May. 15, 2008 - Making Gluten Free Mixes Better: Bob's Red Mill GF Brownies
Making Gluten Free Mixes Better: Bob's Red Mill GF Chocolate Brownies
If you have anyone in your house struggling to stay gluten free; you know that many of the pre-made mixes which make life so much easier are pretty lousy in the taste department. I happened on the idea of perking up the Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Brownie mix on my own; and it was so good I decided to share it with you. The main problem with the mix seems to be a lack of chocolate flavor. To solve this problem; I simply added 1/4 C of Hershey's Baking Chocolate Powder and 1/2 C of chocolate chips. The taste improvement was huge; and I enjoyed the brownies as much as my little gluten free girl did! Now, I won't mind so much shelling out $5.50 per mix; because I know she will be enjoying brownies that taste wonderful.
I think these were even better then the "regular" brownie mixes we use!
May. 15, 2008 - NON-FIRST Book Review -- Do Hard Things by the Harris brothers
If you have teenagers, you are going to want to get this book! That's my review in a nutshell.
Amy B
It's May 15th, time for the Non~FIRST blog tour!(Join our alliance! Click the button!) Every 15th, we will featuring an author and his/her latest non~fiction book's FIRST chapter!
Alex and Brett Harris founded TheRebelution.com in August 2005 and today at age 19 are the most popular Christian teen writers on the Web. The twins are frequent contributors to Focus on the Family’s Boundless webzine, serve as the main speakers for the Rebelution Tour conferences, and have been featured in WORLD magazine, Breakaway, The Old Schoolhouse, and the New York Daily News. Sons of homeschool pioneer Gregg Harris and younger brothers of best-selling author Joshua Harris (I Kissed Dating Goodbye), Alex and Brett live near Portland, Oregon.
AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:
MOST PEOPLE DON’T… A different kind of teen book
Most people don’t expect you to understand what we’re going to tell you in this book. And even if you understand, they don’t expect you to care. And even if you care, they don’t expect you to do anything about it. And even if you do something about it, they don’t expect it to last.
Well, we do.
This is a different kind of teen book. Check online or walk through your local bookstore. You’ll find plenty of books written by fortysomethings who, like, totally understand what it’s like being a teenager. You’ll find a lot of cheap throwaway
books for teens because young people today aren’t supposed to care about books or see any reason to keep them around. And you’ll find a wide selection of books where you never have to read anything twice—because the message is dumbed-down. Like, just for you.
What you’re holding in your hands right now is a challenging book for teens by teens who believe our generation is ready for a change. Ready for something that doesn’t promise a whole new life if you’ll just buy the right pair of jeans or use the right kind of deodorant. We believe our generation is ready to rethink what teens are capable of doing and becoming. And we’ve noticed that once wrong ideas are debunked
and cleared away, our generation is quick to choose a better way, even if it’s also more difficult.
We’re nineteen-year-old twin brothers, born and raised in Oregon, taught at home by our parents, and striving to follow Christ as best we can. We’ve made more than our share of mistakes. And although we don’t think “average teenagers” exist, there is nothing all that extraordinary about us personally.
Still, we’ve had some extraordinary experiences. At age sixteen, we interned at the Alabama Supreme Court. At seventeen, we served as grass-roots directors for four statewide political campaigns. At eighteen, we authored the most popular Christian teen blog on the web. We’ve been able to speak to thousands of teens and their parents at conferences in the United States and internationally and to reach millions
online. But if our teen years have been different than most, it’s not because we’re somehow better than other teens, but because we’ve been motivated by a simple but very big idea. It’s an idea you’re going to encounter for yourself in the pages
ahead.
We’ve seen this idea transform “average” teenagers into world-changers able to accomplish incredible things. And they started by simply being willing to break the mold of what society thinks teens are capable of.
So even though the story starts with us, this book really isn’t about us, and we would never want it to be. It’s about something God is doing in the hearts and minds of our generation. It’s about an idea. It’s about rebelling against low expectations. It’s about a movement that is changing the attitudes and actions of teens around the world. And we want you to be part of it.
This book invites you to explore some radical questions:
• Is it possible that even though teens today have more freedom than any other generation in history, we’re actually missing out on some of the best years of our
lives?
• Is it possible that what our culture says about the purpose and potential of the teen years is a lie and that we are its victims?
• Is it possible that our teen years give us a once-in-alifetime opportunity for huge accomplishments—as individuals and as a generation?
• And finally, what would our lives look like if we set out on a different path entirely—a path that required more effort but promised a lot more reward?
We describe that alternative path with three simple words: “do hard things.”
If you’re like most people, your first reaction to the phrase “do hard things” runs along the lines of, “Hard? Uh-oh. Guys, I just remembered that I’m supposed to be somewhere else. Like, right now.”
We understand this reaction. It reminds us of a story we like to tell about a group of monks. Yep, monks.
On the outskirts of a small town in Germany is the imaginary abbey of Dundelhoff. This small stone monastery is home to a particularly strict sect of Dundress monks, who have each vowed to live a life of continual self-denial and discomfort.
Instead of wearing comfy T-shirts and well-worn jeans like most people, these monks wear either itchy shirts made from goat hair or cold chain mail worn directly over bare skin. Instead of soft mattresses, pillows, and warm blankets, they sleep on the cold stone floors of the abbey. You might have read somewhere that monks are fabulous cooks? Well, not these monks. They eat colorless, tasteless sludge—once a day. They only drink lukewarm water.
We could go on, but you get the picture. No matter what decision they face, Dundress monks always choose the more difficult option, the one that provides the least physical comfort, holds the least appeal, offers the least fun. Why? Because they believe that the more miserable they are, the holier they are; and the holier they are, the happier God is.
So these miserable monks must be poster boys for “do hard things.” Right?
Wrong!
We’re not plotting to make your life miserable. We’re not recommending that you do any and every difficult thing. For example, we’re not telling you to rob a bank, jump off a cliff, climb Half Dome with your bare hands, or stand on your head for twenty-four hours straight. We are not telling you to do pointless (or stupid) hard things just because they’re hard. And if you’re a Christian, we’re certainly not telling you that if you work harder or make yourself uncomfortable on purpose, God will love you more. He will never—could never—love you any more than He does right now.
So that’s what we’re not doing. What we are doing is challenging you to grab hold of a more exciting option for your teen years than the one portrayed as normal in society today. This option has somehow gotten lost in our culture, and most people don’t even know it. In the pages ahead, you’re going to meet young people just like you who have rediscovered this better way—a way to reach higher, dream bigger, grow
stronger, love and honor God, live with more joy—and quit wasting their lives.
In Do Hard Things, we not only say there is a better way to do the teen years, we show you how we and thousands of other teens are doing it right now and how you can as well.
