• May. 7, 2008
Wordless Wednesday/Bumper Stickers
The sticker my husband would like to put on our 15 passenger van:
here are some more:
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• May. 6, 2008
For us Tired Moms
I am feeling tired right now so I thought I'd post some links for tired moms! Have fun with them!
www.apparenting.com/
www.funnymom.ivillage.com/parenting/
www.fatiguebegone.com/tiredmomquiz.htm
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• May. 5, 2008
Meaningful Monday
Okay, so I have been slacking again with blogging. I have been really busy around here the past week and haven't really had time to sit and type anything out.
I wanted to share today about an epiphany I had Friday morning. It was a nice morning and not to cold outside so I decided to walk around our property for a little while before the kids woke up. I had time to really hear myself think. I realized how awful I had been to my children all week and how often I didn't spend time in prayer. I am such a busy mom that I-and I hate to admit it-don't always spend time with God and in the Word. I have become such a Martha lately, always thinking about all that I need to get done, who to delegate what task to, fixing meals, etc. I didn't take the time to follow Mary's example and spend time with the Lord in Word and in prayer. I really missed out on a blessing last week. I tried to accomplish everything in my own strength when I know that this body can only do so much when I am not focusing on my Lord.
So, this week I am setting a goal to make time for Him each day--even if I have to get up super early to do it.
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• Apr. 24, 2008
Update on our week
Tuesday my oldest and I cleaned and organized and put together the room she and DD #5 are sharing and did some laundry.
Wednesday I did some laundry and caught up the kitchen work. We had Awana that evening so I didn't get much accomplished.
Today, I dismantled the crib and took it outside for DH to diapose of. I also hauled out some of our storage tubs to be put in the our storage building. DD #5 was in charge of cleaning the floor in the multipurpose room while I was doing laundry ( still doing laundry right now-it is amazing how much dirty laundry little girls can accumulate in just three weeks in their bedroom).
Tomorrow I will hopefully finish the multipurpose room ( which houses our computer, our school things, and the shelves known as our pantry). I would also like to get the Mount Laundry completely finished. LOL
I am thankful for the nicer weather that has enabled me to make use of our clothes lines. I actually enjoy hanging clothes on the line and taking them down. It is the one job I don't feel like delegating!
I am wondering where all this energy is coming from-not complaining though as it will probably be awhile before I am able to just concentrate on the house.
Need to get going-dinner dishes are waiting!
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• Apr. 21, 2008
Monday Madness
I don't have much time to post today. We are in the process of some major rearranging and housecleaning right now. So far we have moved the girls things--everything--downstairs and moved mine and DH's things upstairs. We still need to take down the crib in the other downstairs room and clean and organize that room and put bed, etc. in for my oldest DD who will be sharing with DD #5. DDs 2, 3, and 4 are sharing the other downstairs room. All of this so DH and I can can be more aware of what is going on. Will be cleaning up computer/school/multipurpose room and doing laundry most of the day tomorrow. It really has been madness around here today! I cannot wait to have everything in place and get back to doing school again. Have a great evening all! 
I'm going to get back at it!
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• Apr. 18, 2008
I have been..
I've been taking a break from blogging this week. Hopefully I will be back at it next week! Hope everyone had a great week!
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• Apr. 12, 2008
HSB Front Porch contest
The HSB Front Porch is having a contest and you can win a $50 gift certificate just for blogging about The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Spring Promo before midnight April 30, 2008. Subscribe now to The Old Schoolhouse Magazine and receive 25 BONUS gifts valued at over $550! The Winter Promo sold out, don't miss out on the free gifts this time!
They are also giving away a $150 gift certificate to the Schoolhouse Store. All print subscribers (new or renewing) between April 3 - 30, 2008 will be automatically entered into a drawing. No purchase neccessary to win. To enter without subscribing, please send a postcard with your name, address, telephone number, and email address to:
The Old Schoolhouse Magazine Spring Promo Contest
PO BOX 8426
Gray, TN 37615
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• Apr. 11, 2008
Faithful Friday/ The Easy Button
I am sure we are all familiar with the Staples easy button commercial. Do you ever wonder what it would be like to have one that really worked? What would your easy button do for you? Laundry? Dishes? Sleep in? Clean up after sick children? Break up sibling arguments before they become blood baths?
