Deals On Saturdays

Since its Summer time we try to go to yard sales sometimes. We hadn't planned on going to any this past weekend however since we had to drive for 2 hours to go to a birthday party it seemed as if it was alright to stop. That way it was a smoother ride with getting out and stretching and letting the kids do the same!

Yard sales are something that I enjoy simply because I try to look for a deal not normally found. I try to find items that I can use when I buy and not just bring home and store(you all know what I mean). The kids normally will be given $2.00 each Saturday as a reward for good work, respect and chores through the week. However if they do not spend it, we keep it until next time. They like this system pretty well. I have found that if someone knows they(kids) have the money and ask for more than they have to spend on the item the person will normally say "ohh well we can do it for that!" I love that! It makes the kids happy to have their own money to manage but also helps them negotiate and divide the money they are going to spend.

Back to our trip down the Mtn Saturday! I found something that was one of my best finds yet!! What's so special and funny about the find is that only last week I asked Kevin to make me something so similar. I had looked at some of the related things and they was just so expensive and I wasn't willing to pay the price for this item... So Saturday God sent me a blessing.

Lock Box Memory Game

I walked up to the lady with this in hand thinking I wasn't going to pay over $10.00 I just couldn't. I asked the lady how much and she said well how does $1.00 sound... I think she thought I was nuts I said Wow that's fantastic I want it! LOL In a high voice of excitement!! LOL...

Superbly crafted solid hardwood lock box with 3 separate compartments, 10 doors and 10 different latches. Light weight with easy grip carry-along handle, this very popular TAG toy entertains the child for long periods of time. Children place their little treasures into separate compartments and then enjoy looking for them through the different doors.

Develops hand control, muscle strength and finger dexterity. Improves memory skills. Encourages a sense of order. Entertains young children for long periods.

This items retail from the original place was $89.95

So not only did God send me something I had asked for at a great price, He saved my husbands time as well!

Wordless Wednesday Week 40

Our week :)

DS1 done a wonderful job building!

Ohh no someone caught me RELAXING!

Sacked out from the Pool Party!

My mixture of flowers this week from my sweet husband... See the pretty thing behind them?

DS1 getting tossed "old pool style" by my dad and brother!

My world...

Sunday after Church we all was invited to a Tea Party... There was lots of guests(mostly animals).

Week 40 - Review Still

This week is our week 40. We are still in review mode for the next 2 weeks. Then we are on a break for 2 weeks. After our 2 week break we will administer our state required testing. Kyle has had a test administered yearly since he was in Kinder, however this will be Lexi's first test. I will find it hard to administer both test at the same time so we will test in mini time slots.

This week we are starting our Unit Study on The Water Cycle & Clouds. We are using some things from Homeschool Share and Enchanted Learning. We have many great books that Homeschool Share recommended and some that I had already gotten. We have a few hands on activities to do as well. This unit will last us the next 2 weeks.

Reviewing this week:

Kyle ~ Cursive handwriting still. He is getting better!!! Multiplication facts are coming easier and faster. Still working hard on writing skills, this is something he is finding to be difficult and yes its just basics so I'm a little concerned here. Doing wonderful at his States and Capitals still. Kyle has took an interest in reading Treasure Island so he is doing that daily.

Alexis ~ Telling time and working on money are her hard areas. This is what she will be working on all week. Everything just time and money! This girl can read!! We put up a challenge chart and she has read over 60 books in the last 3 weeks!! WOOHOO... And not the skimpy kind either... Good wholesome books. I'm very proud of her on this.

Zac ~ He has done wonderful with counting to 100 however we are going to start writing to 100 this week. He has improved on writing his letters but still we have to stay on top of this to not lose the skill. Counting by 5's is getting better. He is doing great with alphabet sounds too!

The Homeschool Mother's Journal Week 39

In my life this week…

Things are pretty normal. Work was alright this week. My good co-worker that helps me get my full hours at night when "my" boss signs off was out on vacation so needless to say I didn't get my normal amount of hours this week! However the break at night was nice. I was able to spend time with the kids BEFORE bed time as I used to get to. I miss that so much.

