Thursday, January 31, 2013

American Girl class: Molly week 1

We had a great first week of American Girl class of the new semester! It was great to see the girls again after Christmas break, and we met several new girls in classes too. So, welcome to the new girls, we hope you enjoy our class!

In class, we discussed our book, Meet Molly, and also talked about Halloween, the start of World War Two, and the bombing of Pearl Harbor (briefly). After we discussed our book, we started working on our craft, which was to  Make “Crepe Paper Hula Skirts” with white muslin and crepe paper. Each of the girls got one two-inch strip of white muslin, which they tied around their waist. Then they took ten three-foot strips of green crepe paper, and we stapled them onto the waistband. It was very simple, but they looked great!

For snack, we had  Popcorn balls and apples. Since I was sick earlier in the week before class,  I did not help the moms find the recipe for the popcorn balls. One of them told me that she found it online and used marshmallows in it. We had apples too, and cut them into pieces. The popcorn balls were yummy and the girls loved them!
Snack plate...
 The 1:00 class modeling their skirts and doing a little hula dancing!

The 2:00 class...
 The snack mom put tags on the bags with stickers of different American Girls and their friends. The girls loved that and I think they all kept their tags!
The 2:00 class modeling their hula skirts, just like Molly wore in our book.

It was a fun class! I hope I'll feel better next week and ready to have more fun with these girls!

Psalm 17:8
Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.

Proverbs 7:2
Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.

Proverbs 25:11
Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

The family hero...

This week 5/6 of the family got sick with the flu. We were (and some still are) coughing, sniffling, sneezing, whining, aching, feverish and all-around pitiful. We napped a lot. We ate ok. We watched more TV than usual. We took temperatures and medicine. We may have gotten a few small things done, but for the most part we just worked on getting better.

What about the 1 of us that was not sick? That would be our oldest daughter, Rebekah. Our hero of the week. She made us breakfast. She went into the store and bought some things we needed (Daddy drove her there). She made us dinner. It was really good! She helped do the dishes. She talked about hiding out in her room, the only "clean" room in the house. She listened to us whine. She did some of her own things, but she even got her own ride to church on Sunday! And she did her own school work on Monday!

She is our hero. She was a huge help to us when we were all down and sick. So this is our thank you... what a great kid! We are so proud of you, Rebekah!


Oh, and since I am bragging... she signed up to go to the nearby school and lead music at a Bible club... and she does it all on her own on Tuesday afternoons. I think it is really cool, and she really likes it! Way to go, Rebekah! What a blessing you are to us! (and to others too...)


Romans 8:14
For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.


Galatians 3:26
So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith,


3 John 1:4
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

American Girl class planning


I teach an American Girl class once a week in our homeschool co-op. I started with one class, and now I have two classes. The girls age range is 6-12 years old (1st-6th grade), need to read one book before each class, and I usually ask 5-6 discussion questions about the book. I recommend they own the books, and they can borrow them, but the library only has a few copies. The classes are one hour long. We do discussion questions, a craft and a snack. If we have time, we can do another craft or a ongoing activity that takes more than one week. 

I do charge a fee. I charge $50 a semester, which includes a folder, copies, and all crafts. I get most of my ideas from Jamin, another homeschool blogger that I found several years ago. The time it takes me varies. I would say an hour or two each week outside of the class. I read the book (30-60 minutes), gather craft supplies and make a sample ahead of time. I try to shop for the supplies all at one time, but sometimes it gets broken up into 2 or 3 trips. I used to shop for supplies every week, and it got to be too challenging. I usually shop at Wal-mart, Hobby Lobby and sometimes Jo-Anns or Michaels. 

This semester, I read all of the 12 books ahead of time, over Christmas break. It is nice to have them read ahead of time so that I am not trying to read while preparing and planning. I do try to buy the books. I have three daughters, and I know they will enjoy reading the books over and over. I have enjoyed most of the books, and learning history along with my students.

