Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Busy as a Bee and FLYING
Wow! It has been awhile since I've been to my blog. So sorry. Every year the month of May seems to be so busy! From weddings to sports, end of year banquets and the last stretch of school. I found that been so busy really takes away from the important things like family conversations at the dinner table, movie nights in the living room, being rested enough to go play outside with the kids and so much more! I have made a very special effort to bless myself by taking good care of myself so in turn I can bless my home and my family. I recently stumbled across the FlyLady! This is the most helpful,encouraging web site I have found. The FlyLady teaches you that it's okay to Love Yourself, hence the acronym FLY (Finally Loving Yourself). Don't be mistaken, this is not a self-centered, self-pleasing, me me me attitude. Rather one of helping yourself to help others. After all isn't that what we women do whether we have children or just a spouse? I hope you take time to visit this site, you will be blessed!
Monday, April 27, 2009
YOU Have Been Chosen
"He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young." (Isaiah 40:11)
What a positive , encouraging word the Lord has given us mothers. He again and again gives us promise that He will be there for us in every situation. All mothers face challenges, struggles and frustrations at some point, whether it be bad behavior with the children or your own unwillingly attitude. Howver, never forget, He has chosen YOU to be your children's' mother. Remember this and let go of the feelings and thoughts of inadequacy and incompetence. God has chosen YOU and He knows what He's doing!
What a positive , encouraging word the Lord has given us mothers. He again and again gives us promise that He will be there for us in every situation. All mothers face challenges, struggles and frustrations at some point, whether it be bad behavior with the children or your own unwillingly attitude. Howver, never forget, He has chosen YOU to be your children's' mother. Remember this and let go of the feelings and thoughts of inadequacy and incompetence. God has chosen YOU and He knows what He's doing!
Friday, April 10, 2009
Resurrection Rolls
From an article in Teach Magazine....
Resurrection Rolls:
Ingredients:
Crescent rolls
Melted butter
Large marshmallows
Cinnamon & Sugar
Preheat Oven to 350
Give each child a triangle of crescent rolls, explaining that the rolls represents the cloth that Jesus was wrapped in.
Read Matthew 27:57-61
1. Give each child a marshmallow. This represents Jesus.2. Have him/her dip the marshmallow in melted butter. This represents the oils of embalming.3. Now dip the buttered marshmallow in the cinnamon and sugar which represents the spices used to anoint the body.4. Then wrap up the coated marshmallow tightly in the crescent roll (important: bring the sides up and seal the marshmallow inside.) This represents the wrapping of Jesus’ body after death.5. Place in a 350 degree oven for 10-12 minutes. (The oven represents the tomb - pretend like it was three days!)6. Let the rolls cool slightly. The children can open their rolls (cloth) and discover that Jesus is no longer there, HE IS RISEN!!!! (The marshmallow melts and the crescent roll is puffed up, but empty.)
Now read Matthew 28:5-8
Explain: At the tomb, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary saw an angel, who told them not to be afraid. No one had taken Jesus’ body, but He Had risen from the dead! The angel told the women to go and tell the disciples what they had seen, that Jesus had risen from the dead. They were so excited, they ran all the way home to tell the disciples the good news! He is risen from the dead! Alleluia!
After that Jesus appeared in person to Peter, then to the 12 disciples and after that, to more than 500 people. Jesus’ appearance to eyewitnesses, those who saw Him with their own eyes, would give support and prove that Jesus rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:3-6).
By rising from the dead, Jesus proved once and for all that He was the Messiah, the Savior of the World, the Chosen One, and the Lamb of God. By dying on the cross and rising from the dead, Jesus did what no other had ever done before. As both God and man, He overcame sin, death, and hell. And now because of what Jesus has done, these things no longer have any power over those who believe in Jesus and allow His Spirit to lead and direct them. Rather than being slaves to sin and death, Christians (those who love and believe in Jesus) are free to obey God and do good ( Romans 6:17-18). The Bible says in John 8:36, “If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.”
However, we will only obey God if we listen to the Holy Spirit our helper. He enables believers in Jesus to do the right thing. It is important that we read the Bible (God’s Word) because one of the ways the Holy Spirit helps us obey God is by reminding us of what He says to us in His Word. God’s Spirit will never go against his Word. In fact, when we read God’s Word, we are listening to the Holy Spirit. Of course, you won’t always do the right thing; the Bible says this (1 John 1:5-10). But that is why we need to continue to confess our sins knowing that God forgives us, based on what Jesus did on the cross. This is also a reason we need to spend time with other believers in Christ so they can encourage us in our faith.
