Don't Re-Distribute my Wealth
For one and a half years, I worked at a grocery store, as a cashier. During that time, I rang up groceries for several families who either had food stamps or WIC certificates. WIC certificates entitle poverty level families (with an infant in the family) with free milk (2 gallons a week), bread, peanut butter, formula, green beans, juice, and more. Most of these items totaled up to around $25-$30. What I observed during that time, was that about 90% of those people who used government money to pay for these essentials, would then use cash or credit to buy suitcases of beer and $25 cartons of cigarettes. Quite often, they could hand me $100 in cash for these non-essentials.It baffles me that they could afford these superflous items, yet could not pay for their own necessities. My husband and I have been considered poverty level or slightly above poverty level, throughout our 6 years of marriage. Yet, we are not for a redistribution of wealth. We have seen the lazy spirit that is created in people when they are just "handed" something, by the government. We don't just say "boo hiss", we need more money, and look for the local hand out. We budget $50-$70 a week towards our groceries; these are the essentials, not the extra fluff. To better provide for our family, my husband has been diligently working on earning a degree. On our borderline poverty level income, my husband has earned 60 credits, in 7 months. He has had to pay for each and every test with any spare money that he can allocate, to earn credit. He doesn't look to the government to be his "Sugar Daddy". In all honesty, far too much wealth is already redistributed, in America, towards many causes, which I don't support. I am a big fan of the Fair Tax, which is fair for all income levels. Encouraging Americans to work hard to achieve their dreams is far more productive than redistributing wealth. Punishing those people who have achieved great wealth is a foolish decision, which encourages laziness.

Baby Stellan is Here!
I am so thrilled that Stellan arrived safe and sound. To God be All the Glory!

I have been tagged
Brynna tagged me for a meme.
These are the rules:
1. To link the tagger and provide the rules on your blog
2. Share 7 facts about yourself
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving names as well as links to their blogs
4. Let them know they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment on their blogs

1. My first car was a Buick Riviera. Yeah... I was that cool!
2. I am the opposite of a tom boy. Sports and I don't mix...I am really bad at them.
3.I love reading and writing, but am not a fan of arithmetic.
4. I have one sister, who is 7 1/2 years younger than me. I was so surprised when I found out that God blessed my parents with her; it was one of the greatest days of my life.
5. My only broken bone was my toe, when a girl stepped on it, with her boots on.
6. When I got married, I didn't even know how to make mac n' cheese.
7. My heart has been stopped for 3 hours- I was on a heart lung machine during my heart surgery in 1999. I am quite glad that my heart successfully re-started.

I am tagging anyone who wants to try this meme. Please leave a comment, so I can read yours! Blessings!

Menu Plan Monday October 27-31

Monday- Zesty Chicken Tortilla Bake and salad.The beauty of this meal is that this is the second portion, which I froze from last week. I am defrosting it in the refrigerator, overnight, and will eat if for dinner on Monday. I adore recipes which give directions for doubling. They are my absolute favorites.

Tuesday- Spinach Quiche- Make two and serve one next Tuesday. I am loving this system.

Wednesday- off~ sister-in-law is cooking

Thursday- Chicken Skillet meal, Butternut squash

Friday- Homemade Pizza

Saturday- Egg Drop Soup

Sunday- (Church Fellowship Meal) Spaghetti Pie

What are you enjoying this week? For more menu plans, visit Laura.

Come What May: An Amazing Pro-Life Movie, Made by Homeschoolers!

Doesn't this movie look terrific? It was created by 40 homeschoolers and some students at Patrick Henry College. For the next three days, you can view this movie for free here. It will be available to view, starting Monday, here. I am on the third segment, so far, and I am loving it. Please encourage friends and family to watch this wonderful movie. Blessings!

$5 off $20 purchase at Walgreens: Today Only!
To get this great coupon, go here. Good for today, only.

Watch 2 Great Movies, for Free!
I had been wanting to see Demographic Winter for a long time. I was delighted when Shelby posted that this movie can be seen for free, here. I find it fascinating that a secular group has made this movie. I truly hope that many will "wake up" and see the importance of having children, and not be fearful of environmental hysteria. Also, if you are a member at Netflix, Expelled has been added to the on-demand, instant viewing section. I would love to hear your thoughts on these movies. Blessings!