There are some companion books, called Welcome to ---'s World, of which I own several, and they are very handy to have. They offer lots of extra information that I can use in class. I like the extra stories to read if we have a few extra minutes.  There are some cook books and craft books at our library which are helpful too. I haven't used them all, but have found some great ideas in them. The extra books are worth checking into as well.

I have my elementary teaching degree from college, and it is nice to be able to use it with these girls! I also enjoy crafts a lot, and so it is fun to blend the two into a neat class! It is one of the more popular classes in our co-op. I have two classes with 12 girls in each class. I began with 15 students in my class, and it was tough with our limited space and the varied age ranges. I have two moms help in my class each week and one mom brings the snack, and I try to provide the recipe for them. Sometimes Jamin has a recipe, sometimes I just find one online.

Let me know if you have any questions, if I haven't answered something. The 12 classes in our semester always goes so quickly! I enjoy sharing God's love with the girls each week too. They are a blessing to me!




Exodus 31:4-5

...to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts. 
They fashioned the breastpiece—the work of a skilled craftsman. They made it like the ephod: of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen.



Acts 17:26
From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.

Monday, January 28, 2013

Music Monday: "Walking on Sunshine"

Recently I was asked which song makes me happy, and I said, "Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina and the Waves. As far as I know, it was one hit for this band.  But if I am down, this song will get me up and sometimes dancing. It is a fun song. if you haven't heard it before, I hope you'll enjoy it! (And I need to hear it today, since I am sick and it is quite cloudy/ rainy outside!)

Katrina And The Waves
Walking On Sunshine lyrics

I used to think maybe you loved me, now baby I'm sure
And I just can't wait till the day when you knock on my door
Now everytime I go for the mailbox, gotta hold myself down
Cause I just can't wait till you write me you're comin' around

Now I'm walking on sunshine whoa
I'm walking on sunshine whoa
I'm walking on sunshine whoa
And don't it feel good
All right now
And don't it feel good
Oh yeah

I used to think maybe you loved me, now I know that it's true
And I don't wanna spend my whole life just a waitin' for you
Now I don't want you back for the weekend, not back for a day (no no no)
I said baby I just want you back and I want you to stay

I'm walking on sunshine (whoa)
I'm walking on sunshine (whoa)
I'm walking on sunshine (whoa)
And don't it feel good
All right now
And don't it feel good
All right now

Walkin' On Sunshine Walkin' On Sunshine
I feel alive, I feel a love
I feel a love that's really real
I feel alive, I feel a love
I feel a love that's really real
I'm on sunshine baby (whoa, oh yeah)
I'm on sunshine baby (whoa)

I'm walking on sunshine (whoa)
I'm walking on sunshine (whoa)
I'm walking on sunshine (whoa)
And don't it feel good
(All Right Now)
And don't it feel good
(I say it, I say it, I say it again, now)
And don't it feel good
(All Right Now)
And don't it feel good...


You can listen to this song on YouTube here.



Job 8:16
They are like a well-watered plant in the sunshine, spreading its shoots over the garden;

Isaiah 18:4
This is what the Lord says to me: “I will remain quiet and will look on from my dwelling place, like shimmering heat in the sunshine, like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest.”

Psalm 84:11
For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.

Psalm 113:3
From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.

Friday, January 25, 2013

Recipe: Lavender Linen Spray

This recipe is one that I found online here and used it to make Christmas gifts this past year. We found some fun bottles at Target that were inexpensive and the perfect size for this recipe. It was very quick to make and my hubby made some circle labels to add to the bottle. One label said the name (Lavender Linen Spray) and the other had the directions (should be used on...). I think they were a big hit!

Lavender Linen Spray
1/2 cup distilled water
1 teaspoon vodka
5 drops lavender essential oil

Close tightly and shake to blend. Add a label and give!

This linen spray can be used on tablecloths, sheets and pillows.

It was pretty easy, the hardest part was gathering the ingredients. Too bad we didn't make one for ourselves! We will need to make some more sometime soon!

Let me know if you make it, I'd love to hear your review!


2 Chronicles 9:24
Year after year, everyone who came brought a gift—articles of silver and gold, and robes, weapons and spices, and horses and mules.

Luke 23:56
Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.

