Books We Fell In Love With

It's been busy here and then again I'm sure it's busy everywhere. This life that we live seems to get tangled up in to-do-lists, errands, work, and the everyday chores that seem to accumulate faster than we can conquer them! I was reminded today that I don't take a moment to pause near enough....

To read a good book, to spend time in His word, Pop in on family un-announced.....It's refreshing to keep in touch...To keep the doors open and the communication in free motion. Spent some time with family today to celebrate my great niece's 3rd birthday. Glad I went.....Sometimes we get so caught up in life we forget how important it is to live life with the ones we love! There will always be work, chores and errands to run....But we all have our days numbered. We all have an appointment with our maker. And I don't want to leave this life being remembered as the Mama, Friend, Sister, Daughter, wife who always had something else to do!

With that said I have a list of read alouds you will want to make time for.....I like books with a simple story line, one that every one in the family can follow...One that draws you in immediately and leaves you wanting more! I feel this short list of books has done that for my kids and I!

Elkan: This book is AMAZING. So powerful! This book will probably go down as one of our all time favorites! Stirred a lot of questions up about what it would be like if sin didn't enter in. The book will take you on a journey through creation to the crucifixion. The book stands on the authority of scripture! A definite MUST READ!!!

The Trumpet Of The Swan: Although this book is geared toward 8-12 year old's, I must say it even drew my two teenagers in. Don't tell them I told you that! *Smile* A good story about accepting others that may look or act differently than we do for who they are and learning how to love being who God made you to be!

Mountain Born: Sweet story about a shepherd boy learning to be a Courageous Leader!

The Boxcar Children: These books have always held my kid's attention. Through their many adventures we have enjoyed these stories. I believe it may be time to pull them out again!

Little Pilgrim's Progress: Yes! Yes! and Yes Again! A story of a Christian's walk through life.

Jonathan Park Radio Drama: These are great half hour shows that tell stories through a creationists point of view. Jammed packed with creation data from creation scientists world wide! These are good quality dramas that are not cheesy in their acting! We Love them!

Adventures In Odessey: Another great Christian Series that My kids have always enjoyed! They like to listen to them right before bed time. Great stories with biblical principals...Great lessons that teach kids what to do in many situations that may arise in everyday life!

These are just a few of the many we enjoy.....And are some of our very favorites through the years! I will share more when the time allows......

Enjoy!

Abandonment

 I usually come here to this spot when I feel I have something worth while sharing. Or when life hits me hard and I need to be real with who ever stops by to visit. And I must tell you that I haven't had the words. I've tried to sit here and type what was on my heart.......And they say that writer's block can be a difficult wall to climb. So I go about life and live it....I walk away from the media and the things that tend to pull me away from moments meant to be made, and still I sit in a fog.

And it's funny how the simplest of comments and gestures made in the past can come full circle and find you when you feel like your lost. I don't know why I have my moments where I forget about the passion that lives inside of me....Why I bury it with everyday moaning and groaning of the same old everyday life sort of things that tend to wear me down and make me forget who I am. And why is it that I lose sight of the fact that I was created for His GLORY and not mine.

I get a text message from my niece today...She is reading the book "Kisses From Katie". She wanted to let me know how it has change her life and she's only on chapter 4. And she see's things and places in her dreams. She can envision God opening doors and using her in ways she would of never dreamed if she only abandons "her" plans and follows His lead. And through excited  messages bouncing back and forth I remember how that very same book caused a stir with in my soul. Oh to let go in pure abandonment of the things that hold me captive...And cling to the life and plans He has for me. To trust Him that much...to dare to ask Him what He would have me do next. And words are just words but, when actions are mixed in, what a beautiful portrait they create!

The enemy, he tells you lies and creates in you a doubtful spirit....A why bother attitude. I know, because lately I have been listening to all the lies.

Oh I may not be in Africa adopting baby girls and helping the poor and the sick, but I'm here, here in "my little africa" where I am needed and if I would just abandon what holds me captive.....I would have actions mixed with words and a portrait of how Amazing our God is......Oh He doesn't need me to prove anything.....I'm the one in need.....and all of this.... here in "my little africa" is worth living for.....worth thanking him for......worth fighting for.

 I may not have the plans set out in front of me, but I have to believe that He is holding my hand, guiding my every step. And I'm going to take that leap of faith and ask Him......Lord what do you want me to do...Where do you want me to go......How would you like me to serve?

If you haven't read "Kisses From Katie" yet I encourage you to do so........It's about total ABANDONMENT and the beauty that comes from it all!

And so I wait for doors to close and open. I wait in pure abandonment for the One who created me for His Glory and not mine.......

Strawberry Honey Jam

6 Cups chopped strawberries
2 Boxes of Fruit Pectin
1 1/2 - 2 Cups Raw Honey ( I used 2, I like my Jam sweeter)
2 Tb. Lemon Juice or 4 drops Lemon essential oil (Make sure it's oil that is safe to consume! I use Young Living Oils.)

Put your berries in your pot along with the pectin stir with a wooden spoon over high heat and bring to a boil. Keep stirring and boil for 1 minute.

