We had an awesome & busy weekend. Parties, caroling, open house at a horse trainer's place & a Christmas Cantata at church. We thoroughly enjoyed it all. But last night (Sunday) Hannah was acting miserable & when I asked her what was wrong she said she was dreading the next day (Monday). She said Mondays are always so frustrating because the house is in a shambles from the weekend & we have to do schooling plus cleaning & it seems like most Mondays just don't go well. Plus she's having trouble w/ conversions in Math & didn't want to do it. LOL We talked about things for awhile-math, routines, what she wants to do with her life, etc.
So, this morning, I got up at 5:30 & did the dishes, started laundry, picked up the living room & got some of the school subjects ready. The kids got up, did chores & then I made breakfast. I thought I'd try to make Monday breakfast more special than any other week day. So, we had pumpkin spice pancakes (a mix) with maple cream spread on them & cool whip on top of that. YUM. Also had clementine oranges.
I told the kids it was up to them to help keep the house picked up & the sink empty. My goal was to keep the sink empty & so far it's gone well. Even with deer butchering going on!
So, I'm very pleased with how today went. The baby makes the most mess & isn't old enough to pick up much, but I got her to put some books back on the shelf & push in chairs. Everyone's schooling got done, some extra house cleaning got done & a little Christmas decorating, too. It was a good day!
I heard a sermon many years ago where the preacher posed the question, "Do you have a song in your heart?" I don't remember much else about the message. But I do remember the repeated question about having a song in your heart.
The LORD [is] my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.
Psalm 28:7
The point that I have remembered all these years, is that when Christ comes into our life, He will give us a new song. The fleshly song of whining and complaining is replaced with a song of praise for Him.
Over the years I've noticed something else on a practical level.
You can't really sing and be unhappy at the same time.
And some people are always making music.
I just finished making cookies with my older daughter and my younger son. My son (7) is very often humming. He stood next to me and unwrapped Hershey kisses while humming We Wish You a Merry Christmas the whole time.
How Do I Love Thee-a story of Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Posted By momtotheincredibles
Biographies which bring out the story of historical figures are my favorite reads. How Do I Love Thee?-A novel of Elizabeth Barrett Browning's Poetic Romance by Nancy Moser. Elizabeth Barrett was a sickly woman tied to her father's home by his overbearing attitude that his children should not marry. Her life is full of sorrow and then she receives a letter from fellow Robert Browning. Elizabeth keeps him at arm's length for a long time until she no longer can. He has fascinated her and they finally meet. Throughout their courtship she writes Sonnets From the Portuguese about her love for him, but does not give them to him until the perfect opportunity arises after they have been married for some time.
Nancy Moser says that the love story of Elizabeth and Robert is even stranger than fiction. She did take some liberties in her writing, but based most of it on actual evidence. At the end of the book is an epilogue of what happened to other characters in the book. She also gives examples that were so perfect she could not have made up information so romantic and fascinating. A "Fact or Fiction" section goes through each chapter and tells extra information about points in the chapter as well as what Nancy did not know so just took an educated guess. I especially appreciate her including Sonnets From the Portuguese which I referred to as Elizabeth and Robert's courtship progressed.
A negative of this book was how it dwelt so long on her infirmity and depression, but I understand this is realistic. I just was wanting the story to get on with the romance. Also her addiction to opium was sad, but something that happened in that age. She did seem to be one who wanted to follow God and felt torn with her feelings when they went against her father's who was supposedly so godly.
This book is one my daughter will read during her homeschool high school years. I also am interested in Nancy Moser's other books, Mozart's Sister (Nannerl Mozart), Just Jane (Jane Austen), and Washington's Lady (Martha Washington). I received this book as a member of Bethany House Publisher's reviewers. I received no other compensation for my review other than the book itself.
Jesus Calling-a devotional as if Jesus is speaking with you
Posted By momtotheincredibles
Jesus Calling is a devotional with readings for each day of the year written by Sarah Young. Each of the short readings, usually just two paragraphs, is written as if Jesus were speaking directly to the reader. Sarah writes in the first person as if Jesus were speaking directly to her heart. Her heart could be any reader's or mine. She says that the Bible is the only inerrant Word of God, so is not trying to rewrite it. Scripture references relating to the reading are given each day. She encourages the reader to keep a journal as they read in a quiet place.
The entry for my birthday tells me to not be discouraged with how easily my focus can turn away from Him. I am to aim for being aware of being in his presence each day. He is thrilled when I initiate communication with Him and He notices each improvement I make. He tells me to rejoice every time I break through the distractions and spend time with him. Doesn't that fit just about everyone?