Luke 24:1
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb.

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Preparing for Julie: American Girl

This is what I am planning to do for my American Girl classes for Julie this next semester. We will begin studying Molly for 6 weeks, and then we will take 6 weeks to discuss Julie. I have been reading the books and enjoying them so far. I think the Julie classes will be "far out!" :-D I am looking forward to our classes beginning next week!



Julie Albright, a fun-loving girl who faces big challenges (1974)

Book 1: Meet Julie
Theme: San Francisco, “Gladrags and Handbags”; Items from the 1970’s
Craft: Fuzzy Foot Rug (fake fur); Pet Rocks
Snack: Zucchini bread, discuss why popular in 1970’s

Book 2: Julie Tells Her Story
Theme: Play Basketball, Discuss Presidents, Worksheet
Craft: Macrame Keychains; Head Kerchiefs
Snack: Tuna Noodle Casserole & Sun Tea

Book 3: Happy New Year, Julie
Theme: Chinese New Year with Ivy; Play Mah-Jongg game?
Craft: God’s Eyes
Snack: Fortune Cookies and Hot Tea

Book 4: Julie and the Eagles
Theme: Earth Day/ Save the Eagles;  Geography Worksheets (California)
Craft: Woven Tree (That Artist Woman)
Snack: Sloppy Joes & Tang

Book 5: Julie’s Journey
Theme: Bicentennial Celebration/ Guest Speaker?
Craft: Tie Dye T-shirts (Tulip one step)
Snack: Ants on a log (celery with PB & Raisins) and Kool-aid

Book 6: Changes for Julie
Theme: Deaf friend/Communication/ Student Office President
Craft: “Campaign” Buttons
Snack: Nachos and Hawaiian punch


Hebrews 4:13
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Psalm 139:15
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for theLord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Wordless Wednesday: Cat's Cradle....

(Well, almost wordless!)
Our daughter Rebekah went through her closet recently and found some books that she gave to our 6-year-old Mallory. One of the books was called "Cat's Cradle" and has lots of things to do with a piece of yarn. Mallory has been enjoying learning how to do some of the yarn tricks. I took some pictures of some of the things she can do... 
 "Cup and saucer"
"Eiffel Tower"
"Witch's broom"
She's been having lots of fun! I love that she's found something to keep her hands busy!

Exodus 26:1
[ The Tabernacle ] “Make the tabernacle with ten curtains of finely twisted linen and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, with cherubim woven into them by a skilled worker.

Exodus 28:6
[ The Ephod ] “Make the ephod of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen—the work of skilled hands.

Exodus 28:33
Make pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet yarn around the hem of the robe, with gold bells between them.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

When the kids get the camera...

In our home, we have some Avengers characters. They are not for our son, as you may think. No, our slightly tom-boyish 4-year-old daughter is in a super-hero phase. It started with her wanting to be Superman for Halloween. We made that happen for her, and she was so happy! Then for her birthday, the big kids got her the Hulk and Thor characters, and she loved them! They got her Captain America and Wolverine for Christmas. She also got a purple sparkly Avengers t-shirt that she loves. My oldest daughter bought her a foam Thor hammer for Christmas too. These are her favorite toys!
 So this is what you get when the kids take pictures on the camera... :-D




Aren't they so cool?! :-D



2 Corinthians 11:4-6

 For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the Spirit you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.
 I do not think I am in the least inferior to those “super-apostles.”I may indeed be untrained as a speaker, but I do have knowledge. We have made this perfectly clear to you in every way.

Ephesians 6:12
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Monday, January 21, 2013

Music Monday: "Whom Shall I Fear?"

This song is one that I have been hearing on the radio for several weeks, and I just love the melody and the message. I love that the God who knows and is in charge of the angels of heaven is also by my side. He knows me intimately and loves me. HE IS FAITHFUL! Faithful is a special word to me, I have discovered many times over the past year how God is faithful to me in my own life. I love that He holds the victory! I hope you enjoy this song too! (And Chris Tomlin is one of my favorite Christian artists!)

