Aug. 31, 2009 - What's up
We are starting week 4 of school, 15 days done and 165 days to go. It has been going pretty well for the most part. Emily and I have been trying to adjust to Trisms. We have finally decided it just isn't going to work. She is going to do Abeka's World Geography instead. It is only a 1 semester course though. The question now becomes "do i go with just the 1 semester or add to it to make it a full credit?" or "maybe we gave up on Trisms too soon". Ugh, what to do!?
I have also ditched Homeschool Tracker. Instead, I found an Excel spreadsheet on DonnaYoung.org. It is great. It has 6 weeks scheduled on it. You put in the child's name and the subjects and it fills this info in on all the worksheets. Now I can just move lessons over a day or two if we don't get to it. I like how it looks printed too. I changed the color of the box for tests so they stand out. Very nice spreadsheet. If you haven't found this website and are looking for forms or ideas go to www.donnayoung.org.
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Aug. 31, 2009 - Romans 8:31
...if God is for us, no one can defeat us.
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Aug. 18, 2009 - God's will
I often wonder if I really know when God is telling me something. There have been times when I am certain it is Him but other times, not so sure. I started a study for my morning quiet time called "Discovering God's Will for Your Life". It is in the Women of Faith series. While it is designed to be a weekly study, I am doing it as a daily study. Today I read the following: I am a Christian - chosen, forgiven, redeemed, saved, changed, filled, sealed, adopted and thankful. WOW! How can you not be thankful to Him for all this! James 1:18 says We out of all creation, became His choice possession. He chose us. He could have easily chosen one of his other creations as His choice possessions. This morning's study went to talk about His plan for our lives and that He calls us all to be apostles and tell others about Him. What is your calling? What is my calling? The past few weeks I have been heavy hearted about the decision to formally join the church we have been attending for the past two years or should we search out another church. On top of this I have felt and seen a church being divided and ripped apart. Even though I had been praying, it was not until I poured my heart out sincerely to God that I got my answer. As soon as I prayed to God to learn what He wants me to do I heard in my mind " Stay and do something about it!" I kept hearing this over and over. Well, I finally said Ok, God, I hear you. Then something else happened at my church and I began to doubt what I heard was from God. I again poured my heart out to God and the answer changed to "Stand and fight". You see, just as in Matthew 12:25 where Jesus talks about a kingdom or a family divided will not survive, I believe that is happening at our church. Satan has gotten hold of it and it is time to "Stand and Fight" and take it back. So, God, I am listening and I am your soldier in this fight. Lead me on!
For all who read this, I just ask that you pray for us that we may be victorious in the fight. Blessings!
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Aug. 11, 2009 - So far So good
We started school on Monday and so far so good. B loves Abeka. I was a little concerned because there seems to be sooo much work but she's doing great and not one complaint yet. Woo Hoo! E on the other hand is complaining but when reminded that she could be in traditional school for 7 hours and then have homework she stops. LOL! We finished day two of Trisms. It is an adjustment to what we are used to in that the answers are not spoon fed to her. We are adjusting and going to give it the good ole college try! Because she is able to get several credits with Trisms and the writing is already planned in, I don't want to change. I still have to add in Biology and Grammar for Emily.
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Aug. 4, 2009 - It's a new school year!
We will be starting school next week and I am so glad. This summer has not been ideal. I spent the month of June with pain in the left side of my rear and the only comfortable position was lying down. You can't get anything done lying down all the time. I spent the month of July going to physical therapy for the pain. Just when I thought it was gone, it came back (although not as bad). Now my only problem is that I can't sit without feeling uncomfortable. I guess I can never sit again. My PT time is up and even though the therapist is going to talk to my doc about extending therapy, I don't think I want to pay them anymore money to have me do the exercises on my own! Yep, I do thru the exercises all by myself and pay them for it. I can do that at home! Enough about that. Let's just say I am ready to start school.
School also gives us a routine. I get so much more accomplished, besides school, when I have a time frame. This year I am also the activities coordinator for CSTHEA.
What are we using this year?
Emily enters high school and it scares me to death! She will be using Trisms' Discover the Ancient World which will cover her history, literature, writing, fine art s (art history, music history), geography, and some other stuff; Math U See Geometry, Bob Jones Biology, Wordly Wise 3000 level 9. She will also be taking French I at Hilger. And of course, her usual dance class, which will be her 10th year!
