Prelude to Home

Valentine Ideas for kids

2012-02-10T12:39:00.001-06:00

Here are the Valentines that the girls made with me today. It is combination of several ideas I saw on pinterest. It cost me around $8 to make around 42 valentines.

I used the Wilton candy gift bags (the smallest ones/50 in each pack) and then recycled our comics. I cut them to the size of the bag and folded them twice so the paper was sturdier.

Then added the Happy Valentine's tag I made and stapled it to the top.

Here is what I am giving to teachers. It is not much, but shows we are thinking of them. A few pieces of nice chocolate and some smell good hand sanitizer- and that's it. Now we do have one male teacher, so for him we made a gift bag with a first aid kit and some medicated lip balm (he is a hunter so we thought it would be something he could use.)

For my oldest daughter, I found some scratch and sniff sticker that she added to her valentines along with some chocolates.

Not super hard, but lots of fun!

Linking to Home is Where My Story Begins
and My Romantic Home

First They Came for the Catholics

2012-02-09T16:38:00.000-06:00

Please read this article and be informed on what is going on in our country right now. Whether or not you care about the abortion issue- this is something that deals with the separation of church and state- and the state is out of line. If this concerns you please take action by signing here at the Manhattan Declaration.org

Speaking Out

First They Came for the Catholics: Obama's Contraceptive Mandate

An open letter to evangelical Christians.

Timothy George and Chuck Colson | posted 2/08/2012 10:10AM

LINK

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

As you probably know by now, Obama Administration has refused to grant religious organizations an exemption from purchasing health insurance that covers abortion-inducing drugs, surgical sterilization, and contraception.

The Catholic bishops in America have responded quickly, decrying the Administration's decision for what it is—an egregious, dangerous violation of religious liberty—and mobilizing a vast grassroots movement to persuade the Administration to reverse its decision.

We evangelicals must stand unequivocally with our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters. Because when the government violates the religious liberty of one group, it threatens the religious liberty of all.

Many bishops have already declared that they will not obey this unjust law. The penalty for such a move would be severe. Catholic hospitals, universities, and other organizations would be forced to pay punitive fines ($2,000 per employee) for refusing to purchase insurance that violates the teaching of their church.

For some institutions, it would spell the end of their existence—and their far-reaching service to the public and the needy.

But Catholic institutions aren't the only ones affected by this mandate. Prison Fellowship, for example, which employs 180 people, could not purchase insurance for its employees that covers abortifacients. Nor could the world's largest Christian outreach to prisoners and their families afford the fines we would incur.

Three years ago, when we co-authored the Manhattan Declaration, we predicted that the time would come when Christians would have to face the very real prospect of civil disobedience—that we would have to choose sides: God or Caesar.

Certainly for the Catholics and for many of us evangelicals, that time is already upon us.

We would urge you, therefore, to raise your voice against this unjust mandate that violates our first freedom as Americans. First, please sign the petition to President Obama prepared by the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, which we have posted at the Manhattan Declaration site, demanding that the President extend exemptions from this onerous mandate to all religious employers.

Second, write to your representative and your senators in Congress.

Third, sign the Manhattan Declaration. Join with 500,000 people who have committed to "fully and ungrudgingly render to Caesar what is Caesar's. But under no circumstances will we render to Caesar what is God's."

Fourth, pray. Pray that God would soften the hearts and minds of the president and the leaders within his administration so that they would reverse course.

We do not exaggerate when we say that this is the greatest threat to religious freedom in our lifetime. We cannot help but think of the words attributed to German pastor Martin Niemoeller, reflecting on the Nazi terror:

First they came for the Socialists, and I
did not speak out —
Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists,
and I did not speak out —
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did
not speak out — Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me — and there was
no one left to speak for me.

In Christ,
Chuck Colson
Timothy George

Charles Colson is founder of Prison Fellowship, Breakpoint, and several other ministries. Timothy George is dean of Beeson Divinity School at Samford University and Chairman & President of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview.

How to Tie a Scarf

2012-02-08T21:34:00.000-06:00

Link

Some Spring Clothing Dreams

2012-02-07T05:03:00.000-06:00

Here are a few choices from Land's End that I am eying. I will be waiting for a sale though.

I would add a white tank to the v neck for modesty. Plus a short sleeve sweater would be a cute addition on cooler days.

Probably would put a white shirt with this instead of the red. Although, red is cute.

Linking to The Modest Mom for Modest Monday

Living and Learning

2012-02-06T21:28:00.000-06:00

Faith
Memorizing Psalm 1 with the girls
Study of Acts
Reading of John with the family

Homemaking and Preparations
Plans for deep cleaning of the house
Planning to paint and prioritizing the projects
Research gardening for spring
Purchase needed items for spring clothing for everyone
Begin looking/making Easter outfits

Children's Goals
Jay- Continue working on signs, labeling body parts and singing new songs
Klaire- using a quiet voice and listening to longer books
Karoline- speech /d/, /t/, and other practice words, no whining tolerated :)
Katy- special day out of mom or dad

Learning and Activities
Continue plans for next school year
Special outing- Callaway?
Involve girls in spring cleaning
Plant flowers

Special Days
14th Grammy's Bday
Valentine's Day

The Girls Room: A bit of organzing first

2012-02-06T13:38:00.000-06:00

Before the paint, I did some rearranging and organizing.

After purging the closet, the dresser now holds play clothes, socks and tights, bed linens, puzzles and toys, and dolls clothes. Much better use of space too. Stuffed animals, a few blankets, and boxed toys are on the shelf. I am thinking of making a curtain for the closet.

I moved in this nightstand and moved the oversize dresser to the closet

A bit crooked. I also need to paint the wooden shelf. Another color choice to make.

Each of the girls has a book box. Katy's is always nice and neat.

Linking to 29 Day Organizing Challenge at I'm an Organizing Junkie

The Girls Room: The Future

2012-02-05T22:36:00.000-06:00

After the room is completed, I would like for my extremely talented husband to construct each of the girls one of these beds. But the room is top priority right now- this is for the future.

Farmhouse Bed

Commitment to Loveliness

2012-02-05T21:50:00.002-06:00

photo credit

Thanks to Emily over at Charming the Birds from the Trees, I am compelled to think about all things lovely and feminine. God made females with the ability to add that extra bit of beauty to His world.

Here are 5 ways I plan to add loveliness to my week.

1. A home pedicure. It is needed- badly.

2. Tidy up the master bedroom to make it more of a sanctuary for my husband.

3. Go through my books by Edith Schaffer and giving them another look. I can reread her books anyday.

4. Buy a bouquet of flowers for the kitchen.

5. It's not very lovely, but very needed. Deep clean and reorganize the fridge.

The Girls Room: Before

2012-02-05T13:15:00.001-06:00

So this week I plan to paint. I have arranged my handyman (aka my sweet husband) to come and patch the wholes in the walls. I didn't do such a great job. Now I must decided with the 3 little ladies which color we shall paint the room. I will give them two choices that have been predetermined. This is not a true democracy.

So, here are the before shots.

Katy's knitting project.

See my patch jobs- the white spots on the walls.

Looks like a big ol' mess right? Well, let me give some context. This was before morning chores were done and beds made and the room cleaned up. The closet, well, it needs organization and purging- again. 3 twin beds in one room is a lot of beds. One day, when they have outgrown being scared of the upstairs bonus room, they can have much more space to spread out. Until then, they will be living downstairs, enjoying being close to each other.

Linked to I'm an Organizing Junkie February Challenge

New Addition to the Kitchen

2012-02-02T20:06:00.000-06:00

I have enjoyed this anonymous quote ever since I read it a year or so back. I have finally framed it and found it a home so that I can enjoy it daily.

Show and Tell Friday

Home and Family Friday

The Girls Room

2012-02-01T22:35:00.001-06:00

First off...I just love Sarah Richardson's designs. Anything she decorates is classic and lovely and right down my alley.

Second... I am trying to decide between blue or green for the girls room. Right now I am leaning toward a blue similar to this blue here


photo credit

Although I do like green in a very playful and feminine color. I am still not sure. All the same, the girls are getting their room painted and organized. A long time coming, and I can't wait to get started- as soon as I get over this cold.

Home Economics

2012-01-31T06:22:00.000-06:00

photo credit

"Most home economics texts stressed the science of homemaking, and they were not being cute. The homemaker had to know what vitamins and nutrients each member of her family needed, and which foods provided them for the least money. She learned that the tough cut of meat was as nutritious as the filet- and through scientific knowledge she could make it just as tasty."

Home Economics: Vintage Advice and Practical Science for the 21st-Century Household
complied by Jennifer McKnight Trontz

Home Remedies for the Cold

2012-01-27T18:10:00.002-06:00

We have been battling the common cold in our house for over a week now. No one has been immune (except the dogs). Here are a few tricks I have learned that work for the children when they are stuffy and coughing.

Nebulizer- use just like you would with albuterol, but instead of the medication, use SALINE. It works wonderfully for a cough and stuffy noses. You may have to do it several times a day, but works well right before bed. This is great for babies who cannot take any medication for stuffy noses and coughs. A friend of mine told me about this several years ago and I am so glad she did.

Honey- this truly works great for coughs. You can add baking soda to it and it helps with a dry hacking cough (a trick from my great great grandmother). There are no real measurements, it just makes a light amber color. Honey is also much easier to get children to tolerate (the taste that is) than over the counter medicine.

Honey and Lemon Tea- my mother always made this for me when I was sick. It is comforting too. Use one lemon (or lemon juice will work in a pinch) squeezed into a cup of hot water. Add 4-5 tablespoons of honey (as to your liking). I also will add this to Earl Grey or any other tea I am drinking, but it is good just with the lemon and honey.

Humidifiers/Vaporizer- they go in all sick bedrooms at night. You can also add eucalyptus oil to the water to help with breathing.

Hot washcloth- another trick my mother used for me when I was stuffy. Wet a washcloth as hot as you can stand, you can even put it in the microwave for a few seconds. Then place it over you nose with your head on a pillow. Of course, make sure it isn't scalding hot. It takes a while and may need to be repeated, but it works like holding your head over a steaming pot of water.

Elderberry- another one of my mothers treatments, or really preventatives. We were late on this cold though, so I ran by the herb shop to pick up some gummy elderberry vitamins. The kids are doing much better, but I need to be more proactive next time.

