I have an old 1961 Betty Crocker cookbook.  I have been given Martha Stewart, Pampered Chef and numerous other cookbooks and my old tattered one is still my absolute favorite.  It was written back in the day before cake mixes and microwaves.  All of the recipes use REAL ingredients and give good detailed instructions on how to cook from scratch.  It is so cute, it even has tips for the hard working mother and sample menus including one from Caroline Kennedy's birthday party.  I use this book a lot and even more so lately with trying to stretch the family food budget.  It seems to be that the old fashioned recipes are so much better than all their modern day, convenient counterparts.  Tonight I made a cheeseburger pie.  This recipe is so inexpensive and a real kid pleaser.  So here it is:

Cheeseburger Pie

 

One 9” pie crust

Filling:

1 lb ground beef

½ tsp oregano

1 tsp salt

¼ tsp pepper

¼ C chopped onion

½ C bread crumbs

8 oz tomato sauce

Cheese Topping:

8 oz shredded cheddar cheese

1 egg

¼ C milk

½ tsp each salt, dry mustard, Worcestershire sauce

 

Heat oven to 425.  Place crust in pie pan.  Brown beef; drain.  Mix in rest of ingredients for the filling.  Spread in pie crust.  Mix ingredients for topping.  Spread over filling.  Bake 30 minutes.

I like to serve this with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced pickles and any other cheeseburger toppings.  Then people can top theirs with whatever they want or just eat it plain. 

If you try this recipe, drop me a line and let me know what you think.  Or if you have any old school frugal recipes, feel free to share!

Dawn

I always use the summer to prep and plan for the next school year.  One of the things that I am trying to organize in our home is learning centers.  Have you ever visited a really organized classroom?  Usually they have learning centers all around the room.  One area has all the music stuff, one area for art.  A reading corner and a dress up box.  My home is not very big so this is the perfect way for us create an atmosphere of learning without having school take over the whole house.  We already have our music table and I have an entire bookshelf dedicated to all of our notebooks and supplies for notebooking.  We have a shelf for all our puzzles right next to the coffee table where we build them.  The possibilities are endless, all you have to do is group things together and give some space to use them.  I encourage you to set up some learning centers around your home and encourage a lifestyle of learning in your children.

Dawn

I think I mentioned in a previous post that I have been using the evenings to get some writing done.  I am usually gone at work anyway, so my husband doesn't have a problem with me being gone.  When he gets home from work, I go out and put in some applications and then when I'm done, I take some time to work toward my future home business.  So, here I am sitting outside at Starbucks, with my favorite drink a venti vanilla creme syrup frappucino (perfect on a hot summer night!) and clicking away at my laptop.   Does it get any better than this?   The best part, no guilt.  Sure I can't do this every night and hopefully I will get to a system where I am able to fit writing into my normal everyday routine so I don't have to get out of the house to do it.  But for now, since I am not working outside the home, I can invest this time to make some money for my family in the future while giving myself some much needed down time, able to do something that makes me feel like a grown up woman, not just a fun mommy and dutiful wife.  What a pleasure this is, and believe me I am thanking God for it. 

