It's a Super Sweet Day

It always amazes me how He knows how to time things so that on days when my heart is low something comes along to bring a smile to my heart.  Yesterday was such a day. I came here and there was a note in the comments from Tina over at September {One Mama Living, Learning & Homeschooling in New Mexico} nominating me for the Super Sweet Blogging Award.


So now for the Sweet Questions that comes with this sweet nomination and their answers!!
Super Sweet Questionnaire

1. Cookies or cake? both? Cake
2. Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate
3. Favorite Sweet Treat? Time Out Chocolate
4. When do you crave sweet treats the most? That time of the month 
5. Sweet nickname? Hubby calls me Lovie.

For the Super Sweet Blogging Award

• Thank the Super Sweet Blogger who nominated you.
• Answer 5 Super Sweet Questions.
• Include the Super Sweet Blogging Award image in your blog post.
• Nominate a baker’s dozen other bloggers.
• Notify the nominees of their nomination on their blog.

So here are my nominations for the super sweet blogging Award
This is my favourite part as I get to share with you some of the blogs I enjoy visiting. Please share some blog comment love with these lovely ladies

1. Erin from Seven Little Australians
2. Vicki from Creating with Wisdom
3. Deborah from The Paper Maid
4. Catherine at Serenades and Solace
5. Stacey from A Moment in Our World
6. Sarah over at Amongst Lovely Things
7. Chelle from Last in Line
8. Suzie from Suzie's Home Education Idea's
9. Bec over at Bec Waterhouse
10. Kylie over at Our Worldwide Classroom
11. Mel over at Our Home Schooling Days
12. Kate over at Get into Homeschooling
13. Nicole over at Home to Learn

Blessings my Blog friends and thank you for all your support
Chareen

Nominated in the Circle of Mom's Top 25 Please support us

We've been nominated in the 

Circle of Mom's Top 25 Homeschool Blogs.  

Did you vote for us today ? 

Would you please ?

We appreciate your support!

You can vote once a day

Here are some of my blog friends who have been nominated.  Please take some time to vote for them. If you have been nominated leave the link in the comments and I will add you to my list and vote for you daily!

Marcy @ Ben and Me

Susan @ Homeschooling Hearts and Minds

Heather @ Only Passionate Curiosity

Karyn @ Teach Beside Me

Christine @ Our Homeschool Reviews

Sara @ Embracing Destiny

Sarah @ Ahoy Maties

Emilee @ Pea of Sweetness

Lisa @ Home to 4 Kiddos

Tere @ Teachable Scotts Tots Homeschool

Jen B. @ Reflections in the Window

Renita @ Krazy Kuehner Days

Kendra @ Preschoolers and Peace

Nicole W. @ Mama of Many Blessings

Chareen @ Every Bed of Roses

Lexi @ Lextin Academy

Blessings
Chareen 

Homeschool Liebster Blog Award

Home Schoolers love to encourage one another and this is true as well when it comes to blogging homeschoolers. They give each other awards to encourage each other to keep up blogging about our adventures.

Last week Joelle from over at Homeschooling for His Glory blessed and encouraged me with this award.  Thank you Joelle for Awarding me The Homeschool Liebster Blogging Award!



Awards come with rules

1. List 11 facts about yourself.
2. Answer 11 questions given to you.
3. Create 11 new questions for the bloggers you nominate for the award.
4. Choose 11 bloggers with 200 or less followers to nominate.
5. Go to each blogger page and let them know about the award.
6. Thank the person who nominate you and link back to their blog.

11 Facts about me

1. I enjoy taking a picnic to anywhere.
2. I speak two languages (English and Afrikaans)
3. I love peppermint chocolate ♥♥♥
4. I have just started learning to play the piano
5. I've owned a piano I can't play yet for nine years! see point four.
6. I own five hermit crabs.
7. I don't like bees.
8. I'm afraid of sharks in the sea and crocodiles in rivers.
9. I have a personal library of over 2500 books (that's NOT because I homeschool that's because I ♥ books!)
10. If I had money I would travel the world.  In fact I think I would love to work traveling the world and blogging about the experience as I went.  So if you know of a travel company looking for some one to do that send them my email address. 
11. I love taking photo's and normally take way too many! (On Sunday I took 300 at the zoo....)