Kevin has a test Monday so this weekend will be spent studing.

In our homeschool this week…

Dinosaur study is over. We completed this today. DS1 is doing much better with his cursive writing. DD is thinking through her math more, using the verbal math from The Reading Lessons, they also have Math and I love their math for DD. They are so wonderfully priced too...She doesn't need things to help her she just needs to picture it all in her head. That's exactly what this simple program does for her. I am using it as a supplement threw the Summer and will probably continue with it since she is doing so wonderful. DS2 is doing better with everything. He is reviewing alot that he really knows but he is having a little trouble with sounds once again! Overall wonderful! Next week moving to study The Water Cycle.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

This week we didn't have much going on. Church and Library is basically all we done this week. Saturday we have a pool party out of town for family. Hope this is fun for the kids because its a pain the in butt to drive 2 hours for a party... Just sayin!

My favorite thing this week was…

Playing catch with DS2. I really enjoyed talking with him as we played. He is so funny and bright! Makes a mommas heart happy!

Questions/thoughts I have…

I'm just trying to decide on my language still for the kids this next year. I'm so confused. I just thought I had it all worked out however I know I need something more than what I "had in mind" for DS1. This is the one subject I struggle with all the time - I guess because he struggles with it and its so important I don't want to take a relaxed approach to it for him.

Things I’m working on…

Painting all my bookcases black. I want to change all my white bookcases over to black ones. I already am testing on one small one however I think my method is going to have to change... I do not like the appearance of the spray paint look being uneven. HELP?

I’m cooking…

Well I cook daily mainly 2 meals a day. Today my  husband made breakfast and I really enjoyed that! Something new this week I made was a Peanut Butter Dessert and yummmmm it was!

I’m grateful for…

Everything God has blessed me with! Be thankful in the Lord! He is good!

I’m praying for…

So many things I will try to list them out... Money issues, DS1 and his learning and processing ability, Kids(many different reasons) Kevin's test, Kevin's job, Kevin's school over all, Life, My job, Family, Church... The list could go on and on...

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

Everyone working together learning and playing...

12 Reasons to Stop Homeschooling - Funny!

I was reading through some homeschool blogs and came across this(via facebook) and I just loved it. I was really amused by the over-all "real life" of this! The woman who originally wrote this has a wonderful blog I looked over it here. Her name is Tracy Dear. Go on over and show it some love.

There are some good reasons to quit homeschooling your children, but most of them break down to one common denominator: to live a life free of responsibility for the quality of your child's education, and to not have to answer to others for the schooling he received. Here are 12 reasons to just ditch homeschooling altogether and send them off each day to be educated elsewhere:


1.) You can blame your child's behavior and bad habits on his peers: they're not his siblings.

2.) You can blame his teacher when your child is "behind:" you're not the teacher.

3.) You would not have to grade papers or keep track of important educational documents or create a transcript.

4.) You would suddenly find yourself having more in common with the people you meet.

5.) You would be relieved of the responsibility to choose the best curriculum for your child.

6.) You could focus on your own personal hobbies or begin to work outside the home.

7.) You would substantially increase the likelihood of having a clean home if no one was in it all day.

8.) You could just complain about your child's environment, teacher, peers, and curriculum instead of being personally responsible for changing or repairing it.
9.) Your public school tax dollars would finally be at work for your family.

10.) You could stop having to justify or prove that your educational choices could be at least as productive as the public alternative.

11.) You could read books that don't use the word "education," "Charlotte Mason," "Trivium," or "self-discipline" in them.

12.) You never again have to answer the question "What about socialization?"

Wordless Wednesday Week 39

Lexi's new hobby.

Doing a Dinosaur puzzle to go with our theme unit study.

Home-made Smoothie!

Preparing for Father's Day

Its that wonderful time of the year where we get to show our husbands just what wonderful father's they are!! My children love when its Father's Day because they get to pamper daddy and make things for him.

