Building My House

Truth and Dare: Book Review

2012-01-09T11:34:00.003-06:00

Truth and Dare: One Year of Dynamic Devotions for Girls, by Ann Margret Hovsepian is a wonderful devotion for young girls

The cover is enticing for the age group, making them want to open it and see what is inside. The daily reading and message are short, plus a journaling portion, then there is the "dare" part of each lesson. A triple dare each day to further explore God's Word and put God's Word in action in your everyday life in fun and creative ways.

My 10 year old daughter loves this book! She said after the first day that "it make me want to read ahead and do more". She does these devotion lessons without me having to tell her. She has really enjoyed completing the "dares".

I wish the cover didn't say "for ages 9-12" because my 16 year old was very interested in it. I'd love to see something similar for older girls.

Ann-Margret Hovsepian authored The One Year Designer Genes Devo and served as senior editor and lead author for Blossom. She is a Canadian author and speaker who has written over two hundred articles and regularly speaks at writers’ conferences, mission conferences, and women’s events. She is actively involved on the board of Canadian Baptist Women of Ontario and Quebec.

Thanks so much to B and B Media Group for sending me this book for my review.

Christmas Ideas from Christmas past.

2011-12-01T01:41:00.003-06:00

Past posts for Christmas ideas when I participated in the Online Christmas Party.

Online Christmas Party - all of my posts

The Ongoing, Never ending Online Christmas Party!

2007

2008

2009

Book Review

2011-11-30T09:57:00.002-06:00

I really enjoyed A Place to Belong: Out of Our Comfort Zone and Into God's Adventure, by Lisa Troyer. As a woman who has few friends this book felt like a friend to me. As I was reading it I did feel accepted, affirmed, called to accountability and action. I’ve said for years that true fellowship can only happen where there is true transparency. I feel this is were the church is lacking today. I feel people want to be accepted so much that they fear the judgment of others so they live a pretend life to have the illusion of acceptance. Once we as a church STOP comparing ones walk with another, and actually offer encouragement and support, instead of gossip and withdrawal, we will see true fellowship and church growth.

Wallowing in the past doesn’t help anyone, it certainly doesn’t make one more “holy”. God is gracious to forgive, heal and forget, and we need to do the same. Once you have the Lord’s forgiveness, thank Him for it and move on. Stop dragging the dead with you.

I received this book from B&B MEdia group in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review

2011-11-30T09:40:00.001-06:00

Sunrise on the Battery by Beth Webb Hart looked promising. I thought the concept had the makings of a good story. I was left disappointed. The jumping from character to character made a hard read. Just when I really got into the story line of a character and thought I was getting somewhere, the author would switch characters. I really didn’t enjoy the backstory of South Carolina, seemed sort of irrelevant to the story for me. This book doesn’t make me want to search out more from this author.

I received this book from B&B MEdia group in exchange for my honest review.

Cyber Monday!

2011-11-28T09:23:00.003-06:00

Black Friday books are still available until midnight.

New books listed for Cyber Monday! Don't miss these great titles!

Don't forget to check out the November Customer Specials to save even more!

Black Friday Sale!

2011-11-24T09:50:00.000-06:00

A book is a gift that will be opened again and again! Who is on your shopping list this year? Shop the Black Friday is Book Friday Sale this weekend and fill your cart with Usborne and Kane Miller favorites for less.

Why give books as gifts?

Books can take you places (for a minimal investment), give you memories that will last for a lifetime and provide hours of surprise, escape and discovery.

Visit our Black Friday is Book Friday Sale website first thing Friday morning (sale starts at midnight). There are limited quantities of many of the titles, you won't want to miss it.

Usborne and Kane Miller favorites, such as One Night in the Zoo, Wind-up Pirate Ship, Conspiracy 365: January, Hannah's Winter and See Inside Space are just a few of the titles that will be available at amazing discounts. Additional titles will be added for Cyber Monday specials!

And, a little something for you . . .

. . . when you spend $60 or more (before tax and shipping), you'll receive our Exclusive Usborne Books & More eco-tote FREE! Sturdy, reusable bag measures 12.625"(W) x 13"(H) x 8.75"(G).

Black Friday is Book Friday Sale starts on Friday, November 25 at 12 a.m. and runs through Monday, November 28th at midnight.

Christmas School

2011-11-19T10:34:00.001-06:00

Time to start planning your Christmas School this year!

Check out my posts about Christmas School in our home for ideas and links to great Christmas units studies, advent studies, notebooking and lapbooking freebies.

Hospitality Planner

2011-11-10T12:13:00.004-06:00

Plan your holiday gatherings, from theme to dessert all on one page.

Click to download-Hospitality Sheet

My Cup Overflows

2011-11-10T11:03:00.003-06:00

I am thankful that I am justified by faith.

Romans 5:1 THEREFORE, SINCE we are justified (acquitted, declared righteous, and given a right standing with God) through faith, let us [grasp the fact that we] have [the peace of reconciliation to hold and to enjoy] peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). ~Amplified Bible

3 simple lapbook elements for a thankful lapbook

My Cup Overflows

2011-11-09T10:27:00.003-06:00

I am thankful of the fruit I see developing in my family.

My Cup Overflows

2011-11-08T06:27:00.000-06:00

I am thankful for my helpful daughters. They are a joy and a blessing daily.

Weekly Menu

2011-11-07T12:53:00.002-06:00

Roasted chicken

Hamburger Helper

Pasta

Pork chops

Pizza

My Cup Overflows

2011-11-07T12:50:00.001-06:00

I am thankful the abundance of food my family is blessed with.

My Cup Overflows

2011-11-06T21:47:00.000-06:00

I am thankful that my family gathered around me

to celebrate my birthday!

Happy Birthday to me!

2011-11-06T21:45:00.000-06:00

Today is my birthday! My mom and gramma came over yesterday with supper and lemon cream pie! mmm-mmm. Today after church I opened my gifts from my family and Lindy took us out to Olive Garden for supper. It was a good day.

My Cup Overflows

2011-11-05T15:11:00.001-05:00

I am thankful that my brother is cancer free!

My Cup Overflows

2011-11-04T21:10:00.002-05:00

I am thankful for the blessing of my friends.

They encourage me, inspire me, & teach me.

My Cup Overflows

2011-11-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.

Psalm 30:4

My Cup Overflows

2011-11-02T15:18:00.003-05:00

Count your Blessings,

Name them one by one,

Count Your many Blessings

And see what God has done!

This year my little "theme" is My Cup Overflows. In the spirit of my theme I have an empty glass candle jar that will soon overflow with our blessings.

