My Summer Bucket List 2023

 

Hey y'all!

Do you make a bucket list each season like I do? You know, I've not once finished everything on my list, but it sure inspires me to keep busy and enjoy the season. This summer, I am especially excited, because my little Gibby, my nickname for my first grandbaby, is going to arrive. He's set to make his appearance near the end of summer. Update: He surprised us and came early! His name is Benjamin, and he's perfect! My Amy is taking after her momma. I have three children born at the end of August and beginning of September! It makes a long, hot summer for momma, that's sure. I finished knitting a little pair of socks for Gibby last week. I used leftover yarn from his momma's Christmas socks from this past year. That's very appropriate since his momma announced him to us on Christmas! I only wish I'd had leftover yarn from his daddy's socks, too, but he has size 13 feet! No leftovers there!

Here are some of the things that I want to do this summer. 

I'll put a heart by the things as I finish them.

 Write my summer bucket list

♥ Write my summer reading list

♥ Make a little sweater for Benjamin 

♥ Make a little hat to match  

♥ Make a few more newborn socks

 

♥ Knit socks for #summersockcamp 3 pairs done

~ Knit dishcloths for us and for gifts

♥ Knit a hat for the NICU 

♥Sew some wipes 

♥ Hand quilt 15 minutes a day... I've done it most days.

~ Sew a new skirt before school starts

~ Take in the elastic on a couple of skirts

~ Catch up my mending

~ Sew a project bag

~ Picnic in the park

♥ Day trip to northwest Arkansas

~ Drive in movie

♥ Frozen lemonade run to Sonic

 ♥ Worship Jesus under the stars

~ Sit by water and worship Jesus

~ Sit by a fire and worship Jesus

♥ Watch fireworks

♥ Talk to strangers

♥ Blow bubbles

♥ Eat icy cold watermelon

♥ Eat fresh corn on the cob

♥ Eat fresh tomatoes out of our garden

♥Make strawberry jam

♥ Make blueberry jam

~ Make a Christmas gift

~ Make a plan for blog posts

~ Make a daily and weekly rhythm plan 

~ Make a gift list for birthdays and Christmas

♥ Repot 3 houseplants

~ Finish fixing up the back porch table and chairs

What's on your summer bucket list friends?

Enjoy!

Laura

Happy for summer at home!

It's the best part of teaching.

PS Gibby is my nickname for our grandbaby due in a couple of months. GrandBaBY. Gibby!

My Prayer for You Dear Reader

 

My prayer for you, my reader...

Jesus, I thank you that you hear our prayers. Father, I thank you for sending Jesus. Holy Spirit, I thank you for being our comforter and our teacher. Lord God, three in one, I thank you that you personally know each one of my readers. You know each one's needs, fears, hopes, problems, pains, and illnesses. I ask you God to speak directly to each one, to meet each person's needs, and heal each physical problem. Bless each spiritually, physically, socially, and financially. I ask that you fill them with peace as they seek you and give their problems to you. I ask it all by the power of the Blood of Jesus, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Hugs to you all!

Laura

Shared with Grammy's Grid

3 Word Review: In This Moment by Gabrielle Meyer

 I loved it!

Seriously, this book is excellent. Gabrielle Meyer created a trio of storylines that were at once captivating and believable. Not an easy task for a time travel type book. In This Moment* is the second of the Timeless series. I also reviewed When the Day Comes last summer when it was released. Loved it, too! 

If you like clean historical fiction, read these books. If you like clean historical romance, read these books. In This Moment has some kissing, but I cannot remember anything that would make a lady blush in it. Remember when ladies blushed? Here's a bit from the publisher about In This Moment.

From the Back Cover

Maggie inherited a gift from her time-crossing parents that allows her to live three separate lives in 1861, 1941, and 2001. Each night, she goes to sleep in one time period and wakes up in another. Until she turns twenty-one, when she will have to forfeit two of those lives--and everyone she knows in them--forever.

In 1861, Maggie is the daughter of a senator at the outbreak of the Civil War, navigating a capital full of Southern spies and wounded soldiers. In 1941, she is a navy nurse, grappling with her knowledge of the future when she joins a hospital ship going to Pearl Harbor. And in 2001, she's a brilliant young medical student, fulfilling her dream of becoming a surgeon.

While Maggie has sworn off romance until she makes her final choice, an intriguing man tugs at her heart in each era, only complicating the impossible decision she must make, which looms ever closer. With so much on the line, how can Maggie choose just one life to keep and the rest to lose?

My Thoughts:

I didn't even have to read the description of the book to know I wanted to read it. When the Day Comes blew me away last year. 

The three time periods Gabrielle chose were powder kegs in history. Maggie's personality is developed through all three periods, and she's responsible, remarkable, kind, and a most likeable young woman in all three. Her journey through the three lifetimes challenges her in her views of herself, of God, and how she fits into the world around her. 