Brooke wanted to use all Abeka this year so that's what she is doing. She is also taking Art at Hilger. She will again be playing Upward Soccer and dance.
I am going to attempt to use Homeschool Tracker for lesson planning and try to stick with it. I bought it last year and didn't use it.
Let's get this year started!
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Aug. 4, 2009 - Trying this again
I am attempting to resurrect this blog. I tend to start a project and then quit. So, it's a new school year and new projects. Here we go.
Speaking of starting and stopping, I am back on the coupon train. It is time to pull out the envelopes again and stick to the system. I will be posting how I am doing with the envelope system, how much money I've saved using coupons and any other ideas that come to mind. I would love to hear from others on what they do to save money and stick to a budget.
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Oct. 4, 2008 - Budget time & God's provision
I have tried to put us on a budget in the past but it never seems to stick. So, I decided to do something different this month. I am using the envelope system. This is nothing new that I came up with. I know a few people that do this and it is also in Dave Ramsey's books. I even found a wonderful blog explaining this system. Thank you, SimpleMom. Anyway, I started October 1st with envelopes for groceries, gas and miscellaneous. I averaged out what I think we spend a month for gas & groceries and halved the amount. I just set an amount for the miscellaneous. Note: the gas category is only for my vehicle.
Now, paying with cash is new to me. I never keep much cash on hand because it seems to disappear rather quickly. This will truly be a test for me. So far I have filled my gas tank (half of my allotted amount) and got groceries. Here is where I ran into trouble. I had not been to the grocery store in a couple of weeks so we were low on lots of stuff. After looking at the sales for two of main local chains, I made a list. I went to one store on Thursday where I got the bulk of my groceries. I only had about $50 left after this trip. I start wondering how we are going to last until the next payday which is 12 days away and I still have some items to get at the second store. I go to the second store on Friday and now only have about $5 left. I decide not to worry about it though because I am confident we are well stocked to last 12 days.
Here is where the amazing provision of God comes in. I had dropped off some bookkeeping work at a client's this week and they were having a giveaway of numerous items including gas cards. They told me to register so I did. Friday afternoon, after spending almost all of my grocery funds, I get home to a message saying I had won a $100 gas card! I truly believe this is all His doing! The message was left Friday morning. He provided for us before I even knew we would need it. I now can use the rest of the gas fund money for groceries if needed.
I looked up a couple of verses pertinent to this.
Matthew 6:31-34 "Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Philippians 4:19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Blessings to all who visit!
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Aug. 21, 2008 - Update
I thought I would post an update on my weight loss journey. The first couple of weeks I did great but the last couple have not been great. I keep getting sidetracked. This past week I have the added stress of working at my dh's office b/c our office assistant quit without a notice. I am working 2-3 days a week and the girls are going with me and doing school there. I have discovered that I can't focus on my weight loss, exercise, etc when I am stressed out. The good news is I have not gained back what I have lost. I am down 7lbs so that's something. Just three more lbs and I am treating myself to a manicure/pedicure. woo hoo!
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Aug. 5, 2008 - Ziploc Steam bags & Glade products giveaway
SC Johnson is giving away Ziploc & Glade product pack to the first 10,000 people. Here is the link:
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Aug. 4, 2008 - Here I go again!
I have tried to lose weight various times during the past couple of years. I always start out great and really motivated but something happens that throws me off and I get discouraged and stop. Well, I recently had some blood work done and was diagnosed with pre-diabetes (high insulin level). This seems to be the kick-in-the-pants I need b/c I don't want it to progress to the next step. I hate needles! So I have started yet another journey trying to lose weight and get healthy (my doctor said that would reverse the pre-diabetes - there is no history of diabetes in my family). My doctor also said it could be the reason I have had trouble losing weight. I have done really well so far and am quite pleased. In a little over a week, I have lost 5.5 lbs! Woo Hoo! I am not following any specific diet, just trying to watch what I eat and how much I eat along with exercise and drinking lots of water (oh, and a medicine he put my on). I will keep my progress updated here and please offer words of encouragement or join me on this healthy journey and let me know how you are doing. The more the healthier!!
P.S. My overall goal is 45 lbs but I am breaking it into 10lb mini goals.
