A message from Uncle Sam...

New post on Sons of Georgia

DVD’s anyone? by Uncle Sam Our DVD's are very close to being hot off the press! If you would like your very own copy of Sons of Georgia for your personal library, now would be the perfect time to purchase! Each DVD is equipped with Bonus Features that include Extra’s, Out-takes, Deleted Scenes, and much more! Pick up your copy today at the Sons of Georgia online store at: www.shopsonsofgeorgia.net

A Funny...

 We have been studying Scotland and early European history this year. Weve been reading about events which took place hundreds of years ago. I read aloud, the kids that read  do research on their own and we listen to audios...you just never know what a child will pick up.

  So during lunch today, one of the kids was being , what we would call, 'dramatic'. Suddenly from the other room I hear the 7 year old say..."You are so Germanic". LOLOLOL!

Parenting Challenges...

• Posted by Brett and Dana Adams on March 30, 2012 at 11:31am
• View Blog

  There are so many arent there? One of the hardest things for most parents is to let our small children do important things that they may 'mess up'. Or , letting small children do jobs that require skill....
  Well I have had to force myself to 'let go' and let children, small ones even~do important jobs. For example...the 5&7 year old came up to me a couple of weeks ago and said 'Mom it is time to plant the garden!!! You cant do it so can we go plant some seeds?"
  I, being so wise, knew that (since the garden hadn't been tilled or had amendments added yet,) it was more important for them to 'think' they were being useful though they wouldn't really be doing so. I was so proud of them however,.. they got little pots, put dead dirt into them, planted watermelon seeds (heedless of the appropriate depth to plant them) and the 5 year old even remembered to water every day!
  Imagine my surprise when I finally got out into the garden 2 days ago and found 25 watermelon plants growing in little pots in a neat little cluster in the garden! Apparently the soil didn't know it was dead and the watermelon seeds had no idea what kind of inexperienced gardeners were planting them:)
  I can honestly say that I have never been able to get 25 watermelons seeds to come up! And, that is with miracle grow potting soil, and measuring with a ruler the appropriate depth.
  So, lesson reinforced. Let go and let them! Praise the Lord that , in my 'wisdom' I didnt interfere with their desire to serve their family, I didnt rob them of the opportunity to exercise great character traits ....diligence, responsibility, creativity, etc....after all that is the real fruit. The watermelons will just be a bonus:)

And they're off!!!

Shiloh Tennessee....Sesquicentennial National Event of that late unfortunate war. I don't know what the final count was of the registered reenactors but it will be over 10,000.

 We hope they come home with some great pix....but I don't plan on it!
At this event you are not allowed to be seen with anything 'farb'. That is anything that is not period. Including, in the evening when the 'public' is closed out of the park, the reenactors are not permitted to be anything but 'period' at all times. If you do have anything...flashlight, cell phone or modern device or clothing...it had better not be seen!

 If these pictures look like a lot of activity...a little chaos and mostly 'uncomfortable' people...then these pictures have perfectly related what reenacting offers most of the time!
 The funniest part for me is when I am washing dishes and a spectator walks up with a child and says "look Suzy, the ladies is reenacting how they used to wash dishes 150 years ago"....actually...I'm really washing them because the dinner bell is about to go off and I have 10 people rushing to my table to eat...oh and I wash them like that at home too:) Although I do intend to get techy one day and use a dishwasher...

 Some of these reenacting pics are from years ago. Though we took a few years off when we moved to this fine state, over all we have done reenacting for 12 years. Ive been to reenactments with a newborn 5 times. So if I can do it, anyone can!
  It is such a fantastic and fun family event! I would heartily encourage  you to get involved in it!

This is an example of a smaller tent than what we use. Actually we use 3 tents now!

Hope you enjoyed the pics!
  Those of us who are 'left behind' are consoling ourselves with planting our garden today! We are sad but I have to admit...I wont miss the 80 degrees days, 30 degree nights and the rain that they are expecting!