Remove from heat to add the honey and lemon juice, mix well. Return to heat and bring to a boil again. Keep stirring and let it boil for 5 minutes. Remove jam from heat let it sit for a few minutes. It will thicken some. This jam does not set up like other jams that you use sugar with, but it still has a nice consistency and a nice, sweet, tangy flavor!

Ladle into your jars and boil in a hot water bath for 10 minutes. Remove jars from bath and let sit on your counter to cool and listen for that ever famous Pop! Ping!

Toast homemade honey wheat bread and slather it with Goodness!

ENJOY!

My Daddy is That Kind of Man

Little girl all dressed up begging her daddy to buckle her shoes......

It was Daddy who taught me how to put  bows in my laces. I was all of five and I remember all my friends could tie and make pretty bows. So he sat me down with all the patience of any man I have ever met and he stayed with me until I got it right.
And through the years this man raised me with a strong and gentle hand. He never confused the two. And I understood what it meant for a man to love his wife by watching him love and take care of my Mama. I remember him always working but, never too busy for his girls.

I remember "Gun Smoke" on Saturday nights with a large Hershey's Candy bar split between the three of us as we waited for Mama to come home from work. I remember running wild all over the back yard on hot summer nights as he chased us with the lawn mower......Never coming close but, always making us think he was right there.
I remember long bike rides through the flats, Daddy crashing and me running right over the top of him.....I remember going turkey hunting and shooting woodchucks. I remember dancing in the living room to the oldies, daddy taking turns with each of his girls. I remember the long rides up to klipnocky, and the fifty acre lot on a hay wagon to go cut wood for the winter. I remember his long talks and the nights he would come sit at the edge of my bed trying to get me to open up..........

I remember him coming to know that safe, saving place where grace filled him up and made him whole. I remember my hand trembling, my lips quivering, my heart pounding as he held my hand and walked me down the isle to give me away. I remember the first time he saw his very first grandchild and held him as if would never let go.

I remember losing him for 11 minutes on May 8th 2012 and feeling the weight of the world laying heavy on my shoulders thinking I would never get to hold that man again this side of heaven.

What I remember is a Daddy filled with patience, an honest man, Hard working to a fault, give you the shirt off his back kind of man, too honest (is there such a thing?) Very friendly to every one! Wide smile, talk your ear off if you let him kind of man.......Big heart, stubborn pride kind of man.

My Daddy is the Man that God has chosen to bless me, my Mama and sister with and I couldn't of chosen a better man for the job......Oh how I love that man, stubborn, sweet, sensitive, strong I'll take it all and wrap it up in ribbons so I can untie them for the rest of my days here this side of heaven.......

Happy Father's day Daddy!!!! I love you with all my heart!

Books Worth Buying and Keeping

After almost 12 years of homeschooling you can imagine that I have accumulated lots of books over the years! Some good...some not so good.  And then there are those that remain on the shelf because they are CLASSICS! Ones that we go back to again and again. Here are some of my favorites! Have you seen our bookshelves?

I will start with Noah Webster's 1828 Version of the Dictionary. This book is a little pricey but so well worth the money spent. This is not the watered down version. The definitions are unapologetically Christian inspired. This is how Webster meant for it to be. Over the years it has been redefined with many words omitted because of Noah's Christian emphasis in his writing of the book. You can buy it used for half the price on Amazon here.

The next two books that have earned their rightful place on our shelves are "The Usborne Book of World History" and "The Kingfisher History Encyclopedia" They are both packed full with information from the earliest of civilizations to the 20th century. If you are from a creationists point of view you may find some things in there that go against creation but, I always take that as an opportunity to explain why we believe what we do! I have not come across anything yet..... that I can remember.....On second thought I think one of them might of said something like 450,000 years ago?

Which leads me to my next Very informative Web site. I do have several of their books gracing my shelves but, there are so many that I will just give you the site address so you can pick and choose for yourself. Answers in Genesis. Wonderful Creation website with magazines, DVDs and Books! You name it they got it!

The next set of books have been on my shelves from the very beginning and they are "The Beautiful Feet Collection" And you can find them here. You can also try on E-bay and Amazon to get them cheaper. I've went back to these books several times over the years.

Another book that pops in and out is  "In God We Trust" by Timothy Crater and Ranelda Hunsicker. These are little stories of faith about some of the most important people who shaped our country. They are stories you don't hear about anymore because of how secular our society has become....What a shame! You can find it here.

Another book that has recently graced my shelf is "Four Centuries of American Education" By David Barton And while we are on David Barton I have another book that I would recommend keeping "Lives of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence" This is true factual History. This is what our public schools refuse to teach. This is what every American needs to know! Can you tell I have a passion for our American Heritage? You can find these books on David's site, Wall builders or on Amazon. For a younger version of the signers I have "For you They Signed" by Boyer this comes with an activity book so the kids can make a scrap book of all the signers. you can find it here.

And I must say I LOVE "The Pioneer Sampler" by Barbara Greenwood Packed full of projects and stories of the time...You will use it again and again...Especially if you have multiple children! You can find it here.