Each family member is writing a daily blessing or something they are thankful for on the colored slips of paper. They are folded and placed in the jar. More than one daily blessing is encouraged.

Soon we will have a visual idea of just how many blessings we have everyday. On Thanksgiving we will take turns pulling them out and reading them during our meal.

My Cup Overflows

2011-11-02T06:10:00.000-05:00

I am thankful for my gift of free salvation through My Lord Jesus Christ.

My Cup Overflows

2011-11-01T08:54:00.002-05:00

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:57

Image(s) courtesy VintageHolidayCrafts.com

Thanksgiving Remembrances

2011-10-31T12:42:00.000-05:00

Last year's daily Thanksgiving remembrances. Join me this year, starting November 1!

Menu planning

2011-10-31T11:52:00.001-05:00

Baked Chicken

soup or chili

mexican chicken casserole

pasta

pizza

FAR Planning

2011-10-25T09:43:00.005-05:00

Printing a list of projects for Emilie to complete last year didn't work so well for her. She needed more set deadlines and a daily task list rather then 5-8 printed pages and "get going" instructions.

So this year I changed things up. It works well for us. Emilie and Olivia still get to choose their projects but I make the daily assignment lists.

Step by Step:

1. I print out each unit as I need it and put in in it’s own 3 prong folder.

2. I color code each mini unit.

3. Each daughter goes through one mini unit at a time marking what projects she wants to do with initial.

4. Then I go through each mini unit and determine if I have the resources, can get the resources, or substitute a different resource.

5. Then I make a list of each project in each mini unit for each daughter. Then I make the decision how many days each project will take, and which week it will be done, whether week 1 or week 2.

6. Then I make out daily assignment cards. For the projects that will take several days I will put how many days they have to work on it, and each consecutive day how many days remain.

7. Each daughter has her own mini index card binder, at the end of each day they turn in the day’s card which is then filed.

Falling Behind!

2011-10-24T11:08:00.005-05:00

Happy Fall Ya'll

WOW! It's been a long time since I've been active here. We have started school, Emilie and Olivia are both doing Far Above Rubies. Bella is doing Learning Adventures. I'll post more about school later as the "sisters" ( Emilie and Olivia) need to use the computer for school research.

Menu for the week:

*Cowboy Soup

Hot Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Pasta

Hamburgers

Pizza

* I got this recipe from my mother in law. My husband and Bella made this last year when I was sick and I have since lost the recipe card so what follows is totally by memory.

1# ground meat browned

chopped onion to taste ( I use 1/4- 1/2 cup of onion)

1 can ranch beans ( I use whatever beans I have in the house tonight will be black beans)

1 can corn *UNDRAINED*

1 package of taco seasoning

1 can tomato soup

1 can "rotel" tomatoes and chilies

I honestly can't remember if it is 2 cans of corn and 2 cans of soup. Use your own judgement.

Anyhow, nice on a Fall/Winter day, served with warm corn bread.

*********update*********

well I used spicy tomato sauce instead of tomato soup and didn't add the rotel as I didn't have any. I did add some leftover beefstew, and a can of water. Bella made cornbread. It was really good.

Book Review- Still More Stories!

2011-09-13T12:45:00.002-05:00

Grandma’s Attic Books 3-4

I was so glad to discover that the Grandma Attic series continues with 2 more books.

These books are fun to read either aloud to your children as short bedtime stories or read alones. Since these books are actually a collection of short stories, they are perfect for narration. Arleta Richardson has a warm story telling style that is as cozy as grandma's lap.

These books follow some more fun adventures of Mabel as a little girl, her adventures become lessons in honesty, patience and manners.

A favorite story is about the “slop-tot” Mabel. This story teaches the need to be aware of what one is doing while eating in order to avoid embarrassment.

I really love these books, great books to share with your children and pass down to grandchildren.

Thank you B & B Media for the review copies in exchange for my honest reveiw.

Penmanship?

2011-09-08T09:03:00.002-05:00

It seems like with the age of keyboards handwriting doesn't seem necessary. But like scissor cutting, it helps coordinate/organize the brain, and helps with overall small muscle development. Because it is a much more physical way to get information on paper, that information is more readily/easily stored and recalled.

Also not always, but I have found messy handwriting can be a discipline issue in other areas as well. Sloppy work, messy rooms, not focusing on task at hand, rushing to get done, chores not done completely or properly, you get the picture.

Another note of interest a couple years ago a friend stated about need to be able to read/write cursive so one would have the ability to read historical original documents for self rather than have to take the word of some "educated" persons for what is says. I had never thought of that before.

Do I have children with great penmanship? No, not at all. I wish I had spent more time with the skill/discipline of handwriting.

Missing Link?

2011-08-13T13:19:00.001-05:00

I was asked the question recently about having more fun in the day. Here is what I shared with my friend.

"I'll share what I see in my kids and see if maybe it might be your missing link.

My girls have a lot of "head knowledge" as far as Bible, but we are lacking in the outward doing. We have because "fat on the Word" as Joyce Meyer says, lots of hearing but not a lot of doing. So we are going to take some steps of faith, smalls one cause my girls are so timid, to do things for the Lord. Last week we ( Emilie, Olivia, and me) took a quiz to find out spiritual gifting and areas of ministry. Emilie scored super high in Encourager. Olivia was high in Proclaimer. I was high in teacher.

Emilie wants to have friendships, she enjoys encouraging others but, lacks the boldness to talk in Sunday School and Youth Group. ( you could prayer for them in this area if you feel lead) So I'm having her start a "card ministry". Each week she is to pick a girl she knows, write them a notecard and pray for them. She has just started with her first card this week. I'm praying the girls she reaches out too are blessed and accepting of her outreach. I know this sounds so tiny that it seems unimportant, but it is a big thing for Emilie to put her faith out there to be accepted. She has been "burned" several times by "Christian" girls in the area of friendship. It makes me cry.

Olivia likes and is talented in doing things on the computer. I plan on having her make inspirational "slide shows"( aka powerpoint) for church.

Our church is doing a new thing during quarterly Business meetings, the kids are sharing their talents with the church for the glory of the Lord. Last time there was singing, piano playing, and scripture reading & memorization. Olivia did a slide show with music with the pictures of Jr Camp and High School camp. We just posted those on FB, I think they will be shown at the next business meeting. I'd like her to do more with this as well, like some Psalms. Emilie enjoys writing poetry so I'm thinking they might work together on something like this.

Often our church lets the young people play the offertory music. Bella will be doing that.

I'm the leader of the girls ministry at church called Faithgirls. I'm teaching homemaking skills and trying to find ways to use them to minster to others. So this fall we are learning to crochet. We are collecting plastic shopping bags and will be crocheting them into sleeping mats for women in Uganda, and I hope we get enough for do some for the local homeless too.

