We Homeschool Wednesday - Art Journaling

  Ok, I have come across the neatest pin on Pinterest about Art Journaling, which led me to the Thistle Dew Blog!  Lots of great stuff people!  If you visit her blog and click on the Art Journaling icon on the right of the page, she gives you lots of instructions and tips on how to get your child started with their own Journal.  She has a journaling guide for each month of the year - this makes your life and my life much easier - and I will even share a link where you can find the blank journals that you will need.


  Thistle Dew Blog:  http://thistledewblog.com/category/art-journaling/


  I think you are going to love this, I know I am excited to start Art Journaling at our house.  I have been looking at the page for January and it starts by asking your child to create a title page for this month and even encourages them to create a border and to take great care with layout and lettering.  I think this is a great way to spark an artistic interest in your child and it doesn't leave them to just figure it out on their own.  She throws in lots of fun activities, great poetry, encourages nature walks, and even works in Scripture that pertains to the journaling of each month.  I love everything about this!


  I wanted to add a picture of the page that leads you through January, but wasn't able to do that.  Although, you now have a great reason to visit the Thistle Dew Blog!


  If you are wondering where to find a blank journal for this wonderful endeavor, go to Miller Pads and Paper and you will want the blank journal, find it here for only $7.50:   http://www.millerpadsandpaper.com/Large-Bare-Book-Plus-4851.htm


  Miller Pads and Paper is a homeschooling family that serves other homeschoolers.  I encourage you to visit their website often.


  Hope you are as excited about this as I am!  Happy Journaling!


 

Crockpotting with Whole Foods

  In honor of my post yesterday and the need to use my crock pot more, I am sharing my favorite source for crock pot recipes on this Tasty Tuesday.  These recipes are designed for large families, but you can cut them in half or cut down on your time in the kitchen by eating leftovers the next day!  Most of these recipes are made with whole foods so no yucky processed foods if you are trying to avoid them.


  http://largefamilyslowcooker.blogspot.com/




  I sure hope these keep you out of the kitchen and smack dab in the middle of something else you'd rather be doing!  Me, I'm going to go do something with my kiddos........right after I throw that load of laundry in the dryer.  Now go dust off your crock pot!

It's a New Year

  My first post on the first Monday of the New Year with my new Blog name!  Woohoo!  Since this is "Wife and Mommy" Monday, I want to talk about the things that I want to do this year to make me better in those roles.  It seems as though lately that time is just getting away from me, no matter how hard I try to make my life simpler, things often seem so chaotic.  So, as you can imagine, prioritizing is on the top of my list! 


  I love a simple life and I think that I will forever be attempting to stay on top of this.  In the New Year I would love to be better at meal planning and I would love to use my crockpot more.  Meal planning makes me feel a bit more frugal.  We only grocery shop twice a month, other than the occasional gallon of milk or other small necessity, so planning ahead really is helpful but I am not always good at planning ahead.  I have meal planned before and it works very well for me, but I don't do it often enough.  I also don't use my crockpot often enough.  It makes life so much easier......WHAT AM I THINKING!  I have so many pins on Pinterest for crockpot meals, I am fixing to put those bad boys to good use.


  Other things that I would like to do this year......I would like to be healthier, start an exercise routine, and I would love to go on more dates with my husband.  I would love to be softer and more gentle with my children.  I would also love to spend more time in prayer and reading my Bible.  I want to sit at the feet of Jesus, draw near to Him, and patiently listen for His voice.  Lord, please let this be THAT year!


  I would like to wish you all the best on all of your endeavors in the coming year, I hope each one is fulfilled beyond your wildest dreams!  Live a little, step out of your box, but always hold close the ones you love!


  HAPPY NEW YEAR!