I have several Books on animals but the two that stick out in my mind the most are Anna Comstock's "Handbook of Nature Study" and "The World of Animals". We are always going to these books to find out what that weird creature is! You can find them here and here.

Last year I found a bird book that I will forever cherish. "Bird Songs" They have recorded over 250 North American Birds in song, with information and a picture of each one.... A Beautiful addition to our Science shelf! You can find it here.

Next post I will share our favorite read alouds. And if there is a particular subject or story you are looking for just ask I may have a suggestion for you!

Banana Bread With Honey & Applesauce

This is my tried and true, old faithful banana bread recipe! It never lets me down. I have always substituted the applesauce for the oil but, never used honey for the substitute of sugar, until now..........

 I discovered another Banana bread recipe on Pinterest I pinned it because it was made with honey instead of sugar. Then I had a friend tell me she tried the recipe I had pinned  with very little success.....It didn't raise well for her and was bitter.

So I went to my recipe box and pulled out old faithful. I had to see if I could make this work.....After all what did they use for sweetness before man messed with the natural state of food?

Did I tell you this recipe never lets me down? I was afraid that it might not be sweet enough or rise like it normally does but, it turned out BEAUTIFUL....Tastes just as sweet and looks just as pretty!

So now I am pleased to share this healthier version but not lacking in flavor or beauty, Old Faithful Banana Bread Recipe!

5C Flour
1 1/2 C Raw Honey
4 tsp. Baking powder
2 eggs
2 tsp. sea salt
6 Tb. Applesauce
1 1/2 C whole milk
3 ripe bananas cut into chunks

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl pour into greased loaf pans and bake @ 350 for 55 to 60 minutes. Or until tooth pick comes out clean. This makes two loaves.

That's it! So simple....So much healthier and so GOOD! Enjoy with a drizzle of honey butter. Mmmmmm soooo yummy!

Raw Honey

First I want to start by saying that for years I have cooked and baked from scratch! I've always used real food....Oh I still have processed food in my pantry like crackers and some junk food but, for the most part I am a homemade kind of girl!! Over the last couple of years I have been eliminating processed foods from our diets. I use to use canned cream soups for my casseroles but now I make my own. It's the little steps I have been making that has brought real, whole food completely to my kitchen! The more I read labels the more I am floored by all the unreadable, chemical ingredients they call preservatives in their boxed, processed, nutritionally depleted excuses for food! Okay I'm done! More on whole and real foods in another post!

I was never a fan of honey. I never really cared for the taste.....Until I tried raw honey for the first time a couple of years ago! And it's amazing!

I've been reading and studying up on this incredible God given power food and I am in awe! As most of you know refined sugar is not good for you....mentally it creates havoc in your brain. It literally short circuits the hard wiring of one of the most powerful and most important organs you posses! Don't believe me? Feed your child sugar, wait a few minutes and watch the horror take place. They go from the ultimate high to major melt downs in just minutes! I've seen it....I've witnessed it with my own children! I've witnessed the effects it has on me...feeling sluggish and heavy. The more sugar I take in the more headaches I get.

Physically it creates a much larger waist line... I am also witness to that! It causes diabetes and heart disease and many other health related issues.

I know what some of you may be thinking "Everything in moderation." or "What isn't bad for you?" Well that use to be my thinking too. But if you were given a choice to choose between chemically refined and processed food that even in small consumption can cause diseases like cancer...Verses God's raw unrefined super foods that burst with age defying properties and healing powers would you really feel good about choosing what's not natural?

It is said that Raw Honey contains at least 181 known substances, nutrients, such as amino acids, natural carbohydrates, as well as trace enzymes, minerals(including calcium, fluoride,iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and selenium.) Vitamins including vitamin C, folate and choline.) But the vitamins and minerals are not the only thing that makes this super food powerful, the power of honey is that it is rich in antioxidants and that's where the real power lies!

Processed verses raw: Processed is just that. Processed honey is made with fillers (Which are chemicals) to remove little imperfections to make it look pretty. In the process it strips the honey of all it's healing properties and nutrients.  Processed honey can be watered down by nearly 20%!

The benefits of raw honey are numerous and honey has been around a really long time! the records of using honey for it's medicinal and nutritional properties dates back to 4000 years ago!  I read an article quite a few years ago about some archaeologists who found honey in one of the tombs in the pyramids over in  Egypt.....The honey was still good! I mean it was still good enough to eat 2000 years later! I don't believe I know of any other natural food that has a longer shelf life with out the use of man made preservatives, Do you? Honey is found in the Bible many times! It was one of the main staples in their diet! The phrase "Milk and honey" was used at least 21 times. Honey was often given as a gift and was widely know back then for it's healing powers!

Before I leave you all and go about my day I wanted to share this information with you. I also will be sharing more about my adventures with raw honey in some of my future posts Like recipes and things that I have found that work well and also where I get my raw honey! Hopefully this post has sparked a little interest and is leaving you thinking about cutting down on all that refined sugar or maybe even eliminating it completely!