Joelle's Questions Answered

1. What is the thing you like the least about homeschooling?
   Washing the dishes :)
2. What is your biggest motivation to keep homeschooling?
   Enjoying the company of my children. Some days that's so easy and it's the memory of those days that inspire me on days when I don't like their company! The second thing that inspires me is all the wonderful resources out there as I am so looking forward to learning and doing with Sir N
3. What is your favorite part of the year?
   Definitely Advent/Christmas
4. What is your favorite food to cook?
   Dinner for guests when they come over. Chicken
5. What is your favorite thing to do with your kids?
   Cuddle on the couch and read a good story or watch a great movie oh and go on picnics.
6. What would the perfect vacation look like for you?
   One where I did not have to plan or cook any meals. Have lots of time to read and enough money to explore.
7. What is your favorite Bible passage?
   I have a few of those ! I like Those that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength and Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
8. What is your favorite Praise and Worship song?
   Mmmm this one is hard as I love worship.  Gentle heartfelt worship.
9. What is the #1 curriculum you would recommend?
   Sonlight
10. What is your favorite attribute of God?
    His Mercy
11. How often do you meet with other homeschoolers?
    Sometimes daily :) Our regular days are once a week on a Wednesday and fortnightly on a Monday afternoon.

11 Questions to answer

1. Can you speak a second language, if so what is it ?
2. What's your favourite book ?
3. If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go ?
4. What do you use to teach a second language ?
5. What's your favourite day of the week ?
6. How long have you homeschooled ?
7. What's your favourite worship song ?
8. What's your favourite Christian DVD ?
9. Do you use a curriculum or mix and match ?
10. Are you on Pinterest ? If so what's your page address ?
11. How long does it take you to write a blog post ?

I nominate

1. Vicky at Creating with Wisdom
2. Brandi over at Autumn Fawn Lane
3. Michele at Family Faith and Fridays
4. Kiristi at The Potters Hand Academy
5. Sarah at Delivering Grace
6. Our Homeschool Studio
7. April from Coffee, Cobwebs and Curriculum
8. Me Momma over at  Schooling in the sun
9. Our Happy Homestead
10. Bethany over at Little Homeschool Blessings
11. Mama Bird over at All my Baby Birds
12. Linda at All The Rivers Run

Blessings
Chareen

The Lobster Award

Last week Erin from over at Seven Little Australians gifted me with smiles when she awarded me the Lobster Award. When I read her email I must confess my interest was immediately piqued. What is The Lobster Award ??

The Lobster Award is an award with a difference, it is not an award for blogging but an award of acknowledgement and gratitude to our readers and in particular our commentators.
The Award was created by Victor in February 2012. I encourage you to visit Victor’s blog and read all about Lobster Awards for yourself. (You will smile.) I will just give you a taste:

This magnificent and rarely presented Award is only given to those tireless and hard-working Bloggers who, despite the many vicissitudes which life may throw in their way, despite the magnitude of the task ahead in their daily grind that is this vale of tears, despite every obstacle, every hardship, and every discouragements and temptations to just click and move on to another Blog; they still find time to visit your personal offering and to regularly leave a message there in the Comments Box. ....

In today's world of 'chatter' it is indeed too easy to read and 'move on' to the next 'offering'. For those of my readers who take the time to leave a comment you have no idea how you brighten my day. I am excited to receive your comments, I read each and every one and treasure them all. My PC is sure to ring throughout the day to share, "you have a comment!" Be assured I follow links back to your blog to meet you. When commenter's leave regular comments, we converse, we get to know one another, we become friends. Thank you for bringing me smiles and enriching my life.

Rules: Proudly copy the Lobster Award logo above on your Blogs and in turn feel inspired and encouraged to nominate others who visit and leave regular messages in your Comments Box.
The rules for nominations are simple:
1) Nominate someone who regularly visits your Blog and leaves a message in the Comments Box.
2) Tell them about their nomination.

Meet my commentating friends

• Vicky from Creating with Wisdom
• Chelle from Last in Line
• Our Side of the Mountain.
• Jenn at Little Homeschool on the Prairie
• Nikki at Walking around with my heart on the Outside.
• Jo at Princess Warrior Lessons.
• Mama Bird at All My Baby Birds.
• Linda at Pillars of Pine
• Susan from Learning ALL the time.

