tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4962155309872377432024-02-18T22:52:50.843-05:00The Mess ExposedConfessions of a Working Homeschooling MomAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792566592897525704noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-496215530987237743.post-79669124200072231262013-05-31T09:53:00.003-04:002013-05-31T09:55:00.630-04:00Weekly Wrap-Up: Like the Old DaysWell, I'm finally around to do a weekly wrap-up! Despite my house being torn apart (literally- and I'll get to that soon) and being canceled from work, and being extremely low on funds, this week has been a sweet reminder of what I love... my family! They're wonderful! This week felt like "the old days" before I worked a bazillion stinking hours a week. <br />
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I started reading a book to the girls last week, The Cabin Faced West, and Little Bit just loved it! She braids her hair, puts blue ribbon in the braids, and pretends to be Ann Hamilton 90% of the time. We went to a nearby vegetable garden to pick some veggies and Little Bit tied a small apron around her waist to collect beans in, just like Ann! She's so sweet. She also did her first creative narration and wrote a letter from Ann to her best friend back in Gettysburg. She thought that was so fun... I typed it, and she is in the process of copying it on paper she stained with tea! This girl....<br />
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Since that book was so loved, I decided to pull out the Little House series. At first Little Bit said I'll never love Laura like I love Ann. . . can you guess how long that lasted??? Not long; now she's confused. It's been a great opportunity for me to share with my struggling reader, just how wonderful books can be. Baby T however is enjoying Laura's stories much more than Ann's! It's so funny how they are so different. Baby T also didn't think it would be fun to write a letter, so I didn't make her. <br />
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Oh- I forgot to mention that the girls thought churning would be fun when we read about Ann doing it. So, we went over to Grandma's and made butter by shaking it in a mason jar. Let's just say I'm glad I don't have to rely on them to make our butter every week! They wimped out. ;) If I can get my courage up, I will try to help them make rag dolls, and we want to try our hand at Johnny cakes. <br />
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Bean Boy has had a fantastic week (or so). Last week we offered to pay him handsomely to pull up all the oak parkay flooring in our main room. Before we moved in, we knocked out walls to make a huge room, but we've never been able to really make it one room because the flooring is different. In an effort to move that process forward, we are planning on staining the concrete. But first, the floors must come up. We offered Bean Boy the opportunity to "do hard things" and he surprised us by taking us up on the offer. Further more, he surprised us by setting his timer during his breaks, by being more diligent than we've ever seen, <i>and</i> by being protective of his work (not wanting to share it). We told him if it wasn't done by a certain time, we may have to "outsource" and he was not about to let that happen! We offered him 3 different prices. . . X amount (a big number people!) to have it done by Wednesday, X-$25 to have it done by Thursday, and X-$50 to have it done by Friday. He finished Wednesday! I'm telling you people- I COULD NOT HAVE DONE THIS WORK!!! I'm so proud of him. He's ready to move on to the mulch pile outside, hauling it to the back, and not wanting to share that either! Who is this kid??<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHX_1dleSOBc-MvErM9HvPmZkvWhZvFngif0cyHdsHVMZ63iRupPnmf-eL_5c3LFC6mAItRjjAIZoHS_hT9wg94WzGMQEzapVR1Fpsrr-8sakYLNpnVnd5bTv1aYH4m64oC3kpKDSY9TE/s1600/In+process.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHX_1dleSOBc-MvErM9HvPmZkvWhZvFngif0cyHdsHVMZ63iRupPnmf-eL_5c3LFC6mAItRjjAIZoHS_hT9wg94WzGMQEzapVR1Fpsrr-8sakYLNpnVnd5bTv1aYH4m64oC3kpKDSY9TE/s320/In+process.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He added that entire section he's got marked off there to the pile!<br />
That was his biggest mound of the week!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is the big mound... The chilies thought it was fun to walk on them!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's finished!!!! BTW there is a lot more floor than I could squeeze into this pic!<br />
Sorry for the phone pics, but that's all I got!</td></tr>
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Some other things that have been going on:<br />
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We have caterpillars! Well... we <i>had </i>caterpillars. A friend gave us one that is now in its chrysalis. I'm hoping that even though it fell, and I'm scared to tie it up like someone suggested, that it will still get a butterfly. The other two caterpillars that we pulled off our milkweed plant have mysteriously died. There are still 1-2 we left outside on the plant. We totally missed this one making it's chrysalis, but hopefully we'll see some action outside. <br />
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While BeanBoy has been hard at work on the living room floor, Hubby got to work on the kitchen floor... we have bare concrete now in our 4 main rooms. Due to scheduling and such it may take us way longer than anticipated! Most of our furniture is squeezed into other rooms of the house, and today, everything will be moved out! Crazy! Hopefully, Hubby can get it all done soon!<br />
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Hubby and I are also teaching a summer class to some teenagers/pre-teens. He is teaching a logic/debate class, and I will be going through the book Do Hard Things with them. Bean Boy started his lessons early! We start this coming Wednesday and will go for 8 weeks. I'm getting excited! <br />
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Just a note too... not sure how we've done it, but the kids have not turned on the brain drainer all week!!! PTL!<br />
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Hopefully I will have time to share about Baby T's Angry Birds birthday party (what a blast!) and some things I've been inspired to do with our almost 12 year old!!! Even when things are at their worst, God is good. There are blessings to be found. . . if I'll just take a moment to find them.<br />
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Have a good weekend!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792566592897525704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-496215530987237743.post-22990998111399164492013-02-25T20:23:00.001-05:002013-02-25T20:23:39.502-05:00The RainToday, it rained.<br />
The roads flooded, and I was worried we would get stuck.<br />
Pre-algebra tests make me think more than I want to!<br />
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Our kitchen has been in shambles since last week. We are repainting the cabinets and now don't like the colors...and can't find a matching color for the walls. <br />
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My kids are driving me crazy.<br />
I got in a fight with someone who means a lot to me... the fight was over when they stormed off, I have no closure and don't expect to ever get it.<br />
I no longer have trauma at work, which makes me sad.<br />
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We need more money.<br />
The house is a wreck.<br />
The toilets are dirty.<br />
It is still raining.<br />
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But, as for me and my house, we will praise the Lord. He reigns. . . even when it's raining!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792566592897525704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-496215530987237743.post-44512262278028600002013-02-21T07:26:00.002-05:002013-02-21T07:26:55.776-05:00LostI feel lost.. You guys probably all think I'm lost as I haven't posted in quite some time. It has been a whirlwind of drama, sickness, and emotions here, and I'm quite lost in it all. I don't even know where to begin. . .<br />
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Perhaps we should start with the flu. . . the girls both were diagnosed with Influenza B about 2.5 weeks ago! They ran HIGH fevers (we got up to 104.8!) for several days before their mean, nurse, Momma decided to take the to the MD. I convinced him to swab for flu in addition to the non-necessary strep test he did. . . and, 1 point for the mean mom. . .though I wish I had been wrong. They were down and out of school for over a week. It's a sad thing that when you homeschool, flu, or any illness, is like a reprieve. We are slooooowly getting back into the swing of things! <br />
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There have been some wild changes around here. First, as a means of preventing burn-out while I deal with the demands of our daily life, we have enrolled Bean Boy in Classical Conversations... If you haven't heard of it, it is a college prep homeschool program. He goes to "class" once a week, and completes assigned assignments at home the rest of the week. We went to class to preview for next year. I ended up leaving him for the day and he had a great time. His teacher invited him to join this class where it is. She said some wonderful things about him (my heart skips a beat) including that he fit in to this class well, and was at their level. Sigh. WARNING: I'm about to brag about my kid on here, cause I dare not do it in front of him!!! He basically skipped a grade, 2 in math! This Challenge A is approximately on a 7th grade level, and he does the Challenge B math which is pre-algebra.... AND, I've always been so worried about how he would do as far as keeping up with the rigorous amount of work a program like this has, but I've seen something odd in him... something I don't recognize. I think it is called motivation AND determination!!! It is challenging for him, he's trying to learn to focus, and plan, and get all 6 hours worth of daily work done in 6 hours, and while it is taking him a lot of time, he has not despaired and has kept an amazing attitude. I'm so proud! :)<br />
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One other BIG change, one that breaks my heart, is that my hospital lost it's trauma certification. This means no more trauma drama for me. It does truly break my heart. I finally found an area of nursing that I enjoyed, and I had previously thought that to be impossible. We are still an ICU, but we will no longer have trauma ICU patients, just medical surgical. It's not what I enjoy, and I feel like I have to start all over again learning, but it is what it is. The hospital is appealing, and we should know by September what our status is. I'm greatly disappointed I no longer get excited about going to work, which makes the over time I am working all the more difficult. I am grateful for the time I had doing it, and am hoping that our status will be renewed in September.<br />
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I miss writing on my blog. . . but as you can see, life seems to pull me away. I do find this very therapeutic, whether there are readers or not. I hope to get back to posting at least on the weekly wrap-ups, but I'll post as I can. Life is such an adventure! Being lost is hard, but not the end of the world. God knows where I am, even if it's not in a great place, He won't lose me!<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792566592897525704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-496215530987237743.post-35925227215976727302013-02-01T07:18:00.000-05:002013-02-01T07:18:07.243-05:00Happy Anniversary!!! The Big 13!SO, we've been married for 13 years. . . 13 years!!! It seems incredible! Unbelievable almost. It's even a little weird to me, to think that I've been with Hubby for 13 years. In some ways, it has flown by. Of course, in others, not so much. We've had our share of ups and downs, plenty of rights and wrongs. I'm thankful to be passing down a legacy of long marriage to my children. We've learned over the past few years how ugly and heart-wrenching divorce can be. It pervades every part of life and others lives. It affects people you don't expect it to in ways you don't expect it, and the effects go on infinitely; it's not a one time deal. Though my marriage is not perfect, the other option is, well, not an option.<br />
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This past year (especially few months) has probably been some of the most difficult we've have to endure as a married couple. Hubby going through school, me transitioning jobs, the kids having their different struggles, time zooming by are all things that have greatly affected us. They have all kept us from really focusing on our marriage. Let's face it, we all neglect our spouses from time to time. It's just part of life. I have found myself thinking that he'll still be there when the kids are gone. While he may, I can't count on it if I continue to neglect him and his wants/needs, and vice versa. But, what about those days when I don't FEEL like I love him, or want to???? Well, one thing I've always said, is that love isn't a <i>feeling</i>. God defines it for us in His <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Word</span>...<br />
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<span class="text 1Cor-13-4" id="en-NIV-28670"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Love is patient,<span style="font-size: 0.65em;"><sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28670I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup></span> love is kind. </span></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text 1Cor-13-4">It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28670J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text 1Cor-13-5" id="en-NIV-28671"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </sup></span></span></i></div>
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<span class="text 1Cor-13-5"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28671K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup> </span></i></span></div>
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<span class="text 1Cor-13-5"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">it is not easily angered,<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28671L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup> it keeps no record of wrongs.</span></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text 1Cor-13-5"><sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28671M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text 1Cor-13-6" id="en-NIV-28672">Love does not delight in evil<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28672N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup> but rejoices with the truth.<sup class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28672O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text 1Cor-13-7" id="en-NIV-28673"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </sup></span></span></i></div>
