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!
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
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!
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!
Monday, January 5, 2015
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!
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!
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
We Homeschool Wednesday - Artist Studies
This school year I wanted to do something that we have not done before. I wanted us to do a series of studies on great artists. Renoir, Da Vinci, Monet! At a recent seminar I went to, they had a great selection of story books about some of these artists with vivid illustrations of a few of their paintings.
These are lovely stories and they are a great doorway to getting your child excited about art. Along with these great books, I have also found several awesome activities to go along with them. I will post the links below.
This first link will show you how to paint using watercolors, glue, and salt. At first glance it may seem like it is for the very young, but my oldest is 12 and I really think that all of my children would enjoy doing this!
1) http://www.sweethappylife.com/2012/activities/preschool-activities/painting-with-watercolors-glue-and-salt/
This link contains some wonderful coloring pages of the artists paintings.
2) http://www.funnycoloring.com/painter-cassatt.htm
Loving this link to a craft based on Monet's famous painting, "Bridge over a pond of water lilies".
3) http://www.thecraftyclassroom.com/CraftArtistMonet.html
And of course, saving the best for last! I love this one! To give your child an idea of what is was like for Michelangelo to paint the ceiling of the great cathedral, this one is a must.
4) http://educationcreateshumanimagination.tumblr.com/post/22842913829/paint-like-michelangelo-what-a-great-idea
Don't forget that you can also google each artist and look at pictures of their beautiful paintings! So, drag out your dusty old box of craft supplies and have some fun!
These are lovely stories and they are a great doorway to getting your child excited about art. Along with these great books, I have also found several awesome activities to go along with them. I will post the links below.
This first link will show you how to paint using watercolors, glue, and salt. At first glance it may seem like it is for the very young, but my oldest is 12 and I really think that all of my children would enjoy doing this!
1) http://www.sweethappylife.com/2012/activities/preschool-activities/painting-with-watercolors-glue-and-salt/
This link contains some wonderful coloring pages of the artists paintings.
2) http://www.funnycoloring.com/painter-cassatt.htm
Loving this link to a craft based on Monet's famous painting, "Bridge over a pond of water lilies".
3) http://www.thecraftyclassroom.com/CraftArtistMonet.html
And of course, saving the best for last! I love this one! To give your child an idea of what is was like for Michelangelo to paint the ceiling of the great cathedral, this one is a must.
4) http://educationcreateshumanimagination.tumblr.com/post/22842913829/paint-like-michelangelo-what-a-great-idea
Don't forget that you can also google each artist and look at pictures of their beautiful paintings! So, drag out your dusty old box of craft supplies and have some fun!
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
After too long away - I'm back with a Tasty Tuesday
So happy to be back y'all! These last several weeks have been filled with ending our summer, starting our school year, and lots of things in between. We have had a wonderful bounty from our garden, things have been frozen and canned(my mom is a great canner). We have been on the exciting journey of purchasing land for a future home. And Finally, we have started our school year with an excitement that I hope sets the pace for the days to come.
I have lots of things to share in the coming weeks, but of course today is all about the food! Since we talk a lot about kids and homeschooling, it is obvious that when I plan recipes, they must be kid friendly and healthy. And, I have a house full of little grazers! They are constantly looking for food. With that in mind, this recipe is just perfect for the grazing child in any home. It uses fresh or frozen fruit and not much else, I am loving it already! It does take a little time, but well worth it.
Homemade Fruit Roll-Ups:
http://www.loveumadly.com/2012/04/100-pure-love-for-100-real-fruit-snacks/
So if you have time, make some healthy snacks for your little ones, and we'll talk again soon!
I have lots of things to share in the coming weeks, but of course today is all about the food! Since we talk a lot about kids and homeschooling, it is obvious that when I plan recipes, they must be kid friendly and healthy. And, I have a house full of little grazers! They are constantly looking for food. With that in mind, this recipe is just perfect for the grazing child in any home. It uses fresh or frozen fruit and not much else, I am loving it already! It does take a little time, but well worth it.