Dawn

I had jury duty today.  I got the summons months ago and tried to get an excuse due to the fact that I homeschool.  I got a postponement until the summer.  They are not accepting excuses as easily as they used to because honestly, if they did, who would serve?  Everyone immediately tries to get out of it as soon as they get that envelope in the mail.  I fully understand the hardship that it could create to be placed on a jury for weeks or months, but our county does the one day or one trial system.  If you are not assigned to a jury (12 people out of 80) the day that you come in, you are done for at least a year.   When they are doing the jury selection you have an opportunity to let the judge know of anything that would hinder you from being able to be assigned to the jury for any length of time.  Despite how much they try not to make it an inconvenience, only 40 percent of the people that receive a summons actually show up.  I think it is such a shame that so many people complain and do whatever they can to get out of performing their civic duty.  Yes, I do know that it can create a real hardship for some people.  I know that if my husband was an hourly employee and had to miss two weeks of work, we would truly suffer,  I also know that there are people out there that could make it work, but don't even try.  And for the most part, we are talking about one day.  You go in for your one day, and if you actually get picked,well, jump off that bridge when you get to it!  It just saddens me to think that peoples first response is, "no way, can't do it.", rather than, "hmm, how could I make it work"  After all, if everyone immediately requested an excuse, who would be on the juries?  I know that if I am ever put on trial for something, I am thankful that I would have a jury of my peers instead of one person deciding my fate, or even presumed guilt.  We always get puffed up with pride about our democracy, a just, fair judicial system, of the people, by the people, for the people.  Until we are asked to be the people who are making it work, by paying taxes or serving on a jury.  United we stand, until it inconveniences us.  What a shame.  I know I was convicted when I received my notice letting me know that my service was postponed until the summer.  School would no longer be an issue, but I still have the kids home with me and my husband takes our only car into work.  I knew it would be difficult, but I also knew that if it was something that I wanted to do, I would find a way, why should this be any different?  They do have childcare at most courthouses these days, and as much as I am not thrilled with the idea of leaving my kids with strangers, at least I know these are government officials, certified in childcare, have had fingerprinting, background checks, the whole deal.  I also realized that we are always preaching about how life itself is the best classroom,  We can learn more from real life experiences than any textbook.  Why should this be any different?  I can have my children read about our trial by jury system, or I can have them watch as I live it out.  Having the opportunity to show them how the process works and how if we all do our part we can truly be a part of making justice happen.  Well, I was able to work out the details for my day, and after being there for 3 hours, I was dismissed.  But as for next time I receive that dreaded summons, I won't sigh and wonder how I can get out of it, I will be excited for another opportunity to serve and learn with my children.  I encourage you to do the same.

Dawn

The MOMs group from church is meeting at my house every week this summer to fellowship and go through the book Professionalizing Motherhood by Jill Savage.  Some of you may be familiar with Jill and her organization Hearts at Home (www.heartsathome.org)  I really enjoyed this book and was pleased to introduce it to the ladies as a really good broad overview of our jobs as moms.  It is such an encouragement to realize our full value!  Jill really challenges us to look at our high calling as we would any profession--with pride, determination, and passion!  She also gives tons of practical advice--like a how to book for the professional mother.  If you have not read it, I recommend you get a copy.  A couple of my friends said they got their copies on amazon for about a dollar!  If you have read it, drop me a line and let me know how you liked it!

I know I have shared here previously about our family's financial struggles.  For the past 6 years, I have been working part time in the evenings to help supplement the family income.  Well, a month ago I quit my job!!  It was a long time coming, but was a very sudden thing.  Paul was soooo supportive and was willing to accept whatever circumstances we were in.  We did the numbers and saw that there is no way that I can just stop working completely, but figured that it would be better for me to get something local (I was driving 45 minutes and with the gas prices, well...).  I started applying to all the places in our neighborhood that are open late and so far nothing.  Unfortunately, it doesn't help that this is the time of the year that the school kids are able to work and so most places I have looked are fully staffed.  Praise the Lord that as always He has provided.  I had two vacations that I had not taken so my last check was able to start us out on the right foot, then we had a return on an investment in time to help cover some expenses.  I was able to write the tithe check this morning in full confidence that we will survive!  I'm sure if not sooner, I'm sure I will find something when the school year starts up again.  In the meantime I am pursuing a dream that I have been desiring for awhile, but did not know how I would find the time.  Amazing how these things seem to work out.  What I have been doing is when Paul gets home from work, I head out and put in applications.  When it gets late, rather than head home I find a cozy spot and do some writing.  We agreed that I normally wouldn't be home anyway, it is not a big deal that I am gone.  I am able to invest some time that I never would have imagined I would have.  I truly hope it will turn out to be an investment that will reap generous benefits.  I would love to be able to have a writing business that would provide that supplemental income that we need, then I wouldn't need to worry about finding that job.  So, all that to say, stay tuned for my upcoming products.  I am going to be starting with two main resources.  The first one is character studies for kids.  These will be all inclusive, cross-curricular studies to help children grow in their relationship with Christ and become more like Him.  The second thing I am excited about is inductive Bible studies for kids.  All of the studies that I have seen are so basic.  These will be really in depth to help children really interpret the text and learn how to apply it personally.  I had been looking for something like these for awhile and had no luck at all so I decided to write them myself.  I am eagerly anticipating introducing them for moms just like me!  Keep an eye on this site for more info!

