One of the series begun by Crystal on her personal blog Mom of Littles was called Making Your Home a Haven. Because Crystal is pregnant and is nearing her due date, she's passing the torch. Tammy atTammy's Recipe's is continuing the series. Each week there will be a new assignment on Monday to help in making your house a haven. Last week, she talked about the fact that haven has more to do with focusing on people and not only on tasks. I know my friends know I've said this is such a problem with me, so needless to say, I'm psyched.
Today, the first assignment was posted. The first assignment is to give yourself a 5 item list for starting off your day.
This is my list.
(1) Get ready for my day (dress, hair, makeup etc)
(2) Unload the dishwasher
(3) Quiet Time
(4) Coffee and toast
(5) Upstairs to get the kids
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Eating from the Pantry
About two weeks ago, Crystal at Money Saving Mom, challenged us to eat from the pantry for a week and skip shopping all together for the week. Since I was gone last Thursday (my grocery day) I decided that it was a good time to eat from the pantry for the following week. I had had meals planned and made from Monday to Friday evening and in the fridge before I left.
It's our Saturday tradition in our house to have a big brunch. We did this again on Saturday as we had enough eggs, some breakfast meat, I made biscuits and gravy from scratch as well. We also had some cinnamon rolls that I had made previously in the freezer. Saturday dinner was sandwiches, fruit, and granola bars.
Sunday, for brunch, we had oatmeal and fruit salad. For dinner, having some soup bones in the freezer, along with peas, corn, and potatoes, we had beef stew.
Monday, for breakfast, we had green smoothies using the left over fruit from Sunday's fruit salad, as well as the spinach we had left from the previous week's grocery run. We ate out for lunch as O'Charleys (as a side note, for those of you who don't know, kids eat free every day, every meal at O'Charleys. It's two children for each adult.) For dinner, we had left overs from when I was gone.
Today, for breakfast, we had waffles that I had frozen. When I make waffles for brunch, I usually double the batch and freeze what we don't use. Instead of using syrup, which is either expensive if you use the real stuff or not very good for you if you use anything else, we sprinkled a very light dusting of powdered sugar on top. Talk about delicious! We had mac and cheese for lunch. I'm making crockpot lasagna for dinner. Whenever I can get Campbell's soup for free or next to free, I always buy tomato because, I made our spaghetti sauce with tomato soup as it's much creamier. I had a partially left over box of lasagna noodles, cheese, 3 cans of tomato soup, ground beef, and spaghetti mix in the house. If anyone knows a good recipe for your own spaghetti mix, please pass it along.
Wednesday, we're planning eggs with cheese and toast for breakfast. Lunch will be black beans (cooked overnight in the crockpot), rice, and cheese, mixed with cumin and chili powder. Healthy, tasty, and vegetarian - so fairly inexpensive. For dinner, we're going to have honey and curry chicken, boxed mashed potatoes, fruit salad.
Thursday, we'll have cereal (I've been stocking up when I can get it for free or nearly free). For lunch, we'll have left over beef stew. Since I go grocery shopping on Thursday, we'll start another grocery week. We'll have eaten from the fridge and pantry without shopping for one week.
It's our Saturday tradition in our house to have a big brunch. We did this again on Saturday as we had enough eggs, some breakfast meat, I made biscuits and gravy from scratch as well. We also had some cinnamon rolls that I had made previously in the freezer. Saturday dinner was sandwiches, fruit, and granola bars.
Sunday, for brunch, we had oatmeal and fruit salad. For dinner, having some soup bones in the freezer, along with peas, corn, and potatoes, we had beef stew.
Monday, for breakfast, we had green smoothies using the left over fruit from Sunday's fruit salad, as well as the spinach we had left from the previous week's grocery run. We ate out for lunch as O'Charleys (as a side note, for those of you who don't know, kids eat free every day, every meal at O'Charleys. It's two children for each adult.) For dinner, we had left overs from when I was gone.