It is stated that when you mix cinnamon and raw honey it will cure many ailments. Here are a few I have found on line:
1) A paste of cinnamon and natural, raw, honey spread on bread and eaten regularly has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease [site of study: nursing homes in America and Canada].

2) 1 cup hot water, 2 tbs raw honey and 1 small tsp of cinnamon powder taken every morning and night can help with arthritis pain [site of study: Copenhagen University].

3) 2 tbs cinnamon and 1 tsp raw honey in a glass of lukewarm water speeds recovery from bladder infections.

4) 3 tsp. cinnamon powder and 2 tbs raw honey mixed in 16 ounces of water can “reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours”.  The journal also reports that raw honey eaten daily can reduce complaints of cholesterol.

5) 1 tbs of lukewarm raw honey with 1/4 spoonful of cinnamon powder daily for three days can help kick your mild or severe cold.

6) Raw honey + cinnamon powder can help cure upset stomachs, and attacks stomach ulcers at their roots!

7) Studies in India and Japan show that raw honey + cinnamon powder can help relieve the stomach of gas.

8.) Raw honey and cinnamon help protect the immune system from viral attacks

9) Apparently… a scientist in Spain showed there is a special ‘ingredient’ in raw honey that can help save patients from influenza!

10) 4 tsp. raw honey, 1 tsp cinnamon powder and 3 cups of boiled water for tea can “arrest the ravages of old age”.  Keep your skin fresh with a natural remedy that tastes good!

11) Sip on 1 tbs raw honey every 3 hours when you have a raspy, sore throat to improve your symptoms and get back to feeling yourself.

12) For you youngsters with acne problems: Use 3 tbs raw honey + 1 tsp cinnamon powder to make a paste.  Apply it to your face at night and wash it off in the AM.  Repeat this for TWO WEEKS and note the beautiful difference in your skin.

13) Put some raw honey + cinnamon powder on your eczema, ringworm, and other skin infections to help cure them faster.

14) Drink some raw honey and cinnamon in boiled water 30 minutes before breakfast (make sure your stomach is empty) and before you go to bed.  It can help with weight loss.  Regular consumption of this concoction does not allow fat to accumulate throughout the body.

15) Studies in Japan and Australia show that stomach and bone cancer have successfully been cured with the regular use of 1 tbs raw honey mixed with 1 tsp cinnamon powder, three times a day for a month straight.

16) Fatigue, hearing loss, and bad breath have also shown to be improved with the regular use of raw honey and cinnamon powder.

The Art of Homemaking

A little while ago I stumbled upon one of the nicest set of books on homemaking skills that I think I have ever seen. These books are jammed packed full of wonderful information on how to keep a home. I'll start with the Guide book:

There is a section for each room of the house with detailed check lists and instructions on how to do each task.

One of the assignments is to have your child create a dinner menu and invite company! Complete with printable recipe cards for their very own recipe box. I have to tell you that they have left nothing out! From managing the budget of a meal to managing every part of the home, inside and out. There is even a section on gardening and how to have a welcoming front porch!

The guide book can stand alone and you can find it here, but they also sell a set of four books that would be a great companion to the guide book, that I have been drooling over. here

Each issue is loaded with recipes and how tos, Like Pressure canning, preserving, dehydrating, Sewing and learning how to make your own patterns, Embroidery, Making Jerky, Homespun gifts, Homemade light, tips and tricks for anything you might imagine. You name it, it's in here!

I have to tell you I'm very impressed and to me it was worth the money spent. These are the kind of books that you need to fill your library with. These are the kinds of books that I don't mind spending the extra money on. Especially when I saved money on their main curriculum this year! These are the books that can be passed down as precious learning tools and keepsakes!

Homemaking is becoming a lost art! Teach your daughters responsibility and self sufficiency. It's important they know how to take care of their homes and their families! And may they learn to take pride in doing so!  If you don't, who will?

I also believe that these books are not just for your children......I've really been enjoying them and there are so many things that I intend on trying with my girls! Remember I'm always learning.......*Smile*

Memories in the making!

When Life Comes At You Hard

When life comes at you hard and speeds out of control.....There is only one who can slow you down. Only one who can bring you into the calm before the storm. Only one who can bring you out of those storms that life blows your way.

And so many times I've heard people ask, Why does life have to be so hard hitting? Why do bad things happen to good people?

Because this world is sin soaked and we can't escape the effects of sin here on this side of heaven but, we can be set free from it's bondage. Free from all that holds us captive here.

There is a dear sweet woman fighting for her life tonight and I'm in constant prayer, lifting her up to my Father in heaven. She is a friend, a Mama, a wife and she has told me that she follows my blog faithfully. She has said That I somehow take all that she has felt in the past and all that she feels in the here and now and I put those feelings into words. And some how even though the years separate us she feels she can relate to me. This sin soaked Mama, well she feels she has something in common with me. And I am humbled by her words of gratitude....