Whom Shall I Fear

Chris Tomlin

from the album Burning Lights

You hear me when I call
You are my morning song
Though darkness fills the night
It cannot hide the light
Whom shall I fear?

You crush the enemy
Underneath my feet
You are my sword and shield
Though trouble linger still
Whom shall I fear?

I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind
The God of angel armies is always by my side
The One who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine
The God of angel armies is always by my side

My strength is in Your name
For You alone can save
You will deliver me
Yours is the victory
Whom shall I fear?
Whom shall I fear?

And nothing formed against me shall stand
You hold the whole world in Your hands
I'm holding on to Your promises
You are faithful
You are faithful



You can listen to this song on YouTube here.


Psalm 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? TheLord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?


Psalm 89:8
Who is like you, Lord God Almighty? You,Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you.

Isaiah 25:1
Praise to the Lord ] Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.

Friday, January 18, 2013

Recipe: Hard lotion bars

Last summer, I pinned a recipe for handmade lotion bars on Pinterest. I finally got around to trying them in November, and we loved the bars we made instantly! I found one recipe here and another recipe here. I printed both recipes and I liked having two because they each gave different ideas of what to do and how to make them.


We made them as Christmas gifts, and have heard great things from friends and family members. We have several bars around our house-- in the bathrooms, in the kitchen, in the front room where we sit often. I even have one in my nightstand by my bed!

Here is the basic recipe that we used:
1 part each, by weight:
Cocoa butter or shea butter
Oil (we used coconut oil or olive oil)
Beeswax

We melted the ingredients together in our own homemade double boiler that we use for lotion making too: a pan of water with a jar in it. The jar is what we mixed up the ingredients and stirred them while they heated. When everything was melted, we poured them into molds, let set until hard (at least an hour, or overnight), unmolded them, and put them in fun-colored baggies! They smell good enough to eat, especially with the cocoa butter in them... yum! But since they have beeswax, it's probably not safe to ingest them.

We found molds at Hobby Lobby, and I have a bunch from years ago when I used to make soap, so that is what we used. If you're in the area and want to borrow them, let me know! I also used my mini- muffin pan from our favorite kitchen company... :-D They popped right out of it, and it is nice to have smaller bars too!
The one made earlier... getting smaller... by the kitchen sink.

These bars are a lovely way to combat the winter dry skin! The kids can use them too, and even could have helped making them... but we made them when we were in bed. The shea butter tends to feel a little bit greasy, but they still work great and soak into the skin. You could add scents to them, but I liked the cocoa butter scent, so we didn't add any extra aromas. We ran out of beeswax beads when we made these-- we will have to buy some more! We bought our cocoa butter online through amazon.com, by searching cocoa butter.

Let me know if you make them, I'd love to hear your review!



Psalm 55:21
His talk is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords.

Ezekiel 37:6
I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’”

Job 10:9
Remember that you molded me like clay. Will you now turn me to dust again?

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Ice Rink!?!

The weather here in Colorado has been quite cold for several weeks. We've had more than three weeks of temperatures under freezing, and lots of night of below zero weather. It's COLD! The sun in the afternoons is nice, but this is the coldest winter I can remember here for several years. It's quite a contrast from last winter when I think it never got below zero!

In light of the weather, and the snow staying on the ground so long, our neighbor guy and my son Caleb had a bright idea to make an ice rink. The first one they made was about five feet across. But then this past week they added onto the size-- over double. It has bricks to frame it around the edges (borrowed from another neighbor) and just water left to freeze (several layers). It has turned out to be a nice little rink!

Then this morning the same neighbor guy came home with ice skates for the three older kids that he had gotten at Goodwill and on Craigslist. The kids have been having lots of fun skating and playing hockey ever since (4+ hours!) Here are a few pics of the family ice rink here:
 Caleb trying on the new skates...
 Caleb's first chance at ice skating:
 (He may have gone a few years ago...)
 Mallory has skates too, but they it was tough for her, so she only left them on a few minutes.
No skates for Bethany, but boots work fine too!


Job 6:16
when darkened by thawing ice and swollen with melting snow...