Dawn 

Wow!  It has been a long time since I have posted.  I have been going through kind of a dry spell lately.  About a week ago I finally made the connection that my devotional life has been inconsistent and it is making my life the same.  You know, garbage in, garbage out.  So that explains why I have had no urge to write anything on here.  I have nothing to give when I have not received from Him.  So, I've been trying to get back into the swing of things.  I feel like I am finally getting back to normal.  It is funny how it is so easy to fall into bad habits and neglect something so important, but it is so difficult to get into the habit of doing something that we were created to do.  The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.  And I have been spending too much time feeding my flesh and making it stronger.  In order for my flesh to win the battle I need to feed and fuel it on a regular basis.  I have some good studies I am doing and a cool moms devotional Bible, I just need to be more disciplined to start my day with Lord everyday and to not forsake my relationship with Him for anything.  I will try to journal my journey here.

Wow, it is amazing how one week of being sick can throw everything for a loop.  I was pretty out of it, and started feeling a little bit better on Saturday.  On Monday, I was basically back to normal.  Except after being in bed for a week straight, it's kind of hard to get back into the normal high pace of life around here.  We still had a somewhat busy week for our wrap up of school.  Tuesday we went to Sea World which was a lot of fun.  Wednesday we went out to visit my MIL at her new home, then we went to see Prince Caspian.  Thursday was the last day of school and there was a end of the year party at the local Mulligans Family Fun Center.  DH took the day off and went with us, which made it even more fun!!  So, today was our first official day of summer break and we sure took advantage of it.  I spent most of the day watching TV, as did the kids, in addition to playing video games.  So, I'd say it's about time to get back to normal and get some things done around here! 

My friend Lori Pearce over at Planted Oaks and Little Acorns (http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/PearceFamily) has put this fun quiz on her blog and invited me to do the same.  If you want to participate, put it on your blog and then leave me a comment to let me know to check it out. 

1) Do you take the summers off or just keep going?

      Usually we do take it off, but this year we are going to keep schooling for two reasons: 1)We are behind in our units and need to get caught up and 2)I would rather school through the summer when it is too hot to go outside anyway and then take some extra days off in the cooler months.

2) Do you use summers to make up work if you planned to have summers off?

          Yes, usually they have a few lessons left in their math book so we do them periodically during the summer.  I found that also helps keep it fresh so they don't forget everything before the next school year.

3) Do you have vacation plans?

           Unfortunately no.  Paul had to take one of his weeks vacation for us to have the car available for the week the kids had testing.  SO, each day after testing we got out and did some fun things, and that was our vacation.  That is what we usually do, we don't have the money to go out of town.

4) If you are taking a vacation is it for fun or for learning or both?

        Not this year, but I would love to go to Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, the Alamo, Gettysburg, and a million other places.  Best vacations I can imagine!

5) Do your children know your school year plan?

          Yes.

         How do they feel about it?   They're not too happy about working through the summer (like it is such grueling work!)  but I know they will be happy in the fall and winter.

         How do they feel about changes to it?  They pretty much go with the flow--one they've learned for sure is to be adaptable.

6) Do you do fun educational stuff as opposed to regular school work for the summer - or any other time of the year for some reason?

             We try to do fun things all year, we don't do much of what would be called "regular" school work.

7) Since it is public school summer break do you include neighborhood kids or friends in any of the things you do with your kids?

             There are literally no kids in our neighborhood, but we do invite friends over and include them in whatever we are doing, usually do crafts when we have guests.

8) Is your school fun- for you?  Yes, it would be more fun if I would learn alongside them and didn't get distracted by other things.

        for kids-?  Yes, definitely compared to when we first started out.  And yet, they still find cause to complain!!

