Struggles? Is it because our "Daddy" (Heavenly Father) isnt near to us as he should be, as we have stepped away from him? Do we not remember all the times before that he has came and instantly made our lives better? Do we not believe that he loves us so much more than a natural father, and assuredly has our best in mind? Even if the situations seems hopeless to my eye I believe that God always knows what I need. MY own natural father would protect and Love me with his life, just as God has done for me.

    

    What a blessing to have Such a wonderful earthly father, and an amazing heavenly father! Daddy I love when you visit!

Spring Forward

I Love Spring! Whats not to love with all the beautiful Green and array of rainbow colors blooming all around? Don't get me wrong I am all for winter too, but only so many days of dark and cold and the energy seems to be snapped out of me! Yikes No Energy For a Pastors Wife, Mommy of three, and small Business owner is just no good!

The Kids are doing well and anxiously awaiting the arrival of Spring Break Next Week! Not sure what we are gonna do to celebrate , but I assure you Pelicans Snow Cone Stand is reopening for the spring and the Hartzell brood will be there to celebrate

Garrison received another bible quizzing  award ..this time trophy this past weekend!! WE are so proud of Him! Not only is he smart and Good looking but he Loves God and Learning the Word.It is very hard work but he Is doing awesom.He has Lots of questions about God and the Hows and the whys of the world and creation and heaven..We Welcome those, so glad he is interested in Godly things

Cade, Well if you know our family at all ..Yes we all have personality but my sweet Cade got a extra dose of it!! He Is a Momma Lover and that makes me Happy!LOL He Just got all 3's (like A's for a Kindergardener) on his report Card.. It said "Cade, Works well with others, and is well behaved and shows Leadership  among his class ... YEAH Cade Proud of ya little Man!

Princess Ainsley has a slight addiction to Care Bears!! LOL She Has about everyone that they came out with, I have to admit I love them too!!  She is such a little Princess , but is not afraid to Climb trees  and pick  play in the mud! I love them Mix that she is. She also ADORES, yes ADORES her Papa Ballestero..Carries Pictures around of him, Takes the little elephant (which she also collects) he bought her around and even sings songs about him!!LoL  Being the only girl myself, its like watching me grow up!

Well its time for me to spring forward and get some work Done!! TO Nice to be inside:)