Mar. 11, 2008 - I've moved!
Hello out there, I just wanted you to know that I've actually moved my blogging efforts to a new site and would LOVE for you to visit. Here's the link:
http://bighomeschoolfamilyresources.blogspot.com/
I will still keep this blog open and check back occasionally, but I'd really really love to see your smiling faces (yes, I can tell you're smiling) over yonder at the blogspot. It was just a whole lot easier as a beginner to "do the blog thing." No hard feelings towards homeschoolblogger, it's a wonderful place for homeschoolers, but it was too time consuming for me to figure it all out. So, please come say hi and visit often as I'm constantly posting there! Woo Hoo, I'm addicted!
Thanks, ya'll.
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Feb. 22, 2008 - So, tell me about Omaha.
Hello again. Any folks from Omaha out there? As a military wife, I like to look out ahead at the options set before us, and Omaha just MAY be an option. So, I guess I'd like to know a little about it.
Base info? Neighborhoods (safe, kid friendly), homeschool laws, climate, things to do? Yes, I know I could look all this up online, but it so much nicer to hear personal opinions, esp. from other homeschooling mamas.
Definitely nothing written in stone, but I'm one of those list-makers. My husband thinks I'm crazy, but I do pros/cons about EVERYTHING! In fact, if I didn't make lists, there'd be a whole lot 'round here that didn't get done!
Everyone here is just plain happy right now. There's nothing a nice steaming bowl of cream of wheat (laden with butter and honey) doesn't fix. Especially on a chilly wet night like tonight. Yup, took the easy way out and pulled out the big guns with the cream o' wheat, but hey, it's a winner. (did that make sense, or is it just me)? Lack of sleep, that's what my story is.
I am very happy to see comments from other military mama's! Thanks for writing and sending your baby gear tips. Keep them coming. I, too have a baby back/front pack that has been a lifesaver!
And to my dear friends that have been so patient with me and my blogging and site jumping...just try and keep up, would ya?
Have a blessed night and a really wonderful weekend!
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Feb. 21, 2008 - Eeek! Where's the coffee?
Hello! My little one (ds #5), 6 months old, decided to wake up at 4am today. And guess what? I couldn't go back to sleep. So...as much as I wanted to down a gallon of coffee today, I didn't because I **planned** to take a nap when baby took a nap. HA. "We make our plans"...etc. etc. No nap.
Did you happen to see "Meet the Robinson's"? Remember at the science fair, the female teacher (that was later the adoptive mom to "Cornelius") that was helping with the judging? She was VERY AWAKE and revealed the caffeine patch? (She had about 15 of these patches on her arm.) She said "each patch is equivalent to 12 cups of coffee!" (or something to that effect). WELL THAT'S GONNA BE ME TOMORROW IF BABY DOESN'T SLEEP TONIGHT! Baby, let's rev that coffee maker up!
Anyway, I sound a little wired right now actually, but I'm not. I think I'm just running on fumes.
Hey, anyone out there want to share with me about a favorite baby item (gear, clothing, shoes, etc.) that you just CAN'T live without? Something maybe your toddler loves, or is the ONLY thing that works for them? Or how about something you can't live without for your baby/babies? I mentioned my triple stroller in a previous post...it's a real eye catcher! And the babies LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!
OK, I'm going to nurse little one once more and hit the sack. Many blessings! And hey, Friday is one of my FAVORITE days! Woo Hoo. One more thing to make me SPRING out of bed in the AM. yeah right.
Here's hoping my coffee maker can take the strain tomorrow (which, by the way is ANOTHER cool item I love!)...buenos noches!
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Feb. 20, 2008 - Started with Facebook and now I'm lost with this blog...
Hello fellow bloggers,
I am having a really difficult time figuring out how to create links within my entries, how to add things to my page, etc. Do I really have to learn HTML to do it?
I started at Facebook and it is sooooo easy to do anything on there. (Just click to add something), so I'm at a loss with how to expand my blog. I am so impressed by all the "stuff" on other blogs, but am totally lost at how to do it with my own on homeschoolblogger. I've been reading all the FAQ's, but can't find anything that says: Step 1, Step 2, etc. And I might not totally understand all the terminology yet either, so that may be a barrier.
Any helpful hints and tips are much appreciated!
~Rachel
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Feb. 20, 2008 - I'm on a roll...
Ahhhhhhhh.....fresh air again. Second day in a row I've gotten out the door for a walk with everyone. It really helps to NOT have to bundle everyone up. The weather's been so nice!
I think ds #3 is ready for the training wheels to come off his bike! He wants to go FAST and the extra wheels are slowing him down!
White Chicken Chili for dinner...I'll have to let you know how it goes. I'm looking forward to it. The peach cobbler last night was a huge success. It was a new recipe also and I think I'll have to share it....
That's all for now!
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Feb. 20, 2008 - How to start each day...
Here's a little helpful tip I learned from my husband very early on in our marraige: Read a Proverb a day, corresponding to the date on the calendar. For example, today is the 20th, so read Proverbs 20. There are 31 Proverbs, and most months have 31 days. For the months that don't have 31, just double up on the last day.
Elementary, I know, but I never thought of it. Our children are being taught to do it as they do their own devotions, and hopefully all that wisdom will eventually sink in! (I'm talking about myself here, too).
For the longest time, I thought this was something that most Christians did, but I had a good friend (that is a seasoned mom) tell me that they learned this "tip" from us, so I thought, maybe someone else out there could benefit!
Still looking for tried and true products that other big families are using...please comment with these ideas.
Have a blessed morning!
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Feb. 15, 2008 - That's a start. Now how about...