Homemade Fruit Roll-Ups:
http://www.loveumadly.com/2012/04/100-pure-love-for-100-real-fruit-snacks/
So if you have time, make some healthy snacks for your little ones, and we'll talk again soon!
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Tasty Tuesday - Gluten Free Lemon Bars
Okay, Okay! Going Gluten Free is hard. I knew that I would have to approach it slowly and I knew that I could not just go to my pantry and throw away all things gluten. I decided that when I run out of an item containing gluten, I would just replace it with a gluten free item(or something like that).
My mom found a book called the Wheat Belly Cookbook and it has some great tips and recipes in it. Especially if you are just starting on the gluten free journey.
With gluten-free items becoming more and more available at your local market, it is easy to buy a lot of processed and pre-made foods that are still not good for you. The Wheat Belly Cookbook talks about the importance of staying away from these items and using flours such as Almond flour and Coconut flour. When you use the potato starch, tapioca starch, and rice flours to cook with, you are getting a lot of unhealthy carbs. They have a lot of wonderful recipes, using almond and coconut flour, in the book and I have found many recipes on Pinterest.
I am trying lots of new things, some are yummy......some are not! To get you off to a good start, I am going to share with you one of the yummiest gluten-free recipes I've made so far. It's for lemon bars!
http://therealslimsunny.blogspot.com/2012/03/lemon-bars.html
Now, I must also make a confession: I followed the bar recipe to the letter, but I did make my own icing. Powdered sugar is gluten free(woo hoo)! I am not usually a measurer so I will tell you what I put in it. Lemon juice and zest, powdered sugar, a little butter, and a little coconut milk. End result = delicious!
My husband even enjoyed these. There is hope!!
My mom found a book called the Wheat Belly Cookbook and it has some great tips and recipes in it. Especially if you are just starting on the gluten free journey.
With gluten-free items becoming more and more available at your local market, it is easy to buy a lot of processed and pre-made foods that are still not good for you. The Wheat Belly Cookbook talks about the importance of staying away from these items and using flours such as Almond flour and Coconut flour. When you use the potato starch, tapioca starch, and rice flours to cook with, you are getting a lot of unhealthy carbs. They have a lot of wonderful recipes, using almond and coconut flour, in the book and I have found many recipes on Pinterest.
I am trying lots of new things, some are yummy......some are not! To get you off to a good start, I am going to share with you one of the yummiest gluten-free recipes I've made so far. It's for lemon bars!
http://therealslimsunny.blogspot.com/2012/03/lemon-bars.html
Now, I must also make a confession: I followed the bar recipe to the letter, but I did make my own icing. Powdered sugar is gluten free(woo hoo)! I am not usually a measurer so I will tell you what I put in it. Lemon juice and zest, powdered sugar, a little butter, and a little coconut milk. End result = delicious!
My husband even enjoyed these. There is hope!!
Monday, July 8, 2013
Raising Grateful Children
I have always said that one of the hardest things to teach children is how to be nice to others, even when others are not always nice to them. I pray that my children will always be kind, thoughtful, merciful, and hospitable toward others. I also pray that they will always be grateful!
Today I want to share a link with you called "Raising Grateful Children". Just a few pointers to help us on our mommy journey!
http://awesomelyawake.com/how-to-raise-grateful-children/
1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks(be grateful): for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Today I want to share a link with you called "Raising Grateful Children". Just a few pointers to help us on our mommy journey!
http://awesomelyawake.com/how-to-raise-grateful-children/
1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks(be grateful): for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
We Homeschool Wednesday - Homeschooling for Free
When I first started homeschooling, I came across a book called "How to Homeschool your child for free". It is full of websites where you could go to print off worksheets or get help with math problems, etc. With a few years of experience under my belt, I have found that my local Library is the best "free" resource that I have. This year I will use 2 brand new math books that I purchased for $15.00 each(each book even contains two grades) called Practical Arithmetic, a borrowed Apologia Science book, and our Library along with many books that have been bought used over the years.