Today, for breakfast, we had waffles that I had frozen. When I make waffles for brunch, I usually double the batch and freeze what we don't use. Instead of using syrup, which is either expensive if you use the real stuff or not very good for you if you use anything else, we sprinkled a very light dusting of powdered sugar on top. Talk about delicious! We had mac and cheese for lunch. I'm making crockpot lasagna for dinner. Whenever I can get Campbell's soup for free or next to free, I always buy tomato because, I made our spaghetti sauce with tomato soup as it's much creamier. I had a partially left over box of lasagna noodles, cheese, 3 cans of tomato soup, ground beef, and spaghetti mix in the house. If anyone knows a good recipe for your own spaghetti mix, please pass it along.
Wednesday, we're planning eggs with cheese and toast for breakfast. Lunch will be black beans (cooked overnight in the crockpot), rice, and cheese, mixed with cumin and chili powder. Healthy, tasty, and vegetarian - so fairly inexpensive. For dinner, we're going to have honey and curry chicken, boxed mashed potatoes, fruit salad.
Thursday, we'll have cereal (I've been stocking up when I can get it for free or nearly free). For lunch, we'll have left over beef stew. Since I go grocery shopping on Thursday, we'll start another grocery week. We'll have eaten from the fridge and pantry without shopping for one week.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
On Our Way Home
It's been a long four days. We stopped over in Ohio on our way home.
I am very sad that my grandfather is no longer with us, but I am so completely thankful that I know where he is. To some that may sound funky or just like a blind and empty faith. For others, there's no question of it's validity.
To those who question it as empty faith or sentimentalism, I would invite you to check out a book by Lee Strobel, a former atheist, called A Case for Christ. Lee points out that as an atheist, he not only disbelieved in Christ but he also disbelieved the Bible. Throughout the book he proves that not only is Christ a real person who really lived, but as a person who was who He claimed to be.
I would ask those of you who doubt or more I would ask you one question. "What are the consequences if I am wrong?" Then I live a life striving to be kind, striving to do unto others as I'd have them do unto me. I am no worse off for following Christ. What if, for those of you who disbelieve, what if you are wrong, though. What if Christ is the only way to salvation and to heaven? What if you are wrong? Where will you spend eternity?
I am thankful that I know where my daughter is, where my grandfather is, where my grandmother (my mom's mom) is. I will see them again some day. I wouldn't have it any other way.
I am very sad that my grandfather is no longer with us, but I am so completely thankful that I know where he is. To some that may sound funky or just like a blind and empty faith. For others, there's no question of it's validity.
To those who question it as empty faith or sentimentalism, I would invite you to check out a book by Lee Strobel, a former atheist, called A Case for Christ. Lee points out that as an atheist, he not only disbelieved in Christ but he also disbelieved the Bible. Throughout the book he proves that not only is Christ a real person who really lived, but as a person who was who He claimed to be.
I would ask those of you who doubt or more I would ask you one question. "What are the consequences if I am wrong?" Then I live a life striving to be kind, striving to do unto others as I'd have them do unto me. I am no worse off for following Christ. What if, for those of you who disbelieve, what if you are wrong, though. What if Christ is the only way to salvation and to heaven? What if you are wrong? Where will you spend eternity?
I am thankful that I know where my daughter is, where my grandfather is, where my grandmother (my mom's mom) is. I will see them again some day. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Today
Today, we traveled the rest of the way to Erie. We got up early in Indianapolis and drove the rest of the way to Erie. It was a long drive, made much shorter by listening to Jonathan Park CD's.
We got in about 1:15 and turned right around to go out to dinner with family. After dinner, we went to the showing for three hours. I was so extremely pleased with Jordan. She did so well. I took some pictures with family today, but I don't have my card reader her with me, so those will have to wait until I get home.
I have truly forgotten how much I miss my myriads of cousins, aunt's, and uncles, though I really feel like we stick out like a sore thumb.