Its a time of reflection for me... Daydreaming if you will. I think of how it came to pass that we are parents! Becoming a mother was one of the best gifts Kevin could of given me however being a wonderful husband and father is very valuable too! I think of our first born that made us parents and how that birth experience was. We was young and scared. He was so sweet and loving through the process. Becoming a father brought him to tears as it did for me as well. Being a Father is more than making a child though. Its being there for the "first" things in there life. Its being there to hold their hands when they are scared. Its being there to pray and tuck them in at night. Many men make babies however there is more to it. A child needs a Dad!!

The Old School House had a wonderful post on Encouragement for Father's the other day. It really helped me to look at things differently. My husband is very involved and extremely helpful with anything I ask. He helps with school for the kids and plays with them all the time. I secretly think he needs to be a Daycare Provider so he can play all day ;) Just sayin! So I am going to list some things I am thankful to my husband for:

Being a man of God. Its hard in this world to be that and so many aren't. There are many differences in being a man of God and not being one.

Loving our children. He is really involved in everything from punishment to prayer for them. God really blessed me with a wonderful man to have a family.

Loving and being devoted to me. All marriages have ups and downs however the majority of the downs could be prevented threw God. We learned that very hard. I know Kevin loves me very much for many different reasons but hopefully number one is just being me.

His sense of Humor. Yes really! I'm very serious and he says sarcastic most of the time and how I love his sense of humor... He is always funny and humorous thats for sure. We are a good fit though!

Just him being him to me is all I need. A horrible day turns wonderful when I lie in his arms each night to sleep with my dear husband.

Here are pictures that I enhanced and we are making frames for them for his gifts from the kids.

Then we are making him a special supper and a special dessert!!

Here is the dessert we are making him...

He loves Keylime! This is a cool twist on it.

We are also making this craft just for fun for him...

He has a new pair of UNC sleep shorts, this will make him a very happy man!!

Happy Father's Day My Dear.

What a goober!!!!! LOL...

The Homeschool Mother's Journal Week 3

In my life this week…

Things slowed down and straightened back up! I can't function when things don't go smoothly. Honestly it makes me go into like a "panic mode". I like when things go as I plan! LOL which who doesn't. But really I don't plan outrageous plans just normal kinda things. Work was much better this week! School is always a blessing. A lot of time went into Father's Day prep.


In our homeschool this week…

This week lots of fun stuff was still the focus. Father's Day items were complete. Dinosaurs is probably going on for the last week this week. Next we will move toward the Water Cycle and Clouds.

I am inspired by…

My grandmother this week. I love speaking with her. I wish we still lived close to them as I did as a child. I miss the one on one talking time just sitting around speaking with each other. One day not to far away they will not be able to do this anymore, however I enjoy talking to my Granny Bell, she is so encouraging to me. I love you Mamaw Bell.


Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

This week we had VBS and the kids had a ball. Lexi had Dr appt. Library and my parents church and home today! We had fun with them!


My favorite thing this week was…

While I sat at my desk working this week, Lexi came to ask for a snack and I normally let the blind up when I am working so that I can see the world outside. She asked for her snack and then started saying "Its watching us, its watching us" In this hilarious voice and was pointing... I was like o--k--a--y... Then I realized what she was talking about...

See that yellow ball there... BTW this is the view out my window. The yellow kick ball was looking right at us! LOL It was so FUNNY!!!!!!!!

Questions/thoughts I have…

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4-6, NLT.

I’m cooking…

Key lime Dessert Dish for Kevin's Father's Day. It was delicious!!


I’m grateful for…

A wonderful husband this week. Its a wonderful week to reflect on his role as the Father in our home. I really am blessed that I was given such a wonderful man to raise my children with. Kevin is wonderful with our children and he is very involved with them in every thing from praying with them at night to school work during the day. I love to watch them play its so funny. One day I hope that the kids understand what a great dad they have.

I’m praying for…

Money issues. Kyle's health. Friends & Family. Homeschooling woes. My grandmother Jewell is on my mind and in my prayers more so than normal, she breaks my heart the condition she is getting into... Its so hard to watch them get old and forgetful.