Of course, I wash all sheets, toys, pillows, and blankets that have been used. I also try to air out the house, if the weather is right. Spraying all used items with Lysol is something I aim to do at night after the kids are in bed. And keeping the bathroom extra clean during this time is pretty important- just in case the toilet is needed for losing the last meal :)

To me, when the kids are ready to play outside, I let them. Fresh air and sunshine can cure a lot of ailments.

My diaper bag

2012-01-27T13:29:00.001-06:00

About a year ago I purchased a great bag from Lands end. It holds all I need for my purse and diaper needs plus it is water proof! I keep an emergency diaper bag in the back of our van with a change of clothes for the three youngest. I am trusting that Katy doesn't need them anymore. I also keep extra diaper and wipes, a first aid kit, spoons, napkins, disinfectant, an extra towel and washcloth, and a few snacks (which are probably stale by now). Now Kris will tell you that it isn't always stocked appropriately, but I do make diligent attempts at keeping it stocked when something gets used.

So I keep as little as possible in my diaper purse. In a little removable zipper bag I keep 2 diapers for Jay and Klaire, wipes, and diaper cream. Klaire and Karolines sippy cups usually make in the bag too. Now on Sundays, I do bring small take along bags for Jay and Klaire with the essentials. Getting rid of the all the extra that never seems to get used has certainly lightened my load.

Update: 1/2012
I now only carry diaper items for Jay. I do have a small backpack for Jay when we are at church and I have to leave him, but that is all I carry. My purse works to house everything else I need when we are out and about. Having the arsenal of extra's in the car works best for me. The key it keep it stocked.

I mean do you really need 10 diapers, 3 changes of clothes, powder, bottom cream, baby wash, hairbrush, sunscreen, nail clippers, 4 paccies, and wipes to just go to the grocery store or church! It took me awhile, but I learned.

The Apron

2012-01-27T11:14:00.000-06:00

blog.crescendoh.com

"My grandmothers always insisted on doing housework nicely dressed (although not in pearls and high heels). Whatever their differences, they each donned and doffed the same kinds of aprons according to the same housekeeping and social patterns. They wore plain white muslin ones for everyday. The apron went on first things in the morning and came off when they ate and when they day's housework was done. These work aprons, however, were for the eyes of the family only. They were removed before the door was opened to admit anyone else. Fancy, frilled, and embroidered aprons came out when there was cooking to be done in the presence of company, but even those would be removed for answering the door. Thus the aprons were used to protect a distinction between the private and public part of home life."

Home Comforts: The Art and Science of Keeping House by Cheryl Mendelson

The Cure for Hiccups

2012-01-24T21:15:00.002-06:00

After watching Max and Ruby and Word Girl with problems getting rid of hiccups, I told the girls- If only the world knew our secret!

One spoonful of peanut butter.

Instant cure every time.

Makes you want to sing a Mary Poppins song :)

I am linking to Works for Me Wednesdays at We are that Family.

Living and Learning: January 2012

2012-01-09T20:12:00.000-06:00

Faith
Reading through John as a family
Reading through Acts personally
Work on memorization of Hebrews 11 with Katy
Continue to be more disciplined in my prayer life
Spend the first moments after waking up in scripture reading and prayer- before I start my morning routine. (This one will be a challenge since I have to get a shower to wake up, but I do believe it will be extremely benifical).
Find The Gospel According to Jesus in Kris' books and begin reading it

Homemaking and Preparations
Deep clean master bedroom and make it more inviting
Paint something- either the "red" bathroom or the girls room (which really needs it)
Cull through the toys- again- and give away
Start looking through next seasons clothing for kids
Think about a book shelf or shelves for all the homeless books
Get more family pictures on the walls

Children's Goals
Jay- read to him more and work on sign language (eat, drink, more, thank you, milk)
Klaire- to obey the first time and stillness- also be more encouraging when she is doing right
Karoline- curb the whining and also praise her for good attidues
Katy- teach to unload dishwasher and teach to gently remind sisters to pick up after themselves
The girls- to take out only one play thing at a time and clean up when finished

Learning and Activities
Plan for the rest of school year
Buy new spelling curriculum for Katy
Begin working on curriculum plan for Karoline and Klaire
Plan special outing (saving up coke reward points to get into World of Coke for free- may take another month)

Special Days
Big Jim and Grammy's 47th Anniversary- 2nd
Katy's Cast off- 13th

Living and Learning: December

2011-12-12T22:12:00.000-06:00

Faith
Preparing for Advent
Reading through Acts
Reading Slave by John MacArthur
Working on Hebrews 11 memorization with Katy

Homemaking and Preparation
Finish Christmas shopping
Get Christmas cards mailed out ASAP
Gathering items for the daily Christmas box
Get trim painted and touch up wall paint
Check off LONG cleaning list
Karoline's Tea Party
Chaplains Christmas Luncheon

Children's Goal
To lead them to focus on what Christ has done for us beginning with His birth.
Learning to sing special song for Kris.
Learning to serve one another (without grumbling)

Learning and Activities
Slow school pace this month
Special christmas crafts, ornaments, and baking
Taking in Christmas lights
Helping prepare our homemade Christmas play

Special Days
Anniversary- 2nd (11 years)
St. Nicholas Day- 6th
Karoline's Bday- 14th - 5 years
Jay's Bday- 21st- 1 year
Christmas Eve Service- 24th
Christmas Day - 25th

On the bookshelf

2011-12-10T19:29:00.000-06:00

Well, that is figuratively speaking.

I am a sporadic reader. I read bits and pieces here and there in books. So reading any sort of fiction is out for me- you just can't skip around in a fiction book now can you. But non-fiction and theology you can skip around a bit.

But I am actually not skipping around in my latest reads.

Slave by John MacArthur has really given me a much deeper understanding who I am in my relationship with God. The idea of being a slave to Christ isn't something you will here in most pulpits today. It isn't a very popular idea in our squishy "love yourself" age. So much so that even when the KJV was translated, most of the words for slave (doulos) were translated bond servant or servant, which have different meanings than that of a slave. Think of James, brother of Jesus. He could have touted his blood line to Christ, instead he says he was a slave to God and Christ (HCSB). Studying what a slave was and the relevance it had to the readers of that day, changes who we think we are. This is a great book- highly recommend it.

And then I have been slowly walking through The Nine Marks of a Healthy Church by Mark Dever. This one will certainly make you think. In the age where church success is based on baptisms, buildings, and giving, have we missed the mark of what the church is really about? Have we cheapened the gospel of Christ to make church more appealing to the "seekers"? I believe we are in the age where church is an entertainment based business. If the music is good and the preaching is interesting and somewhat entertaining then anyone can draw a crowd. But is that church in the biblical sense?

So that is what is filling my mind right now. And boy is it ever spinning.

And a side note- The Nine Marks is Kris' book and he has so graciously allowed me to read one of his books. I am thankful that he is entrusting me with his precious property.

Another side of Joseph

2011-12-04T23:10:00.001-06:00

Kris was relaying to me a thought on Joseph, son of Jacob, second in charge of Egypt.

Image Joseph's dreams for his life. We all have them, so I am sure Joseph did too. As he was sold into slavery and worked for Potiphar I am sure he dreamed of going home and being with his family. He may have aspired to lead his tribe someday, considering his dreams he had. He was displaced from all he knew and was familiar with, and I am sure the dreamer had dreams for what he would like out of life. Of course, God had such bigger plans for him as we know.

The application here is simple. So many times we have plans and dreams for our future- whether near or distant. And God has the real plan. Somewhere in all of that we have to let go of our "dreams" and realize that no matter how perfect a job, person, home, church, etc. might be for us, God holds the future. Life may be disappointing, painful, tragic, or absolutely wonderful-either way, God's plans will prevail and in time it will all be for His glory. In this place called life, I think we tend to forget that we are here for His glory, not for ours. We may not like our circumstances, I am sure there were many times Joseph didn't like his either. But God is using all things to accomplish his purposes, and we are the means He uses.

A bit of Theology

2011-12-02T23:09:00.001-06:00

I used to be pretty hard core when it came to my deep seeded theological convictions. As time has mellowed me, I have become much more kinder and gentler when it comes to the issues I hold so closely too. I have a very high view of scripture and a very conservative view of God. To sum it up- I am reformed in my theological beliefs. Some call it Calvinism. Call it what you will, I call it believing that God is sovereign and any conservative Christan will agree with me there.

Here is the root of all this information. It comes down to the day to day walk with Christ. I haven't debated my theological views in a long time, nor do I really intend to. I appreciate how God moves in my life daily. How He shows me my need for Him constantly. I am reminded of my depravity and the fact that I am so unworthy of His loving grace and mercy and His free gift of salvation. I am in awe that He would send His Son to die for me, the wretched sinner I am. I also realize that my sinful state isn't an excuse to not aim for holiness. Nor should I cheapen His grace by sinning freely without care. God has blessed me beyond measure and I pray that He will continue to mold and shape me into the likeness of Christ. I have such a long way to go, but He is always with me. He is my rock and my Salvation.

Nature Table

2011-11-17T20:17:00.000-06:00

The Creative Family, a book of wonderful ideas to encourage creativity and imagination in our children, promoted me to set up a nature table. The girls are always bringing in little treasures found outside. Typically they may survive half a day, a day at most, on the counter in the kitchen. But by having a designated place to put their finds, it keeps them around to enjoy longer, and gets them off the kitchen counter tops. Here is our nature table from the past week. We have found some amazing leaves, and my little collector Karoline has been stealing the acorns from the squirrels. I also keep our seasonal books on this table and distinct from our everyday book box.

Practical Tips

2011-11-17T19:57:00.000-06:00

Jay's Super Porridge

I have used just about every type of plastic storage container imaginable. And some work and function well. What I have found out (maybe a bit in the game) is that when it comes to food, plastic storage containers are not worth it. No matter how inexpensive they may be, it is far better to spend a few dollars more and purchase its glass equivalent. I have gotten rid of all but about 3 plastic containers in my kitchen. For all of our food storage I use Pyrex containers. They function so well. You can microwave, bake, or freeze in them. Not to mention they clean up beautifully. Plus, you are never scratching that nasty melted plastic gunk off the inside!

So the moral of this story... when you set up your home, whether single or married, start out with a few good glass storage containers. They will last longer and function better, saving you money in the long run.

And yes those are plastic Tupperware salt and pepper shakers in the background of the picture. I haven't completely given up on all plastic.