Tomorrow is the funeral. Hopefully all goes well by our standards.
Thank you for your prayers.
We got in about 1:15 and turned right around to go out to dinner with family. After dinner, we went to the showing for three hours. I was so extremely pleased with Jordan. She did so well. I took some pictures with family today, but I don't have my card reader her with me, so those will have to wait until I get home.
I have truly forgotten how much I miss my myriads of cousins, aunt's, and uncles, though I really feel like we stick out like a sore thumb.
Tomorrow is the funeral. Hopefully all goes well by our standards.
Thank you for your prayers.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Leaving Shortly
Joanne, Jordan, and I will be leaving in about three hours for PA. I'm taking a (timed) 10 minute break. My timer is good at keeping me accountable. There's still a lot to do, but I have a lot done too.
Most of my hanging clothes are in the car. I have a menu and meals for the week either in the freezer or fridge. I took care of one days worth of child care for Steve. We've purchased the necessary items for the trip, minus one pair of navy shoes for Jordan - because no one seems to carry them! I've fed my family twice today; I've cleaned up from both meals. Today's laundry is almost done.
I have yet to pack the clothes in the laundry, pack my toiletries, pack my knitting and my computer.
I'm also going to take the grocery challenge when I get back and see if we can make due with what's in the house for another week.
Well, my ten minutes are about up, so I need to close.
Most of my hanging clothes are in the car. I have a menu and meals for the week either in the freezer or fridge. I took care of one days worth of child care for Steve. We've purchased the necessary items for the trip, minus one pair of navy shoes for Jordan - because no one seems to carry them! I've fed my family twice today; I've cleaned up from both meals. Today's laundry is almost done.
I have yet to pack the clothes in the laundry, pack my toiletries, pack my knitting and my computer.
I'm also going to take the grocery challenge when I get back and see if we can make due with what's in the house for another week.
Well, my ten minutes are about up, so I need to close.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
My Grandpa and Grandma Straite
I remember one time when I was about young that my mother and father were going to leave me at my maternal grandparents house for a period of time (I'm thinking about a week. I remember that it broke my heart because I didn't see it as fun. I remember thinking that they were too strict. My mother talked to me about it, reassured me, and encouraged me. All it took was a couple of days for me not only to fall into a good groove with them, but to really love being with them.
Yesterday afternoon, I received a phone call that my grandfather had died. He was 86 years old. Raymond Straite loved God with all his heart. He sought God on behalf of every one of his children, grandchildren, and great-grand children. Though I didn't talk with him very often, I will really miss him.
About the same time today, I received a phone call from my parents, who are on their way back to PA. They said that my grandma Straite had a heart attack today. She was being moved from a small hospital in a small town of Cory, to a larger hospital in Erie, PA. I do not currently know her status. Please keep her, especially my mother, and the rest of our family in your prayers.
My sister, Jordan, and I will be heading back to PA Monday night. We don't know how long we will be gone. Please pray for safe traveling.
In this picture the front row is my Grandpa Straite and my Grandma Straite. The back row from L to R is my Mom, my Uncle Dave (who had a heart attack earlier this year and almost died twice) and my aunt Bev.
Yesterday afternoon, I received a phone call that my grandfather had died. He was 86 years old. Raymond Straite loved God with all his heart. He sought God on behalf of every one of his children, grandchildren, and great-grand children. Though I didn't talk with him very often, I will really miss him.
About the same time today, I received a phone call from my parents, who are on their way back to PA. They said that my grandma Straite had a heart attack today. She was being moved from a small hospital in a small town of Cory, to a larger hospital in Erie, PA. I do not currently know her status. Please keep her, especially my mother, and the rest of our family in your prayers.
My sister, Jordan, and I will be heading back to PA Monday night. We don't know how long we will be gone. Please pray for safe traveling.