SONS OF GEORGIA PREMIERE!

 

 

"You are all invited to the "Sons of Georgia" Premiere on Saturday, April 21st at 10:30 A.M.  Children of Light Productions will be showing this film at the Hi-Pointe Theatre in Clayton, Missouri.  This film will present Sherman’s epic March to the Sea through the eyes of the Georgia citizens. We would love for you to be able to attend.  The "Sons of Georgia" DVD will be for sale at the premiere showing. 

Samuel Saffa is the film's producer and Stephen Littmann Jr. is the director.  This 58 minute film is the product of many homeschool families in the St. Louis area and some in different directions outside of St. Louis ... even as far as Texas.  The film features as the Blanding family ... Darrel and Terri Mays, Samuel and Gracie Lee Saffa, Addison Brown, Abriana Price, Ezra Proch and Evan Petzoldt .  The first shoot, "Civil War Ball Scene", was filmed at the 2011 CHEF Homeschool Conference. 

   

The Hi-Pointe Theatre is located at 1005 McCausland Ave. next to the large Amoco sign near the St. Louis Zoo.  Please plan for extra time to park and walk to theatre."

 

There are 460 seats available! Hope to see you there!!!

Our day in pictures

 Charity made butter...

Aside from Machaira sewing a vest...and boys cleaning the yard...


Mom made ghee...

 Then Abby made these 'cute' little
loaves! The little kids love having
their 'own' loaf of bread!

And...last but not least, we finally started
painting my parlour! Carpet and furniture
next week Lord willing!

What kind of day did you have???

Dances, Balls and Guys in kilts....

Just what we wanted, pics of kilts and pics of some dances!
Doesn't this look fun? Our next event will
not be until the end of April so we have
plenty of time to learn all of our new
dances. For a list of the dances we are
currently working on, check our SCD page.

 Our Flowers O Scotland also has a website , the address can be found of the SCD page also. As weve had some technical problems, it has not been updated well. We are working on fixing the problem and it should be up to date soon.

Thanks for looking at our pics!

Houston we have a problem:)

  We have become aware of a problem among young men. We aren't sure what the problem stems from...perhaps they are not secure in their 'manliness'. Well whatever the cause; we wanted to bring your attention to the problem and also the solution;
Problem~KILTLESSNESS (the condition of being without a kilt)
Solution~SPORT KILT


Ella wants to know..."Got kilt?"



"You do! Whew!"

  Authentic kilts are VERY pricey, sport kilts are very reasonable! So even if you plan to get an authentic kilt 'someday' you can easily afford a sport kilt right now!

  http://www.sportkilt.com/index.php
 Send us your pics of yourselves in kilts or scottish dress and we will post them on our blog!
keetsrus@yahoo.com

Dancing our ghillies off!

 A ghillie is of course an Irish or Scottish dance shoe. They look like this;

They normally come in black but Ive seen them in tan...mine! LOL! By the time this evening comes our family will have danced 6 of the last 7 day! We've had lots of practices, a demo and last night attended a Scottish Ball ! We have really been having a lot of fun!

I have come to believe that SCD is far more profitable than just exercise, because dancing; you get more exercise than you want yet you are learning an art at the same time. As well, for us it is a way to celebrate our heritage! It takes a LOT of stamina to dance certain dances, especially when they last for several minutes. So the next time you want to get in shape, try out some SCD! I always say it but I hope to get some video this year! Patient people keep asking! Sorry I'm so slow and thanks so much for

your interest! We will post pictures of the Ball soon, Lord willing:)

Happy St. Patricks Day....

                      From the Adams Clan and (some of the rest of)the Flowers O Scotland Dance Troupe!

Awareness & Compassion....

