Meek & Quiet Spirit

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

2010-03-09T19:54:00.001-08:00

(The above picture is of a Blue Morpho Butterfly.)

Just a drop in to say Hi. I am on track with my B90 readings.

Here is the something to think about:

"All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by frost."

Poem by J.R.R. Tolkien

STILL HERE

2010-02-27T10:26:00.001-08:00

Yes, I am here just so very very busy. I am only one day off on the reading (a grace day.) I check in and look up friends but I may not be posting too much until things settle into place. Hopefully, prayerfully, soon. The weather is finally turning into something that resembles spring here, my second favorite season. I am feeling like a butterfly ready to break from the cocoon.

Blessings!

SNOW!!!!!!

2010-02-11T09:22:00.000-08:00

Well we're not quite this bad, but close. I have never seen this much snow in my life. It has been reeking havoc on our internet service- hence my lack of posts. The snow levels in this part of Arkansas has hit record levels, amazing.

I am only one day behind on my B90 and I expect to get that caught up today. All my kiddos have come down with a cold. Poor baby Ella is suffering the worst since I am limited on what I can do for her.

Prayers to all out there on their B90 readings and all those dealing with the snow conditions.

Blessings!!

BIRTHDAY & B90

2010-02-04T09:36:00.001-08:00

I am current on the B90 readings thru Ezra, I have todays reading in Nehemiah to do still.

Yes, I am the big 40 today- and I am not afraid to admit it! :)
But, boy, where has the time gone, I can hardly believe it.

Blessings!

QUICK UPDATE

2010-01-31T07:18:00.000-08:00

Ok. I am current on the B90 readings, up to today Day 31.
We got snowed in and had to put our truck in the shop. Our internet service was down and right now it is really fickle as to how long it stays on.

Will try to update as I can. Prayers to all the readers!

Blessings!!

B90 DAY 23 & 24

2010-01-25T11:48:00.000-08:00

Ok, I have done Days 23 & 24 chapters 2 Samuel 13 thru 1 Kings 7:37 consecutively. I am currently working on today's reading (Day25).

Blessings!!

ENCOURAGEMENT

2010-01-21T21:35:00.000-08:00

I just noticed the verse on my daily sidebar. Wow.

"and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing....."

1 Corinthians 13:2

B90 Day 20 &21

2010-01-21T21:26:00.001-08:00

I did complete Day 21 chapters 1Samuel 3 thru 1Samuel 15 yesterday and I have completed today's reading Day 21 chapters 1Samuel 16 thru 1Samuel 28:19.

This is just one of those busy seasons in life, between that and our terrible internet connection it is really difficult to get blog posts in. But I truly want to remain accountable to the reading group. It is my prayer that my perseverance might be an encouragement to someone else during their busy season.

Blessings!!

B90 CATCH UP

2010-01-19T17:47:00.001-08:00

OK, been really busy, but I wanted to drop in and make myself accountable. I am officially caught up to the current reading day. I have completed Day 15 thru (today) Day 19, chapters Deuteronomy 23:12 thru 1 Samuel 2:29.
Some of it was pretty tough but I really enjoyed Ruth and reading about Hannah.
Well, must get off here. My continued prayers for the other readers!

Blessings!!

HE'S HERE, YEAH!!!!!!

2010-01-15T09:40:00.000-08:00

My sister in law delivered a healthy baby boy just moments ago. His name is Elijah Tyndale weighing in at 11 lbs. 10 oz. He will share his beloved great grandfather's birthday.
He did get partially stuck once the head delivered but things were apparently taken care of quickly with no problems. I am so thankful she was able to do this naturally. Praise be to the Lord!!!

BLESSINGS!!!!

B90 DAY 14

2010-01-15T08:19:00.001-08:00

Day 14 Chapters Deuteronomy 8 thru Deuteronomy 23:11 done. I got my reading in early this morning as I expect to have a busy day today.

BABY UPDATE 2:
We are waiting on some word from the hospital. I found out just now that yesterday's ultrasound also showed that the baby was not in the correct position and that, quote "his head size was off the chart". My sister in law is still going to attempt a natural delivery. We are all busy in prayer here.

BABY NEWS

2010-01-14T17:05:00.000-08:00

Well, the results of the ultrasound showed that she has too much amniotic fluid and they estimate the baby to be in the neighborhood of 12 lbs. She was referred back here in Conway to a doctor they feel is the best qualified to handle this. They will be inducing tomorrow around 7 am. She is desperately wanting to avoid a csection, I am praying she gets her wish but I understand that there are some serious complications associated with this condition. Please keep praying for mama and baby to come thru this safely, whatever way God wills.

Blessings!!

B90 DAY13

2010-01-14T10:25:00.000-08:00

Day 13 Chapters Numbers 32:20 thru Deuteronomy 7 complete.
I am really tired and headachey today so it was kinda tough getting in todays reading, but I have learned that if I do it first thing that I feel much more uplifted through the day and less likely to want to skip it. Plus I can give it more focus if I do it first. I have time during the kids personal reading time if I don't let myself get distracted.

BABY UPDATE:
No baby as of yet. Her contractions just wont stay strong or consistent enough to bring on active labor. They are sending her to Little Rock for an ultrasound. We wont know anything more until then. Please keep her in your prayers.

Blessings!!

BABY UPDATE & B90

2010-01-13T13:52:00.001-08:00

OK, Day 12 chapters Numbers 21:8 thru Numbers 32:19 completed.

We are still waiting on baby. Around 3 pm she was about 4 centimeters. It doesn't seem things have progressed much. Please keep offering up prayers. I will report as I know things.

Blessings!!

PRAYERS & B90 UPDATE

2010-01-12T14:34:00.000-08:00

I am requesting prayers for my sister in law. She is officially 43 weeks along and is attempting a home birth of her fourth child (a boy). The midwives are trying to naturally induce but things are just not wanting to get going. The little critter seems to be perfectly content to remain where he is, LOL!
She is known to birth big babies (11 pounders) so I am asking for prayers for labor to kick in and everything to go well.
Thank You. :)

I finished Day 10 chapters Leviticus 26:27 thru Numbers 18:4 yesterday and I have completed todays reading Day 11 chapters Numbers 8:15 thru 21:7.

Blessings!!

B90 CATCH UP

2010-01-11T12:57:00.001-08:00

OK, I accomplished Day 9 chapters Leviticus 14:33 thru Leviticus 26:26 yesterday. I am currently working on Day 10.

Blessings!!

B90 DAY 8

2010-01-09T15:17:00.000-08:00

Chapters Leviticus 1 thru Leviticus 14:32 done. Boy, that was a toughy!! LOL

I am currently one day behind on the day count due to my taking a grace day.

Blessings!

B90 CATCH UP

2010-01-09T12:26:00.000-08:00

Well, I had to do a grace day the day before yesterday because we were ultra busy and I did not plan well. I did finish day 7, chapters Exodus 29 thru Exodus 40, yesterday and I still need to do today's reading, which will be as soon as I am off here.

Amy over at Mom's Toolbox put up an encouraging post for those who are having trouble keeping up. Stop by and check it out! :)

http://www.momstoolbox.com/blog/2010/01/07/bible-in-90-days-getting-frustrated-yet/

Blessings!!

BOOK REVIEW & B90 DAY 6

2010-01-06T15:52:00.000-08:00

HEART OF WISDOM TEACHING APPROACH
WHAT YOUR CHILD NEEDS TO KNOW WHEN

Let me say here and now, I LOVED BOTH OF THESE. They have revolutionized my approach to my "school" day.

This will be more of a double book review as both are by Robin Sampson and both center around the concepts of the Heart of Wisdom teaching method, otherwise known as HOW or HOWTA.

The HOW method uses a biblical foundation as its core approach. It is a blending of styles which include Charlotte Mason, unit studies, and the 4 Matt System. The idea is to teach in two segments: God's Word first, then God's World (i.e. history, science, ect.) Robin provides a 4 year plan which would be repeated 3 times for a total of 12 years (or grade levels).