I often-too often-let myself wonder what life would be like if I only had X number of kids or X amount of work to be done in a day. The reality of it all is that right now, I have five daughters-whom I love deeply-and only have so much time in a day to do all that I can before the sun goes down. I often do not complete everything on my "to do" list.
There is another "button", if you will, that can help us in this busy life. Not so much a button though. Does the name Jesus Christ sound familiar? He did so much for us in the 33 years that He walked this earth. His gift to us is salvation. With that salvation comes peace, hope, joy and so much more. While life still isn't a smooth ride, with Christ I have assurance that whatever I do in His name will not be in vain. So while I may not always complete everything that I set out to in a day, I can know that I have done all that He has set out for me to accomplish in a day. He is my "easy button".
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• Apr. 11, 2008
Thankful Thursday/Mom's ALL Night Out
Our homeschool group has a Mom's night out at least once a month. This month it is a Mom's ALL Night Out at another mom's home. I am really excited about this opportunity to really get to know the other moms better and to pick their brains and share together.
What about the girls, one might ask, who will watch them? Dad will of course! For all that I do in a month, I only ask for one night out of every month to get together with other moms of like mind. It is my "me" time, if you will. I always come home encouraged from these events and refreshed as well.
I am thankful for the times I am able to refresh, renew, and refocus on the most important things in life.
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• Apr. 9, 2008
Wordless Wednesday
Hands on learning at its best.
"Give me some!"
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• Apr. 9, 2008
Tuesday's Thoughts/10 Keys to Homeschool Success
I received this article in an e-mail and thought I would share it. It serves as a reminder of the goals I have set as a homeschool wife and mother.
Many mothers seem to struggle with homeschooling. They obviously have the desire to be a help to their husband in this area, but as the family grows, they can't figure out how to "fit it all in." I hope these tips can help someone (1 Corinthians 14:40).
1. Have time with the Lord
Lamentations 3:23
Get up at the scheduled time, before the children wake. This is an absolute necessity if you are going to have a successful day. If you examine your "good" days versus your "bad" days, you'll find that you started your "good" days communicating with the Lord. Honor the Lord first of all, then put your first load of clothes in the washing machine.
2. Don't teach your children slothfulness
Proverbs 19:15
Get the children up at the scheduled time. There is no place for "sleeping in." There may be a cause for an "hour delay" due to an unforeseen late night the night before. This should be the exception and not the rule. The earlier you start school, the earlier you finish.
3. Reward good behavior
Psalm 18:20
Offer incentives for chores done promptly. We use a sticker system. Twenty-five stickers earn a tool for the boys. The girls combine theirs for a DVD that Dad and Mom approve of.
4. Approach school time with purpose
Isaiah 46:11b
Start school with prayer and Bible, and work on school only at the scheduled time. Use a family-friendly curriculum. Many subjects can be taught together. Older children should be disciplined enough to do their schoolwork alone, with occasional help. When older children have a schedule to go by for chores and schoolwork, they shouldn't have to interrupt Mom while she is teaching and helping the little ones. Don't answer the phone during school time. Invest in an answering machine if you do not have one.
5. Bring order through discipline
Proverbs 13:24
Keep the schooling environment orderly. Limit the activity of little ones during school time. For example, don't allow drinks except at break time. If there are two or three floors, everyone should stay on same floor (a gate is helpful). Children should know their boundaries. Yes, little ones like to be with Mom. They can play with blocks at your feet or sit on your lap and play quietly while you teach.
6. Finish what you start
Acts 20:24
On your scheduled break, you can have chore inspection and catch-up time.
- Unfinished chores can be completed at the loss of break time.
- When nursing a baby, schedule breaks at nursing time, or nurse the baby before school and after school.
- Many nursing babies can take a nap during school time.
- Provide a snack.
- Start back up on time.
7. Don't let household tasks interfere
Luke 16:1
Housecleaning, cooking, folding laundry, yard work, supper preparation, and other household projects should all take place before and after school time. Many of the housekeeping tasks should be delegated to responsible children. Take time while children are young to teach housekeeping tasks one-on-one so that they can do these chores well as they become older.