There were so many more I wanted to gift the award to !  I think I might just need to revisit this post and add you to it :o)

Blessings
Chareen

Liebster Blog Award

Thank you Jennifer. I was a little surprised and blessed on Tuesday morning when I got a message and note from Jennifer over at Little Homeschool on The Prairie conferring the Liebster Blog award to me. 

Jennifer started her blog back in April this year and has just written a book.  I love taking a look at her Craft Monday's posts she has some great ideas for super easy crafts to enjoy with your children.

About the award

Liebster is German and translated means ‘dearest’ or ‘valued’ but it can also mean ‘favourite’ The award is given to talented bloggers who have 200 followers or less, it is a way to show appreciation for other blogs, bring attention to their work and encourage new connections.

This is what is needed to accept the award:

• Thank your Liebster Blog Award presenter on your blog.
• Link back to the blogger who awarded you.
• Give your top 5 picks for the award (I need to cheat on this one sorry)
• Inform your top 5 by leaving a comment on their blog.
• Post the award on your blog.

I would like to confer this award to:
I’d love to pass this honor on to some great blogs I've found that embody that description.  Will you join me in encouraging these homeschool moms and bloggers?

• Chelle from Last in Line.I really enjoy Chelle's blog posts, she loves to share her experiences and encourage other homeschool moms in the process.
• Nadene from Practical Pages Nadene has a heart for the homeschool comunity.  She is creative and loves to find beautiy in the world around her and encourages you to enjoy your family in your journey of homeschooling.  Nadene also has some great free resources available on her blog.
• Alecat from Serenades and Solace.Alecat is an encourager at heart and shares her journey with her two children and life at home..
• Erin at Seven Little Australians and Counting  I enjoy visiting Erin for her encouraging posts. Erin has practical advice and encouraging posts.
• Vicky over at Creating with Wisdom. Vicki's thoughts and insights encourage and inspire me daily.
• Collette over at The Art of Being Mama.  I first discovered Collette's blog via Pinterest.  I love her photographs and gentle words.  She shares some really practical ideas and encourages you as Mom and home educator.

Blessings to you all

Versitile Blogger Award

Thank you so much to Erin from Seven Little Australians and Linda over at Pillars of Pine for awarding me The Versatile Blogger award.





Rules for the Versatile Blogger are:

• Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to them.
• Tell your readers 7 things about yourself.
• Give this award to 15 recently discovered bloggers.
• Contact those bloggers and let them in on the news. 

7 Things about me ...

1. My first born and I share a birthday.  
2. My first born arrived on a special birthday .... my 21st.
3. I was engaged at 18
4. I married my best friend when I was 19
5. I enjoy Hillsong Simply Worship CDs
6. I walked 10 km in the Sussan Women's Fun Run 2011 in 1 hour and 45 min. Anyone want to join me next year ?
7. I enjoy making beyond the page things.

Here is my list of recent blogs I have been reading

1. Heart of the Matter on line.  This is a co op blog written by and hosted by encouraging Christian women.
2. Princess Warrior Lessons. Jo is a down to earth honest encourager. She is an Australian blogger who homeschools and loves the Lord.  Her writing is inspiring.  Take a cup with you and sit in Jo's company for some encouragement.
3. Our Jewish Homeschool Blog. I have always had a desire to know more about the Jewish way of life and their traditions.  I love the practical ideas that Mommzy shares.  Great insight into the culture of our Lord.
4. I discovered Delightful Learning this morning via Pinterest. Michelle has six children and has been homeschooling for six years.  She has some great homeschool posts to inspire you.
5. Becoming a Strong Woman of God.  I enjoy Sonja insight and honesty.
6. Like a Warm cup of Coffee. Is hosted by Sarah Mae the author of 31 Days to clean.  Laura is guest posting and has written a rather thought provoking series on blogging titled: Social Media Behave. Let’s Get Started! Social Media, Behave! Day 1, Day 2 The Other Woman, Day 3 At what Cost ?? Day 4 If Everyone Else is doing it  Day 5 Get a Manifesto.
7. Women Living Well. Courtney has a gentle heart and passion for woman.  She is a great encourager and loves to call woman to the Lord to live life well for His glory.
8. Raising Mighty Arrows.  Heathers passion is seeking to encourage women in their roles as women, wives, mothers, daughters, homemakers, teachers, and minister’s wives from a Biblical perspective. She uses her blog to strengthen & inspire other women, and as a place to build relationships with other like-minded Christians
9. The Common Scents Mom is hosted by Staci.  Over here she shares her thoughts and recipes for your home using essential oils.
10. A Second Generation of Homeschooling.  This blog is encouraging and insightful.
11. A wise Woman builds her home.
12. The Three Thinking Mothers.  This is a co op blog of three Mothers who share insights from their day to day and encourage other Moms to keep growing.
13. Learning all the Time.  I found Susans blog via Three Thinking Mothers.  Susan hosts a book blog hop and shares some great resources.
14. Our Simple Country Life is hosted by Esther.  I especially enjoy her blog host Hearts for Home Thursdays where I have found some great posts from other bloggers. Esther is currently hosting a Christmas Cookie Swap.
15. Growing Home is hosted by Jacinda.  Jacinda has a passion to encourage and build up woman at home.  She hosts a Teach Me Tuesdays blog hop which has inspired and encouraged me often.  She is also currently partaking in 31 Days of Generosity.