After my last post about eating more healthily, this post should make you laugh. If you go to McDonalds on May 15, you can get a free Southern Style Chicken Sandwhich with the purchase of any Medium drink. You can go in the morning and get one on a biscuit free, and then return later and get one on a bun for free. You can treat your whole family to lunch for the cost of 1 medium drink and 1 medium fry apiece. Unless you happen to have a gluten free girl like I have. The Southern Style Chicken is most definitely not gluten free; so Anna and I will be splitting a grilled chicken salad. :) Still, a super good deal! If you only treat your family to McDonalds once in a while, this Thursday would be a good day to do so. (I got this in an e-mail directly from McDonald's, so I know it is true.)
Also, if you could use a free $25, be sure to read this post.
And, if you want to read more ideas for saving money, be sure to check out CanadaGirl's Blog.
May. 13, 2008 - What Did You Eat Today? On Going Almost Vegetarian.
As I have discovered that meat and protein seems to aggrevate my trachia considerably; I have decided to go on an "almost vegetarian" diet for a while. Here is my plan. For breakfast and lunch, I will eat fruit or vegetable centric meals, and limit bread and dairy as much as possible. For supper, I will graciously eat whatever my husband serves or whatever he wishes me to fix. However, when we do have meat, I will limit myself to 1 or 2 ounces of meat. I will also buy more whole grain pastas and rice so that I always have this alternative even when the rest of the family wants Minute Rice. So, I am not giving up meat entirely and I will not be reading labels to prevent "accidental" meat or dairy consumption. But, I am going to focus on improving my vegetable and fruit intake! I am also focusing on more homemade juice and more water intake, and less soda.
Today for lunch, I mixed up a fantastic meal and decided I wanted to share it with you.
Amy's Mixed Up Vegetables
1/2 Onion
1 Zucchini
1 Yellow Squash
10 mushroom slices
1 Heaping Teaspoon of Minced Garlic from the jar (about two cloves)
1 Tablespoon Dried Crushed Basil
1/2 Teaspoon Pepper
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
2 Tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Sliced Tomato
1/2 C Cooked Pasta
First, I chopped all of my vegetables and assembled my other ingredients. Then, I heated our India Wok over high heat for several minutes. Next, I added the Olive Oil, followed immediately by the onion, zucchini, squash and mushrooms. After stir-frying this for a couple minutes, I added the garlic, salt, pepper, and basil. I confess, I intended only to add a teaspoon or so of basil, but I messed up the lid on my basil and it was a happy accident because the full tablespoon added lots of flavor! I stir fried this for a few more minutes, (I like my veggies crunchy, you cook them to your desired tenderness but the crunchier they are the more healthy!) and then put about half of the mixture on a small (1/2 C serving) plate of pasta. I topped this with half of the sliced tomato, and more salt to taste. Yummm....
After eating this, I finished off the veggies without adding more pasta. The pasta added a nice texture, but was not necessary for the dish. I enjoyed the second plate just as much; with no guilt because it was all veggies! (except for the fungus of course...)
You can mix this up by including your favorite veggies! It's pretty forgiving I think; and next time I do not intend to add mushrooms. I love the zucchini this way, give it a try!!!
I have only written one article for Associated Content so far, but I did get paid! It is super easy to submit content, and payments range from $3 to $10 per article. I do not get anything when you sign up; just thougt some folks might like to get paid for writing. My sister has submitted six or seven articles in the last three days!
May. 12, 2008 - Mondays on Mothering -- Mother's Day
Mother's Day
Well, you knew my Mondays on Mothering post would have to be about Mother's Day didn't you? Speaking of which, here is an aside: Hi Mom! I forgot to call today (yesterday, but its just after midnight here and I am still awake...); but I sure did call on you birthday again this year and forget that it was your birthday. I figured it out today when we were sitting at McDonalds talking about all the May birthdays in the family. I'm sorry!
Okay, so that's one cool thing about mothering is that you suddenly understand your own Mom so much more.
We had an extra special day here as always. It all started when my oldest daughter was two. She and her father began the tradition of buying my container garden for Mother's Day. The children help me choose and plant the flowers for my garden, and my husband buys a smart new container or a cool watering wand or something special to add flair. I've never been to good at keeping flowers alive in the ground; but container gardens I can manage! (I know, go figure...)
So, this year my good husband had the foresight to look at the forecast. When he noticed thunder and lightning on the horizon; he talked the kids into taking me flower shopping and out to eat on Saturday, a day early. Since they are really big on tradition, this was no small task! We went to The Cheescake Factory; an indulgence we almost never allow. We went to Sears and replaced our dead microwave after almost four months of no microwave popcorn. Then we went to Betty's Azalea Ranch for flowers. Same place we went the first time 7 years ago!!! It is good to be back. We decided to do lots of vegetables this year; for fun and to see if we can do it. Tomatoes of course, and green peppers, red peppers and jalepenos, lettuce and basil. I am really praying for some nice juicy tomatos this summer! We planted Marigolds with the tomatoes because I have heard that helps with insects. We also got some Zinnias, some Rose Moss, and my standard petunias. We also got at least three other flowers whose names I can't remember, but no matter because in the morning I am going to add pictures to this post.
The best part was the planting of course. I love watching my littlest guy being extra "tarfoll" with the plants. (That's careful, in case you can read my Caleb-ese). He loved helping plant the pots, but his favorite part was the watering! I loved how capable my oldest two were, and how much they absorb these days. My four year old was equally adorable of course, and very industrious. Everything has to be "just so" for her and she did an excellent job.
So, altogether Saturday was a wonderful day! Then, I got to celebrate twice!! You can't beat that can you? Sunday we went to McDonald's for breakfast which is one of my favorite things to do; but something we don't splurge on very often anymore. Then, we went to church and came home for a nice relaxing afternoon. Well, I relaxed while my husband cooked lunch and installed the microwave . Then, we went back out for supper at McDonalds. We then enjoyed Strawberries in Sugar and Pound Cake with Whipped Cream at home for dessert and finished the evening off watching The Greatest Game Ever Played (a movie) and eating popcorn. Anna had her strawberries on some yummy chocolate gluten free brownies. I will share more about that in another post. The littlest ones finally fell asleep during the movie and had to be carried to bed. It rained all day; but not a bit of damper did it make for us! I am so glad Dan planned ahead, for more then on heart would have been broken had we waited to buy flowers.
Sharing special traditions are one of my favorite things about being a mother. What are your favorites?
I hope you will share something you love about Mothering in your very own Mondays On Mothering post. You can read all about Mondays On Mothering here.