Living and Learning November

2011-11-16T07:03:00.003-06:00

Faith

Memorize Hebrews 11 with Katy

Diligence in prayer life

Continue reading Slave by John MacArthur

Reading through Acts

Homemaking/Activities

Fall cleaning

Christmas box ideas

Plan special December outings

Organize upstairs closet

Get out Christmas dishes

Finish Christmas shopping

Christmas cards prepared by December 1

Plan something special for anniversary

Children’s Goals

Work on correction and discipline privately

Katy- Christmas piano piece/ multiplication

Karoline- /n/, /t/, and /d/ sounds/ reading

Klaire- first time obedience/ “When mama’s says it you obey it!”

Jay- working on understanding “no-no” (this is lifelong I realize)/

listening to short books/ clapping/ introduce meats/more sippy cups and less bottle.

Specials Days

Andrew’s Bday

Mom’s Bday

Thanksgiving Trip to Papa’s

Christmas decorating

Nancy Drew Anyone

2011-11-07T16:27:00.002-06:00

My sweet sister-in-law has been very generous to our girls, supplying them with amazing books and toys that my niece has outgrown. In a box full of clothes I found a few of the old Nancy Drew books. Set back when telegrams where used, women wore crisp dresses and enjoyed delightful midday meals, Katy, Karoline and I have thoroughly enjoyed "The Hidden Staircase" mystery. I have been tempted to read ahead, but feel it would be betrayal to the girls. We should finish it in the next night or so, I sure hope Nancy finds that staircase so the mystery of the ghost is resolved!

Being Transparent

2011-11-07T16:15:00.001-06:00

In the midst of my frustration today....

dealing with an unhappy baby, a 3 year old that is constipated (who just went and woke the baby making him unhappy), and two big ones that are simply being silly, I looked at the kitchen cabinet (by providence) where 1 Corinthians 13 is posted and my eyes stopped on this passage

does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered (NASB)

Thank you Lord, I needed a gentle reminder.

Katy's Fall Wardrobe

2011-11-05T12:59:00.001-05:00

Katy, being the oldest tends to always get the new clothes. The perk of being the one without hand-me-downs. Every season I typically buy her clothing from Land's End and the overstock section there is amazing if you catch it at the right time.This year I was able to snag Katy's fall wardrobe for less than $100 (with a Christmas present for Katy included in that price too), not counting new brown and black shoes. My new idea of a smaller wardrobe for everyone in our house has really helped in keeping the cost down this season. In the past I have upwards of $300 for her clothes and then she didn't wear half of them. I am thankful that the Lord has enlightened me to be wiser with our money and more simple in the process. Here are a few of the selections that completed her closet.

Paired with grey leggings and an ivory long sleeve t-shirt she is ready for cooler weather.She puts her super cool boots with it also. It is versitale for the warmer days too. This will transition nicely into spring.

This is a Sunday dress, although she will wear it anytime.She loves wearing the striped tights that match it. A very cute outfit.

She already had the purple skort from spring, just added the floral shirt to make it last through the colder months. She has some ivory tights that go great under the skort of those cool days.

Two pair of jeans that I purchased last year (Lands End also) for less than $10 a pair, a few t-shirts that still fit from last year and a couple of thrift store finds (like the Hannah Anderson dress I got for $2) and she is taken care of. I am much happier with this season's wardrobe and my husband really liked the price!

Lessons from My Mother: Buying Quality

2011-10-25T21:24:00.000-05:00

My mother, whom I called "Mama", left me with many bits of wisdom on life. One important lessons she taught me was to buy quality. I haven't always followed that advice and have spent hundreds of dollars on, well....junk. Clothes that shrunk, shoes that hurt, furniture that collasped. I am learning a bit more about her mantra of buying quality. One thing she insisted upon when I was growing up was good shoes. She would not buy me shoes from a big box store and the price of the shoes usually wasn't an issue for her. Now she wouldn't purchase me $100 jeans (well they were more like $50 when I was a teenager), but she would quickly drop $100 for shoes if they were good quality and good for my feet.

Keeping in line with the idea of simplifying, I am coming to understand that if you end up spending $100 for a pair of really good shoes that you can wear for years, it is a better buy than spending $20 for a whole bunch of shoes that will wear out and hurt your feet and simply look stylish for a time. If you have a simple wardrobe that will last for multiple seasons, you can afford to purchase better quality clothes. Of course with children and babies, I am not willing to drop a whole lot of money for essentails like t-shirts because it has the potential of getting ruined. But I can see spending more money for a pair of jeans that fits great and complements your shape and can be worn for years. Right now I have a pair of Ann Taylor jeans that are almost 5 years old. I love them and will continue to wear them until they have holes in them- which I do not find stylish.
I do wonder how long it took my mother to figure out that buying quality really does pay off? I am sure she learned like I did, but it my not have taken her quite as long as me to figure it out. Better late than never, right?

My Mother's Life: Her scent

2011-10-24T20:49:00.000-05:00

As a little girl, I remember the tall black bottle with a circle and gold band that resided in my mother's bathroom cabinet. When the bottle was empty I would get to play with it and I would pretend to put it on just like my mother did. Chanel No.5 was the only perfume my mother ever wore. Anytime I even get a hint of that perfume I am immediately reminded of my sweet mother.

On special days, she would let me wear a little bit of her perfume. She would put a dab on my wrist and my neck- at the pulse points she would say. Today, my little girls get very excited when I let them wear my perfume, which happens to be Beautiful by Estee Lauder. It is the only perfume I have ever worn from about age 16. I put a dab on their wrist and neck, just like my mother did. I wonder if they are making the same memories that I did.

Home Improvements

2011-10-24T14:55:00.000-05:00

Thank you Kris for putting in our new sink and faucet (a Christmas present from my dad- now I am telling how long we have had it). I am so thankful to have married a handsome handy man.

Supper in the Sunlight

2011-10-23T15:33:00.000-05:00

The sun comes in our kitchen during supper time in such a lovely way. It casts all sorts of mesmerizing shadows. It makes our evening meal a bit more enchanting during the autumn months. We had Chicken Pot Pie, carrots sauteed in olive oil, peas, and white mountain bread from Publix (the best grocery store the world over!)

Skirts

2011-10-20T06:37:00.000-05:00

I honestly haven't worn a skirt or a dress on a regular basis for at least 5 years. Pretty much, yoga pants have been my main wardrobe staple. I have grown a bit tired of the sloppy look and purchased a great skirt from Lands End this past spring. Then my sweet husband surprised me with two more of them in more fall/winter shades! I am excited because they are supposed to arrive today. There is just something about wearing a skirt every now and then that makes you feel a bit more polished and feminine.

And a big thanks to Rachel at Small Notebook for the wardrobe simplifying.

Documenting the day

2011-10-19T19:31:00.000-05:00

Enjoying the changing leaves, a clean book cabinet, and a busy school room.

Wild flowers

2011-10-18T21:13:00.000-05:00

I saw them peaking from behind some high grass past our fence.

They might even be weeds. But if they are weeds, they are very lovely weeds.

Karoline adds a sweet touch to the delicate flowers.

A Morning on the Mountain

2011-10-18T20:01:00.001-05:00

A nice fall day excursion up to the mountain. I just love where we live. Such beautiful views not far from home.

Documenting the day: A few accomplishments

2011-10-17T18:54:00.000-05:00

Nice and clean. They were in need of some scrubbing

Before. The catch all counter

The way it should always be.

Got a few things accomplished today for fall cleaning. Always nice to check off my list.

Living and Learning

2011-10-13T20:04:00.001-05:00

I have been tossing around trying this for a while now and I do hope to be able to keep it up, because I think it will be very beneficial to the organization in our household. I got the idea from Emily at Charming the Birds from the Trees. She calls it Living and Learning.

Faith

Finish reading Slave by John MacArthur
Pick a passage to memorize
Work on a more scheduled prayer time

Homemaking

Fall cleaning- make list for November- ESPECIALLY THE FANS!
Work on sewing projects
Finish shopping for fall/winter wardrobe
Wash jackets

Children's Goal

Katy- work on structure and attitude

Karoline- speech- letter t and d

Klaire- Obeying the first time
Shape recognition

Jay- New foods from Super Baby Food
The meaning of "no"

Learning and Activites

Pick out costumes
Pumpkin carving and seed roasting
Autumn
Apples
Go apple picking
Trip to Aquarium and Varsity
Plan for Reformation Day

Special Days

Papa's bday
Uncle Lee's bday
Christophers' bday
Karli's bday

Meal Time Rules

2011-10-11T14:22:00.000-05:00

We have been instituting our rules for a while now, but they are officially in print now. The main punishment for breaking the rules is standing behind your chair for a few minutes while everyone else eats. That usually gets the point across.

Meal Time Rules

1. Pray first! Thank God for what He has given us.

2. Don’t touch Daddy!!!

3. Close your mouth when you chew.

4. No talking with food in your mouth. Refer to #3

5. Eat small bites- “Little Bites”

6. Clean up after yourself.

7. Don’t talk about bathroom issues at the dinner table.

An explanation for Rule #2- Kris doesn't like being touched by dirty hands. A real pet peeve of his. And Rule #7 is one we have a real problem with and I don't know why! We also have the unwritten rule of coming dressed to the table. Every now and then it seems we have someone who comes without a shirt or bottoms. Never a dull moment around here :)

My ABC Bible Verse- Update

2011-09-26T15:34:00.002-05:00

I am learning the rules of the road and realize that I should not publish my printouts with permission from the color pages I am getting them from. So until I can figure all that out- I will not publish anymore. If you would like, I will gladly email an attachment to anyone who would like them. I am planning to complete A-Z.

My ABC Bible Verses: Letter D

2011-09-06T13:11:00.000-05:00

I have changed the verse to the KJV version because of a song we sing with it. It goes like this

Here is Letter D colorsheet.

Credit to color picture: Raising our kids

My ABC Bible Verses: Letter C

2011-09-02T12:18:00.000-05:00

I will be posting more of these, but this is a test. My two little girls are going through My ABC Bible Verses by Susan Hunt. We are doing a new letter each week and learning the verse for that letter. I am creating my own color sheets for the letters and hope they might help out another mom going through this book. I have found other sites that are doing the same with much better color sheets that I am coming up with, but they haven't completed the alphabet! I will come back later with A and B. Here is Letter C

Our school year: Curriculum

2011-08-29T21:12:00.000-05:00

Finding time to blog...... well it has been few and far between and I feel like I am not capturing all the changes that have been going on in the children's lives, that is another post all together.