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<span class="text 1Cor-13-7"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.</span></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; text-align: start; vertical-align: top;"> </sup><span style="font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">Love never fails.</span><span style="font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"> </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">1 Corinthians 13:4-8</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">All of the verbs in the passage are describing actions. Love is something we do, not feel. Well, that's great and dandy, and I think it is VERY important to keep in mind when we don't feel like we love our spouse... but, not having that good feeling is very detrimental to one's own personal "psyche". So, what is one to do? How do you find that lovin' feelin' when you've lost it? I'm certainly no expert! But, I've gotten a little help... several, several months ago, I picked up a book called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Husband-Project-Loving-Man-Purpose/dp/0736925228" target="_blank">The Husband Project</a>. I think I read about it first over at Time-Warp Wife. What I loved about this book, is that it was full of ideas and specific <i>actions</i> to carry out, to show your love to your husbands. . . the thing about it is, that even in grown-ups, actions sometimes precede beliefs. Sometimes, you just have to do it, in order to feel it!!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This project was perfect for me. I didn't follow the plan perfectly as described in the book, but I never follow any recipe perfectly either, that's just me. I have to make it my own, so I did, and I enlisted a friend to hold me accountable, just like the books suggests. I worked hard (slowly) through the plans I had made to make my husband feel loved. I have heard my husband say several times over the last few months that I've been very thoughtful, and that he feels loved. And amazingly enough, it has helped me to like him more too! There is something about serving someone that just really makes you like them more. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I heard a story on the radio once about a woman who visited her pastor, and said that she wanted to get divorced. She just couldn't stand her husband anymore. The pastor said that he understood, and that he would help her. He wanted to know if she wanted revenge as well. Of course she did. So, they concocted a plan where she would pour on the love real thick, to make her husband love her more, so that when she surprised him with divorce papers it would hurt so much more. The pastor said he would contact her in one month. Well, a month later he called the woman and asked if she was ready to go through with her plans. She replied that she had in fact fallen in love with her husband all over again!!! Somehow I think that pastor knew what he was doing...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I also picked up a neat little Pinterest project. For Christmas, I made Hubby a book with 12 pages. Each page represents a month. On each page, there is an envelop with a tag that you can pull out. Each tag identifies a date that I have pre-planned- we just have to put the dates on the calendar. Each envelop also has the money/gift card needed for that date. This should eliminate any fighting over who should do the planning, any guilt about spending the money out of our budget, any nights driving around in the car saying, "What do you want to do?" and hearing "I don't know, what do you want to do?" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This month, our date was to Hilton Head Island- an anniversary weekend away. It was a nice, very relaxing weekend, complete with bike rides, walks on the beach, and a nice nap! AND, it only took 1 tank of gas! The Island was pretty slow due to it being off-season, but we didn't mind a bit! We had a nice time just relaxing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">While I know my marriage is a far cry from perfect, I also know I've been blessed with one of the good ones. I never want to be guilty of not investing in it, working at it, or doing the things that define love. I never want to be guilty of making Hubby feel like he is not loved. I want to leave a legacy for my kids that doesn't involve 5 different Christmases, birthdays and other occasions. I want to love my husband, both in action and in feelings. I know sometimes that will require work on my part, and I'm willing. Though I need to vent to friends occasionally, things are perfect, and sometimes the grass looks greener on the other side, I hope I can always get back to this point...the point where I'm working on it, and doing my part.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Hubby, thank you for 13 years together. I'm hoping the next 13 years will be blissful, but either way, I'm willing to stick it out! You're a good partner, and I appreciate you and even love you!!! ;)</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792566592897525704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-496215530987237743.post-34652917507679084752013-01-19T16:50:00.001-05:002013-01-19T16:56:15.948-05:00Weekly Wrap-Up: Coming out of the FunkWell, we started back to school again, which should mean you'll be seeing more regular posts from me. . . at least in the weekly wrap-up department! I'm still not really over my Christmas "funk" so I've had a super hard time wanting to write, but rest assured, I'm sure God is stirring up something in there that will eventually overflow onto my empty page. That's usually how it works.... I get in a funk (bad attitude and all) He teaches, disciplines, I change and overflow with what He has taught. It's such a painful process, but I usually like myself better on the other side of it. I'm kind of sitting back letting Him take the lead and waiting. <br />
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As for school, this has been a fabulous week! As much as I stomped my feet and pitched a fit about going back, (my bad attitude has pervaded every part of life! lol) I'm glad we're back at it. It has been quite the adjustment though. Baby T has cried every day this week!!! She rarely cries. In fact, we went for a bike ride and on the way home, she cried the entire way, "Momma, I can not take any more!" Now, one might expect this from a 5 year old who just rode a bike over a mile, but Baby T takes 2 hours of gymnastics twice a week and just the conditioning part is something I could not withstand!!! Yesterday she took a short nap and woke up crying! I kept her home from the gym. She must be growing or something...even though she's in the 95th percentile for her height! Poor Baby T!<br />
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Bean Boy has had an amazing week as well. His work load has been lighter as I'm still waiting for some things to roll in, but he's had some major accomplishments. I promised him a new game on the Nook if he could simply put his school books away daily instead of leaving them all over the house... I'm sure by the time I post this, he'll have a new game. He hasn't slept well this week, but has a determination, like I've never seen in him before, to get his school work done. I wish he'd apply that to chores as well, but I'm not a choosy beggar! We're making progress. He's done a great job in school, keeping up with all his work, staying on task, and making good grades with fewer careless errors than usual! Yiiiiipppeeeee!!! You guys remind me to read this the next time I'm complaining!<br />
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Little Bit has had a good week. We've backed her up in reading and started at the beginning of Hooked on Phonics. I keep trying new things for her, knowing for quite certain that she is dyslexic...even though we've not officially tested. She doesn't like to be challenged in anything she does, so backing up to easier reading has been good for her. She has not complained once this week about reading, and yesterday, we ended our reading session while laughing! I was so happy with that!!! We'll keep plugging along at her pace (hopefully I'll remember that "her pace" part!). <br />
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As for me, I've had a couple of projects. I got a new sewing machine that we are all in love with! ;) I made several aprons, and am hoping to start selling some of the sets soon. I even checked at one of our consignment shops, and they are willing to talk about keeping 1-2 on hand to sell for me! Exciting!!! VERY NERVOUS about that though. SO, I've got to sit down and figure out how much to charge and all of that, make the hats, and oven mitts too. I even made an apron for Baby T's doll, at her request, and it turned out so cute! I also, finally, finally finished my chore chart!!! I think I started this at the beginning of the school year! Geesh! It took long enough. I think it looks so pretty, and it is right outside of the school room, so I don't forget to keep up with it there. I love it....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8qX8ZV2aOiLF_L9pa9Gmb3B9pI6DHtBP8n7_QC2wH1miDcLPgJwc6X401v9z9odI7Ft3qV_v3ELJoepGREHyoboBH82l2kWM-oJyTa90d-x0G2XAFYmT3dmJtESOBckLipnSzYl8DvE/s1600/100_5459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8qX8ZV2aOiLF_L9pa9Gmb3B9pI6DHtBP8n7_QC2wH1miDcLPgJwc6X401v9z9odI7Ft3qV_v3ELJoepGREHyoboBH82l2kWM-oJyTa90d-x0G2XAFYmT3dmJtESOBckLipnSzYl8DvE/s320/100_5459.JPG" width="216" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I used the same bulletin board I was using for our last chore chart and kept the heading. Wood glue and double sided duct tape were used to keep each clipboard on. Each kiddo has a board of personal things (their animals and clothing) and then there are the weekly and 2x/week and the $$$ board...since we don't pay an allowance for chores, I have a list of things they can do to earn money.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Funny that this board is the least used, but has the most on it! </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKHdF3venIhe9PmDL3VeGzPqMj5nDBBeF_X5BgRR7v5aT85JouroJscR6lUKVowArGP1RyrMmZXzxiu6IBi0qUyq-iTsC5AdWRoFUbvsPP50f5DXfELCo9Nz74q4xpMJFEJ1gORpuAWuA/s1600/100_5461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKHdF3venIhe9PmDL3VeGzPqMj5nDBBeF_X5BgRR7v5aT85JouroJscR6lUKVowArGP1RyrMmZXzxiu6IBi0qUyq-iTsC5AdWRoFUbvsPP50f5DXfELCo9Nz74q4xpMJFEJ1gORpuAWuA/s320/100_5461.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now mom and baby match! She has asked for a hat for the baby... I'm not so sure I'll ever get there.</td></tr>
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Be forewarned... while I am going to get back into a regular twice a week posting, next week may be an exception. I will work four nights in a row starting Friday, and then will be going on an anniversary vacation with my husband next Friday! Wooohoooo! Thank you to my MIL who is helping make it possible once again! Don't know what I'd do without you!
Have a great weekend!
Linking up with <a href="http://www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com/weekly-wrap-up/" target="new"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v506/kbmomto3/weeklywrapup125.png" alt="" size="125"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792566592897525704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-496215530987237743.post-59531068824547048102013-01-07T09:16:00.000-05:002013-01-07T09:16:17.513-05:00Phew...it's all over!I was so excited about the Christmas season this year! I had so many hopes, plans, and thoughts of special things to do with the kids and hubby. . . most of it never happened. Actually, it was highly unusual for me to get that excited. Perhaps my mom is rubbing off on me. She gets her Hallmark countdown ornament out in October. . . Anyway. . . I was really hoping to spend the season purposefully focusing on others, and helping the kids to do that as well. The first week of December started out strong. We did pretty good. But after that. . . sigh. . . not so much.<br />
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I had read this amazing blog post about how this sweet lady was sick of focusing on that mischievous little Elf on the Shelf (which I had never heard of till this year!). She wanted to place her focus on others too, so she started a plan she called "Light 'Em Up". I was instantly hooked and began talking with the kids to plan our own "Light 'Em Up" season. Please go to her blog and check it out <a href="http://lillightomine.com/light-em-up-2011.php" target="_blank">here</a>. . . I think that is the original post I read. It was just what I wanted. Something, anything to take the focus off of "me", what "I want", what am "I getting". And by "I", I meant the little ones. . . little did I know that <i>I</i> needed to get away from the "me" thinking too! <br />
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So, we printed out our Light 'Em Up planner, and made a plan. My biggest excitement would be writing on the driveways of our friends! I thought, how cool to let them know how loved they are, <i>and</i> remind them to think on Jesus this season. . . we didn't get to ONE! We did focus on Hubby the first week. It was kind of a funny disaster! He finished up his masters degree that first week of December (wooooohoooooo), so the kids and I thought we'd show him how proud we were of him. We planned to surprise him by writing on his car and sticking a ton of balloons in it. . . But, when we went to his celebratory lunch (with people from his internship) his car was no where to be found! We drove around the parking lot (with a bazillion other crazy drivers) for-EVER!!! I finally relented and texted him, saying, we're in the area can we stop by and meet your friends (he had wanted us to anyway, I think). We took the balloons in to him and thoroughly embarrassed him. :) The look on his surprised face was priceless (even though I had worked the night before, and only had about 2 hours sleep, I still remember it- a Christmas miracle). (BTW- he had ridden there with someone else, which is why we couldn't find his car!)<br />
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So, we still had the issue of the car writing that the kids were not going to let go. On the final day of his internship we drove over to the hospital he was at and looked for his car. You're not going to believe this. . . I couldn't find it!!! Again, relenting, I texted him saying we were in the neighborhood wanting to go out to lunch when you get done, want to park by your car, where is it? It was in the employee garage!!! Can you believe it? So, we left and went out to lunch. When we were done eating, I made him stay in the restaurant while we went outside to decorate his car! I never even took pictures, because I was so frustrated. We wrote things like, love you, Dad the grad, etc. It was fun after the frustration died down. I think he liked it. . .<br />
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After that, we went camping. Then, when we came back, I worked that crazy, crazy schedule (2 on, 1 off, 1 on, 1 off, 1 on). . . I call those the zombie days and <i>nothing </i>got done. Then, the next week, I worked 4 in a row. It was just an unusually weird month as far as my work schedule went. I was exhausted, never knew if I was coming or going, and sad. . . I really wanted to really focus on Jesus, on others, and on showing my kids the wonderful ways they can serve and be little lights. But, it was all I could do to stay awake and keep up with our regular duties. To say the least, I was disappointed, frustrated, and highly resentful of the fact that I had to work. Ugh...that's not quite the attitude I was going for this season! <br />
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Then Christmas came. As it has been many times before, it was quite a disappointment. Without incriminating anyone, let's just say that things are getting better, and that my broken heart is in the healing stage. Hopefully, this will be the last Christmas spent in tears. (Many of my childhood Christmases were spent this way- at a certain grandmother's house.) Then, as if it wasn't bad enough, I had to work Christmas night and the night after. . . So, I've spent the last several weeks trying desperately to adjust my attitude. I've been reminded of how thankful I am for grace. While I don't believe my outward behavior was terrible, my heart attitude has been one of selfishness. . . the very thing I started out to set right! While the season and my hopes were let down, I am infinitely grateful for my sweet Jesus who humbled Himself enough to become a baby, then a man, die on a cross, and love me in spite of my selfishness/self-centeredness. I am mindful of grace that covers resentment and selfishness, and so ever grateful for it. I am grateful for the gift of a job that I now really enjoy, a husband who loves me (also in spite of me) and and amazing family to share special moments with...even the moments chasing down Hubby's car!<br />
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I think we will try again, all year long, to be lights to the world. Sometimes I'm going to fail. Sometimes, though, God just might decide to shine through me!<br />
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<i>Do all things without grumbling or questioning that you may become blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you <b>shine as lights</b> in the world, holding fast to the word of life. . . </i></div>