The book Start Here, Doing Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris (former homeschoolers ) and their first book Do Hard Things, which I don't have yet, has really inspired me in this area. I'm praying that soon the girls will think of their own "hard things" to do for the Lord.

Doing hard things/ministry doesn't mean no fun. Sometimes if might be scary at first as the comfort zone gets stretched. But then the once hard thing becomes an easy thing, and then you can stretch your tent a little bigger. Is 54:2 "Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes."

So I guess I'm writing all this for you to ask yourself is it really "fun" you think your missing, but practical ministry opportunities to do together with the knowledge, talents/gifts you and your family has. You might be surprised what ideas they dream up."

Dealing with leftovers

2011-07-27T15:02:00.003-05:00

I like to find creative ways to deal with leftovers rather than just reheating them.

I bought 4 whole chickens on sale. I cooked and deboned 2 of them, divided all the meat into 4 ziplock bags for later use. I also divided and froze the chicken broth. I roasted one chicken and froze the other for roasting later.

So dealing with leftovers....
I had 2 different containers of leftover mac and cheese. I made a chicken sauce, with 2 cups broth, thickened with 4 TB flour. I added the leftover mac and cheese and a package of the deboned chicken, & frozen peas. Topped with buttered cornflakes. Baked at 350 for 20 minutes.

Other add ins could be chopped pimentos, mushrooms, mixed vegs, extra cheese.

Ask yourself

2011-07-07T11:36:00.000-05:00

Before posting, messaging, or emailing ask yourself-

"Is it true? Is it helpful? Is it encouraging? Is it building? Is it something I would want sent to me? Is it something I would be ashamed of and need/want to hide? Is it something Jesus would write or read?"

Coupon Organization

2011-06-24T21:25:00.004-05:00

I've gone from binder to box, back to binder and now I'm back in a box.

The binder is very time consuming to maintain, so I when to a box, but the kind I had the top wouldn't always be secure so it flipped over twice in parking lots. So I went back to a binder, but then I got 3 weeks behind in clipping coupons and knew I sure didn't want to have to fill that binder.

So I read *this* about how one gal organized her coupons in a Caboodle makeup case.

I bought my Caboodle today and have all my coupons transfered. I like that it zips shut, has little pockets for a calculator, pens, and scissors, and clips and room for my wallet. I can just stick it in and take it in any store and not feel so stupid lugging a binder. The box fits nicely in the cart too.

Here is Crystal from Money Saving Mom, showing her coupon box.

Here is another coupon box.

Menu June 20-24

2011-06-20T12:07:00.002-05:00

Chicken tacos- chicken in crockpot with Pace sauce, and extra spices.

Hamburgers, chips, apple sauce, some sort of veg.

Grilled Smoked Sausage, potato salad, baked beans, fruit

Roasted Chicken, rice and veg

Pizza

Taco Seasoning Mix

2011-06-09T10:26:00.002-05:00

6 tsp chili powder

4 1/2 tsp cumin

5 tsp. paprika

3 tsp onion powder

2 1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper

Mix all the ingredients and store in an airtight container. I just use an empty spice shaker bottle. This is pretty strong in flavor, use wisdom when using this substitute in place of prepackaged seasoning mix.

Transform Leftovers

2011-06-03T07:00:00.001-05:00

Mac & Cheese leftovers stay leftovers in my house. No one wants to eat it, I don't really blame them, leftover boxed Mac & Cheese needs a lot of help.

I make Macaroni Salad with my leftovers.

Just add Miracle Whip/Mayo

chopped onion and green/red peppers

I've been known to make this macaroni salad fresh when I'm in a pinch and need to take something to a summer potluck or picnic.

Summer Movie Clubhouse

2011-06-01T14:31:00.004-05:00

All 10 movies can be purchased in advance for $5.00, or can be purchased separately at the box office for $1.00 per show. $5 Series punch cards are limited and are now available only at the theatre box office while supplies last. Admission with a series punch card is limited to one person per card per movie, and valid only at the theatre where purchased.

All films that have been selected are rated either G or PG.

Click HERE for details.

Gramma's Ice Cream

2011-06-01T10:05:00.002-05:00

3/4 cup sugar

2 TB flour

1/4 tsp. salt

2 cups milk

cook over low heat until thicken

Temper 2 beaten eggs, then add to the above "pudding"

cool then add 2 cups heavy cream 1 1/2 tsp vanilla.

ready for your ice cream maker.

For a "carmel" flavor ice cream, use brown sugar instead of white.

My Provider

2011-05-28T11:53:00.003-05:00

I practice stockpile moderation. For *me* the desire to have more, more, more, becomes overwhelming at times. Envy and even jealousy can rear their ugly heads. For me it has become a spiritual discipline to not spend/get something just because I *can* if I already have plenty. Do I really need another body wash when I have 15 already? Do I know someone who needs it? Will I even actually give it away, or will it just be stockpiled with good intentions? These are questions I have to ask myself. Sometimes I do get anxious about skipping good deals, "what if I can't get it again? what if I will have to actually go without for while?" But *I* have to remind myself that the Lord has always provided for my family in the past, we have never gone hungry, had dirty clothes, or had body odor. :) He is/and does continue to provide for us, I don't need to get worried, if I miss the good deal or choose to skip a good deal. Yes, using coupons is being wise, stockpiling is also being wise, but *I* have to remind myself that it is always the Lord who is ultimately providing.

Image from lanitaslegacy.blogspot.com/2010/09/jehovah-jireh.html

Money Saving Meal

2011-05-19T17:51:00.005-05:00

Tonight we had chicken tacos/fajitas

chicken .77¢ pound

green bell pepper .50¢

taco shells .60¢

cheese .99¢

salsa free

torillias free

sour cream free

onion forgot price

Leftovers for lunch tomorrow.

Menu planning

2011-05-09T10:09:00.004-05:00

By shopping sales *and* combining/using coupons I have a small stockpile started. My menus are based around what I have in my stockpile and what is on sale.

*Beef Lo Mein- sale $3.00

*Chopped chicken BBQ sandwiches-chicken .77¢ pound, KC Masterpiece BBQ sauce .78¢

*Homemade pizza

*Hamburgers-extra lean ground beef sale $2.88 pound + it was marked down an additional $3.00 per package since it was 9pm.

*Buffalo Chicken Lasagna-Bella's birthday supper-chicken .77¢ pound, Franks Hot Wing sauce used 1/.55¢ got it for $2.33. ( Not a super good price, but it is for Bella's birthday supper.) Spaghetti sauce from my stockpile.