So this year- 2011-2012- Katy is in 3rd grade, Karoline is a Pre-K, and Klaire is hanging in there like a hair in a biscuit. Here is a quick overview of the curriculum we are using and what I have planned for the year.

Katy- 3rd grade

Bible Doctrine for Younger Children Book A
Math- Saxon 5/4
Shurley Grammar 3
Spelling city- I am creating my own spelling list and using some that are already created. Spelling city is a great site and is free (some of it at least).
Literature- The Noah Plan for 3rd grade- Another wonderful resource
Latin- Song School Latin- so very fun!
Monart for Art
Early American History by Beautiful Feet
Science- using a classical plan/ Studying birds and chemistry
Typing- Dance Mat Typing from the BBC Free

Karoline- 4 years old
Explode the Code phonics- Great Ready/ Get Set/ Go for the Code series
My ABC Bible Verse by Susan Hunt- I love this! We are using it for bible memory and learning the alphabet with Klaire
Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons
Latin- Song School Latin
Saxon Math K
Literature- The Noah Plan for K
Note: With Karoline I am taking a slow pace in Literature and Math (we actually started Saxon K last year) My main focus is getting down our alphabet and beginning reading. Karoline still has some speech issues and we are doing private therapy for that. She is extremely bright in spite of her speech issues- just last night she came in and asked Kris and I how to spell barn and she proceeded to spell , "B-A- R then what comes next?" I was a bit shocked, we are only working on see, am, mat, rat etc. You never know.

Klaire- my hair in the biscuit :-)

Just to give a disclaimer: Klaire is a challenge. She keeps me on my toes and makes me lose my temper on certain days. She is very very curious and wants to do everything her big sisters do, so I had to include her in the educational process her in our home. She is learning her ABC's, counting, shapes, colors- all the basics. I also use Slow and Steady Get me Ready by June Oberlander. This is a must for every mother. It has so many good ideas from birth to 5 years.

Well that concludes to overview for 2011-2012. Our schedule is still being tweaked, but we are getting there. We are on our 3rd week of school right now and the melt downs have been minimal.

The Hidden Life of Prayer by David M'Intyre

2011-07-14T07:05:00.000-05:00

The martyr Bradford said "he would never leave a duty until he had brought his heart into the frame of that duty. He would not leave confession of sin until his heart was broken for sin. He would not leave petitioning for grace until his heart was quickened and enlivened in a hopeful expectation of more grace. He would not leave the giving of thanks until his heart was enlarged with a sense of the mercies he enjoyed." Taken from Chapter 2 of The Hidden Life of Prayer

The perfect church dress

2011-07-13T12:03:00.001-05:00

I just couldn't pass this one up!

Sacred sandwich

Thanks to The Reformed Mom for putting this on her site also.

A look through April and May 2011

2011-06-17T13:08:00.001-05:00

Where does the time go? Two months have pasted all to fast. Well, here is a peak into what happened in our neck of the woods.

Easter Sunday

Crazy hair!

Strawberry Pickin'

And were they ever good! Better than from the store.

Katy's first dinner. She prepared it herself with a little bit of help. She made Chicken Alfredo, green beans, caesar salad and yummy garlic bread. It was fabulous!

Jay is eating "real" food now

Sweet Karoline posing for a pic

This rosemary plant adds such a nice fragrance to the kitchen and I have actually kept it alive!

Klaire and Sam. You see Klaire making her bulldog face

Cool Jay with his collar turned up. Watch out ladies.

Easter egg hunt- before

During- a slight collision with the sidewalk

After- checking out the loot

A look through March 2011

2011-04-03T18:09:00.000-05:00

I am past due in updating the goings on around our house. Here is a peak at what has been happening.

I will start with my little bits.

My kitchen curtains finally completed

What is beside my chair

As Katy writes a letter to her friend, I put Klaire and Karoline to work cutting the grass...literally.

The girls and I made visit to Papa's house in FL. We had a great time. I always love going home and rocking away on the back porch.

And little Jay is just a growing! He actually rolled over today at church! He is three months now and precious, of course. He has such a sweet smile.

My top 5 nursing picks

2011-02-11T12:07:00.000-06:00

So since I am breastfeeding for the fourth time, I feel like I am getting the hang of it now. These are my few essentials to survival.

1. Fenugreek and blessed thistle. You can find them at a health food store. They really help in getting your milk supply up. And fenugreek helps with your sinuses also.

2. A belly band. I wear mine all the time. I am not much for nursing tops because I am tall and really weird about the length of my shirts. The belly band keeps my middle covered at all times.

3. Swaddling blankets. The bigger the better.

4. A pacifier!

5. Lots and lots of water.

Thursdays Routine

2011-02-03T21:03:00.000-06:00

Dusting dusting and more dusting.

I do get a lot of help with this chore as the girls find it a fun game to play. My dusting consists of pretty much all the furniture in the house. Now in all honestly, I weekly get the living room, but the bedrooms are a hit and a miss depending on my time.

Oh, and Thursday are for more pointed chores that need to be done monthly e.g. dusting baseboards and cleaning windows.

The Wardrobe Situation

2011-02-03T12:06:00.000-06:00


Ahhhhh. What a dream closet. Credit: Closetmaid

I don’t normally blog questions, but I am sending this out for anyone who would like to share how they plan their childrens wardrobe for the upcoming season.

I am really anticipating springs arrival and since the groundhog said it would come early, I am drawn to the closets, dressers, and plastic boxes holding clothes for the next season. With four children, all needing space for their clothing, I am looking for the best strategy in planning for the upcoming season.

How many outfits do my children REALLY NEED is the question I am asking myself. I will pat myself on the back at the amazing feet of keeping the laundry under control. And since I have been doing that, I have found that Katy and Karoline wear the same things every few days since there is a quick turn around in the laundry. There are many clothes that haven’t been worn in over a month. So do we really need it?

Here is what I am trying to concoct for spring

- How many everyday “going to town” clothes do the children need? 5 outfits? More or less?

- How many play clothes do they need?

- Are they in need of socks and underwear for the next season? How many?

- How many pajamas will they need? 3 pairs? 5 pairs?

- How many church outfits will they need?

- What about shoes? Church shoes? Tennis shoes? Crocs? Sandals? Play shoes?

Are there other questions to ask about the wardrobe?

So these I am pondering right now. I am trying to downsize their wardrobes. It really seems we have too much stuff that never gets worn and there are others these clothes could be passed on to who could get use out of them.

How do you do plan for upcoming seasons? How much do you budget per child for clothing? Do you plan or just get clothes as they are needed? What works for your family?

Simple Woman's Daybook

2011-02-01T05:27:00.000-06:00

Check out other Daybook posts at Simple Woman's Daybook.

FOR TODAY...February 1st

Outside my window... a bit warmer than it has been but rainy.

I am thinking... my how quiet it is with everyone in rest time

I am thankful for... the excitement of the weekend coming up. My husbands weekend is Wednesday/Thursday- so today is our Friday

I am wearing... an Alabama tshirt (Roll Tide!) with black yoga pants and bare feet.

I am creating... curtains for the kitchen windows in black toille

I am going... back on schedule- school/cleaning/baby time/ hopefully organizing

I am reading... Little House in the Big Woods- sounds a bit juvenile, but Katy, my 7 year old, is reading the Little House books and I never have, so we are going to be reading them together. She is a book ahead of me though.

I am hoping... to get my pictures under control and start getting them ordered. I have pictures from the past 7 years of our life on the computer and no one gets to enjoy them that way!

On my mind... ministry dreams and my husbands ministry hopes

From the learning rooms...
Karoline- finishing up her first "Code" book and moving on to the next book. Working on letter "r". Still counting, but now learning to count by 10's using dimes- I just love Saxon math.

Katy- Cursive handwriting, finishing Little House on the Prairie, move addition and carrying, new "bigger" spelling words- which was her quote, Famine in Egypt for History, and our scripture challenge is memorizing 1 Corinthians 13- we are up to verse 4.

Klaire- just trying to keep her out of trouble. Learning that when cutting with scissors you cannot cut your clothes!

Noticing that... there are a lot of things that need dusting on the computer desk!

From the kitchen... Chili tonight and meal planning for the rest of the week

Around the house... working on my revised cleaning schedule. Bathrooms today and the kitchen tomorrow. Organizing/decluttering for the week is TOYS!!

One of my favorite things... watching the family grow and show love and compassion for each other. The girls are so very kind and loving to their new baby brother- they aren't always as sweet to each other, but we are working on that.

From my picture journal..
An intense game of uno. Would you believe that the four year old won! Katy was quite upset that her little sister "beat the pants" off of her.

C.S. Lewis quotes

2011-01-31T12:27:00.000-06:00

"We are not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be. " C.S. Lewis

I was doing a bit of blog surfing for a minute and came across this C.S. Lewis quote courtesy of My Domestic Church.

Wednesdays Routine

2011-01-29T10:01:00.001-06:00

Wednesday is for decluttering/organizing and the kitchen cleaning.

The decluttering and organizing is as needed. Right now I am working on pictures. All of my pictures are in imaginary land on the computer and I want them tangible and viewable.

The kitchen includes wiping down countertops/ cleaning the front of appliances/ cleaning up the fridge/ wiping down cabinets/ cleaning microwave/ and moping the floor.

I will give this disclaimer about the floors in our house: floors get cleaned as needed during the week. We have red clay in our backyard and two big dogs that live indoors, so the floors get cleaned a lot throughout the week. My Christmas present this year was a steam cleaner for the carpets! I am getting very practical when it comes to gifts.

Tuesdays Routine

2011-01-25T11:57:00.000-06:00

Not my bathroom, but this one is next to Godliness!

Tuesday is for bathrooms. Starting from the bottom- vacuuming, moping, toilets, sinks, showers and tubs. Every few weeks the rugs get washed to keep them looking fresh and not crushed. Now, I do have to keep them maintained daily, but Tuesday is for deep cleaning of the bathrooms. Katy is a great help for the daily upkeep of the bathrooms. One of her chores is to wipe down the toilets, sinks, faucets, and counter tops. She is a huge help to me and I am so thankful for her helping spirit.

Mondays Routine

2011-01-24T12:58:00.000-06:00

This is an "around the world" quilt made by my mother. She never liked it- but I have always loved it and it has been on our bed now for 10 years!