To post a Mondays On Mothering blog, follow these steps: 1. Write a blog post about something you love about mothering. Include a link back to my blog so others can find all Mondays On Mothering posts.
2. If you want to use my graphic; click here for the code.
3. Come back to my blog, and sign the Mr. Linky on my current Mondays On Mothering post, so that everyone else can find your post.
4. Visit the other Mondays On Mothering posts, and be encouraged. As Canada Girl always says, the best way to get a comment is to leave a comment!
May. 9, 2008 - WOW! PAYPAL ALTERNATIVE PAYS YOU $25 to SIGN UP!!!!
Revolution(ary) Money Exchange
This is a really cool paypal alternative, and you get $25 FOR FREE if you sign up now! This is for real, I already have the money in my account. You can keep the money in your account, have it transferred to your bank account, or request it as a check and cash out. I already have several friends who have done this!!! It does work, and it is an easy $25 for you!!!
In the interest of full disclosure, Everyone who signs up through this link is a referral for me! Referrals are worth $10! WOW....
***Updated: Thank you so much for accepting my invitation! If you signed up through this link; please be sure to tell me in the comments! I have no way of seeing my referral's e-mail addresses; so I don't know who you are! Thanks again,
After my Tightwad Tuesday post on packing a picnic, my dear friend Cristi asked what I bought for the picnic at Whole Foods. That got me thinking. What exactly makes a good picnic? Before Anna had to be dairy free and gluten free, we had an old formula. Cheese, fruit, sandwiches, chips, cookies and drinks. Now, that makes a great picnic! We almost never take cheese now, for that would be unfair unless I have a substitute. The formula stands alone without cheese though! However, I am now branching out a little. Whenever we pack a picnic from our home; we choose any variety of things based on what is in the cupboard. We do enjoy taking those little Jif-To-Go packs which I occasionally get mostly free with coupons. We pack those, with celery and carrots for dipping, and maybe apples to dip too. We almost always pack the makings of a meat sandwich and chips. I try to pack some special treat thing; which might include whatever snacks I have gotten recently with my coupons. This might include cookies, rice krispie treats, fruit roll-ups, anything sweet. This last picnic was completely off the beaten track. Three children had blueberry muffins. Everyone shared tortilla chips and guacamole. Anna had salami on gluten free bread. The two boys had salami with no bread. Everyone finished very full and happy with our little picnic! I certainly would have added fruit except that they were filming a television show in Whole Foods and I DID NOT want to go back past the cameras to the produce section once I realized we were in need of a picnic! I confess, I have even made a picnic with Lunchables in the past! The key thing here is the atmosphere... Eating outside is fun, refreshing, and interesting. Certainly, eating outside to facilitate a trip to the playground is always welcome by the children... However, we have even been known to have a "picnic" in the car with a good audiobook after the unwelcome onset of rain.
Ironically, my friend Cristi and I met for the first time (in real life) at a park where we were both supposed to be bringing our own picnics. She was good and brought a picnic, and I was bad and stopped at Wendy's on the way. I remember panicking because we had not the single making of a picnic in our cupboards that day! I was so embaressed then, but now it is too funny to me that she is asking for picnic advice in the comments of my blog! What a fun memory of that day! I'm pretty sure you've got it covered my friend.
If you are planning a study of Brazil or of sugar production in your homeschool, you will love this web-site. Sugar from Brazil is exported all around the world. I had no idea that Brazil is responsible for 20% of the world's sugar production. That's impressive! Most interesting to me is the fact that almost half of the sugar produced in Brazil is consumed within the country. Brazilians like their sugar! Another interesting note, a large portion of the sugar is produced for consumption as fuel! Ethanol is produced from sugar then mixed with petrol and then used in Brazilian automobiles. Ethanol is also imported all over the world from Brazil. I would never have guessed you could use sugar to produce fuel. You can find definitions and more information with pictures at the web-site linked above. Isn't it interesting what you can learn when you homeschool?
May. 7, 2008 - Book Review -- Elizabeth 1 of Royal Princess Diaries series
Book Review Elizabeth I of the Royal Princess Diaries series
The reason I put this book on my Spring Reading Thing list is very simple. I needed to pre-read at least one of the books in this series before letting my daughter devour the whole series! At first, I was just letting her read them, but after she read her first and starting asking us questions about the Muslim faith; my husband and I decided pre-reading was in order.
The concept behind Royal Princess Diaries is captivating for any young girl dreaming of being a princess! Each diary is a fictional account of a princess during her growing up years, and is of a noteable princess, such as those who became Queens in their own country or married a King in another country. The diary of Elizabeth I ends before she becomes Queen, and has a post scrip explaining how that came to be.
First, I would like to mention that I learned a ton by reading this book. Fiction is woven together so interestingly with fact that may historical facts are absorbed! Remember Elizabeth the Ist? She was the daughter of the Mad Henry who executed five of his six wives by having them beheaded!!! Elizabeth was third in line of succcession to the throne, and only became queen after each of her two siblings in front of her (a younger brother and an older sister) died while serving as monarch.
Second, I will mention that I found the fictional diary of her childhood and teen years to be captivating and fun to read, even though I am 35 years old.
However, (you knew a however was coming didn't you!) I did have problems with letting my nine year old read this book.
First, this book dealt often with Elizabeth's reaction to her own mother's beheading, the beheading of the other queens, and the fear that the current queen would be beheaded. Since this is a recurring theme, the overall effect is very dark.
Second, this book dealt some with Elizabeth's depression, which is not a proven historical fact.
Third, (and most significant) was a scene which occured about 3/4 of the way into the book. Elizabeth along with all of the other young royal children, attend a costume celebration for some Holiday. This happened several times in the book, and I can't remember which time this particular event occured. At any rate, two of the ladies arrived dressed as scantily clad Harem members for kings in the East. Elizabeth was startled to nearly bump into one of the ladies, exiting a room near "the privy" with a gentleman of note (not her husband...) and clearly disheveled. A few minutes later, Elizabeth also notices that the other "lady" dissappears out into the courtyard for lengths of time with one man after another. She states "There is something going on here that I do not quite understand. I almost think I understand, but not quite. So, I am not going to tell Kat about it..." (Kat is her governess)
Later in the next entry, Elizabeth mentioned that her father (King Henry) made a bauldy comment about one of these women and Elizabeth's step-mother was not happy. Even later in the story, one of the "ladies" contracts small pox and is "ruined".
I am positive I do not want my nine year old daughter to read about that scene! She definitely does not need to know about court prostitutes and the exploitation of women yet! I know the book was fairly vague, but not vague enough to stop questions. I thought about letting Clara read the book; by simply taping something over that page and telling her she must not read that entry. I know she would obey me for the privilege of reading the book; but it would only raise questions. Plus, if I let her continue in the series I would have to read each book and that would become difficult!