Another entry reminds me that He is taking care of me and that every part of my life . He tells me that what the world understands is so tiny compared with His knowledge. If only I could see what He is doing for me, I would never doubt Him again.
Jesus Calling is a small hardback book with a daily page. Included is an attached ribbon to keep your place. The cost is $14.99.
This book reminds me that Jesus is my friend and He is calling me to Him. Am I going to listen?
Thomas Nelson Publishers sent me this book solely for the purpose of reviewing. The only compensation I received for reviewing was the book itself. http://brb.thomasnelson.com/
This season we bring all ladies and "Ye Merry Gentlemen" tidings of comfort and joy!
God rest hardworking families
Ideas are on the way
With gifts and food to bake yourself
This Christmas you will say:
"With Molly's help I'll make great gifts
For a perfect Christmas day!"
December's Digest is comfort and joy
Comfort and joy
Molly's Money-Saving Digest brings great joy!
With so much to do and less than a month to get it all done, the December Molly's Money-Saving Digest E-Book shows you exactly how to get those loose ends all wrapped up!
The special feature for December is:
Comfort and Joy for Christmas
PLUS! During December ONLY, receive the latest E-Book from Sheri Graham, Homemade Gift Mixes (200+ pages!) and The Urban Homemaker's E-Book: Holiday Open House--Open Your Heart and Your Homewhen you purchase Molly's December Digest!
Just in time for Christmas!
A link to the free E-Books will be available upon checkout.
Are you worried about gift-giving? Get excited about giving to others! Make some spectacular gifts yourself quickly and easily. Enjoy phenomenal tips to keep the holiday season stress-free right into January as you put Molly's ideas to good use!
Tucked neatly within the pages of Molly's Digest, you'll find:
Ideas for teaching your children gratitude and generosity.
A beautiful, decorative use for last year's calendar as the year comes to a close.
Great suggestions for family gifts, generic gifts, and even food gifts.
Truly unique, money-saving gifts to warm aching muscles or provide emergency light will bring your thoughtfulness to mind long after Christmas. Gifts to reach the heart through taste buds--from dessert to bread and snacks, or cleaning recipes you and your gift recipients will appreciate!
Would you like to be more "PC"? You can be practical and cost-conscious this Christmas season when you use Molly's ideas! Be "pleasantly confident" this year when using these inspirational gifts. Discover . . .
When socks are a great Christmas gift.
How to use popcorn as a gift to strengthen families.
Practical gift options you can give to everyone by simply making small variations.
As everyone thinks Christmas, Molly reminds you of many other special dates in December. You can plan your schedule to:
Begin the countdown to Christmas with Eat a Red Apple Day.
Include discussing tree decorations with Mitten Tree Day.
Make your card deadline day December 9.
Study worldwide celebrations on International Children's Day.
Even your dates for party preparation with Bake Cookies Day and caroling are covered, as well as special days for activities following Christmas. They will all be found on the list of special dates to remember in December!
"In this edition, you will also find recipes as well as ideas for special days during the month of December. For example, I had no clue that December 8 was a National Brownie Day. Mmmm! Sounds delicious and good to me . . . My favorite article was definitively the "Eight Frugal Family Crafts." It gave me special ideas not only for extended family members but for my own family as well. I really love the Movie Night and the Super Sundaes ideas. Very creative and fun to put together . . . For me, I would love a Book Lovers' Basket or a Scrapbook Box of Surprises--anything to brighten my holidays. Once again, I think that Molly's Money-Saving Digest for the month of December 2009 is wonderful. Thanks Molly for this full year of your wonderful ideas!"
-Isabelle Lussier, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
The December Molly's Money-Saving Digest is the twelfth edition and completes the first year of Digests, bringing practical tips for frugal living to you every single month for all of 2009!
Take a Peek inside!
Let nothing cause you dismay. Enjoy comfort and joy today!
Instantly download the Molly's Money-Saving Digest E-Book.
Monthly Feature--"Comfort and Joy for Christmas" will be exactly what your family feels when you simplify and minimize. Be courageous this Christmas and eliminate obligation and guilt, consider family gift-giving, agreeing to end gift exchanges or to make homemade gifts--Molly tells you how!
Eight Frugal Family Gifts will ignite creativity in your entire family as you gather to design gift baskets for a Movie Night, Snacks and Desserts, and gaming fun for other families this Christmas.
Twelve Generic but Sensible Gift Ideas could bring everything from safety to convenience into the life of the recipient and are incredibly fun to choose and personalize!