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<i>Philippians 2:14-16a</i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792566592897525704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-496215530987237743.post-75414051363404069132013-01-03T13:03:00.001-05:002013-01-03T13:03:59.346-05:00Catching UpWell, I hope you have all had a wonderful Christmas. I have not been posting much, as December had an exceptionally difficult work schedule, and I've found Christmas a bit much to take in this year. It has been a hard season. I do not have a weekly-update prepared, but am hoping to start back with that next week. However, I have prepared a cute, short, little story of my morning!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">If You Give a Mom a "To Do List" by Kristy Mikell. . . If you give a mom a to do list, she'll probably get started right away. She'll ask the kids to help her put the laundry away. There's no room in my drawers the first kid will say. So, the mom will help her chose which clothes should stay, go away, and be saved for the next one in line. The mom will then ask the next one to help sort the mess. Cute as can be, she'll roll her eyes and say why me? Newer clothes are fun, but you don't have room for even one. So, the mom will go through with child number two to decide which ones to toss, consign, keep. The to child number three, the mom will say, "Let's take a peek." This child is the most difficult of all, being as for most of his clothes he is too tall. The bags are packed, labeled and ready to ship out. Back to the chore list, let's knock this out. Well, the mom still can't vacuum, number two on the list, because the filters are sti</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">ll covered with a wet mist- despite having them in front of the fan! So, the mom will try again for number three on the list. Complete the project of chore list that was started months ago...but where did the chore tags go? Mom will wonder through the house, promising candy to the first one to find the prize. While looking for the prize, mom's eyes gaze over the mess. Number four on the list, get the trash off the floor, while dad paints the cabinet doors. The laundry must be moved from washer to dryer, and then started again, but now she sees the mess on the floor again. Then the call from work cuts her time in half, cause now she has to squeeze in a nap. Next she'll try to find something for lunch. To the freezer she flies, only to find it has died! Now the mom will quick bake the pizzas, toquitos, and try to save the shrimp before it goes. After having a day like this, where only one thing on the list gets done, it's nice to know I can have some fun! Writing this quick story may be the only thing that gets done. . . until I'm interrupted again!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 16.981481552124023px;">Blessings!</span></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792566592897525704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-496215530987237743.post-4948935040234591772012-12-20T06:30:00.000-05:002012-12-20T06:31:14.323-05:00Camping AdventureI know I've promised you guys a camping adventure update, and here it is. . .<br />
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Bean Boy reminded us that this was the first time we made it 3 whole nights camping. We <i>almost</i> canceled our trip on account of rain. But, Sunday I checked the weather, and it still said only 20-30% chance of rain. If I had checked it Monday morning, we would have canceled! Hubby and I decided that a little rain won't hurt anyone. Uh...someone forgot to tell God what the weather was supposed to be! When we pulled up in Orange City, FL at Blue Springs State Park, we quickly put up our tent (with ponchos on) while rain was coming off and on. Because we were a glutton for punishment, and the rain was at a temporary stop, we tried to set up our huge tarp for "outdoor" cover. Success!!! We sat down, mostly dry, and decided to eat tomorrow's lunch, since the rain was pelting and we couldn't build a fire. Then, as it turned out, we weren't as successful as we once thought. The tarp ended up mostly on my head while we finished up dinner!!! Oh well! We tried. The rain did stop, and we had enough time to unpack, check out the area, see some manatee, and get to bed....so sleepy! <br />
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The next day, it was beautiful when we woke up. That was a great thing! The only bad thing, is that no one slept well and everyone woke up when I did. Now, even when camping, I like to have a little time to myself before everyone else wakes up, but it was not to be this time...oh, this was Tuesday, our birthday too. So, being the lovely wife who shares a birthday with her Hubby, I kindly let him know that if I couldn't be alone, neither could he...heheh! SO, he got up, we made a fire and made breakfast. Listen, sausage was supposed to be made on a fire! <br />
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Sooo, good! We went for a bike ride and came back for lunch. Noticing clouds heading our way, we decided to try to set up the tarp again. We wanted some way to build a fire and keep it going in the rain. We ended up using my husband's truck on one side and trailer on the other to tie up our tarp. It was decent, and ended up keeping us dry. I felt like we were building couch forts with blankets! It was challenging, but no one got hurt, upset, or ugly! Success on many levels. I just kept telling Hubby this is an adventure. We're going to either succeed or fail if we try. . . So, since we had success, we made dinner, and birthday cake! I had seen recipes for making cakes inside of an orange peel. We (the girls did) pre-made and froze the batter, so all I did was cut the corner of the bag and squeeze it in. They were delicious!!! Uh..we each ate 2!!! Happy birthday to us, honey!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We covered them with aluminum foil. A few recipes said that yo can wrap them individually in foil and throw them in the coils, but I wanted to be able to check on when they were done. Plus they were all different sizes. . .</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1au20K6FrLgpDTfOYkgKrWPzwIH829vAmmFLvEi4GqMMiHcGSnsgZyc0zZ-Dgf9SDN0AMZtJhUIMqC0LwuHgasffZRTYVGDSX0yxMXWyQRQK0Pye1Q2o3iA2XXM-F7OFQaCUhSw0vlVc/s1600/100_5376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1au20K6FrLgpDTfOYkgKrWPzwIH829vAmmFLvEi4GqMMiHcGSnsgZyc0zZ-Dgf9SDN0AMZtJhUIMqC0LwuHgasffZRTYVGDSX0yxMXWyQRQK0Pye1Q2o3iA2XXM-F7OFQaCUhSw0vlVc/s320/100_5376.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I know they look black on the top, it was just smoke, with frosting, you couldn't tell... I forgot to take pics with the frosting on! Everyone ate them and loved them!!!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Ek6lpukyI-DyfM7Bow5knJZISg0HBrz6yDioU4ybFsk7J8ya1VdNBQdhvPdW7D9RN4LXbuRakyTnlBXSboIIpJ_z07aMtKVF4cqhj71J80coBPFSwE-2ZArrhapCz6hVa8lUyqpkEjs/s1600/100_5358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Ek6lpukyI-DyfM7Bow5knJZISg0HBrz6yDioU4ybFsk7J8ya1VdNBQdhvPdW7D9RN4LXbuRakyTnlBXSboIIpJ_z07aMtKVF4cqhj71J80coBPFSwE-2ZArrhapCz6hVa8lUyqpkEjs/s320/100_5358.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We used the screen house for extra "support" and to help a little with bugs.... I'm not even going to talk about how well the mosquitoes were fed on this trip...just now getting us all out of the itching phase!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6G0pNG_HzaXMRPoW5g1jDYBif0GQTl9iw7qyqEQqP56erPTAhlqmHQXldLBV0SxGo9WcRl1xoiubhoKgSFi-ukIPLz3EpgBI5ONta4xnErJaamAFVJF4q7oKSiSpypg8y1Mk5Q2Dh68/s1600/100_5360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6G0pNG_HzaXMRPoW5g1jDYBif0GQTl9iw7qyqEQqP56erPTAhlqmHQXldLBV0SxGo9WcRl1xoiubhoKgSFi-ukIPLz3EpgBI5ONta4xnErJaamAFVJF4q7oKSiSpypg8y1Mk5Q2Dh68/s320/100_5360.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poor Hubby could barely stand under it all! The rest of us were fine though.!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6ApSFr72JcqUqf0P7itDXuX57ipaazd_w7vUyaJISwuZ3ecYDh6BXFIdqypa89fvvhyphenhyphenTiCo_wO57502T9y2zZCL9R1D8RYALROLa80XVKiJ4DSZ00cPBZC7RkqlbH5pOX9oFz-Onw-w/s1600/100_5364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6ApSFr72JcqUqf0P7itDXuX57ipaazd_w7vUyaJISwuZ3ecYDh6BXFIdqypa89fvvhyphenhyphenTiCo_wO57502T9y2zZCL9R1D8RYALROLa80XVKiJ4DSZ00cPBZC7RkqlbH5pOX9oFz-Onw-w/s320/100_5364.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It did get a little smoky, and loud when the rain came, but we were glad to be dry. We were able to fit a few chairs around the fire too. . . it was more room than it looks like. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrntc4HFNl0ULRV99YVlkXmWTxmdhieIlhV8BgKFqqdg6efWbD0BHKaRiDKJxkOr7-pGsBBMlpuxDAQhikxXKDRsVoiLr236cHrbCZUMlZvBImQ0MDQ4ZVd-_-RnvOQt251Nd2jX4vT4/s1600/100_5370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrntc4HFNl0ULRV99YVlkXmWTxmdhieIlhV8BgKFqqdg6efWbD0BHKaRiDKJxkOr7-pGsBBMlpuxDAQhikxXKDRsVoiLr236cHrbCZUMlZvBImQ0MDQ4ZVd-_-RnvOQt251Nd2jX4vT4/s320/100_5370.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A good view from my chair of how the tarp and the trailer were a good fit. </td></tr>
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So, since it gets dark so early, we thought we'd bring along the DVD projector. We had everything <i>almost </i>set up, when Hubby looked up and said, "Um, I think we were supposed to bring the DVD player to connect to this!" Oops! Poor kids...we had the perfect set up, under the tarp, with the sheet on the back of the trailer door. . . no movie tonight. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeX20Z3t7rsyHWPojTZqLqoIQg-wqE5DuONlKMJk4uBFq0Tcok3sLMdz_Na2pRbAcOfaV7kWTABBg0MzLmJjA-M-CWuD8Nqn8tl7Nk5X2lWSA5-y7YIkFLCJocSxwCU2OqJRiusAuGUXg/s1600/100_5369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeX20Z3t7rsyHWPojTZqLqoIQg-wqE5DuONlKMJk4uBFq0Tcok3sLMdz_Na2pRbAcOfaV7kWTABBg0MzLmJjA-M-CWuD8Nqn8tl7Nk5X2lWSA5-y7YIkFLCJocSxwCU2OqJRiusAuGUXg/s320/100_5369.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the sheet on the back of the trailer door? And the box for the DVD projecter (that's not a player!) </td></tr>
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The next day was much of the same. Rain off and on. Wonderful camping food. Bike rides. Special time with my favorite family in the whole world. Hubby and Bean Boy went for a canoe ride, while the girls and I walked up the spring run to look for manatee, then played in the park. Our tarp stayed good most of the time, with a few adjustments here and there, and we didn't catch anything on fire that we weren't supposed to. We packed all our soggy things up the next day to head home...haha... then we stopped at Camping World and Gander Outlet on our way through St. Augustine! Yes, we did. Just to browse and add to our wish list! It was fun.<br />
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We plan to wake the kids up early one cold, cold morning in January, and skip on down there again to get a view of a LOT of manatee. The most we saw was on our first day. . . maybe 12-15 all together. They're amazing. Little Bit said, "Mom, they have no necks." God is creative! <br />
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Oh... I almost forgot one of my favorite parts about this trip, until I pulled up pictures! We drove separately this trip, so Hubby could bring the trailer with our bikes. It was such a blessing. We had extra room, and the back of the trailer was under the tarp, so we kept our coolers and "stuff" there. But, genius mom that I am. . . (insert snickers here...truth is some other mom from Pinterest is a genius). I had brought some stuff to organize the back of the van, and one of those things included a hanging shoe organizer. After about the 5th time of looking for the scissors and lighter, I took about 20 minutes, and came up with this beautiful organized camping trailer. (see pic below) If I can talk Hubby into, the trailer will always come, and I will add 2-3 more of these sweet babies! Camping unorganized has always bothered me, and I'm always looking for ways to rectify that problem. This made life soooo much easier. Does anyone else find it sad that this was one of my favorite parts? <br />
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The kids said one of their favorite parts was the "rain bucket" that I brought. Fearing we would be cooped up in the tent quite a bit, I bought some games, and "stuff" that we could do in the tent. One thing was Little Debbie Christmas Tree Snack Cakes. You guys have no idea what a treat that was for the kids... I have NEVER bought them Little Debbies! My son's favorite thing from the rain box was the knot tying app that I downloaded to the Nook. I bought some small rope and had it in the bucket, and we tried learning some knots. Boys are much better at this than girls! The girls ended up making up and naming their own knots. We had a lovely, looong game of Uno too. I still have things in the "rain bucket" for next time too.<br />
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To sum it up, this was not our <i>favorite</i> camping trip, but I would put it up there with one of our most successful and most challenging trips. And, we made it and enjoyed it! And there's so much more I didn't write about too. I'm glad everyone in our family seems to love camping!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792566592897525704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-496215530987237743.post-69033943226648966692012-12-14T14:09:00.001-05:002012-12-20T06:35:48.175-05:00Weekly Wrap-up: Still breathing. . .barelyI am going to keep this short and sweet. For the two of you who missed me last week and this previous week, I'm alive, doing ok, dealing with all life has to throw at me.<br />
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Last week was just a killer... my regular night shift work was anything but regular. I worked 2 on, 1 off, 1 on, 1 off, 1 on.... for anyone who has ever worked night shift, that's a killer. Then, over the weekend I had one of the most stressful classes I have EVER taken, and an extremely difficult/stressful/obscenely hard test I have EVER taken! It was for Trauma certification so I can keep working in the Trauma ICU. So- I passed (happy dance) and won't have to do it for 4 more years!!!! (I can't believe I'll have to do it again!) SO that was Sat/Sun. <br />
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THEN, on Monday we left for our 3 night <a href="http://themessexposed.blogspot.com/2012/12/camping-adventure.html" target="_blank">camping adventure</a>. I have started a post about this and will post it as soon as I can...but since we came home yesterday, and tonight starts 4 days in a row for me, you'll just have to wait! Yes, my life is crazy. Sigh! <br />
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Until I'm able to update about our camping adventure, just keep me in your prayers. I'm ready to settle down! I love my crazy life though! Here is a picture preview...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovH2rsczseXOtX0hAj6zEbL_5DEoRDkV3cOic_LPDxcfWJe3JOulN6XtyCL-vVIK2zb015V6XgEcy6FQyG1xu1X-2ujQ6X_N914ddMpSTLuqX4gixGGrcSWSD9k1qHlkb4f5wvHPJwqs/s1600/100_5342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovH2rsczseXOtX0hAj6zEbL_5DEoRDkV3cOic_LPDxcfWJe3JOulN6XtyCL-vVIK2zb015V6XgEcy6FQyG1xu1X-2ujQ6X_N914ddMpSTLuqX4gixGGrcSWSD9k1qHlkb4f5wvHPJwqs/s400/100_5342.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mirror manatee at Blue Springs State Park.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com/weekly-wrap-up/" target="new"><img alt="" size="125" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v506/kbmomto3/weeklywrapup125.png" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792566592897525704noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-496215530987237743.post-64347339807878879562012-11-30T13:24:00.001-05:002012-11-30T13:26:16.354-05:00Weekly Wrap-up: Vacation Projects<b><i>In our homeschool this week. . .</i></b><br />
Woohoo! Loving vacation!!!! Ya'll should join me!<br />
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<b><i>In my life this week. . . </i></b> I have become a Pinterest Princess! My mom continues to say how much I'm putting everyone else to shame by completing projects. I've made several more aprons, chef's hats to go with them, as well as oven mitts. . . They are completely fabulous!!! I'm in love with them!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/68240_4653217124912_345129755_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="266" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Someone asked, and yes, I sewed on a t.v. tray, my iron is on the other one. . . cutting was done on the coffee table from a kids school desk chair! And, they still turned out soooo stinking cute!!! See the mess??</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/561742_4660820794999_1991912031_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="266" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We took these to her the day she found out her dad died. It was good to see her smile! Hers is my favorite set.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/18094_4658983549069_1658969415_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="266" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This sweet girl looks like a Keebler Elf every time she puts that hat on.... it makes me smile!</td></tr>