My humble opinion: Whether you agree with her or not about the opposition to classical teaching (and she makes some very eye opening points about that) you can not deny the soundness of this program. She made me aware of a fact I had not realized I was practicing in my own teaching.

Here I was seperating our "Bible time" from our "school time". Not intentionally, mind you, and the realization of it never occurred to me until I read Robin's books.I had to ask myself why. I could only assume it was because I had a public school mentality, and despite the fact that I thought I was making a conscious effort not to mimic that in my own home educating , still I had not thought of basing my whole approach to our education on God's word.

But that my friends is exactly where it should be.

These books were a real eye opener for me and spoke to my heart. I also learned alot about unit studies and for the first time I am planning on making use of them.

I am undecided as to whether I will incorporate Heart of Wisdom exclusively or tailor it into our own program but it will most definitely be the springboard to a change in my teaching methods.

The only possible con (to some people) might be that HOW is not a step by step put together curriculum. It does require you to choose to some extent what resources you wish to use and how to approach it in your day. Especially since it is also based in a delight directed manner.

Robin has put together some unit studies and the How website is chock full of wonderful links and ideas for tailoring your plan of action.

I recommend at least finding these at your local library and reading them. You may also click on the titles under the pics and it will lead you to the ordering page where you can also get a free excerpt.

I bet you won't walk away without some really good ideas to incorporate.

Day 6 completed! Chapters Exodus 15:19 thru Exodus 28.

B90 DAY 5

2010-01-06T10:27:00.000-08:00

I finished Chapters Exodus 1 thru Exodus 15:18 yesterday. I am current on my reading even though I am a day late posting. I have just been busy and the computer has to be put it proper perspective when there are more important things to do first.
My continued prayers are with the other readers, hope all is going well!!

Blessings!!

B90 DAY 4

2010-01-04T15:13:00.001-08:00

Day 4 chapters Genesis 40:12 thru 50 done!

I plan on making some other posts soon, just busy with several things currently.

Blessings!

B90 DAY 3

2010-01-04T08:22:00.001-08:00

Chapters Genesis 28:20 thru 40:11 was completed yesterday. By the skin of my teeth, LOL. Sundays are always full and yesterday was no exception. And, most cases, I will probably not post on a Sunday.
I have not done day 4 (todays) reading yet. Had to see hubby off to work and kiddos breakfast and homeschool started. Once I get everything settled I will get it going and will let you know when I finish.
Hope everyone has been able to keep up.

Blessings!

B90 DAY 2

2010-01-02T17:03:00.001-08:00

OK, chapters Genesis 17-28:19 completed. Today went much better, and faster for some odd reason.
I do not plan currently to have a daily comment on what I read, more just as something strikes me. I will say that I almost felt sorry for king Abimelech. First, he almost gets into trouble with God because Abraham tells him Sarah is his sister, then Isaac does the same thing to him with Rebekah.
If you would like a good study type commentary head over to Mom's Toolbox . She is doing what she calls a SOAP format (Scripture,Observation,Application,Prayer) that is super helpful.

Blessings!

B90 DAY 1

2010-01-01T20:57:00.000-08:00

I have completed Genesis chapters 1-16. There is no way to say how long it took because my goal was not to finish in one sitting, but to take it in spells. Times when my baby girl is feeding are excellent for reading. But it also amazed me how many interruptions came along. You would've thought the devil himself was trying to keep me from accomplishing this.
I will admit right now that I am doing this KJV. My personal choice. If anyone else out there is also going KJV please chime in for encouragement.
It felt so very good to accomplish this, like I have my priorities right.

Blessings!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2009-12-31T11:21:00.001-08:00

Many prayers to you all that this year will bring peace and joy. Depending on where you find yourself right now that may or may not seem like a distant dream. Be strong, the Lord is always by your side and He alone can bring you a peace and joy beyond our understanding.

MANY BLESSINGS!

B90

2009-12-30T10:01:00.001-08:00

I am so looking forward to this challenge. For anyone who would like to join in I strongly recommend that you head over to the B90 site and register, also please sign up for Blogging thru B90 Daily Messages.
Amy from Mom's Toolbox said "This email is not a 'selling' tool, but an email of encouragement which lists the daily reading, a few key terms or verses to focus on and anything which might help with the reading. I read the Day One email yesterday and found it to be an excellent tool."
Just CLICK HERE to get to the registration page.
Blessings!

THE BIBLE IN 90 DAYS

2009-12-29T09:08:00.001-08:00

I am committing myself to join the other fine ladies at Mom's Toolbox for the 90 Day Bible Reading Challenge.
Why, you might ask, would I take on an endeavor during an already very busy season in my life?
Well, THAT is exactly why. Because, to my great shame, there have been busy seasons in which I "forgot" the very thing I needed to remember most. My Lord's words. The very life giving essence that was THE most important thing I needed to be doing. Missing opportunities to hear Him speak to me and offer an encouragement like no other.
I will admit to being scared spitless in taking this challenge. That seems funny to me since I do not believe there are any plans to hold a roasting of those who fall behind and I know there are no "losers" in my Lord's sight when we are striving to please Him, which is what should be our motivation for doing this.
I can not tell you how I have tried to talk myself out of it. That alone was a warning flag to me that I needed to all the more.
So, I encourage you, if there is one resolution you make for the start of this year, commit with us to armoring ourselves with the Holy Words of God. I know that no matter how far you get you will only come away better for having done so.

HERE is the sign up post!
BLESSINGS!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

2009-12-18T16:50:00.001-08:00

Merriest of Christmas to all of my wonderful friends, my prayers will be with you thru the holidays. It is my earnest wish that where ever you find yourself at this time that you will remember the greatest gift given to us- our Lord Jesus and the incredible love He has for you.
You all are so very special.
We are gradually getting better here, I will return after the new year. For now, I wish to saturate myself in my loved ones.
See you soon!
BLESSINGS!!!!!! :)

SICKIES

2009-12-12T07:52:00.000-08:00

Honestly, this is EXACTLY how I have felt the last 3 days.

No one has been spared, including baby girl, who also came down with an ear infection.

Let me say, it has not been pretty. But I think we might be getting the best of it finally. I should be back to blogging soon.

All my prayers to anyone out there who might also be under the weather!

Blessings!!

SOOO FUNNY!

2009-12-05T10:19:00.000-08:00

CLICK HERE:

http://pticester.wordpress.com/2009/12/02/friday-funnies-11/

Guaranteed laughter, especially if you have kids!

Blessings!

SOUND FOUNDATION

2009-12-05T09:08:00.000-08:00

I was reading Homeschooling with a Meek and Quiet Spirit by Terri Maxwell and in there she recommends having a Bible verse to dedicate to your homeschool. She advises listening to the Lord and letting Him guide you to just the right one.

Never did I expect to have Him speak to me so quickly. No sooner had I read her suggestion, and applied my heart to listening, than there it was!

Luke 9:23
"And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross DAILY (emphasis mine), and follow me"

You will notice that in the above verse I placed particular emphasis on the word DAILY. I have heard and read this verse many times, but somehow never took notice of that word before. For some reason, when the Lord brought this verse to me, that word jumped out at me and spoke to my heart.

Now, you may be thinking- Andrea, this can not be any great revelation, of course He means DAILY!!- Well, yes, in some respect it was. Maybe it is because I tend to be a long term thinker, always seeing the end result. When I plan my "school" I tend to not think "daily", but weekly. When I plan menus, it tends to be monthly. The same with just about everything.

When I thought about that verse in relation to our homeschool, it was like the sun shone on me. I need to take that cross DAILY.

NOW WAIT! Do I see our homeschool as a cross to bear? No, not normally (though there are those days). :) I guess this spoke to me so much because it is a reminder that sometimes I need to take my eyes off the long term and see the NOW, the daily. When I don't want to, when I don't feel like it, when I'm tired or even when I don't know what to do next.

It's about so much more than schooling. It is about making it a daily habit to saturate myself and my kiddos in seeking after spiritual wisdom, first and foremost, that will (prayerfully) produce good fruit.