The last thing I struggled with was an overall concept of feminism in the book. Since most of what happened in the book was very realistic, I would probably not have denied my daughter this book or the series except for the one scene mentioned above. I could easily have discussed the concept of feminism with her; and let her read the book.
So much rich historical detail is included that I am tempted to let her read the book in spite of my review! Too bad the author felt compelled to include this one scene.
May. 7, 2008 - Book Review -- Pocketful of Pinecones by Karen Andreola
Book Review Pocketful of Pinecones by Karen Andreola
Have you ever seen these books by highly visible Homeschoolers and wished you could get read them? Then, you finally get the book from the library and renew it for nine weeks (our maximum) and never get around to reading it? That's why I love the Spring Reading Thing! I am finishing books that have been on my "to be read" list or partially started forever....
I finally actually got my own copy of Pocketful of Pinecones from Freecycle a few months ago. After starting and stopping it several times, I am just now finishing it. I stayed up for several hours last night to finish; because I didn't want to put it down! I have to say that the book starts out pretty slowly. Karen picks up momentum once she settles in to her groove though. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and saw many ways to incorporate nature study and nature notebooking into our homeschool. The next step, of course, is to just do it. I have started and stopped Nature Journals with my children on many occasions; so maybe starting and stopping is the problem. I would not consider this book to be the most well-written book I have ever read; but I will say I found it encouraging and inspiring and fun to read. If you have a chance to pick this book up at a used bookstore, freecycle, or paperbackswap -- Go For It!
I feel like I am taking baby steps towards becoming a true tightwad, if that is even my goal! I'm not really a Tightwad at all, but I love saving money and getting bargains. But, I don't throw my tights in the freezer just so they will last longer or anything. (I've heard that works!)
Anyway, one thing we have noticed lately, (again) is that our eating out is just getting out of control. I am only supposed to take the children to fast food place once a week; but there are just so many times in the week when it is handy! SO, today, on the way home from the library we decided it was the perfect day to stop at the park; but we hadn't had lunch. I had to stop in at Whole Foods to pick up a bunch of gluten free goodies for Anna anyway, so I spent about $15 on picnic food and we had a picnic. Since I usually spend $25 at Burger King; this was a significant savings. I also brought home half a bag of tortilla chips, and half a container of guacamole, and half a package of salami.
If I had only planned ahead (like that ever happens), we had the makings of a picnic at home too.
Picnics save money over eating out -- any day.
If you want to see more Tightwad Tips from people who are way better at it then I am, hop on over to Canada Girl's Blog.
Sometimes, our children do things that deserve punishment don't they? Last week one of my children forgot to clean the bathrooms during the week, which is this child's one job for pay. The "rule" is that this child has to clean them before Saturday or she cleans them on Saturday for no pay. Well, Saturday came and went and this child did not do the bathrooms. As Sunday afternoon was waning, I mentioned this to my husband and said something about sending this child to go clean them. He decided a bit of grace was in order. The child forgot, Saturday has passed and we didn't make sure the child did it Saturday; time for grace. I was certainly afraid that this child would then decide this week not to do the bathrooms during the week again; since we didn't enforce the rule. However, when Thursday came; the task was completed without complaint. I am so glad! I love being able to share grace with my children as an example of God's grace in our lives. It is such a relief to know that he will not be delivering the punishment we so grievously deserve, isn't it? And, with a little bit of grace in our parenting; our children can experience a small taste of that grace before they have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior.
What about you? Do you have something you love about mothering? Please share on your blog! I love reading the other Mondays on Mothering posts each week.
I hope you will share something you love about Mothering in your very own Mondays On Mothering post. You can read all about Mondays On Mothering here.
To post a Mondays On Mothering blog, follow these steps:
1. Write a blog post about something you love about mothering. Include a link back to my blog so others can find all Mondays On Mothering posts.
2. If you want to use my graphic; click here for the code.
3. Come back to my blog, and sign the Mr. Linky on my current Mondays On Mothering post, so that everyone else can find your post.
4. Visit the other Mondays On Mothering posts, and be encouraged. As Canada Girl always says, the best way to get a comment is to leave a comment!
I have mentioned this so many times, I feel like a broken record! However, I was able to save $6 again this weekend because I took the time to find some coupon codes! Here is another site working to save you money by finding coupon codes: Best Online Coupons. They have tons of different coupon codes listed, for instance here is one: save money and lose weight with discounts on meal replacement diet plans.
This coupon code is not one I have personally used, but there are many others! This is just one example!
I was especially excited to see this coupon code for Family Christian Stores and these links for various free shipping codes at Target. In fact, I am thinking about staying home from Target today and just ordering everything I actually need on-line. Every time I go to that store, I find an extra $50 worth of things I didn't come for!
Check it out, and see what you can find! Never shop on-line without a coupon code! Recently, I spent about $65 at Lands End plus shipping, only to find a $25 off a $75 coupon code in my e-mail box three days later! That hurt. Next time, I will wait until I have a coupon code to order!
May. 4, 2008 - Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program
Here it is! All the information you will need to complete the Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Challenge. Be sure to scroll down on my blog for information about the Focus on The Family Summer Reading Challenge too.
I was talking with my husband on the way home tonight from AWANA, explaining about the FOTF Summer Reading challenge, and how cool it was with the requirement for different genres. So, my son started asking which books would qualify in the different categories. I mentioned that the Bible would count, so when we got home, he got out his Bible and started reading in Psalms; because he thought would be really easy to get lots of pages. He read six Psalms before I reminded him that the contest didn't start until June, and then he kept right on reading until lights out -- which made me proud. I like how the FOTF challenge is set up for number of pages instead of number of books. Very good idea!
Are you thinking about starting a web-page of your very own? We are! In fact, we are hoping to announce the launch of our web-site in the very near future! We have been searching for "the perfect" web host for several weeks, and have not been able to find a clear presentation of the top choices and their benefits. I just found this web-site which reviews and compares top web hosting services for the user. I need a site with room for growth, but I do not need 1000 e-mail address domains! We have found most of the Christian web hosts to be horribly over-priced for the level of service. My husband and I thought we had found a web hosting service which did not allow anti-family web-sites and yet had a decent offering of services. For some reason, we can't find that particular web host again! Do you have a favorite web-hosting service? Which one do you use? What are the pros and cons? You can leave a comment for me and tell me where to look. In the meantime, I am going to show my husband this comparison chart and see what he thinks. Look for an announcement soon!
May. 3, 2008 - Focus on the Family Summer Reading Blast -- Check it Out!