I know what we have in common..........WE are both God's Girls, sin soaked Mama's saved by His Amazing grace....that's where we connect even though time sets us apart. And I know if she were with me right now She would tell me to keep praying because faith is what He's looking for and grace is what we have found...She did say before she left for surgery...."I'm really okay with this, I have a peace about all of this. I know He's in control no matter what happens."

And I love her FAITH!

When our souls are feeling full and overwhelmed, like that of a pregnant woman ready to just give in and let go.......We must remember He will deliver us from all that makes us break, from all that strips us raw and leaves us wide open to the pain and fear of this life.

Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. Romans 8:28

Praying for you my sweet friend. Lifting you up to our Father. Knowing that He has this all under control and you and I both know this does not come as a surprise to Him.....He knew it all along.....It is a part of His plan...All for the good of those who love Him!


.....Love to you from one sin soaked Mama to another......

To Meal Plan or NOT!

The spontaneously creative side of me has once again taken over....I have discovered that the meal planning is not working for me.

To be honest with you I may have stuck to the meal plan twice this past week with the exception of even changing a few sides....So I couldn't even say I stayed on the menu for those two meals. I hate to say that I'm quitting this part of my organizational plan......But, I'M QUITTING THIS PART OF MY ORGANIZATIONAL PLAN!

If there is one thing that I do enjoy most of the time it is being in the kitchen creating, making and baking. Oh I still have my days when the last thing I want to do is cook but, for the most part cooking is relaxing and fun for me!

Three things I've discovered while trying to meal plan:

1.)  It takes up too much time: I've found that I spent more time scouring through recipes and wondering which day would be best for that meal. Trying to schedule around certain activities turned out to be too much of a chore! I'm good at pulling something out of the fridge or freezer at the last minute and turning it into a masterpiece. My Mama was like that! She would come home from work not having anything planned for supper....Walk to the fridge and just start pulling things out with out thinking about it! And with in an hour she had this gorgeous meal sitting on the table! That's me! I can do that! I got that "gift" from her!!

2.) Sometimes.... I/we didn't feel like having a heavy meal: We were just happy having a salad. I found that it really stifled my spontaneous, free spirit......Which in turn was making me miserable. I believe we should follow rules....But making rules regarding what I should cook in my own kitchen on each night has been a complete failure!

3.) Somethings you just have to let go:  As much as I wanted this to work, I was miserable in trying to make it work....I actually hated it! My free spirit was being stifled and suffocated.......Well at least on the nights that I actually tried to stick to the menu.  *Smile*  (Little bit of rebellion creeping in I guess.)


So I sent the meal planning packing! And I am instead going back to pulling things out of the fridge/freezer and I am going to continue to be spontaneous and bake and create the way I use to! So sorry to have let you down.....But this girl has to follow her heart and her instinct when it comes to her kitchen!!!

What's on the menu tonight? I don't know...something to do with chicken.....I can let you know tomorrow what we have tonight.  Heeheee that feels good to say that!

I know you "OCD, Organizing, stick to the plan folks" will not understand......And to that I say... Take a deep breath, it will all be okay! My life will not fall apart because my meal planning did!

But to all of you "Free Spirit" friends of mine, I know you got my back and you completely understand my plight! Carry on and be Free!

The Heart Of The Home

If you've been wondering if I've forgotten.......

Or that I might have given up........Well I have been busy but, not too busy that I can't make Him  a part of my day....That I can't ask Him to guide my day and pull me through.

So I've been thinking.....If I am to memorize these very words, the ones He breathed life into, I'm going to do this right. If I want to make it memorable and hide them in my heart, I'm going to post them in a prominent place. A place where I serve, a place where I have learned it's not just a chore but, a blessing. It's a blessing to serve and scrub the plates of the ones I love. And there are still days when my heart moans and whines about washing another plate or cooking another meal.....But it doesn't take me long to come back to His feet in thankful praise for the life He has given me.

So I hung them in a place where you will find me the most....above the dirty pots and pans. Among the flour sprinkled every where and the sauce cooking on the stove. In a place where most call it "The Heart Of The Home". It's where my heart serves the most.....Pouring Iced Tea for my man every night before he walks in the door. It's where I Provide food for my family and a portion for those in need...or just because I want to share.

It's where science experiments explode and school starts on the big round table. It's where guests come through our Open Door.

It's where I grab the band aid box to make boo boos go away. It's where I have long chats and answer questions that sometimes I just don't have the answers for. It's where we come as a family at the end of the day, sit down and break bread....Where we pray....laugh and talk about life.

It's where we hug and kiss and say good bye......

So I can't think of a better place to memorize scripture and feed my soul than "The Heart Of The Home"

While I was writing and laminating scripture....I was unaware of Butterfly girl watching, until she came in and asked me if she could do the same with some of her favorite verses.......Even when you don't think it matters...Even when the smallest of gestures pass quickly by...They notice, they study, they take everything in and they become little mirrored images of those who take care of them...... I find I often have to be aware of my blemishes. If they are not taken care of they get red and fester......What's in your mirror? ......

Being Sneaky

Wanna know a good way to sneak in those greens and healthy foods your fussy child normally turns his/her nose up at?

