tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-191365952024-03-13T17:16:05.689-04:00Changing NormalMandalynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16169573520475565644noreply@blogger.comBlogger246125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19136595.post-9974074252824136962014-09-22T17:59:00.002-04:002014-09-22T17:59:49.438-04:00Homeschool, Healthiness & No Debt Part 2 So, hey! Look at me blogging, continuing on this journey with you in less than a week! The second half of this craziness in record time for me. Sometimes my mind wanders back to the times when I blogged on an almost daily basis. Then, I think, Facebook happened & keeping in touch was a bit easier than blogging.<br />
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So, Yay me, for some continuity!<br />
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This time I want to share about the <i>debt-free</i> <i>weirdness</i>. We have been listening to Dave Ramsey. Yes. The totally <i>weird </i>millionaire who once went bankrupt & then changed it all around again by using common sense and wisdom gleaned from wise money people. And is, again, a multimillionaire. Because he had the <i>courage </i>to be <i>weird</i>.<br />
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This being <i>weird </i>stuff is not for the faint of heart.<br />
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It's <i>not easy</i> being <i>weird</i>.<br />
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Just ask the Amish. Their lives are <i>hard</i> without all the benefits from technology. <br />
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Steve & I have been <i>talking </i>about working to get <i>debt-free</i> for <i>forever</i>. Y'all, it is hard to get started. We haven't gone through <a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/fpu/home/?snid=classes.fpu-a" target="_blank">Financial Peace University</a>, but we do have Dave's book "<a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/store/prodTMMODELUXE.html?ictid=store.rotator" target="_blank">The Total Money Makeover</a>" & are working our way through it. We also listen to <a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/show/home?ictid=dr.hp" target="_blank">The Dave Ramsey Show</a> almost daily to keep us on track & motivated!<br />
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We are working it, though. Imperfectly, since we're just learning, but we are passionate about it. We know that it will only benefit us, our family, and honor God in the long run.<br />
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Add in the healthiness thing, and people look at us like we <i>are </i>Amish. Ha!!<br />
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<i>Note: I have linked a few things to Dave's website because I just believe that much in his ministry. We are not affiliated with his website in any way, which means, I'm not compensated for those links or sharing anything about Dave Ramsey whatsoever. I just appreciate someone else who is </i>weird <i>like me.</i>Mandalynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16169573520475565644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19136595.post-71787458691600275622014-09-18T16:45:00.004-04:002014-09-18T16:45:58.030-04:00Homeschooling, Healthiness & No Debt Part 1Y'all... I have to admit something. I'm <i>weird</i>. I've always kinda known it. I don't mean "<i>weird</i>" to be a bad word or in a negative way, either.<br />
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Oh, no.<br />
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I'm redefining <i>weird</i>. Or... maybe I'm just redefining <i>normal</i>.<br />
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Yeah, that doesn't sound as <i>weird</i>. (I realize I'm a <i>dork</i>!)<br />
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If you've ever read this blog before, you know that I homeschool our kiddos, who are now 10 & 6!! I can't believe how time flies!!<br />
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But that's not really the "new" real <i>weirdness </i>that is me...<br />
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It's all about <i>health </i>& becoming <i>debt free </i>around these parts lately.<br />
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Like, <i>zero </i>debt & <i>hippie </i>healthy.<br />
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It all started one night on <i>pinterest</i>... Doesn't it always? I was starting to think about beginning a low carb diet again, and was searching for recipes... which lead me to "<a href="http://www.trimhealthymama.com/" target="_blank">Trim Healthy Mama</a>."<br />
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"<i>Weird</i>," I thought. "That is the <i>dorkiest </i>name I've ever heard of... What is it?" (you can see the words "<i>weird</i>" & "<i>dorky</i>" italicized, because I have already always referred to myself as <i>weird </i>& <i>dorky</i>, so it should've been a clue early on for me!). I guess what I really meant was, "That looks even <i>weirder </i>& <i>dorkier </i>than I am willing to be!"<br />
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So, one blog led to another, and another, and I finally found a link to some Facebook groups where I lurked for a l o n g time. Like, months & months. And, none of their lingo made any sense to me. But I didn't want to shell out the $35 for a BOOK. A BOOK. A GINORMOUS book. And, the Kindle version wasn't "cheap," either.<br />
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I kept reading so many great testimonials, though, on the Facebook groups. So many who sounded like me, who were losing great amounts of weight after years of struggles, and then they would mention a <i>weird </i>ingredient like <i>almond flour</i>, and I'd keep scrolling on past.<br />
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But, I kept reading, kept talking about it with Steve, and got to the point where I was like, "It's not like I haven't spent that much money doing Weight Watcher's even when it didn't really work!"<br />
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Obviously, I did eventually buy the book. February 2014. And the first week I lost 7lbs. <i>SEVEN</i> pounds, people!! That is unheard of for me with all my <i>weird </i>issues. (Think PCOS, hormonal issues, and Weight Watcher's NEVER working, and I'm talking about when I worked the program WELL). I have lost a total of 20lbs, and then sickness, a rough summer, and vacation hit me, but I am back on track, now. And, even though I didn't lose any more, I didn't gain any back, either, and actually am still losing inches (because I bought a size smaller in jeans last week!!). Probably because I have still worked the plan at least 25-50% of the time even during this <i>weird </i>summer.<br />
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And, now I have <i>almond flour, coconut flour, flax seed meal, protein powder</i>, and all other kinds of <i>hippie </i>ingredients in my kitchen... and starting to get more & more <i>organic</i>.<br />
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And, I won't even go into the essential oils I'm excited about! <br />
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Maybe I will go a little more in-depth on what has really propelled this new healthy lifestyle, but I think I've <i>weirded </i>you out enough for now! Next time, I'll share about our debt-free goals... New <i>weirdness </i>is best in small doses.Mandalynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16169573520475565644noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19136595.post-57577601538788111342014-01-23T17:04:00.001-05:002014-01-23T17:04:13.399-05:00So, totally jumping back into blogland, at least for today...<br />
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Life has been busy, not only for me, but for all those other bloggers in my blog list on the side of my page, here. Some of them haven't been active for a couple years or more! And, I guess, some of them could be *ahem* old links I haven't updated.<br />
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Seriously, how do people do it? There are homeschool bloggers who knock my socks off! I mean, they get up earlier than their kids to spend at least an hour in the Bible & prayer, plan out their lessons, most even make their own printables, presumably have clean laundry (I count it if it's still in a pile in a basket or on the floor in front of the dryer NOT folded, I'm not a stickler), are cooking gluten-free Paleo meals for their family, taking amazing pictures of clean kids while they're doing an exciting Science experiment, and THEN blog about it all.<br />
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Now, I am not picking on anyone, for real. Honestly, the "perfect" bloggers are usually the first to tell you they are NOT perfect, nor do they pretend their pictures actually tell the whole REAL story! Yet, I can still let these pictures of perfection totally trip me up. I can start picking apart what my house looks like compared to so-and-so's; second-guess the curriculum or lesson plan that's still obviously working for our kids because it doesn't seem as "advanced" as others; and feel like a failure as a mother and home educator.<br />