Resurrection Rolls:
Ingredients:
Crescent rolls
Melted butter
Large marshmallows
Cinnamon & Sugar
Preheat Oven to 350
Give each child a triangle of crescent rolls, explaining that the rolls represents the cloth that Jesus was wrapped in.
Read Matthew 27:57-61
1. Give each child a marshmallow. This represents Jesus.2. Have him/her dip the marshmallow in melted butter. This represents the oils of embalming.3. Now dip the buttered marshmallow in the cinnamon and sugar which represents the spices used to anoint the body.4. Then wrap up the coated marshmallow tightly in the crescent roll (important: bring the sides up and seal the marshmallow inside.) This represents the wrapping of Jesus’ body after death.5. Place in a 350 degree oven for 10-12 minutes. (The oven represents the tomb - pretend like it was three days!)6. Let the rolls cool slightly. The children can open their rolls (cloth) and discover that Jesus is no longer there, HE IS RISEN!!!! (The marshmallow melts and the crescent roll is puffed up, but empty.)
Now read Matthew 28:5-8
Explain: At the tomb, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary saw an angel, who told them not to be afraid. No one had taken Jesus’ body, but He Had risen from the dead! The angel told the women to go and tell the disciples what they had seen, that Jesus had risen from the dead. They were so excited, they ran all the way home to tell the disciples the good news! He is risen from the dead! Alleluia!
After that Jesus appeared in person to Peter, then to the 12 disciples and after that, to more than 500 people. Jesus’ appearance to eyewitnesses, those who saw Him with their own eyes, would give support and prove that Jesus rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:3-6).
By rising from the dead, Jesus proved once and for all that He was the Messiah, the Savior of the World, the Chosen One, and the Lamb of God. By dying on the cross and rising from the dead, Jesus did what no other had ever done before. As both God and man, He overcame sin, death, and hell. And now because of what Jesus has done, these things no longer have any power over those who believe in Jesus and allow His Spirit to lead and direct them. Rather than being slaves to sin and death, Christians (those who love and believe in Jesus) are free to obey God and do good ( Romans 6:17-18). The Bible says in John 8:36, “If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.”
However, we will only obey God if we listen to the Holy Spirit our helper. He enables believers in Jesus to do the right thing. It is important that we read the Bible (God’s Word) because one of the ways the Holy Spirit helps us obey God is by reminding us of what He says to us in His Word. God’s Spirit will never go against his Word. In fact, when we read God’s Word, we are listening to the Holy Spirit. Of course, you won’t always do the right thing; the Bible says this (1 John 1:5-10). But that is why we need to continue to confess our sins knowing that God forgives us, based on what Jesus did on the cross. This is also a reason we need to spend time with other believers in Christ so they can encourage us in our faith.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
The Real Easter Story
This week the kids and I are technically on "break". However, I came across this unit study from the Homeschool Magazine. It's actually a we-ebook by Stephanie Ruby. This is an in-depth study about the real story of Easter. My kids know the basic story, but this year I felt a strong urge to really share with them the awesome, selfless love our Father gave to us and for us. I'll be posting some pictures soon to show what we've been doing. I am also having the kids make Easter cards that we will hand out to a local shelter or retirement home. We will deliver these cards on Friday. I am very excited, that for the first time , we are going to attend the Good Friday service at church. Past years we couldn't go because the kids were in "school". In addition, Friday night we are all , as a family, going to watch The Passion of Christ. I think this year is going to be very meaningful and I pray the holy spirit touch each one of their young hearts. Enjoy your Easter week!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Chili Verde
Here is another easy recipe that will taste great and can be made ahead of time left alone to simmer on the stove!
Chili Verde
2-4 chicken breasts, cooked
2 cans of beans (we use pinto or Peruvian)
1 4oz. can of green chilies
1 teaspoon of ground cumin
¾ teaspoon of dried oregano leaves
1 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of minced garlic
2 chicken bouillon cubes
2/3 c. finely chopped onion
2 cups of water
1 c. grated Monterey Jack cheese
12 corn or flour tortillas
Combines chicken, onions seasonings, and garlic in pan. Add beans and water if needed. Turn heat to medium and allow mixture to simmer. Everything is pretty much cooked already, we’re just heating it up and allowing the tastes and aromas mix together! Turn heat to low, add cheese and serve with tortillas and there ya go! We also made this into our very own chili verde nachos! Just use tortilla chips! Hope you like! Let me know what you think.