Mother's Day!

2011-05-09T10:07:00.003-05:00

My husband cooked breakfast for me, and then my family made dinner. Bella gave me a pedicure and Emilie brushed my hair. Very nice to be pampered. I'm so blessed with a wonderful family!

Taco Rice

2011-05-05T14:05:00.003-05:00

This is an excellent way to stretch ground meat for tacos, burritos, nachos or taco salad.

1 pound ground meat ( beef, *chicken or turkey)

1 cup diced onion

1 package taco seasoning

16 oz canned tomatoes

2 cups cooked rice, brown or white

Brown meat and drain. Combine meat, onion, seasoning, rice and tomatoes in saucepan, simmer until thick, about 30 minutes.

Use anywhere you would use taco meat.

*I've also made this with cooked shredded chicken too.

Yearly grocery sales cycles

2011-05-04T11:47:00.004-05:00

January- diet foods, super bowl snack foods, oatmeal, chili, soups, soda

February- canned food, hot foods such as waffles and oatmeal, dog food, chocolate, Chinese food

March-frozen food: dinners, waffles, ice cream, veggies, etc. Easter items go on sale too depending on when the holiday falls such as eggs ham, etc.

April- other years you’ll get your Easter items here: eggs, ham, candy, sugar, cookies, Jewish foods, also Earth Day promotions for organic foods.

May- Summer kickoff begins: BBQ items, hot dogs, hamburger, condiments, produce, grilling items such as charcoal, outdoor items such as sunscreen & allergy meds.

June- National Dairy Month: milk eggs, cheese, butter, yogurt, ice cream, etc. Father’s Day promotions including BBQ items, grilling meats

July- even better BBQ sales: grilling meats condiments, chips, bread products, produce, ice cream, baked beans etc.

August- Back to School: breakfast bars, cereals, Kellogg’s promotions, Lunchables, juice boxes, snack items, peanut butter, jelly, and school supplies, many years ago (like 24) I worked at Walmart and feminine hygiene products seemed to be a back to school item, double packs. Along with make-up & deodorant, and shampoo

September- back to school continues: pasta, pasta sauce, tomatoes, and baby items such as diapers, creams, feeding products, etc.

October- Candy chocolate, pumpkins, and fall baking items.

November- Thanksgiving items: turkeys, stuffing, sweet potatoes, pies, and marshmallows, canned vegs, hot cocoa, oatmeal, soups, baking

December- Holiday baking and dinner items; frozen rolls, green beans, potatoes, cream soups, ham, butter, flour, bread, pie crusts, turkeys

information gathered from The Power of Coupons by Sarah Roe.
Excellent book, highly recommend it.

weekly Menu plan

2011-05-03T09:36:00.002-05:00

Roasted Chicken

Beef Roll Ups

Chicken Divan*

Tacos

Pizza

* Chicken Divan

5 cooked Chicken Breasts ( I usually don't cook the chicken before hand, I throw it in frozen)

2 pkgs chopped broccoli

Sauce: 4 TB milk, 4TB chicken broth, 2 tsp. lemonjuice, 1/2 cup mayonnaise ( I have used Miracle Whip no problems), 2 cans of cream of chicken soup ( or 1 chicken soup and 1 cream of celery soup)

Place broccoli in 9x13 pan chicken on top, cover with sauce and parmessan cheese, bake at 350 for 1 hour.

Freebie

2011-04-27T15:56:00.003-05:00

From RIGHT NOW until midnight tonight (EST) you can get 31 Days to Clean – Having a Martha House the Mary Way FREE just by using the hashtag #31daystoclean in a tweet and linking to 31daystoclean.com OR by blogging about the ebook!

Click HERE for details.

Book Review

2011-04-26T11:05:00.004-05:00

The Grandma's Attic Series, by Arleta Richardson is a wonderful set of short stories as told by Grandma Mabel to her granddaughter, Arleta. These funny and heartwarming stories are about Mabel's adventures growing up on a farm in Michigan. These stories also present Biblical truths is a very engaging way making it easy for children to grasp and making them excellent stories to practice "narration."

These books are part of the Sonlight homeschooling curriculum Core K, Core B&C, & Core C

These stories have been a favorite of my daughters over the years.

Thank you B & B Communications for these review copies in exchange for my honest review.

One of those weeks

2011-04-25T13:12:00.003-05:00

It's going to be one of those busy weeks, with something everyday which will make me feel as if I've done nothing.

Monday- Monday Night Moms

Tuesday- Faithgirls

Wednesday- AWANA

Thursday- Monthly Ladies Meeting

Friday- driving my Gramma to Corsicana

Saturday- The Fuse garage sale

Sunday- church anniversary potluck

Menus for the week-

BBQ meatballs, leftover scalloped potatoes, green beans

lemon chicken

Hamburger Helper

spicy chicken strips

pizza

He's Alive!

2011-04-24T05:00:00.001-05:00

It's Friday

2011-04-22T11:02:00.000-05:00

Money, Menus and shopping.

2011-04-16T16:15:00.004-05:00

So Emilie and Olivia needed some summer clothes. So I decided to split my remaining grocery budget money in half to spend one weeks of grocery money on shorts and other wardrobe items. It was $120.

Olivia got a shirt that was on clearance for $5, and a pair of denim shorts $20! EEEKKK, she likes plain denim nothing froufrou with embroidery. So I asked if we could just get some $10 jeans at WM or Target and cut them off? She was fine with that. Scored some on clearance for $9 and a pair of pajama pants for $3.00

Emilie got a pair of $9 clearance jeans for shorts too. I got the girls 3 bras on clearance at Target, and we ate at Chick-Fil-A.

Then we went to to Albertsons, where I got 3 Crystal Lights, 3# apples, 4# Land O' Lakes Butter, and 1 pineapple. Stopped by the bread store and got 2 loafs bread and a package of cinnamon rolls for $2.00.

At the end of the day I had $27 dollars left to round out a menu plan for next week. I got a roast, carrots, bananas, lunch-meat, store brand "Ritz" crackers, corn chips, pretzels, cereal, and toilet paper. I had coupons for the cereal, that doubled that made it only .99¢, a coupon for the lunch meat, coupon for the toilet paper, and I got a free roasted chicken. So at Brookshires I only spent $24.00, $3 left for milk later in the week.

So here are our meals for the next week,

Chicken Nachos

Roast

Poppy Seed Chicken

Tacos

something else chicken

homemade pizza

2011-04-14T12:44:00.002-05:00

I sew like I cook. I read the directions and then do my own thing. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't.

Everything's Coming Up Roses

2011-04-13T12:53:00.001-05:00

My roses are really doing well.