A fav photo, video, link, or quote to share…

(Lexi's New Hobby)

If you want to get involved in this visit The Homeschool Chick!!

Marriage Devotional Part 3

I haven't blogged about The Love Dare Day by Day in 2 months so I figured it was a great time to do just that! This book is a year of devotionals for couples and I have posted Part 1 Here and Part 2 HERE. So you can kinda review what was and has gone on!


I have to say this has been a wonderful thing for my husband and I to commit to doing daily! I love the time we spend just talking in the evening before bed. This really helps you connect with the way your spouse feels about many different topics. Its not just things for couples to read it makes you think of how you are individually in your walk with God and just as a person. It helps to really focus on the way you believe things and the way you look at things. Something Kevin and I have come to realize is we look at the same situation very differently sometimes. It can be something small or big however we both have a different take on it. Which is true in real life dealing with anyone, but in marriage you have to make sure to talk threw situations so that you can be on the same page when the prepared time comes.


Our live has really changed when he(I should say we) decided he was going back to school 2 years ago. I started having to work from home with the 3 kids AND STILL HOMESCHOOL. All the normal chores still had to be done and was all my responsibility. He got to leave the house and be gone. Not that it was a vacation however I resented him for getting that liberty for a while. Until we started this devotional I really don't think he looked at it the way I did. Not that he was getting anything special, his schooling is very hard on him mentally and physically, its very draining. However I felt very stuck. All of you that know me understand I do not like change, I can't adapt to it very well. So when we started this devotional it kinda came out that I felt this way in talking in one of the lessons. Long story short he honestly never looked at it the way I did, however it impacted the way I treated him and I had to apologize for that. Any mistreatment must be addressed because it will begin to invade your life! Its kinda like a sore... It festers and becomes very unpleasant.


Here are a few topics covered that really impacted me over the last few weeks...


Love dies to Self -- If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me. Luke 9:23. This lesson talked about having selfish desires! You should always put yourself last and everyone exspecially your spouse in your thoughts.


Love takes the Initiative -- Therefore, Gods chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12. This lesson talked about how kindness should always think ahead. A good husband or wife is thoughtful and finds ways to demonstrate unexpected gestures just as our God does for us!


Love sets Priorities -- The one who pursues righteousness and faithful love will find life, righteousness and honor. Proverbs 21:21. In this lesson it teaches how real love leads to inner joy. When you relinquish your rights for the sake of your mate, you get a change to lose yourself to the greater purpose of marriage!!


Love shows Restraint -- The intelligent person retrains his words, and one who keeps cool head is a man of understanding. Proverbs 17:27. Love doesn't or shouldn't turn sour under pressure. I think this one lesson could be helpful for so many marriages, as Kevin and I talk about our lessons we see how so many of our friends and family members really need to work on this! A husband and wife have to show and act to each other in certain ways and sometimes its just amazing to stop and look at the "majority" of this world... Sadness is what I think of!! Love doesn't get angry or hurt unless there is a legitimate and just reason. A loving husband should always remain calm and patient showing mercy and restraining his temper. A loving wife is not overly sensitive or cranky but exercises emotional self control. She should try to be a flower amount the thorns! Love lowers stress. By making calmness and patience a default setting. Then your heart is set to respond to your spouse with patience and encouragement rather than anger!


Love holds no Grudge -- All bitterness, anger and wrath, insult and slander must be removed from you, along with all wickedness. Ephesians 4:31. This lesson talks of how you can't love and be bitter at the same time. When you have resentment it will hinder the flow of openness and tenderness you can share with your spouse! This is what I was talking about earlier about when our life made a 360 with Kevin going back to school and me having to adjust!!  We bottle things up and its damaging to ourselves and everyone around us. Love should enter our heart and keep us calm and inspire us to focus on other things. It can help loosen the grasp helping our way. Past hurts are hard to let go of, however love is the best medicine for our heart, a gift from God if only we will take it.

 Yes he still brings me flowers on an almost weekly basis... I love it!
I hope that some of this can help you in your life! Blessings!