In this picture the front row is my Grandpa Straite and my Grandma Straite. The back row from L to R is my Mom, my Uncle Dave (who had a heart attack earlier this year and almost died twice) and my aunt Bev.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Homeschooling Heart
Last evening, Jordan and I had an opportunity to go to the CHEF (Christian Home Educator's Fellowship) Mother and Daughter Tea. It was an enjoyable evening at which I got to meet some other like-minded women. I have to admit to being slightly jealous of them since they both live in the country.
I don't want to go into great detail over the topic of the talk that Candy gave, but I do want to say that my heart was touched. While I love my children, I have been quite busy running around doing errands, sometimes in order to find an excuse to not be home. While we still get a lot of school done despite our being gone for an hour or two various days of the week, I haven't put the emphasis on really walking and talking with them through things. Even when we are home, if school is done, I am quick to 'take my leave' and be by myself instead of wanting to be with them and investing in their lives.
My heart has been touched. I am looking at things to see what I can do to make a change so that I have a heart which communicates well with my children, a heart that speaks into their lives where they are, a heart which shows love more than tells us.
I don't want to go into great detail over the topic of the talk that Candy gave, but I do want to say that my heart was touched. While I love my children, I have been quite busy running around doing errands, sometimes in order to find an excuse to not be home. While we still get a lot of school done despite our being gone for an hour or two various days of the week, I haven't put the emphasis on really walking and talking with them through things. Even when we are home, if school is done, I am quick to 'take my leave' and be by myself instead of wanting to be with them and investing in their lives.
My heart has been touched. I am looking at things to see what I can do to make a change so that I have a heart which communicates well with my children, a heart that speaks into their lives where they are, a heart which shows love more than tells us.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Today's Shopping Trip
Today, I tried something new. I mapquested out a route to the nearest CVS. Now, I'm not near a CVS. The closest one is in Alton, but I made the trip never-the-less. I have read a lot on (guess where? MoneySavingMom.com)about the joys of CVS and how you can get a lot for practically nothing if you know how to use their system. MoneySavingMom.com even has a tutorial here. Today, I went to CVS with three $2 off coupons for deodorant and one $.75 coupon for toothpaste. These things were on sale. When you purchase them, you get "CVS money" called ECB's back. I purchased 3 deodorants (on sale $3, I had 3 $2 off coupons). I paid $3 total and got $6 ECB's toward my next purchase of anything at CVS. I also bought a toothpaste for which I had a $.75 coupon. The toothpaste was $2.99 - my coupon $.75. I paid $2.24 and got $2.99 in ECB's. So at CVS, I paid $6 OOP (out of pocket) and got approximately $9 toward my next purchase.
I went and did my normal Aldi run. They had produce on wonderful sales today, so I stocked up on produce! I paid $31.31 at Aldi's.
Now, comes the one I'm pleased most with. I went to Shop and Save. I bought a $50 gift card for $45 (because of a coupon in the Entertainment book). I bought (after tax)$62 worth of food and other things. I paid (because of coupons) $39 and change from my gift card.
To make sure I made my $50, I noticed that they were having a spend $15 on Dove, get $5 back. I needed body wash and deodorant. Well, I had $5.50 off in coupons, so I only actually spent $9.50 to get $5, but I was spending money on things that I need and got a really good deal on Dove.
I also bought Bagel Bites (again to make sure I reached my $50), and having spent $10 on 54 bagel bites (which is about what I spend on them at Sam's) I got $3 and now I have 4 lunches for the kids having spent a net of $7.
I got back 2 $3 off Dial coupons as well as a total of $8 off anything on my next purchase! So after the deals, my net at Shop and Save for the day is $31 for $62 worth of purchases. That's half. I'm psyched.
I went and did my normal Aldi run. They had produce on wonderful sales today, so I stocked up on produce! I paid $31.31 at Aldi's.
Now, comes the one I'm pleased most with. I went to Shop and Save. I bought a $50 gift card for $45 (because of a coupon in the Entertainment book). I bought (after tax)$62 worth of food and other things. I paid (because of coupons) $39 and change from my gift card.