Weekly Menu plan

2011-04-11T10:44:00.003-05:00

Cheesy Chicken Cups

BBQ Chicken

Grilled Chicken sandwiches

Spaghetti

Pizza

Lots of chicken this week, I've gotten a lot of good sales on chicken the last 2 weeks so stocked up. I'm hoping to avoid grocery shopping this week for next week (except for milk and bread) so I can use that money to buy some shorts and pajamas for Olivia, and shorts for Emilie.

Saving Money

2011-04-08T11:38:00.002-05:00

In my quest to help my husband, I am doing all I can to get quality and quanity of good food for our pantry and freezer. I've been doing pretty good, not to the extreme as those on Extreme Couponing but I'm staying under our monthly grocery budget, which for us includes HBA, paper products, and dog food.

My week so far: Dollar General- 2 body washs, 4 toothbrushes, 1 box envelopes- spent $7.31/Saved $5.00
Super 1- 2 3# bag chicken breasts, 3 boxes poptarts-spent 10.98/saved $14.90
Albertsons- 4 pastas, Mircle whip, eggs, Dryers Ice cream, 4 Red Baron Pizzas, 2 kraft cheese, 3 limes, 2 cantaloupes, 2# green beans, 2# apples-spent $24.48/saved $29.72
WAGS-BOGO large bottle multip vits, One a Day multip vit, BOGO vit C-spent $24.97/saved $28.98 got a raincheck for Purex
current spending $67.74/saved $78.60
still have WM and Brookshires

Food and flowers

2011-04-06T13:13:00.002-05:00

Today's stuff

Supper in Crock-Pot

Roasted chicken in the crock pot.

paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, poultry seasoning,

lemon zest, juice of lemon, celery seed, ground cloves

(sounds weird I know but tastes really good with chicken)

Azaleas are blooming

Changed out wreath to spring flowers

Decorated living room for Easter.

I've also mopped the kitchen, and cleaned the oven.

Budget & Menu

2011-04-04T10:46:00.002-05:00

Last week I spent- $113.54/Saved- $111.09. This includes HBA stockup products, toilet paper. The hamburger that I'm using this week was bought on sale back in January. I love the "pantry principle." Stocking up on items while on sale. Then making your weekly menu from the stock you've bought at low prices.

Saturday- hamburgers

Sunday- pork chops

Monday- Chicken spaghetti for the family I'm going to Monday Night Moms for soup and salad.

taco soup or chili

roast chicken

stroganoff meatballs

pizza-homemade

In the Kitchen

2011-04-01T12:33:00.004-05:00

Oven Chicken Fajitas-I just threw frozen chicken breasts in the oven with a package of fajita seasoning and about 1/2 cup water and frozen peppers and onions mix. It cooked for an hour and then I just shredded the chicken.

Have I put pictures of our stock on here before?
shelves next to freezer in laundry room.

Big cabinet above washing machine. Lots more room here!

Plus I have a closet pantry in the kitchen, mostly canned goods, flour, sugar, drink mixes, it's running low right now.

Shopping list for the week:

Walgreens-

Coffee-mate-q

Dove products-q

Ban deodorant-q

Speedstick deo-q

Colgate toothpast-q

Bic Razors-q

Charmin-q

Target-

2 Purex Crystals-q

2 Clorax wipes-q

1 Soft Scrub-q

Albertsons-

2 Red Baron Pizzas

1 KC Masterpiece-q

1 A1 steak Sauce-q

1 Simply Orange juice-q

2 Kraft Cheese-q

3 Grands biscuits-q

McCormick Jerk seasons-q

free gallon milk

Brookshires-

2 bags chicken breast-q

pork chops

mission torillas

3 poptarts-q

Family Dollar-

Delmonte Canned Vegs

Barilla pasta if they carry it.

Endust-

$5 store coupon when purchase $25

wonderful time

2011-03-31T14:18:00.003-05:00

We had a wonderful 4 days with my mom in Austin, Texas. It was very relaxing for me. Anytime I'm not in charge of cooking is relaxing. Don't get me wrong I like to cook most the time, but it is the thinking about what to cook all the time that isn't all that great. So anyway, we enjoyed ourselves. The girls spent time in the woods and Bella loved on the dogs. We did a mosaic project, and looked at model homes, shopped at World Market and hit a bookstore.

Bluebonnets on the way home.

Tonight is the monthly Faith Ladies meeting. We are having a friend of mine come teach us about extreme couponing. I've been couponing since January. I have seen a big difference in my budget, and my stock, which we affectionately call "the store."

Monday Night Moms Bible Study is going well, we are doing a study called Sacred Parenting.

Started my garden last week. I turned over nearly all of my little plot, and was sore for 3 days. I could hardly move. I planted 6 tomatoes so far. I still have some cucumbers, and a pepper plant. I'd like some green beans, and I'd really like to try Strawbale Gardening.

New Blog Giveaway

2011-03-15T12:33:00.003-05:00

I'm very excited about the new Doorposts blog. Doorposts has incredible Biblical training products. Over the years I've gotten almost every product, but haven't used them to their best potential. I feel this blog will help me implement their great resources more fully in our home.

I do use the Polished Cornerstones book for Faithgirls, but again feel I could make even better use of it.

Second Place in Bible Curriculum
Practical Homeschooling Magazine's 2011 Reader Awards

First Place in Bible Curriculum
Practical Homeschooling Magazine's 2009 Reader Awards

First Place in Character-Building Materials
The Old Schoolhouse Magazine's 2008 "Excellence in Education" awards

Third Place in Bible Curriculum
Practical Homeschooling Magazine's 2008 Reader Awards

First Place in Bible Curriculum
Practical Homeschooling Magazine's 2007 Reader Awards

Second Place in Character-Building Materials
The Old Schoolhouse Magazine's 2007 "Excellence in Education" awards

Best Character-building Materials
The Old Schoolhouse Magazine's 2006 "Excellence in Education" awards

Best Character Training
The Old Schoolhouse Magazine's 2005 "Excellence in Education" awards

Best Bible Study Curriculum - tie with Kay Arthur
The Old Schoolhouse Magazine's 2004 "Excellence in Education" awards

"Excellence in Education Award" Doorposts was one of only 10 homeschool companies chosen for this award by The Old Schoolhouse Magazine in 2001!

Shakespeare speaks

2011-03-04T11:27:00.000-06:00

Sonnet #143

CXLIII.

