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4th of July: Cool Drinks!

Jul. 3, 2008 • 9:59 AM

A few days ago we celebrated my oldest child's birthday, today is my birthday  and tomorrow is our great country's birthday! Lots of celebrating in our house!

I hope you all have a wonderful celebration this 4th of July! Here is a FUN drink to make up and surprise your family &/or guests!

It's very simple! You will need the following drink/juice products:

Layer one: red drink: I used cranberry juice (you could also try Mountain Dew Code Red) This drink should have all sugar content. This is the heaviest so will be at the bottom of the glass!

Layer Two: Blue: Blue Gatorade

Layer three: White : DIET 7Up (Must be diet or use water). This is the lighter drink so it will stay at the top.

(Note: I used an off-brand gaterade drink that was a bit of a lighter shade. I didn't need the white layer as I like the look with just the two drinks.)

Add some fun & festive picks (optional) and serve!

Have a wonderful 4th of July celebration!

Earth Day: God's Creation Day!

Apr. 22, 2008 • 2:22 PM

Happy Earth Day, 2008! 

We really should take care of the Earth everyday because the Earth is God's creation - a gift from him to us. How great is it when we get a homemade gift from someone that is so beautiful and special. This Earth is that to us from God. He handmade it for us! And.. it is much more beautiful than anything anyone anywhere could ever make! Our God is an awesome God!

We are to be good stewards of all things he blesses us with, so we should just naturally take care of the Earth! I feel however, it should be called God's Creation Day but I know that will not happen in this world today! To us though it is God's creation Day! We went outside today and enjoyed the part of the Earth the Lord put outside our windows!

Below is an easy recycling craft project we did today but first click play below and enjoy this great song and show! 

We made a simple recycling craft that didn't take long at all. I got the idea from this at Hedging My Bets Blog. It is a lint jar.

She used a glass spaghetti jar (cleaned out.) We do lots of laundry here though and so I decided to use a larger plastic container. It is the type that holds pretzels or cheese balls. Once the container gets full we will take the lint outside and spread it around in the woods, etc. The birds can use it in making their nests. We got bird photos from Birds & Blooms Magazine in our magazine bin (of child friendly magazines) that I keep for craft projects. Then we just glued them to the side of the jar (We used rubber cemenr) and added a ribbon around the neck.  It looks cute sitting on our dryer. What do you think?

You could also try this project using the saved dryer lint!

Dryer Lint Dough

1 1/2 cup dryer lint

1 cup water

1/2 cup regular all-purpose flour

**Also: Old newspaper, towel or tablecloth and paint and embellishements

Place the lint in a saucepan and cover it with the water. When the lint is saturated, add the flour and stir until smooth. Cook mixture, stirring constantly, until peaks and holds together. Pour out onto paper or old cloth to cool. Shape and mold. This can also be molded over a form (like a balloon) and used like paper mache. Allow to dry 3-5 days. Paint and decorate.

Happy God's Creation Day! Earth Day 2008!

Genesis 1:1 God created the Heavens and Earth!

Happy Easter- Happy Resurrection Day!

Mar. 22, 2008 • 7:56 AM

Happy Easter! Happy Resurrection Day to All!

We may live because He died .. for us!

Yesterday we had an EGG-citing family time!

First we did our Resurrection Eggs. Then...

we painted hard-boiled eggs!

We did some using the crayon technique and some with removable applique.

We even tried some BINGO stampers this year. This let the littlest ones make nice round dots on their eggs as well.

Even the paper towels became a piece of art!

Here are a few little Easter decorations I am enjoying this year!

This beautiful Easter/Spring basket filled with whisical eggs is one of my favorites. It was a gift from my MIL on the last Easter we had with her. The scenes on the eggs remind me of illustrations from old children's books. The little (chocolate-looking) painted ceramic lamb is from my mother. This ensemble sits on our foyer table and welcomes all who enter. It is a reminder to me of my mothers and the importance of mothers during ALL seasons in Life!.

This little chick is a cute little fellow that sits on my kitchen counter and makes me smile!

Here is an idea for a FUN Easter morning BREAKFAST hunt we plan to do in the morning. I think the kids will think it is really fun and it will be quick and easy to do  before getting ready for church!

Get some clean plastic eggs. The night before, fill the eggs with different kinds of dry cereal. Hide around your home in the rooms you wish to include in the hunt. In the morning allow each child to find 4 eggs (with instructions that the eggs do not get opened until back at the kitchen table. ) With cereal bowls waiting for them, allow them to open each egg and pour contents into their bowl(s). Whatever cereal they find is the fun mixture they get for their breakfast! FUN spin on breakfast!

Also if you want to make some HOMEMADE Peanut Butter Eggs, here is a recipe from Nikki at Angel of Hearts Blog. I hope to make these next year.

Happy Resurrection Day!

He lives! He Lives! Christ Jesus lives today!

He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way!

He Lives! He Lives! Salvation to impart! You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart!

Happy Valentine's Day

Feb. 14, 2008 • 3:51 PM

May you Have a Wonderful Valentine's Day!

