Snow day!!!

We have had more snow days this winter than I can remember in a long time! The girls love the snow and I must admit ... it's much more fun to have snow than just to have the cold with bare ground and icy cold temps!

This week the girls enjoyed another fun snow day. Sledding and building a huge fort were their two favorite things to do outside. They spent two long afternoons making the fort - it was great packing snow so they used this large plastic bucket to make 'bricks', then put them all together to make a house. It turned out great! I love to see them working together with a common goal, and also playing together and having so much fun whizzing down the hill!

Happy Valentines Day!!!!

WOW!

Two quick things to WOW about:

1. I won another giveaway - yippeeee! This one was from a real-life college friend Hope's blog - nope, not my daughter Hope ... a friend named Hope. I won some great homemade reusable sandwich/snack bags! yay ... I'll show 'em to ya when they arrive in the mail. Oh and that blog design I won is currently in the works so stay tuned - I hope it will be done in the next couple of weeks!

2. You have to check out this post over at {In}Courage ... remember I JUST said that comment about how your love isn't enough for him and it's all about respect??? They just blogged about that very same thing today. It's a great read!

OK, that's all I've got for now .... been super busy with flowers, flowers and more flowers .... will update when I can!

Feelin' the Love

I've been trying to bring a little Valentine spirit into our home in the past few days ... made a couple treats and some cheap decorations and suddenly it feels like love is in the air! The treats above are yummy, low fat, and easy to make - recipe to follow ...

I took this old wood frame and turned it into ....

THIS! I love the way it turned out!

I recently found one of those cute round tables {with the glass top} at the Goodwill store. It was super cheap and I just knew I would love using it in my home. I stuck it in this bare corner of my living room and draped it with some Valentine fabric. Yeah, there are plenty of imperfections in the way the fabric drapes - but it's ALL good.

Add a small grouping of some apothecary jars filled with red stuff, a heart-topped candle holder, our wedding photo and a block of wood I painted, stamped on and added ribbons to ... and this tablescape looks so cute!

Did I say this was a block of wood? Yep, straight outta my garage! I just painted it red with paint I already had, used my stamps to stamp the hearts and words on it and tied on some ribbons I already had. Total cost=FREE!

I also tried to change things up on my mantle ... red and white candles, another apothecary jar, a heart shaped framed photo of my parents {taken just a few months before my Dad got sick with leukemia}, and an old photo of my girls taken for Valentines a few years back.

We also made some sugar cookies today and since I totally spaced and had no powdered sugar on hand - I did the next best thing and covered them in melted chocolate!

This week I'll be working a lot at the Flower shop - this is a BIG week for us there! Then, on Sunday my family and I are planning a fun and fabulous fancy dinner right here at home. We're going to decorate, dress up and dine like kings and queens! I can't wait!

Do you do anything special for Valentines day? Do you decorate your home? This is the first year I've really done anything like this but I kinda like it!

Other subjects

I totally forgot to come back and finish sharing about our homeschool curriculum and resources! So sorry! It's been a busy couple of weeks around here ... then again, when is it NOT a busy week?!

Anyway, a couple other items we include in our teaching time are Spanish and Manners. Our spanish program is a very basic one for beginners. I grew up learning french and never took spanish so I'm learning right along with the girls on this subject! I picked up this great boxed set called Hooked on Spanish - by the makers of Hooked on Phonics - at one of those big discount stores like BIG LOTS ... it was super cheap and we are really enjoying it. The program is done on the computer with fun, interactive games. But the box also includes flash cards for review, small story books to reinforce what they've learned, and charts with stickers to show their progress. The girls always beg me to do spanish which to me says a lot about what a great program this is!!
Manners. To me this is a big thing. I find the lack of respect and manners in today's culture to be absolutely repulsive. The year that my oldest spent in public school I was shocked and disgusted by the way the majority of students acted and the total lack of respect for their teachers and elders. I feel that there are too many American homes where respect for elders is completely non-existent and there are way too many brats being raised to think they don't have to respect adults. OK - coming down off my soapbox now .....*grin*
All that is to say that in our home, from day one, we have felt that respect and manners were important. That does not mean we are perfect or that my girls never burp loudly at the dinner table - BUT it does mean that we do not tolerate back talk or sassy talk or disrespect. And it means that we're trying our best to teach them good manners and behavior so that it's something that will stick with them for their lifetime.
So, I found this book of manners for girls {by the American girl company} at our bargain used book store for a couple dollars and the girls and I have been reading through it together. It even covers how to handle situations like being an overnight guest in someone's home or how to act when you are the birthday girl and you get a gift you don't like. There is a wide range of topics covered.
This is another 'subject' that my girls beg for. They love the book and are always excited to read it together. This Sunday we're going to put some of it into practice by having a formal, fancy Valentines dinner right here at home. We're going to dress up, decorate, and eat like we're dining at a very fancy restaurant. I think it's fun to role play these things with the girls so they will know how to handle themselves when they are in a fancy place.