These are a few of the ladies whom I enjoy visiting. All that is left to do now is notify the lucky winners that they have been awarded the Versatile Blogger Award and I hope that you too will be encouraged and inspired in your walks as mothers, wives and daughters of the King.

Blessings

Two Blog Awards

Thank you so much to the two lovely ladies who blessed me with blog awards over the last few weeks.  You brought a smile to my heart. 

13 October 2011

Chelle from Last in Line presented me with a One Lovely Blog Award.  I love visiting Chelle firstly because in my heart I'm from New Zealand and her blog has some interesting things from home.  Secondly Chelle loves great books and shares her treasures with others. I am inspired in my home school journey when I read her blog.  She has generously shared / made pages to use with Notebooks and I aim to add this aspect to my home schooling with Sir N. Thank you for the window into your home school it encourages me.  Keep blogging. 

Here are the rules which I’ll tweak:

Snag the picture off my blog to use in your post, tell 7 things about yourself and then pass it on to 15 other bloggers. (I daren’t gift this on to 15 other blogs – wow, that’s a lot - that I follow since I’ve already hassled, umm – I mean invited, my blog pals to participate in a meme just last month.)

1. I was born in South Africa
2. I migrated / immigrated to New Zealand in 1997
3. I naturalised and became a New Zealand citizen on 12 September 2001.
4. I have lived on a game farm near Trackers (have a look at some photo's of the area at this web site) in South Africa for 5 years where I had giraffe, ostrich, hippo, etc for neighbours.
5. I lived at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in New Zealand for 3 years.
6. I will be celebrating my 20th wedding anniversary next month.
7. I love to cross stitch, scrapbook, build websites (Trackers is one of them)and blog.

 I’ll just choose 4 newer to blogging friends (who are welcome to reinvent the rules to suit themselves or decline - I've chosen to say "No thanks" a time or two when invited to participate in pass-it-forward awards - life just gets crunchy sometimes)

Alecat from Serenades and Solace
Amy from Raising Arrows
Belinda from Live Life with your Kids
Renelle from Dove's Rest

15 October 2011

Vicky from Creating with Wisdom and Victoria Leach - Portrait Art presented me with a Stylish blogger Award. I really enjoy Vicky's gentle heart and touch.  Her art touches me and I wish I could put pencil to paper this way and capture moments.  I settle for my camera. Vicky's blog is full of encouraging posts.  Thank you Vicky for sharing your heart your gentleness inspires me daily. Keep blogging and sharing.

First of all, I need to say seven things about myself - so, here goes:

1. I love great fellowship and encouraging teaching.
2. I love the Lord Jesus and pray my arrows will shoot true and straight from the Masters hand.
3. I have three children and would love to have some more.
4. I used to volunteer at 0800HUNGRY and wish that this concept could be implemented world wide.
5. I am a full time Stay At Home Mother (SAHM)
6. I am going to South Africa next year for a 10 year family reunion and my parents - in law's 50th Wedding Anniversary.
7. I LOVE international travel and if I had the finance I would take my children and travel North America, Canada, Europe, Hawaii, Mauritius and a few other islands as well as Namibia, Botswana, Egypt and Australia.

Now, The six people I'd like to pass the award to are: (I need to bend the rules here sorry ladies)

Michelle from HomeSchooling Downunder.

Nadene from Practical Pages
Susan from Kerugma (Home Grown Kids)

 I pray you all have a great week ahead.

Blessings