8. Use school time only for school tasks
Don't try to work in the kitchen or get laundry in during school time, and don't schedule appointments during school time. School time should only be school time. Dentists, doctors, and orthodontists want your business, and they will work with you. Our dentist will schedule our whole family in one afternoon if needed, and we have a family of ten! If you leave your place during school time, you can't expect others to stay where they should be. Have children do their instrument practice as part of their individual schedules before or after school time, not during it.
9. Enjoy your family
Psalm 128:2
When schoolwork is caught up and chores are all finished, set aside one night a week to watch a video or DVD.
10. Reverence your husband
Ephesians 5:33b
Work at putting your husband first. The children need to know he is number one in your life. Have a time each day just to converse with him alone, with no interruptions. If your husband works at home or works irregular hours, do not schedule his time. He must oversee all that you schedule, because he will have to answer to God for how he has taught and trained his children to walk in the right paths.
Many moms don't want to be so rigid. Balance is essential in a homeschooling family, and as a whole, our weakness is not being scheduled enough. Our family, friends, and neighbors often watch us, criticize us, and laugh at us because of our lack of commitment to the very task we preach about.
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• Apr. 7, 2008
Money Matters Monday
In these times of rising prices on almost everything we need, I am always looking for ways to help stretch my husband's income. Being a stay at home mom of a large family has forced me to become creative in many ways, espescially in the area of stretching our budget. I have learned to make my own laundry soap,cook almost all of our meals from scratch, use the air conditioner as little as possible, and many other things. I do most of our grocery shopping at Aldi and sometimes utilize the Angel Food Ministries program if they have things we use. We stay home more and find things to do at home-board games, play outside, etc. Here are some links I have found useful.
http://www.stretcher.com/menu/topic-g.htm#groceriesandfood
http://www.christian-homemaking.com/
http://www.oldfashionedhomemaking.com/
http://www.achristianhome.com/
http://www.merrymaids.com/cleaningtips/
http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/heloise/cleaning/house-cleaning-guide-feb06
http://www.pagespersonalcleaning.net/house_cleaning_tips.htm
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• Apr. 4, 2008
Faithful Friday/Getting Back Up Again
"Lord, I have failed you again! I have raised my voice at the children, I have been unkind to my husband..."
Have you ever been at that point in your life like you feel you just cannot get back up and do what must be done each day? Feel Like you have failed miserably and there must be no way God will forgive you AGAIN and definitely no way you can pick yourself up and move on?
Let me assure you, our God is merciful and quick to forgive and forget. When we have asked His forgiveness, we have assurance in His Word that we are forgiven. We must remember to leave whatever it is we have done at His feet and move on trusting Him for a better tomorrow.
Let me leave you with some verses to encourage you that I also find encouraging.
Job 5:19, “He shall deliver thee in six troubles; yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee.”
Psalm 37:23-24, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.”
Psalm 40:2-3, “He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, and out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.” You don’t have to stay in your pit of despair. Put your hand up to the Lord He will take hold of it and pull you out, no matter how far you have sunk in the mud and the mire. He will do more than that. He will put a new song in your mouth. People will not only see it, they will see the joy on your face.
Proverbs 24:16, “A just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again.” Is it just the wicked who fall? No. it is the godly also. You don’t have to feel a failure for falling—as long as you get up again! The NLT translates is, “They may trip seven times, and each time they will arise.” Take heart from these words. I want you read them again… “each time they will arise.” Each time you will arise too.
Micah 7:8, “Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall I shall arise: when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me.”
In Him, Susan
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• Apr. 3, 2008
Thankful Thursday/Happy Birthday, DD!
Today is DD number two's ninth birthday. She is such a blessing from God in so many ways. She has a sensitive, servants heart. While we clash a lot due to being similar in personalities, she is a blessing and I am thankful to God for entrusting me with her care. Happy Birthday, DD! I love you!