Monday is for changing bed linens- at least it is in our house. The girls pull of the fitted sheets and pillow cases and parichute them down the stairs. I do not use the top sheets with the girls yet. I have found it is much easier to use the fitted bottom sheets and a quilt. They can easily make the bed with the quilt on top.

Laundry is always running, but Katy has been such a help in keeping it going. She loves doing the laundry! What a blessings and I plan to utilize her enthusiasm while it lasts.

I have vowed to try and not do laundry on Sundays, which means there is a lot to do on Mondays.

Bits and pieces of plans

2011-01-22T05:58:00.001-06:00

Jay at 2 weeks

As I find it harder to get to the computer these days, I must resort to bits and pieces of plans.

With the new little one joining our family, a few things have changed the daily routine, but for the most part it has stayed the same. School is very consistent, which surprise me. I thought it would be February, at least, before school feel back into a solid routine. God has blessed us with a very gentle and calm baby, who seems to be very laid back in personality, but we shall see as time moves forward.

So a few plans for the year.

1. Plan time to do something crafty each week- preferably sewing.
2. Organize an area each week, no matter how small ( i.e. the junk drawer in the kitchen that always tends toward junk.)
3. Calendar the year- doctor appointments, time off, vacation, trips, etc.
4. Get the pictures in order- that is- all the ones stored on the computer that need to be printed.
5. Continue on my thankful list- working to 1000.

If you have three, just go ahead and have four!

2011-01-03T12:59:00.000-06:00

istockphoto.com

I remember a friend telling me that three was a hard transition, but once you got past three you might as well have four or more!

I don't know if God is being extremely gracious to me right now, or if it is easier with four. Jay is such an easy baby, granted he is only two weeks old, that could change I know. But so far, sleep is better than it was when I was pregnant, and he is very content to look around at the all the excitement going on around him. We have started back to homeschooling this week, so we shall see how Jay fits into that, but so far so good- and hey I even had a few extra minutes to blog!

But now off to change the sheets and clean the bathroom- oh and not to forget the laundry! Can't wait till my dad comes next week- he is great with laundry.

Baby Jay has arrived

2010-12-26T07:36:00.000-06:00

Our little Jay arrived on December 21st at 3:47 am. His official name is Jim Warren, named after both of our fathers. What a blessed Christmas we have had with his safe arrival.

A look through November

2010-12-11T06:22:00.000-06:00

Check out my personal blog Prelude to Home to see what happened during November. I am in the process of consolidating the homeschool blog and my personal blog- I think it will be easier to keep up with just one, rather than two.

A look through November

2010-12-11T06:13:00.000-06:00

I am a little late on the November update, but better late than never and I will pull the pregnancy card for this one. A good month all around and lots of new things were discovered. School is getting a smoother flow to it now and hopefully after the little one arrives we will be able to hop into that flow again, if not then we will adjust! So here is a peak into our month.

Reformation Day cupcakes! First lessons on the church fathers with emphasis on Martin Luther. Kris thought it was wrong to eat cross cupcakes, but I couldn't get the 95 Theses on these things!

Homeschool fun at Connell Farms

Cotton pickin

Corn playin

Corn nappin

The helper gets to lick the spoon. Klaire is my audience in the kitchen on most days. She totes her stool around following me where ever I go. It pays to hang with mom!

Thanksgiving Day. Katy and I had fun setting the table and decorating it too!

Symmetry for math. This one was a bit scary

What was left after we painted turkey pictures. The girls kept it neat and rather artistic with the palette.

More Little House Emotions

2010-12-07T05:33:00.000-06:00

Last night, Katy came down the stairs again with the Little House book. This time she was wearing a smile. "Mom, Jack didn't die. Dogs can swim! Pa thought he was a wolf. So Jack is okay!" I assume that Katy had to put the books down last night after the tragic thought of Jack's death.

Little House Emotions

2010-12-06T09:06:00.001-06:00

Katy came down stairs last night with tears in her eyes. "Jack the bulldog drowned mom. It is so sad, I really almost cried."

She read Little House in the Big Woods last week and has started Little House on the Praire. I have been secretly wanting her to read them, but didn't want to push it either, and wanted her to chose to read them. I am so glad that she enjoys getting wrapped up in the written word. Sadly, life has it's tradegdies and she is finding that out also.

Christmas books for Children

2010-11-30T11:40:00.000-06:00

Here are two Christmas books that are wonderful. They are strictly about the birth of Christ and my girls have really enjoyed them. Certainly ones to add to the library.

Remembering Mother: Mr. and Mrs. Claus

2010-11-29T13:54:00.000-06:00

I grew up with Mr. and Mrs. Claus on our fireplace hearth at Christmas time. They bring back memories of the days that I used to play with them during Christmas time. They are still in great condition and will be helping to make our house a bit more festive this year. Not to mention a sweet memory from my mother's life.

Our Advent List

2010-11-26T12:32:00.000-06:00

We are Southern Baptist. We are not all that familiar with Advent. My first experience with Advent was when Kris was in the army and we were active in a Protestant chapel. We learned a lot there about our Protestant brothers and sister and how they worshiped. Since then Advent has been mentioned in our family, but not completely recognized. This year we are all doing our homework and making a Southern Baptist attempt at celebrating Advent. I am quite excited and hope this will be a celebration that we continue year after year.

We are probably not going to do it the "right" way, but all the same, we are going to do it and exposing our children to it.

Here are a few of the things our family is working toward this Christmas season.

1. Advent Calendar
2. Advent Wreath and readings each Sunday
3. Christmas box
4. Recognizing St. Nicholas Day and learning about St. Nicholas
5. Good Deeds Manger- From Bethany at Apple Cider Mill

Pretty much the Christmas box keeps it all running. Now- I will be having a baby at some point in time this month, but I am trying to be proactive and have all my items together before hand. This will keep the Christmas box running without me.

Here is our list for our Christmas box.

Christmas Box for 2010

Make Advent Calendar
Fantasy in Lights at Calloway
Make popcorn garland
Make Advent Wreath
1^st Advent- Make up candy canes poems to give out when we are out and about.
St. Nicholas Day- New book (Saint Nicholas: The Real Story of the Christmas Legend) and treats to share in their stockings. Candy/Toy/Crayons
Go through toys and give to Goodwill/ Letters to Santa
Shop for Angel Tree/Toys for Tots gifts
Make hand print Christmas tree
New Book- The Christmas Carol/ maybe watch Mickey’s Christmas Carol
Decorate picture frames for Grandparents presents
2^nd Advent /Paint a Christmas Tree/ also use glitter!
New book-The Christmas Baby
Karoline’s Birthday (special treat for Karoline in Christmas box) Sisters make Karoline a card
Make cotton ball snowmen craft/Make snowmen cookies
Watch Veggie Tales, “It’s a Meaningful Life” DVD
Make Gingerbread house
Hand and feet Reindeer craft
3^rd Advent /Activity books for girls/ Make cookies for taking
Practice family Christmas play/ put together costumes
Practice play/Nativity sticker books
Practice play/ Make reindeer food
Make fire in fireplace (maybe)/ Make smores and watch movie together- Miracle on 34th Street
Christmas tea with girls/ Candle light Lord’s Supper/ Spaghetti dinner?
Christmas!!! Put on play after dinner.

Winter books for Children

2010-11-26T12:11:00.000-06:00

Yesterday we started putting away our autumn decorations and brought out the Christmas ones. It was a lot of anticipation around our house. The girls wanted to decorate as soon as they got up! Well, the house is mostly decorated now, and as I have been putting away the autumn and thanksgiving books, I realize that I needed to start looking for winter books.

Here is a great link that I found that has plenty of resources to check out for the winter season that will be here soon.

A few books that I am thinking of adding to our library are below.

Kitchen Cup Organzier- Repost

2010-11-18T12:09:00.000-06:00

I just love Leanne's ideas over at Organize and Decorate Everything. Here is another one that I needed to keep somewhere safe to refer to.

Kitchen Cup Organizer

November 16th, 2010

I shared this last week as a guest post on Someday Crafts. Thanks Michelle for letting me visit.
Here is my inspiration for this project. I only have 4 kids at home right now, but most days my kitchen counter looks like this. After a few hours I get frustrated and usually pick them all up and throw them in the sink or load them in the dishwasher. Then the kids get new cups out and the cycle starts all over again.

I found this tray at Target, on clearance for only $2. 40. It’s not a bad looking tray, but I only bought it for it’s shape. It’s getting painted with Krylon paint for plastics.

Black, of course. If you’re new to my blog, black is my “go to” paint color.

I cut some letters out of shelf liner with my Cricut.

Then some circles and laid them out on the tray to check the placement.

I don’t measure everything precisely. I eyeball a lot of things. I started in the middle and worked out from there trying to space the circles evenly.

Then I added the initials of our first names. Amanda’s is the “M”. Amanda goes by Manda and the “A” was already taken by Ammon. I really have a thing for black and white so I love how it turned out. Now that I have it finished it kind of reminds me of typewriter keys. Don’t ya think?

I placed it on the small counter between the stove and fridge.

The ice and water dispenser are right on the door of the refrigerator so this was the perfect place for the tray of glasses. Yay, now the drinking cups all have a place of their own and we don’t have to guess which one is which.

Getting Crafty- My homeschool file box

2010-11-18T12:05:00.000-06:00

In my homeschool organization, I keep all the papers needed for each day in a file folder with the day labeled. I have been meaning to pick up a narrow sized file folder box at walmart, but keep forgetting and do not really want to pay over $10 for it anyways.

So this morning as I was breaking down a cereal box, it hit me! Why not use the Mod Podge that I have yet to open and give it a try on this cereal box. The box was the perfect size to fit my folders and with a bit of heavy duty clear tape, kept the sides together.

Well, it is not perfect, but will serve my purpose just fine. Plus, I love this fabric.

Drying

Multitude Mondays- One Thousand Gifts

2010-11-16T10:23:00.000-06:00

I am working toward One Thousand Gifts of Gratitude over at Holy Experience. I am not sure how I will organize them or if I can blog on Monday for the Multitude Mondays- considering it is Tuesday right now. But I do want to thank God for all He has blessed me with and this is a way to keep it before my eyes.