Am I saying that you should not think or plan long term? No, like the ant, the Lord wants us to be prepared for things to come. But, not at the expense of today.

If the Lord came today, what would all those long term plans matter?

When this day ends, let me rest in the assurance that I took up my cross and followed my Lord, NOT with the worry as to how I would get it accomplished tomorrow.

BLESSINGS!

COMPUTERS

2009-12-04T00:40:00.000-08:00

Sorry to have been MIA lately but my computer has been doing some spooky crazy things which made me feel it is time to make sure all important info is safely copied elsewhere.

Hopefully it is just being quirky.

I have a few posts ready to go and hope to get them up soon.

Blessings!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

2009-11-25T18:26:00.000-08:00

A FAVOR

2009-11-21T10:13:00.000-08:00

I am asking a favor from my friends and anyone stopping by here. Please, please take just a second and click the link below and hit the vote button for this lady. She is desperately trying to win a contest for a job that will help provide for her and her kids. Anyone out there who is stuggling currently can understand the importance of this. No need to sign up or register just hit the vote button.
From the bottom of my heart, Thank You! :)

Blessings!

VOTE HERE: http://www.sam-e.com/job/profile/718

EVERYWHERE

2009-11-19T10:26:00.000-08:00

My Time With God

The child whispered, "God, speak to me." A meadowlark sang. But the child did not hear.

So the child yelled, "God, speak to me!" And the thunder rolled across the sky. But the child did not listen.

The child looked around and said, "God, let me see you." And a star shone brightly. But the child did not notice.

And the child shouted, "God, show me a miracle!" And a life was born. But the child did not know.

So the child cried out in despair, "God, touch me and let me know You are here!" So, God reached down and touched the child. But the child brushed the butterfly away. And walked away unknowingly.

Author Unknown
WYCNTKW p.71

CHEAP EATS

2009-11-13T15:43:00.000-08:00

Here are some easy, frugal throw together ideas. Great for a long day or when you have zombie brain.

(1) Garlic toasted in Olive Oil and chili pepper flakes with canned tuna (or chicken) tossed with pasta and some capers.

(2) Spaghetti tossed in olive oil with garlic and onions.

(3) Egg noodles with butter and Parmesian.

(4) Rice with butter and parmesian and one or two fried eggs on top. yummm!

(5) Pizza bagel (or english muffin).

(6) Lentil and potato stew (lentils cooked with potatoes and seasoning).

(7) Bread toasted, then put some mayo, slice of tomato and american cheese - then broil;

(8) Egg noodles tossed with a little oil, season salt and diced pepperoni (my daughter's all time favorite food).

Enjoy! :)

GIVEAWAY

2009-11-08T06:52:00.000-08:00

Normally I do not do giveaway posts, but this is a really a wonderful thing for any homeschooler. So, please go by and enter!
HEART OF WISDOM GIVEAWAY

A THOUGHT

2009-11-05T09:11:00.000-08:00

“God is not a belief to which you give your assent. God becomes a reality whom you know intimately, meet everyday, one whose strength becomes your strength, whose love, your love. Live this life of the presence of God long enough and when someone asks you, “Do you believe there is a God?” you may find yourself answering, “No, I do not believe there is a God. I know there is a God.”

~Ernest Boyer, Jr.

found at Holy Experience

Ten Uses For Day Old Bread

2009-11-04T09:15:00.000-08:00

Here are some good ideas to use up stale breads from My Jam Jar:

1. Bread pudding is also the standard, plenty of cinnamon and raisins. You can mine recipes for variations.

2. French toast: French bread is perfect. Just cut, place on a cookie sheet, and in this cae, you want it a little harder on the surfaces, so let stand, age, then flip for the other side. When dried just a bit on both sides, dip into egg, milk, etc. and flip into a hot pan for browning.

3. Donuts also make great bread pudding, only sweeter.

4. Bagettes, sliced, topped with cheese and placed under the broiler are excellent with soups.

5. Sourdough for soup bowls.

6. Bread crumbs. While prepared bread crumbs save time, making your own saves $. Season, if you wish.

7. Stuffings. If the bread isn't aged enough, simply cut finely and slow oven toast, flipping regularly.

8. Hamburger buns: Butter, placed a sliced tomato on top and cover with cheese. Broil.

9. Garlic breads: slice french bread, either lengthwise or in individual slices. Combine butter, minced garlic and spread. Place under boiler. (Bagettes are also great. I try for the multigrain.)

10. Cunchy Croutons: Season day-old bread with garlic salt, etc. added over buttered bread. Broil or slow-bake over, flip, season again, and when thoroughly dried, cube for croutons.

TEACHING BY EXAMPLE

2009-10-29T23:48:00.000-07:00

Here is an excerpt of wisdom from The Heart of Wisdom which I am currently reading.

"I see myself in my adult daughters each time I speak to them-good and bad. Most of the qualities I see in them are things I taught that I didn't realize I was teaching them. I see it in how they speak to their husbands and children, how they volunteer for church work, how they react to unexpected company, when they offer hospitality, how they react to someone who disagrees with them or when a friend disappoints them, how they hold and speak to their babies, how they cook, how they sew, how they read, how they study, how they spend money, how they show love, how they show anger, how they show forgiveness, how they laugh, ect.

I rarely see fruit in anything I taught them during our school time (except maybe the three R's). The things I see (things that shout at me) are what they learned from my own examples. And now this is my lesson-it is a cycle of instruction. I now learn from their behaviors, responses, and actions. I learn how better to teach my younger children. I have learned I need to persist in some areas and try to improve many area in my life because my actions are more of a lesson than anything I say-to my children and to everyone else in my life.

Ours is an enormous responsibility. Christ is made strong in our weakness. I encourage you to pray for wisdom daily. Pray your children will learn from you as they see Christ in you."

SLEEP DEPRIVATION

2009-10-29T11:51:00.000-07:00

Hey,
I am running on a serious case of sleep deprivation. Baby girl is teething we believe. Otherwise I have NO CLUE as to why she keeps tryng to insert her whole fist in her mouth and biting her pacifier.

Anyway, it is really hard to think up a post when you have zombie brain, or are just too tired to even press the keys. Not to mention that my husband REALLY hates it when I drool on the keyboard....go figure. :)

I will make a cocerted effort to get something up fairly soon, hang in there!

Blessings!!

Blogger Buzz: Keeping Your Blog Secure

2009-10-21T13:32:00.000-07:00

Here is a definite you need to read.

Blogger Buzz: Keeping Your Blog Secure

FINALLY :)

2009-10-16T14:56:00.000-07:00

Well, it has taken me a few days to get a post on here. I have been checking in on friends and such, just didn't have enough time to get a post in.

Had to make an emergency trip in to the doctor yesterday for my daughter. We were afraid it was her appendix, but thankfully it wasn't. She has a rather bad infection. She is on an antibiotic and seems to be doing better today. YEAH!!

Here is fun autumny (my word,lol) site with fun ideas for your kids for a homeschool project and just fun all about apples. Check it out!

http://www.nyapplecountry.com/teacherkits.htm

AGAIN?!!

2009-10-12T15:18:00.000-07:00

I know, I know. That is probably what anyone who visits regularly is thinking about my background changing. I promise to make it the last time- Lordwilling.

:)

BIRTHDAYS!!!

2009-10-10T08:54:00.000-07:00

First off, let me wish my son a Happy 9th Birthday! It was yesterday, but I am posting it today because we spent a family day with him yesterday. We took him shopping and we take our kids out for a special birthday lunch. This is always special to them because we do not eat out but seldomly. (TOOOOO expensive for this family of 7). And, because they choose the place and anything they want. He chose Long John Silvers, he LOVES fish. It was fun. I LOVE LOVE LOVE you my son.

Secondly, I want to wish my daughter a much belated Happy Birthday! She turned 13 (this is where I shed a few tears) on Sept. 2nd. I was not blogging at that time, but I wanted to add her to this post so she would know that I would have then too. You are my sweet daughter and I LOVE you. :)

And while I am at it- let me give a shout out to my son Triton, my little man Zarek and my sweet pudding Ella, MOMMY LOVES YOU!!!!!!!!