The Blessing of Learning Together
One of my greatest hopes, is that my children will find joy and strengthened relationships, as they learn together, over the years. This is one of the great joys of homeschooling!
Anastasia is loving getting involved in whatever we are studying. She is so sweet.
The little ones are studying History together, chronologically, from the Mystery of History . We are having a blast, learning together. Today , Lily and Stephen got to write in modeling clay, seeing how difficult it was for the Sumerians to write their 600 characters. We are thankful for only 26 letters in our alphabet.
Our dining room has some of our learning tools. The children love locating things on the map and adding what we have learned, to our timeline.
What fun things are you learning with your little ones? Blessings!

Relaxed Homeschooling : Think Outside the Classroom
I recently had the pleasure of reviewing the e-book, Relaxed Homeschooling Think Outside of the Classroom. Kelly Crawford, mother of several blessings, is the author of this encouraging book for homeschooling mothers. Do you struggle as a homeschooling mother, with getting it all done? Does a homeschool have to imitate the qualities of a regular brick and mortar school? I love Kelly's answers to these questions. Homeschooling can be amazingly productive and relaxed, at the same time. I am certain that you will enjoy Kelly's words of wisdom. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy this book! To order your copy of her delightful book, Click here to view more details . Blessings!

Kitchen Tip Tuesdays: Thawing Meat Tip
I defrost my meat in the refrigerator, before cooking it for the week. Then, I usually divide it into meal-sized portions, and freeze it. A few weeks ago, I put some ground beef in the refrigerator, to defrost. I took a day longer than usual, to finally brown it, which caused it to make a huge mess. I truly believe that if I had slaughtered the cow in my kitchen, it may have been a cleaner experience. When I awakened one morning, I opened the refrigerator door to a huge, bloody mess. Blood from the beef was dripping down and seeping into the fruits and vegetables. It was so painful to cause so much waste! It took over an hour to thoroughly clean the refrigerator. My simple, but helpful tip is to always defrost meat in some type of bowl or container, in your refrigerator. Also, it helps to clear out a vegetable bin, and put the meat on the lowest level of the refrigerator, so there is less mess, if something happens to leak. I know this is so basic, but it really has helped me, ever since my horrible experience. For more kitchen tips, please visit Tammy.

Classic Hairstyles
Yesterday, my favorite, little photographer, Lily, took this picture of my hair. It is my rendition of this hairstyle. I so adore old-fashioned hairstyles. After watching Becoming Jane, I simply had to put my hair up! What are your favorite hairstyles, when you have the time to add a little variety? Blessings!

Menu Plan Monday October 20-26

Monday- Zesty Chicken Tortilla Bake This recipe makes enough for two meals. I am freezing half, for the following week.*new recipe for us*
Tuesday- Sloppy Joes
Wednesday- off-Sister-in-law is cooking
Thursday- Chicken and Dumplings Crockpot
Friday-Taco Bake * new recipe for us
Saturday- Pizza
Sunday- Poor Man's Egg Drop Soup (homemade concoction)
For more menu plans, visit Laura. What meals are you enjoying this week?

Making Waves at the Fair
I am the type of person who likes to keep from rocking the boat. My husband likes making waves...he seems to enjoy it. At the NC State Fair, on Friday evening, we were constantly getting one comment after another that we "had our hands full". This is one phrase, which I often cringe upon hearing. I started hearing it when I was expecting my third born. Strangers would boldly question why I was pregnant, when I already had a daughter and a son. With my three children, people often stop and count my children. Anyways, back to the fair, I usually feel uncomfortable, and hubby usually finds something witty to say. We were in one room with all of the attention on us. A man stated the ever popular sentiment, "You have your hands full." Hubby calmly stated that, "We were just getting started." All of the men in the room looked like they needed to pick their jaws up, off of the ground. Of course, they mentioned that they felt sorry for me, and I told them that I was happy to have more. Sometimes, keeping the boat steady isn't good enough...sometimes those waves need to be made.