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I did put a link for the website to the apron tutorial in this <a href="http://themessexposed.blogspot.com/2012/11/weekly-wrap-up-winter-break-is-here.html" target="_blank">post</a>. The <a href="http://stardustshoes.blogspot.com/2008/01/puppet-style-oven-mitts.html" target="_blank">oven mitt</a>, and <a href="http://makingitfun.blogspot.com/2009/01/kids-apron-chef-hat.html" target="_blank">chef's hats</a> were both in different tutorials. I used the same material as the aprons, and had a matching set for each kiddo; apron, chef's hat, oven mitt, and for Crazy K, an adorable pot holder from the front pocket of her sweet jeans!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJfrfkPhXq244qmlpBaO2CMrQ2RyyxSJoBeltjGNuA8x-WGBfGr9yqseZzxIRhGKfbzIQmgp7jQeIx7H3-An0Qt3N6GoaOQQf7aIGhByBWgCVcHswXJ0K9ZH0wwoA_oviHoQvmbuRvnz0/s1600/100_5322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJfrfkPhXq244qmlpBaO2CMrQ2RyyxSJoBeltjGNuA8x-WGBfGr9yqseZzxIRhGKfbzIQmgp7jQeIx7H3-An0Qt3N6GoaOQQf7aIGhByBWgCVcHswXJ0K9ZH0wwoA_oviHoQvmbuRvnz0/s320/100_5322.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 of my chefs did some holiday baking for me! It looks like they were really concentrating here, hehe.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7JKOr-6u-ItTTMb-su4fEX6oJKk7ckiD3HhEGxFTdcHj3965OMJSqb1h_TMtKLFtmLj3f2zl1OwnIYZk85pZ7Dn7fwD00aIA-d9TILeeUm5v7MiriACRHaBoP8uww0dzAUv4M66e85Y/s1600/100_5324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7JKOr-6u-ItTTMb-su4fEX6oJKk7ckiD3HhEGxFTdcHj3965OMJSqb1h_TMtKLFtmLj3f2zl1OwnIYZk85pZ7Dn7fwD00aIA-d9TILeeUm5v7MiriACRHaBoP8uww0dzAUv4M66e85Y/s320/100_5324.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here they were decorating Pringles cans with holiday paper so they'd have a pretty way to deliver them! Another idea from Pinterest, but I don't think I pinned the link. . .oops!</td></tr>
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NEXT, I decided to try to make a cute little bag. Now, I think the total time spent on this project was 10-15 minutes. However, it took about 1 hour to finish it due to one cranky, whiny, crying Baby T who interrupted several times, one broken sewing needle, and several other interruptions! I forgot to finish the edges of the ruffles before sewing them on the bag, but it's still cute. Don't you think so? Instructions for that are <a href="http://thefoglemanfamily.blogspot.com/2010/05/finished-object-friday-its-in-bag.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I had some small black bags I bought for $0.79 at Michaels after Halloween last year. They were just sitting in a drawer, so I pulled them out to try my hand at ruffles. . . I don't think it's too bad for my first time. <br />
<img height="400" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/395142_4668936157878_1963059147_n.jpg" width="266" /><br />
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Oh... In all honesty, and with full disclosure, I didn't spruce up my pictures, because I wanted you to see, that while I'm accomplishing wonderfully amazing projects on the sewing machine, my life is in disarray, especially my house! I haven't done anything else. I've washed several loads of laundry more than once, stayed up waaaaay too late, and have even, dare I say it, slept in! I've continued to be the "<a href="http://themessexposed.blogspot.com/2012/11/weekly-wrap-up-thanksgiving-postponed.html" target="_blank">yes, mom</a>". I've made crockpot meals and big dishes so I only cooked dinner 1.5 times this week...my 7 year old cooked the lasagna (oh and hubby helped). My 7 year old made breakfast all week. There's <i>STUFF</i> everywhere.<br />
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<b><i>I'm praying for. . . </i></b><br />
My God-daughter Crazy K has had a tough life in her short 11 years! This past week her biological father passed away. I can't imagine being faced with the mortality of my parents at such a young age. She didn't feel up to school the day after she found out, so we had her over. That's how I got the pic of her all dolled up in the apron and such...that was hers from a pair of jeans she gave me. She's so amazingly strong, and dealing with all the grown-up issues in her life in such a mature way. She's so dear to me, and I love her. I'm praying that God will show her that He's blessed her with so many fathers that have been good to her, loved her like their own, and are still here, and that He Himself has adopted her as His own princess entitled to be His heir! He is good, even when life is bad!<br />
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">My favorite thing this week was. . . </i>being home, sleeping in, crafting, saying yes to the kids, wearing pjs at 1:07 while writing my blog post, and eating all the cookies we made! It's been a fabulous week!!!<br />
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">Things I'm working on. . . </i>thanks to Pinterest, I will never forget all the things I want to accomplish. It's like a to do list you can't lose. There are several projects I have pinned that should be coming up soon. Next week though, the girls would like to make aprons for their American Girl dolls. . . I'm not quite sure I have the patience to deal with them and the sewing machine (they did try sewing straight lines on scraps today). If I'm not too exhausted from my crazy work schedule (2 days on, 1 off, 1 on, 1 off, 1 on, yuck, yuck, yuck) then we might give it a try. . . AND I guess at some point, I have to clean out the<a href="http://themessexposed.blogspot.com/2012/08/school-room.html" target="_blank"> school room</a> again (sigh) and start planning for our next semester (double sigh). . .<br />
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Well, I have to go to bed and start my weekend job. . . Ya'll have a blessed weekend!<br />
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<img src="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/MothersJournalIHN.jpg" />
<a href="http://www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com/weekly-wrap-up/" target="new"><img alt="" size="300X91" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v506/kbmomto3/weeklywrapup300.png " /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792566592897525704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-496215530987237743.post-30603816251108478512012-11-28T13:33:00.000-05:002012-11-28T13:33:17.778-05:00Beauty from the AshesI'm in a Facebook group for moms with special needs children. The other day, a sweet mom posted that she just didn't know what to do when she had blown it. She called those times, "Bad Mommy Moments." And, it got me thinkin', as the saying goes... God knows I've had my own Bad Mommy Moments....too many to count. It's such a dilemma to me; I want to raise righteous God-lovers, and am constantly on them to do what is right, say what is right, and be godly. And then, I lose my temper, do the opposite of what I'm supposed to do, or worse, the opposite of what I've told them to do. (I'm smacking my forehead now).<br />
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What makes this worse, is that Bean Boy at the ripe old age of 11, has noticed the inconsistency. I still remember that inconsistency I saw in my Dad, and how it challenged me...still does. It caused a stumbling block for me in trusting him. Knowing he said one thing, and did another caused me to doubt his sincerity, and lack trust for him in a host of ways. Oh how I pray this doesn't cause the same problems for my son, or daughters. The truth is, I'm a sinner. My dad is a sinner. My son is a sinner. No amount of preaching, reading the Word, prayer, or any other discipline is going to change the fact, that we are sinners. And, that's a good thing!<br />
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If those things, our deeds and works, changed us into righteous people, well, we wouldn't need Christ. The cross would just be a tree a man died on, rather than a beautiful symbol of sacrificial love. If, we could be righteous on our own, there would be no need of a relationship with Jesus, and we'd miss out on something beautiful and wonderful. If we stopped sinning when we became believers, there would be no reason to continue on our faith journeys. Sin is ugly. It is destructive. It ruins trust, destroys hope, and leads to death. Sin can be a relationship killer. I think, from my own experience, this hypocrisy (even if unintentional) can be especially deadly. However, it sin is a tool to show us our need for God. <br />
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My hope is that when couple with honesty, humility, and open communication, the life of our relationships can be saved. My hope is that when sin enters in, our relationships can mirror our relationships with our Savior. It starts with humility. We must confess our brokenness to the other person, ask for forgiveness, and seek restoration. It's especially hard to do this with our kids (the humility), I think. But, I think it is important for them to see how this works, both when we forgive them, and when they forgive us. God gave us such a beautiful model of restoration! I think when we mess up, it gives our kids an opportunity to <i>practice</i> grace...and boy do we need to practice! (at least I do!) It gives them an opportunity to see God working in us, changing us, cleaning up our brokenness, and lavishing grace on us. What comes out of the ashes of sin and brokenness is a beautiful miracle. And, I believe it ultimately glorifies God. I'm certainly not going to purposefully sin to create this situation, I do it enough without trying! ;) But, I will purpose to practice humility when I mess up with my kiddos, beg for their forgiveness, and show them how I too must go to my Savior and ask for mercy. . . again.<br />
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I hope my honesty and humility help them to understand that this is a journey we are on. . . we don't arrive as adults, parents, teachers, bosses, clients, etc. It is a journey we continue throughout our lives here on earth, and part of the reason we long for Heaven. I hope that my honesty and humility lead them to see that my faith is real, that I really am a God-lover and struggle with sin, that ultimately I want to please Him, all because I love him.<br />
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It is amazing to me that from the ashes left by the destruction of sin, God can make all things beautiful. . . even me! <br />
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To me, Isaiah chapter 61 is an excellent example of how God restores, and His ultimate plans for us...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Isaiah 61:3</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>. . . To grant to those who mourn in Zion-</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,</i></div>
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<i>the oil of gladness instead of mourning,</i></div>
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<i>the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>taht they may be called oaks of righteousness,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>the planting of the Lord that He may be glorified.</i></div>
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;" /><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792566592897525704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-496215530987237743.post-29866088092956754192012-11-23T21:09:00.001-05:002012-11-23T21:09:58.212-05:00Weekly Wrap-up: Thanksgiving PostponedWell. . . this week is a little out of the ordinary. The holiday has been postponed at our house till Saturday, due to the fact that I had to work on Wednesday night and Thursday night. I hope the rest of you enjoyed your turkey, family, and fun.
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<b><i>In our homeschool this week. . . </i></b><br />
We are officially on winter break! Woohoo! That means that I let the kids sleep in. They had no official work, except for my son who had to do the assignments for his writing class. We did have our park day friend come over on Monday (too cold for an early morning park/school day....yes we are wimpy Floridians). This was a sweet time of doing some Thanksgiving crafts and reading some stories about Thanksgiving. I had my God-daughter who is 3 weeks older than my son. These older two helped to read one of the Thanksgiving books to the youngers. We had a fabulous time... my friend contributed a lovely acorn shaped snack for her craft! YUM!! I do love this time of year, and pray we can do the same thing for Christmas. (Good news...found my camera!)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl96VQjDKEEqTkpKTeWpRFHZ0mdcMWjdAqmxmUWO2ZSPScBNRzfbgv2oRGANElcCkDqGu-N7sbvPMUiK1p7pYFo_zujJKwvS0tCzfvrsknxTsxTorjpuxC6qhSKOfVMgDx6VpgDN1dSqg/s1600/100_5287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl96VQjDKEEqTkpKTeWpRFHZ0mdcMWjdAqmxmUWO2ZSPScBNRzfbgv2oRGANElcCkDqGu-N7sbvPMUiK1p7pYFo_zujJKwvS0tCzfvrsknxTsxTorjpuxC6qhSKOfVMgDx6VpgDN1dSqg/s320/100_5287.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm pretty sure my friend got this idea from Pinterest, but I don't know where. They were fun, easy, and delicious. The kids could make them with no help at all!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCrlXE7bOVQs8AUN7hrb86OHZbW9Jr0YSsal2Uz697Vx-TrxQ0JuFaAFXU2qECP7m1aYjuJcRkXAgmTrYVAAJaR31TF5qfPqlZQcZ_bUs_G8k0B_drpzkdyfcmJT7cy8VyaEJKNc8USUc/s1600/100_5289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCrlXE7bOVQs8AUN7hrb86OHZbW9Jr0YSsal2Uz697Vx-TrxQ0JuFaAFXU2qECP7m1aYjuJcRkXAgmTrYVAAJaR31TF5qfPqlZQcZ_bUs_G8k0B_drpzkdyfcmJT7cy8VyaEJKNc8USUc/s320/100_5289.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is our thankfulness pumpkin patch! Each of us made one pumpkin with 9-10 things to be thankful for. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-l8uqQ1SMTd65RkwFCuL8814vU_N_83Qzpj6h0AYjZq6rkqDnp8A8DJRsMFnjiE4FhPWepFtAzGh7V59NrmprkBWOX8IzSTGrcNOvNhWAx24yKqczuPADbtjrHOHHH4r1SLBoevoQX-c/s1600/100_5291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-l8uqQ1SMTd65RkwFCuL8814vU_N_83Qzpj6h0AYjZq6rkqDnp8A8DJRsMFnjiE4FhPWepFtAzGh7V59NrmprkBWOX8IzSTGrcNOvNhWAx24yKqczuPADbtjrHOHHH4r1SLBoevoQX-c/s320/100_5291.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Got the idea from that addictive little site... you know it, Pinterest! Here is the link to the website http://www.playfulcrafts.com/thankfulpumpkincraft.html Keep in mind, I vary EVERY project I do!</td></tr>
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One little caveat here... I am truly thankful that we can homeschool. I was so saddened that as we were reading the VERY ABBREVIATED story of the first Thanksgiving, my God-daughter piped in that she has never been taught this! I was floored. We live in a<i> very conservative</i>, Christian area. . . how has she never heard of the Mayflower? People, we need to pray for our nation and our children!<br />
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">In my life this week. . . </i>Well, I enjoyed being the "yes" mom this week! It seems like because of our busy schedule, our disciplined life, our lack of extra time, I'm always telling the kids "no". "No, you can't play on the computer" (not that I would let them do this a lot anyway. "No, we can't ride bikes today." "No, we can't do that, we can't do this, we have to do this and that and go here and there." Ugh.... well, I realized also that some of that "no-ing" is habitual. So, the other day when Baby T asked to play the Nook...I said "Yes!" I ended up having all 4 children on a different electronic devices (Bean Boy was typing his paper...). I was sewing and listening to Christmas music, and thought, "You know, it feels good to tell them yes." Then Crazy K said, "I want to bake." I looked up from my sewing and said, I think there's a cake mix in the pantry....that was it, an hour later and we were eating warm lemon cake! I like the yes mom (and the cake that goes with it!) So...here is how it has been going:<br />
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"Mom, can we color?"<br />
"Yes."<br />
"Mom, can we play outside?"<br />
"Yes."<br />
"Mom, can we turn the music up really loud?"<br />
"Yes."<br />
"Mom, can we watch a movie?"<br />
"Yes."<br />
"Mom, can I play a computer game?"<span style="text-align: center;"></span><br />
"Yes."<br />
"Mom, can we make pumpkin seeds?"<br />
"Yes."<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWj0yRvGCZnmHayzL38di52Zjv6jbm3WXm-jyRzHxltxVdSynOvmJfOAx14A0cjnJhg0E9rPdIlHsLPA8qOA67uCKhwef6Vo-AkT-D1APSrb6JNnCnDsonMkQx8B06LzoVZN9Tyds9xk/s1600/100_5292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWj0yRvGCZnmHayzL38di52Zjv6jbm3WXm-jyRzHxltxVdSynOvmJfOAx14A0cjnJhg0E9rPdIlHsLPA8qOA67uCKhwef6Vo-AkT-D1APSrb6JNnCnDsonMkQx8B06LzoVZN9Tyds9xk/s320/100_5292.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Since we don't celebrate Halloween, the we didn't make jack-o-lanterns.... But, our master gardener friend brought us a HUGE pumpkin. The girls wanted to make pumpkin seeds, so we cut it open...they turned out yummy!</td></tr>