I feel confident schooling with just these items because I have learned so much by going to seminars, reading books, and by seeking out information from other homeschoolers and the internet. When I first started, I needed a curriculum to lay things out for me and tell me what I needed to do next. I also feel that I will need that again when I approach the high school years.
With all that being said, I was very excited when I was introduced to Easy Peasy All in One Homeschool: http://allinonehomeschool.com/ ! A complete homeschool curriculum for grades K-12, day by day schedule, with suggested resources.........ABSOLUTELY FREE!!! This is a mom who began writing her own lessons for her older children and realized if she kept it all, her younger children could also use it as they were coming up. Then she thought, why not share it with everyone! If you are looking for day to day guidance, and especially if you are on a tight budget, please check out Easy Peasy!
I feel confident schooling with just these items because I have learned so much by going to seminars, reading books, and by seeking out information from other homeschoolers and the internet. When I first started, I needed a curriculum to lay things out for me and tell me what I needed to do next. I also feel that I will need that again when I approach the high school years.
With all that being said, I was very excited when I was introduced to Easy Peasy All in One Homeschool: http://allinonehomeschool.com/ ! A complete homeschool curriculum for grades K-12, day by day schedule, with suggested resources.........ABSOLUTELY FREE!!! This is a mom who began writing her own lessons for her older children and realized if she kept it all, her younger children could also use it as they were coming up. Then she thought, why not share it with everyone! If you are looking for day to day guidance, and especially if you are on a tight budget, please check out Easy Peasy!
Tasty Tuesday: Homemade Ice Cream
Some of my fondest memories are of my grandpa making homemade ice cream with his hand cranked contraption. We were always so excited for the end result! To this day, I still love homemade ice cream.
Since summer is officially here, I am sharing over 150 recipes for homemade ice cream. Just in time for the 4th of July weekend!
http://tipnut.com/homemade-ice-cream/
Since summer is officially here, I am sharing over 150 recipes for homemade ice cream. Just in time for the 4th of July weekend!
http://tipnut.com/homemade-ice-cream/
Monday, July 1, 2013
Wife and Mommy Monday in Pictures
No greater role was I ever given than that of wife and mother! The Bible gives wonderful instruction to help us every step of the way. In Ephesians the Lord tells us to Reverence(deeply respect) our husbands. In Titus He tells us to love our husbands, while Proverbs says that we are to be trustworthy as wives. The Bible also tells us that we are to learn from our husbands, be chaste(sexually pure), and to be keepers of the home. As mothers we are to be nourishing, comforting, hospitable, and loving, for our children(and our husband) are gifts from God. I want to do all these things in obedience to God and prayerfully!
Today I want to share with you some favorite photos of my gifts!
Today I want to share with you some favorite photos of my gifts!
Thursday, June 27, 2013
15 Things You May Not Know About Me
Today is This 'n' That Thursday so I decided to share 15 things about myself that you may not know:
1. I had Spinal Meningitis at the age of 3.
2. One of my fondest memories as a child, is singing with my mom!
3. As a child I was allergic to all dairy products.
4. I have always talked in my sleep......even on my honeymoon, I was so embarrassed!
5. I was named after my dad's college roommate, Ray Stacy.
6. I love to laugh.
7. I wore braces for 2 years.
8. The ocean is my most relaxing place!
9. When I started wearing make-up, my dad nicknamed me "Old Blue"(blue eye shadow, blue eyeliner, blue mascara)!
10. I love chocolate!
11. When I was a high school sophomore, we had a foreign exchange student that year from Sweden.
12. I got married at the age of 18.
13. When I graduated and walked across the stage to receive my diploma, Steve yelled out "Old Blue"!
14. From the years 2000 to 2005, I was pregnant at least 2 months out of each year!
15. I would love to move to New Zealand.
I hadn't thought about some of these things in a very long time. I got a good chuckle out of this list! I hope you do too!