To make sure I made my $50, I noticed that they were having a spend $15 on Dove, get $5 back. I needed body wash and deodorant. Well, I had $5.50 off in coupons, so I only actually spent $9.50 to get $5, but I was spending money on things that I need and got a really good deal on Dove.
I also bought Bagel Bites (again to make sure I reached my $50), and having spent $10 on 54 bagel bites (which is about what I spend on them at Sam's) I got $3 and now I have 4 lunches for the kids having spent a net of $7.
I got back 2 $3 off Dial coupons as well as a total of $8 off anything on my next purchase! So after the deals, my net at Shop and Save for the day is $31 for $62 worth of purchases. That's half. I'm psyched.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Call Your Congressman Quickly
I received this in my CHEF (Christian Home Educator's Fellowship) newsletter.
The Food Safety Modernization Act of 2009 (H.R. 875) includes the criminalization of organic farms. The bill will require organic farms to use specific fertilizers and poisonous insect sprays dictated by the newly formed agency to “make sure there is no danger to the public food supply.” This will include backyard gardens that grow food only for a family and not for sale. This is dictatorship in any way you look at it. If this passes, then NO more heirloom clean seeds may be used, but only Monsanto genetically-altered seeds that are now showing up with unexpected diseases in humans. There is an enormous rush to get this into law within the next two weeks before people realize what is happening. Main backer and lobbyist is (guess who) Monsanto.
Bills are House H.R. 875, http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-875 and Senate S. 425, http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s111-425. If you like a garden or buy organic food, you had better get on the phone to your congressmen now! There is a video on the subject: http://www.voteronpaul.com/newsDetail.php?Food-Safety-Modernization-Act-HR-875-Criminalization-of-Organic-Farms-222.
A Really Good Week of Couponing
Yesterday, I made one trip to Walgreen's. Today I made another trip to Walgreen's, Target, and Wal-Mart. This is what I got.
The grand total. I paid approximately $7.20 out of pocket. I had some major coupons making this happen. I've also learned a lot about what will work at which places and what won't. Target seems to be the pickiest about their coupons and how they credit them. Walgreen's has worked with me, though I could tell they weren't happy about it when my coupons wouldn't be accepted. Wal-Mart was the easiest at which to use my coupons.
The grocery end of things doesn't look quite as good, but I'm sure that will come too.
The grand total. I paid approximately $7.20 out of pocket. I had some major coupons making this happen. I've also learned a lot about what will work at which places and what won't. Target seems to be the pickiest about their coupons and how they credit them. Walgreen's has worked with me, though I could tell they weren't happy about it when my coupons wouldn't be accepted. Wal-Mart was the easiest at which to use my coupons.
The grocery end of things doesn't look quite as good, but I'm sure that will come too.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Coupons, Coupons, Coupons
Since having become acquainted with the joys of coupons through MoneySavingMom.com, I have organized my three weeks worth of coupons into a nicely decorated box.
I spent a lot of my free time today finishing up filing my coupons and then going through the Walgreen's circular and matching up my coupons. I got some good deal ideas through other websites which post their coupon/rebate ideas or their incredibly cheap shopping trips to MoneySavingMom. I have my Walgreen's trips planned out (because of certain restrictions I can't do it all at once and get the register rewards). I'll post what I got after I go.
I'm hoping to be able to do the same with my Shop and Save coupons and score some deals there too. We'll see how it goes. I've been amazed at what people are able to get for what little they spend.
Worship today was wonderful as always. The people out in Bowling Green are always such a blessing. The weather was absolutely wonderful. Hopefully we'll be able to take advantage of it over the next couple of days.
I spent a lot of my free time today finishing up filing my coupons and then going through the Walgreen's circular and matching up my coupons. I got some good deal ideas through other websites which post their coupon/rebate ideas or their incredibly cheap shopping trips to MoneySavingMom. I have my Walgreen's trips planned out (because of certain restrictions I can't do it all at once and get the register rewards). I'll post what I got after I go.