NC State Fair Pictures
On Friday evening, we went to the NC State Fair. We always love sipping hot apple cider, viewing all of the old fashioned crafts, watching the precious animals, and enjoying our time together, as a family. There were even separate plots of land, which they held a contest for those who decorated it the best. This was a butterfly garden, which I adored. It was a lovely place, which would be an exquisite, reading nook.
Below is little Stephen at the Christmas garden. There was even a fire in the outside fireplace. It was such a nostalgic piece. Stephen is sporting his new NC shirt...it was terribly cold and we were ill prepared...because where we live, it was 85 degrees.
The winning pumpkin...all 612 pounds of it. I guess they needed a forklift to bring it! I wouldn't want to be the one to make all of that pumpkin pie!
This is the painting pig. Yes...He is downright famous. He has been on several tv shows like Oprah and Rachael Ray. Here he is enjoying his prize for creating another "masterpiece", which sell for $50. Wowzer...but it was fun to watch him paint.

I Heart the Library!
At the risk of sounding like a complete book nerd, I must shout out that I absolutely love the library..today. Somedays, I roam the aisles to my dismay. But today...it was very good to me. Many of my requested items came in, which is always exciting to me. I have always wanted to check out magazines from the library, but all that was on display were a bunch of recent copies, which said, "Not for check out". So I never gave it much thought. But today, after hundreds of library visits, I read the sign which read, "Lift for past issues". It was magical, I tell you...I lifted and there were about ten back issues of each magazine. How I wish I had known about this before. In my defense, I was blonde at birth, and I highly doubt that being brunette for 25 years, has made up for my 2 years of blondness. (This is all tongue in cheek, y'all.) I was sorely tempted to purchase an organizing magazine earlier today, but now I am comforted to know that I can peruse them for free. I got two scrapbooking/cardmaking magazines, a natural health magazine, a Rachael Ray cooking magazine (being the cooking diva that I am...not) , and a Homeschooling Today magazine. I am so hoping that one of the local library branches has the Old Schoolhouse magazine. I so enjoy reading an enjoyable magazine, in the rare, quiet moments of relaxation time. In history, the children and I are learning about Ancient Egypt, this week, so we have some fun movies and projects planned. What is your favorite thing about your library? Now, my only challenge will be keeping these lovely magazines out of the hands of a little 15 month old, who loves ripping things. Blessings!

Baby Stellan: Please Pray!
I have been thinking about Stellan, ever since I first read about his condition. I was thrilled to see the wonderful results of a recent pre-natal visit. Stellan is due, soon, so please pray diligently for him. God is so amazing!

"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. " -James 5:16

Scheduling: What Works for You?
I have implemented a variety of schedules, and at this point in my life, I must say that a to-do list, in general order, works best for me. With really young ones, I never seem to be able to follow an extremely detailed, regimented schedule. (Though I do admire those who can follow those. It just doesn't work for me, at this point in my life.) When I follow a detailed, timed schedule, I get frustrated if I am falling behind. I feel that I need to allow as much time as I can to teach my children. If I allot a shorter time to math, for example, and there is a challenging concept, I would be frustrated. But having a to-do list just allows me to have a general structure, and to achieve each one, as I "go along". That way, when baby needs a diaper change, darling son desperately needs a bath (from playing in the dirt), and supper needs to be prepared, I don't feel like I have fallen behind. I can also see the purpose of a variety of schedules being useful, during different stages of life. For example, I think organizing a junior high student's subjects and alloting a set amount of time to them, gives more structure to his/her day. I have been getting into the habit of studying certain subjects on certain days, with my little ones. This really has been helpful in keeping me from feeling like I needed to tackle too much, daily. (Example- Monday/Wednesday/ Friday- History, Phonics, and Math Tuesday/Thursday- hands on math, copywork, read-alouds) I would love to hear what works for you, whether you are a new mother or a seasoned mama. Your advice is so helpful and encouraging. Blessings!

Favorite Family Flicks

The following movies are some of my favorite movies.I love a good, family-friendly movie. If it is a child-friendly movie, it is in blue font.(Many/Most in black font may be appropriate for children, but it may be above their interest level.) My local libary has been an amazing source for many of these movies.