Wordless Wednesday Week 38

She loves to color and everything the last few weeks has been Dinosaurs!

He was the reason for the Dinosaur US, he's a happy boy!

Kyle's been having some issues with breathing -- Hello Summer!

The Homeschool Mother's Journal Week 2

In my life this week…

My life was very hectic. I had several bad days at work with people not being nice!! My husband was extra sweet and I love him so very much. He helps me get threw my bad days. I did get a little upset this week with our daily devotional because with the way my days were I didn't even care to take the time to do them and that's a huge no no!! So 2 nights we ended up having to do 2 lessons. This makes me feel horrible that I had such bad days I just wanted to hit the bed at bedtime!!

In our homeschool this week…
This week was great. I love the relaxed feel that the summer brings! We are wrapping up Dinosaurs this week and I hope they really enjoyed this fun study.

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…
Just because some one else uses it, doesn't mean you have to!!!

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
This week Lexi has a check up with Dr. Vacation Bible School is also this week, the kids have been so excited!

My favorite thing this week was…
Sleeping! Yes I really did say sleep. For some reason this week I have been gave out when its night time!

Questions/thoughts I have…
I would like to know if anyone has tried BrainWave Safari???????????? I really am looking into this for Kyle's Auditory Processing Disorder. Looks wonderful just lookin for thoughts??

Things I’m working on…
I've been working on trying to re-arrange for our new school year, however I am kinda stumped on what to re-arrange lol...

I’m praying for…
Kyle. I have a special request for him if you would all help me in prayer. He has to go see a Pediatric Urology Specialist about a few issues we have been having next month. So this is greatly on my mind. I pray for my husband daily to have strength and guidance he is in the world more than I and I pray for his protection. I'm also praying for my grandmother, her mind is going so fast and its so heart breaking for me. I pray that I can handle all that is coming with that. I pray for my children daily to be Godly followers.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

If your a friend on fb you already know that just about every week my husband brings me flowers home from his clinical trips. I love this thoughtful gesture. My husband tried to keep our marriage strong and thoughtful. I love him so very much. Next month we will be married 11 years... Wow I just am amazed at that time!

2 New Recipes

I just had to share these 2 new recipes I came across last week at my mothers looking threw a Paula Deen Cookbook. I had never heard of these before and of course with it being summer time, I'm always looking for vegetable sides good for Kyle to make out of our garden. I hope you love the 2 new recipes as much as I do. 

First Recipe:

Corn Casserole

1 can whole corn

1 can cream style corn

1 pkg Jiffy Corn Muffin mix

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup butter(1 stick)

** Mix all together combine in a oven safe dish at 350 for around 40 mins.

Our thoughts: This was delicious! It was a wonderful twist on a normal vegetable dish. My kids loved it, which is the goal in this house. My children are not normally picky. I just try to make vegetable dishes many different ways for Kyle's PKU diet. He said "Wonderful new idea mom!!" 

Second Recipe:

Vegetable Pancakes

1/2 cup all purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 egg

1/4 cup milk

1 cup grated carrots(2)

1 cup grated zucchini

2 green onions, sliced

2 tablespoon vegetable oil

** Mix dry ingredients together. Mix egg with veggies, once coated good combine the 2 mixtures together. Fry on each side about 2 minutes. Recommended to top with sour cream.

Our Thoughts: Wow, I made with Kyle's baking mix and he loved this same basic concept only PKU friendly! Regular recipe shared above was fantastic as well. I would of never thought of making veggie pancakes. Its a wonderful idea. We ate as a side with our meal on night and really a wonderful new way to sneak in some veggies for the kiddos. My kids loved this idea. We did top with sour cream and it was wonderful!

The Power of a Positive Mom Chapters 4-6

My last post regarding this fantastic book is HERE. If your interested in learning more of what I thought chapters 1-3 please go read what I had to say.

This post is on Chapters 4 threw 6.

Chapter 4 - Great Expectations.