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<br />
"Mom, can I have a snack?"<br />
"Yes."<br />
"Mom, can I play on the Nook?"<br />
"Yes."<br />
"Mom, can we play silly string?"<br />
"YES!!!"<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_d7OExqUQEW7uVh8dIioAnNmzSIAbCbbIOOy5Rf_809kTxBVwys9TZatL9-Ppzf8TuydsUA4wrIyAlOiZoLL_-zoBycw-BJujBswgzITzeP0r0n8UAUmJjLDGRQ3_pXUSJXTlcmM9_zU/s1600/100_5299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_d7OExqUQEW7uVh8dIioAnNmzSIAbCbbIOOy5Rf_809kTxBVwys9TZatL9-Ppzf8TuydsUA4wrIyAlOiZoLL_-zoBycw-BJujBswgzITzeP0r0n8UAUmJjLDGRQ3_pXUSJXTlcmM9_zU/s320/100_5299.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She's viscious!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFG0F__r99Zt966zA-xh454v49mwv72cLOZOBMzyBNdt_h83QR7faAyGJBJS8Prny1wcvDXjKNvGuheejxm57gbsQWJypxvKuQm6F55Gh0RBQbs8pj6mlxsPGqLlIgyOMMAR-7SC8Tzws/s1600/100_5306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFG0F__r99Zt966zA-xh454v49mwv72cLOZOBMzyBNdt_h83QR7faAyGJBJS8Prny1wcvDXjKNvGuheejxm57gbsQWJypxvKuQm6F55Gh0RBQbs8pj6mlxsPGqLlIgyOMMAR-7SC8Tzws/s320/100_5306.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watch out!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhC9_JZFN6gQ1CuB6Cq4IOeQqULOiSQqntdEu8q4e_cA0p48njDCL92hmMqiawF1ZAMU1HoiSWgLgagNqCMThM1rijY_Whut_5TUR_TYeUajpIHldlixak3KDtqxonPEKRboOwCpuIPkg/s1600/100_5314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhC9_JZFN6gQ1CuB6Cq4IOeQqULOiSQqntdEu8q4e_cA0p48njDCL92hmMqiawF1ZAMU1HoiSWgLgagNqCMThM1rijY_Whut_5TUR_TYeUajpIHldlixak3KDtqxonPEKRboOwCpuIPkg/s320/100_5314.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The only downer was that they had to clean up the yard when they were done...but Bean Boy found a way to make that fun too!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEvIV7lNj3Ye7PkksJE1wsSDnw-LU8dE9HXyBjtxN3GU5ur718ZpzLbLPQLwyQuGB6EV5vq85jZC12wbOCEA9SJcXOccdTdSBIrdZfDekoYFktWmYCCBBskJGAOYGEA9C4bjvIRdVzXU/s1600/100_5315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEvIV7lNj3Ye7PkksJE1wsSDnw-LU8dE9HXyBjtxN3GU5ur718ZpzLbLPQLwyQuGB6EV5vq85jZC12wbOCEA9SJcXOccdTdSBIrdZfDekoYFktWmYCCBBskJGAOYGEA9C4bjvIRdVzXU/s320/100_5315.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So what if I got a little stringy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOs9mOXrgV0ELWLwXFEkfHzda6WWHfbEFaccdLUEURVZa9nb0j0pgmFCKCKtIUS-QBeMMpukK4KK4jjLx8-sX6UjTsZoNLUYLBj9kNF9OvW7WemftQpJEm2k_qb1V04fJ3heLOWkBjiHI/s1600/100_5303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOs9mOXrgV0ELWLwXFEkfHzda6WWHfbEFaccdLUEURVZa9nb0j0pgmFCKCKtIUS-QBeMMpukK4KK4jjLx8-sX6UjTsZoNLUYLBj9kNF9OvW7WemftQpJEm2k_qb1V04fJ3heLOWkBjiHI/s320/100_5303.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They even got me to say "yes" to playing some too!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4R6r0Ka9X9YX4sqbsN6kRoy5xYNV00JgfLTCk4tZk-cWlT7MWTEwBbHrHUurKOdL4AjshHu81Ph5t2HEtP3rqTNa6SD29v_fZbZ4A8vDCcw9s9ZRe9wqiiHtHmRSEp6kNbzovMzZBK7I/s1600/100_5301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4R6r0Ka9X9YX4sqbsN6kRoy5xYNV00JgfLTCk4tZk-cWlT7MWTEwBbHrHUurKOdL4AjshHu81Ph5t2HEtP3rqTNa6SD29v_fZbZ4A8vDCcw9s9ZRe9wqiiHtHmRSEp6kNbzovMzZBK7I/s320/100_5301.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back off!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGiayQ1SyNV8lMA3JlLcECza1L-KmV5FhPkPc_tZnDXRFhK8a-BQjU-mBLeXC8SeAoBWOCB6Ujp3sKVL-U0estE_hS_vyoyOEmJm3dE4HPb7TVoFpRFZCnihI3VOBzfVkHICen2nNg45g/s1600/100_5309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGiayQ1SyNV8lMA3JlLcECza1L-KmV5FhPkPc_tZnDXRFhK8a-BQjU-mBLeXC8SeAoBWOCB6Ujp3sKVL-U0estE_hS_vyoyOEmJm3dE4HPb7TVoFpRFZCnihI3VOBzfVkHICen2nNg45g/s320/100_5309.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The poor dog had no idea he was shot! LOL!</td></tr>
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<b><i>Things I'm working on. . .</i></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmK7WrsIlCbwX98Cn3MfuVZOBUzRGrFxJ3VbzerfhUMj_UpgbZWHVZA15i_EIaEMTe7uMdWHpNS0KFJ40deX37_Idz6tY1iVtBY5MtVl7-eJJlZV38Qbv26Hz2sQhvWIgIU24XgaYWjDg/s1600/100_5313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmK7WrsIlCbwX98Cn3MfuVZOBUzRGrFxJ3VbzerfhUMj_UpgbZWHVZA15i_EIaEMTe7uMdWHpNS0KFJ40deX37_Idz6tY1iVtBY5MtVl7-eJJlZV38Qbv26Hz2sQhvWIgIU24XgaYWjDg/s320/100_5313.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just absolutely LOVE these!!!</td></tr>
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Well, I'm working on aprons again! Made two more for my niece, and they turned out beautifully! I posted the link for these in last week's <a href="http://themessexposed.blogspot.com/2012/11/weekly-wrap-up-winter-break-is-here.html" target="_blank">wrap up</a>. Next week I'll try the adult size ones.... I'm a little nervous about that, because there will be a lot more cutting involved. I spend about 20 minutes on the sewing machine for these, and about 1.5 (with interruption) hours on the rest of it! I was able to use pre-cut quilting strips from a package. All four aprons that I have made so far, have come from 1 package of strips ($10.87 at Wal-mart) and 2 pairs of jeans; I think there is enough to make 1-2 more, but I don't like the way the rest look together. I'm sure I'll mix and match some other stuff at another time. So, I'm sure the adult ones are going to take longer, because I'll have to cut my own strips so they'll be long enough. I also found patterns on Pinterest for oven mitts and chef's hats. All the kids say they want the chef's hats too! SO, that's what's to come <i>after </i> the adult aprons are finished... I think! ;) Wish me luck!<br />
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Have a great weekend!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792566592897525704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-496215530987237743.post-16110931534609223762012-11-19T00:19:00.000-05:002012-11-20T16:57:44.137-05:00Glow in the Dark Party!!!First of all, I must give a HUGE apology to you, myself, and my daughter for not having ANY pictures of this AWESOME party!!! My mom has some that are incredibly blurry, and as I've mentioned before, my camera is missing! BUT, I will try to paint a vivid picture in your mind, because it was a wildly cool party that is doable for any of you readers! <br />
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First off, I must say I bought a ton of glow sticks, glow bracelets, glow necklaces, and other glow paraphernalia at the dollar store! Then my mom bought some too. Looking back, I would have bought fewer bracelets, and more sticks. The large glow sticks were each broken, then cut and poured into mason jars. We had about 12 of these that lined the way to the yard where the party was hosted. It looked amazing around my mom's garden with these beautifully bright liquids glowing from the ground. (If I were to do it again, I'd buy several of the same color for each jar). My favorites were the blue and pink colors. It was cool. Then we stuck some glow bracelets in the tiny jars my mom had hanging around her porch. We had the glow lanterns that we put together and sat on the speakers for the movie. Each child had several glow in the dark bracelets/necklaces. One set of siblings built a jump rope with theirs! Lastly we had 10 2-liters that we filled with water, and stuck a few glow bracelets in (wish I had more sticks for this...) The yard was glowing with colorful excitement! ;) It was really awesome to look around the yard and see brightly colored glowing lights everywhere!<br />
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We also found some glow in the dark duct tape! Can you believe they make that stuff??? It was incredible! We put some around the cords to the DVD projector and speakers, so people could see where these were, even after the sun went down. It saved me from tripping, and I think I might use this for our next camping trip... anyway... we also taped some to our ball, and had a fun time with the glowing ball.<br />
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On the porch we had a black light, complete with glow in the dark jello and cool aide (don't use red...blue works better). It was fantastic. People helped themselves to chili and hot dogs, and roasted s'mores over the fire pit. Our wonderful adopted grandparents popped over 12 pans of popcorn and bagged almost 40 bags full to pass out during the movie! I had a ton of help setting up tables, getting food ready, etc.<br />
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I have to give extra credit to a few people here.... first my husband. I wrote the poor guy a 3 page email with a list of 13 things to do and several paragraphs of instructions for each thing!!!! That man spent the entire weekend preparing for this party. He made the chili, the glow in the dark cool aide and jello, he packed everything, prepared everything, and never complained! It was sad and hard for me to ask him for help, because I wanted to do it, but because of some other circumstances and when my work fell, I just couldn't do it. Thank you, Hubby! Second, I give thanks to my mom and her boyfriend for opening their yard up to over 40 people, for helping to set up, and for adding glowing paraphernalia!! AND big thanks to mom's boyfriend for making the incredible 8x8 outdoor movie screen!!! It was incredible! (Hubby...you are welcome to make us one!!!)<br />
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Lastly- everyone on our guest list showed up! I'm so blessed! Thank you so much!!!<br />
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Now...lest you all think I'm incredibly amazing (snicker, ha-ha)... NONE of the ideas for this party were my own. I'm going to post the links to each glow-in-the-dark idea I got in list form. They all came from Pinterest (I told you this website was going to be the death of me...at least it's coming in the most fun way!!!)<br />
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<a href="http://allthingshendrick.blogspot.com/2012/03/20-spring-break-ideas.html" target="_blank">Glow in the dark bowling</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/2010/09/kids-in-the-kitchen-glow-in-the-dark-food-magic-colors-and-giant-bubbles/" target="_blank">Glow in the dark jello</a><br />
<a href="http://mommadidit.blogspot.com/2012/07/light-up-night.html" target="_blank">Glow in the dark ring toss</a> (obviously missed the hopscotch idea further down! man!!!)<br />
<a href="http://www.cometogetherkids.com/2011/06/glow-in-dark-drinks.html" target="_blank">Glow in the dark drinks</a> (we did this too!)<br />
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*I cannot find the link with the glow in the dark mason jars, but it is similar to one of the first things I ever pinned on Pinterst... You can see it<a href="http://organisedchaoswahm.wordpress.com/2012/02/09/fairies-in-a-jar/" target="_blank"> here</a> (we tried glitter and it didn't work...).<br />
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Beware of using Pinterest for party ideas!!! LOL! There are several things I now see I "forgot" to do-besides take pictures... SO, I guess I'll have to do it again! If Mom lets me use her awesome yard...(minus the smores!) we can make up for our forgetfulness then! <br />
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I'm sooo sorry about not having pictures... I've got to find that camera...<i style="font-weight: bold;">OR</i>...maybe Hubby can replace it for Christmas! (hint, hint) ;)<br />
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<a href="http://www.time-warp-wife.blogspot.com" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-sllIRPZyzNTdUXiPBmtFMFu2F2MDD5LKyyyDndKGGm6Wfc8eV8Uhc3bUMlLwhn1eqwDE517E6QkW72l57FTdrDAFUvke6o0v4WUhSELR6bBjrdYlxTN1rrr_yyUhOxEH7Q2iIkQWVRA/s1600/TuesdaysButton.jpg" /></a>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792566592897525704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-496215530987237743.post-25532698724533273282012-11-16T18:26:00.002-05:002012-11-16T18:26:56.643-05:00Weekly Wrap-up: Winter Break is Here!!!!<b><i>In my life this week. . . </i></b>Well... I'm doing a little dance!!!! I'm so excited, we have finally reached winter break!!!! Yippe! Yippee! While Bean Boy still has his writing class, and might elect to do some math, we are officially on break! <br />
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I've started to work on some of my Pinterest projects. My mom again has told me how I'm making everyone look bad by completing projects. But it feels soooo good. And, I've had so much fun! My favorite project this week was making aprons out of jeans for the girls! They turned out so beautifully...and I'm not exactly a professional seamstress. I think I borrow my mom's sewing machine about once every 5 years! It's a love/hate/hate relationship. But these turned out so darling, actually want to make more!<br />
<img height="400" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/536424_4604350823285_1083003395_n.jpg" width="266" /><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls loved them! I can't find my camera right now, so please bear with the phone photos!</td></tr>
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I must give credit where credit is due... if it hadn't been for Pinterest, and <a href="http://kimboscrafts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Girl and A Glue Gun</a> (even thought there was no glue gun in this project. . .) I never would have made this! <a href="http://kimboscrafts.blogspot.com/2010/02/levi-apron.html" target="_blank">Here</a> is the link to the apron tutorial. And, here is where I learned how to make the cute <a href="http://www.theribbonretreat.com/blog/simple-fabric-flowers.html" target="_blank">flowers</a>!<br />
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">In our homeschool this week. . . </i> well, we've been winding down, so there is really not much to report here. A little math, handwriting and reading and we've been done as soon as possible each day! Our most productive day was probably when we did school at McDonald's while the Bean Boy was in writing class. But now, we're done till January!!! It just makes me want to dance!<br />
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">Things I'm working on.... </i>expect to see more pinterest projects completed over our break! Next week the kids and I are having our park/school day with our friend, and it will be filled with Thanksgiving fun... I can't wait to share! Pray my camera turns up!<br />
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This week's wrap-up is short because I ended up pulling an extra shift at work. I hope you all have a great weekend!!!<br />
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Linking up with : <img height="200" src="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/MothersJournalIHN.jpg" width="200" /><br />
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<a href="http://www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com/weekly-wrap-up/" target="new"><img alt="" size="300X91" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v506/kbmomto3/weeklywrapup300.png " /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792566592897525704noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-496215530987237743.post-45897424036421111652012-11-09T07:05:00.000-05:002012-11-09T07:05:12.360-05:00Weekly Wrap-Up: Fabulously CrazyWell friends... it has been another fabulous/crazy week! Or should I say fabulously crazy?! We have been busy as usual, but in a super fun way. <br />
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<b><i>In My Life This Week. . . (and some of last week)</i></b><br />
First off, I need to back up to last week just a tad (remember my weeks are weird cause I work Fri/Sat).... I had a Friday night off of work! *Insert here whistles, applause, streamers, and balloons! It was weird. But, we made the best of it! ;) Hubby and I decided we'd get the kids some bikes for Christmas, and ourselves too. And, as you know great deals on Craigslist don't last. So Friday night, and Saturday morning we ALL got bikes. Well, except for Baby T. She's going to practice on Little Bit's old bike, but will be getting a bigger one for her before Christmas. Back to Friday night... we cooked together (even Bean Boy who usually prefers to be alone, joined us without being asked!), we had a family movie, popcorn, and just an amazing time together. Saturday we went to get the rest of the bikes, we went to a little outdoor sale and got a free lunch, and just had fun. Of course, then it was back to work...but 1 night doesn't really bother me! I feel like superwoman when I only have to do one night! :) Sunday, they woke me up at 3:00 begging to go for a bike ride. I couldn't say "no". Especially since Hubby spent Saturday while I was napping, cleaning out the garage to fit the bikes in! It was a beautiful day and we had a wonderful time...even ran into a great friend!So, now, everyday I hear, "Can we go for a bike ride?" Which is great! It will keep me accountable to exercising, and give the kids something other than TV to look forward too!<br />