9) Or is it stressful?

     If it's stressful, what things would you like to change if possible? 

          It is only stressful when they sleep in, or don't get their morning routines done quickly, one person can put everyone off schedule and then there is pressure to fit everything in a short amount of time rather than relaxingly learning at your own pace.

10) What are some things you have done or need to do to achieve a balance so everyone can enjoy the homeschool experience?

             What I have done: adjust our schedule to accommodate my pre-teen, could sleep til noon daughter; made more independent work rather than group work; out Bible study as first priority even if nothing else gets done.

             What I need to do: read more!!!  I would like to be reading about 2 hours a day, even if we get nothing else done; have consequences for not being ready on time or finishing on time; devote myself to sit down and learn with them instead of giving into the temptation to get up and do something else

11) What is your favorite all time homeschool memory?

             It was just a couple weekends ago when we went to a Civil War reenactment.  It was a blast and seeing my kids get excited about it (and not complain that they had to spend their Sunday "learning") was the best part.

12)What is your ultimate homeschool fantasy- "memory yet to make" if you will?

                      Pretty simple.  To have the kids have glorious notebooks that they enjoy filling and looking through, and that they share with people all the time!

13) What is your favorite subject to teach?

                     Used to be math, but now I starting to enjoy language arts and history, and fine arts.  And I really like teaching Spanish, and nature.  Basically everything except physical science.

14)  What is your children's favorite subject?

                             Taylor-math  Anthony-history  Christian-reading

                           

15)  What curriculum do you use?

                              None--we use living books and unit studies

16) What is your favorite curriculum current, past or future? 

                   None.  Except for math I like Excel because it gives a variety of exercises per lesson and it has self-check

17) Do you ever attend any homeschool conventions?

              A couple that we offered by our charter school and this year the Ultimate Homeschool Expo (see my post below)

       Why or why not?

                If I can afford it and I have a babysitter, I'm there.   I can always use more ideas and encouragement.

18) When do you start school for next year?

               The third week in August.

19)  When do you plan for next year?

                    I will spend the whole summer planning all of the lesson plans for the whole school year. 

20) What is one tip or piece of advice you would give to a new homeschooling mom?

              This does not have to be complicated or expensive.  Your kids will get more out of good books than any curriculum out there.  First priority, study your Bible, second priority read good books, fit everything else in somewhere after that.  Keep things simple--to learn to read-read, to learn to write-write.  (Okay that was more than one tip, but I can't help it!!)

We have been so sick here.  I don't know if anyone else has got this feverish, headache, feel like you are going to die if you move thing that is going around, but it is not pretty.  I have pretty much been in bed for the last 48 hours, and for anything to knock me out like that is pretty vicious.  The kids have all got it too, but not as bad, and theirs was no more than 24 hours, praise God!   So, anyway, today I am doing a little better and have been able to  keep my eyes open for more than 15 minutes, so I decided to post a quick idea here. 

I'm sure most of you, like me, have a whole bunch of tote bags.  I've gotten them from retreats, conferences, gifts.  A while back I decided to put all of my morning Bible stuff in one bag, afternoon in a separate bag, and evening items in one more.  This has worked really good for me because not only can I take the bag and go into the living room, dining room, or on the front porch to do my devotions/study/reading/prayer.   But also, if we go somewhere and I have a rough morning I can just grab my bag and go, and then try to sneak some time in later.  This works especially well in the evening, since some nights I go to work, so I can just grab my bag and take it into work and do my reading on my break.  I have everything I need: Bible, pens, highlighter, prayer journal, index cards, books, etc.  And it really helped this weekend when I could barely move to be able to just grab one of my bags and get a little time in the Word without having to search for everything.  This has worked so well for me, I thought someone else might be able to use the idea.

Hopefully it makes sense and is not just incoherent babble.  I'll be back when my brain is fully functional again!