The Princess Bride
Love Comes Softly series * my daughter loves watching these with me.
Saving Sarah Cain
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers * my all-time favorite comfort movie
Radio
Gods and Generals
Flywheel
Because of Winn Dixie
Facing the Giants
Little Women
Gone with the Wind
Donovan's Reef
Roman Holiday
Though None Go with Me
The Quiet Man
Sense and Sensibility
Anne of Green Gables
Ace of Hearts
Walking Across Egypt
Little House on the Prairie
The Ultimate Gift
The Apple Dumpling Gang * absolutely hilarious
Akeelah and the Bee
Charlotte's Web
Heaven Knows, Mr.Allison
McClintock
The Sugar Creek Gang
The Adventures of Ociee Nash
Felicity * part of the American Girls series. Beautiful moral lessons!
Pride and Prejudice (BBC)
Miss Potter
The Nativity Story
Samantha
One Night with the King
Cranford

What are your family favorites?

October 13-18th

Monday- Thai Peanut Noodle

Tuesday- Eight Layer Casserole

Wednesday- off-Family Night

Thursday- Skillet Lasagna

Friday- Pizza

Saturday- Dinner Kit from Aldi

I am also looking forward to trying my friend, Laura's, Apple Cinnamon Baked French Toast. It looks so delicious!

For more menu plans, visit Laura.

Curriculum Advice
Do you ever feel inundated with the plethora of homeschooling books, catalogs, gadgets, and experiments? I certainly do! I love having a variety of resources to glean from, but with my indecision, having too many choices often causes more harm than good, for me. Having the advice of a homeschool mom, who has raised up godly children, would be so beneficial for young, homeschooling mothers. Rest assured, because Victoria Botkin, the mother of the Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin, writers of So Much More, has recorded a cd set, on this very topic! Ladies Against Feminism is giving away 10 mp3 downloads, in honor of this new release. The following is a snippet into what the cds are like, according to Jennie Chancey:

Volume 1 of this two-CD (or MP3) set covers early education--including the whys and wherefores of bringing up children "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4). Geoff Botkin provides an excellent prologue, explaining why God calls parents to teach their children and why this is, in the end, the very best way to communicate truth from one generation to the next. He also gives a brief overview of the Marxist model of education, which seeks to isolate children from their God-given place in history and distance them from their parents and siblings. After this sobering reminder of why we do what we do, Victoria paints a beautiful picture of what the Christian home can and should look like and how children can learn naturally and easily in such an environment. Eldest daughter Anna Sophia describes her early memories of home life, down to the classical music playing in the background and her father's paintings hanging on the wall.

It is important for us to understand that home education isn't just about books. Oh, the books are important, and we should build our family libraries--but the very atmosphere of the home communicates so much to our children. What we love will be evident in the very way we arrange our furniture. Is the television central, or is conversation central? What we value will be demonstrated by the things with which we surround ourselves. What are our priorities? Immaculate houses or true "living" spaces that admit muddy feet and paint-spattered hands?

Victoria tells us how to encourage creativity in our children and prevent them from becoming dependent upon entertainment to keep them happy or distracted. It's amazing how many things a big cardboard box can become for a child! Volume 1 is filled with helpful tips for the early years of home education and will inspire you as you encourage your little ones to love learning and explore the world around them. Victoria also shares how important it is to include little folks in the everyday tasks of the household--even when their "help" means a bigger mess to clean up later. Firstborn perfectionists, take note! I'll be the first to admit this is one area I've struggled with, and my mother has had to remind me to let the children help with the work, however clumsily at first. As Geoff Botkin notes, the children will soon be blessing you with their abilities, and you will reap a harvest of help.
Volume 2 covers older children ("what about Algebra?") and gets into the nitty gritty of teaching writing and speaking skills--subjects that are often daunting for mothers who don't feel equipped to cover high school. Rest assured, Victoria navigates these shoals expertly and will show you how to take one step at a time without faltering. I loved hearing about the Botkin children's adventures in keeping journals and how their parents would not let them go back and correct early mistakes. Those errors make for great memories and fun reading later as their skills improve. It is so satisfying for a child to be able to look back and see how far he's come. My two oldest sons have gotten a lot of laughs out of early attempts at spelling and dictation work. The point isn't to get everything right the first time; it's to build, "precept upon precept, line upon line" (Isaiah 28:10)

The first cd pertains to teaching 3 year-olds through 8 year-olds. The second cd contains helpful tips for teaching 8-14 year-olds. If you would like to enter the contest, please visit Ladies Against Feminism. If you want to grab this helpful and encouraging cd/MP3 set, right now, visit here. This contest ends October 11,2008. Any encouragement for a homeschooling mother, is a true balm for the soul. I am looking forward to hearing these every-important messages. Blessings!

