Dec. 15, 2009 - Waterproof pads
After dd was potty trained, I continued to keep the waterproof pads we had. I thought I would share a few other uses for them, beyond just using them for babies/toddlers.
- When my back is out and I want to put on some ointment that has an odor to it, I use the waterproof pad to keep the smell from getting into the couch or mattress.
- During "monthlies" they can come in handy for the nights when you have a heavy flow.
- If someone has a stomach virus, and can't make it to the puke pan
quickly enough, the waterproof pad can keep it from seeping into the mattress.
I'm sure you gals can think of even more uses for the waterproof pad, but those are my 
. 
Dec. 15, 2009 - Tightwad Tuesday: Saving Money on Christmas
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Canadagirl
Here are some sites with wonderful tips for saving money on Christmas. There are even ideas for gifts that are "free",
http://www.betterbudgeting.com/articles/holidays/saveatchristmas.htm
http://save.lovetoknow.com/Christmas_on_a_Tight_Budget
http://frugalliving.about.com/od/specialoccasions/tp/Free_Low_Cost_Christmas_Gifts.htm
Dec. 14, 2009 - Monday
I had a truly 
day today. I was able to 
in. 
Got up and made bacon sandwiches for breakfast. Unfortunately, I figured out that I can't even have the slightest bit of egg (in the mayo) because my chest hurt all day. 
After breakfast, I headed to the attic to get some gift bags and more wrapping paper. I finished wrapping all of the 
gifts. 
I also called my mom and we set up some tentative plans for getting together at Christmas. Looks like my nephew and his family won't be here until Christmas Day. I have to work that day, so I will miss out on seeing them. However, we will have a small get-together with my parents, two of my brothers, and my sil on another day. 
I let dd skip school today since this is the only weekday I have off until after Christmas. I thought we should hang out and do something special. (Though I'm not sure how special it is to boil 10 lb. of 
and debone it.) 
But we did enjoy being together and not feeling the pressure of getting X amount of _____ done in a certain amount of time. 
We also searched Ebay for some more beads for making bracelets. We've both been making bracelets the last few days and our stock of supplies is dwindling to the point that everything is going to start being duplicates. 
I hope you have a joy-filled week, focusing on the true meaning of this blessed season.
Dec. 11, 2009 - Weekly Wrap Up
From the Heart: This is indeed a busy season. Purposefully planning less school, more family time and relaxing so that the joy of the season can shine through.
In the School Room: Kids were very sick all week. They managed a lot of school. ( more than I would have done!) Very proud of them.
On the Mission Field: We are blessing a poor neighborhood with a Christmas party tonight. Dinner, gifts, and compassion. Looking forward to it.
In the Literary Scene: Oh time to read.....wishful thinking this past week.
In the Kitchen: Keeping it simple! The main dish this week was chicken and rice. ( Big batch) The gals got up at 6am Friday ( they were feeling much better) and made big breakfast. This is hash, potatoes, toast, eggs, ect. They did a wonderful job! And they cleaned up!
On the Creative Side: I have enjoyed making ornaments, beading with Em and helping the gals with shrinky dinks. ( remember those!?)
Thrifty Finds: We have found wonderful new to us things at the thrift store this past week. I got a much needed tea pot ( that whistles) for 25 cents, the gals a pair of jeans for one dollar, a pair of shoes for two dollars. Yesterday we went Christmas shopping at our favorite thrift stores. ( yes we let the kids pick and find what they would like) Em found a beautiful make up dresser. She has wanted one for her art supplies ( has tons of cool divided drawers) for a very long time. The price was reasonable at ten dollars. She also found a much larger bird cage. Other gifts found cannot be mentioned untill after Christmas. Free: Several grape vine wreaths. Will be using these as gifts for next Christmas!
Leaving you this week with a photo of a blessing to us. I have always wanted a vintage upright piano. This 1905 Hobart M Cable is now sitting in our foyer! It was a gift. It has a beautiful tone and is a lovely piece of furniture. Needs a good cleaning, ivory repair ( we have all the ivory), and a tune up. I consider this my Christmas gift!
I was able to talk with the orginal owers of this piano yesterday and found it has been in their family as long as they could remember and belonged orginally to the families great grandmother. It is from Ohio.