Dawn

Well I received an unexpected blessing today.  Wednesday is Paul's day off so I usually let him sleep in.  Today when he got up I asked him how he would feel about taking the kids to the park and leaving me here by myself for a little while.  I didn't get to do my usual housecleaning on Friday and I felt like it was just disgusting!  He thought it would be fun, so I packed them a little picnic and they took off!  After enjoying my lunch with no distractions, I got to cleaning.  I follow Flylady's system (link to the right), so my housecleaning mainly consists of cleaning the glass, dusting and cleaning the floors.  It was amazing how quickly I was able to get this done with no one interrupting or coming behind me making more messes.  And just with these three things, the difference was unbelievable.  I feel like I can breathe again.  I guess when they were leaving the park, Ian started to cry, and Paul told him that they would try to come every week.  I could get used to that!

I am sitting here in disbelief that we only have 1 1/2 more weeks of school left!  Technically, our last day is the 29th, but you know how the last week is--Monday is Memorial Day, Tuesday we are going to Sea World, Wednesday we are going to see Prince Caspian, and Thursday is the end of the year party at the local Mulligans (family fun center-arcade, bumper boats, mini golf, etc).  So we are kind of calling the 23rd our official last day.  As I think about that, I can't help but feel overwhelmed.  I have a huge stack of books and papers that my 6yo is lacking, which I am going to try to get caught up on tomorrow.  This year we started Galloping the Globe-a unit study with each unit being a different country.  Our plan was to do half of it this year, and half next year and then move on to the United States.  Well, we are going to be scrambling just to finish Asia by the end of the school year.  So, I already informed the kiddos that we will be schooling through the summer.  We are pretty much home anyway, since DH takes our only vehicle to work.  The way I see it, I'd rather do work through the summer when it is too hot to go outside anyway, and then have more flexibility when the cooler months come around.  So, it looks like I will have plenty to report through the summer!!

Around here everything is buzzing with Mothers Day madness.  The TV commercials, the stores, the conversations.  It all got me thinking about this day and our expectations.  I think so many of us (myself included) approach Mothers Day with a handful of expectations.  And you know what they say, expectations-reality=disappointment.   Have you ever been disappointed because things did not turn out as you expected on Mothers Day?  Sometimes our husband and kids have different ideas of what makes a great day for mom.  Maybe you want to go out to dinner, and your husband doesn't want to deal with the crowds.  Perhaps he wants to make you dinner, but you think frozen pizza is cheating and he should have to spend hours in the kitchen.  You've had your eye on a beautiful necklace for months and he thought it would be nice to do something with you instead of purchasing a gift.  Maybe you want him to take time and effort in doing something nice for you, like detailing your car and instead he brings home flowers(and you complain that he wasted money on something that is just going to die in a week).  He thought it would be nice to get a babysitter so you could have some time alone, and you get upset because you want to spend the day with the kids.  Perhaps you want him to take control and plan a really special day for you, and he is sitting back waiting for you to tell him what you want.  Well, our husbands are not mind readers and won't know what we want if we don't tell them.  I encourage you to be bold and tell your husband what you would like.  If you have a particular gift in mind, tell him and make his shopping a lot easier.  If you know the budget is tight, and would rather he spend time with you or perform an act of service, tell him.  You will be amazed at how much men appreciate it when we just tell them what we want.  Now, here is the catch.  You have to be willing to be content and appreciative whether you get what you want or not.  You know, the rest of the year we strive to learn how to be like Christ--selfless, serving, undemanding, humble.  Why do we think that this one day of the year we have earned the right to be selfish?  Yes, it is an awesome blessing to have a day to be honored and appreciated for all we do.  But, we should never come to expect that.  We do not do what we do the other 364 days a year for the recognition that we might receive on this one day.  Motherhood itself, in all it's ups and downs, struggles and victories, is a privilege and a blessing.  So, whether your  husband and kids blow you away with some awesome pampering or whether they completely forget about it, rejoice in the Lord and the opportunity He has given you to raise up the children He has entrusted into your care.  Be thankful for whatever your husband and children do to express their love for you.  Even if they do nothing, just be thankful that you have them in your life.  You will be amazed at how wonderful your Mothers Day will be (and every day for that matter) when you let go of your expectations.