OK, I'm corny. So be it. :)

STILL HERE!

2009-10-06T20:05:00.000-07:00

Still hanging around. There is a couple of things I would like to post on but I just haven't found the "uninterrupted" time to do it.
Plan to get something on here soon though! :)

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

2009-10-02T14:04:00.000-07:00

I am placing a button on my side bar that is important. The only thing it requires is a couple of clicks. Try to do this as often as you can.

Your click on the "Click Here to Give - it's FREE" button helps fund free mammograms for women in need — low-income, inner-city and minority women whose awareness of breast cancer and opportunity for help is often limited. Your click is paid for by site sponsors, and mammogram funding is provided to clinics throughout the U.S. through the efforts of the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Thank You!!

FINALLY!!!!

2009-10-01T13:46:00.000-07:00

If you have been by my blog today you probably noticed the background changing like some crazed kaleidoscope. But, I think I have finally found what I wanted.......

at least for now. :)

And NOOOO, I am usually not this fickle.

QUESTION

2009-09-30T10:17:00.000-07:00

Do you like my background or do you find it distracting? As I said, I am still in the midst of revamping. Maybe a plain background would be better......hmmm.........

Pizza Dippers

2009-09-30T09:50:00.000-07:00

Ok, let me say now that if I did not come up with this "recipe" first then I give due credit to whoever did.
Now, I have this super quick recipe for making quesadillas. Well, the other day a thought struck me of a twist I could make to turn this into something new and that is where "Pizza Dippers" came from.

Cheese
oregano
pizza sauce
tortillas
any sort of pizza type topping you happen to like
(we used pepperoni)

I take a tortilla, place it on a paper towel on a plate, and add a layer of shredded cheese, dust with oregano, and place pepperoni slices on one side. Then, I pop it into the microwave for one minute (maybe a minute & 15 seconds if the cheese is not quite melted). When I take it out I fold it over and gently patted it to "squish" everything together. Serve with pizza sauce to dip in.

Voila!

Phillipians 4:6

2009-09-30T09:44:00.000-07:00

" Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ."

God says He will give us peace if we just bring our troubles to Him.

Peace, isn't that something we all could use more of?

2 Corinthians 4:7-9

2009-09-30T09:34:00.000-07:00

" But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed"

Here is my daily reminder. No matter what goes on in the course of the day, the power to figure it out, to have the strenghth get it accomplished, doesn't just rest in this earthen vessel but in the power God can give me.

Dedicated to My Friend Jesnicole

2009-09-29T00:19:00.000-07:00

This verse is dedicated to one of the sweetest people I know who has had some rough roads to traverse, I love you......

2 Corinthians 12:9

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strenghth is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

It has been a blessing to see His strength shining thru you!

MOTIVATED

2009-09-28T09:45:00.000-07:00

My friend Michelle has motivated me to try to put together a to do list and work my way thru it. I admit to feeling a bit overwhelmed of late.

Now, hopefully that little talk I had with Ella on sitting in her chair and playing peacefully had an effect.

I don't know.....That gleam in her eye makes me suspicous. ;)

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

2009-09-26T10:14:00.000-07:00

I am here momentarily, I have both of my windows open to one of the most beautiful days the Lord has graciously bestowed here in a while. It is one of those days when the sun is shining full, not a coud in the sky. Yet, there is a wind whistling thru the trees that is the perfect temperature.

I am without a doubt a fall person.It is truly when I feel most alive. Simply beautiful.

Well, I am in the midst of renovating this blog so bear with me. (Can html be a pain or what?!!!) :)

MIA

2009-09-23T10:38:00.000-07:00

I have been MIA for awhile. I felt the Lord called me away for a time to focus on my priorities. And, I needed to decide just exactly where this blog stood in that list.
I have loved having this blog and gaining the friends I have thru here, but I had let this become more of a priority than it was. It would add to my stress when I couldn't blog regularly. I would feel I was letting people down. Then I would neglect other things to make time here.
Well, my hope is that this blog will be a source of encouragement or info. and I hope my friends will understand if I can't be on here regularly. But, I feel compelled to keep posting as time and priorities allow.

To all of my friends, (you know who you are), thanking you for keeping up with me during my quiet time. :)

SCHOOLING

2009-03-03T09:28:00.000-08:00

Well, I promised this post. It took me so long because the past week I have had some really bad headaches and fatigue so I was hardly on the computer. But, here it is!

OK,
My oldest two start the day out alternately with a half hour of piano lessons. Their grandmother is helping with this when she is available.

While one is doing piano the other is reading with my 8 year old. They read the Proverb of the day and then finish the half hour with whatever book of the bible they are in.

After piano they each refer to their binder where I have their schedule listed for that day. I am trying to teach them independent study habits so the agreement is that they can choose how to finish their daily list. There is just one stipulation: All schoolwork is done before any play time or computer time. My oldest two also have to make sure they are not working on math at the same time and that math/ grammar is scheduled when mommy is free to help because mommy's brain can not be in two places at once. :)

This has been working out beautifully since they like having some control and I have already noticed them working together without my intervention. (i.e. planning certain things like free reading together.)

Daughter(12) 5th Grade:(daily)
Piano 30 min.
Bible 30 min.
Copywork (Rod & Staff)
Math (Saxon- Homeschool 6/5)
Memorize Multiplication
Poem a Day (currently A Child's Garden of Verses)
Free Read 30 min. (book of their choice)
Typing Lessons 15 min.

Son(10) 4th Grade:(daily)
Piano 30 min.
Bible 30 min.
Copywork (Rod & Staff)
Math (Rod & Staff 4)
Memorize Multiplication
Poem a Day (same)
Free Read 30 in. (same)
Typing Lessons 15 min.

Oldest two do 3 days a week (Mon, Wed, Fri) of Grammar. We are using 1st Language Lessons Level 3.

Son(8) 1st Grade:(daily)
Copywork (Rod & Staff)
Bible 30 min.
Math (Rod & Staff)
Free Read 30 min.
Poem a Day (same)
Typing Lessons 15 min.
Memorize Multiplication
1st Language Lessons Level 1/2
Bible Nurture Reader & Workbooks (Rod & Staff)

We are working the Ambleside Online schedule Year 1 for Geography, Literature and History (Natural, World, & Church). They read a chapter from these on an alternating basis from week to week. The books they are currently reading from are:
An Island Story (World History)
Trial and Triumph (Church History)
Fifty Famous Stories (History)
Paddle to the Sea (Geography)
The Burgess Bird Book (Natural History)
James Herriot's Treasury for Children (Natural History)
Aesop for Children (Literature)
Just So Stories (Literature)
Parables from Nature (Literature)

The oldest two write me a written narration on what they have read. The 8 year old only does some of these books. He alternates with A Children's Book of Virtues. He does oral narration and I dictate what he tells me.
The point of the narrations is to make sure that they are understanding what they read and are not just reading words.

This probably sounds like alot but it really isn't. Not all of the books are done every week. They only wind up with about one chapter of one book per day (5 days a week). And all of these books are written for younger levels so it is not hard reading. I actually am enjoying reading some of them. :)

We do our work 5 days a week. Our "school" day usually begins around 9:30 after breakfast/chores and we usually finish up by 1pm. There are days it can be 2 or 3 pm if the kids are in a dawdling mood or there are alot of interruptions.

As for the 3 year old, I recite is numbers and the alphabet with him daily and we read from a book called Teach them to Your Children available thru Vision Forum. Beyond that I don't push anything. He is enjoying an online reading program I have used with my 8 year old called Click n Read Phonics. He actually asks to do this and we do it whenever he wants. Other than that we just do alot of reading together.

Well, this has been long. As you can see that is why it has taken me awhile to post this. If I missed anything or you have any questions please ask!

Till Later! :)

WIERD

2009-02-19T06:32:00.000-08:00

Well, as of this post I have noticed that when I come to the home page of my blog it does not show any posts. I don't have the faintest idea why.

