Review: The Duggars 20 and Counting!

I was absolutely thrilled that my local library had Jim Bob and Michelle Duggars' new book,The Duggars: 20 and Counting!: Raising One of America's Largest Families--How they Do It! I was so impressed by the way that Jim Bob and Michelle humbly share what they have learned, through God's grace, over the years. An entire section of the book is chocked full of organization and scheduling tips which keep their home running as smoothly as possible. It is fascinating to read their family history, from raising 5 children in a 900 square foot house, to raising 18 children in a 7000 square foot home.
The Duggar family truly walks the Christian walk, and this reality is apparent in their book. Jim Bob and Michelle share how they handle obedience issues. I was so inspired that Michelle not only teaches her children to obey right away, but she tells her children why it is so important. Michelle requires her children to follow her commands, directly, so that when they are older, they will hear and heed the still, small voice of God. Rather than encouraging mere outward conformity, Michelle emphasizes internal obedience and docility, as well. Jim Bob shares the story of how the Lord worked in his life when he was robbed. Through God's grace, Jim Bob forgave his trespasser. This, alone, is noteworthy and challenging. But Jim Bob didn't stop there. His conviction was to do an act of kindness towards the transgressor, as a way of removing any bitterness towards the robber. The Duggars live a life of radiant faith, which emanates throughout this book. The Duggars 20 and Counting is an encouraging book for all believers.

2009-2010 Homeschool Plans

I am so excited about this school year! I will be homeschooling my six-year-old and my four-year-old. We are planning on learning math and phonics in the morning, and doing our fun unit studies in the afternoon. (Preferably when my two year old is napping!)

Math:

Lily (6 yo)- Horizons Math 1

Stephen (4 yo)- Developmental Math 1

Phonics:

Lily-Phonics Pathways, Copywork

Stephen- Explode the Code 1, Phonics Pathways

Reading:

CLP Kindergarten Readers

CLP Nature Readers

Science:

Considering God's Creation

Unit Studies-Bible/History/Geography:

Galloping the Globe

Read this post to see how I keep my preschoolers productive, during school time.

I would love to hear about your schooling plans for the fall! Blessings!

Baby Shower Gift Ideas

I am very blessed to attend a family integrated church where so many babies are welcomed into the church family, every year. The ladies, in my church fellowship, try to host a baby shower to welcome each blessing, whether the baby is the firstborn, or baby number ten. Two great baby shower themes have been a freezer meal shower and a diaper shower. The freezer meal shower was where everyone brought a freezer meal to bless the family with, for after the baby's birth. As a mother of three, it is hard to imagine a better gift than easy to prepare meals! A diaper shower is a terrific way to bless a mother with wipes and diapers. Could you imagine how terrific it would be if a mother-to-be didn't have to buy diapers for several months? I will be attending a diaper shower, next week, for a friend at church. She will have two little ones in diapers, so I am sure she is thrilled to be having a diaper shower. Since I get invited to quite a few baby showers, I would like to start making more gifts to have on hand. The following are a few links to some homemade baby gift ideas:

Burp Cloths
Bosom Buddy I truly believe that every nursing mama could use one of these!
Hip Diaper Bag So cute! I wish I was talented enough to sew one of these!
Easiest Diaper Bag Maybe I should start here.
Crochet border Blanket a young lady at my church makes blankets like these; they are absolutely lovely.
Cloth Wipes
Baby Wipes Solution This would be a lovely gift accompanied by some homemade cloth wipes!
Cloth Diaper Cake
Disposable Diaper Cake
Baby Carrier
Mei Tai
Nursing Pads
Faux Fuzzi Bunz
Nursing Necklace
Sleep Sack
Tag Blanket
Baby Leg Warmers


What do you like to give to expectant mothers at a baby shower? I would love to hear your ideas, whether they are homemade gifts or store-bought! Have you heard of any other baby shower themes? Many blessings to you!

3 New Ways that we Have Gone Green, This Year, and Saved some Green

My family and I try to be good stewards of what God has blessed us with. Saving money, along the way, is an added bonus.