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I've also been getting ready for THE PARTY.... Friday is shopping day. I'm hoping Hubby will make the chili the day before (he doesn't know that yet!). Thursday and Friday will be organizing day. I've got lists for what goes on which table (all number nicely like an organizing fool) and will put each list in its own box for each table. Sunday, I'll sleep after work, then run over to my mom's house and get it all ready. Thank you Mom for letting us use your amazing yard for such a fun party! I hope we can pull it off after me working the two nights before!<br />
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My crazy kids decided to beg me for Christmas music!!! It's playing in the background while the kids work on school and cleaning and such! I love Christmas music, but feel like it's a little early. We found our Thanksgiving joke book to offset! I'll have the girls practice reading by reading me a joke a day until Tday!!!<br />
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<b><i>In Our Homeschool This Week. . .</i></b><br />
Well, I'm not going to lie... I'm still struggling with sticking to the plan. I'm totally rebelling and wanting to do other things. I think part of the problem is that I have yet to figure out, in my 7 years of homeschooling, how to maintain our home the way I like, <i>and</i> do school. One or the other suffers...until I feel the walls closing in, at which point they both suffer. And that is where I am now. I can't stand the mess, the dirt I know is there, the kid-cleaned bathroom desperately needs mom's touch, my room is worse than any other place! Geesh! Ok... this part is supposed to be about school. We ARE getting everything done, I just don't want to! hehe! With the girls, I'm doing a lot of games, and different things to practice with reading. Math has been much of the same. Because of Bean Boy's writing class, every week the girls and I spend an hour in McDonald's working on our school- they get the bonus of hot chocolate and they work really well there. It's nice to change it up every once in a while!<br />
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<b><i>I Am Inspired By. . .</i></b><br />
Well, while we were in McDonald's this week, an older gentleman (who I believe sat behind us last week) came up to me and said, "I've been bragging about you to my wife. She is a school teacher. I told her what a great job you're doing and she wishes that more parents were like you. Your girls are smart and beautiful." Well...even though I don't wanna do school some days, I think that will get me through the next 7 days till vacation! Thank you Lord, for the encouragement!!!<br />
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<b><i>Places We're Going and People We're Seeing. . . </i></b><br />
We had an impromptu lunch with a friend this week. My son's best friend and his family, to be exact. I felt bad, because it had been a long time since we had seen them. We were already out for writing class, and the chiropractor, so we invited them out. It was a special treat! And, I'm so looking forward to Little Bit's birthday party...cause it's just going to be so cool, and because it will be a reunion with friends we love dearly and don't get to see often enough! <br />
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<b><i>My Favorite Thing This Week Was. . . </i></b><br />
I have such an amazing family, that it is hard to decide what my favorite thing this week was. But, I think it would have to be our times together. It is a blessing to not have to send my kids away every day! I love being with them. Our bike ride, our family movie, school/park day, school at McDonald's, cooking together as a family, late night talks with Bean Boy, late night talks with Hubby, how can a mom decide?<br />
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Ya'll have a great weekend!<br />
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<img src="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/THSMJbutton.jpg" />
<a href="http://www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com/weekly-wrap-up/" target="new"><img alt="" size="125" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v506/kbmomto3/weeklywrapup125.png" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792566592897525704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-496215530987237743.post-6355084961774232652012-11-07T07:19:00.001-05:002012-11-07T07:20:55.455-05:00Give ThanksSomewhere along the way, I realized that "joy" was not a constant in my life. I realized that, and confessed it to God. I spent a lot of time worrying about what that meant about me and my relationship with Him. Did it mean I wasn't a good Christian? Did it mean I didn't really love Him? And, somewhere in the midst of my despair, God whispered that I am ungrateful. That's when we began our <a href="http://themessexposed.blogspot.com/2012/07/thanfulness-journey.html" target="_blank">gratefulness journals</a>. I'm still reading, praying, and working on being truly grateful. I think, maybe it's just me, but I think it will take me a lifetime to understand, fully appreciate, and truly develop an honestly thankful heart. It is deeper than just a "thank you". It encompasses so much more....it is doubtful I am yet to a point (or ever will be) where I can put it into words....<br />
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I would like to try to put into words what God revealed to me yesterday as I was reading. Gratitude comes out of humility. Have you ever thought about that? <i>Gratitude comes out of humility</i>. To me, that was such a profound thought. Being grateful means you have to confess that someone else did something to "better" your situation. Their kindness, gesture, gift, words, or whatever it is that the other person has done for you, brought you from a lower position to a higher one....you have to be humble in order to admit that without that person, you would still be in that lower state. You couldn't have brought yourself to this "better" position. <br />
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Think about all the little things that mean so much to you... in my journal yesterday, I was thankful that someone other than me filled the soap dispensers in the bathroom (without me asking, yeah!). Seriously, those dispensers, like toilet paper rolls, never get refilled, unless I do it. Every time I chose not to, because I'm either busy or rebelling against clean hands (wink, wink), I felt inadequate, like there's not enough of me to do it all.... but someone relieved me of that burden! They did it for me, not knowing how I felt about it... they lifted me up in many ways. Even the flowers my hubby bought the other day... they put a smile on my face that had not been there before. Whether the kindness big or small, I've been moved to a higher place.<br />
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Of course, it is easy to recognize how God's grace moves us to a higher position. How when it is lavished upon us, we are brought up to a higher position...one of co-heir with Christ. When before, I was filthy rags... Gratitude starts with admitting, "I am nothing without you God". I am nothing, have nothing, and will be nothing without His constantly giving me gifts to bring me to a higher position...the greatest of these gifts is grace and faith. <br />
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It is funny how I have never considered this before. Perhaps those of us (uh... I mean you) with pride issues, have a harder time with gratitude than others, because of the state of humility that is required. <br />
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***Interject that I started this post over a month ago and let it sit for lack of words.... NOW, I am so grateful for so much more in my life. Developing the habit of thankfulness by keeping our thankful journals has been an extraordinary blessing. My husband says he notices a difference in me and the kids. That's a wonderful byproduct. Things he noticed: our prayers even just at dinner, are more expressive of thanks, day to day activities seem to contain more gratitude, and grumbling and "defeatist" attitudes are lessening in all of us. He was even inspired to start his own journal. He said that his heart is redirected towards good things as he is forced to look for the good in order to record it and it stops the "drama" surrounding the negative things. <br />
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I've noticed a lot of people recording daily something they are thankful for. That's a wonderful start. I say challenge yourself to continue that past November. Challenge yourself to never repeat, and to come up with five things daily. Challenge your kids. Some days are truly harder than others. Some days, you won't <i>feel </i>thankful; do it anyway. I have had several days like this, and by the end of my grumbling, writing it out, and sharing it with my kids, I'm usually fixed! <br />
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We have so much to be thankful for...so much that we simply take for granted. So many little details that God lovingly pours over and generously gives to us are often overlooked by us. I am truly humbled that the God of the universe, God Most High, loves me, works for me, serves me, lavishes grace upon me, and cares about the little details and the big ones in my life. I am thankful that He is ever-present, constantly loving me, that I can see that in my day to day life, and that I have chosen to record it, share it with others, and thank my loving Father for it all!<br />
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<i><b>Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34</b></i><br />
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<i>*In this <a href="http://themessexposed.blogspot.com/2012/07/weekly-wrap-up_26.html" target="_blank">Wrap-up</a> I posted a sample of our journals....I'll be posting more in the future as I roll out a project we've been working on.</i>
<a href="http://www.time-warp-wife.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-sllIRPZyzNTdUXiPBmtFMFu2F2MDD5LKyyyDndKGGm6Wfc8eV8Uhc3bUMlLwhn1eqwDE517E6QkW72l57FTdrDAFUvke6o0v4WUhSELR6bBjrdYlxTN1rrr_yyUhOxEH7Q2iIkQWVRA/s1600/TuesdaysButton.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792566592897525704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-496215530987237743.post-37842702176905554112012-11-02T22:14:00.000-04:002012-11-02T22:14:24.731-04:00Weekly Wrap-up: November Already????Here we are at the end of another week...and I'm floored that we've already made it to November! Can you believe it??? Incredible!!!
I'm so excited, and I'm not counting down or anything, but we only have 10 days of school left till our long winter break! Being that we live in FL, it's just too hot to do anything in the summer, so we take off for the holidays. We'll start again some time in January. I truly can think of little else than all the things I want to do on our vacation!!! I doubt I'll get to it all, but I'm so super excited! I have pinned many, many things/ideas to my Pinterest boards...that pesky website has gotten the best of me, and well, now I have more to do than ever! I'll fill you in as we get closer!
Planning has begun for Little Bit's 7th, yes folks, 7th birthday!!! How did we get this far along? Her birthday is the day after Veteran's Day, but we'll celebrate on V-day this year. We've invited several families for a "Glow in the Dark" party... you can check out that pesky little website (hehe) Pinterest for ideas. We will try things like glow in the dark bubbles, kickball, ring toss, and possible a glow in the dark treasure hunt. There will be a bonfire, hot dogs, chili, and an outdoor movie with our DVD projector...she wants to watch Pocahontas. I can't wait to report how it all goes...especially since I have to work the night before!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFu5qFgu-N8i7NV2BdSoeZJZWYwyUjm0esnPt74D7LK9GtUOIwUDzeoLGGNoyRMNhgYVZaCEYxrGuDimqSeVSLEkwg33aOnYSiNHtGD-mbXItQiYenJ2bO2uaOxh6_QRK8RBgk0xywms/s1600/100_5269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFu5qFgu-N8i7NV2BdSoeZJZWYwyUjm0esnPt74D7LK9GtUOIwUDzeoLGGNoyRMNhgYVZaCEYxrGuDimqSeVSLEkwg33aOnYSiNHtGD-mbXItQiYenJ2bO2uaOxh6_QRK8RBgk0xywms/s320/100_5269.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bean Boy's creation!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NLvZbIpGRkdnKGupFiAGZkrf580QhtwumV7hftvDsRCx3Z-fKU0m4gw4pfNg2eFO1UmP8JzQW9-nXJejbb5zTsSdm8_EJCs3qw7AOWHTAf0FKwxlzkC9FCnzNpt8unufsAxdikwPuyk/s1600/100_5270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NLvZbIpGRkdnKGupFiAGZkrf580QhtwumV7hftvDsRCx3Z-fKU0m4gw4pfNg2eFO1UmP8JzQW9-nXJejbb5zTsSdm8_EJCs3qw7AOWHTAf0FKwxlzkC9FCnzNpt8unufsAxdikwPuyk/s320/100_5270.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is supposed to be Little Bit's Butterfly....I might have it upside down????</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpchpM12aioRx0nK433g5PUcpCp6P6T0mPEew1ac2JsZjVwpPLlWPBeFKA0jBp0RoHqUuSlaIGPct1iIUZs4xJy-E2TgFjfxL3QgdsY90_G4hYIsp-9b0Oq_lwOfgJhP0L1958HZv5bo/s1600/100_5271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpchpM12aioRx0nK433g5PUcpCp6P6T0mPEew1ac2JsZjVwpPLlWPBeFKA0jBp0RoHqUuSlaIGPct1iIUZs4xJy-E2TgFjfxL3QgdsY90_G4hYIsp-9b0Oq_lwOfgJhP0L1958HZv5bo/s320/100_5271.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Despite the frustration of the wind, Little Bit made two...this is her bird.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vySuLdNZJwRtC-lzsjM9FJchHTF2UgwEl22keUQWy1m5iWf8c7HePJwxjdOpiGj_uh1Li2Hsk7O7g49BQzAaCZyxNUOIqPTUuxQqC049_zNXwgfCdJLVFEDCNyqyv-anx8rPYsgtB_A/s1600/100_5272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vySuLdNZJwRtC-lzsjM9FJchHTF2UgwEl22keUQWy1m5iWf8c7HePJwxjdOpiGj_uh1Li2Hsk7O7g49BQzAaCZyxNUOIqPTUuxQqC049_zNXwgfCdJLVFEDCNyqyv-anx8rPYsgtB_A/s320/100_5272.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom's bird...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_z08OSN-y_DJ55wPjBxBjQa9b1ljlQrTOWz8eM6RMmPQY8CrM4BQwlNqYFPxEZ8TityXtzK-8kvi-EDEsUNYy2NTKyLuNXz-CWGQVdccURxCbBLVq6tZ2p6GrI42R5IDC4I_QEAp8qQ/s1600/100_5273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_z08OSN-y_DJ55wPjBxBjQa9b1ljlQrTOWz8eM6RMmPQY8CrM4BQwlNqYFPxEZ8TityXtzK-8kvi-EDEsUNYy2NTKyLuNXz-CWGQVdccURxCbBLVq6tZ2p6GrI42R5IDC4I_QEAp8qQ/s320/100_5273.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby T's cat and tree.</td></tr>
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<b><i>In our homeschool this week…</i></b> Ok...so I've already told ya'll I have senioritis. We did have a very lovely park/school day with our friend...one where we made these really cool things (see pics). I gave copies of the printouts of the really cool leaf animals from a blog to my friend, so I don't know who to credit, but it wasn't my idea! I have backed down to "just the basics" with the girls. AND, Friday....well, Friday we skipped school! Bean Boy did his writing assignment for co-op, and that was it. No quizzes this week. I let him off the hook...shhhh don't tell Hubby!!! ;)<br />
<i><b>I am inspired by…</b></i> I'm sure at some point the inspiration of Pinterest will turn into frustration, but for now, I'm inspired! <br />
<br />
<b><i>My favorite thing this week was…</i></b> Having a Friday night off with my family! AND, a Saturday morning!!!<br />
<br />
<b><i>What’s working/not working for us…</i></b>I'm not sure if it's me, the curriculum, the kids at all different levels, or WHAT, but I feel like Story of the World might not be working for me. We've been doing 2 chapters a week, which has seemed fast. But, I feel like we're flying through it and the lessons aren't sticking. I'm not making connections, so how could they be? I've never exactly found what works with us for history, and it is a subject I have a love/hate relationship with. I love it, but am clueless about it, so I feel like I keep going in circles. I'd welcome suggestions about how to make SOTW work, or other curricula you guys are using...<br />
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<b><i>I’m cooking…</i></b> Chili!!!! Pulled out the crockpot and had our first chili of the year!!! I always find the first chili of the year exciting.<br />
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<i><b>I’m grateful for…</b></i> I'm grateful for this season of thankfulness. I love seeing everyone's posts on their blog and FB about all the things we are grateful for. It is proof that God is good, has been good all year, and will continue even after this season passes. It is proof that He cares about the little things, even me!