1. I had Spinal Meningitis at the age of 3.
2. One of my fondest memories as a child, is singing with my mom!
3. As a child I was allergic to all dairy products.
4. I have always talked in my sleep......even on my honeymoon, I was so embarrassed!
5. I was named after my dad's college roommate, Ray Stacy.
6. I love to laugh.
7. I wore braces for 2 years.
8. The ocean is my most relaxing place!
9. When I started wearing make-up, my dad nicknamed me "Old Blue"(blue eye shadow, blue eyeliner, blue mascara)!
10. I love chocolate!
11. When I was a high school sophomore, we had a foreign exchange student that year from Sweden.
12. I got married at the age of 18.
13. When I graduated and walked across the stage to receive my diploma, Steve yelled out "Old Blue"!
14. From the years 2000 to 2005, I was pregnant at least 2 months out of each year!
15. I would love to move to New Zealand.
I hadn't thought about some of these things in a very long time. I got a good chuckle out of this list! I hope you do too!
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
We Homeschool Wednesday
I have so many exciting things to share with you today! First I want to say that if you have not been to a Homeschool Curriculum Fair, I highly recommend it. Many fairs have already come and gone, but Chattanooga has one coming up in July. To find out more information, go to http://csthea.org/. I also recommend any used curriculum sales that you can find. It is true what they say: "One man's junk is another man's treasure"! I have found some wonderful items at used sales.
Second, I want to share how important it is to educate yourself about homeschooling. The more you know, the better decisions you will make! I am currently trying to learn more about "unschooling" and "interest-led learning". I have never wanted our schooling experience to be about scheduling math from 9 to 9:30 or how many worksheets we do. And although math is part of our daily routine, I love more of a hands-on approach or the times that my kids pick up a book and seek out information for themselves.
I have recently found a few blogs that I am really enjoying. Blogs are another great way to learn more about educating your children at home. When others have already experienced the things that you are about to embark on, they will often share ways that will make your journey much easier and more enjoyable.
1. 10 tips for gentle homeschooling: http://naturalfamilytoday.com/parenting/ten-tips-for-gentle-homeschooling-and-parenting/#axzz2X6tsdanc
2. Letting go of the school mentality:
http://www.holyspiritledhomeschooling.net/2013/06/letting-go-of-the-school-mentality/
3. Down a rabbit trail: Interest-Led Learning:
http://downarabbittrail.blogspot.com/?m=0
There are so many different approaches to homeschooling. Part of learning more will help you to decide what methods inspire you and what methods you want no part of! Read as much as you can, take notes, save websites/blogs that you have found to your "favorites" on your computer - You've got this momma! Our precious Lord has equipped us for such a time as this!
Second, I want to share how important it is to educate yourself about homeschooling. The more you know, the better decisions you will make! I am currently trying to learn more about "unschooling" and "interest-led learning". I have never wanted our schooling experience to be about scheduling math from 9 to 9:30 or how many worksheets we do. And although math is part of our daily routine, I love more of a hands-on approach or the times that my kids pick up a book and seek out information for themselves.
I have recently found a few blogs that I am really enjoying. Blogs are another great way to learn more about educating your children at home. When others have already experienced the things that you are about to embark on, they will often share ways that will make your journey much easier and more enjoyable.
1. 10 tips for gentle homeschooling: http://naturalfamilytoday.com/parenting/ten-tips-for-gentle-homeschooling-and-parenting/#axzz2X6tsdanc
2. Letting go of the school mentality:
http://www.holyspiritledhomeschooling.net/2013/06/letting-go-of-the-school-mentality/
3. Down a rabbit trail: Interest-Led Learning:
http://downarabbittrail.blogspot.com/?m=0
There are so many different approaches to homeschooling. Part of learning more will help you to decide what methods inspire you and what methods you want no part of! Read as much as you can, take notes, save websites/blogs that you have found to your "favorites" on your computer - You've got this momma! Our precious Lord has equipped us for such a time as this!