Ten Fabulous and Frugal Foodie Gifts provide the thoughtfulness of both time and taste to friends and family with ideas to dress up cheesecake, present incredible bread as a present, and give the gift of baking fresh cookies in a two-part gift experience!
Let's Get Together! Foodie gifts create incredible opportunity for a get together and can make hosting a holiday brunch much simpler than you ever imagined!
All the Trimmings includes tips for decorating, wrapping, and all the holiday trimmings with a thrifty perspective. A quickie list will help keep your holiday sanity as you get it all done.
"Above all, relax, refocus, and realize that Christmas is about Christ's birth . . . not about staging a magazine-perfect production and trying to meet unrealistic expectations--financially or otherwise. Take the holiday back--for faith, family, and friends. Resolve to keep it simple and sweet."
Great Expectations for Kids helps you develop a lifelong attitude of gratitude in your children with five guidelines you can easily implement.
So much great information--and that's just the monthly feature! There are so many more great sections to discover in every Molly.
Do you love details? Check out each and every part of the December Molly's Money-Saving Digest right here:
Molly's Minute--Year-end blessings from Molly remind you to focus on family, friends, and faith this Christmas season--regardless of how you choose to celebrate. The first full year of Molly's Money-Saving Digest is complete with this December issue, and more great things are coming in 2010!
Begin With the Basics--"Candy Making 101" will warm your heart and pleasantly fill the tummies of friends and loved ones. As a frugal art, candy making gets off to a great start, and this article brings recipes, tips, and wrapping ideas. Even some historical reading is thrown in for good measure! You'll love making homemade toffee and mints, and you'll learn what important piece of equipment will help most in your candy making.
On Sale This Month--With all the Christmas shopping going on, you won't want to miss the list of sale items this month. The list goes far beyond Christmas gifts to items you'll be thankful you found on sale now--you'll use them all year long.
Keeping it all Together--"Staying Sane During the Holiday Season" isn't just a great title for this article--it is possible for you! This section offers perfect direction for staying on track this season and will prevent you from doing too much. Links galore will also save you time and money!
Feather Your Nest Frugally--What 6-foot-by-2-foot decorative item could you be working on that will be enjoyed all year long? It isn't your Christmas tree. This great idea will call for you to "pull the tubs from under your bed, dance through the garage, and send your husband up to the attic." Aubrey Lively shares this project she and her mother haven't even officially named because it is too fantastic and beyond words! Pictures and instructions will motivate you to completion as Aubrey walks Molly readers through the entire process with a specially made item just for the Digest.
Pull Up a Chair--Another great gift idea awaits, along with the usual week's worth of weeknight menus. From tasty Mandarin Almond Salad and old-faithful meat loaf that makes a house a home, to elegant but frugal meals the children will love, Molly's meals have you covered. The Turkey Noodle Leftover Casserole will make the whole house sing--perfect for caroling preparation! Recipes include an ingredient list, easy-to-follow instructions, and even a few more great gift ideas will be found sprinkled within this week of menus.
Parenting That Pays--Dividends are great when you invest in your children; find wonderful ideas for serving others while instilling consideration and generosity in your children. Get motivated as Jennifer Sikora shares ways her family chooses to serve others, and she encourages your family to do the same.
Something Old, Something New--"Old Calendars to New Art" will close the 2009 year in style as you learn about a great recycling idea for calendars. Get long-term use from the pictures you loved in your calendar far longer than one year!
Goal-Getter Spotlight--"Today a Laptop, Tomorrow a Castle" takes you into the life of Aubrey Lively as you hear from an all-around goal-getter. She shares her heart for writing and her story of a small-step process to reaching big success!
Readers Write In--Molly opens this section this month to fellow readers sharing family traditions. Exactly what did happen to Paula's disappearing gingerbread man's arms and legs? Enjoy her story with a recipe for cinnamon ornaments. Delight in Lisa's very creative final hidden gift that will help your family when it comes time to tear down the Christmas tree. Perfect personalized gifts, tips for gift-giving, even tips for opening gifts can all be found in wonderful advice from fellow Molly's Digest readers.
Molly's Question of the Month--Are you signed up for Molly's free, weekly E-Newsletter? If not, you are missing out on tips and creative ideas to stay frugal throughout your household. You don't want to miss it!
Words Worth Saving--Perfect for a monthly memorization activity, Scripture is found throughout Molly's Money-Saving Digest. Enjoy God's Word as you celebrate this Christmas season and all of December.
Directory of Links--Count on this directory of the links found in the Digest, enabling you to instantly reach websites while viewing your Digest online. Or print the list for a great resource of money-saving sites to refer to again and again.