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Jul. 10, 2008 - This week's savings
Finally, there were some CVS deals I could use! It has been a skimpy few weeks. I also hit RiteAid for a few things. I prefer CVS because I like to get the rebate (ECBs) right away but Rite Aid had a couple of things that will be FREE after the rebate and I can always use the rebate for other FREE deals. Here's how I did:
CVS: SP $150.83 Pd $57.49 Savings $93.34 or 61.8% ECBs earned $22.00 (I used $24.45 ECBs)
here's what I got: 4 Pringles, 2 Dawn detergents, 1 Cascade, 3 Olay body wash, 4 Olay face products, 2 Dole fruit cups, 2 Covergirl mascara, 2 CG eye shadow, 2 CG lip color, 3 Wet & Wild nail polish (for my girls), 1 Garnier eye treatment (my mom's), 1 men's sandals (dh). WOW!
Rite Aid: SP $33.23 Pd $13.70 Savings $19.53 or 58.7% Rebates $10.73
here's what I got: 3 Shampoo, 2 applesauce, 1 Venus razor, 1 Crest toothpaste
Now, if I could only get my grocery savings up. I am hitting around 30% but would like to get it to at least 40%.
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Jun. 19, 2008 - Good Deals & Great Deals
I thought I would post an update on my savings for the past week. I did really great in some things and just so-so in others.
Summary
Bath & Body - SP $167.00 Pd: $53.00 Sav: $114.oo or 68%
Walgreens #1 - SP $43.55 Pd: $18.56 savings:$24.99 or 57%
Walgreens #2 - SP $39.42 Pd:$13.42 savings:$26.00 or 66%
Bi-Lo - SP: $161.06 Pd:$107.56 savings $53.30 or 33%
Bath & Body
I went to Bath & Body last week b/c they had the antibacterial hand soap on sale (which I love). Well, they also had a great summer clearance sale going on. Not only did I get my 7 hand soaps ($21) but there was a 75% off clearance table. Of course, being in my stockpile mode, I immediately thought "Gifts". I got another 15 items for a total of 22 items. Here's the breakdown of my great deal:
Shelf price: $167.00 paid: $53.00 savings: $114.00 or 68%
I figured out that I have 5 great gifts ready that cost me $6 each. Woo hoo!
Walgreens
I hit Walgreens two times during the past 7 days. The first trip I stocked up on 2ltr Coke products and Pringles chips. I normally do not buy Cokes or Pringles but they were on sale at a good price so I splurged. Also, this trip was on Friday and there was a coupon on Walgreens website for $5/$20 good only for that day. So, combined with the mfg q's & store q's, I did pretty well:
Shelf price: $43.55 paid: $18.56 savings: $24.99 or 57.38%
My savings for my second trip to Walgreens was great but I was disappointed that a deal I was trying did not work like I was hoping. They have the Oral B 2 pk Cross Action toothbrush on sale for $5.50 with $5.50 register rewards at time of purchase. There was a mfg coupon in Sunday's paper for B1G1F (actually there were two q's). I did one transaction for two of the 2pks using the B1G1F mfg q. My RR printed and then I did a second transaction for the same along with some other items again using my 2nd B1G1F mfg q and also the $5.50 RR I had received on the previous transaction. I was hoping I would get another RR for $5.50 but did it did not print. After talking to the mgr, she said it was b/c their computer recognized the RR I used coming from the Oral B product and so it would not generate another one b/c I would essentially be getting both on this transaction for free. I should have done this deal at CVS which is giving $3 in ECBs so using the mfg q you would get $6 in ECB but only paying for 1. I know you can use ECBs for the same item you got the ECB for. I may have to find another set of q's and see if it works, even though I don't need toothbrushes( have about 12 right now).
2nd trip totals- shelf: $39.42 paid: $13.42 savings: $26.00 or 65.96%
Bi-Lo
My savings goals seem to go out the door when I go to Bi-Lo. Of course, I do most of my shopping there so my totals are a little higher than other stores. My totals for this week:
Shelf: $161.06 paid: $107.56 savings: $53.50 or 33% (this seems to be my avg for Bi-Lo)
My goal is to increase my Bi-Lo savings. I'll continue to post how I'm doing. I would love to hear your tips and ideas.