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• Apr. 2, 2008
Wordless Wednesday/Homeschooling and Socialization
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• Apr. 1, 2008
Tuesday's Thoughts/Something to think about
As a born again, believer in Jesus Christ-my Savior, I know that God's Word-the Holy Bible- tells us there is only ONE way to heaven which is through Jesus Christ. He says that no one will "come to the Father except through ME" through Him.
What really concerns me is those who have not read the Bible or who do not want to let God be the ruler of their lives are choosing to follow the teachings of humans who teach that there is more than one way.
I just viewed a video that is really disturbing to me at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JW4LLwkgmqA&feature=email
This is how cults get started. Someone with money and power decides they don't like what Christianity is about and what comes with being a follower of Christ entails decides to spread their own personal, human form of religion--the makes me feel good about me just the way I am and I don't have to change anything to be apart of this religion. If you don't leave church feeling convicted in some way, I suggest you examine your faith and who it is you are putting your faith in. There is always room for improvement in our lives.
No one is perfect-everyone sins. I have comfort knowing that I have been saved by Jesus Christ-who was God in the flesh-who lived to the age of 33 when He gave His life for ALL of us. The ultimate sacrifice. Was there ever another who lived a sinless life then died for all and rose again-who conquered death? I do not think so.
Oprah mentions the scripture that tells us that God is a jealous God and she is right. Her interpretation, however, is wrong. God becomes jealous when we begin to serve other lesser gods-money, cults, television,idols, anything that will take our focus off of him and brings us back into a life of sin. We may work our whole lives to get all the things we have ever wanted and can be the perfect person-be a good person-but if we loose our souls in the process, what good is it?Here is a link worth checking out http://www.gotquestions.org/jealous-God. The next two paragraphs are excerpts from that website.
"Exodus 20:4-5 says, "You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God..." Notice that in this verse God is talking about being jealous if someone gives something that belongs to Him to another.
Perhaps a practical example will help us to understand the difference. If a husband sees another man flirting with his wife, he is right to be jealous, for only he has the right to flirt with his wife. This type of jealousy is not sinful. Rather, it is entirely appropriate. Being jealous for something that belongs to you is good and appropriate. Jealousy is a sin when it is a desire for something that does not belong to you. Worship, praise, honor, and adoration belong to God alone, for only He is truly worthy of it. Therefore, God is rightly jealous when worship, praise, honor, or adoration is given to idols. This is precisely the jealousy the Apostle Paul described in 2 Corinthians 11:2, "I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy...""
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• Mar. 31, 2008
SoCalVal is having a contest!
SoCalVal is having a contest-the prize being a 25$ gift card to Amazon.com! Give her a visit and check it out! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/socalval/504758/?#c1010561
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• Mar. 31, 2008
Monday Fun Day/Spring
Now that Spring is here--although it may not feel like somedays, depending on where you live--I thought I would post some links for things related to Spring. Hope someone finds them helpful!
www.abcteach.com/directory/seasonalseasons/spring/
www.dltk-holidays.com/spring/printables.htm
www.familyfun.go.com/printables/craft-templates/
www.atozteacherstuff.com/Themes/Spring/
www.printactivities.com/Seasonal_
www.activityvillage.co.uk/spring.htm
www.homeschooling.about.com/od/holidays/ss/springprint.htm
www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/spring/
www.crafts.kaboose.com/holidays/seasons/spring/
www.theteacherscorner.net/seasonal/spring/index.htm
www.geocities.com/Heartland/Valley/8966/spring.html
www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/spring/index.html
www.resources.kaboose.com/games/spring-online-games.html
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• Mar. 31, 2008
Faithful Friday/Facing Our Challenges (posted on Monday)
There are days I wake up and think that there is no way that I will get through the tasks that lay ahead of me. The numerous little things that need to be done outweigh the time I have to complete them. There are so many human excuses I can come up with as to why I can not possibly complete all that lies ahead of me. I have to remember then that I must draw my strength from the One Who has called me to all I have to do. He knows my weak areas-areas that I need to grow in. That is why He has called me to what it is that I am doing. Let us daily remember to draw our strength from our Maker and Creator so we will not grow faint. When we are failing, let us return to His arms and draw our strength from Him.
The following is written by Nancy Campbell of Above Rubies ministries.
John 18:4, “Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?”