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Sound familiar to you at all?<br />
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A couple of years ago I was put in a position where it was obvious to me God was asking me to step in the gap and teach our youth group on Wednesday nights. It was not an easy decision, for so many reasons, yet it was what it was. So, I began kinda arguing with God, "You know, it's been a while since I was a teenager. And, you know, I was SO not a cool teenager. In fact, we both know I was a pretty big dork." [think: Sue Heck]<br />
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"How can I relate at all, teach them about you to where they will actually hear You & not my dorkiness... I seriously think you've got the wrong lady."<br />
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Do you know what happened? We went to a homeschool convention. Not the youth group, my family! HA! Like any expo, there were lots of free magazines and literature being passed around. You know what I found myself doing? Gazing upon a homeschool magazine cover, there was a family of 8ish, the Mom was nice and skinny, the family all in jeans and white collar shirts. And, I started comparing. Then, I was reminded that I had done the SAME thing when I was a teenager. Remember SEVENTEEN? I poured over that magazine & wanted to look like those girls SO badly.<br />
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Not much has changed, has it?<br />
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That little lesson taught me that we are all just trying to fit in with others. We're just trying to be "normal." Because, when I shared that with those teenagers, I could sense the interest behind the looks of indifference. If you've ever been a teenager, you know what I mean! <br />
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And, now that I'm an old Mom, I think Sue Heck is awesome!<br />
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Am I the only one who falls into the comparison trap? What do you do to combat this?Mandalynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16169573520475565644noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19136595.post-77195547391722825462013-06-25T23:04:00.002-04:002013-06-25T23:04:49.922-04:00I Saw It On PinterestI have read blog posts that are not big on using that phrase. The idea is that Pinterest didn't do it, the blogger/original creator did/made/took that picture of that thing. I get that. But, I have been introduced to a LOT of new bloggers, new ideas, and products all because of Pinterest. So, I have to say, let's give credit where credit is due! You GO, Pinterest!<br />
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It is always good, though, to identify original sources and ideas. There is a reason Pinterest is so popular, and it's because of these original sources and ideas! All the creativity and information is amazing to me!<br />
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I guess I should've just called this post "Ode to Pinterest."<br />
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I have done some really cute things, some not turning out like they *should* and some that turned out better than I expected. I have used the basic concept of things and made it my own. I have printed out that free printable and have cute frame-able wall art for all seasons and occasions.<br />
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I love Pinterest.<br />
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I have had so much fun and comical moments because of Pinterest (and yummy stuff, too! And, not so yummy...).<br />
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I thought it would be fun to share the ups and downs of actually trying some of the stuff I have so much time pinning! It's fun, and I just want to inspire you to try out that new recipe or craft or decor or ingenious simple trick I wish I'd thought of first. (haha)<br />
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Since it's the start of summer, I wanted to share what we actually did tonight! Our old fire pit is rusted out and yucky. So, it had to go. Bye-bye Summer S'mores. Bummer.<br />
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Then, I came across <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/190769734188532991" target="_blank">this </a>pin.<br />
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<a href="http://www.nestofposies-blog.com/2013/06/smores-in-a-terracotta-pot/" target="_blank">Nest of Posies</a> to save the summer!! <br />
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Such a simple idea, so yummy, and cheaper than buying a new fire pit! And, fun!!<br />
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Her directions are great, so just click on her link up there, and you can have your very own table top s'more fire. I forgot about that little paver, but we will use that when we do this again.<br />
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Definitely cheaper than a new fire pit (although we have that coming up in our own little DIY), and not as messy (or HOT) as a big ol' firepit on an 80 degree summer night.<br />
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Honestly, I was a little scared I'd used too many bricks, and too big a pot!</div>
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But, it went down pretty quickly.</div>
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See, the fire went down to a nice little guy... No worries.</div>
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Aren't those toasty marshmallows pretty? </div>
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We had a lot of burned up ones, too! We're not picky!</div>
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See? They were LOVING it! </div>
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They had just had a water balloon fight and playing with their squirt guns.</div>
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Then we topped the evening off with catching some lightning bugs.</div>
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I love summer.</div>
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Mandalynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16169573520475565644noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19136595.post-52520636730661199602013-06-17T14:51:00.001-04:002013-06-17T14:51:57.338-04:00Happy Monday!<br />
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SO oxymoron-ish.<br />
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I'm thankful for this new week, though. It's another day to enjoy my children, to learn and to grow as we teach each other and learn how to do life together.<br />
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We had an awesome weekend! Father's Day weekend was so much fun! Steve had the awesome idea to go to Cincinnati to the Bass Pro Shop. They were having a Children's Summer Camp kind of thing, with crafts and special activities.<br />
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Abbey as Pocahontas! :)</div>
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The Great Abbey and Daddy Shoot-Out!</div>
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(they tied!!LOL)</div>
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Abbey shot it in the bullseye area!</div>
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The guys working the shooting range were calling her Annie Oakley! </div>
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They said she was the best shot they'd had that day!</div>
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Eli wanted no part of the shooting, bb gun or arrows... He wanted to fish!</div>
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All that out-doorsy stuff gave me the idea to make <a href="http://womenlivingwell.org/2009/07/tasty-tuesday-golden-graham-smores/" target="_blank">this </a>for Father's Day. <i>Warning: It is extremely addicting! By the end of the night, there were not even crumbs left! Even my brother-in-law Matt loved them, and he does NOT like chocolate, or s'mores... It's seriously yummy.</i></div>
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Here's a teaser in case you didn't click that link up there...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYc1s1on-5LuN2BGXfNQgapi32Ng32CyWwZVETTg3zp45gPYgjvV_uTFbVK6Ro82D8NHnCOT5d7osS8NAxljNd8OJ8HdA8A3u82IHlKILk_FPMx1W0qlzazFOsXoW8uY3XZLCNA/s1600/No+Bake+S%27more+Squares.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDYc1s1on-5LuN2BGXfNQgapi32Ng32CyWwZVETTg3zp45gPYgjvV_uTFbVK6Ro82D8NHnCOT5d7osS8NAxljNd8OJ8HdA8A3u82IHlKILk_FPMx1W0qlzazFOsXoW8uY3XZLCNA/s320/No+Bake+S%27more+Squares.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Oh, yeah, it's that good, folks. Amazing, really. </div>