Great gift ideas save you far more than $4.95!
New Molly readers, veteran Molly readers, homemakers, homeschoolers, and moms very much like you have previewed the December Molly--what did they say?
"As always, there are money-saving tips and recipes in the pages of the latest Digest. An entire week's worth of menu-planning meals for suppertime are shared, including a terrific recipe for frozen meat loaf. There are a few recipes for making your own candy, along with links for others and how to turn the goodies into great gifts. In addition, there is fantastic idea after idea for low-cost gift-giving--much appreciated in my household this year! . . . And there are ideas for decorating too, such as yummy-smelling cinnamon ornaments, as well as some non-Christmas decorating ideas for your home. I'm going to be referring to this copy of the Digest often as the Christmas season approaches!"
-Kimberly Charron, Cape Breton, Canada
"Knowing that this issue was December and would be directly linked to the holiday season, I was so pleased to read that the writing for the Digest would be directed towards Christians with diversity in convictions and beliefs and traditions in mind. With that said I was able to grab the Digest and sit to glean cheerfully from its contents without worrying about whether or not to avoid or pass through any of the writings . . . I got my cooking thinking cap back on in the recipe section and am making my lists for cooking up those extra meals for the freezer. Once I'm in the habit of doing it, boy, does it make life easier in the kitchen on co-op and errand days for us. On a personal note, it always makes me wonder why people only decide to help out others during the holiday season. Is Christ not in our lives EVERY DAY of the year, EVERY month as well? Setting our children up for service projects and helping the homeless and families in need should be a part of our everyday living, not just the last month of the year. I enjoyed reading all the gift ideas, and I think I might even do those year 'round, especially to families with multiple siblings--giving is so much fun! I love the idea of giving for the body, soul, and spirit; wow, what a great concept to teach with as well! All in all, another wonderful Digest full of ideas and encouragement for the homeschooling Christian family."
-Katrina Flaws, Murphy, NC
"December's Molly's Money-Saving Digest is perfect for this year. I had already been stressing over how to still celebrate a meaningful Christmas with less money and less time. Molly's Digest has so many great ideas to de-stress my Christmas time. I had to grab pen and paper to write down recipes and ideas. The candy-making section inspired me to try something new. The family gift ideas are a great way to make someone know they are special without having to spend too much. I also thoroughly enjoyed the ideas from readers on new Christmas traditions--at least new to me. Now I can hardly wait for the holidays to begin."
-Tisha Cypert, Ada, OK
These reviewers enjoyed over 45 pages of Christmas comfort and joy in Jesus with
great gift-giving ideas, recipes, holiday help,
and more--will you?
The first twelve issues of Molly's Digest have
paved the way for another tremendous year--
you don't want to miss it!
Spend $4.95 and save much more in time and money with superb gift ideas, scrumptious recipes, planning help, and encouragement for making the most of the Christmas season--without losing your sanity and while keeping your focus on the reason for the season, Jesus Christ!
Are you still trying to decide if this E-Book
is perfect for you?
Enjoy some comfort and joy this Christmas--
spread a little around too!
Be amazed at how far just a little money goes when you buy Molly's Money-Saving Digest today. Great tips, perfect gifts, family memories, and more await you!
Simplify, minimize, and get cozy today! Enjoy Comfort and Joy in December!
Join Molly daily and follow her adventures in fiscally-responsible homemaking at
Elias's vocabulary is growing. Of course no one but a mama would recognize it, but he says words that I hear
Peek-a-boo sounds like peboo
sock sounds like cak
Cat sounds like Ca
Rourke sounds like RA
Janney is probably his best word, he says either Jnneee or Danneee
And he says I don't know - IUUOOOOO
He understands so much - He knows to put his diaper in the garbage, no matter where the diaper change happens to be.. at my house or at a friends house. He knows there are different receptacles called garbage.(In the bathroom and the kitchen) He knows to put candy or cheese wrappers in garbage. And he knows that apple cores and banana peels go in the compost, which is right next to the garbage.
When I fold laundry, he knows who each piece of clothing belongs to, and occasionally will pull things out of the basket and take it to them before I can fold it. He helps me put the wet laundry in the dryer, or take it out when it's dry.
He helps me unload the dishwasher, handing me items one by one, and I'll say Thank you - and he repeats "tingdo"
His newest game is to tickle people, especially when you can see a little flesh between the shirt and pants, he comes and gives you a little guish
But now, O LORD, you are our father;
we are the clay, and you are our potter;
we are all the word of your hand.