I'm sure I will think of more things later - but for now I think that's all.

Here's a question ... one area of 'school' that we totally fail in {as in it's non-existent in our homeschool day} is MUSIC ... I am what some would call musically challenged and have no idea how to teach or introduce it in our home. Hope does take piano lessons - but other than that we do nothing. Would love to hear from some of you about what you use and enjoy and how you incorporate music into your school days. Thanks!

My Favorite Books

As most of you know, I'm a total book nerd. I love to read, love books and just can't get enough of them. A friend recently asked me for some of my favorite reads ... and books I'd recommend for growth. Oh boy do I have a lot! There are two main areas of reading that I enjoy most. First is Christian fiction. I have loved Christian fiction since I was a young girl. As a young teen I began reading Janette Oke's 'Love Comes Softly' series and fell in love with that type of book. Since then I have gone on to read hundreds more Christian fiction books.



My second area of interest is non-fiction - something that I guess I would label as 'self-help' ... though I admit I don't love that title. I basically like books that help me learn and grow as a person, Mom, wife, Christian, friend, etc..



So, here is my list:

For Christian fiction books I have read most {thought not all} books by the following authors ~
Janette Oke
Beverly Lewis
Karen Kingsbury
Neta Jackson
Lori Wick


Although these books are fiction, I have still learned through them and experienced real life growth. Just because a book is fiction does not mean the story lines won't affect you. Through many of these books the characters face suffering, death and difficult times and their faith and perseverance have encouraged me through many of my own tough situations in life.


My three all time favorite Christian fiction series are:
#1 The Yada Yada Prayer group by Neta Jackson. She also has a spin off series which currently has 2 books and another on the way this June. I have truly grown and learned so much about my own faith and prayer life through these fiction books!

#2 The Love Comes Softly Series by Janette Oke. As I said, one of the first sets I began reading as a young teen - made a big impact on me at that time and some day when I get the chance I hope to re-read them!
#3 The Redemption series by Karen Kingsbury - which also has 2 spin off series from it making it a total of 14 books altogether!



On the topic of parenting I have read many, many good books. Books that enforce Biblical standards and have really helped me as a Mom as I seek to train and teach my young ones in God's ways. I believe this is going to be an ongoing journey throughout my life as a Mom, and believe that I will always have to learn and grow. I can never get comfortable and say that I have done enough or that because they are obeying more that my job is done. There will always be new challenges and ways for me to grow.



Some of my fave parenting books so far have been:


Taking Care of the Me In Mommy by Lisa Welchel ~ this is one we are currently doing with our MOMS group at church. I can't stress enough how important it is as a Mom to take care of yourself! Your spirit, soul, physical needs, etc ... all these things will help you be the best Mom God has intended you to be. Lisa's book offers great suggestions and in her typical funny, real-life style she will make you feel at ease right away.

Creative Correction by Lisa Welchel ~ a great resource book that I refer to time and time again. She offers scripture to back up each correction for each behavior which I love!

Don't Make me Count to Three by Ginger Plowman ~ it's been awhile since I read this one but I remember it being very easy to read and very applicable to raising Godly kids.

Dare to Discipline by Dr. James Dobson ~ one of the first books I read on parenting - a classic. Dr. Dobson is right on the money.



Making Children Mind without Losing Yours by Dr. Kevin Leman ~ another great man of God who has wonderful parenting advice. He has several other books on parenting and all are worth a look.
Becoming the Parent God wants you to be by Dr. Kevin Leman ~ this one is a study guide - I love that you can work through it by answering the questions. I think I need to pick this one up again and read more about the middle years stuff!

The Power of a Positive Mom by Karol Ladd ~ the title says it all ~ our kids deserve a Mom who is positive and encouraging. This is one of my all time faves and I know I will read it again and again.

Mom and Loving It by Sharon Lovejoy Autry and Laurie Lovejoy Hilliard ~ another fave of mine. Helps you see the joy even in the little things and tough moments of Mom-hood.