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It's a s'more without the fire and hassle. It's amazing. </div>
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And, yes, Cuz Friends, I am taking this to Reunion this year. </div>
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I hope you all had fun celebrating the fathers in your life this past weekend. I sure did. I am so thankful for my Dad and my Husband, who I think are the best Daddies in the world :) I've been blessed with quite a few good men who have been Godly influences in my life, in the form of Uncles and cousins. </div>
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Feeling Blessed, my friends, feeling very blessed.</div>
Mandalynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16169573520475565644noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19136595.post-63818746176742712502013-06-14T21:26:00.001-04:002013-07-31T14:23:46.525-04:00A long, long time ago... there was a blogger named MandyI know, I know, it's been forever...<br />
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Sorry for being so sporadic... I guess since it's been so long, there's probably not anyone to apologize to! :)<br />
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I like picture to tell a story, so I will just leave you with a few to catch you up on how big my kiddos have gotten!!<br />
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Abbey finished her Math curriculum for her third grade year, a couple weeks ahead of schedule! (YAY!!)<br />
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Eli is a crazy daredevil! (YIKES!!)<br />
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I am working on a few projects, and am planning on posting about more homeschooling stuff, some pinterest try outs, and DIY's I've been meaning to get on here.<br />
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I haven't forgotten about my testimony, and I will keep sharing that, too. Life is so full and abundant right now, and I am feeling so blessed (and a little crazy). So, I guess it's not a bad thing to not blog because I've been too busy living life.<br />
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<i>Edited to Add:</i> I am going to start joining up with <a href="http://www.soyoucallyourselfahomeschooler.com/" target="_blank">So You Call Yourself a Homeschooler's</a> blog hop The Homeschool Mom's Journal. It has moved around a few times, but I finally found it again!! YAY!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.soyoucallyourselfahomeschooler.com/category/homeschool-mothers-journal/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgPwdr71xJmcbYuJtwXZK-o3LtaDt7yd8CKiY9bjJ8PX1fL5u_4QoxtonMLJm55EOe_GoCdESDM_sqkNQzi6ecYgx8DGFV0A4ed0wysAVUbyNeR9jFacc40oNDndutedqWMHQJw/s320/HMJ-SUMMER-logo-landscape.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Mandalynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16169573520475565644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19136595.post-77686197235384416342013-04-08T11:08:00.001-04:002013-04-08T11:08:26.210-04:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEF3R0vbfeS72mtxweiFpBjQ6ZCWtq57iHtIiH1YHnp8TOmhoYMdB1t-VH4cqyXJw1pAt8TYi5ySiktuhWAb2KsQdQpJ3CR_e0Ur-KLQqBtX6nb94_HVhZx0WRmiCzMicC2UjAEA/s1600/LonestarAngelNew3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEF3R0vbfeS72mtxweiFpBjQ6ZCWtq57iHtIiH1YHnp8TOmhoYMdB1t-VH4cqyXJw1pAt8TYi5ySiktuhWAb2KsQdQpJ3CR_e0Ur-KLQqBtX6nb94_HVhZx0WRmiCzMicC2UjAEA/s320/LonestarAngelNew3.jpg" width="207" /></a><span style="font-size: 85%;">I was so excited to receive this book, "Lonestar Angel" from BookSneeze.com. I am a HUGE Colleen Coble fan!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">"Lonestar Angel" is the fourth in the series. I had read the first three (either bought them myself, or got from the Library), so I was excited to come back and "visit" with old friends, and go on a new and exciting journey! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">I am a big stickler for "spoilers," and I don't like knowing TOO much before I read a book, so I will not give you a synopsis of the storyline. But, since I had read the first three of this series, I was prepared for a good "who-done-it." Just when I think I have guessed who is behind all the danger, Colleen points in a totally different direction! She is amazing at plot twists and turns. So great! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">Here's a tip, though, for anyone going into this book without reading the first three: Even though, logically, you could get by without reading the first three, and jump right in at this book, I don't recommend it. Not that there is so much history needed before reading this particular book, but I always recommend and prefer reading chronologically through a series. I believe it gives the "returning" characters more depth, and since you've "met" them before, helps with caring about them in later books, too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">I highly recommend this series, and this book is a great addition to the series. I couldn't put my book down! That is usually the case with a Colleen Coble book, though. You've been warned! :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 85%;">*disclaimer* <i>I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <<a href="http://booksneeze%c2%ae.com/">http://BookSneeze®.com</a>>
book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive
review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this
in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <<a href="http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html">http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html</a>> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”</i></span>Mandalynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16169573520475565644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19136595.post-26867153480057912922012-10-17T13:10:00.000-04:002012-10-17T13:12:57.844-04:00My Story, PrologueIn the My Story series I've been wanting to do (aka: my testimony), it has been hard to find a beginning point because I am someone who needs a few background details to understand the current story. But, here goes. The beginning.<br />
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I cannot tell you how overwhelmingly blessed I have been feeling lately just thinking about all the people God has placed in not only my life, but the lives of my parents and aunts and uncles and grandparents. You see, we have all come to be the people we are because of who has come before us. And their choices, whether understood in the moment or not, have <b>absolutely </b>impacted our lives.<br />
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My Mom grew up in church, and her dad moved around a lot. They primarily lived in Kentucky, though, but had a lot of family up here in Ohio. And, because of my Papa's job, they lived here temporarily at different times during my Mom's childhood. When she was a young teenager at a summer church camp, she gave her life to Christ. <br />
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My Dad did not grow up in church. He had a prayerful Grandma, though, and lots of Aunts, Uncles and cousins praying for him and his brothers & sister. When my aunt was about 13 she went to a tent revival they held right down the road from where they lived, and she received Christ as her Savior there. Then, a girlfriend of hers invited her to go to church with her. A seed that could've gone un-watered became a thriving, growing plant! She would drag her brothers to church with her, but my Dad wouldn't go with her for the longest time.<br />
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One summer he went to stay with his Grandma in Kentucky. It was right after his Grandpa died, and he was there to keep her company and help her. Well, as it turned out, he DID go to church with Grandma, because, as he says, you just don't tell Grandma "No." It was an expectation that he would go to church with her! That summer, my Dad gave his life to Christ.<br />
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It's always neat to hear different perspectives about stories from you parent's childhood. I was talking with my aunt about this, and she told me what happened when he got back from spending that summer with Grandma in Kentucky. She said she was shocked when my dad told her he would go to church with them the next Sunday he was back. They got to church, and then he stood up and started talking. My Aunt said she was so nervous and shocked, she was worried about what he would say! He stood up and told the congregation what had happened to him over the summer, and everyone rejoiced. Except my aunt. She said she was so mad! (in a loving way, of course!) She thought she should've known before everyone else! (haha)<br />
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That same church is where my Mom & Dad met. We tell Dad that he chose a child-bride, and seriously now it would be frowned upon (it might've even then, but they won't tell me!). Dad was sixteen, Mom was 13. Before her Freshman year of high school she moved back to Kentucky, but that didn't slow down their courtship.<br />