  March being Trisomy 13 Awareness Month, I want to be sure and mention it a few times in our blog this month. Even if you dont know anyone who has dealt with this, you can still pray if you feel so led. One of my prayers is that the 'medical establishment' would conform their policy on this issue. Most of the time, health care providers say that Trisomy 13 is incompatible with life...hm I beg to differ. Check out the Trisomy 13 button on the side bar and read amazing testimony's from parents. Whether these childrens lives last a moment or years and years, every second is a precious moment.
  As you can see, under the Trisomy 13 button, there are a few names. Those are names of just a few of the precious babies who have gone on before us; where there are no more tears or tubes or trials. If you or anyone you know would like to add a name to my list I would be honored to add it. Just leave me a note in the 'comments'. Or you can email me privately at keetsrus@yahoo.com.
  As I write this I cant help thinking of Leahs little one, Elizabeth. She didn't have Trisomy but what she had resulted in a very short life on this earth (but we know she is eternal in the Heavens with the Lord). I rejoiced with Leah and her family that they had some precious moments with that dear little one. I also cant help thinking of Noah and all of the struggles that brave little guy faces each day. I am not sure what he has, Ive checked his blog for months and months...I believe he has many many things. All of that to say, all of these lives are precious and important. My sympathies and heart are not with one disorder alone:) It is with all of the dear families who are dealing with the struggles and care for these sweet ones and the families who have suffered the pain of loss.
  Our loss of these little ones is their gain but the pain remains:)
   Dear Lord please bless all of these families with your peace and presence today~

Adrenals.....

  Fatigue or exhaustion, it is practically the same! You feel exhausted and fatigued! And, if you weren't already feeling poorly enough...try reading up on all of the info available on the subject! That is really exhausting!
  I am so grateful for all of that info though! I am so grateful for all of the Dr's, health care providers, bloggers etc who share what they know so that people like me can be informed!
  I think it only appropriate to do my small part in educating people! I am now a firm believer in taking care of your adrenals! If you do or don't have adrenal fatigue, there is much you can do!
  Probably one of the best sources of info I have found on the 'disorder'(?) is from Dr. Lam who is easily found online. However there is no replacing my dear friend who is going through this too and never tells me she tires of my endless inquires! So here is a minor explanation of what is going on with me and hopefully not you!...(Most of this info is from Dr. Lam)
  The adrenal glands are located on top of each kidney. They produce hormones that help control metabolism, chemicals in the blood, and stress responses. Adrenal gland disorders can increase the level of hormones produced.
 The adrenal gland consists of two  sections, each produces a specific set of hormones. The outer portion of the adrenals, known as the adrenal cortex, produces corticosteroids including cortisol that functions in the use and storage of energy, aldosterone that stimulates the reabsorption of salts and water, and the hormones  estrogen, progesterone and testosterone.
The inner portion of the adrenals, known as the adrenal medulla, produces hormones classified as catecholamines including epinephrine, also called adrenalin, and norepinephrine, also called noradrenalin. Epinephrine and norepinephrine act on the (sympathetic) nervous system. Adrenal gland disorders can cause the adrenal medulla to produce increased levels of these hormones.
  Whew! All that to say that my adrenal medulla works overtime when I should be sleeping, I have low blood pressure but high pulse rate...and my cortisol production is down, which means my progesterone is low which means the hormone estrogen is the dominant hormone in my body right now. This leads to the 'fatigue' or tiredness, or chronic muscle and joint pain.
  I don't really know too much about it but one thing I am convinced about; having spoken to several people, Dr's and Dr Lam himself...natural remedies are the only long term effective way to correct the 'OAT AXIS' dysregulation that is occurring. That stands for ovary,adrenal, and thyroid. They all work together. Taking progesterone is not going to help the thyroid, taking thyroid meds is not only addictive but taking them will not help the ovaries or adrenals. As well, if and when you do choose to take a progesterone supplement it is HIGHLY recommended that it not be a synthetic form.
  It seems that when it comes to certain progesterone replacement therapies and thyroid medication therapies, that your body decides it will let the meds do the work for them. So instead of helping your body to restore and produce normal levels of what it needs, it will now do little or nothing on its own.
  My hope and goal is to be able to 'get' regulated by long term natural means. So far Ive heard from one source that it may take a year, another source has said two years.
  Being 42, it means that Ive had that many years of environmental toxins, and stress. So 2 years doesn't sound so long after all.
  A few friends have asked if 'having a lot of children' produces this 'disorder'. No! It is not a result of being a homeschool mom either:) It takes years for ones body to get this way, it therefore stands to reason that it will take some time to correct it. Individuals are all born with a certain 'adrenal strength,or constitution'. Some bodies are able to handle more than others, also some bodies have had to deal with more than other bodies...this explains why everyone isn't suffering from this.
  A small piece of advice 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you' and 'Prefer one another ahead of yourselves'....Do those verses seem out of place here? Well not if you've heard the sad, heartbreaking stories that I have of women who are misunderstood because they have adrenal fatigue/exhaustion.
  I posted earlier this week that 'supermom is dead and if she isn't she will be soon. God did not call us to be super He called us to be faithful'. Those super mom (super bloggers maybe?) that look down on this weakness in others makes me want to remind them that they do not stand in their own strength....and if you do take heed lest you yourself fall. "Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy". May we all be merciful to one another today, and also to ourselves. There is no dishonor in caring for our temple:)