Focus on the Family is hosting a Summer Reading Blast. Children will need to read 2500 pages during June, July, and August, choosing at least one book from each of six genres. A completed poster must be postmarked by September 1st. The "cool prize" is undefined. The required categories are: Faith Builders, Adventures, Mysteries, Christian Biographies, Classics, and Fiction.
One page of this poster has suggestions, and you can search for Summer Book Blast at family.org to find more suggestions. Or, you can just pick your own books.
I do not see a minimum age; but the poster implies that the child will do the reading himself.
Spread the Word! Focus on the Family hasn't done a summer reading challenge in seven years; and we want to see this again! Finally, a summer reading challenge that is actually challenging!!!
May. 1, 2008 - Book Give-Away! You can get a free book from me!!!
Book Give-Away!
Finding Hollywood Nobody by Lisa Samson
The publisher accidentally sent me three copies of this book for reviewing! I paperbackswapped the first two; (after reading one of them of course!) and then the FIRST director said, "why not have a contest for one on your blog?" I thought that was a fantastic idea! If you would like to win a copy of this book, just sign Mr. Linky, AND leave a comment here! I will run the contest until May 15th. Please feel free to announce this contest to your friends!
May. 1, 2008 - FIRST Book Review -- Finding Hollywood Nobody
Finding Hollywood Nobody by Lisa Samson is an interesting teen novel. The main character is a teenage girl who travels with her aunt to various Hollywood filming location while her aunt works as a food stylist. During the book, the girl is converted to Christianity. Toward the end, she does ask a boy if he "slept with her", referring to another teen. This was the only reference to such things in the novel; and over all I found it to be an interesting, clean read for teenagers with a little teen attitude cropping up once in a while. This is not a romance novel!
Amy
It is May FIRST, time for the FIRST Blog Tour! (Join our alliance! Click the button!) The FIRST day of every month we will feature an author and his/her latest book's FIRST chapter
Lisa Samson is the author of twenty books, including the Christy Award-winning Songbird. Apples of Gold was her first novel for teens.
These days, she's working on Quaker Summer, volunteering at Kentucky Refugee Ministries, raising children and trying to be supportive of a husband in seminary. (Trying . . . some days she's downright awful. It's a good thing he's such a fabulous cook!) She can tell you one thing, it's never dull around there.
Well, Nobodies, it's a wrap! Jeremy's latest film, yet another remake of The Great Gatsby, now titled Green Light, has shipped out from location and will be going into postproduction. Look for it next spring in theaters. It may just be his most widely distributed film yet with Annette Bening on board. Toledo Island will never be the same after that wacky bunch filled in their shores.
Today's Hottie Watch:Seth Haas has moved to Hollywood. An obscure film he did in college, Catching Regina's Heels (a five-star film in my opinion), was mentioned on the Today show last week. He was interviewed on NPR's Fresh Air. Hmm. Could it be he'll receive the widespread acclaim he deserves before the release of Green Light? For his sake and the film's, I hope so.
Rehab Alert:I've never hidden the fact that I don't care for bratty actress Karissa Bonano, but she just checked into rehab for a cocaine addiction. Her maternal grandfather, Doug Fairmore, famous in the forties for swashbuckling and digging up clues, made a public statement declaring the Royal Family of Hollywood was "indeed throwing all of our love, support, and prayers behind Karissa." The man must be a thousand years old by now. This isn't Ms. Bonano's first stint in rehab, but let's hope it's her last. Even I'm not too catty to wish her well in this battle. But I'm as skeptical as the next person. In Hollywood, rehab is mostly just a fad.
Today's Quote:"It's a scientific fact. For every year a person lives in Hollywood, they lose two points of their IQ." Truman Capote
Today's Rant:SWAG, or Party Favors. Folks, do you ever wonder what's inside those SWAG bags the stars get? Items which, if sold, could feed a third-world country for a week! And have you noticed how the people who can afford to buy this stuff seem to get it for free? I'm just sayin'. So here's my idea, stars: Refuse to take these high-priced bags o' stuff and gently suggest the advertisers give to a charitable organization on behalf of the movie, the stars, the whoever. Like you need another cell phone.
Today's Kudo:Violette Dillinger will be appearing on the MTV Video Music Awards in August. She told Hollywood Nobody she's going to prove to this crowd you can be young, elegant, decent, and still rock out. Go Violette!
Summer calls. Later!
Monday, September 15, 4:00 a.m.
Maybe I'm looking for the wrong thing in a parent.
I turn over in bed at the insistence of Charley's forefinger poking me in the shoulder. "Please tell me you've MapQuested this jaunt, Charley."
She shakes her tousled head, silhouetted by the yellow light emanating from the RV's bathroom. "You're kidding me right?" She slides off the dinette seat. Charley's been overflowing with relief since she told me the truth about our life: that she's not really my mother, but my grandmother, that somebody's chasing us for way too good of a reason, that my life isn't as boring as I thought. We're still being chased, but Charley can at least breathe more freely in her home on the road now that I know the truth.
Home in this case happens to be a brand-spanking-new Trailmaster RV, a huge step forward from the ancient Travco we used to have, the ancient Travco with a rainbow Charley spread in bright colors over its nose.
"Where to?" Having set my vintage cat glasses, love 'em, on my nose, I scramble my hair into its signature ponytail: messy, curly, and frightening. I can so picture myself in the Thriller video.
"Marshall, Texas."
"East Texas?"
"I guess."
"It is." I shake my head. Charley. I love her, I really do, but when it comes to geography, despite the fact that we've traveled all over the country going to her gigs ever since I can remember, she's about as intelligent as a bottle of mustard. And boy do I know a lot about bottles of mustard. But that was my last adventure.
"If you knew, then why did you ask?" She flips the left side of her long, blonde hair, straighter than Russell Crowe, over her shoulder. Charley's beautiful. Silvery blonde (she uses a cheap rinse to cover up the gray), thin (she's vegan), and a little airy (she's frightened of a lot and tries not to think about anything else that may scare her), she wears all sorts of embroidered vests and large skirts and painted blue jeans. And they're all the real deal, because Charley's an environmentalist and wouldn't dream of buying something she didn't need when what she's got is wearing perfectly well. She calls my penchant for vintage clothing "recycling," and I don't disagree.
"Is this really a gig, Charley, or are we escaping again?"
She shakes her head. "No phone call. I really do have a job."
I feel the thrill of fear inside me, though there's no need right now. Biker Guy almost got me back on Toledo Island. (Yeah, he looks like a grizzled old biker.) To call the guy rough around the edges would be like saying Pam Anderson has had "a little work done."
I've been looking over my shoulder ever since.
But more on that later. We need to get on the road. And I need to get on with my life. I'm so sick of thinking about how things aren't nearly what I'd like them to be.
I mean, do you ever get tired of hearing yourself complain?