Good news is that all of the post links on the side seem to be working, so if you are looking for a specific post it might be there.

I have been SUPER busy of late but I am planning on getting that post up on my schooling as soon as possible.

TILL LATER!! :)

(PS) Looks like they seem to be back temporarily at least.

BABY NEWS & OTHER

2009-02-12T16:51:00.000-08:00

Well, here it is. (Don't you just love these pics.) In case you can't tell- Head is to the right and it is facing down. I am right on date. This was 16 weeks and two days. I go back March 5th for a more detailed sonogram.
No, we don't KNOW whether it is a he or she. But I am suspicious. It kept its legs firmly crossed despite some urging, and no matter how hard they looked nothing evident showed. The only time that has happened before was with my daughter. :)
We'll see. My daughter is hoping.

I have been soooo busy tweaking our new schedule and implementing it into place. I am almost ready to post about it.

Well, I hope to be posting again soon!
Till Later!! :)

STILL HERE!!!! :)

2009-01-29T10:15:00.000-08:00

Sorry I have been out of the loop awhile. I have been doing some serious reorganizing. The space we have here is so small and the way things were it just was not functionable. Also, I am revamping the kids schooling. They are ready to move on to a new grade level and that is always a big project for me. Trying to decide how to go about it with 3 different grade levels, what I want to combine and where, who is doing what and when.
I really enjoy it in all honesty. I am a person who loves the complexity of things, but I usually find myself completely absorbed during the process.
So, forgive me if I am a little distracted for a bit, I will explain it all when I get done.

Till Later! :)

SOMETHING FUN

2009-01-16T13:29:00.000-08:00

Hey,
Go over and check out this cooking site I found today called Dishing with Debbie . It looks like fun and it has some really tasty looking recipes.

http://www.dishingwithdebbie.com/

Till Later! :)

WE HAVE A HEARTBEAT!!!!!!

2009-01-13T17:30:00.000-08:00

I had my first prnatal appointment today. All the tests came out perfect except my blood sugar test was a little high. So, I have to go back in next Thursday for a more extensive glucose test- 3 hours :(. But, the nurse practitioner said she thought everything was fine. Joy of joys, the nurse practitioner told me before she hooked up the doppler that we might not hear the heartbeat yet- and she did! She said it was nice and strong. I could have done a dance right there if I hadn't been wearing those stupid paper things. :p

My bestest friend Jesnicole asked me what curricula I am using.
Well, I am definitely a cross of the Charlotte Mason and Classical styles. I love the Ambleside Online site but do not incorporate all of it. I use Rod & Staff for math and First Language Lessons For the Well Trained Mind for grammer. Beyond that there is no real curricula I use. My kids read tons for history, science and their overall reading comprehension. (The library LOVES me!) And currently my kids are using George Washington's Rules of Civility for copywork/handwriting.
I do plan on trying out Saxon Math for my daughter who will be 5th grade.
And, most importantly, I use our everyday life to take advantage of learning lessons- when we grocery shop (comparison pricing), cooking (math), library (learning fiction, nonfiction, parts of a book), birthdays and special dates teach the calendar-days, weeks, months (talk about how fast they can learn a calendar-wait until they want to know how soon until their birthday,LOL).

If anyone has a more specific question I missed please ask!

Till Later!! :)

UGH!

2009-01-04T06:45:00.000-08:00

I have seriously been trying to think of something to post about and my brain has been pulling a complete dud on me. Hang in there I am sure it will come. (Feel the force young Jedi, feel the force!)
Till Later! :)

GRANDMA'S CHERRY CREAM

2008-12-30T17:38:00.000-08:00

Ok, You may have seen this recipe floating around on the internet. But, the first time I was introduced to it was about 21 yrs ago when my husband's grandma made it for Thanksgiving. And, it was a tradition of hers every holiday. I LOVE it, and so do my kiddos. Since Grandma's passing it has become my tradition at holidays (and sometimes not holidays). :)

Grandma'a Cherry Cream

1 can cherry pie filling
1 can crushed pineapple (about 20 oz.)
1 can sweet condensed milk
1 regular tub whipped topping

Drain the pineapple as best you can. Add cherry pie filling, then sweet cond. milk, then whipped topping. It blends the best in that order. If you want to get fancy you can add coconut and/or nuts. Love it, love it!

Till Later! :)

TRUST

2008-12-29T20:24:00.000-08:00

I am writing this post in the hope that I might encourage any out there who are facing financial struggles right now. And, believe me when I say, this comes from someone who understands.

Due to the current recession I have heard and met a number of people who are experiencing a cut in pay, job layoffs, and uncertain futures. Let me say that I can guarantee, if you have laid your faith in the Almighty, there is hope.

Mark 7:11
"If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him?"

Think about that, Jesus says "how much more". Here is another....

Mathew 6:25-34
(25)Therefore I say unto you, take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body more than raiment?
(26)Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
(27)Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit to his stature?
(28)And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lillies of the field, how they grow; they toil not neither do they spin:
(29)And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
(30)Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
(31)Therefore take no thought, saying what shall we eat? or, what shall we drink? or, wherewithal shall we be clothed?
(32)(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
(33)But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and all His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
(34)Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

There is the Lord's guarantee, that if we seek Him first, He will provide our needs. And I can say that I have definitely been guilty of not realizing my worth to the Lord and fretting about how we would have things that He has promised to give.

So, a question I pose is, what do we NEED?

That has been a real eye opener for me. God does not promise to be a genie in a bottle providing our wants, and when the rubber met the road, I realized how big a difference there was in what I truly needed- and what "I thought" I needed. The Lord has been teaching me to be a much better judge of that very thing. And in the process it has been extremely soul cleansing to let go and really place my trust in His promises.

I can say from experience, it is for real. So I challenge you, let go of the worry, lay it at His feet and truly trust Him. Remember how important you are in His sight.

Till Later! :)

DAILY

2008-12-29T14:26:00.000-08:00

Well, I hope everyone is enjoying this time with family. There is not much to update currently here. I have been really sick the last couple of days so haven't felt much like being on here. Plus, we are only doing a bare bones schedule on school and such. Still waiting to see the doc so not much news there either. Hopefully something interesting will come up soon.
Till later! :)

BLESSINGS

2008-12-23T08:36:00.000-08:00

I want to take a moment and wish everyone out there the most wonderful and blest of Holidays! Most especially all of the dear friends who check in on me, I love you.
Now go enjoy! :)

Hanging Around

2008-12-16T17:42:00.000-08:00

I really would like to keep up with this blogging thing on a regular basis. It just always seems that there is so much that has my attention. And, lately I have so not been motivated. Pretty much all I want to do of late is sleep and .... no, just sleep. Eating is not one of those things I WANT to do, sooo don't want to. But, it seems if I don't keep something in my stomache I get so sick. I don't remember the nausea being this bad with my others.
I have not seen the doctor yet. Not my favorite place to go until I have to. They usually don't do much more than confirm a pregnancy with a test before 8 weeks. I don't need that, I know I'm pregnant. What I need to know is that this baby is fine, and that will only come with the first ultrasound and confirmation of the heartbeat.
I am currently 9 weeks along. I figure I'll brave the doctor's visit at ten weeks or so.
Until then, maybe I can find some things to post about (in between naps). :)
I recently read Fireproof and Flywheel. Both are really awesome books.
Till Later!

2008-12-05T12:21:00.001-08:00

NEWS

2008-11-13T09:06:00.000-08:00

Woke up this morning and talked mysef into taking a pregnancy test, all the while telling myself I was imagining things. I guess those two lines means I must have one strong imagination.LOL Would appear we are expecting number 5. :)

I'm Still Here

2008-10-09T07:48:00.000-07:00

I had to do this. I felt I owed it to all of those who have faithfully checked in on me during my absence. We are now in Arkansas. Conway to be exact. We are doing well. This is a major time of growth. And, due to circumstances beyond my control I am not able to blog regularly at this time. I hope to soon though. Thank you my dear friends, I will try to check in as often as possible.