On the topic of marriage or being a Godly wife my faves are:



A Woman After God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George ~ this is one of the single most influential books I've ever read. She also writes about A Wife after God's own heart - but most of the concepts are the same in this book. I have learned SO much about being a Godly woman, wife and Mom from this book.

Created to be His Helpmeet by Debi Pearl ~ I know some have thought this book a bit extreme and I will admit some of her thoughts are a bit far out for me. However the general concept that we were created to be our husband's helpmeet and that no matter what he does, or doesn't do - we are obligated to GOD to be the wife we were called to be is something that I will never forget. I used to be a wife that thought 'well if he won't romance me, I won't give him sex ... or if he won't bring me flowers, why should I help do his laundry' ... I now think - God has called me to obey HIM and do all for HIS glory. I am Bob's wife and I need to honor God by being the proper wife I was called to be - regardless of what I gain in return from Bob. Definitely a big change in my thinking - but totally wish I had read this book when I first got married - might have saved me from making so many silly mistakes!

The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian~ this is something I'm currently reading. I admit that I haven't been a faithful prayer warrior for my hubby for years. I'm trying to change that now. I think this is something I will read a little of every morning and try to read over and over again and just keep on praying and praying and praying for my hubby.



For Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn~ this book will truly open your eyes to the way men think and why they are so different from us. For example - did you know that your love is not enough for him? However respect means the world to him. Respect means more to him than even your affection does! That's the way God wired men to be! To quote the book, "men would rather feel alone and unloved, than inadequate and disrespected." There are so many good things to learn from this little, easy to read book.



On the topic of homeschooling:



Help for the Harried Homeschooler by Christine Field ~ don't let the title fool you, it's not about being 'harried' ... it's more just a really encouraging book about homeschooling. I loved it.



50 Veteran Homeschoolers Share ~ Things we Wish We'd Known ~ another very helpful resource - lots of great wisdom here from parents who have homeschooled for years.



So You're Thinking about Homeschooling? by Lisa Welchel ~ I read this when I was considering homeschooling and found it to be immensely helpful in making our decision. And once again, I love Lisa Welchel and anything she's written.


For personal quiet times I really enjoy using some type of guided prayer journal. I also usually keep a blank journal for adding other prayer requests, thoughts, etc ... But two of my fave guided prayer journals have been:
The Yada Yada Prayer journal by Neta Jackson


And The Busy Mom's Guide to Prayer by Lisa Welchel
A couple random final book faves of mine are:

The Duggars, 20 and Counting. Say what you wish about this very large family - but I for one admire their faith and Godly example even more after reading their book. I choose not to have that many children, but I do not in any way judge them for their choice. This book helps illustrate even more how their faith in God has carried them through all the ups and downs of life. They truly live out their faith in every way. I was skeptical about things like how they could possibly spend time with each of those kids - but reading this book made me see even more what an amazing family they are.

And a final fave is The Invisible Woman by Nicole Johnson - sorry I thought I uploaded the image of it but guess I was mistaken. There are SO many times I feel invisible. Like just going through the motions of being a wife and Mom is so mundane and that no one would even notice if I was gone. This book is amazing and will encourage you to keep going, keep pressing on. Just like the helpmeet book it helps you see that it's for HIS glory, not my own. That's something I needed to be reminded of DAILY! It's a very small book and you could probably read it in a day or two at most - so worth it!

One final note. I will be the first to admit that I'm not faithful with my quiet time with the Lord. I'm a lowly sinner who messes up constantly! I make poor choices and I fail - A LOT! But when I am faithful to include quiet time in my day I do find so much more strength and peace in my life. SO let me encourage you {and myself} that it's totally worth it to make time for quiet time with the Lord. If you can't manage it in the morning - do it in the afternoon. Some days I do it while my girls are having their quiet reading time. They have to read on their beds for an hour - so I take that opportunity to sit and quiet my heart before the Lord too. Besides praying and reading my Bible - this is the time when I read many of these books for growth. Even spending 15-20 min reading something each day will help you learn and grow so much! You can use some of these books as a Bible study - many of them include scripture - just take the time to jot down the scriptures in a notebook, then make time to look them up, write them out, ponder them, pray them, etc.. This is a great way to grow in your knowledge and in the Lord.

And that's all I can think of for now! I would love to hear what your fave books are too - if you write a post about it please comment here so I can come check it out!

Have a lovely weekend friends!




I'm linking this post to Kelly's Show Us Your Life - Favorite Books ... click on the button to go to Kelly's blog and see more SUYL posts!