I flip up my laptop, log on to the satellite Internet I installed (yes, I am that geeky) and Google directions to Marshall, Texas, from where we are in Theta, Tennessee—actually, on the farm of one of Charley's old art-school friends who gave her some work in advertising for the summer. Charley's a food stylist, which means she makes food look good for the camera. Still cameras, motion picture cameras, video, it doesn't matter. Charley can do it all.
"Oh, we've got plenty of time, Charley. Five hundred and fifty miles and . . . we have to go through Memphis . . ."
My verbal drop-off is a dead giveaway.
"Oh, no, Scotty, we're not going to Graceland again."
The kitsch that is Graceland speaks to me. What can I say?
And you've got to admit, it's starting to look vintage. Now ten years ago . . .
I cross my arms. "Do you have cooking to do on the way?"
Yes, highly illegal to cook in a rolling camper.
"Yeah, I do."
"And do you expect me, an unlicensed sixteen-year-old, to drive?" Again, highly illegal, but Charley's a free spirit. However, she refuses to copy CDs and DVDs, so in that regard, she's more moral than most people. I guess it evens up in the end.
"Uh-huh."
"Then I think I deserve a trip through the Jungle Room."
She rolls her eyes, reaches down to the floor, and throws me my robe. "Oh, all right. Just don't take too long."
"I'll try. So." I look at the screen. "65 to route 40 west. Let's hit it. And we'll have time to stop for breakfast."
Charley shakes her head and plops down on the tan dinette bench. The interior of this whole RV is a nice sandy tan with botanical accents. Tasteful and so much better than the old Travco that looked like a cross between a genie's bottle and the Unabomber cabin. "You're going to eat cheese. Aren't you?"
"I sure am."
And Charley can't say anything, because months ago she told me this was a decision I could make on my own.
Freedom!
"I've rethought the cheese moratorium, baby. I know you're not going to like this, but three months of cheese is enough. I can't imagine what your arteries look like. I think it's time to stop."
"What?" Cheese is my life. "Charley! You can't do this to me."
"It's for your own good."
"Are you serious?"
"Yeah, I am."
"Why?"
"Because summer's over, baby, and we've got to get back to a better way of life."
I could continue to argue, but it won't do any good. Charley acts all hippie and egalitarian, but when push comes to shove, she's the boss. However, I'm great at hiding my cheese . . . and . . . I'm going to convince her eventually.
But still.
"This isn't right, Charley, and you know it. But it's too early to argue. And might I add, you have no idea what it's like to have a teen with real teen issues. You ought to be on your knees thanking God I'm not drinking, smoking, pregnant, or"—I was going to say sneaking out at night, but I've done that, just to get some space—"or writing suicidal poetry on the Internet!"
We stare at each other, then burst into laughter.
"Just humor me this time, baby," she says. "We'll come back to it soon, I promise."
I don't believe her, but I hop into the driver's seat, pull up the brake, throw the TrailMama into drive, and we are off.
Six hours later
I pull through Graceland's gatehouse at ten a.m., park near the back of the compound's cracked, tired parking lot, and change into some crazy seventies striped bell-bottoms, a poet shirt, and Charley's old crocheted, granny-square vest. Normally I go further back in my vintage-wear, but I'm trying to go with the groove that is Graceland.
I kiss Charley's cheek. "I'll be back by noon."
"When will that put us in Marshall?"
"By six thirty."
"Because I'm not sure where the shoot is."
"Please. Marshall's small. Jeremy and company will make a big splash no matter where they set up. Besides, growing up around this, I have a nose for it."
She awards me one of her big smiles. "You're somethin', baby. I forget that sometimes." She puts her arms around me, squeezes, pulls back, then smacks me lightly on my behind. "Tell Elvis I said hello."
"Oh, I will. He's one of the groundskeepers now, you know."
I've seen computer-generated pictures of what he would look like now, in his seventies. Scary.
I jump down from the RV, head across the parking lot, over the small bridge leading into the ticketing complex and walk by Elvis's jets, including the Lisa Marie. Gotta love anything with that name. Don't know why. Just has a nice ring to it.
Banners proclaim, "Elvis Is."
Is what? Dead? A legend? What? Because he isn't "izzing" as far as I'm concerned. Present tense, people! If the person's not alive, "is" can only be followed by a few options: Buried up in the memorial garden. Rotting in his casket. Missed by his family and friends. Not exactly banner copy, mind you.
Still, you've got to admit the name Elvis wreaks of cool. Perhaps the sign should read, "Elvis Is . . . A Really Cool Name."
But it's not nearly as cool as my name. You see, my real mother loved the writer F. Scott Fitzgerald. And that's my name: Francis Scott Fitzgerald Dawn. Only Dawn's not my actual last name. I don't know what my real last name is. My real first name is Ariana. Being on the run, Charley renamed us to protect our identity. So she honored my mother by naming me after Mom's favorite novelist. More on that later too.
To read the rest of chapter one, check out the FIRST blog.
Apr. 28, 2008 - Book Review -- Homeschool Success Stories by Linda Dobson
Book Review
Homeschool Success Stories by Linda Dobson
While I am fascinated by the undeniable facts presented in this book; revealing highly successful products of the homeschool lifestyle, I must admit I finished the book only from sheer force of the Spring Reading Thing. I started out fascinated, as Ms. Dobson explained her criteria for selection and chronicled the lives of many famous Americans who were, at least in part, homeschooled. I read through the entire first half of the book in one very late evening while my husband was traveling last week. However, mid-way through the book I began noticing an unsettling trend. Several entries in a row were children involved in divorce. Perhaps six out of the twenty. Another six out of the twenty were only homeschooled for very brief periods, leaving questions about the true influence of homeschooling on their success! It seemed as though a large percentage of the twenty were focused on unschooling as "the only method" or came from a very liberal heritage. Perhaps I just got tired of the idea; but I found the last ten or twelve entries to be less then inspiring. The concept of this book is excellent. I would love to have a well done book like this to share with family and friends who are skeptics -- if I could find a nice way to ask them to read it without implying that they should homeschool themselves. I don't actually try to convince anyone to homeschool; but it bothers me to know those closest to me think I am doing my children a disservice. It shouldn't bother me, but it does. I would like to see a newer book; with a more fair balance between styles, and political leanings, and at least one more family whose highest aspiration is to raise children who love God. On one hand, I felt this book set too high of standards; and on the other hand I felt the standards were not set high enough. I guess it all comes from your definition of success!
This one is going back to the used bookstore for credit! I'm glad I read it; but I just don't have space on my overflowing shelves.