I'm hoping to be able to do the same with my Shop and Save coupons and score some deals there too. We'll see how it goes. I've been amazed at what people are able to get for what little they spend.
Worship today was wonderful as always. The people out in Bowling Green are always such a blessing. The weather was absolutely wonderful. Hopefully we'll be able to take advantage of it over the next couple of days.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Day Three - On a Roll
Wow. Three days in a row. I'm on a roll!
We showed our house today. This is probably only the fourth or fifth showing in 14 months on the market. We also found out this week, that we are traveling as a family to New Mexico. I have to admit to being excited on both counts. Steve spoke glowingly of New Mexico and the people there. I look forward to seeing the sights and meeting the people. We do not yet know when we are going, but more than likely it'll be in April.
We are getting ready to go into celebratory season in our house. You think that the time between Christmas and New Years is busy? Ha! We have that beat almost hands down. April 12 is Steve's b-day and Easter. April 30 - Joanne (my sister). May 8 - Mine. May 10 - Mother's day. May 11 - our 13 year anniversary. We're more than halfway to 25! May 25th - Memorial Day. June 8 - Ian and Jordan's b-day. June 21 - Father's day. June 24 Dad's and grandpa's b-day. Then we have a short reprieve before another special day. I need to start thinking about gifts now.
We showed our house today. This is probably only the fourth or fifth showing in 14 months on the market. We also found out this week, that we are traveling as a family to New Mexico. I have to admit to being excited on both counts. Steve spoke glowingly of New Mexico and the people there. I look forward to seeing the sights and meeting the people. We do not yet know when we are going, but more than likely it'll be in April.
We are getting ready to go into celebratory season in our house. You think that the time between Christmas and New Years is busy? Ha! We have that beat almost hands down. April 12 is Steve's b-day and Easter. April 30 - Joanne (my sister). May 8 - Mine. May 10 - Mother's day. May 11 - our 13 year anniversary. We're more than halfway to 25! May 25th - Memorial Day. June 8 - Ian and Jordan's b-day. June 21 - Father's day. June 24 Dad's and grandpa's b-day. Then we have a short reprieve before another special day. I need to start thinking about gifts now.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Two Days in a Row
Okay, I've posted two days in a row. This is a good sign.
Today has been a late, but productive day. I didn't get a shower last night and was on the tired side this morning, so I got everyone ready and downstairs playing before I got my shower. When I finally descended the stairs, I headed out to the living room and told Ethan to grab a book. When I picked him up, his hair looked wet. I felt it, it felt stiff. I wasn't sure what had happened, but I knew it wasn't a happy thing. I found out from Shannen, that her sippy cup was dripping and she washed Ethan's hair with the milk. Back upstairs I went with a little boy in tow for an unscheduled bath. The silver lining is that I won't have to give him a bath tomorrow. :-)
We tried a new recipe for breakfast today. Many of you know I'm not a big 'greens' fan, and that's putting it mildly, but I found a wonderful way to put some greens into my diet that I really enjoyed. They are called green smoothies. I put quite a handful of spinach in and I couldn't taste it a bit.
Today, we did school. We are SO close to finishing our math book and geography. Soon, we'll begin elements of second grade. That's a little frightening.
I also made a snack recipe called "Power Balls". I got it from a response to a post on MoneySavingMom.com. I didn't have the chocolate chips, but I had everything else. I'm not sure they need the chocolate chips, as they are absolutely delicious without them. They have oatmeal, honey, ground flax, peanut butter, nuts and fruit. Talk about healthy.
I made two regular sized loafs of pumpkin bread, four mini loaves, and twelve pumpkin muffins. My intent was to only make two full sized loafs. I doubled the recipe, not realizing that the recipe was already for two loafs. Oops!
We are having guests for dinner tonight. Part of dinner is waiting to go in the oven. Part of dinner is in the oven, and part of dinner is yet to be made, but I needed a break. I'm pooped. I'm going to watch a video called "Homestead Blessings, the Art of Soap Making".