1. Starting a Garden
A garden can be a bit of a financial investment, at first, but the costliest materials in my garden, the composite vegetable beds, can be reused year after year. (My husband made our beds out of composite, rather than treated wood, as treated wood tends to leach into the fruits and vegetables in the garden.) We are hoping and praying that our harvest, in our little garden, will be worthwhile and that we will be reap from the fruits of our labors. We have 15 tomato plants, 4 pepper plants, corn, carrots, cucumbers, onions, 4 cabbage plants, broccoli, 2 strawberry plants, zucchini plants, crookneck squash plants, and herbs. Considering the cost of organic vegetables, if our harvest is decent, our produce will be at a substantial savings. We have learned so much from having a garden, which is truly priceless.

A zucchini getting ready


2. Composting
This is my handy, dandy compost bin, which we purchased from Sam's Club, a few months ago.
There are three main ways that my compost bin saves me money:
I. Use less trash bags:
Depending upon how many fruits and vegetables your family consumes, roughly 15-20% of your garbage is compostable. When I would make something like mashed potatoes, it was ridiculous how quickly I filled the trash can with potato peelings. Now, I put all fruit and vegetable peels and skins, coffee grounds, tea bags, egg shells, and other compostable items, in the composter, rather than in the trash.
II. Less trips to the dump
We live outside of the city limits, so trash service is something that we have the option to pay for, from a private company. Since our local dump is only 3 miles away, I take the trash to the dump, every few days. Composting reduces our quantity of trash, so I don't have to make trips to the dump so often.
III. Compost is free, nutrient-rich vegetable fertilizer and food
The price for bags of cow manure and vegetable food can be expensive. Since we started composting just a few months ago, we have not been able to use our compost for our garden, this year. We are looking forward to using it next spring.
3. Hanging Laundry on a Clothesline
I mentioned, last week, that my children and I are hanging out most of our laundry, weather permitting, to save money on our electric bill. These are the ways that I have found that line drying saves money:
I. Line drying extends the life of clothing.
II. Line drying cuts energy costs by roughly 5%.
III. Line drying in the summer reduces added heat in your house, which could add in energy savings.

For more Frugal Friday tips, please visit Jessica.

In everything, give thanks...

After I left the living room for a couple of minutes, my littlest ransacked our entertainment center. Naturally, I was frustrated when I first saw this scene, but God reminded me to be thankful for the gift of the little one who made the mess. Thank you, Lord, for making up for all that I lack.

"In everything give thanks: for this is the will of Christ Jesus concerning you." -I Thess. 5:18

Frugal Friday: Solar Powered Dryer

My frugal tip for this week is to try to use as few electrical appliances, as is necessary. Use the hot summer sun for your benefit, as much as possible. My newest adventure is line drying our clothes. Supposedly, the clothes dryer uses the second largest amount of energy in the household, second only to the refrigerator. My dear husband found the clothesline posts and got a great deal from someone on Craigslist. I have been using the clothes line for the past week. Since then, I have line dried about 10 loads and electrically dried 1 load. Previously, I would have little helpers switch the laundry from the washer to the dryer. We would fold the clothes and put them away. Now, the hardest part to get used to, in my opinion, is hanging your unmentionables on the line for all of the neighborhood to see. I try to hide those on the middle line; I doubt anyone even notices. (he he) I also am much more observant of the weather and am constantly hoping that storms pass. I think I am losing weight running out to the clothesline at the slightest hint of thunder! I love that my little ones are more eager than ever to help me and I am hoping that their eagerness doesn't wear off with time. I feel that the amount of work that I put into this is well worth the savings that we hope to reap. I feel that this is just a small way that I as a homemaker can help stretch my husband's hard-earned dollar. For more frugal tips, visit Jessica.

*Please don't mind my laundry hanging style. I am such a rookie, y'all.

"Cannot people realize how large an income is thrift?" -Cicero

And the Contest Winner is.......

The Peterson clan. Please send me your mailing address and dvd preference to aprongirl @ gmail.com . I wish I could give a free copy to everyone who entered. Check out the Vision Forum sale, which ends today. This is a great way to build a Christian worldview dvd collection, in your home. Many blessings!