Thank the Lord today for the loved ones that He has put in your life!

This was on a friend's blog and I just love it. Isn't it neat how "Valentine" is spelled out in this wonderful verse! Remember Jesus is the most important Valentine! He loves us and has from the beginning -- and will for all times!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine Pair-Ups Game

Jan. 28, 2008 • 9:59 PM

I'm working on some plans for Valentine's Day! I want to make up this game for my kids and their cousins. Can you help me out?

The game is a list of things that go together using the word "and". I give the beginning and they will have to write in the end match. I don't think they will be too hard but I will give them a set amount of time to see who can get the most completed. The winner will get a Valentine-themed prize!

Here is my list so far but I could use some more so if you can think of some, please let me know by leaving them in a comment. Feel free to use this game too. It would be fun for a Valentine party!

Happy 2008!

Jan. 2, 2008 • 8:07 AM

Throughout the New Year, and each step of the way,

May Christ be your portion, your joy and your stay.

With God's precious precepts your daily delight

To lead and encourage in paths that are right.

His "goodness and mercy," each day may you prove,

His comforting presence, His infinite love!

With richest compassions, each morning anew,

May multiplied mercies be showered on you!

"My cup runneth over," His grace so abounds,

That fullest enjoyment in Jesus is found.

"The Lord is my portion," this may your soul say,

And you will be happy each step of the way.

(wirtten by: Lois Beckwith)

Psalm 23:5,6: "My cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life."

May you and your family have a wonderful New Year!

Christmas Eve!

Dec. 28, 2007 • 3:23 PM

Christmas Eve was at our house this year. It was my mother's whole side of the family, (so my side- but the extended family). It was my mother's turn to host it but I told her we could have it at our house if she still helped me with food, preparations and clean-up,etc.  We started around 5pm with food!

We had ham, my homemade macaroni and cheese, 7 layer salad, and green bean casserole. Then we had a lot of appetizers (mini-quiches,party sprials, cheese ball, crab dip with crackers, veggie tray and dip), munchies (chips) and desserts (homemade pumpkin roll and banana bread, candies, cookies, chocolates)

We all had a lot of fun together!

Pappy played with a new toy with "Peanut"

My sister's husband and youngest son played checkers while others played different games throughout the house!

"Precious" recieved another baby doll! She loves them all!

"Princess" played her violin while my cousin's daughter played her viola. They were then also accompianied by my aunt on our piano.

Before the evening's end, "Precious" (who hadn't napped all day) fell fast asleep by Pappy!

...and to all a Goodnight!

The ALL of CHRISTmas!

Dec. 22, 2007 • 12:02 AM

 God grant you:

The light in Christmas, which is faith.

The warmth of Christmas, which is love.

The radiance of Christmas, which is purity.

The belief in Christmas, which is truth.

The ALL of Christmas, which is Christ!

-Wilda English

Merry Christmas!

The tree is like a pyramid!

Dec. 7, 2007 • 10:20 AM

The other night I was getting things ready for our Christmas Bazaar (that is tomorrow! I will post more about it later.) Anyway... My children were in the room off the kitchen watching a show in their pajamas. I heard their conversation which went something like this:

"The tree is green. The tree is a triangle shape. " (Can you tell we have a preschooler in the house!?) "Yeah, The tree is also like a pyramid."   "Hey, Let's make a pyramid."

"Mom, Come Quickly- bring your camera!"

I did...Here are the photos!

The littlest one wasn't too thrilled with this learning moment!

Merry Tossmas Video

Dec. 5, 2007 • 2:20 PM

I thought this video was well done on the topic of Happy Holidays vs. Merry Christmas. I never had a problem with "Happy Holidays" before. I used the phrase meaning "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! This was before a big issue was made over people not wanting to use "Merry Christmas!" Now they are taking it and using it to totally block out Christmas.  This video explains it well! Take a look and MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!:

Remember to stop the music playing on my sidebar on the left before pushing the play triange below!

Merry Tossmas (By Focus on the Family!)

Christmas Open House!

Dec. 4, 2007 • 4:14 PM

Tiany over at Less of Me- More of Him Blog is hoting a Holiday Open House! I have enjoyed looking through other participants Open Houses and thought I'd join in!

Here is our Holiday Open House!

We put up our Christmas Tree! It is artificial but I think it looks quite real. This tree is kind of special because it was the tree I put up as a child. Now, my children are putting up the same tree. Quite a different hand-me-down, right? Most of the ornaments one of us made or have some significance to our family.

This drum and bear sit under of tree every year. The drum is very special. My hubby made that drum when he was a boy!

Here is our nativity! This year it is on our mantle!

This next picture shows some special things, too! I like the lighted star candle with red berry garland. It is actually lit with a nightlight bulb- it's electric so it is on a lot and is safe with my little ones! I love Willow Tree figurines but these are the only ones I have. (They are on my Christmas Wish list! ). But the picture (on the wall) is special. It is actually a cross-stitch. It was done my my mother-in-law (my husband's mother). I remember being at their house before we were married and she was working on it. She went home to be with the Lord very unexpectedly about 20 months ago. This was the same week that our baby "Precious" was born. She did meet Precious before meeting the Lord! This picture reminds me of her and the how she raised the boy that I love and married!