Put them in a smoothie!  Although we do enforce the rule that our children are not to leave the table until all their veggies are gone.... I do have one fussy eater and he screws up his face and makes that gagging look when certain veggies are put in front of him. Oh he eats them! At times he's just not happy about it....

This way I can sneak those important powerful foods into his little body and he actually loves it!! He begs for it! To be honest with you, you can not taste the baby spinach or kale. the berries over power them. Sunday night I made a smoothie with Strawberries, Avocado, Baby spinach, Blue berries, orange, crushed ice and some raw honey.

 I use about a tablespoon of raw honey or agave for the sweetener because sugar defeats the purpose of eating all that's healthy in that blender. And I've been a witness to what too much sugar can do to a child. I've seen it's affects on my own children first hand and it's not pretty!  The old saying  "you are what you eat." Well I believe it to be so TRUE! I believe processed foods and things that are not natural can alter your brain and harm your health!

We don't eat supper on Sunday nights. Usually we just have something light. This was so yummy and so filling. I could almost feel my body thanking me and baby too! *Smile*

They are great for breakfasts and you can always change things up and try new and different things! The other night I made a Pina Colada Smoothie with frozen pineapple, coconut milk, and 1 Tbl. of agave. Soo Goood! Make your own concoctions or go on my Yummy recipes board on Pinterest. I have pinned a lot of yummy recipes there! I do want to say that you don't want to add no more than a 1/2 cup of your greens if your afraid of tasting anything green......A 1/2 a cup is where I found we could not taste them at all. Don't get me wrong I love me some greens, but I don't want them to over power my smoothie!

I hope you try this and sneak those greens in on your kids....Your bodies will sing in thankfulness!

Considering Home Schooling?

If you are pondering the idea of home schooling or are just beginning your journey I want to share with you our journey through the years. what has worked and what has not.

Lately I have had many people directed my way with lots of questions. In this post I will try to answer most of them.

A Little bit of background: I have been homeschooling for almost 12 years. I started with my oldest who will be going into eleventh grade this fall. I've tried most of what's out there. I've blundered and made mistakes. I've found what works and found what has failed us miserably! I'm not a pro....I'm always learning. Here is a post about why we chose to Homeschool. So with all that said, take my words as free advise. You are free to pick and choose what you want and my hope is that more than anything you will be encouraged!

*First and foremost, Pray that God will guide and lead you on this journey. Just like with anything else in your life He needs to be a part of this too! Pray about your schedule, your curriculum and the goals you and your family would like to accomplish.

*Find out your State's Laws on Homeschooling.

*Please do not compare your family with any other family! Your family is unique! Stay that way! Little Susie may not be strong in math but her ability to write, read and spell may far exceed those around her. Go with their interests and likes and build on them. And if  she struggles at math find a curriculum that will cater to her learning style. Which leads me to the next bit of advise.

*Find out what your child's learning style is. This is a good explanation of all three learning styles. And then find curriculum accordingly. It's hard not to get in a tail spin over curriculum! There are so many choices, from the really high priced to finding free stuff on line. Try and find sites that give you samples to look at like this one CBD. To be honest with you, the really high priced stuff does not mean your child will get a better education! And try and get your brain to wrap around this one concept....Homeschooling is not all about the curriculum! Your kids will be learning right along side you. Especially through life's every day experiences! Here is a link that will advise you on homeschooling methods and curriculum.

I'm an eclectic homeschooler which means I use a little bit of this and that. Here is a link to the History curriculum we will be using this coming year. I love Queen Homeschool Curriculum. We use Teaching Text books for my highschooler's math. It's a little pricey, but math is not my strong suit so I will not skimp on their math. We also use Living math from the Queens website for my younger two. I could go on about all my favorite web sites but, that's for another post.

*Try not to copy or imitate public school...Isn't that why you pulled your child out or started homeschooling in the first place? Homeschooling is just that, learning at home! You don't have to teach 8 hours a day! And you don't have to use dry, dull and boring text books! Be creative and learn to have fun! And if you have forgotten already.... remember your family is unique!

* Here is a look into our Homeschool

*Look for other Homeschooling families who are like minded and glean from them. Find a Co-op or a local homeschool support group. Google them for your county....there are lots out there! Or start your own with friends who may want to take the plunge with you.

I hope this has helped in some little way. That you have been encouraged. And if you have any questions please feel free to ask! I am here to help!

May God Bless your journey which ever path He made lead you to..........

Menu Planning Monday: Week 2

So here I am slowly getting back on track. It feels good......To tackle those things that stare you down and make you feel uncomfortable until you deal with them. Procrastination and I, well we used to be the best of friends. And now I feel something coming between us. We no longer have that much in common any more. I find she weighs me down and drags me under til I can't barely breathe.

It's funny how I'm really starting to like Lil' Miss Organization. I never thought we could be friends but she seems to help me out of the messes I get myself into once in a while. And I like that. We all need a friend like that. Don't we? I see the beginning of a Beautiful friendship on the horizon. Oh it's not a perfect one....I'm sure I'll let procrastination come over to play sometimes. It's just not going to be like it was. *Smile*

With that said, here is my weekly menu. Hope you like it! It was Lil' Miss Organizations idea........