10 Frugal Family Fun Activities

1. Take a hike together on a Nature Trail. Record animals, trees, flora, and fauna in a nature journal.

2. Visit an exotic pet shop. We love visiting one with mini- alligators, turtles, and snakes of all varieties.

3. Have a family movie night. Check a movie out from the library, pop popcorn, and enjoy a family movie together. As an evangelistic tool, invite a few people from your neighborhood over to watch Fireproof or Facing the Giants.

4. Visit a Botanical Garden.

5. Grow a garden. This can be the ultimate science project.

6. Host a game night. Pull out your favorite board game, puzzles, or card games. Sip homemade lemonade or sweet tea.

7. Make salt dough creations.

8. Enjoy a baking day together! Whip up batches of muffins and cookies, and distribute to relatives, friends, and neighbors.

9. Go to a park. Let your children play on the playground, toss a football, and play volleyball. Spread out a blanket and enjoy a picnic lunch.

10. Learn a new hobby together. (scrapbooking, woodworking, sewing, etc.)

Saving money while spending quality time with my family definitely works for me. What frugal ways do you like to spend time with your family?

Happy Mother's Day!

I pray that each of you has a very blessed Mother's Day! I am looking forward to going to church, this afternoon, and going out to dinner with my family. Many blessings to you!

Some Inspiring Reading for Women, on this Mother's Day:

Mother's Day Hope May Womb's Always Swell with soul Ann Voskamp shares from her heart about what us mothers were created to do, swell with life. Whether we are of childbearing age or not, we were meant to be ever- giving and growing.

The Miracle of a Curse My friend, Michelle, shares from her unique perspective of being a birth photographer.

Vision Forum DVD Giveaway

Vision Forum has released a new, 5 dvd set to add to the Reclaiming the Culture Collection. Vision Forum is graciously hosting a giveaway on my blog, which ends at noon, on May 13, next Wednesday. To be entered in to the contest, simply leave a comment stating which dvd you would like to receive for free, from this collection. To earn extra contest entries, follow my blog or blog about this giveaway, and notify me by leaving a comment. Blessings!

* Make sure to enter to win Kim and Laura's giveaways, too!
My contest is now closed....the winner is the Peterson Clan!

My Summer 2009 Aspirations:

The following are a list of fun things and personal goals that I hope to accomplish this summer. I will cross out the goals, once I have accomplished it.

1. Go Strawberry picking.
2. Plant and tend a vegetable garden in our backyard. (crookneck squash, watermelon, tomatoes, cabbage, broccoli, corn, and herbs)
3. Go blueberry picking.
4. Go fishing.
5. Collect seashells and have fun at the beach, enjoying God's Creation.
6. Grow butterflies from larvae.
7. Order fall homeschool curricula.
8. Take a long walk along local river trail.
9. Finish the Mystery of History, Vol 1 with children.
10. Prepare Galloping the Globe binders for Lily and Stephen.
Photocopy maps and worksheets and sort in binder.
11. Sew with Lily.
12. Complete 600 piece Global puzzle. *Thanks to Hubby's help!
13. Finish current family read alouds: On the Banks of Plum Creek and The Basket of Flowers.
14. Complete writing project.
15. Put up a clothesline and utilize it.
16. Organize recipe box according to summer and winter recipes.
17. Go through winter clothing and toys for the fall consignment sale.
18. Learn how to can.
19. Plan and prepare for a fall garden.
20. Visit the aquarium.
21. Visit a local ranch/farm.
22. Paint porch.
23. Buy popsicle molds. Make popsicles using the Vita Mix by pureeing fruit.
24. Make a stack of homemade cards. (birthday and baby welcoming)
25. Attend a minor league baseball game.
26. Finish sewing project.

I would love to hear your hopes and plans for the summer! Many blessings to you!

Super Mother's Day Gift Idea From Vision Forum!

This lovely set is currently 25% off at Vision Forum. Enjoy learning how to be a better steward, as a keeper at home! Learn how to make homemade bread, soap, and candles with the Homestead Blessings dvd series. The two books included in this set will aid you in starting and tending to an organic garden, as well as learning self-sufficiency! Many blessings to you!