Today has been a late, but productive day. I didn't get a shower last night and was on the tired side this morning, so I got everyone ready and downstairs playing before I got my shower. When I finally descended the stairs, I headed out to the living room and told Ethan to grab a book. When I picked him up, his hair looked wet. I felt it, it felt stiff. I wasn't sure what had happened, but I knew it wasn't a happy thing. I found out from Shannen, that her sippy cup was dripping and she washed Ethan's hair with the milk. Back upstairs I went with a little boy in tow for an unscheduled bath. The silver lining is that I won't have to give him a bath tomorrow. :-)
We tried a new recipe for breakfast today. Many of you know I'm not a big 'greens' fan, and that's putting it mildly, but I found a wonderful way to put some greens into my diet that I really enjoyed. They are called green smoothies. I put quite a handful of spinach in and I couldn't taste it a bit.
Today, we did school. We are SO close to finishing our math book and geography. Soon, we'll begin elements of second grade. That's a little frightening.
I also made a snack recipe called "Power Balls". I got it from a response to a post on MoneySavingMom.com. I didn't have the chocolate chips, but I had everything else. I'm not sure they need the chocolate chips, as they are absolutely delicious without them. They have oatmeal, honey, ground flax, peanut butter, nuts and fruit. Talk about healthy.
I made two regular sized loafs of pumpkin bread, four mini loaves, and twelve pumpkin muffins. My intent was to only make two full sized loafs. I doubled the recipe, not realizing that the recipe was already for two loafs. Oops!
We are having guests for dinner tonight. Part of dinner is waiting to go in the oven. Part of dinner is in the oven, and part of dinner is yet to be made, but I needed a break. I'm pooped. I'm going to watch a video called "Homestead Blessings, the Art of Soap Making".
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Vision Forum
For those of you who don't know, Vision Forum is our all-time favorite resource. I can order anything from them and know it will be good for my family. Right now, Vision Forum is having a 20-70% off sale. This includes so much from CD's of messages, to Henty novels, to patterns for girls dresses, and pantaloons.
Let me also say once more, in case you missed my post about it, you need to check out the website, MoneySavingMom.comI cannot tell you how pleased I am with what I've gotten for a good price to free. This week, I made a trip to Walgreens. I got three Garnier Fructise shampoos, three of their conditioners, and two of their mousses. I got two jumbo packages of Huggies diapers, two packages of Huggies baby wipes, Simbacol (a natural cold and flu remedy costing $13). I paid a whopping $4 for it all. This website is amazing! Tonight I'm going back because I got coupons to get Coffeemate for $.25 for two of them! Check it out.
Let me also say once more, in case you missed my post about it, you need to check out the website, MoneySavingMom.comI cannot tell you how pleased I am with what I've gotten for a good price to free. This week, I made a trip to Walgreens. I got three Garnier Fructise shampoos, three of their conditioners, and two of their mousses. I got two jumbo packages of Huggies diapers, two packages of Huggies baby wipes, Simbacol (a natural cold and flu remedy costing $13). I paid a whopping $4 for it all. This website is amazing! Tonight I'm going back because I got coupons to get Coffeemate for $.25 for two of them! Check it out.
Bikes and Competitions
I know I've been very remiss in posting as of late - something I will try to remedy.
Over the past week, Ian has (on his own) learned to ride a 2-wheeler.
Ian and Jordan drew a picture and entered them in a Christian Home Educators Fellowship (CHEF) art contest. I was absolutely amazed at the pictures drawn by other 6 year olds!! Ian got an honorable mention. Jordan got a ribbon for participation.
And here's a 'for fun' picture of the girls.
Over the past week, Ian has (on his own) learned to ride a 2-wheeler.
Ian and Jordan drew a picture and entered them in a Christian Home Educators Fellowship (CHEF) art contest. I was absolutely amazed at the pictures drawn by other 6 year olds!! Ian got an honorable mention. Jordan got a ribbon for participation.