Lo! as a careful housewife runs to catch

One of her feather'd creatures broke away,

Sets down her babe and makes an swift dispatch

In pursuit of the thing she would have stay,

Whilst her neglected child holds her in chase,

Cries to catch her whose busy care is bent

To follow that which flies before her face,

Not prizing her poor infant's discontent;

So runn'st thou after that which flies from thee,

Whilst I thy babe chase thee afar behind;

But if thou catch thy hope, turn back to me,

And play the mother's part, kiss me, be kind:

So will I pray that thou mayst have thy 'Will,'

If thou turn back, and my loud crying still.

Book Review

2011-02-28T13:46:00.000-06:00

Love this book! This is the prefect book (other than the Bible of course) for Tweens/Teens looking for love. My daughter was afraid it would be too "old fashioned" she often accuses me of trying to make her "old fashioned." Preparing to Be a Help Meet, isn't old fashioned, it is very modern and up to date with how girls think and act. Both my 15 yo DD and I have read portions of the book and we really like how it presents the stories of real modern girls/couples and isn't all "fairy tales" and fluffy clouds. The Teacher/Leader guide makes this a great book to do as Youth group/Sunday School lessons.

So many Christian girls get to feeling lonely and left out when all their friends are dating or when they see their friends becoming the "Grabber Girls" and getting the guys. This book backs me up as a mother when I tell my girls that guys may date "grabby girls" for fun but that's not the kind of wife they want. It also backs me up when I tell me girls to get interested in activies that bring them into contact with Christian young people of common intestest.
I've got a couple of great "Hidden Flowers" that need to be found as the loyal, fun and talented girls they are.

I also like that this book doesn't tell me or my daughters to sit at home and not participate in society, but to cultivate their talents and abilities for God's glory helping people.

Shopping savings!

2011-02-09T15:22:00.002-06:00

Walgreens 1/28/11

3 Hamburger Helper
3 Tuna Helper
2 Kraft Italian Salad dressing
2 Gold Bond shower cream
2 Country Time Lemonade
1 Kraft Garlic & Herb Mayo

OOP-$16.24
Saved-$27.29
Received $6.00 Register Rewards (coupons for future purchase)

I don't like tuna casserole so will use chicken instead.

Albertsons 1/28/11
20 Yoplait Yogurts
3 Pillsbury Grands
3 Ortega whole grain taco shells
1 Dz eggs
1 half gallon OJ
1 Coffee Mate creamer

OOP ( out of pocket) $14.39
saved $20.92
received $2.00 for future purchase

Dollar General 1/8/11
12 jars Ragu sauce
8 boxes Barilla pasta
1 candle
OOP-$23.00 aprox.
Saved-estimating $16.00
Store kept receipt due to problems with transaction.

I get the est. $16 in saving by figuring Ragu normal at Brookshires approx. $2.00 x12 PLUS Barilla at Brookshires approx. $1.50 x 8, which I got for 6x$1 a box at DG, and 2 boxes half price because they were torn.

What Apps?

2011-02-07T14:24:00.004-06:00

What Apps do you have on your iphone, iTouch, iPad?

BrainPOP,

FlashToPass- math flashcards

SAT Smart Vocab- this one is totally addicting for me.

iUScitizen

Kindle/Treasure Island, Pride & Prejudice, Aesop Fables

Lightsabor

Shotgun

Tic Tac Toe

Winterbells

Flight of Fire

Sunny Day Sky

Zombie Cafe

Flashcards+ / this would be great if I could get it to work

There are simple tons of neat stuff to take learning on the road!

Love Food and Live Well

2011-01-31T11:24:00.000-06:00

Love Food and Live Well by Chantel Hobbs. Chantel has a very friendly warm open personal writing style that is enjoyable and easy to read.

Chantel shares the story of her personal struggle with weighing over 350 once upon a time. With her faith and hard work she lost 200 pounds. In the process she became an expert in the field of weight loss, as well as a certified fitness professional. She doesn’t just have the knowledge of what to eat, she’s experienced the heartache of feeling unworthy. In her book she says, “We’ll look at the deal the world has been selling us all of our lives-the message that we’re not good enough, not pretty enough not thin enough, and just basically that we’re not enough.” Hobbs doesn’t just offer expert advice, she offers hope.

If you’re looking for a “diet” book this isn’t it- this is a book to encourage you to change your life by changing your thinking. There is a section about healthy eating and a section about exercise with a suggested interval training schedule and strength/toning exercises using a stability ball.

This is a good book but I would have liked more healthy eating information since that is what the title lead me to believe the book was about. I have been told that her other book “Never Say Diet” is more about healthy eating.

Thank you tbbmedia for this book in exchange for my honest review.

Freebie

2011-01-29T12:02:00.001-06:00

Don't forget my Valentine book marks.

Goals

2011-01-22T12:19:00.003-06:00

So has anyone set goals or made resolutions this year?

This is going to be a year of focus for me.

focus my Father

focus on His goodness, His mercy, His forgiveness, His love, His joy, His peace, His boldness, His blessings.

focus on one another

focus on other’s needs, building up others, encouraging others, serving one another

focus on the race before us

focus “pressing on” towards the goal, forgetting what lays behind.

focus our goals, goals that honor and glorify our Father

focus on serving Him with our goals

to be continued....

Win a Copy of 365 Things to Draw and Paint

2011-01-17T13:15:00.000-06:00

Win a Copy of 365 Things to Draw and Paint

Tell us your Reading Resolution and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a copy of 365 Things to Draw and Paint.

(Five chances to win. Drawing will be held January 31^st, 2011)

365 Things to Draw and Paint
$24.99

Living on a Dime

2010-12-31T23:00:00.002-06:00

Achieve Your New Year's Goals With Help From Living On A Dime!
January 1, 2011

Hello everyone!

Are you determined to get out of debt, get organized and make
healthier meals for your family?

In an effort to give you a jump start and help you stay on course
with your New Year's goals, our friends at Living On A Dime have
offered their 13 e-book extravaganza to our readers at a
ridiculously low price this week only!

The Living On A Dime Extravaganza e-book package will help you
learn new strategies to stretch your paycheck and fight high
prices! The great news is that Tawra is offering this package of 13
e-books to our readers at $13, an 85% discount off of the value of
these e-books. With the rising price of gas and groceries, it's
good to know that some prices are actually going down!

This is the lowest price Tawra has ever offered for these e-books,
but it's only good until this Monday, January 10th, so don't delay!

Dirty Dishes Causes Debt

2010-12-30T10:35:00.005-06:00

Dirty Dishes Cause Debt!
by Jill Cooper
http://www.LivingOnADime.com

The other day I was asked one of the most common questions that people ask me: "Where do I start if I want to get out of debt?" After telling me of her huge credit card debt and how they eat out almost every night, the lady took a deep breath and said, "How do I save on laundry detergent and cleaning supplies?" Sometimes we can't see the forest for the trees.