Ya'll have a great and very blessed weekend!!!<br />
<br />
<i style="font-weight: bold;">I am praying for....</i> I am praying for all the people affected by Hurrican Sandy. Specifically, I am thanking God for all the hospital staff in the hospitals that had to be evacuated. Seriously, every year we have evacuation training. We go into the stairwell and laugh about how they expect us to put patients on a glorified cardboard box, and get them down the stairs. I saw pictures of people doing this in New York! I know that the loss has been devastating for people in the path of Sandy. I hope that people will see God's grace and all will feel His compassion and love.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/category/Journal/" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/MothersJournalIHN.jpg" /></a>
<a href="http://www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com/weekly-wrap-up/" target="new"><img alt="" size="125" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v506/kbmomto3/weeklywrapup125.png" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792566592897525704noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-496215530987237743.post-56839140883965691322012-10-30T08:41:00.000-04:002012-10-30T19:59:40.157-04:00Apparent ProjectYou know it's a small world when someone from your very first job pops back into your life umpteen million years later. . . lol! Ok...for starters, I had a very interesting first job. Folks, I delivered retainers! Funny isn't it? Well, I delivered them, and there was this sweet girl who worked there. She ran off and got married, and I graduated high school, and moved. And, that was that. . . . until 2 years ago when Little Bit started dance. Funny thing, Cami (my friend) had a daughter the same age as mine! They were in the same dance class for 2 years! Isn't that funny?<br />
Well, even if just for brief moments, having Cami back in my life has been a neat blessing. Cami has this amazing "God assignment," as she likes to call it. She is blessed with ministering to the ministry Apparent Project. This is an AMAZING ministry, blessed by God, that helps poor, homeless Haitians keep their children out of orphanages. The Corrigans teach artisans to make beads from cereal boxes. The beads are used to make jewelry. In the last 3 years since Apparent Project started, they have gone from 4 on staff, to 250! The impact doesn't stop there though. Haitians are paid to bring their cereal boxes, others (non-staff) are making jewelry to sell to AP, and hope is once again seen in Haiti as God reaches out to His beloved orphans, widows, and poor. He is good!<br />
"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjU694GucPR20jodGPTWrNMJkHYjjqUMyXAPwbT6QQXTGzbPYHKkUn5F-GeoSkYPFHMtbmU5gXvWCaSLZk2nOnQy7gXdfv9RqYebdZoOU6GI9XefGge4t7LRaUlrKoIlUv-eCz6uZ_44Yl/s400/100_3973.JPG" /><br />
Sisi is a single mother living in her tent with 4 children! She has been a wonderful addition to the Apparent Project sewing program and hopes to use her earnings from her hard work to rent a house and pay for her children to school. <br />
The other neat thing about Apparent Project, is that buying jewelry isn't the only way to help. I can involve my kids by having them break down cereal boxes, oatmeal, granola bar boxes, 12 pack of soda box, etc. You should definitely read Cami's post about the<a href="http://thefranklinupdate.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-journey-of-cereal-box.html" target="_blank"> journey of a cereal box</a>! We save them and give them to Cami, and she ships tons back to Haiti through <a href="http://www.raysoh.org/" target="_blank">Rays of Hope</a>. In addition to saving cereal boxes, you can host a jewelry party, have a fundraiser, make a donation, blog about it, or simply pray for the ministry's growth. I love the cards on the jewelry with the artisans info because it provides me a real person to pray for. <br />
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Apparent Jewelry is now in the U.S., Canada, and Europe, and has been picked up by Gap, Donna Karan, Macy's and Disney. Isn't that exciting!?<br />
<img 15.449999809265137px="15.449999809265137px" arial="arial" color:="color:" font-family:="font-family:" font-size:="font-size:" grande="grande" line-height:="line-height:" lucida="lucida" sans-serif="sans-serif" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/391632_521737724521724_460871980_n.jpg /></span><br />
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<span style=" tahoma="tahoma" verdana="verdana" x-small="x-small" /><br />
With Christmas right around the corner (yes I just said that!) Apparent Project items make great gifts! I know I'll be going to pick some out at the next <a href="http://thefranklinupdate.blogspot.com/2012/10/apparent-project-open-house.html" target="_blank">open house</a>! See you there? Here are some things you could pick up:<br />
<br />
<img src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/197557_522708194424677_67846783_n.jpg" /><br />
<img height="240" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/267601_521271504568346_1165264526_n.jpg" width="320" /><br />
<img height="240" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/525985_517565084938988_1120374942_n.jpg" width="320" /><br />
"><img height="320" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/299311_518961521466011_1216611616_n.jpg" width="240" /><br />
><img height="240" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/12726_520043134691183_1045055878_n.jpg" width="320" /><br />
And there's sooooo much more!!!
<a href="http://www.time-warp-wife.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-sllIRPZyzNTdUXiPBmtFMFu2F2MDD5LKyyyDndKGGm6Wfc8eV8Uhc3bUMlLwhn1eqwDE517E6QkW72l57FTdrDAFUvke6o0v4WUhSELR6bBjrdYlxTN1rrr_yyUhOxEH7Q2iIkQWVRA/s1600/TuesdaysButton.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792566592897525704noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-496215530987237743.post-87356521583812570422012-10-27T16:40:00.001-04:002012-10-27T16:41:08.016-04:00Weekly Wrap-Up: Successful in SurvivalSo this week has been successful in survival.... I see light at the end of the tunnel for my husband's school, for our homeschool, for the holiday/birthday arrivals, and for some fun! Woohoo!<br />
<br />
I say holiday/birthday, because this is a <i>wild</i> time of year for bdays... If I new how to put a calendar in, I would, BUT... birthdays start Oct. 25 and go like this... Oct. 25th, 26th, 2 on the 27th, 28th. Nov. 2nd, 12th, 15th, 26th. Dec. Hubby and I have the same bday on the 11th. And of course, two weeks later we celebrate Jesus' birthday! SO...including Jesus, that's 12 birthdays, 2 major holidays, 2 minor holidays (if you include Halloween), and a lot of craziness! Whew...that always wears me out!<br />
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">In my life this week.... </i> This is my last week of orientation in my new job, and then I'm on my own. I am extremely nervous and excited. I do really like it and am glad I'm there, but am extremely aware of how little experience I have in this area, of how smart the people that I'm working with are, and of how far I have to go. My insecurities are at their height when I'm at work...so it's kind of strange that I'm really enjoying it. Also, I got some super, amazing news this week from a dear friend. And, that makes me sooooo happy!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0gm6tOywMG3keGR9VTKGUDfYBa6N4iwFQTa7NvgNxWSdTUWFBv9io7nmWKUzNsUgX3-QnpBdrCpA5P_SAX0yvxjmWyddFfOSr-T_RmA3y0fELix2rHFWv783PxJ79Am0D5GSdm6O8fAw/s1600/100_5261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0gm6tOywMG3keGR9VTKGUDfYBa6N4iwFQTa7NvgNxWSdTUWFBv9io7nmWKUzNsUgX3-QnpBdrCpA5P_SAX0yvxjmWyddFfOSr-T_RmA3y0fELix2rHFWv783PxJ79Am0D5GSdm6O8fAw/s320/100_5261.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not only did we get to history, but we did our history projects too!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-WqkYjPvS9bqCBPw8yqtD91M0O0MkAwusraKYHyrhRJ0YXeKzeKvRsSEeSnKxMOzo7M0bJTCujGZpXurz9ZKTgJVF-l_wMwrKgK0-FogXe4FJZJVPRgmpdcburM3jGGuquOIeZbOgEI/s1600/100_5263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-WqkYjPvS9bqCBPw8yqtD91M0O0MkAwusraKYHyrhRJ0YXeKzeKvRsSEeSnKxMOzo7M0bJTCujGZpXurz9ZKTgJVF-l_wMwrKgK0-FogXe4FJZJVPRgmpdcburM3jGGuquOIeZbOgEI/s320/100_5263.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom might not care for painting, but the kids sure do love it!</td></tr>
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<br /><i style="font-weight: bold;">In our homeschool this week...</i> I've been stressing a lot about getting through our history lessons because we've been skipping some. Turns out, I didn't plan as many as I had thought, so as far as my planning goes, I'm not behind! That's good news!!! That relieved a lot of stress. I do however feel bad that my son and I have not had enough time to read our read aloud...and it's The Hobbit, which I really want to read. He has had several days where he is still doing school up till dinner time (his fault not mine!). I have to figure out how to get this read aloud time back.... The girls are progressing in their skills with reading and math, and I'm excited about that.<br />
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">My favorite thing this week was....</i> Our surprise trip to IHOP for free scary pancake day! The kids had no idea what was going on when I woke them up before the sun was out saying, "Get dressed, I have a suprise! Hurry up!! Let's go!" It was nice to wake them up and have them happy to get up...of course they weren't thrilled to go back home to school and chores, but they did...<br />
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">Things I'm working on.... </i> Part of the reason I'm so terribly excited that we only have 15 days of school until our winter break (15 days, yippee, yippee) is that I have a list of craft projects, gifts, chores, and <i>stuff</i> that I want to do. This sacrificial life is hard on me.... I need to do what I <i>want</i> to do sometimes instead of always doing what I <i>have </i>to do. I love schooling the kids, love taking care of them, but as moms all know...sometimes we need "me" time! They'll be around helping and doing their own projects I have planned for them!<br />
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">I'm grateful for....</i> No one is as blessed with a rich family life as me! I have been given the pot of gold as far as I'm concerned! I love my kids, my husband, and our life together. God has lavished grace upon me in this area!<br />
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Have a blessed weekend!<br />
<br />
<img src="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/THSMJbutton.jpg" />
<a href="http://www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com/weekly-wrap-up/" target="new"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v506/kbmomto3/weeklywrapup125.png" alt="" size="125"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792566592897525704noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-496215530987237743.post-87896154165889547262012-10-22T07:32:00.001-04:002012-10-22T07:32:16.728-04:00Blessing in Obedience: Job UpdateWell, I think it's time to give a quick update on my new job. I have 2 days of orientation left (at the end of this week). So, I've been in Trauma ICU for 4 weeks now. Someone asked me the other day how if it was as good as I had hoped. I answered, "I like it much more than I thought I would!" Now, I must add this little caveat... during orientation, I have not experienced a super difficult trauma admission, nor have I had incredibly sick patients with all the experience I want/need. I have let my manager know. Having said all of that, the staff that I work with are well aware, and I know they are such an amazing team, that I know I won't be left flailing! I have worked at 2 different hospitals and in several different types of units, and have NEVER seen the kind of team work that I see here in this unit. It is truly special, and I am so thankful and honored to be a part of it. I know there are many stressful nights of work in my future, but I am so glad to know that I'll have a great team and that God is with me. <br />
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I am thankful that even though this would not have been an area I would have chosen for myself, I obeyed what I thought God was telling me. I was very uncertain, and concerned about moving to this unit. It was a difficult choice, that I <a href="http://themessexposed.blogspot.com/2012/08/weekly-wrap-up-finding-adventure-in.html" target="_blank">truly labored over</a>. It just goes to show that there is blessing in obedience.... no matter how hard it is to choose to obey! <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792566592897525704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-496215530987237743.post-51430822286965845502012-10-19T17:21:00.000-04:002012-10-19T17:21:43.731-04:00Weekly Wrap-Up: Some Antsy & Silly Times<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieiEJBIpJ_fVHSXgtsHuhNfiBaQUpz_TXY5q4U67ymMvuCdaPI59SpRjQKDF8HmoxRqd7hIwfu1Vix2nk5jyieWtD0i4K6F3rKr7Re0Pu35Viu33DpKw0kFtEjxJZHUsKYSGAlNPoYRlU/s1600/100_5258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieiEJBIpJ_fVHSXgtsHuhNfiBaQUpz_TXY5q4U67ymMvuCdaPI59SpRjQKDF8HmoxRqd7hIwfu1Vix2nk5jyieWtD0i4K6F3rKr7Re0Pu35Viu33DpKw0kFtEjxJZHUsKYSGAlNPoYRlU/s320/100_5258.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wish I were still here. . . </td></tr>
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Well...as most of you know, coming down off of a vacation ain't easy! I'd much rather be in the hills than home working and schooling! I've struggled this week getting back into the swing of things. School has seemed like a drag! I've noticed the kids are "antsy" and fidgety. What we could accomplish in an hour before vacation is taking two now that we are home. We are refreshed, but antsy to be outdoors I think. I'm sure next week will be better!<br />
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<i><b>In Our Life & Homeschool this Week. . .</b></i><br />
Monday was the "usual" and we did ok. Tuesday we met some friends at a quiet park and had school...then it was off to gymnastics. Wednesday, my son starting a writing class. While he was in class, the girls and I had school at McDonalds. Since all of our school stuff was <i>still</i> in the car, we went to another park to do school. But, I could tell that we were all anxious to be done...no one could sit still, myself included! We played, went home, rested, and back to the gym. Thursday is a half school half work day for me. School in the morning, nap in the afternoon, work at night. Hubby will take over on Friday....<br />
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<b><i>My Favorite Thing This Week Was. . .</i></b><br />
After T's 2 hour gymnastics class on Wednesdays, we tend to go out to eat. We went to Steak and Shake. We had a blast. I had had a nap, and a small cup of coffee, which my son says makes me silly and fun. We blew bubbles in our drink, stole each others' fries, told jokes, shared chili, spilled chili, and laughed and laughed. It was so nice taking a break from the list of things to do, and just enjoying my babies! <br />
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<b><i>I am Grateful For. . . </i></b><br />