~Isaiah 65:2
The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD:
"Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will let you hear my words."
So I went down to the potter's house, and there he was working at his wheel.
And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter's hand,
and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do.
Then the word of the LORD came to me:
"O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done?
declares the Lord.
Behold, like clay in the potter's hand,
so are you in my hand, O house of Israel."
~Jeremiah 18:1-6
I am soo adoring not only this song, but the meaning behind it. Brayden and Talitha wanted their marriage to be an example to all of how the Savior feels about His people: Us.
This is just beautiful and precious!
Such a wonderful reminder that we need to be constantly ready for our bridegroom to come get us!
Matthew 25:6It was the middle of the night when the cry rang out, `The bridegroom is here! Go out to meet him!'
Post made December 8th, 2008
Some of you have written asking for some ideas at little or no cost for The 12 Days of Christmas. I understand COMPLETELY what it's like to be "strapped for cash", especially this time of year as gift giving is in full swing.
Here are some FREE ideas for you to love on your hubby...
Massages are a great gift to give! You could even make a coupon to give to him in the morning (so he would be looking forward to it all day) or mail it to him at work. To take it a step further, you could even make this a gift for the entire 12 days, picking a different body part to focus on each night (uh... I don't have to tell you what to save for last right?) A good massage is at least 30 minutes. Sometimes it may seem longer to you than it really is, so be sure to look at the clock by your bed before you begin so you don't cut your sweet husband short!
Breakfast in bed with a smile (and nothing else but a smile).
Making coffee every morning and greeting your hubby with a cheerful "good morning". How we start our husband's mornings have a HUGE effect on the rest of their day, as well as how eager they are to come back. (I know that I wouldn't want to come home to me some days!) Make it your goal to be cheerful each day for the 12 days. Start his morning with a happy wife. If you work outside of the home and leave before him, then having the coffee pot with coffee and a sweet note would be a thought too.
Pray for him each day. You could use The Power of a Praying Wife for this as well. Whatever you choose, and regardless if your husband prays with you or not, get out of bed each day with your knees hitting the floor before your feet do. Pray for the man God has blessed you with. Thank Him for your husband. Even if you're struggling in your marriage, ask God to give you the strength to get through the 12 days with love and compassion and to renew your marriage. You might be surprised what happens when he finds out that you're praying for him every day. Cover your husband in prayer each day... it may seem crazy, but YOU will become a better woman for it.
Hmmm... this next one... well, it's REALLY simple and may get one of the biggest reactions from your sweetie... but if you can't afford to get some "blessings" to wear... you can always do what God intended from the beginning! That's right... NO panties. Be sure to whisper it in his ear at the grocery store, church, or before he leaves for work.
One of my personal favorites (and my Beloved's)... Clean Lovin'.
Take a marker and write SHMILY somewhere on your body for him to search for.
Ice cream in bed together naked... one spoon. For the ice cream lover, you could get the pints of ice cream and have ice cream in bed every night. Don't worry about the diet... this is only 12 days... get fat on each other's love!
Some "Christmas socks" you wear... and that's it!
12 pair of sexy panties... one for each day.
Mistletoe (need I say more?) You could used this throughout the 12 days as well by having it show up in various places in the house... or various times... and it could mean more than just kissing. Write up a note and let your hubby know... you may want to even make it a "treasure hunt" by hiding it in various (obvious) places... and then follow through when he finds it!
Three bows (or other wrapping ribbons for all over your body and hair) and place strategically on your body for him to "unwrap".
Remember, the whole idea here is to do what HE would like you to do. Some men may like to take walks. Some may like to stay home and watch TV. You may bless your hubby with a coupon that says he can watch his favorite sports team uninnterupted, or it may be by letting him read a book. Find out what it is that HE would appreciate... and then do it!
Welcome to ElCloud Homeschool blog. My name is April, and I'm married to my best friend, Steve. We have 7 active, creative children ages 14, 12, 10, 8, 5, 3, and 1. This blog is where I share about our Christian faith, our family life, our homeschool, and my reviews of curriculum and books. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 is our goal for our family and our homeschool.
Jesus Calling is a devotional with readings for each day of the year written by Sarah Young. Each of the short readings, usually just two paragraphs, is written as if Jesus were speaking directly to the reader. Sarah writes in the first person as if Jesus were speaking directly to her heart. Her heart could be any reader's or mine. She says that the Bible is the only inerrant Word of God, so is not trying to rewrite it. Scripture references relating to the reading are given each day. She encourages the reader to keep a journal as they read in a quiet place.