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
It's Strawberry Season
Oh, how I have missed thee......let me count the ways! This is the one place that I can put all my thoughts together without interruption. I had almost forgotten how much I enjoyed this wonderful little creative outlet! Things have gotten so busy and I just had to lay a few things down. This little momma's brain was on overload. So many exciting things have been happening, but I will talk more about that in future posts.
Thanks to my precious parents, we have the most beautiful garden growing in our back yard. I cannot wait to harvest the yummy goodness! Speaking of yummy things, we have been buying lots of strawberries lately so I had to share this wonderful recipe for strawberry sauce. You could use it over homemade ice cream, cheesecake, waffles, crepes, etc. I hope you enjoy!
http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/05/strawberry-sauce/
Don't forget, tomorrow is "We Homeschool Wednesday"!
Thanks to my precious parents, we have the most beautiful garden growing in our back yard. I cannot wait to harvest the yummy goodness! Speaking of yummy things, we have been buying lots of strawberries lately so I had to share this wonderful recipe for strawberry sauce. You could use it over homemade ice cream, cheesecake, waffles, crepes, etc. I hope you enjoy!
http://www.ourbestbites.com/2009/05/strawberry-sauce/
Don't forget, tomorrow is "We Homeschool Wednesday"!
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
We homeschool Wednesday - Lots of homeschool helps
When I first started homeschooling, I remember the overwhelming thoughts I had and the uncertainty of whether or not I could really do this. Even now, six years later, I still have fears. On the other hand, I did teach my children to talk, I potty trained them, I taught them to tie their shoes, and the list goes on and on. I have often thought that this is why God allowed me to have my children later than sooner, because he knew that my heart would be to drink in every moment with them - loving them, feeding them, cuddling them, and teaching them!
Early in my homeschooling adventure, I am so thankful that I surrounded myself with other homeschooling and like minded friends. This is where you will find so much support and your best advice. Today I am going to share with you some of the great advice that I got early on and will put in some important links to some really awesome websites.
One of the first things that someone ever told me, was how wonderful unit studies, lapbooking and mini books were when you needed to teach the same subject to multiple grade levels. For instance, if I wanted to teach my 1st, 3rd, and 5th grader about the state of Tennessee, I could give all three of them a coloring page of the TN flag and my 1st grader could color it and write the word "Flag" on the bottom of the page. My 3rd grader could write two sentences about the flag and my 5th grader could do research to find out things like, our state flag was officially adpoted in 1905, but wasn't raised for the first time until 1911. He could find out that it was designed by a Colonel in the Tennessee National Guard and that in 1976 the United States Postal service issued a sheet of stamps that included a stamp of the Tennessee Flag. You could get books from the Library about TN and/or about flags, or both! Imagine the topics and the possibilities of learning this way! If you want to learn more about Unit Studies or Lapbooking check out these two links:
1) http://www.homeschoolshare.com/ - I highly recommend this website, they have so many unit studies and lapbooks that are FREE!
2) http://www.squidoo.com/lapbooking#module12673419 - This website has lots of great pictures and how-tos!
Another great resource that I have discovered is free spelling! Woo hoo! This website gives you free spelling lists for the entire school year and even provides activities to do with each list. The only down side is that they only give lists for grades 1-4. But, four years of FREE spelling "ain't" too bad! On the up side, they also cover a slew of other subjects, with more FREE worksheets.
3) http://www.superteacherworksheets.com/ - Just scroll down the left side of the page to find what you need!
I know I am covering a lot on this post, so I am just going to give you two more links and these are just because I think they are great. Lots of great resources and extras to help you along the way!
4) http://www.millerpadsandpaper.com/ - When the curriculum fairs come in the summer, I think I spend more time at this booth than any other. Love them!
5) http://www.visionforum.com/ - This is another great website that is so full of great helps. They have books, audio books, toys, DVD's, and so much more. Even some great stuff for the parents too.