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Obviously, they married and started having children... But that's for another day.<br />
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I just want you to realize, wherever you find yourself <i>this moment</i>, there have been footprints of faith leading up to <i>right now</i>. People who have come before us, choosing God and His way, choosing obedience, sometimes when it was just blind faith. And, the One who has led them can and will also lead you. His way is never easy, but it is always the best. <br />
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My Story will be back next week. Thank you for reading!<br />
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<br />Mandalynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16169573520475565644noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19136595.post-35197893383056322942012-10-05T15:04:00.002-04:002012-10-05T15:04:19.211-04:00WOW.So, beginning my testimony is harder than I thought!! I had good intentions, and then life set in, as usual. Spring and Summer flew by like a whirlwind!! Fun, but exhausting!! And, the Fall started that way, too, but I think we'll have a few weeks of a slower-pace before the chaos that is Holiday Time comes upon us!<br />
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I need to sit down and plan out a blogging schedule, because there are so many things I want to blog about, yet I need some structure and a general purpose for coming here, I think.<br />
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So, I will be working on THAT, next... After I get my lesson plans done!<br />
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Thanks for those who have been checking in on me here *ahem, Jodi*, to see if I have updated anything. I love Blogger's new dashboard! Everything in one place! So nice!<br />
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I will have my blogging topics schedule ready to share next time! I am excited about this!<br />
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<br />Mandalynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16169573520475565644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19136595.post-25526267107298364842012-02-16T21:09:00.004-05:002012-02-16T21:23:09.731-05:00A Few Thoughts...So, I was just folding laundry, and got to thinking... Ya know, that is one of the blessings of laundry, and cooking, or mopping... Pondering whatever's on your heart, or listening to the Lord, or just praying and praising. So many little moments that I nearly let just slip away in my own thoughts, could be put to much better use! LOL<br /><br />But, I digress...<br /><br />Typical...<br /><br />Anyways, I was pondering while folding my faded, raveling towels (you know you have them, too) about how big God really is. How much He loves me. How I didn't always realize how BIG He is when I was younger, or how He doesn't get mad when we get angry with Him.<br /><br />And, that led me thinking about sharing my testimony here. I realize that there aren't many people following me, and that's OK. But, God is BIG and will guide someone here who needs to hear my personal testimony, if He so chooses. SO, that led me to thinking that...<br /><br />I will be doing a weekly series on my faith story, my testimony of how God is still God no matter our circumstance, and His love NEVER changes for us. He is ALWAYS wooing us.<br /><br />Now, I would like to try & be as consistent as I can, so I have chosen just once a week to share, somewhat chronologically, my story. We all have one, and I am feeling the need to get mine out there.<br /><br />So, I will try to post it on the same day each week, but, as those who do, somewhat, follow my blog, you know I can be random :) LOL Especially with punctuality :)<br /><br />I'm gonna leave you with something awesome I found through Pinterest... Ya know, my happy place? LOL<br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6TW92uKul68GqdAu7O8gueaR9iKDyc9WKBIDPAYam-P8eXiQ4NhgCdjQJFgf32sAGMXAcpyH-dNieaLXxpQ_2gDc2POowIbfeO1cXOPWyD7sJRIp-7kvxG3uDVrwaYCW9-g7Hg/s1600/How+he+loves+us+007.jpg"><img style="width: 240px; height: 320px; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709923929173739378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6TW92uKul68GqdAu7O8gueaR9iKDyc9WKBIDPAYam-P8eXiQ4NhgCdjQJFgf32sAGMXAcpyH-dNieaLXxpQ_2gDc2POowIbfeO1cXOPWyD7sJRIp-7kvxG3uDVrwaYCW9-g7Hg/s320/How+he+loves+us+007.jpg" /></a></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6TW92uKul68GqdAu7O8gueaR9iKDyc9WKBIDPAYam-P8eXiQ4NhgCdjQJFgf32sAGMXAcpyH-dNieaLXxpQ_2gDc2POowIbfeO1cXOPWyD7sJRIp-7kvxG3uDVrwaYCW9-g7Hg/s1600/How+he+loves+us+007.jpg"><div align="left"> </div></a><p></p><p align="center">{<a href="http://www.susieharrisblog.com/2011/10/how-he-loves-us.html">source</a>~check out <a href="http://www.susieharrisblog.com/2011/10/how-he-loves-us.html">her </a>blog!}</p>Mandalynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16169573520475565644noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19136595.post-53385748849483535422012-02-08T14:26:00.003-05:002012-02-08T14:28:45.421-05:00Ahem, Happy Valentine's DayEvidently, I am a holiday blogger... And, yet, even at that, I missed New Year's and Martin Luther King, Jr. day, and Ground Hog Day... So, well, maybe an occassional holiday blogger...<br /><br />I know, pathetic! <br /><br />Anyways, I don't have much to say, really, and, yet, SO MUCH TO SAY, but not a whole lot of time to get it all in. So, I will be back...<br /><br />For St. Patty's?<br /><br />Seriously, I hope it to be sooner than that, but with the speed of life, who knows?Mandalynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16169573520475565644noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19136595.post-10846593311677046082011-12-23T15:37:00.001-05:002011-12-23T15:40:35.773-05:00Merry Christmas!!<object width="420" height="315"><param name="movie" value="https://www.youtube.com/v/mDvxOaX2dS4?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="https://www.youtube.com/v/mDvxOaX2dS4?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="420" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>Mandalynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16169573520475565644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19136595.post-21089096588794650782011-11-24T13:06:00.002-05:002011-11-24T13:08:41.304-05:00Happy Thanksgiving!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8y2mlU1gcz7jAjE8IGSXhGVcf_3pbM-g2WT2vonpvNx2wjntCusH-Tfyi20wVvOTypbsfIPkYDNMPSZcpbI7j7sM1Eh4Bj19emkz6vdLMDa2r4BlOt9yR29UjTpE4iXGuBQOx7g/s1600/thanksgiving_charlie_brown.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8y2mlU1gcz7jAjE8IGSXhGVcf_3pbM-g2WT2vonpvNx2wjntCusH-Tfyi20wVvOTypbsfIPkYDNMPSZcpbI7j7sM1Eh4Bj19emkz6vdLMDa2r4BlOt9yR29UjTpE4iXGuBQOx7g/s320/thanksgiving_charlie_brown.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678625568994361138" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><br />Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!!<br /></span></div>Mandalynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16169573520475565644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19136595.post-3833772324818042602011-11-13T15:37:00.001-05:002011-11-13T15:40:23.188-05:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEish6o3MAzcnqp0y51IS-NhXa7c_zWjU9Nd04KGwtTHmcV4tzOcpSER5xnlvm6KVE0BH1s5BR0iU6g1SD4KqCVJ5Wz5mOn2Tj4YOABWPDJblnwMaDdKUX4dWARFQOjcsopb46QYbw/s1600/let+all+that+you+do+8x10.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 333px; height: 413px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEish6o3MAzcnqp0y51IS-NhXa7c_zWjU9Nd04KGwtTHmcV4tzOcpSER5xnlvm6KVE0BH1s5BR0iU6g1SD4KqCVJ5Wz5mOn2Tj4YOABWPDJblnwMaDdKUX4dWARFQOjcsopb46QYbw/s320/let+all+that+you+do+8x10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674582583409690386" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Please go <a href="http://www.joyshope.com/">here </a>to join in the fun of the Happy Day Project. Seriously. <br /><br />Cause everyone needs a little love...<br /></div><span style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Buttons"><span class="down" style="display: block;" id="formatbar_JustifyCenter" title="Align Center" onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);" onmouseup="" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);FormatbarButton('richeditorframe', this, 11);ButtonMouseDown(this);"><img src="img/blank.gif" alt="Align Center" class="gl_align_center" border="0" /></span></span>Mandalynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16169573520475565644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19136595.post-48602327964107784382011-11-04T13:12:00.003-04:002011-11-04T14:19:01.005-04:00Happy Anniversary!! :)<div style="text-align: center;"><code><a href="http://www.thehomeschoolchick.com/about-the-homeschool-mothers-journal/" title="The Homeschool Mother's Journal"><img src="http://www.thehomeschoolchick.