1. Christ and His ongoing refining of who I am.
2. The great "Lordship" discussion Kris and I had last night. If is so nice to have a husband who thinks in theological terms. I always appreciate his depth.
3. For our washing machine that God has provided us with to wash the pee-pee accident from last night.
4. Karoline's joy over singing "This little light of mine" for the Christmas play.
5. The extra bit of iron that I needed to help me feel better.
6. And the healthy pregnancy that God has granted me with.
7. A husband who takes care of the big things in our family so I don't have to.
8. The joy of reading a few new library books with the girls- even if two of them would rather be playing around us.
9. Katy's love of the songs from the hymnbook, especially, "You are my all in all"
10. Being able to read both the written word and the musical ones.

Spelling Wisdom- A quest for a cumulative language arts curriculum

2010-11-13T11:03:00.000-06:00

stephshimko.wordpress.com

This homeschool year is just in its infancy, I do realize, but I am already looking for what would work a little better.

I have had a few time constraints with our language arts. That includes, spelling, grammar, phonics, and literature. A lot to combine in a short weeks time and ultimately something gets neglected, usually literature. Now, in defense, Katy is an avid reader and is always reading a chapter books of some sorts.

Needless to say, I am looking for a better way to incorporate literature and spelling. I love our grammar and do not want to change it. Shurley Grammar is wonderful! With that said, I can't just go out and buy BJ or Abeka, I am having to customize again, which is fine.

So I found Spelling Wisdom through my search and I really think this might be a huge help making the literature and spelling connect. The cost is extremely easy on the budget so if it doesn't work, I will not feel badly about it.

Also, I realize that I need to step up our literature a bit and do more spelling based on the book she is reading at the time.

Trial and error, right? We shall see how it all works.

A state book- Conneticut

2010-11-09T22:15:00.000-06:00

In Katy's Shurley Grammar book, we have been going through a state a week. This weeks state has been Conneticut. And what a wonderful book I found at the library about that historic state. It is N is for Nutmeg. With beautiful artisty and amazing history, this book takes an alphabetical approach to the interesting facts about this state.

The author Elissa Grodin has a few other books with a similar format that I am certainly going to look into.

Our school days in October

2010-11-06T12:29:00.000-05:00

October is such a great time for learning. Not that other months aren't, but with Autumn in full "bloom", it has some great activites to incoroporate into our school time.

We started our month with an Autumn book, it came from a lapbook study from The Old Schoolhouse, but I just put it in a folder instead of making the lapbook. After we finished our week, we were ready to head to the North Georgia mountains for a brief reprieve from the ordinary. We enjoyed a great time apple picking, and I hope to make it an Autumn event each year. Here are pictures from our family blog of the trip.


Karoline's family graph for math

A study on the Tower of Babel lead us to make our own ziggurats.

Karoline's Ziggurat, complete with a construction crew!

Katy's new desk. She feels very special to have a place for all of her school items. Thanks Ms. Dianne!

A pregnant womans to do list

2010-11-06T06:30:00.001-05:00

I am down to the last 6 to 8 weeks before our blessed baby arrives. I have an inkling he may come sooner than later. This has caused a bit of panic within me because there is so much to be done. Here is my list.

Carpets cleaned- Nov. 17th.
Dogs washed- either on a warm day (which I am not sure we will have anymore) or send to out.
Get guest room ready for parents
Organize garage by Thanksgiving and be able to get van in ASAP! This one belongs to Kris.
Shop for Christmas- that is mostly done. Thanks to all the great online stores and free shipping.
Take picture of girls for Christmas card.
Christmas cards addressed and ready by Dec. 1
Get Fantasy in Light tickets- nail down the date.
What about Thanksgiving??? Staying home this year because of proximity to hospital.
Homeschool prep for December- look into the workbox method and prep assignments for big girls.
Make and freeze meals for after baby comes. Make 1-2 a week starting next week.

I am sure there is more, but that is all my brain can seem to compute right now.

Time Line Templates

2010-11-02T06:27:00.000-05:00

Here are a few links to printable time line templates.

http://content.scholastic.com/content/collateral_resources/pdf/l/lessonplans_graphicorg_pdfs_timeline.pdf

http://www.worksheets4teachers.com/timelines.php

Looking through October

2010-11-01T21:39:00.000-05:00

This past month had both extremes of life for us. We were all sick for several weeks and Kris and I seemed to be the worse of all! But it was also a month of new adventures and enjoying the Autumn season. Here is a look through our month

Pumpkin craft

Sick children doing school

Leaf paintings

Pumpkin carving

As usual, Klaire is keeping herself busy.

The School room

2010-10-27T12:01:00.000-05:00

There are more views on the home-school blog at The Letter K.

More life lessons

2010-10-19T06:21:00.000-05:00

I wouldn't call myself a glowing optimist, although I usually try to find the good in every situation. The reason I even look for the good is because of God's sovereignty in all things. Why woller in unfortunate or uncomfortable or irrigating life situations when you know God has ordained them. He obviously has a reason for all things. Knowing that is a great comfort to me.

So with that said...

My dear sweet Klaire, our youngest, has given me many life lessons. I have seen the worst and best in myself through my rearing of her. She has bowel issues and they are getting resolved but it has made her sleeping habits rather sporadic her whole life. Recently, I had started sleeping with her in a the full size bed in her room so she would get to sleep. Being 7 months pregnant, I knew it had to stop, mainly because it was hurting me to get up and down out of the uncomfortable bed. Also in the middle of the night when she had her usual waking time, she would want me to get back in the bed and sleep with her. It was all very frustrating to me and I was very annoyed at this little person- especially at 2 or 3 in the morning. Annoyed is putting it lightly.

This week, I had to lay down the sleeping law. I put her back in the toddler bed and left the light on and decided I was going to use this time to have my much needed bible study and prayer time. I have not had a very consistent one for a good while because of, well, lack of sleep! Instead of dreading this time of putting her to bed, I am making the most of the quiet time. It is working well and I am thankful God showed me this way to do things. I realize she will very soon be sleeping with her sisters upstairs in the a big girl bed and making it through the night without getting up. I have been down this road before and see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Funny enough, God has used Klaire's bedtime to speak to me before. I should have been more in tune with Him and I might have been optimizing my time months ago!

TP Roll Pumpkins- Repost

2010-10-05T05:32:00.000-05:00

Repost from Leanne at Organize and Decorate Everything

I found this GREAT idea on Organize and Decorate Everythin g and wanted to remember it. Hopefully I can pull a few pumpkins out of the toilet paper this Autumn Season.

Click on TP Pumpkin Roll and go directly to the site.

The second I saw these on Posh Pieces I knew I wanted to make them. I couldn’t pass up being able to use fabric without having to sew. And because I had everything on hand already, they didn’t cost me a cent to make. Start with a fat quarter of fabric or cut a piece of fabric to the equalivent size. One of the fabrics I used was actually a curtain in it’s previous life.

Lay it wrong side up on a table then add a piece of tissue paper.

I added some smaller pieces of tissue paper to help form the bottom of the pumpkin, then placed a roll of T.P. in the center.

Start by bringing the corners of the fabric into the center of the roll.

Gather and bunch the fabric and push it into the center of the roll until it’s distributed pretty evenly.

Here they are, but they look a little like a T.P. roll.

So, smash the roll down with your hand and it rounds it out a bit.

I had a couple branches that were hanging over the sidewalk so I trimmed them off and used them for the pumpkins. I cut each piece about 5 inches.

And then stuck them down the center of each tube. They were really snug so I didn’t have to use any kind of glue to hold them into place.

Finally, I added some raffia to the stem and placed them in the front window.

I love them and how cute they look by the front door.

A view into our home : The Living Room

2010-10-04T12:56:00.001-05:00

I have wanted to do this with the last few homes we've lived in- that is- have picture records of what our house looked liked from the inside. Finally, I have gotten around to it. We moved into our current home in August, so pictures on the wall are helping make it more homey. I am not one for lots of clutter, so it may look a bit bare, but is right for our family.

Here is a peek into our living room. More rooms to come :)

A look into the school room

2010-10-03T22:08:00.000-05:00

We bought a house with a large formal dining room, but that was never the intent. It was always to be the school room/ playroom and it suits the functions very well.

I have had to lock up some of the books. Sounds so Martin Lutherish I know! But I take out a few at a time and put them in the book boxes and those are the ones they look at and we read for the week. It certainly helps in keeping the clutter down!

Handwriting without Tears is great! Katy is working on the cursive and Karoline the preschool handwriting.

I must admit, I took these photos a few weeks ago and I have already changed the room up a bit. But it is serving the function of school room/ playroom so nicely! Below, is our sight words on the left, our daily calendar in the middle and half of the learning clock. It is truly amazing the power of repetition- we repeat the days of the week and months of the year every day during out "gathering time" in the morning. Katy is working to remember the months of the year and Karoline is getting really good at the days of the week.

Speaking of our gathering time...

This is how we start our day (This includes all the girls- 7 yrs, 3 yrs, and 2 yrs)

1. Pledge to the American flag- .
2. Calendar- big and little- including recitations of weeks and months- also identifying the weather outside.
3. Singing time- a hymn with hand motions, a few children's songs- BIBLE, My God is so Big, Jesus loves me, etc. Also working on learning the ABC's song with sign language (to help keep Katy interested).
3. Reviewing of basic theology- right now working on trinity and bits about who God is.
4. Prayer- for the day, our friends, our country and president. They usually all like to pray- so this can take a while :)

A look into our week

2010-09-21T06:04:00.000-05:00

A new favorite children's book

2010-09-14T05:50:00.000-05:00

I bought this book in a set of books from Veritas Press for Katy's literature. We started reading it last night and I must say it is quickly becoming my new favorite. It is compiled with short story poems and they are so sweet and funny. Binkers is a really cute one! This is a book worth having in your library.

Last night, when Katy was having trouble sleeping, Kris noticed her sneaking up to bed with this book and it must have done the trick in helping her sleep.

A look into our week

2010-09-12T12:44:00.000-05:00

Katy's serpent. We are studying Genesis in bible and History. She learned a great little song to memorize the days of creation last week. The music came from the Veritas Press History material which is working out great for us.

Karoline is playing hard with her teddy bear counters. I just love Saxon math- it makes learning math lots of fun for them.

Katy is working on her timed math drills. Notice the pattern blocks at the bottom. That is the video game she created.

Karoline is coloring her serpent's head and tail. The girls have had the best time with those paper serpents! Klaire loved hers a bit to much and it had to head to the garbage.