I hope you find some of these as helpful as I did! And, I will be happy to answer your homeschooling questions. Just leave your questions in the comment section and I will respond!
Early in my homeschooling adventure, I am so thankful that I surrounded myself with other homeschooling and like minded friends. This is where you will find so much support and your best advice. Today I am going to share with you some of the great advice that I got early on and will put in some important links to some really awesome websites.
One of the first things that someone ever told me, was how wonderful unit studies, lapbooking and mini books were when you needed to teach the same subject to multiple grade levels. For instance, if I wanted to teach my 1st, 3rd, and 5th grader about the state of Tennessee, I could give all three of them a coloring page of the TN flag and my 1st grader could color it and write the word "Flag" on the bottom of the page. My 3rd grader could write two sentences about the flag and my 5th grader could do research to find out things like, our state flag was officially adpoted in 1905, but wasn't raised for the first time until 1911. He could find out that it was designed by a Colonel in the Tennessee National Guard and that in 1976 the United States Postal service issued a sheet of stamps that included a stamp of the Tennessee Flag. You could get books from the Library about TN and/or about flags, or both! Imagine the topics and the possibilities of learning this way! If you want to learn more about Unit Studies or Lapbooking check out these two links:
1) http://www.homeschoolshare.com/ - I highly recommend this website, they have so many unit studies and lapbooks that are FREE!
2) http://www.squidoo.com/lapbooking#module12673419 - This website has lots of great pictures and how-tos!
Another great resource that I have discovered is free spelling! Woo hoo! This website gives you free spelling lists for the entire school year and even provides activities to do with each list. The only down side is that they only give lists for grades 1-4. But, four years of FREE spelling "ain't" too bad! On the up side, they also cover a slew of other subjects, with more FREE worksheets.
3) http://www.superteacherworksheets.com/ - Just scroll down the left side of the page to find what you need!
I know I am covering a lot on this post, so I am just going to give you two more links and these are just because I think they are great. Lots of great resources and extras to help you along the way!
4) http://www.millerpadsandpaper.com/ - When the curriculum fairs come in the summer, I think I spend more time at this booth than any other. Love them!
5) http://www.visionforum.com/ - This is another great website that is so full of great helps. They have books, audio books, toys, DVD's, and so much more. Even some great stuff for the parents too.
I hope you find some of these as helpful as I did! And, I will be happy to answer your homeschooling questions. Just leave your questions in the comment section and I will respond!
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
A loved staple in my pantry
I love to cook! It makes me feel good to see others enjoy something that I have prepared or to hear my littles tell me that I am the best cook in the whole world. I care for my family in many ways, but providing warm and healthy meals for them is one of my favorites.
I love the Food Network, I love kitchen stores, I love thumbing through cookbooks, I love that I have a friend who sells Pampered Chef, I love it when my mom buys me spoons and spatulas to cook with, and I love to gather around the table with people I hold dear! Even the Bible talks about breaking bread and being hospitable......I love that too!
Today I'm going to share with you the easiest and most versatile food that I always have in my pantry. Carb haters beware! It is Jasmine Rice.
We love this stuff! I always start with olive oil and an onion. Finely chop your onion and sautee it in the oil until it starts to caramelize(brown around the edges). Now just follow the directions on the bag, but instead of using water to cook your rice in, you need to use chicken broth(or vegetable broth). This adds so much flavor and makes all the difference.
This rice is so much better than white rice and can easily stand alone, but there are so many great ways to add it to your main dish. We have added ground venison and made dirty rice, roasted vegetales and tossed with it, it even goes great with salmon or as a fried rice. Sometimes we even order some Teriyaki Chicken(just some awesome chicken on a stick) from our local Chinese Restaurant and have it with this wonderful rice. The possibilities are endless.
Bon Appetit!
I love the Food Network, I love kitchen stores, I love thumbing through cookbooks, I love that I have a friend who sells Pampered Chef, I love it when my mom buys me spoons and spatulas to cook with, and I love to gather around the table with people I hold dear! Even the Bible talks about breaking bread and being hospitable......I love that too!