Job 37:10
The breath of God produces ice, and the broad waters become frozen.

Job 38:29
From whose womb comes the ice? Who gives birth to the frost from the heavens...

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Wordless Wednesday: Wedding weekend!

(Well, almost wordless!)

This past weekend, we attended a wedding of a friend of ours-- our brother-in-law's sister! We had a great time with their family, and getting to be away from home, the normal routine, and hearing my hubby sing too! Joshua sang two songs in the wedding, with others. Since our friend is a missionary to Spain, one of the songs was partially in Spanish, which he does not speak but he sang quite well!

Enjoy the pics!
The "dress rehearsal" of the quartet...
 A beautiful setting in the sanctuary...
 The Spanish/ English song... so neat!
 Our three nieces were flower girls and did so well!
 The father and the bride... yeah!
 Our family at the reception...
And they're off!

We had a great time, so glad everything went well!


John 3:29
The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.


Revelation 19:7
Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.

Revelation 22:17
The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Preparing for Molly- American Girl

Our co-op classes have had a nice break for Christmas, but we will getting back into classes in a few weeks! I am busy reading the books before classes begin, firming up my lesson plans and getting papers ready to give to the girls (and parents) about what we will study this semester. Here is my tentative plan for Molly, the American Girl from 1944. I will add dates to this plan before I print it for the girls. I am looking forward to learning more about the World War Two era! (A little sneak peek for my moms and girls!)



Molly McIntire who schemes and dreams on the homefront during World War Two. (1944)

Book 1: Meet Molly
Theme: Pearl Harbor Attack, beginning of World War Two
Craft: Crepe Paper Hula Skirts (white muslin, crepe paper)
Snack: Popcorn balls and apples

Book 2: Molly Learns a Lesson
Theme: Flag Salute/ “America The Beautiful” song, War Message (p. 67)
Craft: Tied Polar Fleece blankets to donate (from kits)-- Project Linus?
Snack: Boston Brown Bread with Raisins

Book 3: Molly’s Surprise
Theme: Christmas; Dad being away for prolonged time period
Craft: Pipe cleaner ornament (in book 3); how to address an envelope
Snack: Cinnamon Sticky Buns; sing “Joy to The World”?

Book 4: Happy Birthday, Molly!
Theme: Princess Tea Party;   blackout drill?
Craft: Crowns; Jump ropes from clothesline
Snack: Margarine sandwiches, lemon tart & tea with sugar

Book 5: Molly Saves The Day
Theme: Summer Camp; play “Capture the Flag?”
Craft: Sit-upons with oil cloth & duct tape
Snack: Ice Cream Cones

Book 6: Changes for Molly
Theme: End of the War, Read from Welcome to Molly’s World and Don’t Know Much about American History; Sadako and the Paper Cranes;  Geography Worksheets- Illinois; England
Craft: Origami Cranes
Snack: Corn Dogs


Exodus 15:3
The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is his name.

Psalm 127:4
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.

Psalm 144:1
Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.

Friday, January 11, 2013

Holland Lapbook

This is another lapbook that my oldest daughter and I made several years ago. We got the overall template from homeschoolshare.com here. We chose the country of Holland, since that is where some of my ancestors are from. My parents both had grandparents from Holland. 

On the front cover, we found a color map of Holland/ the Netherlands, printed and cut it and placed it on a blue file folder. We also used red file folder, since those two colors are stripes in the Holland flag (along with white). 

Left folder open:
Left flap:
People- native name= Nederlanders!, population, history
Capital (Amsterdam)
Fun fact (We wrote about the Rim City)

Center:
Religion
Religions- Most common/ least common
Popular Sports
Education (School is compulsory between 5-16, etc.,)

Center flap up:
What's Cookin'? (includes my Grandma's Ollie Bollen recipe)
Fun Fact (2)
Can you believe it? (2)
Recipes (We included Jan Hagel cookies and Bankett (sp?)

Center blue folder:
Are we there yet? (map and how long would it take to get there?)
Climate
Flag Facts
Geography- Area, Lowest Point, Highest POint, Rivers
Where is the World is Holland?  (continent, color on map)
Fun Fact (The port of Rotterdam is the largest port in Europe.)