Dec. 11, 2009 - Weekly Wrap Up
Visit www.homeschoolblogger.com/threelittleladies for more wrap ups.
From the Heart:- Had a great time at the gals' monthly birthday get-together.
- Had a white elephant exchange at the above. That was a lot of fun. Pretty neat gifts brought for that. I got a large Boyd's bear. Very cute.
On the Homefront:- Had a nice family night on Wednesday while we watched Night At the Museum II.
- Still working on finishing up the wrapping for Christmas.
In the School Room:- Had a Christmas party for our girls' group today (Friday).
- Each mom and daughter brought $1 gift to exchange.
- We had snacks/drinks as well.
- DD has fallen a bit behind in school this week, but I'm trying not to stress about it. It is the Christmas season, so it's OK to skip a few subjects here and there.
- I'm thinking about letting her skip school this month on the weekdays that I am home. This would mean she'd still be doing some school during the Christmas break, but it would still keep things fresh for her instead of taking a 2-3 week break, then having a hard time getting back into the swing of things.
On the work front:- Got to work 2 days in ER this week.
- Will work admissions over the weekend.
- Monday off
- Tuesday-Friday in ER again.
In the Kitchen:
- DD made banana nut muffins for the carry-in birthday gathering this week.
- We both worked on cookies for the Christmas party. They actually look like playdoh, with their bright colors.
Refreshing my spirit:- Have still been reading my Phillips NT at lunch. Kind of bored with it. I'd like to find an Amplified Psalms and Proverbs, but haven't had time to look.
In the Literary Scene:- Started reading The Power of a Positive Woman.
- Also reading Jesus Calling. Very good book! Only a couple of paragraphs to read each day, and every page speaks to me.
for stopping by! I hope you return soon.Christmas!
Dec. 10, 2009 - Five Minutes for Faith
I found this devotion web site for moms that I really like. It is a busy busy season for all of this so the title caught my eye. Check it out! http://www.5minutesforfaith.com/
"Here at 5 Minutes for Faith, we strive to be a little different. Every day we all face struggles, disappointments and difficulties. We sometimes feel as if we are on our journey alone … that is where we want to make a difference in your day. We want to share God's love and grace with you on the days when you need it the most."
Dec. 8, 2009 - Tightwad Tuesday Tightwad Tess
I found this cute and very useful tightwad resource and wanted to pass it on.
Tightwad Tess web page: http://www.tightwadtess.com/
Tightwad Tess Blog: http://tightwadtess.blogspot.com/
Dec. 7, 2009 - Christmas Products
Dec. 6, 2009 - Celebrating Advent
Anticipating His coming, Expectation. Preparing our hearts. That is what Advent is all about. In our family we read scripture each day ( at least we try to), and recount the events that lead up to the saviors birth. This year we are doing a complete study of Jesus the Messiah by Cindy Zeigler. Our hearts are focused on the reason for the celebration, family, and friends. Gifts and glitz are secondary.
I have found a collection of other bloggers entries and web pages on Advent. Some good words of encouragement and wisdom creative ideas and fun.
http://www.teachingmom.com/features/advent.html I use this calendar every year. This site is full of ideas.
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/my4sweetums/747115/
http://www.aholyexperience.com/2009/12/what-advent-is-really-all-about.html
http://familycorner.blogspot.com/2009/11/advent-wreath.html
http://lilirishlass.blogspot.com/2009/12/unconvential-advent-wreath.html Oh so simple and beautiful!
http://jamespurejoy.blogspot.com/2009/12/childs-advent-wreath-tutorial.html Wish I had thought of this one when mine were toddlers! Cute!
http://kiddley.com/2006/11/22/fill-your-advent-with-activities/ Love this idea.
http://www.dltk-holidays.com/xmas/advent.html
http://www.kidscraftweekly.com/advent_issue.html
Dec. 6, 2009 - Prayer Journal
During this busy season there is one area of our life that needs to stay consistant: Our time with the Lord. I stumbled across this Squido Lens the other day and just fell in love with it! This gal really has a great lens on how to keep a prayer journal. Check it out. http://www.squidoo.com/prayerjournalorganizer This would be a great gift to create for yourself and your family.
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