There's nothing that I can write that will fully explain how suspenseful this book is or how it will capture your attention. You'll need time to read. You'll want time to read. You'll snatch moments to read!

I do recommend that you read the first book first. However, this is also a stand alone book.

Enjoy!

Laura

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I use the Goodreads star system.
★               Did not like it
★★            It was okay
★★★         Liked it
★★★★      Really liked it
★★★★★   It was amazing

Find me online here:

@lauraofharvestlane on Instagram

Laura Lane on Goodreads 

2023 30 Finished Books Goal 51

HarvestLaneLaura on Ravelry

Harvest Lane Cottage on Facebook

PayPal laura@harvestlanecottage.com

Address available by email

*Amazon link

Hello Everyone!

Hello everyone!

I have a few minutes this morning so I thought I'd stop in and say hello. I keep telling myself that I'm going to be more regular in blogging. I'm trying to get into a new schedule now that school is out. We'll see what happens. I'm a little better about posting on Instagram. 

This morning I have been busy with writing cards. Some of them are thank you notes, and some of them are a little cards that have photos in them that. I thought the photos might bring back some happy memories to the recipients. 

I'll be going knitting this afternoon with some friends. It's a weekly appointment. I don't like to miss it. These girls have really challenged me, too. In fact it's because of some of these ladies that I'm now a dedicated sock knitter. I will try to post some pictures of some of the things I've been knitting tomorrow. 

I've also been reading some good books and listening to good books as well. My current read is called In This Moment* by Gabriel Meyer. I'll be reviewing it next week. I really tucked into the storyline!

Have a terrific week!

Laura

Writing, knitting, reading, and enjoying my time off work

*Amazon affiliate link

Homeschooling - If God Leads You to It, God Will Lead You Through It

 

​Homeschooling was never in the plan.  Back in the early '90s, I met a couple of homeschooling families. They were a bit odd but quite nice. That was my first exposure. Later, as a member of the Conservative Book Club, I was sent a book by Raymond and Dorothy Moore called The Successful Homeschool Family Handbook.​ I also came across The Christian Home School by Gregg Harris around the same time. Soon, I was hearing Dr. Dobson talk about homeschooling with Dr. Moore on Focus on the Family. 

God just lead me to it. My Lowell agreed. We decided to do it for a year.  My family disagreed with us even though it was just kindergarten.  That was the year of Columbine. After that, my mom stopped fighting me.

I found Charlotte Mason through The Elijah Company catalogs. I read them cover to cover to learn how to homeschool and to get recommendations. I've always been a reader. That's what appealed to me about CM. I'm not sure where in the process I found Karen Andreola. Her books were invaluable to me.

Mrs. Andreola taught about Charlotte Mason's gentler way of learning. Short lessons, lots of variety, real living books, nature study, etc. It lead me to use whole books, hands-on activities, and life experiences along with our math books and such. I now have grown children aged 21 through 32. They are intelligent, self-motivated, life-long learners who know how to find information, study for themselves, discuss issues, and solve problems. 

One of my sons had the courage to fix a rather involved brake problem with my older daughter's car. I asked him how he knew what to do. His father isn't mechanically inclined with vehicles. "YouTube!" he said. He was brave enough to tear her car apart and persevere when it got hard. I am thankful and proud.

Don't be afraid. Don't get caught in workbooks only. Teach them to learn. Provide a print rich environment. Model a love of reading and learning. Do hands on things. Make God, The Bible, and church central in your life. God will lead you in the path for your children to prepare for each one's future.

You can homeschool. I highly recommend that you read Mrs. Karen Andreola's books, A Charlotte Mason Companion and Mother Culture: For a Happy Homeschool. She no longer writes her blog, Moments with Mother Culture, but you can still find a wealth of information there.  She is a wonderful resource for homeschoolers who are starting, who need some new ideas, or who need a little encouragement and mother culture. She is approachable and friendly. 

I will never regret the years I spent homeschooling. My children think for themselves. They can pursue any type of future the LORD has for them.  We were  able to give them experiences that helped them to explore their areas of interest. We did it all on a very low income with God's provision and favor. He made a way where there seemed to be no way. We stood at the crossroads, and we chose the ancient path* where the good way was and is. Someone else might say we chose the road less traveled. 

It was hard. It was good. It was worth it all. 

Be brave and courageous,

Laura Lane

~~~~~

Why We Homeschool

Homeschooling the Myth and the Truth

A Day in the Life of a Homeschooler

10 Surefire Ways to Help Your Children Love Reading

9 Tips for Young Mothers from an Older Woman

~~~~~

*"This is what the LORD says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, 'We will not walk in it.'" Jeremiah 6:16 NIV

Happy Homemaker Monday - May 15, 2023

 

Hello ladies, 

My Monday post is quite late this week.  You might even be seeing this on Tuesday. School will finish next week. ~smile~ I subbed today and will tomorrow.  That might be the end for me. First thing I want to do is make strawberry jam. 🍓 I use the recipe in the Sure Gel package.