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/THSMJbutton.jpg" alt="The Homeschool Mother's Journal" /> </a></code><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />In my life this week</span>... Eleven years ago today, at 3:12p.m. (I know the exact minute because my cousin Herb kept a close eye on the clock & was sure to tell us as we dismissed each pew...miss him), I married my sweet husband :) It hasn't been an easy road, as I'm sure everyone in the history of marriage can attest to, but it's been worth it. Eleven years, 4 pregnancies, 2 born babies, Emmaus walks, family, little tiny annoyances, personality conflicts, literally rolling-on-the-floor-laughing, joy, love, all of it's been worth it.<br /><br />Love my hubs :)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">In our homeschool this week... </span> After Trick or Treating this past Monday, we have now begun Thanksgiving studies!! I love this time of year! So much fun! So much to learn, and so much love and thankfulness to share! I have discovered <a href="http://www.2teachingmommies.com/">2TeachingMommies</a> and their free units, <a href="http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.blogspot.com/">1+1+1=1</a> and her free units, and a hodgepodge of other free printable unit sites (thanks, pinterest!!), and am SO EXCITED!! This is helping me think outside of my box, and a lot of the things can definitely be used for more than one age/grade, so we are all having more fun!<br /><br />Also, a few weeks ago, we FINALLY got Math-U-See & Abbey is LOVING it!! So, it's a winner for our homeschool!! She loves doing math, now! And, she loves Mr. Demme!!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I am inspired by...</span> This week I have been reading a couple of books... I normally don't like to read more than one book at a time, but I have one from the library, and one that I bought at our homeschool meeting a few weeks ago, and I couldn't help myself! They have both inspired me & encouraged me to keep going, to look closely at my kiddos hearts.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Things I'm working on...</span> I'm trying to get some sensory bins together. I think both of the kiddos will enjoy them, and I think they're fun! It's something I used to do as a preschool teacher, and kinda forgot about when I had my own kiddos (oops!). But, again, thanks to <a href="http://www.2teachingmommies.com/">2TeachingMommies</a> & <a href="http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.blogspot.com/">1+1+1=1</a> I have 're-discovered' them! I'm not telling the kids until I have our Thanksgiving one put together, probably by next week... I can't wait! I think they will both love it!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I'm reading...</span> I mentioned 2 books that were inspiring me earlier... They are "Good and Angry" by Scott Turansky & Joanne Miller, and "Talkers, Watchers, & Doers" by Cheri Fuller. "Good and Angry" is a parenting book about teaching children character. So far, EXCELLENT!! "Talkers, Watcher, & Doers" is about learning styles, and really, every parent, homeschooler or not, should know how their child learns so they can reinforce & help make things easier for their children to learn to their best ability, whether that means during homeschool or homework from school. Seriously, it makes sense!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I am thankful for...</span> I am so thankful for the opportunity to homeschool. I know I grumble, and it's definitely NOT easy, but it is a blessing. I like to compare it to the mommy who desires a child so much, and then is finally blessed with their beautiful baby, and discovers the responsibility with becoming a Mommy (it's not all feather light kisses and rocking chairs and beautiful nurseries...it's messy!). So it is with homeschooling. It is a blessing, but can be messy! Complaining and despairing and "why doesn't it just flow naturally?!?!" are all a part of the blessing. Because nobody can prepare you for the responsibility of the blessing. It's something that has to be lived out.<br /><br />So, when I write a post about Abbey not doing her writing assignments (she's getting better, btw, and that is a MAJOR blessing!), please don't misunderstand. I am so thankful for this child. I am so thankful for the opportunity I've been given to teach her at home. I'm just living out the reality of the responsibility of the blessing! I hope that makes sense!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">A link to share...</span> (I wanted to leave a picture, but I don't have any new ones... Bad Mommy!)<br /><br />Here are where you can get the books I mentioned above... I got "Talkers, Watchers, Doers" from my library, but it is definitely one I wouldn't mind owning because I'd love to write notes in it!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Good and Angry</span>, by Scott Turansky & Joanne Miller from <a href="http://www.courtshipconnection.com/index.html">The Courtship Connection</a>. They have a LOT of great resources. I bought the book after I heard Kathie Morrissey speak at my homeschool meeting a few weeks ago. She.Is.Excellent.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Talkers, Watcher, & Doers</span>, by Cheri Fuller <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Talkers-Watchers-Doers-Unlocking-Learning/dp/1576835995/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1320430358&sr=8-1">Paperback</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Talkers-Watchers-Doers-Unlocking-ebook/dp/B001QTWN4U/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1320430358&sr=8-2">Kindle Version</a><br /><br />You all have a blessed week!!Mandalynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16169573520475565644noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19136595.post-13129299392640791882011-10-25T23:58:00.004-04:002011-10-26T00:02:55.383-04:00Just wanted to say...Yes, I'm still alive ;) Yes, we're still truckin' along with school, and yes, we've been very busy! I've missed blogging SO much!! I don't know how other moms, homeschool moms at that, have time to blog & surf other blogs to have something to blog about, and do everything needed to get done. I marvel at their productiveness.<br /><br />Anyways, here's a picture to leave you with, just so you know we <span style="font-style: italic;">have </span>been busy!! lol<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1J9ymNnYjljbhoqs8ifFVqXSdGRtGV2mS84NGIHxCQT1f8USDUbbgg6z4tc2htPG-pam0ECPvAjllw7jErmonbJ3NRI9AGpLdijnSr_TVuGSkEQomrd_j7UVL7w_S9bfUFpIeAw/s1600/Abbeywagon.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1J9ymNnYjljbhoqs8ifFVqXSdGRtGV2mS84NGIHxCQT1f8USDUbbgg6z4tc2htPG-pam0ECPvAjllw7jErmonbJ3NRI9AGpLdijnSr_TVuGSkEQomrd_j7UVL7w_S9bfUFpIeAw/s320/Abbeywagon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667645989414962386" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">{we made a covered wagon! we're studying the pioneers}</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">{I cannot account for the historical accuracy of the doll in the wagon, though! teehee}</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I will eventually be back with more!!<br /><br />Love you all!!<br /></div></div>Mandalynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16169573520475565644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19136595.post-2709605921934565962011-10-02T22:50:00.004-04:002011-10-02T23:07:56.025-04:00Book Review! "Gabby, God's Little Angel" by Sheila Walsh<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeBDqSaPjpcd-MjbWeAGrEiz-76caF5UiJmRr0GR5L_z_8aC1x4wHKS8hxGLdB_y39mi9XYTA1GEho95Y5i-2aHRmWHT26giTOw3gg_dv4Yd6vtj2GSPbDzn-0MWv94SOrvWF1Og/s1600/GabbyGLP.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 306px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeBDqSaPjpcd-MjbWeAGrEiz-76caF5UiJmRr0GR5L_z_8aC1x4wHKS8hxGLdB_y39mi9XYTA1GEho95Y5i-2aHRmWHT26giTOw3gg_dv4Yd6vtj2GSPbDzn-0MWv94SOrvWF1Og/s320/GabbyGLP.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659093322699318578" border="0" /></a><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]-->This is the first book in Sheila Walsh's new children's stories, "Gabby, God's Little Angel" illustrated by Marina Fedotova.<br /><br />All in all, this book was a very sweet and easy read.<span style=""> </span>The message of the book is based on Psalm 91:11 “<i style="">The Lord will command his angels to take good care of you</i>.” (taken from the NIRV, emphasis mine).<span style=""> </span>In the book, Gabby, an angel-in-training, gets her very own assignment: a little girl who has a lot in common with the little somewhat clumsy little angel. We get to see Gabby’s first days “on the job,” and how the little girl keeps Gabby on her toes! <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">I read this book with my 7 year old girl, and we loved it!<span style=""> </span>My daughter is reading proficiently now, so it was great to share the story with her, alternating the reading.