SONS OF GEORGIA!

Heads UP! Announcement To Be Made SOON! by slittmannathome

News of the premiere and where it will be shown ... Announcing soon!

Thank you all for your patience and prayers as we complete the final phase of the "SOG" project.

Who is that handsome man in the red? :)

Trisomy 13

 March is the official 'Trisomy 13 Awareness' month. Today March 13 is Trisomy Awareness Day. Please take some time this month to pray for the dear families whose lives have been touched by this disorder. There is a button on our blog where you can go for information and support. I love the t-shirts they have for sale;   

To the parents and families of Michael, Alegria and Lilly, may the Lord bless you and keep you. Our hope is knowing that these precious babies are 'Forever in the arms of grace'. (Such an awesome thought Anthony.)

         

BUGS!

  There are two things that we have an ENDLESS  supply of in this fine state...Rocks, and bugs~ And having so many children, there is bound to be one that collects them right? You are thinking it is one of my boys? Mmm, nope! They are busy building and raising animals and gardening...so the duty has fallen to our 14 year old daughter! Not sure where she finds the time between sewing and weaving and reading and school and and and....but here is a peek at her collection. Ok so the frog is not a bug...but it is neat:)

Scottish Country Dancing

For those interested there are a few added pics to our Scottish Country Dance page. We have a demo coming up on Friday. I pray that I am able to FINALLY do what I keep promising.....take video!

Teaching them to teach

The Lord is faithful to bring beauty for ashes. He always uses trial for our good.
  Having the health struggles that I am right now, has provided more opportunity for discipling then ever.
  When I have a good day, two days a week or so, I use that time to teach the older kids to 'teach the younger', properly.
  It has always been our goal to teach our children to 'teach themselves' and be self learners. There is no benefit for mom or child ,if their school work is only done under the constant eye of mom. Mom has other things to do all day. As well, teaching different ages  you arent able to use 'one style' to teach a variety of ages.
  Ive noticed over the years that it is the propensity of children to 'micro manage' little ones when they help them with school. This is to be avoided. As well, they need to learn good time management so that they are still accomplishing their own work while giving some instruction to the younger one.
  Of course these times are not the norm in homeschooling. But all guilt aside:) it is good for our children to learn to teach as well as learn. After all, our generational vision looks to our children homeschooling thier own children one day!

Where is chivalry???

 

chiv·al·ry

   /ˈʃɪvəlri/ Show Spelled[shiv-uhl-ree] Show IPA

noun, plural -ries for 6.

1.

the sum of the ideal qualifications of a knight, including courtesy, generosity, valor, and dexterity in arms.

2.

the rules and customs of medieval knighthood.

3.

the medieval system or institution of knighthood.

4.

a group of knights.