Chili Verde
2-4 chicken breasts, cooked
2 cans of beans (we use pinto or Peruvian)
1 4oz. can of green chilies
1 teaspoon of ground cumin
¾ teaspoon of dried oregano leaves
1 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of minced garlic
2 chicken bouillon cubes
2/3 c. finely chopped onion
2 cups of water
1 c. grated Monterey Jack cheese
12 corn or flour tortillas
Combines chicken, onions seasonings, and garlic in pan. Add beans and water if needed. Turn heat to medium and allow mixture to simmer. Everything is pretty much cooked already, we’re just heating it up and allowing the tastes and aromas mix together! Turn heat to low, add cheese and serve with tortillas and there ya go! We also made this into our very own chili verde nachos! Just use tortilla chips! Hope you like! Let me know what you think.
More like Jesus
We began this week, (Sunday) by attending an AWESOME Christian concert. I wasn't really planning on going but my sister came into town with her girls and my kids really wanted to go. It was their first concert so they were really excited! From the moment the lights dimmed I just knew He was in that place. My heart swelled and my eyes filled with joy and sadness. Sadness that came from an undeserving soul. Each song that filled the air had it's own purpose for someone in that audience. My heart also leaped for joy at the sight of my children closing their eyes and raising their hands, worshipping the Lord. No greater reward could I ask for as a mommy. I am by no means a perfect mommy, (my kids can attest to that I'm sure) but the one thing I want them to remember and know when they grow up is that I was or tried to be a godly mother. It is hard to wake up every morning with a smile on your face, think about the long day ahead of you, what to make , what to do etc. etc. of course it is..... hard to do without kneeling before Him every morning asking Him to give you joy, wisdom in your words, patience, well... to be like Jesus. We can't do anything on our own nor with our own understanding. I have found that looking at things as opportunities rather than obstacles makes me realize that God is trying to either get my attention or teach me something. Most of the time it is through my family. The sooner we submit and trust in HIM the sooner we'll be on our road to blessings He has planned for us. Be encouraged friends! He is waiting!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Bickering & Complaining
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Weekly Recipe
Here are a list of recipes that I have found to be EASY, QUICK, and INEXPENSIVE. I know they have saved me from many a night rummaging the pantry, eating out and just plain old panic and stress. There will be a new weekly recipe posted and others will follow in archives or links. Enjoy!
Cowboy Caviar
1 can of corn (not creamy)
1 can of black beans
1 bunch of cilantro
1-2 chopped Roma romatoes
1/2 chopped onion
2 Tbs. of minced garlic
2 Tbs. Olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
Drain beans and corn. Mix all ingredients and then set in refrigerator to chill. This makes a great side dish to ANY bar-b- que!
2-4 chicken breasts
1 can of cranberry sauce
1 packet of onion soup mix ( in the packet)
Place chicken (thawed) into a 13 x 9 baking pan.
Mix together cranberry sauce and onion soup packet in small bowl.
Spread sauce mixture over chicken, covering completely.
Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes at 375 degrees.
Your home will smell so good while this is baking.
Some very yummy side dishes are stuffing, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes mashed potatoes and gravy.
This is a very nice, hearty, warm meal that everyone will love.
History
History, what a comprehensive subject! There is so much content to cover! Being that we use the classical method, my children are all learning about the ancient world. Specifically, Ancient Greece. All children from 9th grade to 2nd grade are on the same time period. I love it! I also really enjoy the fact that they look at history in a chronological order based on the Bible. Rather than having each subject learning independently, we incorporate "secular" History with God's word. I think this is so amazing how the light bulbs go on after connecting the two. Tapestry of Grace is a wonderful curriculum which executes this perfectly.
This week after studying various events and people the previous weeks, we are learning about the Persian Wars, Peloponnesian War, reading Aesop's fables, and the Olympics. My older daughters will write two summaries on the wars. They are also reading the Iliad and The Adventures of Odysseus. We have also watched the History Channels' The True Story of Troy. This week the children began working on our history pockets - Ancient Greece. These pockets are so fun to make and have so much knowledge within them! Everyday we do a little in each pocket. We will finish up these pockets next week when we learn about Alexander the Great!
If your children are home schooled or not, I highly recommend making or buying their own Timeline Book. This can be a purchased one or a 3-ring binder you can make yourself. This book allows the children to "see" history as they learn it! It becomes a reference for them in the future and is continuously being added to. There are many companies out there that make pre-printed figures for your child to color. We just bought a packet and it was well worth the price!
History encompasses so many other subjects; Bible, Writing, Geography, Art History, Music History, Literature, Language. Therefore it is to an extent the core of most of what we do. Other than Math and Science, History must be a priority if you are to teach HIStory. I hope you have as much fun as I do in this subject. If you have any ideas please share! (For example, in the next period we will be studying the Middle Ages and the kids will be doing all sorts of activities like dressing up as kings and queens, knights, acting out a Shakespeare play and lots more! We also can't wait to study Prairie times. We love Laura Ingalls books and we already have the bonnets and dresses. Oh the field trips we'll take!)