The weather... Rain!

Right now I am... Tired. I subbed in a special ed class today. Tomorrow 5th grade.

Thinking... I want to revisit my Spring Bucket List.  I want to do what I can, then maybe add some things to a summer ☀️ bucket list. 

On my reading pile...

• John from The Bible
• In This Moment by Gabrielle Meyer ~ for review
• The Unexpected Light of Thomas Alva Edison by Raymond Arroyo ~ for review
• Turtle Finds His Talent ~ for review
• Homespun Devotions Volume 2 ~ by Cheryl Smith
• Mere Christianity ~ by C.S. Lewis

Favorite blog post last week... I can't even remember if I've read a post this past week!

Something fun to share... 

My Sand & Sea Socks are off the needles. I'll weave in the ends this week.

Blog hopping... I like Living from Glory to Glory by Roxy

On the menu for this week... 

• Monday ~ fried ham and mashed potatoes 
• Tuesday ~ sandwiches
• Wednesday ~ beef stew
• Thursday ~ I'm not sure yet. We're going to try EveryPlate. I have a girlfriend who really likes it and has used it for over a year. Our box should arrive Thursday. I'll let you know what we think. If you want to try it too, you can use this link to get a big discount. 
• Friday ~ Something from EveryPlate

On my to do list... Just try to hold things together until school's out!

In the craft basket...  knitting and a bit of mending.

Looking forward to this week... My son's are delivering the sofa and chair I bought on Marketplace. We've been in bad need of new to us furniture. 

Looking around the house... It is looking a little lived in after three days of making merry this past weekend. 

From the camera... 

It's not to early to think about gifts you can make or thrift. I'm planning to make extra jam to give this year.

On my prayer list... Salvation, healing, financial provision.

Bible verse, Devotional... Philipians 4:6-7   “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Now, just a note. I homeschooled my kids for over 25 years, and now I work in schools. May is crazy with kids! Give yourself grace and try to take some breaks. Y'all will get through this month!

Have a terrific week,

Laura

See what the other ladies are up to at Happy Homemaker Monday.  Unlimited Link Party

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ May 8

Hello ladies, 

I'm still getting back in the habit of writing these Monday posts. I'll pretty them up a bit when I finish with school. ~smile~ I probably won't sub much more this year. I'm on the schedule for half a day this Thursday and one day next week. 

The weather... Sunny and hot and humid. I cannot believe I was cold last week.

Right now I am... Tired. I subbed in a special ed class for kids with autism and behavior disorders today. 

Thinking... I would really like to read a bit tonight.

On my reading pile...

• Ezekiel from The Bible
• In This Moment by Gabrielle Meyer ~ for review
• The Unexpected Light of Thomas Alva Edison by Raymond Arroyo ~ for review
• Turtle Finds His Talent ~ for review
• Homespun Devotions Volume 2 ~ by Cheryl Smith
• At Home with Madame Chic ~ by Jennifer Scott
• Mere Christianity ~ by C.S. Lewis

Favorite blog post last week... A Little Blog Reading from The Archive

Something fun to share... 

I wrote this off for my daughter this week. 

Blog hopping... I like Living from Glory to Glory by Roxy

On the menu for this week... 

• Monday ~ salad and quesadillas
• Tuesday ~ We'll each be away from home and will eat out
• Wednesday ~ beef stew
• Thursday ~ I'm not sure yet. We're going to try EveryPlate. I have a girlfriend who really likes it and has used it for over a year. Our box should arrive Thursday. I'll let you know what we think. If you want to try it too, you can use this link to get a big discount. 
• Friday ~ I'm not sure. It's my birthday, and my husband will take care of it. I do know my grown kids have been invited over for cake.

On my to do list... Do I have to think about it? I've been working on to do list after to do list recently. I'm going to maintain the house this week and think about a to do list for next week. 

In the craft basket...  knitting and a bit of hand quilting on my daughter's quilt. My husband's grandmother pieced it and gave it to me to finish. It's been challenging. She used lots of scraps, and some of them had polyester blended with cotton. They're hard to get a hand needle through.

Looking forward to this week... My birthday is Friday. My husband has invited me to lunch at our favorite place, Red Onion. I'm looking forward to French onion soup, bruchetta, and a piece of their Italian cream cake. Super yum!

Looking around the house... It looks great. We cleaned up after having company last night. It was nice to come home to a clean house. 

From the camera... 

My little boy who grew up to be a lawman.

On my prayer list... Salvation, healing, financial provision.

Bible verse, Devotional... In honor of Mother's Day, "Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her." Proverbs 31:28

Now, just a note. I don't really like the way I've got this set up. I'm going to look back on how I've done it in the past.  So, you can expect this to look a little different over the next few weeks. Right now, I'm just trying to get myself writing again.

Have a terrific week,

Laura

See what the other ladies are up to at Happy Homemaker Monday.