Learning

This past year I have been on a journey.  Learning about other styles of learning.  When we began homeschooling 5 years ago I bought the Abeka Academy DVDs. They were a great fit.  Our daughter loved watching and learning.  That lasted until about 1/2 way through Kindergarten.   When my preschool son began the videos he hated it.  Everyday was hard.  But we kept going.  After lots of research I began to learn more about classical education.   I loved the idea!    

Lately, we read lots, and lots of books.  I devour the Charlotte Mason blogs.  I am always on the lookout for books and book lists.  I let the kids read what they want ( within reason ). We still use the Abeka readers, arithmetic, history, science, and health. I don't have it all figured out but I have loosened up very much.  The kids are enjoying learning.  Our day is not perfect and we still have our moments. I just want to encourage moms!  You can home school and you can enjoy it!!

A book that was a real blessing was Debi Pearl's // Big Book Of Homeschooling //
I will try to share some books we have enjoyed.  In the meantime google classical reading list by grade.  You will find lots of great ideas.

10 Years and counting....

This week my dear husband and I celebrate 10 years of marriage.

I am so thankful to the Lord for changing my heart little by little over the past 10 years.

He has shown me that it's not all about me!! My husband is worth giving of myself no matter what I'm going to get in return. Boy of boy, did I have a selfish heart 10 years ago.

I've learned to give, forgive, die to self, and enjoy my man!

He is not perfect and neither am I

A great marriage is giving 100%  

100% of the time. No matter what the other one gives!

We have walked through death, illness, new life, times of plenty, hardships, good, bad, and everything in between.  I love you, honey.

I love the steady man you are!

You are good, kind, honest, hard-working, trustworthy, and just down right FUN!!

Looking forward to seeing where the Lord leads us in the next 10 years!

If you want to have a GREAT marriage check out these GREAT resources:

Created To Be His Helpmeet- Debi Pearl

Marriage God's Way

The Power of a Praying Wife

Don't EVER talk bad about your husband to others(especially our mothers).

Build his ego and be thankful for him. Be his best buddy and pour your life into marriage!

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. Genesis 2:24

Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. 1 Corinthians 11:9

And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him Genesis 2:18

Our Family today....with our new addition due next month :)

Why we Homeschool

It's that time of year again.  The start of another "school year" has quickly come upon us.
As a public school graduate who thought all homeschoolers were "strange" until I met my amazingly normal husband and his normal homeschooling friends I still can't believe I am a homeschool mom myself.

If you would have told me I'd been homeschooling my children I would have called you crazy.  However, as my little ones began to grow up and I started to research and pray over the decision the Lord made it perfectly clear.  Now as the mother of a First Grader, Preschooler, and soon to be newborn I can't imagine my life any other way.


 TIME- I don't have to tell any mom out there just how fast time flies by.  I want to be with my children as much as possible.  Sending them to school would mean lots and lots of time away from home.  I'm just not okay with that.  I love them and want to be with them teaching and training every day.

 EDUCATION- I have no doubt in my mind my children get a better education with me teaching them one on one.  I can move forward when they are ready and spend a little extra time when needed. My daughter is such a social butterfly and I know she would get distracted easily in the classroom.  At home I can encourage her to stay at it and help her succeed. We also never stop learning! Just yesterday my daughter asked me a question about polar bears diets. We were able to seek out the answer together. Always learning.

 CHARACTER- My children get to learn not only reading and writing but how to have godly character.  We spend time memorizing scripture, praying together, and reading our Bible.  We also spend time learning  character traits. My children are not able to get this type of training at school-it's just not permitted anymore in the walls of the schools.

 SHELTER-  Yep, I said it!  I want to shelter my children.  My husband and I pour ourselves into our children everyday.  I have no idea what goes on in the homes of the other children at school.  I do not want my children exposed to evil things at such a young age.  I carry everyday scars and baggage from my public school experience.  As I would shelter a young plant until it is ready to go outside in the harsh environment I will also protect the innocence of my children.

 FLEXIBILITY- Vacation during the less expensive season.  Hang out with my grandparents for a few days. Take a day off.  Work during the weekend.  The options are endless.  We have the freedom to dictate our routine and it makes life so much more enjoyable. This will really be a blessing when the new baby comes.

 FRIENDSHIP- I want my children to become friends. We want our family to be close.  If our children spend all day away from each other this is very difficult to cultivate.  In addition to all the extra activities kids are in these days some siblings rarely see each other.  Our kids are buddies.  They do bicker..but this gives my the blessing of teaching them how to treat one another.