Left flap- red folder:
Weather Patterns (average temp's in different seasons)
Borders-Land- Belgium and Germany
Borders- Sea- North Sea on north and west
Left flap (blue):
Famous person (we chose Johannes/ Jan Vermeer, and have a mini-painting printed!)
Languages spoken in Holland (15!)
Do you speak my Language?

Center- red folder- flap down:
Holiday traditions (we wrote about St. Nicholas Day on Dec. 6)
Birthday traditions (My favorite part was about crown birthdays at 5, 10, 15, 21 years!)
Wedding traditions
Famous Artist (mini-book shown open--we chose Vincent Van Gogh)
What type of Government? How does it work?

Right flap: 
Animals (we wrote about popular and seen in zoos/ parks)
Explorer
Center flap up:
Traditional music/ Traditional Dancing (clogging!)
What time is it at my home?/ What time is it in Amsterdam? (clocks under flaps)

Center- red folder:
Count to ten (each number and pronunciation)
Alphabet (and how letters pronounced)
Missionary (We wrote a small bio about Corrie ten Boom.)
Major industries (windmills, cheese, delftware, tulips, etc.,)
Back cover:
The Little Hero of Holland (adapted from Etta Austin Blaisdell and Mary Frances Blaisdell)
Printed photo of windmills and tulips

You can find out more about the Netherlands/ Holland here.

We really enjoyed making this lap book about discovering more about the country of Holland (the Netherlands)! We enjoyed learning about the people, places and culture of a new country that we didn't know lots about. My daughter helped with the cutting and some of the writing. We enjoy looking at this lapbook occasionally and seeing what we made and relearning it too!



2 Timothy 1:5
I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.


Exodus 20:12
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.


Ephesians 6:2
“Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise...

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Decorating with Scripture

Recently, I was looking online at Doorposts, which is a company which encourages families in their Scripture learning together. I found the Doorposts Facebook page, and enjoyed looking at photos that were submitted by families of Scripture in their homes. The verses were on doorposts, wall hangings, vinyl clings, mirrors, doors, refrigerators and many more places around the home. Some of the decorations were quite ornate and beautiful! The carved wood around the doorposts was just gorgeous! 

Well, all of the pictures inspired me. In reality, I have lots of Bible verses around our home already. Below are some photos of the calligraphy and cross-stitched verses that I have done. Some are printed on cardstock and laminated.  The first one is an ornament that I made for our Christmas tree. I would like to make more ornaments with verses on them. (But my hubby says we have too many ornaments!)  

I just love being surrounded by God's word each day. Not all of these verses were stitched or made by me. A few of them were gifts from God-loving friends. They are some of my very favorite gifts since they draw me into God's word just by reading the verse on the wall.
This calligraphy I made as gifts many years ago for friends, and clipped verses to it...
A friend stitched this Psalm 23 for my hubby before we were married... so beautiful!
I like to cross-stitch too, and found this company called Joyful Expressions, which sells online patterns (for download) of Bible verses. I have made several of their patterns, since they are pretty simple and easy!
A sign that we bought for our school room... :-D
A sampler that I cross-stiched with several patterns put together into one... love the family verse on this one!
A friend gave me this framed name and verse as a gift-- I love it!
Another Joyful Expressions cross-stitch, and a hand painted love necklace holder.
Another Joyful Expressions verse, and this one is my life verse, my favorite... this is beside my bed.

Another gift cross-stitch... Thanks Morgan!
A variety of printed & laminated verses on our fridge!

I hope you enjoyed the pictures of what we have around our home, and are inspired to add more verses around your own home! I found a printable here that I like and have printed, framed in a simple gold frame and placed on our fireplace mantle. You could do the same (other great verse printables found here)! And as you read the verses, you can enjoy a little of God in your day too!

Psalm 119:105
Thy Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Psalm 19:14 
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You, O Lord, My Rock and My Redeemer.

Psalm 119: 11
I have hidden your word imy heart that I might not sin against you.
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