Helping your children discover their potential. The Lord plainly states He knows the plans he has for us. So often its hard for us as parents to see that. This book is to help us stay positive in our mother journey. We have to help our children reach and understand what God has given them for potential. I think during reading this I realized we are so often putting our opinions in our children's minds on what we might have in mind for them instead of what God's purpose is for them. We must be sure to watch our selves to not push them wrong... God has to lead us to be able to lead our children!! The book talks about studying our children so that we can see where God is taking them in there life. They are not clones of us as parents and we must pay attention to see who they are! This statement in this chapter has to be my favorite in the book so far... To be positive mothers we must be students of our children!!!!!!!! WOW do you really understand that?? Let's repeat that once again just so it can sink in this time! To be positive mothers we must be students of our children!! First step is to see and find the potential in them. Don't worry, you know first hand what your kids are best at. Helen Keller said " I think God for my handicaps, for through them, I have found myself." What powerful words. Second Offer opportunities for them to grow their interest. Third set realistic goals. As positive mom's we are to support our children by being there with them as they go threw hard times. Even when you think they are not that good at something a simple I know your gonna get there is a wonderful remark to help!!

Chapter 5 - The Beauty of a Smile. Bring Son-shine to others!

This chapter was a insightful one for me. Not because I don't smile but actually thinking what the effect of a "smile" does for my kids! A so simple movement of the face can make a bad day turn good or at least better. A simple smile in the morning as they get out of that snugly bed and prepare for school helps start their day on a positive note! It helps them view their day in a positive way and helps them be in a good mood first thing. An interesting note on not waiting for the feeling to smile. Every moment in our days there is a choice. I want my kids to see that no matter what is happening I can be joyful in God and praise him threw it all. This isn't meaning that I can't ever cry, its meaning even when I have a crappy day I can still smile to show them its alright. My kids love the song "SHINE" and in this chapter it actually talked about letting your light shine. A joyful smile helps us do just that SHINE!

Chapter 6 - A Positive Mom is a Praying Mom.

The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16

This chapter was exactly what I needed at a time when I needed it most. I have been having some struggles and this chapter really helped me. I have thought before Why do we pray if God knows what I am thinking?? We pray because God tells us to bring all our requests and problems to him! So many times I think we as humans think things are small I can handle it, then just possibly that small thing may turn into something big because we didn't take it to God and leave it! I pray for a lot of different reasons but in all my prayers I include my children! I need help to be a mother, its a hard job! I pray for patience, strength, peace, knowledge and love and way more. One note in this chapter from Karol says that we pray because it turns our eyes toward God and off our problems. Wow that's so true. Prayer is something that can be done anywhere anytime but so many times threw our life we just don't do it and then our life suffers. As a young mother I have had to learn this threw many lessons. God has gotten me to where He wants me though :) I really understand where a Positive Mother is a Praying Mother! Make sure friends that your taking special time to say a prayer threw your days. I pray several times a day however my longest prayers are given before I get out of bed and when I get in bed. Prayer is so powerful and can help us raise our children. The book offers several prayer suggestions for our children.

Here are some if needed:

Pray they will come to know Christ and follow him(Romans 10:9)

Pray that they will be able to recognize evil and hate it.(Psalm 97:10)

Pray that they will be kind and forgiving toward others.(Ephesians 4:32)

Pray that they choose wise friends.(Proverbs 13:20)

Pray for a hedge of protection around them.(Hosea 2:6)

There are so many other things as well -- Search and seek God for your own children. Never give up. God wants us to be persistent with him. That way he knows we are a faithful servant. I love my children and I know that I can provide things for them threw God. I am a human and I can not do anything with out Him. I will leave you with this thought.

We are never so high as when we are on our knees in prayer.

I love this book!!

Wordless Wednesday Week 37

Yes that's Icing... Don't ask.

We don't have the big pool up since it messed up last year. So until we can save enough money back up this is what the kids have. She said it was too cold!!

My baby playin' his normal!

Kyle and friend Sunday after church ~ Just being boys.

Sunday evening daddy asleep with kitten!

That's really cute to me.