Monday: 
Supper: Crock Pot BBQ Chicken- Macaroni Salad & Corn on the Cob with Watermelon

Tuesday:
Supper: Spaghetti with a toss Salad

Wednesday:
Supper: Sloppy Joes with asparagus

Thursday:
Supper: Meatloaf, roasted potatoes & Corn on the cob

Friday:
Supper: Chicken Wing Pizza, Toss Salad and a Pina Colada Smoothie

Saturday:
Supper: Chicken Wraps and Fruit Salad

Sunday:
Dinner: Roast with potatoes and carrots & Homemade Coconut Ice cream

As always, if you would like the recipe to any one of these just drop me a note and I'll be sure and get it to you!

Sunday Morning Treasure: If You Just Believe

If ever you could have a favorite word, this would be one of mine....Sunshine girl made this for me a couple of summers ago while she was away in New York.....I've told her many times before...I've quoted scripture about the mustard seed and how your faith can be so small and still move mountains, if only you just Believe......

He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Matthew 17:20

and oh do I Believe with all my heart and soul. I've seen Him move mountains and melt stone cold hearts. I watch Him dot the heavens with little shimmers of light every night.  and hanging high above all that He created, I Believe He hung the moon.

Jesus said to him, if you can Believe, all 

things are possible to him that Believes. 

Mark 9:23

So tell me, What do you Believe?

Psalm 113:3

How can you not take notice or not be in awe? How can you believe that this magnificent orb came from nothing at all.....that it can just hang there in exactly the right position? One smidgen too close and all disintegrates. One smidgen the other way and all will be frozen in time.

 I ponder it's light, it's soft cream cicle glow....How it can be so soft at moments like this and so blindingly bright in the moments of tomorrow.

And I praise His name and all that He is.....

The Great Creator......The Great I Am.

From the rising of the son to the setting of the same, the name of the Lord is worthy to be praised. psalm 113:3

Choose Wisely or Fly With The Thieves

I've been trying to stay a float among the piles of paper and books that I have on every table in the house. It's end of the year school reports and I'm in the thick of it all. So I ask for your grace as I chase this little ball of mischievous energy, while I dot my i's and cross my t's, fix supper, tackle Mt. Neverest and tend to my man when he needs me.

I'll be in and out....still sporadically, but not because of a heavy heart. Just because life is full and busy. And my priorities are staring me strong in the face. And I know what my time thieves are.....I've always known.


Lately I've been choosing the real, the tangible, the right here and now moments.....Death seems to magnify time! Living life vicariously through a computer screen or a phone is not living! Waiting for something to happen is wasted time! Choosing to make something happen is precious time......I choose to not let the time thieves rob me of the precious moments in this life. And really when I think about it.....I've always been the one who has had  control to choose my priorities. I'm the one that chooses to fly with the thieves........

It's amazing what you can get done when you choose to cut out the things that rob you of your moments!


We have the freedom to choose..........Choose wisely!


I want to be present for the ones that are in my presence....

I'm linked with Denise in bloom Today!

Letting Go

He's 16 and some say he's too young and others, well they are just not sure.......And I say only the parents know their child .....their strengths and weaknesses.....Their fears and triumphs....What they are good at and what they need help with.

7:30 A.M. yesterday morning and he's all ready to go, to drive that 1200 mile trip he always use to make since he was a baby, but now he's going solo for the first time. I was fine until he nuzzled his head into my shoulder and gave love sniffles....the way he always did when he was just a boy. My little snuggler all grown up. I try hard to pull it together while he's off down the hall hugging his sisters.....But I just couldn't dig deep enough.

We hug and kiss.......I let him know how loved he is.

A while back him and I were talking about life and why Daddy never cries........To his knowledge he has never seen his Daddy shed a tear, but what he doesn't know is that he was there when the first tear was shed over him.....the morning he was born..... Those tears of joy streamed down his Daddy's face.......And I've seen tears of pride over a son that has accomplished what most grown ups can't conquer.....

And I understand that these boys grow into men and they need to be strong, but I also know it's not weakness when a man sheds a tear........

My man grabs his 16 year old son who now towers over him, holds him tight and begins to pray, son's head resting on Daddy's shoulder......And Mama still trying hard to fight her own tears. As Daddy begins to pray for safe travel and protection over our first born...The tears well up in a man that is stronger than any one I know. And the most peaceful, angelic look came over our 16 year old boy's face.......For he didn't sense weakness in his Daddy.....He felt security and LOVE. For the first time he witnessed his Daddy's tears.....And I have to tell you it was more powerful than any moment I've ever seen with out a tear shed!

That moment...that image will be forever etched in my mind! Forever Beautiful......

Yes it was hard letting him go....Extremely hard.....But we raised that boy to be strong and to make wise decisions. We gave him responsibility and he always seem to take it and run with it......Never gave us any reason to doubt him.....Never any reason not to trust......You see Our son, the one we've watched grow into this strong sweet, sensitive, responsible young man....He has a vintage soul that's encased in a 16 year old vessel and Johnny and I, we couldn't be more proud..........