Have you ever noticed how when you are studying a particular topic that you seem to get tested in that very area?  Ever pray for patience?  Well, I know that this always happens to me.  When I was studying the book of James this year and learning about taming the tongue, oh boy, did I have some opportunities to practice.  Today I realized that my kids must go through the same thing.  This week we have been learning about obedience in our school Bible study time.  The last couple of days seemed to be a constant battle in getting them to obey the simplest, most common requests.  After struggling so hard to not give in to my own temptations (that taming the tongue thing again), I realized that they go through the same spiritual battles that I do.  They are tempted in the very areas that they are studying, just like I am.  I do not always resist the temptation and it is never easy to grow in an area you are being tested in.  Why do I hold my children to a different standard than I do myself?   I can certainly understand the difficulty, as the apostle Paul did when he said--the things which I do not want to do, I do, and that which I want to do, I do not (I'm paraphrasing here).  I think we all know how much we desire to do the things that the Lord is teaching us, but fail miserably each and every day.  i am so thankful that He opened my eyes to my children's possible struggles in this as well, rather than me keeping my eyes on my limited view of their disobedience.  And I'm trying to think of what I am supposed to be learning that I am being tested in...

It's not too late!  The live online audio conferences from the Ultimate Homeschool Expo were wrapped up last week.  If you were not there, let me tell you it was ULTIMATE!  My friend Cindy Rushton put together an amazing collection of resources.  Sad that you missed out?  Well, you didn't!  It is not too late to purchase a ticket!  All of the live audios were recorded, plus all of the preview sessions, for a total of over 90 audio mp3s!  Oh, but that is not all!  Each of the over 50 vendors has a page in the vendor hall, with additional audios, articles, e-zines, and lots of other goodies.  As if that all was not well worth the $40 ticket, there is also a mommy grab FULL of freebies!  I am telling you, I have not even made a dent in all of these pages full of treats.  I will be gleaning from these resources until next year's expo!  Sound good to you?  Check it out for yourself! 

Ultimate Homeschool Expo ONLINE!
 
Coming to YOUR home!
Virtual Seminar Series
With 50+ Speakers!
Virtual Vendor Hall!
Free Gifts!
Special offers!
Mp3 Downloads for all audios (over $2000 in workshops!)

Tickets Now On Sale!

Get More Details at:
http://www.cindysaffiliates.com/go.php?offer=dawnspice&pid=1

As I sure most of you have, my family has experienced some financial difficulties.  We have always struggled, but the last year and a half have been particularly trying.  Not so much a coincidence is that the last year and a half we have been really trying to learn and apply God's principles for our money.  As we have traveled down the road to becoming good stewards of all he has given us-money, possessions, and most importantly people, we have hit more than a few speedbumps and roadblocks along the way.  In each and every one of them, God has proven himself faithful and has provided us not only with our needs, but has blessed us above and beyond!  I have been keeping a journal of all the different times that we have seen him provide and work miracles in our home.  Just this week was another example of that happening for us.  We have needed tires on our truck for awhile, and last week I got a flat just as I was pulling off the freeway.  AAA was kind enough to come and put on the spare for me (Praise God for DH's wisdom in getting roadside assistance.  I learned how to change a tire years ago but it would have been quite comical to see me actually attempt to do it on the side of the road!)  and we have been riding on the spare since then.  We had no idea where we were going to get the money for a replacement tire, let alone all of them before we have another blow out.  We also are in need of some basic maintenance on the car (oil change, tune up, etc) before problems begin to develop.  We have just kind of been in limbo, wondering what we were going to do.  Well, the Lord knew all along that this would be the week that we would receive our tax bonus check (Praise God for AAA and George W. Bush!!) which we will be able to use for these extra expenses.  Isn't He so good?!  OH, but that is not all!  We have been maintaining a negative bank account balance for quite some time now.  We get paid and by the time we pay all of the bills, we are a significant amount in the red.  But we continue to give our first fruits to God, pay the bills by faith and deal with the overdraft fees as they accumulate.  We are giving faithfully, spending wisely, and trusting in God to take care of the rest.  My MIL moved in a couple of weeks ago, and even though we told her it was not necessary, she wanted to give us rent to help with expenses.  She gave us a check to cover the next three months, wouldn't you know it, just over the amount that we have been consistently negative.  So, that brings our account back to square one with a fresh slate for us to start anew.  The thing that gets me is after seeing God provide time after time is that I still get goosebumps when I see His plan fulfilled.  I am speechless every single time, even though I know that He is going to do it.  I am amazed that I am still amazed, and yet I am.  I guess our minds can never fully fathom the wonder of our God.  I will continue to be in awe of Him.  Now, if we can just continue to live by faith as our monthly expenses are $280 greater than our monthly income!   I know that I have many more moments of amazement in store for me.