TEMPORARY GOODBYE

2008-04-17T15:55:00.000-07:00

Hey,
I am posting this for all of the dear bloggers out there who have continued to keep an eye (and prayer) out for me.
I am sad to say that I must leave blogging for awhile. Since my husband's surgery last March I have really had no time to spend on here. The Lord has truly honed down my priority list.
But, now we must move. Looks like the Lord is directing us to Arkansas at this time, and it must be done by May 31st. Not much time truly and so much that needs to be done. And hubby is hampered as he is still in healing.
This will be the biggest change I have ever had to make, we are having to leave so much behind. But, the Lord is by our side and I trust that He knows what is best.
I don't know when I will be connected back to the internet so I can't say how long I will be away. I will miss you all.
I will try to check in as I can somehow. And, I will have internet access until late May sometime. So, please leave a comment- and a prayer. This will be a long trip (Oregon to Arkansas) so please pray we arrive safely when the time comes.
Thank You for being such wonderful people.
LOVE YOU!!

ATTENTION!!!!!!!

2008-03-07T11:04:00.002-08:00

I need everyone who believes in our right to homeschool to go to the following link and sign this petition! It appears California has passed a ruling on a case making it illegal for parents to homeschool unless they have proper teaching credentials. This must be fought!!
If CA manages to do this it could affect other states as well. The HSLDA is planning to fight this and needs everyone to sign this petition!

Here is the link:

https://www2.hslda.org/Registrations/DepublishingCaliforniaCourtDecision/

Blessings!

UPDATE

2008-02-27T23:01:00.000-08:00

This looks like the only way I can let all those who check in on me know how we are doing. My email is currently down so I am posting here the happenings of late. My husband is going in for major surgery on Wednesday (March 5th). He is having to have some extensive work done to his left shoulder area. We are told to expect him to be off work for several months recouping and going thru therapy and strength training in order to be able to use it again.

And, the topper to this is that the people who own the house have totally and completely surprised us by telling us they are selling the house. And, when I say selling- I mean that the house inspector and buyers were already here this past Monday to go over the property! AHHH!!!! We were told about the selling of the house the same day she came with the buyers. So, as I said, this was so completely unexpected.

So far, they are telling us that they promise to give hubby a reasonable time to recover. Unfortunately, I don't think it is going to be enough. They are thinking 3-4 months tops, we have been told it could be 4-5 months of recovery. We have no family here.

Don't get me wrong, I am not freaking out or anything. I told the landlord that the Lord tells us not to place our trust in man but in Him and that is exactly what I am doing. In the past 20 years I have NEVER gone hungry or without a roof and necessities, NEVER. I have the Lord to thank for that. But, I can say that at this moment I have no idea what even tomorrow holds. So, please offer your prayers because I could very much use some voices sent our way. Please pray for hubby's surgery and for light to shine on the path the Lord would like us to take from here. Thank You!
Blessings. :)

TAGGED AGAIN

2008-02-21T20:04:00.000-08:00

Well, I promised my bestest friend Jesnicole I would do this. She is such a sweetheart! You are supposed to list 5 things you want physically and 5 things you want spiritually. That is going to take some thought so bear with me. :)

5 physical things

1. I wish for my own home- no more renting :(
2. I wish for enough money to help all those I love and those in need
3. I wish I were taller, being 4' 11 and having my 11 year old daughter be as tall as I am doesn't thrill me :)
4. I wish we lived closer to my husband's mother and brother and his family (and jesnicole). I wonder if I could find a way to move us all in together. Huh?
5. I wish for my husband's health
6. I wish for more children
7. Well, I can't help it, but I wish I could afford to purchase latchhook kits from Rugmaster 2. I LOVE to latchhook and that site has the most beautiful rug kits!

5 spiritual things

1. There is a deep spiritual wish I have that is too personal to mention, but I believe the Lord has begun an answer. YEAH!!
2. I will always, always wish to be the kind of servant, mother, wife and friend that the Lord would find favor in.
3. I wish that christians would understand that it is sometimes ok to disagree. In the end it is our hearts the Lord is concerned with, and only He can truly know that.
4. I wish (and pray daily) that my children will always have a deep love of our Lord and wish to serve Him.
5. I wish that when my life on this earth comes to and end and I stand before my Lord I wish to hear Him say "Enter, thou good and faithful servant." I know that if I hear those words that I will have lived this life, even with all my mistakes, just as He wished me to.

As I mentioned on my previous tag, I don't know enough people who like to do tags to name anyone. So, if you read this and would like to, please join in!!
Blessings!

TAGGED

2008-02-12T22:10:00.000-08:00

Well, normally I do not have time to do a tag but my daughter tagged me for this so I feel obligated. And who knows what words of wisdom you might pick up. I don't know enough people who like to do tags to list specific names, so if you read this and would like to join in your tagged! ;)

Ok, the idea is to open the book your currently reading, go to page 123, find the fifth sentence and post the next 3 sentences. Here it is:

I am reading Ten P's in a Pod (really awesome book by the way) and the 3 sentences are:

To be perfectly honest, we were an unmistakable mess. Our shoes were scuffed and muddy from digging cars out of the snow, the girls dresses were so wrinkled that from a mile away you could tell they were from pure bred "missionary barrel" stock. As for the boys, we were like loggers fresh out of the mountains with our tussled hair, and pants that looked like bent stove pipes.

This book is amazingly funny but very inspiring. :)

And, because my bible is always near, here is the 3 sentences on p. 123 in my bible:

And it came to pass, that every one which sought the Lord went out unto the tabernacle of the congregation, which was without the camp.
And it came to pass, when Moses went out unto the tabernacle, that all the people rose up, and stood every man at his tent door, and looked after Moses, until he was gone into the tabernacle.
And it came to pass, as Moses entered into the tabernacle, the cloudy pillar descended, and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the Lord talked with Moses.

Wow, the Lord talked with Moses. That would be nice. :)

HEY THERE!

2008-02-11T23:31:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! I am still around. Life has been kind of thrown up in the air right now and I am waiting for the pieces to fall in place. Nothing that the Lord can't handle and I am learning to put my complete faith in Him as I walk this blindly. I shall check in as often as I can and post when I can but I make no promises as to how frequently that might be (or how interesting). :)
It is funny how in life you seem to be heading down a certain path and then before you have even realized it your going in a completely different direction. I think in some ways that can be a very good thing. The Lord keeps you out of a comfort zone and makes you continue to grow.
I'm growing!! ;)

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!

2008-02-04T10:47:00.000-08:00

Yep, I was born 38 years ago today in Fort Worth, Texas. I was the middle child of five and my older brother and sister are 8 and 10 years older than I am. I met my hubby when I was 15 and he was 19 (by mail). We became pen pals thru a christian pen pal club held by the Church of Christ. He lived in California. We met for the first time a year and a half after we started writing. He came down to visit me and my family at Thanksgiving. We got engaged that week and he went back to California. We married 7 months later when I finished my junior year of high school. I went back to California with him and finished my last year of high school. We will be married this June 20th for 21 years and have been blessed with 4 beautiful angels.
Those are my birthday presents and I dearly love all 5 of them! :)

HELLO!!

2008-01-30T23:25:00.000-08:00

Still here hanging around, reading everyone's blogs. I just haven't had much to post about. Hubby is due for a major shoulder surgery in the next week or two. We have been having to do a lot of pre prep for that and the fact that he will be homebound for 3 to 4 months.
And, we have been getting a LOT of snow here lately. I think it dropped about 4 inches the other night. It snowed for 5 and a half hours straight!
We finally all got over the flu bug. My 2 yr old NEVER came down with a single symptom and I can only guess the Airborne did the deed. (that and a whole lot of praying!) I will definitely keep some on hand.
Trying to get school back into rhythm now that we are all better. I am going to do my best to post more regularly now.
Keep stopping in! :)

I Feel it....

2008-01-18T21:44:00.000-08:00

Time for some change.

HELLO AGAIN!