Even though saving money on cleaning supplies does help and should be part of your plan, that usually isn't where the biggest problem with the debt lies. This woman never once thought to ask me how to stop eating out so much. Most people don't want to face the real causes of their debt because their biggest problems are the things they like the most. Going out to eat is one of the top five causes of debt.

Get those dirty dishes out of the sink!!

We go out to eat because we can't face a dirty kitchen. Keeping your kitchen empty of dirty dishes is the key to saving money. This is probably the #1 way to start getting out of debt. Most people are so overwhelmed with piled counter tops and dirty dishes that they would rather go out to eat than face a dirty kitchen.

Do the dishes after every meal and keep hot soapy water in the sink while you are baking or cooking. Clean as you go. If your sink is empty and the dishes are washed, your kitchen always looks good. This helps you save money because you have the time and space to cook.

To get in and out of the kitchen quickly, try these easy steps:

Put all dirty dishes in the dishwasher. Fill the sink with hot soapy water and put the hand washables in it to soak.

Wipe off counter tops and tables with hot soapy water. (This way, if you have unexpected company, at least your table and counters will be clean.)

Sweep the floor and shake throw rugs if needed.

Wash the dishes that have been soaking.

Wipe down the faucets and dry with a towel. (Be sure to wipe any sticky appliances, too.)

Put out a clean dish rag and towel.

Take out the trash.

These simple steps can help you start climbing your way out of debt. You will be amazed how much better you will feel just having the kitchen clean.

Jill Cooper and Tawra Kellam are frugal living experts and the authors of the Dining On A Dime Cookbook. Dining On A Dime will help you save money on groceries and get out of debt, by cooking quick and simple homemade meals. For free tips & recipes visit http://www.LivingOnADime.com

Christmas Blessing

2010-12-25T17:17:00.007-06:00

Shepherds on hills on green,

A chorus of angles seen.

Praises of worship they did sing,

Of the newborn infant king.

Out they ran in the night,
To see the most wondrous sight.

Down on knee they worshiped Him,
Joy in their hearts never to dim.

Listen, and you can hear ,
He still calls all men near.

Answer His call and you will be,
A precious member of His family.

~Marni Raney 2006

Book Review

2010-12-16T12:06:00.005-06:00

A Girl's Guide to Life: The Truth on Growing Up, Being Real, and Making Your Teen Years Fabulous! by Katie Meier

My fifteen year old daughter has devoured this book, in fact she has read it several times. My soon to be 13 year old daughter has read parts of it as well. Both give it 5 stars.

The practical advice is from a Christian perspective, I like that it doesn't gloss over the sin and temptations that young people are facing these days. This book addresses peer pressure, friendships, boy/girl relationships, beauty/ fashion and a whole lot more.

Katie Meier shares some experiences from her own life, that really helps young people know they are not alone, that all grown ups have experienced this thing called "adolescence", even their parents. The book addresses misconceptions that young women face and what the truth is really is all about. Lots of relevant information, good for mom daughter discussions.

My oldest daughter did think that the title sounded too young, but after she looked at the table of contents she was interested in reading it.

This book was supplied by Thomas Nelson in exchange for my honest review.

Menu and other plans

2010-12-08T12:56:00.004-06:00

Beef Stroganoff

Garlic/Herb Chicken

something chicken

Steak

Last night we had our Faithgirls party. We had chocolate fondue (yummy), and made fleece blankets instead of a gift exchange. I'll be taking the blankets down to Austin for the Children Blessing Children ministry.

Lindy's birthday is Sunday (12) so we will be celebrating it early, on Thursday (9) with steak and cookies.

The girls and I are leaving Friday(10) for Austin to visit my mom, and bring my gramma back home. Saturday (11) the girls and I will be serving cookies and goodies at Lone Star. We will be coming home on Wednesday(15), just in time for AWANA. Bella doesn't want to miss the AWANA store, she has been doing great with her memory work.

Thursday(16) and Friday(17) of next week will be Christmas School for Olivia and Bella. We will be reading about Christmas around the world, or Christmas Symbols and baking cookies and other yummies.

Bella and I are in the church Christmas program, which will be on the 19th.

Sometime soon I need to do some shopping!

30 Days of Praise & Thanksgiving

2010-11-30T12:00:00.000-06:00

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, [and] into his courts with praise:

be thankful unto him, [and] bless his name." Ps 100:4

30. “Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.” Psa 148:13 “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;” Phl 2:10 “Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise yethe LORD.” Psa 150:6

29. I’m thankful that it is not my perfection that will get me to heaven but it is Christ’s prefect sacrifice. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in [fn] Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

“And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” Hbr 10:10, 12, 14

28. “ Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” IICr 9:15

27. I'm thankful that God supplies all my needs. "

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Phil 4:19

26. Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done. I CH. 16:8

25. I'm thankful to be surrounded by my family. Mom and Gramma here for Thanksgiving.

24. Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; sing praise to his name, for that is pleasant.

Psa 135:3

23. I am thankful for the good future God promises us. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

22. I am thankful of the abundance of food that blesses my family’s table.

21. “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.” Psalm 68:19

20. For health and strength and daily food we praise Thy name of Lord.

19. I am thankful for my household servants- their names are washing machine, drier, dishwasher, water heater, microwave, stove, & oven, just to name a few.

18. "While I live I will praise the LORD; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being." Psalm 146:2

17. I am thankful for my friends. Their sharing laughter and tears, prayers and support have enriched my life. "Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up." Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

16. “Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples!” I Chronicles 16:8

15. I am thankful for the health of my family.

14. “Sing praise to the LORD, you saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.” Psalm 30:4

13. I am thankful for my church family. "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Hbr 10:25

12. “By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name.” Hebrews 13:15

11. I am thankful for my creative, loving, precious daughters. They are a truly wonderful gift. "Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward."

Psa 127:3

10. “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” II Cor. 15:57

9. I am thankful for my warm home. "The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, But He blesses the home of the just." Pro 3:33

8. "Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness." Psalm 97:12

7. I'm thankful for the deep and rich Godly heritage I have in my family. Many generations have put their faith and trust in Lord. I love my family so very much. "So they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household." Act 16:31

6. "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well." Psalm 139:14 Today is my birthday. So I am also thankful that I had so many wonderful birthday blessings today.