Apr. 28, 2008 - Mondays On Mothering -- Gentle Motivation
Gentle Motivation
What a challenge it is to motivate our children gently! I am wanting always to push and pull them to where I want them to be. This simply doesn't work! One of my favorite parts of mothering is watching my children rise to the challenge with just a bit of gentle motivation. A few well placed words of tinder, a little spark from Dad to help ignite the flame. We experienced just such a moment this weekend, when my oldest son came to us with a problem. A good problem! He has finished his AWANA book for the year; and finished the extra book at his level. Last week, with only two weeks to go; he was given the Bronze Packet challenge. This little packet is only given to clubbers who complete all of the work available at their level, or to leaders who want to complete a challenge. It contained 60 verses, and they must be completed in 15 verse segments spoken in one sitting, with only two helps for the entire 15 verses!!! So, on Saturday night my little seven year old came to me for clarification on the rules. Once he found out he had to do at least 15 verses in one sitting in order to get any credit, he was floored. "Mom, I just can't do it. I'm done. I already did my book and the extra book, I am not doing anymore. I don't even have time to do 15 verses by next week, let alone the whole packet." (and yes, he really does talk like that...) I just calmed him down gently, and said something like "You're right, you probably can't learn the whole packet by next week, but I know you could earn the first 15 verses. If you don't want to that's fine (as he interrupted me with wails of "I can't") but I know you could at least do the first 15 verses by next week." Then, a few minutes later, as I read the information on the packet, I mentioned how few people at AWANA ever get a chance to earn this extra Bronze pin and wear it -- only a few clubbers complete both books in one year and then finish the packet. And, how I hated to see him not even start working on it; when it was such a privilege to even have that pack of verses. Then, I let it drop. I didn't say another word to him. The next day, he brought it to his Dad to put back in order; and his Dad talked to him very quietly about it. I never did hear what was said, just a little bit from Dad when he said -- "I know you can do it, but if you don't want to you don't have to." By the time AWANA came around at 6 p.m., my son had his first 20 verses ready to go! And, he was super excited, pleased with himself, and ready for the challenge of completing the other 40 verses by next week. He wants to win the "water challenge" which means he gets to throw water balloons at a leader I think. Whoever says the most verses in the last 3 weeks wins the Water Challenge. I was in shock; but so glad I didn't PUSH and PULL harder when I wanted to. I never expected him to learn more then 15 of the verses, and that by next week -- not this week. You see, when we motivate gently and let our children motivate themselves from within, they set the bar much higher!!! Wow, I gotta remember that next month when start working on Cub Scout achievments...
I hope you will share something you love about Mothering in your very own Mondays On Mothering post. You can read all about Mondays On Mothering here.
To post a Mondays On Mothering blog, follow these steps:
1. Write a blog post about something you love about mothering. Include a link back to my blog so others can find all Mondays On Mothering posts.
2. If you want to use my graphic; click here for the code.
3. Come back to my blog, and sign the Mr. Linky on my current Mondays On Mothering post, so that everyone else can find your post.
4. Visit the other Mondays On Mothering posts, and be encouraged. As Canada Girl always says, the best way to get a comment is to leave a comment!
My Mom always fixed a huge breakfast on the weekends, and we have been moderately following suit. We don't make "everything", but we often make a few things such as omelets and sausage, or waffles and scrambled eggs and bacon. Today we had waffles, scrambled eggs and sausage. I've been searching for a great waffle recipe since we got our wafflemaker on freecycle a few weeks ago; and the last couple times we made waffles we agree this is the one.
For a great gluten free/ dairy free waffle for Anna, we use the Bob's Red Mill mix, and freeze the leftovers for next time. I add chocolate chips for those who want them, and Anna always does! For dairy free chocolate chips I use either the Whole Foods brand, or Ghiradelli Chocolate chips. I have been having my Mother-In-Law or Father-In-Law bring four or five bags when they come for a visit, because the Ghiradelli brand are so much cheaper in Minnesota (and taste better then the Whole Foods brand...)
I hope you are having a fantastic weekend! Clara performed in a Ballet recital last weekend, and Jonathan planted a tree in Cub Scouts yesterday. I am hoping to have pictures of both events up very soon.
This is my second book review for the Spring Reading Thing. Since this is my second in only two days; I thought I should explain that I had made it halfway through this book before I found out about the Spring Reading Thing. But, that's okay; because the rules are it can be a book you have already started and want to finish, or a book in your "to-be-read" pile!
As you can see, I am giving this book FIVE thumbs up. I cannot believe how much common sense prevails in this book. I can't wait to see this make a difference in our family dynamics. I have already started using ideas in this book; even though I only just finished it today. Some basic tenets of the book include putting your marriage/spouse first, old fashioned parenting (but not spanking by the way...), teaching responsibility and resourcefulness, and getting past the "experts". I can't wait until my husband comes home and can read this book!
Just so you know, there is one thing I do not like about this book; it is the overwhelming sense in one section that Mr. Rosemond was pro public school when he wrote this bookl. I wonder what he will say now that his first grandchild is nearly 13? I did notice he has actually provided links on his web-site for homeschool support. I think public schools have changed so much since this book was written; and so has the public understanding of home school. However, this is not a predominant theme in this book; and all of the child-rearing information was invaluable! Do not let this one thing I mention keep you from reading this book. I still rank it above all other parenting books I have read with the possible exception of Shepherding A Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp.
Apr. 22, 2008 - Tightwad Tuesday! -- Used Bookstores
Used Bookstores
I was reminded again yesterday why I love so much the used bookstore my children and I frequent. I found one gem -- a living picture book about Abraham Lincoln. That was all I found for our family library this time! But, it was beautiful and only cost me $5. My children each picked up one book apiece for under $2 and my daughter chose to buy a second book with her "own money". We were exchanging books we no longer wanted, so we had a credit and I told my children we had to come in under the credit. In the end, we had to put a few books back as they had each picked up two and they didn't accept all of my exchanges. That is when my daughter decided to buy her own. Still, we got the Lincoln book, a copy of My Side of the Mountain, a copy of The Black Stallion and The Black Stallion Returns, and we only paid $3 cash after our credit! Pretty good eh? As I was browsing around, I found several beautiful hardcover copies of books used in the Sonlight PreK Core. They were a fraction of the original price. These kinds of books are the reason I frequent this bookstore! I already have all of the Sonlight PreK Core, as I bought it all full price from the vendor when we first started homeschooling. But, these days I am always looking for great, living books at used bookstores because I am trying to afford homeschooling four children instead of one! A few weeks ago, we picked up a beautiful full color coffee table book on Van Gogh for $5. Bookstores like this are worth their weight in gold. Even more weeks ago, when my Mom was visiting, we went to a used bookstore a little further away called The Book Nook. I found one book I had been wanting, a hardcover copy of The Millionaire Next Door for $3. My Mom found eight or so hardcover copies of Gilbert Morris books for $1 apiece! Be sure to check out the used bookstores near you! My plan for this summer is to pick up nice hardcover books at yardsales for 25 cents from my piggy bank, and turn them into $1 or $2 credits at the used bookstore. Some books have even gotten me $5 credit!