I am grateful for my husband. He is my team mate, and really helps a lot to pick up where I've left off. Not too much falls through the cracks around here, and it's not because of me! I'm thankful that this week has been a good week with my son. He has been exceptionally thoughtful for him, and it's nice to have a break from the bucking and rebelling! I'm thankful for silly moments! <br />
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<b><i>Things I'm Working On. . .</i></b><br />
I've been working for quite some time on a new chore system for my kids. Maybe if I post it here, I'll get it done more quickly! I've gotten the hardest part done, it is quite an extensive and pretty system...so I can't wait to post pictures, BUT, I need to find the last few supplies before it can be completed! My kids keep begging me to put the chore list back up...but really they have it memorized. :)<br />
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Hope ya'll have a great weekend!<br />
<br />
<img src="http://www.ihomeschoolnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/THSMJbutton.jpg" />
<a href="http://www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com/weekly-wrap-up/" target="new"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v506/kbmomto3/weeklywrapup125.png" alt="" size="125"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792566592897525704noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-496215530987237743.post-44364136567328381442012-10-18T00:26:00.000-04:002012-10-18T00:59:40.122-04:00Unplugged and On the FarmMy soul is refreshed! I told Hubby that he should look into researching the effects of simple farm life on anxiety for a school project! The kids and I have all come home with a new confidence, a refreshed feeling, and<i> relaxed</i>. I had no idea how much I needed to unplug, relax, and enjoy God's beautiful, amazing landscape. <br />
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Our days on the farm were fantastic! We hooked up the wagon to the big FORD tractor and went on hours of hay rides... A hayride like few can experience. Not commercial. Just us. Just our friends. Just nature. We would stop every now and then to get a lesson on a tree, to climb a deer stand, or to jump the hay bales. We call them "bay hales" because my mom could never say it right! It was hysterical... one of things where you have to be there I suppose. Oh...and I got to DRIVE the tractor! How cool is that?!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSawXsm0JeSVZkCKF-KetpmdotnQm4l8Bi5MoC2_23lDcYe1CHXuow9OwuSDlFSPcn3RJruWCTcIzldPfaHo3R9gnz6BlrMr4M03eeHtqBlW3JEiL8ZpuhILCkBBgPlh8TUFEGjFOwQRY/s1600/100_5198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSawXsm0JeSVZkCKF-KetpmdotnQm4l8Bi5MoC2_23lDcYe1CHXuow9OwuSDlFSPcn3RJruWCTcIzldPfaHo3R9gnz6BlrMr4M03eeHtqBlW3JEiL8ZpuhILCkBBgPlh8TUFEGjFOwQRY/s320/100_5198.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was a 17 foot deer stand that everyone (except me) climbed up....even Grandma did it! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Those "bay hales" were huge, and the kids jumped from one to the next ....this photo was taken after they went down the row and back a few times!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me driving big blue... This is right by the pond, and I drove it from the fence at the top of the hill down... that was quite enough for me, but exciting!</td></tr>
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Farmer Mitch (our guide and friend) gave us a great nature study on trees and their nuts. He was so knowledgeable about the different kind of trees, we could hand him a nut or leaf and ask him which tree it came from, and he would know! We took some neat pictures you can see below...school with what we had on hand....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one tastes like a pecan, but is quite a bit more work to get out than a pecan.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The perfect fall acorn!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very bitter tasting.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "stains" is on there because the "meat" between the shell of the nut and the "fruit" is used as furniture stain...</td></tr>
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We had all hoped to milk a cow, but they aren't milking them anymore. However, we did get to pet one, while she was nursing. We also watched them wade in the pond while we were fishing. Fishing was quite the experience. They have a pond for the cows to drink from. About 20 years ago they stocked it, and have not had to stock it since. We each caught about 10-15 fish (maybe more....you stop counting at a certain point). Sometimes you would put a new worm on your hook, throw it out, and pull it right back with another fish! What a great first experience for the kids! We only caught small blue gill that had to be thrown back even though he swore there were catfish in there somewhere! <br />
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We had a biology lesson like no other. The girls wanted to know what the inside of a fish looks like... so Mitch obliged and cut one open to show them the insides! They were enthralled...don't let Little Bit's face fool you! She was pretending, but the whole time kept saying how "cool" it was to see the inside.... Bean Boy however, kept his distance. It was interesting that at the end of the day Mitch finally told him, I'm not taking this fish off for you...you have to touch it... and, he did it! Now, you have to understand that he has OCD tendencies, especially when it comes to being clean and having clean hands. So, it was a big deal that he actually touched the fish and took it off the hook!!! I was so proud of him! <br />
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<i>Bragging rights</i>: Be forewarned, now I will start bragging about my kids.... I'd just like to say that they were WONDERFUL! Poor Bean Boy was sick during the ride up, but still tried to work on his school work. He was sick the first day there, but mostly kept a good attitude, until his fever got the best of him, at which point, I gave him Tylenol. The girls were amazing. There were NO ARGUMENTS the entire trip between the 3 of them!!! They didn't ask 500 times how much longer....Baby T asked a few times, but not excessively. They obeyed well. They were kind to others. They had happy hearts. They were helpful. I would have loved them if they weren't any of these things of course, but it just made the trip spectacular! (Ok, I'm done now!)<br />
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One last thing that made this vacation super fantastic.... NO CHORES! For any of us! Our sweet friend Debbie was so quick with the laundry that I <i>never</i> beat her to putting our laundry in the washer or dryer! I did fold clothes as often as I could, and the girls helped with the towels. Debbie loves to cook and we ate like kings and queens! And, she did all the cleaning! What more can a tired momma ask for? <br />
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I truly wanted to have this post out and ready for the Weekly-Wrap Up, but we drove all day Wednesday. We arrived around 8:30 pm, ate a late dinner, which Hubby had ready for us, took showers and went to bed. Thursday morning I had a meeting, and Thursday night began 3 in a row at work! Yes, we got right back into the swing of things! But, I don't mind... (adding this in much later.. I left my camera at work and have just been able to pick it up to add in pictures! Will post this mid-week and probably use as my wrap-up...)<br />
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I'm thankful that we had so many fantastic experiences, that I could only highlight them for you. I'm thankful that the lack of phone service and internet service provided me with time to "unplug" without feeling guilty for doing it! I'm thankful for friends who interrupted their life to host us and show us a fantastic time. I'm thankful that my mom and I were able to work out our schedules to go together. I'm thankful for seeing and enjoying so many amazing things. I'm thankful my kids were so wonderful. I'm thankful that God is faithful and keeps His promises....<b><i> </i></b><br />
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<b><i>Matthew 11:28 Come to me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. </i></b></div>
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<b><i>Jeremiah 31:25 I will refresh the weary, and satisfy the faint. </i></b><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792566592897525704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-496215530987237743.post-39529483035277518912012-10-11T07:17:00.000-04:002012-10-11T07:17:17.083-04:00I'm Ba-ack!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Just a quick note to let everyone know I'm back from one of the most amazing vacations ever! The only things that would have made it better would be if Hubby could have gone and if it were just a tad bit longer! I'll be posting about our amazing time with some great pics. For now just know that I'm back, "plugged in"</div>
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again, and ready to go!</div>
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Enjoy the preview!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792566592897525704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-496215530987237743.post-83411130978670659212012-10-07T13:14:00.000-04:002012-10-08T20:44:26.883-04:00Review: Math Made Simple<br />
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I recently did a review for a friend from <a href="https://heartsathomestore.com/" target="_blank">Hearts at Home</a>. I thought I'd share it with you guys! Enjoy!</div>
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Math Made Simple Review</div>
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We were very excited to be able to review Math Made
Simple. I must confess that math <i>is </i>my
son’s favorite subject, so in that way only, our review is slightly
biased. However, my 11 year old is
reviewing (with me) the Algebra package, so it was a bit of a challenge. However,
after watching the demo, he was hooked and wanted more. </div>
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We found each lesson to be easy to follow, with step by step
instructions, adding new, more challenging concepts one at a time. This gave the opportunity to conquer one
thing before moving on to a new concept.
I think my son’s biggest complaint was that the lessons were long. They are each about 50+ minutes. We would complete about half of the lesson a
day. It is easy to break down the
lessons, because there are “sections” of each lesson which make it easy to find
a stopping place. </div>
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The lessons are arranged such that they are made up of
mostly practice problems. The teacher (of whom you only see her hand) shows a
problem, and solves it, step by step, on the video. My son would pause the video and try to solve
the problem. Then he could see exactly
where his mistakes were and remember to correct that before the next
problem. At the end, there are review
problems which mix all the concepts together.
The explanations are also given for these. The first lesson in the series had a lot of
vocabulary which was very necessary for completing the problems and
understanding the explanations in the rest of the videos. </div>
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What is nice about this curriculum, is that it can make a
great stand-alone curriculum…especially for people who are afraid of higher
level math (you know who you are;). In
addition, each lesson is sold separately at a very affordable price so that if
you need a supplement, a different person/way to explain a concept, a few more
practice problems with explanations, or even just a break from being the math
teacher for a lesson or two, you’ve got options! The packages are a great deal too. The
lessons never expire and are transferable to your other children, which makes
the great price even better. </div>
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Thoughts from the student:
The teacher is easy to understand
and she tries not to make it sound boring.
I like how they don’t give you a few examples and then give you 100
identical problems to do on your own. The only thing that would make it better would
be if the teacher told some jokes. Overall,
I’m enjoying the curriculum, because it’s math, and it sounds interesting. <o:p></o:p></div>
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You can check out their website <a href="http://www.mathmadesimple.com/" target="_blank">here. </a></div>
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*<i>It should be noted that the opinions expressed here are my own. I have not been compensated for this review. I have been given the curriculum to keep for review purposes. </i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792566592897525704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-496215530987237743.post-84855214958678621072012-10-05T17:00:00.000-04:002012-10-05T17:26:45.027-04:00Weekly Wrap-Up: Glad it's over!Well, it has been a whirlwind of exhaustion, illness, frustration, and did I mention exhaustion? :) Baby T has been sick all week. She has a rash again. We were in the<a href="http://themessexposed.blogspot.com/2012/10/uncertainty-and-doubt.html" target="_blank"> ER </a>on Sunday late night, then the MD on Wednesday. It has been a struggle. Bean Boy is having sleeping <a href="http://themessexposed.blogspot.com/2012/10/uncertainty-and-doubt.html" target="_blank">problems</a> again, which means schooling is incredibly difficult, chores are difficult, life is challenging... I have not been sleeping enough which leads to life being challenging as well. <br />
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BUT, we have had some good things happen... We had a very successful trip to the local consignment shop and have almost completed the winter clothes shopping...not that we'll need them fro 3-5 more months! We have managed to get <i>most</i> of our schooling done, and make up some of last weeks. Laundry is not falling behind... Ok.. truly I'm having trouble thinking of accomplishments! LOL! It has been a week of survival, but since that is my goal for the year, I'm happy! <br />
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The good news is, I will be getting a much needed break from every day life! When I was 3 years old, I had this awesome Sunday School teacher. She's still friends with my mom, and me! She's still pretty awesome! We're going to visit her Saturday when I get off of work! So, I work Thursday, Friday and leave early Saturday. Just me, my mom, and the kids. We will take some school for Bean Boy (mean mom!) but hopefully he can do it on the long drive. The kids are looking forward to visiting a TN farm, and I'm looking forward to some much needed simplicity! <br />
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Maybe next week's wrap up will be more exciting! Have a great week-end!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com/weekly-wrap-up/" target="new"><img alt="" size="125" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v506/kbmomto3/weeklywrapup125.png" /></a>
<a href="http://rachelmariemartin.blogspot.com/search/label/friday%20favorite%20things"><img alt="friday favorite things | finding joy" hspace="none" src="http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt255/ElvishAuthoress/fridayfavoritethings.png" vspace="none" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13792566592897525704noreply@blogger.com0