And here's a 'for fun' picture of the girls.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Divorcing the Action from the Reason Why
I have heard a story told where a young bride made a roast for her husband (not often in this economy, huh?). When she was preparing the roast, she trimmed the ends off of both sides of the roast. Her husband seeing her do so, asked her why she did it. She simply acknowledged that her mother had always done it that way, so she did it too.
The next time she was talking with her mother, she asked her why she always trimmed both ends off the roast before cooking it. Her mother replied, "The roast was always too big for the pan that I had."
This humorous story presents us with a poignant picture. The daughter had always seen her mother trim the roast, so obviously she was supposed to trim the roast too, right? When we don't teach our children why we do what we do, they will not understand the reason behind what we do. This could result in a humorous story such as the one above, or it could have devastating implications.
I was at a mom's homeschool meeting last night where we discussed curriculum aids and other things which have been a help to us. In order to introduce ourselves at the meeting (we only meet once a year), we were to tell why we home school. Most of the answers were reasons that you would expect, "I love being with my kids." or "I want the Bible to be the central part of our curriculum." or "I can tailor my child's education to them." There was one glaring absence, however, and that was, "I home school because the Bible says I should."
The words home and school are never used in the bible in conjunction with one another, but that type of schooling is described very well in Deuteronomy 6:7 "And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." If any of us are honest with ourselves, it's hard enough to accomplish this with our children when they are with us all day long. It takes hard work. It takes energy. The rest of Deuteronomy 6 warns what can and will happen if you don't take heed to train your children this way. Deuteronomy 6:10-15 says,
Much of the rest of the chapter warns that it'll be easy to forget God because your needs and wants are taken care of. We need to be diligent in training our children.
The problem in our home schooling exists when we don't teach our children that God has a plan for how we are to school. He wants us to be with our children; He wants us to mentor our children moment by moment. He wants us to point out His goodness and love of Him in all we receive by His hand. When we don't teach our children that there is a concrete and Biblical reason for home schooling, that is the beginning of loosing the hearts of our children.
The next time she was talking with her mother, she asked her why she always trimmed both ends off the roast before cooking it. Her mother replied, "The roast was always too big for the pan that I had."
This humorous story presents us with a poignant picture. The daughter had always seen her mother trim the roast, so obviously she was supposed to trim the roast too, right? When we don't teach our children why we do what we do, they will not understand the reason behind what we do. This could result in a humorous story such as the one above, or it could have devastating implications.
I was at a mom's homeschool meeting last night where we discussed curriculum aids and other things which have been a help to us. In order to introduce ourselves at the meeting (we only meet once a year), we were to tell why we home school. Most of the answers were reasons that you would expect, "I love being with my kids." or "I want the Bible to be the central part of our curriculum." or "I can tailor my child's education to them." There was one glaring absence, however, and that was, "I home school because the Bible says I should."
The words home and school are never used in the bible in conjunction with one another, but that type of schooling is described very well in Deuteronomy 6:7 "And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." If any of us are honest with ourselves, it's hard enough to accomplish this with our children when they are with us all day long. It takes hard work. It takes energy. The rest of Deuteronomy 6 warns what can and will happen if you don't take heed to train your children this way. Deuteronomy 6:10-15 says,
"And it shall be, when the LORD thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not,
11And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full;
12Then beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.
13Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.
14Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which are round about you;
15(For the LORD thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth.
Much of the rest of the chapter warns that it'll be easy to forget God because your needs and wants are taken care of. We need to be diligent in training our children.
The problem in our home schooling exists when we don't teach our children that God has a plan for how we are to school. He wants us to be with our children; He wants us to mentor our children moment by moment. He wants us to point out His goodness and love of Him in all we receive by His hand. When we don't teach our children that there is a concrete and Biblical reason for home schooling, that is the beginning of loosing the hearts of our children.
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