2008-01-16T16:34:00.000-08:00

Well, I am still alive. Maybe (LOL). I finally succumbed to the flu and it has been a whoozy. But, I will say right up front- Airborne works! At least on the kids. All three older ones came down with the flu but only a very mild bout- 2 to 3 days tops. But, so far my 2 and a half year old has not exhibited a single symptom.
Now, I will admit that I could only afford to dose them once a day. Even getting it on sale I paid $5.99 a box for 8 doses. I started dosing them when my husband came home sick and dosed them right thru until they got better.
The product recommends it for 4 yrs old and older but I saw nothing I was afraid to give the baby. But, that is also why I kept it to one dose a day. I will have to say that if I had dosed the older ones the 3-4 times a day it called for there is the chance they could have been symptom free like the baby.
All in all, worth the money I spent on it.

In other news I have a good friend Vicki whose hubby (Rev. Spike) has a blog I just found. He was kind enough to offer some encouragement to another friend of mine. Anyway, please hop on over to his blog and leave him a comment as he has some interesting and fresh thoughts on faith and life in general. And, from what I glean from his wife, he's an overall sweet guy! :)
Here is a link
simul iustus et peccator
Go say Hi!
Blessings,
Andrea

HELLO!

2008-01-07T10:53:00.000-08:00

Sorry guys! I thought I would be back up blogging after the holidays were said and done but it looks like it will be a bit longer. The flu has struck. I had heard it was going around like crazy but had hoped we would miss it. Then hubby came home Wednesday evening sick as a dog. He's been home from work for four days now. One of the children has come down with the sysptoms. I am doing everything I can to keep it from spreading but I may be fighting a losing battle. Has anyone out there tried that product Airborne? I have had it recommended to me by several people. Anyway, I am always checking in even if I'm not posting so leave a comment!
(I take that back, now there are two with the symptoms. :p)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-12-24T18:36:00.000-08:00

I wish you all the most blessed and happiest holiday ever!
Love Ya!
Andrea

HELLO!!!!!

2007-12-11T17:53:00.000-08:00

I am still here everyone! There is just so much going on right now with the holidays and my hubby's illness. Please leave me a comment when you visit and I promise to answer. But I probably won't do alot of posting until after the holidays! Merry Christmas! I love you all!!

FREE SHIPPING

2007-11-28T11:06:00.000-08:00

Doug Phillips and Vision Forum are sponsoring a giveaway at inashoe.com to help get word out about the FREE SHIPPING Vision Forum is offering until Midnight tonight

Help spread the word on your website or blog then leave a comment a Life in a Shoe to enter!

THANKSGIVING IN PICTURES

2007-11-24T20:26:00.001-08:00

Here are some pics of our thanksgiving!
This is the turkey!And here is the cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes & gravy, stuffing, green beans and rolls. (Couldn't keep them out long enough to get a picture! LOL)
Here is the baked goodies.I try to do something that particularly appeals to each one. My hubby LOVES his pumpkin pie, there was a coconut-lime cake (9 yr. old loves anything with lemon or lime), and a peach pudding bread (for me!). Then we made up a variety of cookies for us and to pass out to friends and neighbors in sugar, chocolate chip, honey ginger, and chocolate drops. My daughter was sooo proud of the sugar cookies because she did them all by herself! This was her first cooking adventure without my guidance. Aren't they beautiful!

And then I made up this strawberry shortcake specially for my 7 yr old and my daughter because they both LOVE strawberries!

And here is the blessings I got to see enjoy all this cooking! That is one of my most very favorite things to be thankful for! I know this may seem like a lot of food, but believe me, it won't go to waste here! There is no better feeling to me than seeing your loved ones enjoy something you made!

Here are some pics of our Thanksgiving!

Blessings!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2007-11-21T10:37:00.001-08:00

To each and everyone I wish you all the blessings the Lord provides this holiday.

Here is one of the things I am thankful for- baking with my girl (and the smiles of getting to taste test from my boys). I couldn't get them to sit still for a picture! Maybe tomorrow while they are busy eating!

Blessings!

Andrea

DIAPER GIVEAWAY

2007-11-19T11:37:00.000-08:00

Sharing My Two Cents is holding a giveaway for a box of Pampers diapers and wipes. I will say right now that I happen to be a fan of Pampers diapers because they are good diapers. So, if you use disposable diapers even occasionally then head on over and join in!

SAVINGS

2007-11-08T17:30:00.000-08:00

I have been so eager to share my last shopping trip. Day before yesterday was my grocery day. Most times I do a month of shopping in one trip and supplement here and there things like milk, ect. I usually hit Walmart, Safeway, and a place called the Grocery Outlet.

But, it is my trip to Safeway that I wanted to talk about. I have been studying Crystal's (Money Saving Mom) SUPERMARKET SAVINGS COURSE and it has helped me understand how to be really frugal with our dollars.
So, I decided to put it into practice this shopping trip and guess what?! I saved us a total of $173.17!! I did this by combining the sales for that week with coupons I cut from the Sunday paper and printed from coupon sites. Then, I added those to Safeway's double coupons in their ad. And finally, by looking for the mark-downs Safeway had.

There is no way to list everything I got, but here is some ideas: (two) 5 lb sugar, (six) 5 lb flour, (two) boxes Bisquick, (five) boxes cereal, 10 yoplait yogurts, (three) half gallons of organic milk, a 24 lb. turkey, varying baking supplies, juice, (two) jars Bertolli sauce,ect., for a total of 113 items.

Now, I don't normally buy organic milk because it is out of my price range. But, I will show you an example of one of the transactions I did that made it a frugal buy.

Safeway has one coupon you use to double up to four more. So, I broke my groceries into three transactions so I could double 12 coupons. On one of those transactions I bought 2 jars of Bertolli Pasta sauce- regular price $6.38, they were on sale 2 for $4.00. I also purchased two of the half gallons of organic milk-regular price was $7.58 but these two half gallons had five 75 cent mark-down stickers on them which brought them to $3.83! Now, I had printed off the internet two $1.00 off each coupons on the sauce and the milk. I used a Safeway double coupon to double them to $1.50 each.

In summary, I got 2 Bertolli Pasta Sauce and 2 half gallons organic milk- original price $13.96 for $1.83!!!!!! Yep, I said $1.83!

I spent a total of $146.90 for 113 items. That means I paid $1.30 per item including the 24 lb turkey!!

I am writing this because I hope to encourage someone out there who needs to cut grocery cost to look into Crystal's course and try this out. It really wasn't hard and it was such a blessing to me.

Click here to check out this course!

ALBERTSON'S DEAL

2007-11-08T15:15:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share that in this Albertson's ad on page 8 is a REALLY GOOD deal! If you buy 4 boxes of post cereal which are on sale for 2 for $4 you get TWO Jet-Puffed Marshmallows (10.5 oz) PLUS FREE MILK (up to $4.00). It includes soy or organic half gallons or larger. You will have to use your Albertson's card.
And, you can print a coupon from Smartsource.com for $1.00 off 2 boxes of Post cereals. You could use two coupons and get the cereals for $1.50 a box.
Anyone with an Albertson's nearby should check out this week's ad (runs Nov 7-13) for quite a few good deals.