This week after studying various events and people the previous weeks, we are learning about the Persian Wars, Peloponnesian War, reading Aesop's fables, and the Olympics. My older daughters will write two summaries on the wars. They are also reading the Iliad and The Adventures of Odysseus. We have also watched the History Channels' The True Story of Troy. This week the children began working on our history pockets - Ancient Greece. These pockets are so fun to make and have so much knowledge within them! Everyday we do a little in each pocket. We will finish up these pockets next week when we learn about Alexander the Great!
If your children are home schooled or not, I highly recommend making or buying their own Timeline Book. This can be a purchased one or a 3-ring binder you can make yourself. This book allows the children to "see" history as they learn it! It becomes a reference for them in the future and is continuously being added to. There are many companies out there that make pre-printed figures for your child to color. We just bought a packet and it was well worth the price!
History encompasses so many other subjects; Bible, Writing, Geography, Art History, Music History, Literature, Language. Therefore it is to an extent the core of most of what we do. Other than Math and Science, History must be a priority if you are to teach HIStory. I hope you have as much fun as I do in this subject. If you have any ideas please share! (For example, in the next period we will be studying the Middle Ages and the kids will be doing all sorts of activities like dressing up as kings and queens, knights, acting out a Shakespeare play and lots more! We also can't wait to study Prairie times. We love Laura Ingalls books and we already have the bonnets and dresses. Oh the field trips we'll take!)
Monday, March 23, 2009
Little Homemaker's Assistant Notebook
Here is a great family project you can work on with your kids. I have made my girls and my son their own Homemaker's (me) Assistant (them) Notebooks. I got the idea from an article I read in Homeschooling Today magazine. I really liked the idea of involving the kids with the everyday things that involve our family, our life! I've created my own version of it and it is completely customizable for your family too!
Here is a
peek inside my notebook.
I begin every binder for girls with the Proverbs 31 as the cover page. This is a great reference as young and old women to go to and guide them. In this binder you'll find divided by Memory Verse and Journal- this contains the memory verse they are working on and a place to put down their thoughts, kind of like a diary. Calender & Weekly Works - in this section there is a monthly calender so that the child can take some responsibility in keeping track of their activities, birthdays etc. The Weekly Works form displays schoolwork, projects, or any activities to be done that week. Mailbox - notes to and from Mom and child. Household - how to's, grocery lists, menu planning etc. School Notes - menus, newsletters etc. Goals - the child's own personal, spiritual and mental goals. Reading and Library lists, Clubs and Sports- newsletters from Scouts, church, sports calenders etc. Contacts - names and address of friends, family and other important numbers.
There is so much more that goes into these notebooks like hosting guests, "how to" sheets which describes and lays out the steps in cleaning a particular room, and so much more!
My kids love it! My youngest daughter looks forward to getting out her binder and making the list for groceries as I read off what we need when I am looking through the pantry. The older girls love the "Mailbox" to send me notes in private. We communicate through the
mailbox rather well. My son has his own version of the Assistant's notebook in such a way that will lead him into becoming a responsible young man, full of character .
If you would like any suggestions, tips on making your own or would like to order your custom made Notebook please send me an email .
For a Basic Notebook the price is $10.00
Here is a
peek inside my notebook.I begin every binder for girls with the Proverbs 31 as the cover page. This is a great reference as young and old women to go to and guide them. In this binder you'll find divided by Memory Verse and Journal- this contains the memory verse they are working on and a place to put down their thoughts, kind of like a diary. Calender & Weekly Works - in this section there is a monthly calender so that the child can take some responsibility in keeping track of their activities, birthdays etc. The Weekly Works form displays schoolwork, projects, or any activities to be done that week. Mailbox - notes to and from Mom and child. Household - how to's, grocery lists, menu planning etc. School Notes - menus, newsletters etc. Goals - the child's own personal, spiritual and mental goals. Reading and Library lists, Clubs and Sports- newsletters from Scouts, church, sports calenders etc. Contacts - names and address of friends, family and other important numbers.
There is so much more that goes into these notebooks like hosting guests, "how to" sheets which describes and lays out the steps in cleaning a particular room, and so much more!
My kids love it! My youngest daughter looks forward to getting out her binder and making the list for groceries as I read off what we need when I am looking through the pantry. The older girls love the "Mailbox" to send me notes in private. We communicate through the
mailbox rather well. My son has his own version of the Assistant's notebook in such a way that will lead him into becoming a responsible young man, full of character .If you would like any suggestions, tips on making your own or would like to order your custom made Notebook please send me an email .
For a Basic Notebook the price is $10.00
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