Today I'm going to share with you the easiest and most versatile food that I always have in my pantry. Carb haters beware! It is Jasmine Rice.
This rice is so much better than white rice and can easily stand alone, but there are so many great ways to add it to your main dish. We have added ground venison and made dirty rice, roasted vegetales and tossed with it, it even goes great with salmon or as a fried rice. Sometimes we even order some Teriyaki Chicken(just some awesome chicken on a stick) from our local Chinese Restaurant and have it with this wonderful rice. The possibilities are endless.
Bon Appetit!
Monday, April 29, 2013
Mommy Monday - 51 Ways to Bless Your Child
Being a stay at home and homeschooling mommy, I am rarely away from my children. My days are filled with the most tender hugs and kisses, sweet little voices that say, "I love you, mommy", lots of cuddles and even occasional smiles from precious little faces when our eyes meet. These moments are truly treasured and will one day be missed beyond measure. But, if I am being totally honest, we all know that there is also lots of correcting, discipline, saying the word "NO", and trying to keep my patience.
I cannot begin to tell you how seriously I take the role of motherhood and like most mothers, I fear failing at it! I want my children to have old fashioned values, believe in absolutes, respect those that are older, and mostly I want them to have a true "love" relationship with Jesus Christ. I don't want motherhood to be my job, I want it to be my joy!
My joys, the past few days, have been spending one on one time with Dawson(7) when we went to the Library together, standing at the pantry and having Gage(11) walk up and wrap his arms around me, and having Macy(9) climb into bed in the early hours of the morning, snuggling up to me, and having her tell me that my hair smells so good. These moments are priceless!
Today I am posting a link that gives us 51 ways to bless our children!
http://rachelmariemartin.blogspot.com/2012/11/51-things-you-can-do-that-will-bless.html
I pray that your journey of motherhood is also a joy!
I cannot begin to tell you how seriously I take the role of motherhood and like most mothers, I fear failing at it! I want my children to have old fashioned values, believe in absolutes, respect those that are older, and mostly I want them to have a true "love" relationship with Jesus Christ. I don't want motherhood to be my job, I want it to be my joy!
My joys, the past few days, have been spending one on one time with Dawson(7) when we went to the Library together, standing at the pantry and having Gage(11) walk up and wrap his arms around me, and having Macy(9) climb into bed in the early hours of the morning, snuggling up to me, and having her tell me that my hair smells so good. These moments are priceless!
Today I am posting a link that gives us 51 ways to bless our children!
http://rachelmariemartin.blogspot.com/2012/11/51-things-you-can-do-that-will-bless.html
I pray that your journey of motherhood is also a joy!
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
24 Muffin Tin/Brownie Pan Recipes
It's Tasty Tuesday! After telling someone how busy we've been for the 4000th time, I thought it would be great to share some recipes that you can make in your muffin or brownie pan(Pampered Chef sells the brownie pan). All of these recipes could be made and then frozen for a quick breakfast, afterschool snack, or even an easy supper with a little salad on the side.
http://www.recipebyphoto.com/24-awesome-muffin-tin-recipes/
Here's to hoping that your week is stress free and you get to spend very little time in the kitchen!
http://www.recipebyphoto.com/24-awesome-muffin-tin-recipes/
Here's to hoping that your week is stress free and you get to spend very little time in the kitchen!
Monday, April 22, 2013
Earth Day
Today is Earth Day and I am excited to use this day to be thankful for all that God created! I am also thankful for the compassion that God gave to people, all over the world, to preserve wildlife and our environment. It reminds me of people like Steve Irwin(the crocodile hunter) and others who work tirelessly to make us aware of what we take for granted each day.
Should we care about recycling and saving trees? Should we care about pollution and all the waste that lays in the landfills? One last question......when was the last time we read the very first verse of the Bible? Genesis 1:1 says "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth"(just let that soak in a minute). God loves what He created and he put it here for us to enjoy it's beauty! I think He wants us to appreciate it and do our best to take care of it!