If you like the idea of saving money (and who doesn't?) check out other TIghtwad Tuesday posts over at Canada Girl's Blog!
Apr. 21, 2008 - Book Review -- Homeschooling for Excellence by David and Micki Colfax
Book Review -- Homeschooling for Excellence by David and Micki Colfax
I am ready for my very first book review for the Spring Reading Thing. This is a precious book I found on paperbackswap.com. It is fairly old; but you can actually still buy it at Amazon.com. Most delightful about this book is that the encouragment gleaned endures inspite of some out-of-date information. In fact, some parts of the book are rich in homeschool history. All four of the Colfax children attended Harvard straight out of homeschooling high school! The journey they took to get to Harvard was not so straightforward as you might think. No traditional school hours with Abeka workbooks for this crew! In fact, during all the years these boys were schooling, they were helping establish a homestead first, and schooling second. Work ethic played a huge role in their lives; and this carried over into their self-driven learning. I would call it Unschooling with A Strong Work Ethic. I really enjoyed this book a great deal; and recommend it to all Homeschool families -- new and old. One caviat about this book is that it has no Christian overtones at all. Since, I am a born-again Christian, I was watching for such in site into the family's spiritual lives. I am not saying they were not Christians -- I'm just saying I have no idea. I do think they might have mentioned going to church once; but if so they did not reveal what type of church. Certainly, I found nothing in the book to contradict Scripture.
***This book is a very encouraging book; I didn't find anything in the book I didn't like; I just didn't find it nearly as life-changing as A Family of Value; that is why it is only four thumbs up.
Apr. 21, 2008 - Mondays on Mothering -- Delayed Entry
First, let me just say, I am so sorry my Mondays on Mothering (a Meme for You) entry is so late! And I am the host -- So sorry! I kept thinking this morning that I had something to do on my blog, but I was feeling a bit scattered after my dear husband left for a week long trip to New Mexico.
My children and I spent the morning "teaching to the test" in preparation for their upcoming mandatory standardized testing. Ick! How did you spend your morning? This morning reminded me how much I love teaching my children what they want to know! Isn't that the most fun as a mother; when a child approaches you from a stand point of Wanting To Know? They learn so much more that way don't they? It starts when they are tiny, and want to Do It By Myself. Pretty soon, that can extend to things such as cursive writing, whale research, and reading every book in every library within fifty miles on Trucks. My son decided to "teach himself" cursive, but wasn't really getting the transition from guesswork. So this weekend, I printed off several Italic cursive sample sheets; and this morning after we finished "teaching to the test" we spent thirty minutes or so working through the ins and outs of connecting cursive letters. Talk about a captive audience! For me, teaching my children what they want to know is a highlight of my day... What about you? What activities remind you how much you love being a mother?
I hope you will share something you love about Mothering in your very own Mondays On Mothering post. You can read all about Mondays On Mothering here.
To post a Mondays On Mothering blog, follow these steps:
1. Write a blog post about something you love about mothering. Include a link back to my blog so others can find all Mondays On Mothering posts.
2. If you want to use my graphic; click here for the code.
3. Come back to my blog, and sign the Mr. Linky on my current Mondays On Mothering post, so that everyone else can find your post.
4. Visit the other Mondays On Mothering posts, and be encouraged. As Canada Girl always says, the best way to get a comment is to leave a comment!
Apr. 19, 2008 - Spring Reading Thing -- The Challenge!
This week, I found out about the very cool Spring Reading Thing over on the Callapidder Days Blog. The Spring Reading Thing is a reading challenge: List out all of the books you have been intending to read or have started and not finished; and share your goals during Spring challenge. The challenge runs until June 21st; so I decided I have plenty of time before the end to complete my goals! Some of these books are books I need to start. Some of these books are books I need to finish! I am hoping to finish all of these books. As I complete the books; I will be posting book reviews.
Amy's Book List Homeschool Success Stories by Linda Dobson Homeschooling for Success by David and Micki Colfax A Family of Value by John Rosemond Making The Terrible Twos Terrific by John Rosemund Elizabeth I, Royal Princess Diaries Pocketful of Pinecones by Karen Andreola Mornings On Horseback by David McCullough None Dare Call it Education by Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris Finding Hollywood Nobody By Lisa Samson A Woman's High Calling by Elizabeth George The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace
The bottom line is; We try not to insist on parent-led learning or gravitate toward child-led learning. We try instead to focus on God-led learning and ask for His input and perspective on every aspect of our home school. That way, when others fuss about what Dan and I are doing and make me second guess our decisions -- I can go back to our decision process and find God's fingerprints, reminding me that this is His way.
If you go to McDonalds on May 15, you can get a free Southern Style Chicken Sandwhich with the purchase of any Medium drink. You can go in the morning and get one on a biscuit free, and then return later and get one on a bun for free. You can treat your whole family to lunch for the cost of 1 medium drink and 1 medium fry apiece. Unless you happen to have a gluten free girl like I have. The Southern Style Chicken is most definitely not gluten free; so Anna and I will be splitting a grilled chicken salad. :) Still, a super good deal! If you only treat your family to McDonalds once in a while, this Thursday would be a good day to do so. (I got this in an e-mail directly from McDonald's, so I know it is true.)
. Then we went to Betty's Azalea Ranch for flowers. Same place we went the first time 7 years ago!!! It is good to be back. We decided to do lots of vegetables this year; for fun and to see if we can do it. Tomatoes of course, and green peppers, red peppers and jalepenos, lettuce and basil. I am really praying for some nice juicy tomatos this summer! We planted Marigolds with the tomatoes because I have heard that helps with insects. We also got some Zinnias, some Rose Moss, and my standard petunias. We also got at least three other flowers whose names I can't remember, but no matter because in the morning I am going to add pictures to this post. 
. Then, we went back out for supper at McDonalds. We then enjoyed Strawberries in Sugar and Pound Cake with Whipped Cream at home for dessert and finished the evening off watching The Greatest Game Ever Played (a movie) and eating popcorn. Anna had her strawberries on some yummy chocolate gluten free brownies. I will share more about that in another post. The littlest ones finally fell asleep during the movie and had to be carried to bed. It rained all day; but not a bit of damper did it make for us! I am so glad Dan planned ahead, for more then on heart would have been broken had we waited to buy flowers.
, but there are many others! This is just one example! 