Right now as I am typing this, our boy has two and a half more hours of driving time til he reaches his destination and this Mama continues to pray for her baby boy and the tears they are still flowing...not because of worry, but because I have to let go.........

I'll Still Be Here, Just Sporadically

When this life comes at you shockingly hard, the things that normally would matter get tossed and pushed aside....So I must let you know all the things I have been planning, well I need to put them aside....

Just until I get my thoughts straight......You see this past week has been extremely hard and I have one more hurdle that I've asked God to get me through. And until then I've sort of checked out...Like a birthing Mama that puts herself somewhere else when the labor pains strike hard.  And it's all about letting go and giving everything that cripples you to the only one who can bare this heavy load.

So to the side I set the meal planning, and just for a little while I've set aside Proverbs 31.......But you can be sure I'll be searching His word and grabbing other passages to keep my soul at peace.

And I have to tell you I'm not sure when the next post will be. I've never claimed to be a professional writer. I've often stated most times I'm grammatically incorrect......When I write, it's because it's on my heart and I want you all to know I never usually plan my posts.......God does. I always pray and let God speak to my heart and often when I read what was written I have to ask "Did I write that?" I'm not claiming to be a prophet.......I just know when your still and quiet He speaks in and through you.

So if you see a sporadic post........It really wasn't sporadic at all, just God's timing. This is where I come to be real....Where I share my heart. I want you all to know I break and hurt just like you.....I'm not perfect....I mess up more times than I care to admit....I'm sinned soaked, but I'm forgiven and He is Grace........

So I ask for your forgiveness for not being on schedule or planning things right down to the very last minute......Sometimes I believe I'm  not suppose to be perfectly organized.........It's my creative side of the brain that runs the show and I believe that's where God speaks to me the most.........

I'll be here....in and out. Typing my heart in the dark sporadically to you and I, but well planned out in God's eyes.

This Is Life, Precious Life!

If ever I were to feel my world stop spinning and the very moment I'm in freeze in time, it would of been yesterday.......I'm in the salon getting pampered, a long over do haircut and my phone rings.  I look to see who it is and big sister never usually calls in the middle of the afternoon. So I answer....

"Dad is okay." Are the first words I hear. "They no sooner got him in there and Ma said they were saying code 5 over the intercom. Kimmy, he coded on the table!" That was my first freeze frame, when my world came to a halt. And me not really sure that I heard her right, I asked her to say it again. And I'm not sure why I was so calm, I can only tell you it was through God's strength that I didn't cave.

And I hear it all the time that close calls like this, make you aware of how precious this life.......But I gotta tell ya I'm always aware of the reality of this life and how precious your moments are this side of heaven.....You can't live 41 years and not see how valuable your time is, because every year that goes by is faster than the last. I've had loved ones die that were very close to me and if you've ever loved, you know your bound to get hurt.

To be honest I would take the hurt any day over not ever having the chance to love and live this precious life. It's impossible for me to live this life in a numb state not feeling the emotional highs and lows of memories and moments all wrapped up in ribbons. They create who you are and with God's strength they mold you into love and helping others. If we were all here for the sole purpose of just ourselves than what's the purpose of living. This world is tough and hard and really who wants to go it alone? We are social beings created with a soul and made to have heart because He knew this life would have it's hurts....it's joys and the days when you have moments freeze in time.

This man helped create who I am today. Through all the trials and the hurts I caused while trying to grow up, he never gave up on me! Never quit because I hurt him too much. Never went numb on me.......That is precious! That's what life is all about...Never giving up on the ones we love. Learning and living and loving through trials and struggles together. With Christ as the Center holding us together......

The second phone call comes in and it's my Mama......"Kimmy it's worse than they had thought. He can't breath on his own right now." And the tears start to flow on both ends and I feel so helpless being so far away. And why do I feel i still have control over situations He's already got under control? I immediately tell Mama, stop and listen! I'm gonna pray for Daddy, with you right now, here in this parking lot. I grab the door handle of the truck and just hold on and I give God all I got. I come at Him hard, tears flowing like a river. And there at that moment is where I got my strength. That's where I felt my peace.

A couple hours go by and I'm sitting in the rocking chair my mind exhausted from the event of the day......And I felt a very strong comforting feeling and I swear I heard Him say "Kimmy it's gonna be okay, it's not his heart. he will be okay."

Our biggest fear was that he had a heart attack because he has a heart history. And then the next call came in a couple hours later. "The Test went fine, his heart is good!"

And I know your not suppose to fear and worry but, sometimes this sinned soaked Mama is weak. I know He is in control......Because I have felt His peace.

I have to tell you I heard the most amazing sound this morning over the phone! The rustic, burly voice of the man that I call my Daddy......And the tears began to flow not the ones from pain, not this time......but the ones that are caused by pure Joy!

And I wouldn't miss this ......The joys, the struggles, the hurts.........I wouldn't miss deeply loving all the people that I do just to keep the hurt away!

This is life.....Precious Life........