Speaking of Klaire...

She has been doing really well learning to play on her blanket. She has blanket time for about 20 mintues and working up to 30 minutes. I lay out a large beach blanket and a box of special toys she only gets to play with during that time. If she gets off the blanket she gets in trouble and she quickly learned it wasn't worth getting off the blanket. I was so impressed with how well she played and stayed quite. It has helped alot during those more time consuming subjects.

Lastly,

Katy and her tie-died shirt!

This past weekend we spent the day at Calloway Gardens for the Hot Air Balloon show. In usual fashion, I forgot my camera, but this is what Katy picked to make at the show. Karoline painted a lovely cereamic princess crown. My dad was a huge help that day and I think truly enjoyed teaching Katy ping pong and shuffle board. If you have never been to Calloway Gardens it is ever so worth it. We bought an annual pass and it pretty much paid for itself with the Hot Air Ballonon show.

Kris, the girls and I went back down on Thursday with some friends to enjoy a last hurrah at the lake before it gets to chilly. Katy and Karoline enjoyed the butterfly exhibit with had amazing owl butterflies

Then we all went to the birds of prey show, where we learned a lot of about those large birds roaming the skys.

It was a bit of a scattered week, but we got it all done and learned lots too.

Muffins and Potty training

2010-09-10T06:32:00.001-05:00

This is a great recipe, quick and easy too. I had two brown bananas and it called for three, so it could have been a bit moister (if that is a word). But they are yummy!

Always fun trying a new recipe with a potty training child in the house. Seems to take double the time to get things done- but that is fine. You see Klaire has decided to potty train herself and I am helping along the way. I have never had a child take the initiative in potty training, so this is new for me. She is doing great and my goal of having her out of diapers by the time baby Jay gets here is looking like a good possibility. I am very thankful to the Lord for His help on this one!

From Allrecipes.com

Banana Crumb Muffins

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 bananas, mashed
3/4 cup white sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/3 cup butter, melted
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon butter

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease 10 muffin cups, or line with muffin papers.
In a large bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, beat together bananas, sugar, egg and melted butter. Stir the banana mixture into the flour mixture just until moistened. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups.
In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour and cinnamon. Cut in 1 tablespoon butter until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. Sprinkle topping over muffins.
Bake in preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of a muffin comes out clean.

A look at our first week of school

2010-09-05T21:59:00.000-05:00

Sweet Karoline is beginning her schooling adventures this year. We are doing a bit of phonics, handwriting, math and lots of structured play. She really enjoys being apart of big sister Katy's school activites also. She is very excited and spent this week wanting more and more work- "what next Mama?"

Katy is 7 and a new 2nd grader! She loves the color purple and attempting to dress everyone in the family- can't you tell by her great style! She especially likes math. Our little lefty is learning cursive handwriting this year along with studying the ancients in history. She has a great memory and loves the songs we are beginning to learn in our morning "gathering time" and the jingles and songs for school work.

Can't forget Klaire, the ever curious toddler. She is a new 2 year old as of July and loves getting into anything and everything. She likes doing all that her big sisters do. She especially likes cleaning the toilet with the toilet brush, a job she given to herself after much observation! She is attempting potty training, which she is teaching herself- of course. We shall see how that pans out.

Here is a peek into our week...

A peek at the counter top

AB patterns in math

Place settings 101

More math with pattern blocks

Karoline's Letter Book

Katy also finished up a lapbook, which can be viewed on this post

Lapbooks: The Hundred Dresses

2010-09-05T20:47:00.000-05:00

For our studies in literature, instead of using a purchased curriculum, I am going the lapbook route. With each book Katy reads we make a lapbook. It helps reinforce the book and the different things learned from the book.

Katy's first book was The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes. A great classic and wonderful for girls to read. Many lessons are taught in this book, but it brings home the main idea of being fair and kind to everyone. I also found this great site with printables to use in the lapbook.

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/hundred_dresses.php
Here is what Katy put into her lapbook.

Curriculum for our homeschool

2010-08-30T12:08:00.000-05:00

I am homeschooling a 2nd grader and a 3 1/2 year old. At first I wasn't going to do "formal" schooling with Karoline the 3 yr old, but decided she was ready and eager for it. There is still plenty of time for play scheduled into our day. I will post our schedule when I get the kinks worked out- I am already making a few tweeks to it today.

Katy's 2nd grade curriculum

Saxon Math 2

Shurley English 2

Logos Spelling- 2nd grade

Veritas Press History- Ancients

Literature Lapbooks- we are using classic books from book lists and reading one a week, based on their difficulty. Then we are doing a lapbook to go along with the book.

Bible- I am following along with the History since it starts with Genesis and goes through to the Egyptians. We are memorizing one to two verses a week and then reading the passages from scripture.

Handwriting without tears- Cursive

Explode the code online- this has been great for phonics work

Karoline's Curriculum

Get ready for the code- from the Explode the Code series

Saxon Math K

Slow and Steady, Get Me Ready- link on the sidebar

Bible- a memory verse a week.

Lapbooks for literature

Klaire is even getting a little with the Slow and Steady book. I would highly recommend this book for anyone with little ones. It has such useful ideas!

We begin our day with "Gathering Time" in the playroom/schoolroom. We do our calendar, the weather, pledge to the American flag, and then sing songs. After that we have bible, where Katy and I read from scripture- not long passages, but not from a Children's bible either. I do use the children's bibles with Karoline and Klaire to show pictures and we read them at night also, but I do want them to get exposed the the bible without all the pictures.

The homeschool blog

2010-08-30T11:52:00.000-05:00

Our family homeschool blog will get a little more of my time over the next few weeks. I am going to try and keep it updated with our schedule, curriculum, and how it is going. Katy has already made a lapbook that I will be posting in the next week. So if anyone is interested in our homeschooling life check out.......

The Letter K Homeschool

A work in progress

2010-08-22T12:57:00.000-05:00

We are back to it- all of us. Katy is home again and I am so excited!

School begins for us on August 30th. We are going this week and to pick out new outfits for Karoline and Katy to wear on their first day of school- it is on customary! We also need a few school supplies. Since Katy spent first grade in public school she knows the excitement of school shopping and I still want that excitement even with doing school at home.

More to follow- this is a work in progress. I will list our curriculum and schedule in my next post. Also, Katy will become a contributor to this blog very soon. I think she will really enjoy that.

Beginning again

2010-08-22T06:20:00.000-05:00

I am enjoying a quiet Sunday morning before getting the children ready for church. We have entered another stage of life- another moving stage. To keep the details short- we have moved to Georgia- I would say one the greatest places to live on earth. My husband has returned back to a job in the Federal Buruea of Prisons as a chaplain and his new schedule and our new routine is working out nicely for all of us. Of course, life will be more settled when we get completely moved in. Katy is so funny. She comments every few days that the house is feeling more like home.

Another new chapter is our return to homeschooling. Katy spend her first grade year in public school and excelled- I am not trying to brag- really. She did amazingly well, but my heart continued to be pulled to home education. And that is what the Lord has blessed us with. Katy will begin 2nd grade and Karoline will begin a light schedule of "school" also. Klaire will keep everyone hopping. We are all very excited to begin and I will be blogging about school on my Letter K blog. Katy will do some contributing also :).

Well, I hear little ones stirring.

Re-post: How to prepare the day for our children

2010-07-14T16:35:00.000-05:00

You can read the original post at Passionate Homemaking

I just had to add this to my readings to keep. It has some really great advice. And don't miss the prayer calendar she includes for husband and children.

This post is written by Passionate Homemaking’s monthly contributor, Kat.

Preparations

We set out their clothes, make their breakfast, and tidy the house so that our children can start the day off well.
But there is an even more important preparation we need to make before the day begins.
We need to prepare the day for them. To pave the way in prayer. To prepare our hearts and attitudes to welcome them to a day full of potential.
They take their cues from us. If we wake up late and grumpy, there’s a good chance they’ll be grumpy. If we greet them with a smile and hope for the day, there’s a good chance they’ll be hopeful and happy too.
We don’t need to wake up 2 hours early. 5 minutes will do wonders. Just a focused window of prayer, thanksgiving and a little “pep talk” from the Coach before the “game” begins.
I love to meet the day before sunrise (or kid-rise or husband-rise). In the early morning, It’s a truly blank canvas. The day laid out in all it’s vastness – full of possibility.

3 Steps For Preparing The Day For Your Family

1. Start With A Grateful Heart
I’m not always chipper in the morning. I don’t always feel like praying. It’s amazing how much my attitude changes after just a minute of thanking the Lord for all the wonderful blessings He’s given me.
2. Focused Prayer for Each Person
I use this calendar to pray for my husband and this calendar to pray for my children. In the fog of the early morning or the rush of a late morning, they give me direction and focus as I pray for my family.
3. Worship
One of my favorite songs to listen to in the morning is by Christy Nockels and it’s called Invade. I’m pretty sure Christy could sing Father Abraham 128,897,979 times in a row and I think I’d soak in every single repetitive note. She has such a gorgeous voice. Combine that voice with these amazing lyrics and that makes for a wonderful morning anthem.

Jesus, come and walk the halls of this house
Tread this place and turn it inside out
With Your mercy…
Jesus, teach us the prayers that open these doors
Until Your light floods in and illuminates these floors
And let Your truth be on our steps and in these rooms
Jesus invade…

Welcoming Our Children to Today

What an honor we have as moms to greet our children with all the hope of a fresh, brand new day.
Today could be one of the best days of our entire lives.
Today could be the day our patience overtakes our impatience – for good.
Today could be a day we make memories my children will laugh and talk about for 50 years.
Today could be a day God uses us to change someone’s life – forever.
Let’s take seriously our opportunity to prepare our children for the wonders of Today.

Kat blogs at Inspired To Action, a site dedicated to helping moms develop the habits and skills they need to effectively manage their homes and raise children who are prepared to change the world. Kat and her husband Jimmy live the great state of Texas and have 3 children ages 7, 5 and 2. Kat loves music, running, technology, Jesus and Tex-Mex food. Not necessarily in that order.

It's been a while...

2010-07-08T08:19:00.000-05:00

Wow! It has almost been a year since I last blogged on our homeschooling around our house. Summer is here and Katy is home after finishing first grade at the local public school- more to follow on that. Karoline is in speech therapy and is speaking very well. I think time makes it better, not so much the therapy, but I could be wrong. Klaire is busy, busy, busy and want to do whatever her sisters are going.