5.

gallant warriors or gentlemen: fair ladies and noble chivalry

  I constantly read history. This year we are studying 'Europe'. Much of our study has landed me in the medieval period. You know, the time when 'barbarians' roamed the earth? Men who thought nothing of war and death and privation?

  I find it most interesting that those who we would call barbarians were endowed with such an admirable amount of chivalry that it puts our society to shame. Our 'advanced', 'civilized', 'cultured' society is more barbarian than any that I have read of so far.

  For example, there were two feuding clans in Scotland (around the year 1300). The two clans were feuding over a tract of land that they both claimed were theirs. The chiefs decided to 'meet' at the disputed spot and decide once and for all who was the owner of the property. There stood up a man~with hands on hips who defiantly spoke to the 'other' chief and said "I swear that the soil I stand upon is that belonging to us"(he said this while standing upon the other chiefs land)...the opposing chief knew that there is no way this man would out and out lie, yet he knew that the land was his. Therefore the only solution was; he picked the man up by his heels, peeled of his shoes and shook out the soil that he found there! During the night, the man (who was now on his head:) had snuck some dirt into his shoes from their own land and put it in his shoes so that, wherever he stood, when he said "The soil I stand upon is ours" he would be speaking the truth.

  Isn't that noble in a way? We can learn a lot from the heathens of old. What shame their chivalry is to us in this age.

  There is another story of a Scottish lord who was faithful to the (tyrant) King Edward of England. King Edward was constantly trying to put Scotland under his rule so he would war with, or kill off the kings of Scotland to accomplish his purposes. One of the 'lords' was named Buchan. He was such a detestable, mean and wicked, unfaithful man that many feared him. There is not an act of treachery that he would not perform. At one point he is said to have killed his own son. WHAT!!! The knights, wretches and tyrants around him disputed for months over the veracity of such a story. They could not believe that even he, who turned his wife over to King Edward to be killed, who reveled in war and death, could possibly do such a thing! The rules of decency and chivalry would not permit such an action. We are not talking about Christian folks here either...What would those barbarians have thought of planned parenthood in their day!

  Well shame on our 'civilized' society who knows not even the definition of chivalry!

   Let us purpose to teach our young men, children and daughters the virtue of chivalry. It is not dead! It is just unknown, untaught and unthought of in this present age! Lord have mercy on our uncivilized behaviour.

A funny....

Humor, out of the mouths of babes is the funniest kind of humor to me! This is one of our beloved grandsons. The other day his mama asked him, "Owen, do you want to spend the night at Papa and Noni's house? Do you want to sleep there?" He got all excited and said " Mama, I dont want to sleep there! I want to spend there!"

Isnt that so cute? Come to find out, 'Papa' tucks the boys in at night and when Owen is here, he and Sam always protest "We cant fall asleep!" So Papa assures them, they dont have to sleep, they just have to go to bed.

We figure this is the source of Owen wanting to spend and not sleep at Papa and Noni's :) Sweet!

Affliction makes time for Reflection....

Isnt that so? When we are afflicted we suddenly have time for reflection?
  Reflection is a useful tool in which we can honestly look around us and make evalutaions about how we have been doing. Sometimes reflection is difficult, sometimes rewarding but either way it is necessary and profitable.
  Ive come to the conclusion that there is a myth floating around that there exists a 'Supermom'. Supermom is dead folks, and if she isnt now, she will be soon because 'mom' wasnt designed to be 'super'. Mom was designed to be faithful. We were created to bring glory and honor to the Lord. This world doesnt often honor what the Lord does. So things that bring eternal value; 'T' (talking) parties with our children, looking them in the eye, discipling them, loving our husbands, being faithful keepers of our home, showing hospitality, all of these things are valued as nothing in the world.
  So I just wanted to encourage you, and me, to be faithful to the 'eternal' today. What a glorious thing to look forward to one day when we hear the words 'Well done thou good and faithful servant'. It makes all of the everday mundane tasks of life look worthwhile and pleasant.