Works For Me Wednesday ~ Decoupage to Beautify
From this......

to this.....
I have recently started decoupaging, and it has been a lot of fun! My daughter, Lily, does her copywork in a composition notebook, which has room for drawing a picture, and for writing. It was so much fun for us to pick out beautiful magazine pictures, together, and to decoupage the notebook! I truly believe that it is in these little things that we can remind our children to think on "whatsoever things are lovely". For more works for me Wednesday, visit Rocks in my Dryer.

Voddie Baucham Sermons
I had the pleasure of hearing Voddie Baucham speak, at a Vision Forum Conference, a few years ago. He is one of the most captivating, intelligent, and biblically-sound speakers, that I have ever heard. If you already are a fan of his, or if you have yet to hear his messages, I encourage you to check out this extensive collection of his sermons. Blessings!

October 6- October 11

Monday- Cheesy Spanish Chicken *new recipe for us* Salad, Dessert- Caramel Apples (I am melting the caramels in my little dipper Crockpot.)

Tuesday- Tostadas

Wednesday- off- weekly family get-together

Thursday- Beef Stew in Crock Pot, Dessert- Pudding Pie

Friday- Homemade Pizza

Saturday- Pesto Pasta (a kit from Aldi), Dessert- Brownie in a Mug (Crockpot recipe)

What new recipes are you enjoying this week? I am really loving utilizing my Crock Pot; it is such a life saver. For more menu plans, visit Org Junkie.

A Snippet of my Day
Supposedly, the Boy Scouts have a motto, that one must never begin another task before completing the task that he is already working on. It is a nice idea and it makes sense to me. But I know of few mothers who can live this out, fully. My life usually looks a little more like this:

Take dirty laundry to washer. On the way to washer, trip over a large toy. Shove Place laundry into washer. Ask said child to put away large toy. Head to the bathroom to clean the bathroom. On the way, remove baby from kitchen, as she is throwing pans out of cabinets. While in the process of relocating baby, doorbell rings with a package from Fed Ex, which must be signed for. Put cleaning materials in bathroom. Help eldest child to pick out an outfit. Cell phone is ringing. Must locate cell-phone. It is ringing because baby found it, and called China....again!

That is a sample of 5 minutes of my day. It sometimes feels like I am running Grand Central Station. What's that, you say? Your household is like that, too? Shew, that makes me feel better. The truth is, God has given us an amazing job to do. Somedays, it might feel like you are running around like a crazy woman. Sometimes, it can be challenging to see the eternal through the temporary. But in spite of seeming chaos, do not be disheartened; you are building a kingdom! Lean on Christ, and remember that it isn't in spite of the piles of dirty laundry, messy rooms, and needy babies, that you are achieving great things. These are all part of the sanctification process, sent from your Heavenly Father. These are also the means that God has chosen, for women, to raise up godly children. Life isn't always easy or orderly, but never forget what a wonderful task you have been called to do. May God bless you abundantly, as you serve Him, through serving your family, today!

“To be Queen Elizabeth within a definite area, deciding sales, banquets, labours, and holidays; to be Whitely within a certain area, providing toys, boots, cakes and books; to be Aristotle within a certain area, teaching morals, manners, theology, and hygiene; I can imagine how this can exhaust the mind, but I cannot imagine how it could narrow it. How can it be a large career to tell other people about the Rule of Three, and a small career to tell one's own children about the universe? How can it be broad to be the same thing to everyone and narrow to be everything to someone? No, a woman’s function is laborious, but because it is gigantic, not because it is minute.”

G.K. Chesterton What’s Wrong With the World?

A Plan to Help Our Economy
One of my favorite financial experts, Dave Ramsey has a terrific 3 Step Plan to help change our Nation's economic future. Please consider implementing these ideas, and encouraging friends and relatives to do the same. Blessings!

Christmas in October
I am delighted that I have won a copy of My Mommy, My Teacher, through a giveaway on the Homeschool Lounge. I adore the Bluedorn's items, so this is a huge blessing to me. This book is so beautifully written and illustrated by Johannah Bluedorn. God is so faithful to show His goodness, in so many ways. I feel so unworthy, yet thankful. Blessings!