5. I am thankful that my brother is cancer free. Today is his birthday! "He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions."Psa 107:20

4. "I will praise the LORD according to His righteousness; and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high." Psa 7:17

3. I'm thankful that I live in America, where I can participate in free elections. "He changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:" Dan 2:21

"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God."Romans 13:1

2. "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; His love endures forever." Psalm 107:1

1. I am thankful for my faithful husband.

"Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband." 1Cr 7:2-3

Candy Wreath

2010-11-30T09:00:00.002-06:00

Great Christmas idea from Living on a Dime How to Make a Candy Wreath

1. First, buy your candy. You need to use wrapped candy like Tootsie Rolls, Jolly Ranchers, peppermints, bubble gum, butterscotch candies, etc. How much candy you need depends on the size of wreath you make. Usually for a 12 to 15 inch wreath, I buy enough candy to fill a large mixing bowl to the top.

I make mine with lots of mixed candy but you can make it with all peppermints, all green and red Jolly Ranchers, or whatever you like. Whatever you decide, first place it all into a large mixing bowl.

2. Cut string into about 3 inch pieces. The lengths don’t have to be exact. Just make them long enough so that they are easy to handle while you tie them around the ends of the candy and then to the ring for the wreath. You need one string for each piece of candy. I don’t sit and count how many I need. I just cut a pile and then make more when I need them.

3. Take a heavy wire clothes hanger and form it into the size wreath you would like. Cut off the hook part at the top then slightly bend the 2 ends to form small hooks that you can hook together to make a circle. I haven’t checked lately but you might be able to buy a metal circle in the wreath section at your craft store.

4. After you have made your ring, tie each string to one end of a piece of candy. This is why candy like Toostie Rolls work so well. The little flags of paper on each end make it easy to tie the string to them. Then tie the other end to the wreath ring. Keep pushing the candy together as you go so you have a nice full ring of candy.

5. When you can’t squeeze one more piece of candy onto the wreath, make or buy a large red bow to place at the top, which will cover the section where you hooked it together.

6. Tie one end of a ribbon or string to a child’s pair of scissors and then tie the other end to the bottom of the wreath. This pair of scissors is for people to use to cut their own candy.

As you can see this is an easy project for kids. I mean what kid wouldn’t love to handle mounds of candy, especially it they get to sneak a piece every once in awhile?

Hang it on your door. Adults and children alike love cutting a piece when they are coming or going or both!

Jill

30 Days of Praise & Thanksgiving

2010-11-29T12:55:00.001-06:00

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, [and] into his courts with praise:

be thankful unto him, [and] bless his name." Ps 100:4

29. I’m thankful that it is not my perfection that will get me to heaven but it is Christ’s perfect sacrifice. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

28. “ Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” IICr 9:15

27. I'm thankful that God supplies all my needs. "

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Phil 4:19

26. "Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done." I CH. 16:8

25. I'm thankful to be surrounded by my family. Mom and Gramma here for Thanksgiving.

24. Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; sing praise to his name, for that is pleasant.

Psa 135:3

22. I am thankful of the abundance of food that blesses my family’s table.

21. “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.” Psalm 68:19

20. For health and strength and daily food we praise Thy name of Lord.

19. I am thankful for my household servants- their names are washing machine, drier, dishwasher, water heater, microwave, stove, & oven, just to name a few.

18. "While I live I will praise the LORD; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being." Psalm 146:2

16. “Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples!” I Chronicles 16:8

15. I am thankful for the health of my family.

14. “Sing praise to the LORD, you saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.” Psalm 30:4

12. “By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name.” Hebrews 13:15

11. I am thankful for my creative, loving, precious daughters. They are a truly wonderful gift. "Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward."

Psa 127:3

10. “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” II Cor. 15:57

9. I am thankful for my warm home. "The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, But He blesses the home of the just." Pro 3:33

8. "Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness." Psalm 97:12

5. I am thankful that my brother is cancer free. Today is his birthday! "He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions."Psa 107:20

4. "I will praise the LORD according to His righteousness; and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high." Psa 7:17

"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God."Romans 13:1

2. "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; His love endures forever." Psalm 107:1

1. I am thankful for my faithful husband.

A Season of Giving-sales & freebies

2010-11-29T09:02:00.005-06:00

History Scribe - History of Christmas

More Freebies

Christmas Blessings

2010-11-28T14:12:00.008-06:00

I am SO excited to let you know that Ann Voskamp’s Jesse Tree Devotions are now available to download for free! What a gracious gift Ann has given to us! Click here to go to Ann’s post where you can read all about the devotions and how you can download your own copy for free.

Meet Ann at, A Holy Experience. You will be blessed.

(Note: These are the devotions that were previously included in the 12-Week Holiday Planner and The Glorious Coming ebooks. Ann has rewritten them and they are absolutely amazing…you will be blessed!)

Another nice offer is one of Sheri Graham's Christmas ebooks for free from now until the end of December. Celebrating the Season is a fun ebook filled with some of her family's favorite holiday activities. I 'm sure it will bless you this holiday season! This ebook is available through her Book Shop.

Also, just a reminder that the Christmas Cookie Plates Project starts next week! Are any of you interested in participating this year with your family? Grab your ebook before the end of the month (it is on sale now for only $2!)…then get ready to do some baking! What a blessing it is to GIVE this holiday season…that is really what it is all about…His greatest Gift to use…and our Gifts to Him and to others.

30 Days of Praise & Thanksgiving

2010-11-27T11:33:00.003-06:00

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, [and] into his courts with praise:

be thankful unto him, [and] bless his name." Ps 100:4

27. I'm thankful that God supplies all my needs. "

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Phil 4:19

26.

Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done. I CH. 16:8

25. I'm thankful to be surrounded by my family. Mom and Gramma here for Thanksgiving.

24. Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; sing praise to his name, for that is pleasant.

Psa 135:3

22. I am thankful of the abundance of food that blesses my family’s table.

21. “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.” Psalm 68:19

20. For health and strength and daily food we praise Thy name of Lord.

19. I am thankful for my household servants- their names are washing machine, drier, dishwasher, water heater, microwave, stove, & oven, just to name a few.

18. "While I live I will praise the LORD; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being." Psalm 146:2

16. “Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples!” I Chronicles 16:8

15. I am thankful for the health of my family.

14. “Sing praise to the LORD, you saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.” Psalm 30:4

12. “By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name.” Hebrews 13:15

11. I am thankful for my creative, loving, precious daughters. They are a truly wonderful gift. "Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward."

Psa 127:3

10. “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” II Cor. 15:57

9. I am thankful for my warm home. "The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, But He blesses the home of the just." Pro 3:33

8. "Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness." Psalm 97:12

5. I am thankful that my brother is cancer free. Today is his birthday! "He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions."Psa 107:20

4. "I will praise the LORD according to His righteousness; and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high." Psalm 7:17

"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God."Romans 13:1

2. "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; His love endures forever." Psalm 107:1

1. I am thankful for my faithful husband.