We miss you Grandma!  Your Christian legacy is continuing on!

Merry Christmas to all!

Charlie Brown Christmas! What a Show!

Nov. 27, 2007 • 10:14 PM

Tonight we started getting things ready to decorate our home for the holiday season.  We pulled things out of the boxes and checked lights. We will not be able to put up our tree until this weekend because we like it to be a family event. My hubby's work schedule is too demanding this week so we are planning to do the tree this weekend.

Here are some of my helpers as I was checking out the lights:

Aren't they Dear?? Deer?

We watched "It's A Charlie Brown Christmas" on TV tonight too! This is such a great Christmas Show . I remember watching it when I was a kid. I am so glad they are still airing it!

From Lucy ice skating to her finding the word sister in the Bible, there are so many great scenes!

Here are some of my children's favorite parts from this show:

When they go to get a big tree and they get a really tiny one!

When Snoopy walks to his house and a Christmas tree shaped piece on the roof falls off

When Charlie Brown walks the dog

When they tell the real story of Christmas

When they decorate the Christmas tree

I like when they sing Hark the Herald Angels Sing (GLORY TO THE newborn KING!)

Check your local listings. I am sure it will be on again before Christmas. With all the Christmas shows out there, some are mediocore and some are just downright stupid. This one is definately an old-time favorite in our home!

The GIFT of Christmas Reading!

Nov. 26, 2007 • 4:13 PM

Well... I am STARTING to deck the halls here. This is the first year in this home. We moved here about 7 months ago so I am even more excited to decorate this year. We will be decorating all throughout this week. We are also doing A lot of Christmas crafting this year!! Even more than usual because we are doing a Homeschool Children's Christmas Bazaar within our local homeschool association. I think it will be a great experience. My children love making and doing crafts of all varieties. They are very creative and we have a lot of fun working together. I think it also encourages their creativity and strengthens their abilities! The Bazaar is for all homemade items especially by the children. The children are also to run their table(s), collecting the money and giving back change, etc. My children are excited to make their own Christmas shopping money (Without the need to do more chores to get this money!) They always wanted a lemonade stand so this is even better! We are also making some crafts and projects to give as gifts. I will post our crafts as we complete them. Maybe you will want to try some of them with your little ones!

Have a wonderful time Decking the Halls in your home! Post some photos and let me know. I'd love to stop by and see!

Here is an idea we did over the weekend:

Daily Christmas Reading- even more fun!

We usually pull the Christmas books off the shelf for Christmas reading.

Some for the younger children:

Some for the older children:

 Some Little Golden Books, too!:

One year I saw a friend of mine have theirs on display in a cute basket in their living room. I thought that was a neat thing to do. Then I thought how much more fun it would be to make the choosing anonymous by wrapping the books.

 The children take turns each day choosing a wrapped book. They get to unwrap it and that is the book we read! It makes it even more fun for the children! (They love this in our house!)

Plus it makes a really cute display, too! (You can use any basket or box, etc.)

Our Thanksgiving- Part 2

Nov. 24, 2007 • 1:28 PM

Friday wasn't Black for us at all! We had a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration with my hubby's side of the family. They all came to our home!

We spent the day preparing and then had a terrific evening enjoying a delicious meal and lots of fun together.

Here I am with My Baked Raspberry Brie. My hubby really liked it! (Yay!)

Here's my hubby basting the turkey to set on the table!

 Around the NEW table: (Sorry Pap, somehow you got cut off the picture!)

After the meal , and a quick clean-up (Thanks to all that pitched in!), we had a lot of fun just spending time together!

The little kids played games....

And the big kids  played games...

My hubby, his brothers and dad!

Cousin Cuties

Some even stopped by my blog and spent a little time on the computer!

Throw in some more games, a movie, reading our "Thankful Papers", playing with FLOAM.. even a small talent show ... PLUS having dessert and that was our Thanksgiving 2007!

Our Thanksgiving- Part 1

Nov. 24, 2007 • 1:16 PM

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Our family did!

We went to my parents' home on Thanksgiving Day. We had a traditional Thanksgiving meal and spent time with my side of the family!

Look at the turkey! No that is Pappy (my dad) carving the turkey!

After eating lunch....

... the kids made crafts and played BINGO for prizes! (Grandma always does this and the kids LOVE it!

Daddy and "precious" had a siesta!

Then... we had leftovers in sandwiches and headed home to get ready for another wonderful day of family celebration (tomorrow)!

Here's the whole crew... our 5 children and their 2 cousins!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Nov. 21, 2007 • 2:49 PM

Happy Thanksgiving!

The First Thanksgiving

When the Pilgrims first gathered together to share

with their Indian friends in the mild Autumn air,

they lifted their voices in jubilant praise

for the bread on the table, the berries and maize,

for field and for forest, for turkey and deer,

for the bountiful crops they were blessed with that year.

They were thankful for these as they feasted away,

and as they were thankful, we're thankful today!

- Jack Prelutsky