These are just a few of the many reasons why we choose to home educate our children.  For our family it is a perfect fit.  Is everyday perfect?  Not a chance!  It is hard work!  Anything worthwhile is rarely easy.

Here are a few sites I would recommend.   Hope you will be greatly encouraged.

Titus 2- Managers of their School

Abeka Academy

Homeschooling with a meek and quiet spirit

Indoctrination Movie

HSLDA

Holy Spirit-Led Homeschooling

My selfish heart and what made me see it

I really am blown away at the impact this book has had upon my life.

I consider myself a very selfless person.  I don't live in a fancy house, drive a fancy car, or wear expensive clothes.  However, after diving into the pages of Kisses from Katie my selfishness hit me like a brick. I (we) are so rich here in American...so rich we don't even know it.  We have no idea what a blessing it is to have a roof over our heads, hot running water, an abundance of food, clothes and so many other luxuries.

I often find myself upset with the Lord over why I still have stained carpet and old kitchen cupboards.

Why it seems when we get then money saved for such a purchase the water pump needs fixed or we have an unexpected medical bill.  Instead of praising the Lord for the provision of these items I grumble.

SUCH SELFISHNESS

I beg God for forgiveness for my selfish heart.

Today, is a new day...a day of thankfulness.

A day to be grateful for what I have and not longing for what I don't

A day I take much more serious the problem with hunger and orphans in our world.

A day I know that little me can make a huge impact if I just do something...anything.

Just by writing this blog post and getting the word out is a step toward making an impact.

I highly recommend you read this amazing book.
** I am not paid by anyone to recommend this book or receive anything if you buy**
Just sharing my heart
Blessings
~Carla <><

Happy New Year

Looking forward to sharing more wonderful recipes in 2012

I hope you enjoy the new look.

I've also added a few of our favorite websites.

Praying everyone reading this is blessed with a wonderful new year.

Blessings,

Carla <><



Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

from our family

Between the flu bug and our first trip to the Emergency Room.

Christmas Parties and delivering goodies to neighbors, friends, and family.

I can't believe Christmas is just a few days away.

I've always said my family comes before this blog and that's why I've not posted much lately.

Lord willing after the first of the year I'll be back with some wonderful recipes.

Thank you all so much for reading and commenting. You are very dear to my heart.

Blessings!

Carla <><

Our Thanksgiving Weekend

Here are a few pictures from our Thanksgiving weekend

We made WAY to much food.  Everything tasted wonderful.

Here is our menu:

Roasted Turkey

Ham

Mashed Potatoes

Sweet Potatoes

Chicken and Noodles

Stuffing

Green Beans

Deviled Eggs

Mac & Cheese

Rolls

Cranberry Salad

Pumpkin Pie

Chocolate Pie

Wonderful Memories

We always try to get a picture when family is around

Then home to deck the halls.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Blessings

Carla <><



Thank you God, for all I have to do today...

Thank you God, for all I have to do today.
Thanks God, for this sink of dirty dishes,
It shows we have plenty to eat.

Thanks God, for this pile of dirty, stinky, laundry,
It shows we have plenty of clothes to wear.

Thanks God, for those unmade beds in there,
They were warm and so comfortable last night
And I know there are many who have no beds.

Thank God, for this bathroom complete with all the
Spattered mirror, soggy grimy towels and dirty commode,
They are so convenient.

Thanks God, for this finger-smudged refrigerator
That needs defrosting,
It is full of cold drinks and enough leftovers
For two or three meals.

Thanks God, for this oven
That absolutely must cleaned today,
It has baked so many things over the years.

The whole family is grateful for that grass that needs mowing,
The lawn that will need raking, we all enjoy the yard.

Thanks God, even for that slamming screen door,
My kids are healthy and able to run and play.

Lord the presence of all these chores awaiting me
Says you have richly blessed my family.
I shall do them all cheerfully
And I shall do them gratefully.

Amen


Find this post at:

The Family Meal

The Family Table:

Do you know the average number of times US families eat together per week?

4 times...and 10% of families only 2 times a week.

According to numerous studies, families who eat meals regularly together build strong relationships.

Children do better in school, have better nutrition, are better adjusted and communicate better with one another.

As a wife and mother The Family Meal is very special to me.

One of the biggest reasons why I started this blog was to encourage ladies to cook for the family.

To equipt you with some recipes and encouragement!

I prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner in my home. I put lots of love into my cooking.

We sit down EVERY night as a family. It is one of the most important times of our day.

The meals don't have to be fancy or take lots of time.

Yes, it is work. I have learned that part of motherhood (and life) is service.

But look at all those benefits....