<span style=""> </span>I didn’t find any of the text of the book to be too difficult for my daughter.<span style=""> </span>I also appreciated that the message was not condescending, either.<span style=""> </span>The illustrations by Fedotova are beautiful and as sweet as the story!<span style=""> </span>My daughter loved the pictures, and they made her giggle!<span style=""> </span>She is a big fan of the “Gigi” books & DVDs, and wasn’t disappointed with “Gabby.” My daughter and I highly recommend this as an addition to your bedtime story library.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">*disclaimer* <i style="">I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <<a href="http://booksneeze%c2%ae.com/">http://BookSneeze®.com</a>> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <<a href="http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html">http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html</a>> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”</i></span></p>Mandalynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16169573520475565644noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19136595.post-32003095981806479322011-10-02T21:08:00.001-04:002011-10-02T21:10:55.841-04:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1svRKpxI5j_IoZ1tjEjeZMGotEMMpl0Tms1SLRA6w4gfh82mG3IaS224HgjNviXbRfUb209pStTh2S19UxrkFxihn9R82rD8WNT5a2nref6VmrL-3Euw6aEy0rTXP_A2S78SLA/s1600/never+tire.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 408px; height: 271px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR1svRKpxI5j_IoZ1tjEjeZMGotEMMpl0Tms1SLRA6w4gfh82mG3IaS224HgjNviXbRfUb209pStTh2S19UxrkFxihn9R82rD8WNT5a2nref6VmrL-3Euw6aEy0rTXP_A2S78SLA/s320/never+tire.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5659066734721787954" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">{courtesy of Julie <a href="http://www.joyshope.com/">@Joy'sHope</a>}</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Happy Sunday, Ya'll :)</span><br /></div>Mandalynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16169573520475565644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19136595.post-78896182301746441602011-09-22T18:31:00.002-04:002011-09-22T18:36:34.960-04:00Cooking a Whole Chicken<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]-->So, as many families out there, we are trying to cut costs as much as we can around our home.<span style=""> </span>The best and most awesome way I have recently run across is to cook whole chickens in the crockpot…and then make your own, homemade chicken stock (which can be frozen!!) in the same said crockpot.<span style=""> </span>WOOOOHOOOO!!<p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN2Gqosv5IYnNETYDOeR0NytCb9dSRC_TJoSd7Gmpsu48o2uKMsEGJcXVFEbjdi6MYtpYIlEF_03H2Nc0PG4QS55XpAKJ6O12d3rVSxRZO5hqlIsuRpwGQl207B1olqBsB1Bkg0g/s1600/chicken.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN2Gqosv5IYnNETYDOeR0NytCb9dSRC_TJoSd7Gmpsu48o2uKMsEGJcXVFEbjdi6MYtpYIlEF_03H2Nc0PG4QS55XpAKJ6O12d3rVSxRZO5hqlIsuRpwGQl207B1olqBsB1Bkg0g/s320/chicken.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655316452797613090" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Besides getting over actually touching the gross chicken & worrying that I will contaminate my kitchen and family with e-coli, it is an awesome time & money saver, and yummy, to boot!!<span style=""> </span>It makes the kitchen smell heavenly, like Thanksgiving!!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">There are several really great-sounding recipes out there, but the basic of the basic I found at <a href="http://thehappyhousewife.com/cooking/whole-chicken-in-a-crock-pot/">The Happy Housewife</a>. (and look in her comments for even more tips & tricks!)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Not only do we eat the chicken for dinner one night, after the chicken has cooled (TRUST ME), get the rest of the meat off that carcass, stick the bones back in the juices you left in the crockpot, along with some carrots, celery, and onion, and let it cook on low overnight.<span style=""> </span>The next day, strain out the yuckies, and let your broth cool in the fridge.<span style=""> </span>When you get done homeschooling/from work/the spa, you can scrape the layer of fat off that has settled on the top, and then freeze the broth for future use!!<span style=""> </span>So, not only are you eating that chicken TWICE, you are also making delightful homemade stock that you don’t have to put on your shopping list!!<span style=""> </span>Usually a chicken will go for about $4 for a 4-5lber.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I don’t know why, but this thrills my heart to heavenly places… Maybe because when I threw my casserole together tonight, all I had to do was literally throw ingredients together and put it in the oven… Time saver!!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Maybe you think this is a really lame post.<span style=""> </span>But I {heart} saving money!!</p>Mandalynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16169573520475565644noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19136595.post-56081687756858122042011-09-01T15:46:00.004-04:002011-09-01T19:17:33.724-04:00The Family Man... No, not the cartoon...
<br />Last night, Steve & I had a very rare date night. We started with dinner at Grub Steakhouse (it.was.amazing.), then went to Fairhaven Church to hear one of our favorite homeschooling speaker & author, Todd Wilson of <a href="http://www.familymanweb.com/">Familyman Ministries</a>. I will start by saying, even if you are NOT a homeschooling family, Mr. Todd has some very wise general parenting advice for all families there on his site, so don't let the "homeschooling" label scare you away or make you think it's not gonna be applicable for you!!
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<br />He spoke mainly about how we as parents {and this applies even if we're not homeschooling} can doubt our effectiveness on our children's hearts. We with smaller children, since we're in the thick of it, find ourselves in "the fog," forgetting "the most important things" we can teach our children. Worrying about this activity, that curriculum, socialization, manners, and the list goes on, we often forget about training the heart, teaching to trust God in EVERYTHING, not just through music or songs, but through our LIVING life.
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<br />I will never be able to express to you how important and pivotal that message was for me last night. We started back to school last week, and I mentioned it was a rough start. Monday & Tuesday were a bit better, but Wednesday was another stressful day.
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<br />Tuesday, we began school, using a Unit Study. A bit like pulling teeth to get Abbey into the swing of things, and most of all, the <span style="font-style: italic;">dreaded writing</span>...
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<br />Wednesday, a little better, we finished what we were supposed to, and life went on... But, <span style="font-style: italic;">oh the drama</span>... you would think that making her <span style="font-style: italic;">write</span> was a <span style="font-style: italic;">criminal offense</span>.
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<br />Thursday, we woke up to NO ELECTRICITY. No prob. I can roll with the punches. Let's go to Burger King & have breakfast kids! Then, ON TO TARGET!! Then, we went to Wegerzyn Gardens in Dayton & had a blast in the Discovery Garden. And, there was <span style="font-style: italic;">no blessed writing</span>.
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<br />Friday, we woke up to A FLOODED TOILET. Awesome. Crazy kid mayhem. Crying Mommy cleaning the whole.blessed.mess. More frustration from Abbey because she <span style="font-style: italic;">didn't want to write</span>. I even threatened not to take her to her cousin's birthday party. I know, I know, mean Mommy.
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<br />We had a lovely weekend, though. Relaxed, go with the flow, it felt more like summer... *Ahem* maybe because it <span style="font-style: italic;">still is</span>.
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<br />Monday, not too bad. Electricity on. No flooding. Still being stubborn with <span style="font-style: italic;">the writing</span>.
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<br />Tuesday, can't complain. No problems... <span style="font-style: italic;">except the writing</span>.
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<br />Wednesday, tears, mayhem, chaos, more crying, pleading, bribing... <span style="font-style: italic;">It was not pretty, people</span>. And, I'm not even talking about Abbey. She was out of control yesterday. I was out of control yesterday. Finally, we got through it, and she had to finish her work at Mammy's house, and Steve & I went to see Todd Wilson, and I literally had to hold in tears as he kept talking.