OK, those are some great ideas, but WHERE did you purchase these things? For example, I could spend HOURS looking online for triple bunkbeds, and a big crockpot, but I'm looking for specific examples. TRIED and TRUE products that have worked for big families. Also, what about systems? How do you store shoes? How about jackets, mittens, gloves? Our space is quite limited in military housing, so we have to be very creative.
So, if you have a crockpot you love, let me know why you love it and what brand it is.
Organization products & ideas
Meal prep products & ideas
bedroom, nursery, or closet products or ideas
How's that for something to think about?
Thanks in advance for your time with this.
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Feb. 15, 2008 - big family specifics
OK, let's see what exactly am I looking for? Well 2 things that come to mind are tangible items. My triple stroller was a huge help to me. It's a runabout (which is expensive, but I found it 2nd hand). Also, was looking into triple bunkbeds.
I guess I'm just looking for products/resources that help a mom use the house she has as wisely as possible. Any products that are "over and above" the norm for a "regular" sized family. I think of the famous families that have 15 or more kids. I've looked over a couple of large family sites, but not many offer ideas on organization, space saving, and other products to help take care of multiples...
SOOOOO...that's what I'm looking for. Products, and the companies/stores that supply said products.
If there has been some THING that has helped you as a large family, I want to know about it!
Thanks everyone, I anxiously await your ideas!
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Feb. 15, 2008 - Restored Sanity
OK, so on my "daily bible verse" on my facebook page was a verse from Daniel talking about Nebuchadnezzar "raising his eyes to the heavens and sanity was restored." I chuckled out loud and said a quick thank you to God. Isn't he an awesome God? I did think I was losing my mind yesterday when everyone was leaking out the top AND the bottom, but we made it through and may just be over the hump!
So, hubby is restricted to quarters today until he is given the "all clear" from this sickness. He is feeling a wee bit betta, but not 100%.
I myself didn't get much sleep b/c baby was up every 2 hours wanting to nurse! So I sit here with my coffee mug and computer in front of me. Still in my fluffy pink robe. I guess I'd better get a move on.
Any advice from ya'll about products helpful to large families. I got ONE response that was chockful of good stuff but I really really really want lots and lots of ideas...pleeeeeeeeeease comment.
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Feb. 14, 2008 - ACK! Sickness strikes!
OK, what a day! A stomach bug has run through the 3 youngest and hubby is upstairs moaning. My heart goes out to them all, but I have been literally "up to my elbows" in it!
Any helpful suggestions on how to handle toddlers with a stomach bug? My one is happy to stay in his crib to be "quarantined" but the other won't have any of it. Sooooo...we are praying that it is contained and the others, including myself may be spared!
Praying for sanity and strength!
~Rachel
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Feb. 14, 2008 - Salsa Anyone?
OK, I just HAD to share this amazing salsa recipe from my good friend, Paige. It is so easy and wonderful!
1 28oz can organic diced tomatoes (I used Muir Glen)
1 4oz. can organic diced green chilies (hot or mild)
1 TBSP lime juice
2 lg. cloves minced garlic
1 TBSP dried minced onion
1 tsp. onion powder
1-2 tsp. cumin
2 tsp. crushed red pepper
1-2 tsp. dried cilantro
dash Tobasco
salt & pepper to taste
Just throw all this into your blender and blend blend blend. I like a smooth salsa, so I blended a bit more. If you like chunky salsa, don't blend too much. I make this, then chill in the refrigerator overnight so the spices all blend together. But, it is fine to eat right away too!
Our favorite chips are the blue corn tortilla chips. This salsa is so good, we just couldn't stop eating it at our friend's house the first time we had it!
Enjoy, and let me know what you think of it!
~Rachel
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Feb. 14, 2008 - Big Families: I need your help!
Hi everyone,
I have decided to really jump on this blog bandwagon this time. And my first order of business is to find out what resource, product or idea has really helped you as a BIG family. Like I said in the About Me section, we jumped from 4 to 6 kiddos in an insane amount of time and I am scrambling still. Anyone out there that can point me to some helpful stuff. I know Sam's, Costco and Aldi's have been mentioned for stuff, but what exactly? I just want to gather some ideas and pick and choose what will work for us. So all and any comments are GREATLY appreciated!
Thanks ya'll! I'll be in touch!
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Jan. 31, 2007 - It's been a while...
We are all well. Busier than I ever imagined I would be with 4 boys, a girl and one on the way! Still part time classically homeschooling.
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Mar. 30, 2006 - Wow, this is going to be neat
Hi everyone. I'm deciding to try my hand at our very own BLOG. My kids say way too many funny things, and God blesses us in so many ways, that this seemed like a perfect way to share with friends and family...at YOUR convenience!
Today the boys had "school" at PCA (Providence Classical Academy).
Today we went directly to a planned Homeschool Group Field Trip after I pick the boys up from school. One of our other homeschooler/PCA students went with us. We went up to Benton, LA to a little "museum" called Heritage Village. Quaint little place that gives the kids a taste of southern history. You should try to head up there one Sat. if you get a chance. It's free and I think they're only open the 2nd Sat. of the month...I'll have to check on that. Just a nice little tour, and the ladies that do the tour are quite the spunky things...
Then we dropped our friend, Steven home.
Brian had another soccer game this evening. He came home early and needed ice, ibuprofen and an ace bandage. He injured his knee again and it swelled up like a watermelon.
My knee is also swelling, but I haven't been playing soccer...oh well.
I order some coconut oil and can't wait to try it in our baking. It is also used as a lotion for skin. Looking forward to it!