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Jun. 11, 2008 - My great CVS trip today
I made my CVS run today and did really great. I saved 83%!!! I'm still a newbie at CVS but I think I did really well. I used two different CVS cards so I could get more of the limited qty deals. Here is what I got(wish I had taken a picture):
(4) 12pk coke products
(3) CVS bandaids (finally, I've been to 3 stores and they have been out)
(1) Listerine Smart Rinse
(1) Oral B toothbrush 2pk
(4) Kotex feminine pads
(2) movie boxes of Milk Duds
(2) movie boxes of Whoppers
(2) Reese PBC
(2) Snickers
(2) 3 Musketeers
(2) bags of Dumdum lollipops
(2) bags of Pixie stix
(4) bags candy necklaces (these were on clearance for 25cents)
(1) Ped Egg (wanted to try it)
Shelf price: $80.58 OOP: $13.51 Sav: $67.07 or 83.2% ECBs earned: $24.45 
I used Qs totaling $5 and ECBs totaling $39.45. I did not get back as much in ECBs as I used but I am still happy with my trip. All the candy I bought is either for birthday party treat bags or our movie theater stash.
I was excited to see one of those scanners others have mentioned but it did not have any paper and the cashier said they didn't have any. The scanner had just been installed. I was really hoping for a great coupon to use. 
Now, if they would just build a CVS closer to me.
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Jun. 3, 2008 - CVS is great!
I had started tracking my grocery savings several months ago but stopped a while back. I recently decided to start focusing on that again. A favorite blog of mine to visit for savings tips is Money Saving Mom. I especially like to see the CVS scenerios she comes up with. So, this week, I decided to really apply myself and try CVS. I really did great on card 1. Card 2 was higher than I would have liked but I did not have any ECBs to use like I did for card 1. I have the two cards so I can get more of the limited deals. Here is how I did:
Card 1
1 Chex Mix
2 Dawn detergent
1 Listerine Smart Rinse
2 Oral B Cross Action toothbrushes 2pk
Shelf Price: $30.14 before Qs & ECBs: $20.47
Qs & ECBs used: $24.24 OOP: $1.23 Woo hoo! ECBs earned: $18.47 (earned more than I used!)
Card 2
1 Chex mix
2 Bounty paper towels
2 Charmin TP
1 Listerine Smart Rinse
1 Oral B Cross Action Toothbrush 2pk
2 Colgate Total Advanced toothpaste
Shelf Price: $50.91 subtotal: $37.43
Qs used: $9.00 OOP: $28.43 ECBs earned: $20.48
Summary: Got $81 of stuff for $29 (savings of 63%), earned $40 in ECBs
I still need to get the CVS Band Aids which I will use ECBs and get them back again. Gotta love CVS!!
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May. 28, 2008 - A Day at the Spa!
On Valentine's day, my dad gave my mom & I each a gift card to a spa for a day of pampering. We were finally able to schedule our day and went last Saturday. What a day it was! Imagine five hours of massaging, lotions and great service!! I started out with a full body massage, then on to my spa facial with an added lip & eyebrow wax (ouch!). I then had a spa pedicure and manicure with parafin treatments. Again, massages for feet and hands. The final touch was an airbrush tan. This was all wonderful and I thoroughly enjoyed my day. Yes, I will probably do it again, just not all at the same time. I got to thinking during the massage (because it is hard for me to turn my mind off and actually relax) that I need to do these things occasionally just to remind myself to enjoy life as I go through this wonderful, amazing ride of motherhood and wife. It makes me a happier, more enjoyable person. So, next time I am feeling bogged down it is off to the nail salon or to get a fake tan!
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May. 28, 2008 - Gearing up for a new year
Plans are well under way for the next school year. Of course, my girls are not as excited as I am though since we just started summer break. We are going to travel back in time to study ancient civilizations via Tapestry of Grace, embark on the Algebraic highway by way of Teaching Textbooks and many other adventures. So far, we will be using the following:
DD (8th) - TOG Yr 1,Discover 4 Yourself bible studies, Teaching Textbooks Algebra I, Apologia Physical Science and possibly Grammar Key.
DD (4th) - TOG Yr 1, Discover 4 Yourself bible studies, Saxon 5/4, Christian Kids Explore Biology along with Considering God's Creation, BJU Reading.
Now to figure out 4th grade grammar (maybe Easy Grammar), spelling and Spanish.