This week I have been so blessed to be able to participate in The Ultimate Homeschool Expo with Cindy Rushton (more on that tomorrow).  Today one of the speakers said something that rocked me to my core.  She explained how we as homeschool moms have more flexibility and control than pretty much anybody else.  We don't work so we don't have the demands of our job schedule.  Even a typical stay at home mom whose children go to school has to deal with getting up at a particular time, adjusting doctors appointments and errands around the school schedule.  Not to mention if their child is on the school track team, the practice times and meets are set for them, they have no choice over those schedules.  However, we as homeschoolers, make our own schedule.  Even if we work from home, we usually get to pick our own work hours.  We can take the morning off of school if we want to go on a field trip, and we don't need to fill out forms and follow the pre-set rules to do so, we make the rules.  If you want to take your child to the dentist, you pick the time and make any adjustments neccessary to that day's schedule.  We are in control of our time.  Ultimately God is in control of everything, but if we seek to align our plans with His and pray for wisdom, we have less obstacles than a working or typical stay at home mom to carry out His plan for our day.  We really have no one to blame but ourselves if our child is in an activity that demands too much of our time.  Or if we have too many demands outside of the home that take away from our school and family time.  Life is all about choices and we have more liberty in our choices than anyone else that comes to my mind.  Let's make wise ones and appreciate the fact that we have the opportunity to affect our homes in such a powerful way.

I have spent a lot of time thinking and praying about what I want to share on this blog.  Having started out here about 6 months ago, I was not faithful to share consistently because I had no vision of what I wanted this place to be all about.  Well, my vision is still a little cloudy but I am confident in this-that He who began a good work in me will be faithful to complete it.  Philippians 1:6 is my absolute favorite verse in the Bible.  So often I need that reminder that I am being made complete by my Lord Jesus.  On one hand I feel like I have grown so much in the 7 years since I committed my life to Christ.  I am a completely different person, a new creation!  But I also see how far I still have to go.  The more I grow in Him, the more I see I need to grow.  So, that is exactly what I want this blog to be about.  I want you all to be able to join me in this journey, and we can grow and learn together.  The day in, day out everyday things of life are what make up who we are and who we are becoming, so I will be posting here about the daily happenings of the Spice Family (as they are being made complete in Christ as well).  My hope and prayer is that many of you will come alongside me in this process and we can encourage and support each other as we are being perfected and made into the image of the Holy One.

Dawn
Helpmeet to Paul, step-mom to Bailey and homeschooling mom to Taylor, Anthony, Christian, and Ian

On Tuesday when the outbreak of fires here in So Cal was at its peak, I prayed for rain even though I knew it was not in the forecast and that it would be the completely opposite of the expected weather. I was reminded of Elijah and pleaded with God that He would answer my prayer even though I am by no means like Elijah. For some reason, I didn't remember James 5:17-18 telling me that God didn't answer his prayers because Elijah was special, but because God is! I was reminded of other verses in James however, that encouraged me that when I ask and pray, I should pray believing that God will really do what I ask  (James 1:6, 5:15-16). Miraculously, the Lord sent a little rain here today, and cool damp weather to help with the lingering fires. I felt like dancing around like a little kid because my prayer was answered. What a good reminder that our prayers can avail much!  Please keep all of here in So Cal in your prayers as we continue to deal with the effects of the fires.