Better Communication

Better Nutrition

Better Adjusted

Better Academics

Better Relationships

Make today the day you choose to serve the family with a meal.

Start simple...Start Today.

For some tips on my meal planning click here

Blessings,

Carla <><

Find this and other great posts at:



Who do you work for?

I was blessed to be raised in a family where I had responsibility.

I had chores and I was expected to do them.

I am thankful for the work ethic instilled in me by my parents.

However, getting married almost 9 years ago and taking the reins of my own household was a bit overwhelming.

If I didn't keep the house clean, dishes done, and laundry up.

It was not going to get done.

I had to make a choice to look at that work as drudgery or as a beautiful way of serving the Lord and my family.

I choose the latter.
I have learned to use my time more wisely

I learned to enjoy scrubbing toilets, and washing dishes.

WHY?

Because I work for my Heavenly Father.

I am bringing glory and honor to Him by keeping my home.

So, I plan my meals, cleaning routine, and homeschooling.
I invest in the lives of my children-training and teaching

I want to make a difference for eternity.

I know the truth.  We will all pass away.

Our homes, cars, money, and stuff will all burn.

What we do for Christ will last.

So, make today count for eternity!

As whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as unto the Lord. and not unto men -Colossians 3:23

Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.- Matthew 25:40

**Just a side note. I have a wonderful husband who is very helpful. He works hard for our family outside of the home: that makes me want to work hard for our family within the home**

(I am thankful for the Lord's work in my life- I'm still learning and growing everyday)

Blessings,
Carla <><

Find this post at:

Be an Encouragement

Are you an encourager?

Do you find the good in others?

I have always wanted to be the kind of person to share with others a positive or kind word.  If I see someone and I think they look nice I tell them.  If I seem them doing a kind deed I encourage them.  


I'm not perfect and have to die daily to negative thoughts and bad attitudes.  I have learned that the more you learn to encourage and build others up it is much easier to push those negative thoughts to the curb.


This is a quote from The Jost Family's song "Ain't Gonna Mope Around"

"I've had friends that let me down, I've been burned and I've been judged...But I've got hope in Jesus to keep me and I'm walking with me head held high"


Make today the day you choose to die to the negative and say YES to the positive and uplifting.

Wear a smile and encourage others daily...Especially those in our homes.



Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.  Ephesians 4:29

 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly...Proverbs 18:24

Visit:
Women Living Well
Raising Homemakers

Choose Joy

Now days it seems everyone has a reason to be unhappy.

The unrest in our country's capital.

The hot or cold weather.

The kids are driving you crazy.

The bills and housework piled to the sky.....

BUT......

The word of God tells us we are to CHOOSE JOY!

I choose everyday to be happy.

Some days are hard...But choose joy!

How we choose to react to our situation is so important

Especially if you have little ones. More is caught than taught.

Today....Choose to have a joyful attitude.

Love others. Be Kind.

Choose joy!

 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  Gal 5:22

                                                                          



  Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds.  Psalm 149:5

                                               

       

    Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. Proverbs 29:18

                                                 

Find more encouragment at:

http://lorialexander.blogspot.com/
http://proverbs14verse1.blogspot.com/

http://www.dontwasteyourhomemaking.com/

http://womenlivingwell.org/
http://raisinghomemakers.com/

You are Blessed!

Remember the song:

"Count your Blessings, name them one by one. Count your Blessings see what God hath done"

It is so easy to lose our vision.  We are so blessed.

Most of you reading this are blessed with:

A warm home

One or more vehicles

 Pantry full of food

Fridge full of food

Freezer full food

A warm bed

Soft Pillows
Running Water
A Hot Shower

A washer and dryer

A comfy couch

A kitchen table
Closet full of clothes
An oven to cook food
and the list goes on and on...

We are so blessed and it is easy to forget just how the Lord has blessed us.
We are so quick to be discontent. Make today the day you count your blessings!

((Make a list of things you are thankful for..list all your blessings))
(When you start to feel discontent..pull out the list!!)

Heb 13:5

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be contentt with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

I'm linked up with these wonderful blogs:
Unwasted Homemaking Party
Raising Homemakers
Women Living Well
A wise woman builds her house

Q-Tips



As I was cleaning the house the other day I found myself in the bathroom to put away lotion. As I opened the small cupboard out fell the box of Q-Tips. Leaving about 20-25 of them on the floor to pick up. Now this may not have been a big deal, however I had picked up those very same Q-Tips at least 4 times in the past week.
All at once as if to question my frustration I heard the Lord ask me "why don't you move them"? Move them? I then thought about the mess those Q-Tips made every time I opened that cupboard last week. Yet every time I stuffed them right back in the same spot. How many times does God "clean up" our mess?  Yet every time we stay in the same spot. Believe me I moved those Q-Tips that afternoon. No more mess for me to clean up!
Where do we need to move today. Do we need to move past bitterness and anger to forgive. Do we need to move past idol activities and spend time in the word of God and prayer. Do we need to give up something because we know it is not pleasing to the God of ALL. I know that I can answer YES! to a few of those questions. Today I am moving....