Today I want to share a few links to help us celebrate Earth Day and enjoy God's creation!
1) 20 Fun Earth Facts(these are so interesting!)
http://www.momontimeout.com/2012/04/20-fun-earth-facts-for-earth-day/
2) Great Earth Day Activities for Kids
http://www.mykidsguide.com/great-earth-day-activities-for-kids/
3) Kids books & websites to celebrate Earth Day
http://www.kcedventures.com/earth-day-2012-books-a-websites
Happy Earth Day!
Should we care about recycling and saving trees? Should we care about pollution and all the waste that lays in the landfills? One last question......when was the last time we read the very first verse of the Bible? Genesis 1:1 says "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth"(just let that soak in a minute). God loves what He created and he put it here for us to enjoy it's beauty! I think He wants us to appreciate it and do our best to take care of it!
Today I want to share a few links to help us celebrate Earth Day and enjoy God's creation!
1) 20 Fun Earth Facts(these are so interesting!)
http://www.momontimeout.com/2012/04/20-fun-earth-facts-for-earth-day/
2) Great Earth Day Activities for Kids
http://www.mykidsguide.com/great-earth-day-activities-for-kids/
3) Kids books & websites to celebrate Earth Day
http://www.kcedventures.com/earth-day-2012-books-a-websites
Happy Earth Day!
Friday, April 19, 2013
When Groceries Go On Sale
I love a great sale! I found this great article about how groceries go on sale in predictable cycles. Well, thank you grocery blogger lady......thank you I say!
http://www.yourownhomestore.com/grocery-sales-cycles/
I'm sure I will be referring to article often, I might even print this one. I love to save money!
Have a great weekend!
http://www.yourownhomestore.com/grocery-sales-cycles/
I'm sure I will be referring to article often, I might even print this one. I love to save money!
Have a great weekend!
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
By Faith.....
Today, instead of talking about myself, I am talking to myself. I am telling me that I need to have more faith, and this is what I have learned:
Hebrews 11:1 says that faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
This same chapter says that by faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God.
By faith, Abel offered a better sacrifice that Cain.
By faith, Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death.
Without faith, it is impossible to please Him.
By faith Noah, being warned by God, prepared an ark.
By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed.
By faith, Sarah received ability to conceive.
By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac.
By faith, Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau.
By faith Jacob, as he was dying, worshiped!
By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents.
By faith, he refused to be called the son of Paraoh's daughter.
By faith, they passed through the Red Sea as though they were passing through dry land.
By faith, the walls of Jericho fell down.
By faith, Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient.
The Bible also tells us that we are saved and justified by faith, we are to walk by faith, and live by faith in the Son. In 1 Thess 5:8 it says that we are to put on the breastplate of faith. James tells us that when we pray, we should ask in faith without any doubting.
I want the faith of these men and women of the Bible! And I am excited to tell you that God says, "if you have the faith of a mustard seed....nothing will be impossible to you".
Hebrews 11:1 says that faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
This same chapter says that by faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God.
By faith, Abel offered a better sacrifice that Cain.
By faith, Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death.
Without faith, it is impossible to please Him.
By faith Noah, being warned by God, prepared an ark.
By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed.
By faith, Sarah received ability to conceive.
By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac.
By faith, Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau.
By faith Jacob, as he was dying, worshiped!
By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents.
By faith, he refused to be called the son of Paraoh's daughter.
By faith, they passed through the Red Sea as though they were passing through dry land.
By faith, the walls of Jericho fell down.
By faith, Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient.
The Bible also tells us that we are saved and justified by faith, we are to walk by faith, and live by faith in the Son. In 1 Thess 5:8 it says that we are to put on the breastplate of faith. James tells us that when we pray, we should ask in faith without any doubting.
I want the faith of these men and women of the Bible! And I am excited to tell you that God says, "if you have the faith of a mustard seed....nothing will be impossible to you".
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