Jesus knew what He had to face. He had just come from the Garden of Gethsemane where he sweat drops of blood in agony of facing the cruel cross and taking upon himself the sins of the world. He prayed that his Father would take “this cup” away from him. But knowing all he would face, he went forth. He went forth to face the agony. He didn’t hold back.
This is a challenge to me. We will never have to face what Jesus faced. But what do we do about the problems we have to face each day? Do we cringe from them? Do we turn a blind eye so we don’t even have to face them? Or do we go into depression and self-pity?
Perhaps you find it hard to get up out of bed and even face going out to the kitchen each morning. Do you have a hard time facing dishes, the big pile of laundry, or that room that is in such a mess? Can I encourage you to get up and “go forth”, even as Jesus did.
Tackle your task little by little. Don’t think you have to do the whole overwhelming task all at once. Make a start, and keep going until you finish
Perhaps you are facing a huge challenge in your life—a mountain that looks impossible in front of you. Mountains look impossible to us, but they are nothing to God. Go forth in His name and His power. I think of a chorus that we used to sing as young people.
Got any rivers you think are uncrossable?
Got any mountains you can't tunnel through?
God specializes in things thought impossible;
And He can do what no other can do.
It wasn’t until recently that I found out that the source of this chorus came from the Panama Canal builders who faced a nearly impossible task and where well over 25,000 people died in the building of it.
You may be facing a raging battle in your life. It seems too much for you. It is bigger than what you can handle. Don’t look at the bigness. God is with you. He will handle it for you.
Read the instructions God give to the Israelites when they faced battles and armies who were far bigger than them. In Deuteronomy 20:1-9 He tells them not to be afraid because He will be with them. “There must be no faint hearts among you, no flinching, no yielding, no trembling …”
Of course you can’t win this battle on your own, but God will fight for you. Trust Him. Go into the battle, not in your own strength, but trusting totally in God.
The name of God is a noun, but God is also a verb. Jesus said in John 5:17, “My Father worketh, and I work.” God, who lives in you by His Holy Spirit, wants to work in you to do His will. Philippians 2:13 says, “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”
Will you allow Him to work in you? Will you allow Him to “go forth” in you? He will face your problems with you. He will go with you. He will help you.
Perhaps you are facing a cross. Can I encourage you to embrace your cross and go forth! Go forth by faith! Go forth, knowing that Jesus lives in you. He has faced more than you will ever face and He lives in you. He wants to live His in life in you. He is in you to help you. You can go forth in His name.
Love from NANCY CAMPBELL
PRAYER:
“Father, I thank you that you are with me. I pray that you will work in me and help me to go forth to do the tasks that you have given me to do. Help me to trust in you as I face my problems. Amen.
AFFIRMATION:
We rest on Thee, our Shield and our Defender!
We go not forth alone against the foe;
Strong in Thy strength, safe in Thy keeping tender,
We rest on Thee, and in Thy Name we go.
And needing more each day Thy grace to know:
Yet from our hearts a song of triumph pealing,
We rest on Thee, and in Thy Name we go.
P.S. The above words are an excerpt from the hymn which the five missionaries sang before entering the Ecuadorian jungle to bring the Gospel to the Auca Indians over 50 years ago. Their names were Nate Saint, Ed McCully, Jim Elliott, Roger Yoderian, and Peter Fleming. After reaching the Aucas, the Indians murdered them on the Curaray River. (January 1956) The hymn comes from the Scripture in 2 Chronicles 14:11 where Asa faced an Ethiopian army of one miillion men. He cried out to God, “Lord, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power; help us, O Lord our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O Lord, thou art our God; let no man prevail against thee.”
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• Mar. 27, 2008
Thankful Thursday/ DH is coming home today!
Today I am thankful that my DH is coming home from his overnight, work related trip. I just do not sleep very well without my husband at home. I am so tired this morning and cannot wait until he comes back! It is these short trips he has to take for work that remind me just how much I love my man! Not saying I couldn't make it without him-I just wouldn't do it by choice! Maybe I am just weird but after sharing the same bed for seven years I just can't sleep easily when he is gone. Have a wonderful Thursday everyone!
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