So this summer has been busy, but we have managed to do a bit of schooling here and there. Karoline is beginning "Handwriting without Tears" which I highly recommend. I wish I would have started Katy on this on, but she did get a lot of benefits from it after abeka didn't work. Karoline is loving it! She uses a little chalkboard to practice her letters and it makes is very fun to sit down and have school.

Adventures in the grave yard

2010-07-07T08:21:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago, the girls and I went to Florida to visit my dad. He had some information about a great great grandfather who had fought in the Civil War and was buried at a local Civil War burial site. So one day we proceeded to take the girls out and hunt for this lost relative.

The Lord promoted me to watch for snakes. And with in a few minutes I knew why. The cemetary was a bit over grown and needed some tending to. So as we walked in and looked at the first head stone I noticed a small blackish snake slither over Karoline's feet. I had my camera on my shoulder and as I grabbed her up in one hand and Klaire in the other, I hit Karoline in the face with the camera (at the time i didn't realize that had happened). Karoline was screaming and crying and I was yelling for my dad, fortunately Katy was with him. I got the girls out of there and he killed the snake. It turned out to be a pygmy rattler! I think we had just woke him up from a nice sleep when he crawled over Karoline's feet. As I was putting the girls back in the van, Karoline was crying because she wanted to go back and look though the tombs. I thought, how brave of her! Later I realized she was crying because the lens of the camera that had slammed her in the eye, which left a lovely round circle around her eye later that afternoon. She had no clue a poisonous snake had crawled over her little bare flip flopped feet!

All in all, it was quite a story to tell.

Lessons learned. Wait till fall to explore over grown cemeteries in the south!

Things to remember when your pregnant

2010-06-29T09:06:00.000-05:00

1. Be patient. Just because your hormones are all over the place doesn't mean your family should suffer for it.
2. Be prepared. Freeze meals for bad days. Have the laundry under control for a tired day. Have extra activites prepared (at least in your head) for the children.
3. Plan to rest. You need it and your family needs you at your best.
4. When you feel your best, spend it with your family. Don't spend it cleaning or organizing. Save those good feeling days for the ones you love.
5. Plan time for your husband. He needs and deserves it.
6. Never forget that God is your help and your strength. You cannot do it on your own.
7. Pregnancy is a blessing. A little bit of discomfort is well worth it.

Now I didn't say I did all these things! This is a friendly reminder to myself on those not so good pregnancy days take a deep breath and make sure what I am displaying is glorifying to God. And honestly, it is not always gloriying to Him. I am a work in progress.

Note on #6. I was having a rough day. Kris had taken the two older girls out so I could get some rest and some cleaning done. Klaire, the baby was being a tornado and I couldn't seem to make any progress. I was upset and frustrated. I cried out, "Lord you have got to help me!!!". About 15 minutes later Klaire wanted her milk. I was ready to put her down for her nap and was making her milk for her. Then I couldn't find her anywhere. I figured she was into something- again! Boy was I wrong. I found her in her bed, quilt pulled up waiting for her milk. After getting her milk she quickly went off to sleep (which she usually never does). It took me about an hour to realize what had just went on. The Lord had heard my cry and helped me and I didn't even realize it! He is always there.

Re-Post: A Call to Action

2010-06-18T21:46:00.001-05:00

I am posting this from Bethany at Apple Cider Mill. I agree wholeheartedly with her post and pray that God will call more women to take modesty seriously.

A Call to Action

Can I just say something for a second?

I AM ANGRY.

I am livid. Because when I go to Church on Sunday, even my eyes flick to the ample cleavage, naked thighs, bare backs, and bra straps of dozens of women, young and old.

Two weeks ago, a girl in a low-cut spaghetti-strap tank top and the shortest tap shorts I've ever seen (and I was a dancer for ten years) was the last to receive Holy Communion. The entire congregation, who had already returned to their pews, could see her, and everyone was definitely seeing her. From the looks on all those faces, I think they were all just as shocked and offended as I was. I am honestly a little surprised that my priest didn't ask her to leave right then. Who goes to receive Jesus dressed like they're vying for hook up a frat party?

WHAT IS GOING ON???

Ladies, where is your reverence? Where is your compassion for your brothers? Where is your self respect?

Fathers and mothers, why are you letting your daughters accompany you to church in clothes that they would be sent home from a public school for wearing?

Church of all places should be a sanctuary, a place where men and women can safely go to worship and adore their God with their whole body, mind, and spirit in loving fellowship. It is not a meat market. It is not a fashion runway. It is not about YOU or me or any of us. It's about Jesus.

Some of you might still be wondering exactly why this makes me so furious.

I'm mad because some girl or woman (times several dozen) who is so deluded (and dare I say, vain?) that she thinks when a man glances at her bare, tanned legs that he is actually looking at her and not merely at an overexposed segment of her body is making it hard for my priest--my husband--and even me to pay attention to Christ during Mass.

If you think it's my problem, think again.

But, in one way, it is my problem. My mama always told me that if you don't speak up to someone's face, then you don't have a right to complain behind their backs. So, I'm going to start speaking up. Politely, charitably, and with people that I know. Don't worry, I won't bite your head off on Sunday if you show up to my parish in hot pants. But, I'm through sitting back and watching men I care about struggle for no good reason. I'm going to start speaking up because the men can't speak up for themselves.

Think about it. What would happen if a man politely and discreetly told a woman that the skirt she was wearing to the office was causing him to struggle with his sexual purity? Sexual harassment suit is what would happen. I know a young husband who is a teacher at a Christian middle school. He has to ask female co-workers to inform female students or their parents if a girl's uniform skirt is hemmed too short because he could lose his job for speaking up himself.

I know that we women often think of protection as being the men's job, but I've had it. Ladies, and it's time we did something for our men--our husbands, our sons, our brothers. Dressing modestly ourselves is one step, but it's not enough. We need to take action. We must start letting other women know--as kindly and compassionately as we can with the (probably correct) assumption that they are not actually plotting to sexually arouse our husbands or sons specifically--that the way they are dressing is inappropriate and immodest. In fact, in the context of the Church with fellow Christians, the Bible commands us to do so.

If we don't, then we don't have any right to be angry in private.

And, let's face it, we know we're mad.

Favorites of the girls

2010-06-18T21:16:00.000-05:00

Katy loved a few books with a passion when she was wee little. Karoline has now picked out those same books and enjoys them also.

The Best Nest is by no means politically correct- but it is a funny book and has a mezmerizing appeal on Katy and Karoline. Katy will still listen and read this book!

A Fish out of Water was one that Katy would have me read over and over and over again- all in the same sitting! Karoline likes it, but not quite as much a Katy did.

Both books are classics in my mind. They have beautiful flow and enjoyable language.

Not to break the Dr. Seuss chain- Klaire has her own favorite book- Green Eggs and Ham! We have been reading this one every night for the past week and she would prefer me to read it several times. She will make the "s" sound over and over again- her sign that "Sam I am" is the book she wants to read. What is unique about Klaire gravitation to Green Eggs and Ham is that Katy and Karoline could have cared less for the book. Looks like I might need to practice up on Fox's in Socks!

A different perspective

2010-06-17T07:04:00.000-05:00

I read this quote over at The Apple Cider Mill

"Bread and water can so easily be toast and tea." -Unknown

So simple and so true. Perspective is everything.

Lord, help me to have a perspective that sees the best around me, especially in those I love so dear. Help my heart be centered on your providence and divine purpose. Amen

Banana Tip

2010-06-16T20:17:00.000-05:00

A tip from Alton Brown of The Food Networks Good Eats

Take browning banana's and put them in the fridge to stop the ripening process. Alton says that when they are getting brown and ugly looking they are at their best- taste wise. I have never heard this tip and wanted to make a note of it.

News

2010-06-12T14:03:00.000-05:00

Well, my blogging will forever be a hit and a miss. I have come to grips with that. I would love to be one who blogged everyday with something witty and inspiring to say. Oh well, that is not me!

So for some news.

We are expecting our fourth little one! The due date it 1-1-11- funny. Although I never make it to my due date, so I am thinking more around the middle of December- Lord willing. My husband and I, and the girls are all very excited. Katy was positivily giddy when we told her.

It is an exciting time and a blessing to carry another child. We praise the Lord for whatever He brings.

Time out

2010-05-09T15:33:00.001-05:00

Not the time out in the corner!

My husband has a really great routine of taking our oldest out to breakfast once a week. Unfortunately, with two little ones, I do not get to go out with her as much. I have been seeing the need for our one on one time together- especially as she is getting older and really wants to talk about things. My newest mothering objective is to make time twice a month (to begin with) to spend time out with my oldest, just us. This weekend we are planning on having breakfast at McD's (not a favorite of mine, but a real treat for her). I realize that as they all get older, they need individual time with mom and dad, without having to compete with their siblings. So as I finish this post with two children in my lap, fighting for the best spot- I certainly want for them to learn to share time with their siblings, but as parents we have to carve out time to nurture those individual relationship.

List and Schedules: Part 2

2010-04-27T08:21:00.000-05:00

With springtime in full bloom and warmer weather outside my door everyday, it has occurred to me that there is a lot of spring cleaning that needs to happen.

I am trying to come up a with a good schedule for the cleaning that goes on every few months (besides the weekly chores). It is a work in progress though.

So far my spring cleaning list consists of the following:

1. Wash the windows- inside and out
2. Clean the carport- get the cob webs down and all the squiggly things out!
3. Wash the kitchen cabinets- they are white and really need it
4. Clean the oven
5. Clean out the fridge- wash the inside
6. Wash and cull girls dress-up clothes/ sort through old toys.
7. Work on organization projects.
8. Label and organize girls clothes.
9. Wash baseboards and gunk off walls.

As of right now I have only cleaned the oven and gotten the girls clothes organized and labeled. But the great thing about spring time is the warmth outside. It makes you want to clean something- at least it does for me.
I have come to assume that our windows need washing about 3 times a year. My cabinets need a good scrubbing twice a year and with spot cleaning in between. The baseboard seem to get dirty quickly and need a cleaning just about every other month. Oven and fridge are on the every other month list also. The overall plan of my cleaning schedule is to get a notebook with 12 dividers for each month and designate each month for a job or jobs. No, I haven't done this yet- but now that it is in print I have a better chance of getting it done.