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May. 7, 2008 - Anticipation
It is that time of year. We are anxiously counting the days until we call an end to this school year. I am ready to put this year behind us and move on to next school term. One of the problems with this time of year is the curriculum fairs. Something about seeing all the crisp new books and supplies that can take us on a grand new adventure just makes me want to say "We are done. Let's start something new!". I went to the GHEA fair last week with a friend. There are a few things I want to change for next year. Some favorites I am considering are:
Grammar Key - what Teaching Textbooks does for Math, Grammar Key does for Grammar! We have had a horrible time with middle school grammar. This may be the "key"
Tapestry of Grace - I think we are going to go with Year 1. I have been wanting to do a literature based curriculum for history because we love reading at our house. We can do this together!
Christian Kids Explore Biology - I think I am going to use this with Considering God's Creation. B likes to learn a variety of things so we are searching for a new elementary science.
Real Science 4 Kids - B really liked this science program but I prefer the above one.
Discover 4 Yourself Inductive Bible Studies for kids - these are by Kay Arthur of Precept Ministries. E did a couple of these when she was in private school last year. I am currently doing one of Kay's inductive studies in my small group. We can do these together!
So, after gathering brochures and information, you come home and spend hours on the computer researching even more. This first fair just wet my appetite for more so my friend and I are probably going to the the MTHEA fair next week. I like to go to these early ones because my local fair is not until almost the end of July and I like to have curriculum decided on, received and planned out by then and ready to start early August.
Stay tuned for what I find at the next one!
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Apr. 18, 2008 - An Amazing Love
Wow, I didn't realize it has been so long since I posted. All I can say is that everything was going well and then I hit a sort of wall. I can't pinpoint exactly what form the wall took but it caused me to stop all that I was doing: morning bible study, exercising, weight loss, blogging, etc. I am working my way back though.
My small group at church just started an inductive study by Kay Arthur, Do You Walk The Walk You Talk. Wednesday night was our first meeting on this book. One exercise we did was to list all that God blessed us with in the verses we discussed. It is really amazing and overwhelming to me how much He has done for us and all he asks for in return is for us to love Him faithfully and share His love with others. I am really excited about this study and looking forward to really digging deeply into God's Word.
In other areas, I had my spring scrapbook retreat and it was wonderful. My friend and I really put my Cricut to work. I had just gotten the software and markers that go with it for my birthday. It is even more awesome with those two additions. Now, if I could just get my desk cleaned up so I could scrapbook whenever I could snatch a few minutes. I'll try to post some pics.
School is about to wrap up for the year. We have about 4 weeks left. I am ready to put this school year behind us. I am looking at Tapestry of Grace for next year. We also need a new grammar curric for middle school. Any suggestions?
Happy Spring everyone!
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Feb. 5, 2008 - Lost another one!
I lost that pound that found it's way back last week! I am so glad. My goal for this week is 2lbs. It has been difficult this past week. Temptation has been around every corner. It's been in that corn dog box, the pototoe chips on top of the frig, the candy bars in the check out lane. My oldest dd has been a help to me though. On the way to the grocery store this weekend, I wanted to stop at McDonald's for a sundae but she did not want one so insisted we just go straight to the store. I wanted to get a candy bar in the check out lane and she said we didn't need one. God was disciplining me thru her! I see that now, but at the time I didn't. It is such a comfort to know he is there to guide me in the right direction.
Check back next week to see if I "Lost or Found"!
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Jan. 30, 2008 - Our Father will never give up
This past week has been so enlightening. If you have not read the devotional or done the Bible study, "Secrets of the Vine", I highly recommend it. It has been such a joy to read and I look forward to it every day. What has been enlightening this week is God's discipline. As parents, we don't like to discipline our children but we know that it is something we have to do when necessary. Our Father in Heaven also disciplines us. He disciplines individually and purposefully and He will not give up on us. God will continue to intervene and discipline us until we acknowledge His discipline and what needs to be done or stopped. When we hit that point and say "Ok, God, I hear you!",confess each sin and ask Him for forgiveness, the discipline stops. It just stops. God opens His arms and welcomes you back because He loves you. What really impacts me is that He NEVER gives up. His methods of discipline may increase in intensity but He never gives up.
Proverbs 3:12 ~ The Lord corrects those He loves, just as parents correct the child they delight in.
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