Scrapbooking: What Works for Me

I am a typical firstborn...I tend to be a perfectionist. Because of this, I tend to procrastinate on doing certain projects, because I am so afraid of making a mistake or messing up. For a few years, I gleaned scrapbooking magazines, which made my feable attempts at scrapbooking feel pathetic. My procrastination and quest for perfection wasn't helping me at all; my stash of family photos was growing larger all of the time. Reading Stacy Julian's book was so eye-opening that scrapbooking can be simple and can still be lovely. She insists that anytime you combine a picture with words, you are scrapbooking! It really is that simple!

Scrapbooking Myths

1. Scrapbooking has to be complicated and labor intensive, in order to produce a memorable album.
False. With a simple layout, you could create a 2 page scrapbook layout in about 20 minutes! I use one of Becky's sketches as a guide for laying out my photos and journaling. Less truly can be more when it comes to scrapbooking!

2. Your scrapbooks MUST be in chronological order.
False. This was a concept that was difficult for me to accept at first. I like order and chronological order seems to make sense for scrapbooking. Being enslaved to chronological order in your album, can burn you out. (Example- event, date, repeat ad nauseam). I like including a date on most pages that I scrapbook, when applicable, but I like to scrapbook whatever is on my heart at that time. Those pages tend to be a lot more meaningful. I highly recommend using a D-ring album (This is my favorite type that I have tried, so far.), which allows you to easily move your pages into any order you prefer.

*There are some albums that lend themselves to chronological order. I have a Christmas album, which I update yearly. This is my only chronological album. Do what works best for you.

3. My scrapbook page has to be perfect/magazine quality/stellar.
False. As with many things, less is more! Share the important stories from your heart, and you will create pages that you will treasure.

4. You have to own every scrapbooking tool before creating a decent page.
False. The scrapbooking industry is a billion dollar industry; there are gadgets and gizmos galore. They would love for you to think that you need to purchase every eyelet, paper trimmer, and stamp that they sell, but it simply isn't necessary. I had to realize that the goal was not to have an unbelievable page, which would look stellar in a magazine. Rather, I wanted to preserve and record my memories and tell the important stories to my children and future grandchildren. (God willing!) Keeping it simple has been so freeing to me, and I now have completed a few of my scrapbooking goals !

5. I'm not creative enough.
You... who are created in the image and likeness of God, are not creative enough? I beg to differ! Sometimes we need to find a way to tap into our creativity, but none of us lacks it! Sometimes we just need to be aware of inspiration, which is everywhere, in all of nature.

If you are afraid to get your feet wet with scrapbooking, here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Start small.
After reading Stacy Julian's two books (here and here), I made a mini, 8 x 8 album as a gift for my husband. My husband turned 28 this year, on the 28th of January, so the title of the album was "28 Things that I love about you".
This is a glimpse at the title page of the album. This album was so much fun and the perfect way to jump back into scrapbooking.

As you can tell, I am not a professional scrapbooker, by any means. But my dear husband truly loves this gift and it is so special to both of us.


2. Let your perfectionist tendencies go out the window.
Record memories from your heart, and you will be pleased with the results. I promise you this!

3. Have Fun!
Turn on some inspirational/ upbeat music and enjoy yourself. Grab your hidden stash of chocolates and enjoy! Give a couple of pictures to your children to scrap with you!

4. Focus on scrapbooking relationships and precious memories/moments.
Did you capture a precious picture of your little ones reading or playing together? Savor it! Preserve the memory and savor it!

Finding freedom to scrapbook without all of the pressure certainly works for me!

Read Alouds

One of my favorite aspects of home educating my children is having time to read a variety of books to them. After reading my absolute favorite home education book, Teaching the Trivium, I have made it my goal to read aloud, two hours a day, to my children.Here are a few of the chapter books that we are enjoying:

Little House in the Big Woods

Farmer Boy

On the Banks of Plum Creek

On the Shores of Silver Lake

A Basket of Flowers