MY THOUGHTS

2007-11-06T10:23:00.000-08:00

AT DAWN
This is the beginning of a new day.
God has given me this day to use it as I will.
I can waste it, or I can use it.
I can make it a day long to be remembered for its job, its beauty, and its achievement; or it can be filled with pettiness and ugliness.
What I do today is important, for I am exchanging a day of my life for it.
When tomorrow comes this day will be gone forever, but I shall hold something which I have traded for it.
It may be no more than a memory; but if it is a worthy one, I shall not regret the price.
I should like it to be gain, not loss; good, not evil; success, certainly not failure.
So here is a day and here am I.
God will not expect more of me than I am capable of giving, but he will expect my best.
There will be beauty and I must not miss it.
There will be cries of people in distress, and I must hear and answer.
There will be moments of temptation, but I must not yield nor be impulsive.
There will be opportunity for good, and I must be ready.
And then when night comes, may I look back without regret, and forward with a radiant spirit and a thankful heart.
By Samuel Pugh

Vision Forum Contest

2007-11-01T20:38:00.000-07:00

Life in a Shoe is holding a contest for Vision Forum which is one of my most favorite sites. (Can You tell by the banner at the top of my blog? And if you go there and order anything please use that banner and you will be helping me out.) Anyway, You have to put together a wish list of $250 or less in VF published items. Here is mine:
Wise Fatherhood (Family Man, Family Leader)
Home-Making (J.R. Miller)
Raising Maidens of Virtue (Stacy McDonald)
How to Keep Children From Becoming Bitter (S.M.Davis)
How to Pass on Convictions to Children (S.M.Davis)
Discipline(Jeff Pollard)
The Master's Plan for Fathers (Brown& Horn)
Be Fruitful & Multiply (Nancy Campbell)
Verses of Virtue (Elizabeth Phillips)
Poems For Patriarchs (Douglas Phillips)
Christians Modesty & the public Undressing of America (Pollard) (paperback)
Teach Them to Your Children (Sarah Wean)
So Much More (Botkin)
Strength & Dignity for Daughters (Botkins)
Rebuilding a Culture of Virtuos Boyhood (Phillips)
There You go! Vision Forum is a site with a real blessing for information for christian parents.

MY CREW

2007-10-27T22:07:00.000-07:00

Well, I thought it about time I got a picture of my crew up here. This is my hubby, 11 yr old daughter-Jessica, 9 yr old son-Triton, 7 yr old son-Vinnie, and the one getting the ride on daddy's shoulders is my 2 yr old son- Zarek.(This picture was taken a couple of months ago and the two yr old has alot more hair and is taller.) They are my blessings and my life. :)

GROCERY HELP NEEDED

2007-10-19T14:33:00.000-07:00

I have a favor to ask. For all who would like to participate, I am feeding a family of 6 and I need some ideas on getting my grocery bill below $100 a week. Hubby's job is entering a season when they tend to cut hours. I am looking for weekly menu plans and grocery lists that do not include canned (yourself) items since I have not been canning. And does not include having alot of things already on hand. Even though I do keep staples, a few weeks of cut paychecks can lead to staples being used up quickly. Leave me a comment, or you can direct me to a post you have done or send an email to
amaddiex0439@charter.net
I have big eaters (hubby, 11yr old, 9yr old, 7yr old, 2yr old) so servings on meals usually need to be 8 or so ( I also like to send the leftovers for hubby's lunches). Lots of from scratch type foods welcome since I love to cook, but not too time consuming.
Hoping you guys can give me some great, frugal ideas!
Blessings!

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

2007-10-04T20:29:00.001-07:00

I would like to say thank you to Rashel for posting this on her blog. Alot of women have been faced with this challenge. My husband lost a dearly loved aunt to this. And it is far more common than we would like to believe. So, let us get together and do what we can! Start clicking ladies!!
This is from Rashel's post and I also have placed the link button on my sidebar. Two minutes tops and you could be helping save someone's life with a free mammogram.
"I will be posting a button (link) on my sidebar for you to visit the breast cancer site and help a woman receive a free mammogram. It is FREE to you, all you have to do is visit the site and click on the pink "Click Here to Give - It's Free" button. That is all. The sponsors of the site are paying for mammograms for women that cannot afford them based on the number of clicks on the site. AND if they get 500 clicks in October, the site's premier sponsor will pay for an additional 150 mammograms! You can visit and click on the button everyday. How easy is that to help with the fight against breast cancer!! Here are some statistics for you: (taken from the above mentioned site)
Early Detection: Do You Know The Facts?
Each year, 182,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and 43,300 die. One woman in eight either has or will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. In addition, 1,600 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 400 will die this year.
If detected early, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer exceeds 95%. Mammograms are among the best early detection methods, yet 13 million U.S. women 40 years of age or older have never had a mammogram.
The National Cancer Institute and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommend that women in their forties and older have mammograms every one to two years. A complete early detection plan also includes regular clinical breast examinations by a trained medical professional. Monthly breast self-exams are suggested in addition.
So, let's all do what we can do help with early detection and the fight against breast cancer. What are you waiting on? Go click that button!!!!"

WHAT IF......

2007-10-04T19:15:00.001-07:00

I decide to follow Scarecrow's lead. Your next!
...You could live anywhere in the world you wanted to, what place would you choose?
Scotland
...You could permanently delete one color from the 64 pack of crayola crayons, what color would you give the boot to?
Mustard Yellow
...You finally saved up enough money to buy that something special you have dreamt about, what is it?
I have to go with Scarecrow on this one- a BIG log cabin house in the middle of a dense birch grove with 50 acres of surrounding land
...You could have the world's biggest collection, what would it be a collection of?
Books
...You were asked to share something as a kid and you didn't want to, what did you out-right refuse to share?
Truth is I don't remember not sharing what I had ( but then, I had brothers so there wasn't much they wanted) but I would probably say cheesecake
...You could do something you always wanted to do since childhood, what would that something be?
Write a book
...You were stranded on a deserted island and you could only take one thing with you, what would you take?
My Bible

2007-10-02T19:37:00.001-07:00

This award is for bloggers who shine their light throughout the Blogoshere. Some do it with humor, others with creativity, and others with their kind and thoughtful natures. We all know more than a few of them so why not give them some recognition?

Rashel over at Homestead Refuge was sooooo sweet to award me with this. If I could I would give it to her (but I don't think you can give someone the award they just gave you). :) so I will pass this on to some friends who have inspired me.
Here's what to do if you receive this:

Proudly display it on your blog along with a link to who gave it to you.

Mention that it originated here at Skittles' Place so I can follow it's journey.

Pass it on to any blogger(s) you think should have it.

So, (drumroll please!) I pass this to:

My wonderful daughter Jessica at Daffodils 2 Dandelions

My other best friend Jessica at Jesnicole

Jacque over at Seeking Rest on the Homestead for jumping in and being a friend to a complete stranger :)

To Randy at Ye Old Scarecrow for being an inspiration and brightening my day with a smile and a laugh

And last but not least to Charlotte at The Wedhorn Family for taking time to so warmly welcome me and my daughter to the blog world

It is my most sincere pleasure to have met and hopefully become good friends with these beautiful people.
THANK YOU and Blessings,
Andrea

KIDS

2007-09-27T23:42:00.001-07:00

There are times that your child will do something that just leaves you speechless. Ok, I will not cry. My daughter just gave me the you make me smile award. Her blog is called Daffodils 2 Dandelions http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/daffodils2dandelions/
She said in her post that it is for being the best mom any mother could be. OOOOOOOOOHHHH!!!!!!!!! (sniff,sniff)
There is just nothing better on this earth than that feeling. :)

PLEASE BEWARE

2007-09-27T23:10:00.000-07:00

Grandma Rosie over at Homesteadblogger ( http://www.homesteadblogger.com/TexasRose/) has a post on her blog about two books that are on the market called Conversations with God and Conversations with God for Teens, written by Neale D. Walsch. Here is some of what she says on these-
"They sound harmless enough by their titles alone. The books have been on the New York Times best sellers list for a number of weeks, and they make truth of the statement, "Don't judge a book by its cover or title."The author purports to answer various questions asked by kids using the "voice of God". However, the "answers" that he gives are not Bible-based and go against the very infallible word of God. For instance (and I paraphrase), when a girl asks the question "Why am I a lesbian?" His answer is that she was 'born that way' because of genetics (just as you were born right-handed, with brown eyes, etc.). Then he tells her to go out and "celebrate" her differences."
Please go read the rest of the post. It really pays to be informed.

RECIPES

2007-09-25T21:42:00.000-07:00

In the spirit of Keeping the Homes post today on creating a quick meal menu here is a recipe site I just came across that could help with that. It is called SparkRecipes. It apparently specializes in healthy meals, and in alot of cases, very quick meals. Here is the address- check it out. :)

http://sparkrecipes.com/