"Feeling far from God? Guess who moved?"
Carla <><  read Acts 17:30-31

You can find this post at:

Meal Planning 101

Let's talk meal planning.

One of the biggest places in our budget to overspend is in our grocery budget.

I learned  many years ago the biggest asset in winning in the area of grocery shopping is a PLAN!

I think coupons are great and use them when I can, however they are lots of work and require even more planning.  I have also noticed that when the kids get sick or we are faced with a very busy or stressful time in our lives..the couponing gets left behind and we are left discouraged. Not to mention how many times we forget them either at home or in our purse ;)

Planning is still work, yet once you get started it gets easier every grocery visit.

I plan two weeks worth of meals. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Snacks.

I head to the grocery twice a month.  This doesn't mean you won't EVER see me at the store on an off week.  Things do come up such as needing cough medicine and Kleenex or a bag of M&M's :)

How do you do it?

First, I have a Master List of meals.

I have 12 weeks worth of meals typed up and ready to use.

Once it is time to plan I sit down with a piece of paper and choose what I want from my lists.

Once I try a new recipe and enjoy it, I add it to the lists.

I also try to keep summer meals/winter meals separate...

Example:

Wed: Eggs, Sausage/ Cheese Quesadillas/ Salmon, Rice Pilaf, Broccoli

Thur: Muffins/ PB&J/ Roast Chicken, Potatoes, Green Beans

Fri: Eggs, Turkey Bacon/ Fruit Smoothies/ White Chili & Homemade Bread

Sat: Pancakes, Sausage/ Panini Sandwiches/ Tomato Soup, Grilled Cheese

Sun: Cinnamon Rolls/ Bob Evans/ BBQ Chicken Cheesy Potatoes, Veggies

Mon: Eggs, Sausage/ Turkey Roll-ups/ BBQ Chicken Sandwiches, Baked Fries

and so on...

(you can also see I try to turn one meal into another..ie Roast Chicken leftovers into White Chili)

Once I have my meals planned. I grab my grocery list and start writing down what I need.

I also write down things I run out/low of during the week, such as laundry soap ect.

That's it!  We spend about $200.00-$220.00 per two week visit.

That is food, drinks, toiletries, cat/dog food.

That's around $400.00-$440.00 for a family of four for 1 month.

According to the USDA the average family of four "thrifty" is $524 and "liberal $1014.

Also at answers.com the average family of four spends $600.00 a month adding $20.00 for a dog.
*It is worth mentioning we purchase our own beef and pork. We help with the butchering and packaging.
A 1/4 of beef and hog lasts us a year.  The average cost would be about $33.00 per month.*

So, we are doing well below the average!

I do most of my shopping at Aldi and Meijer.

Meal planning and smart shopping are just one of the ways we make living on one income work.

I am blessed to be home with my children everyday, and meal planning is a big part of that!

Hope you will be encouraged and find this helpful!!

Blessings~Carla <><

You can find this post at:

http://proverbs14verse1.blogspot.com/



10 Things I love about cooking

10) I get to be creative

9) Making Memories

8)  Remembering special moments. I love how making a meal my mom made can take me back to those special moments!

7) The way my home smells :)

6) Making my family and friends happy with a yummy meal or sweet treat

5) Living out my Biblical Calling (Proverbs 31) (Titus 2:4-5)

4) It's fun!

3) My husband is thankful for my meal planning and cooking!

2) It is a great way to serve others...

1)  It tastes really good!!! ;)

What do YOU love about cooking?

Jadon Lavik - Come Thou Fount

You DO make a difference

I would encourage every woman to believe that one solitary woman who diligently seeks the Lord in prayer is making a profound difference, whether God lets you see it or not. He is at work, and He will be working.

- Dr. Henry Blackaby






This is one of my favorite Dr. Blackaby quotes.  It is so easy in the busyness of life to feel as though we don't matter as women, wives, and mothers.  We are setting the mood in our homes and raising up the next generation to love and serve the Lord.  What we are doing may not yield a paycheck but it has eternal payoffs.  This is true of ALL mothers.  What we invest into our children will last a forever!!  Take a hold of that truth today!