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<br />Somewhere along the line, I decided that the curriculum was more important than my children's hearts. Wrong purpose, people, whether we are homeschooling, private schooling, public schooling, and everything in between. Education is great, and obviously important... Yet, if we don't have love, what's it all for? (referencing I Cor. 13, very loosely ;) )
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<br />So, today, I didn't hurry, and I admit, almost lost it when I saw it was 12noon and we hadn't covered any of the unit study, yet, but Todd's voice was still fresh in my ears, "focus on the relationship first..." So, we did. And, you know what? We did get through all of school today, got everything done that needed to get done. But I enjoyed my kids more. I laughed with them. They laughed at me! (in a good way! lol)
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<br />So, now I'm on a quest to keep things (schooling, activities, hobbies) in perspective with my eternal eyes, not my "Get 'er done" Homeschool Mama eyes.
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNkoC5q8EVN5jvqlKi0CKkkOtzokUXvoruJGC2CAqZUFQdNabMAdsjk2cjMAxUhPvnCDoyQ4vilUlF3V77nha2hxXcolsg_5OP2BmcX41sBXJv_FHDtu99939UhU4hvyVR72UQng/s1600/calmhomeschoolon.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 192px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNkoC5q8EVN5jvqlKi0CKkkOtzokUXvoruJGC2CAqZUFQdNabMAdsjk2cjMAxUhPvnCDoyQ4vilUlF3V77nha2hxXcolsg_5OP2BmcX41sBXJv_FHDtu99939UhU4hvyVR72UQng/s320/calmhomeschoolon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647533953648506914" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">{<span style="font-style: italic;">please forgive me, I forget the source of this picture.</span>}</span>
<br /></div>Mandalynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16169573520475565644noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19136595.post-360648358507576672011-08-31T11:55:00.004-04:002011-08-31T12:13:14.632-04:00Crazy Busy Summer... Sort of...Hey, Everyone... and by everyone, I mean those that still remember that I have a blog and every once in a great while, will put something on it ;) LOL I haven't been on the ball this summer... It's been a fun & busy one & I will have pics coming soon. I still have to download all of them, especially from the beach... Ahhh, the beach... I wanna go back there...
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<br />Anyways, we had a great time being off school & 'normal' routine, but we have started back to school & things are going *ahem* well. The first day was pretty rough, and the 2nd day, oh, and the 3rd, but it's a new week, and things have been running much smoother!
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<br />We're 'officially' ending summer break this weekend with our annual trip to Reunion, followed by a few last days in the Smokies! We're all looking forward to the last "HOORAH!!" of summer.
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<br />And, this is weird, but I'm excited to set up boundaries so that we don't get over-scheduled this year. Balance. Isn't that a complex word? LOL
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<br />Anyways, I have a few topics I plan on blogging about soon, a few projects. I know that I am not completely bloggy-hopeless since I still think, "Oh, I should take a picture of [insert craft/idea/activity] so I can blog about it!" LOL
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<br />That's it... I just didn't feel right with my last post having a June date on it!! LOL ;) And, because she is awesome, here is a little eye candy from one of my favorite bloggers, Julie @<a href="http://www.joyshope.com/">Joy's Hope</a>.
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAXEU1SMqh0rIBUQQVjOXmEU9Lue2E9rQsDkhcf2QlzQPidJR1TfrBdEoCXV5HI484u10Mx9sCxpcL7DjU-CL9M-d9vLXgYEAVUmZNLscEHX2U4K1KC_P07foxcuEk88cv3lu95A/s1600/investyourlove+copy.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 332px; height: 415px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAXEU1SMqh0rIBUQQVjOXmEU9Lue2E9rQsDkhcf2QlzQPidJR1TfrBdEoCXV5HI484u10Mx9sCxpcL7DjU-CL9M-d9vLXgYEAVUmZNLscEHX2U4K1KC_P07foxcuEk88cv3lu95A/s320/investyourlove+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647052607514238802" border="0" /></a>
<br /></div>Mandalynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16169573520475565644noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19136595.post-73447791443959989782011-06-21T09:34:00.004-04:002011-06-21T14:36:50.816-04:00"Time to get our summer on!"<strong><span style="">In my life this week…</span></strong><b><span style=""> </span></b><span style="">It has been a BUSY week!! Steve & I have been watching <a href="http://abc.go.com/shows/the-middle/video-detail/featured/the-kids-have-school-trouble/pl_PL5539592/vd_VD55128683">The Middle</a> this year, and the last episode of the seas</span><span style="">on absolutely sums up how I felt the last 2 weeks!! LOL I am happy to report, though, that I am NOW going to buy a tiki torch & “Get my summer on!” LOL</span> <p><strong><span style="">In our homeschool this week… We had our annual assessment this week & everything looks great!</span></strong><strong style="font-weight: normal;"><span style=""> It’s amazing to me all the different things we covered this year, especially using unit studies. I am in love with unit studies! And, the progress we’ve made this year has only made my love grow!! I think I am most in love with <a href="http://www.amandabennett.com/">Amanda Bennett</a>… She.Is.Awesome.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="">I am inspired by… My Dad.</span></strong><strong style="font-weight: normal;"><span style=""> </span></strong><strong style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="">He has been such a great teacher and leader in my life, and I realize with every passing day, every young woman’s testimony who hasn’t had a great relationship with their dad, how awesomely I have been blessed with mine. He has made it so easy to accept my Heavenly Father because of his example & love in my life… Happy Father’s Day!</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="">Places we’re going and people we’re seeing... </span></strong><strong style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="">Last Sunday (NOT Father’s Day) we went to Wegerzyn Gardens for the first time with Daddy (meaning, the kiddos & I have been there, but Steve hasn’t ever been). It was an impromptu trip, and one the kiddos are still talking about! Gotta love that!!</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="">My favorite thing this week was… Friday night was Abbey’s dance recital!</span></strong><strong style="font-weight: normal;"><span style=""> I can’t believe how much she has change</span></strong><strong style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="">d from the cute little Pr</span></strong><strong style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="">e-dancer to the Tap I class I-can-remember-my-whole-routine dancer… Amazing to see the progress! And, she was still so stinkin cute!!</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="">Things I’m working on… </span></strong><strong style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="">I am working on getting my house clean… Keep reading, there's more to this…</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="">I’m reading… </span></strong><strong style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="">I am getting ready to start <a href="http://www.likeawarmcupofcoffee.com/home/">Sarah Mae’s</a> <a href="http://31daystoclean.com/">31 Da</a></span></strong><strong style="font-weight: normal;"><span style=""><a href="http://31daystoclean.com/">ys to Clean; Having a Martha House the Mary Way</a>. I have joined the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#%21/home.php?sk=group_217514591602425">Homeschooling 31 Days group</a> on Facebook for more accountability & encouragement! Ugh, that I even have to join something like this… But, it is what it is…</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="">I’m grateful for… </span></strong><strong style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="">My family, my </span></strong><strong style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="">home, and my bed. I made my daughter do 3 chores today, and because her attitude stunk (where does that come from? *a</span></strong><strong style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="">hem*), I made her tell me 3 things she was thankful for when she was done with the 3 ‘assignments.’ Her 3 were “Family, Friends, and my bed.” I have to agree with her… And, I totally saw the log sticking out of my own eye at this, so I am also thankful for t</span></strong><strong style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="">he things that cause me the most grief. I need to be reminded that these are blessings, not burdens… I have so much when others are happy with much less…</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">A photo, video, link, or quote to share…</span></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1e6DhAfneuLScFX8MTXhqJZIPjYUIdJYBWwFwiklljlUPiTkSXGQfWekqpvLQYAKaAYyqf262udnFBJz0wBp63ZejaIZh1tP06t3qT6ktvXuIRxQbryjckyc8mLX347P0YMdflw/s1600/BestFriendsDance.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 247px; height: 308px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1e6DhAfneuLScFX8MTXhqJZIPjYUIdJYBWwFwiklljlUPiTkSXGQfWekqpvLQYAKaAYyqf262udnFBJz0wBp63ZejaIZh1tP06t3qT6ktvXuIRxQbryjckyc8mLX347P0YMdflw/s320/BestFriendsDance.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620739919429577330" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3Q3g3y4wV4zbbgLE-t7XPtGOpM8epP-CZpPxoqTZyRjLxXPfveVocHv2j3zpOIqV1p19s9Z62jKyERFh9h2WH3cK_1AhgQe6ci-g-dZKX8EL_87gUUFfxtRCFuNWffXAJC1bHA/s1600/ShowMustGoOn.jpg">.</a></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3Q3g3y4wV4zbbgLE-t7XPtGOpM8epP-CZpPxoqTZyRjLxXPfveVocHv2j3zpOIqV1p19s9Z62jKyERFh9h2WH3cK_1AhgQe6ci-g-dZKX8EL_87gUUFfxtRCFuNWffXAJC1bHA/s1600/ShowMustGoOn.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 201px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3Q3g3y4wV4zbbgLE-t7XPtGOpM8epP-CZpPxoqTZyRjLxXPfveVocHv2j3zpOIqV1p19s9Z62jKyERFh9h2WH3cK_1AhgQe6ci-g-dZKX8EL_87gUUFfxtRCFuNWffXAJC1bHA/s320/ShowMustGoOn.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620740470280785842" border="0" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">I am linking up with Hip Homeschool Moms, but since I have used the Homeschool Chick's prompts, there's a link to others there, too... I was just too late to join this time around :)</p><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.hiphomeschoolmoms.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.hiphomeschoolmoms.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/HHH150.png" alt="Hip Homeschool Hop Button" width="150" height="150" /></a><br /><br /><code><a href="http://www.thehomeschoolchick.com/about-the-homeschool-mothers-journal/" title="The Homeschool Mother's Journal"><img src="http://www.thehomeschoolchick.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Summer-Edition.jpg" alt="The Homeschool Mother's Journal" /> </a></code><br /></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong></strong></span>Mandalynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16169573520475565644noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19136595.post-87117128779115314812011-06-04T18:44:00.003-04:002011-06-04T19:12:26.931-04:00Homeschool Home Stretch...<div style="text-align: center;"><code><a href="http://www.thehomeschoolchick.com/about-the-homeschool-mothers-journal/" title="The Homeschool Mother's Journal"><img src="http://www.thehomeschoolchick.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Summer-Edition.jpg" alt="The Homeschool Mother's Journal" /> </a></code><br /><code></code></div><code><br /></code><strong style=""></strong><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">In my life this week…</span>We are in the home stretch!<span style=""> </span>We have our assessment scheduled for next Tuesday the 14<sup>th</sup>… I am trying to keep calm about everything, but I waffle back & forth between “I can DO this!” and “What was I thinking?!?!”<span style=""> </span>Thankfully, I’ve hopped back into my book “Super Homeschool Mom… NOT!” & that has been encouraging & keeping it real for me… Yet, my perfectionism still rears it’s ugly head & that’s what I’m battling.</span></strong><b style=""> </b></p> <p><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">In our homeschool this week…</span> We have pretty much finished our Spring Surprises unit study.<span style=""> </span>That is part of a series of Download N’ Go by Amanda Bennett that we have been doing this year.<span style=""> </span>We started with Autumn Treasures, continued with Winter Wonders, and are almost finished!<span style=""> </span>Explode the Code… almost finished!! One more lesson in 2 ½, and some post-tests, and we’re done!<span style=""> </span>I want her to finish her Map Quest workbook, too, so we can officially wrap things up & “get our summer on!”</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…</span> This week we celebrated Memorial Day with my parents & my Grandma & Uncle. The kiddos got to play in Dad’s sprinkler (Eli called it “Papa’s pool” lol) and we made a trip to the cemetery.</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">My favorite thing this week was…</span> How well the week seemed to go while actually doing school work! HAHA<span style=""> </span>It was a great week & we got a lot accomplished.<span style=""> </span>I am starting to see the fruit of not losing my <s>temper</s> patience, and using a gentle, quiet voice.<span style=""> </span>PLEASE DON’T MISUNDERSTAND!!<span style=""> </span>I do NOT mean that I never <s>yelled</s> raised my voice, but I did notice a difference in my attitude this week.<span style=""> </span>That’s what spending time in the Word will do for a gal!</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">What’s working/not working for us…</span> Setting a no-distraction/no TV/no appointments policy this week, and really & truly devoting an allotted time JUST for school.<span style=""> </span>This sounds like it should happen naturally in a homeschool, but, um, yeah, it doesn’t.<span style=""> </span>Life DOES get in the way, and sometimes the importance of saying, “NO” to these things can get underestimated.<span style=""> </span>Just sayin…</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Questions/thoughts I have…</span> Does anyone know if Math-U-See EVER goes on sale?!?!?! Seriously!!<span style=""> </span>Even ebay is pricey!!<span style=""> </span>Ugh…</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Things I’m working on…</span> Patience…<span style=""> </span></span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Books I’m reading…</span> Super Homeschool Mom… NOT! I LOVE IT... Again, just sayin...<br /></span></strong></p><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--><p style="font-weight: bold;"><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>A photo, video, link, or quote to share…</b></span></strong></p><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”</span><sup style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-29407c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%202&version=NIV#fen-NIV-29407c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]</sup><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Philippians 2: 14-16</span>Mandalynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16169573520475565644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19136595.post-18509760814111512182011-04-27T15:06:00.003-04:002011-04-27T15:24:59.838-04:00Maybe I'm the Last One On the Planet...Okay, so I am a <span style="font-weight: bold;">kitchen gadget junkie</span>. Take me to a Pampered Chef party & I will swear I need <span style="font-style: italic;">everything </span>the consultant is showing! (This explains why I have a food chopper & the cheese grater-thingy, <span style="font-weight: bold;">AND </span>the cool whip dispensing thingy...which (except for the food chopper) I can count on one hand the number of times I have used.)<br /><br />So, the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Kitchen Unlimited</span> store is not a safe place for me. But, we are starting a book called "<span style="font-style: italic;">Learning Responsibility at Home</span>" (or something like that) & I needed some garnishing tools. The<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Big 3</span> (<span style="font-style: italic;">Walmart, Target, & Meijer</span>) didn't have what I needed, and last Saturday I found myself at the new 'outlets' off of I-75 beside Trader's World. (How they can be called 'outlets' with a Saks 5th Ave, I'll never know). Anyways, after Children's Place (the <span style="font-style: italic;">real </span>reason for our stop) Abbey & I decided to take a look around.<br /><br />So, after I found what I was looking for (<span style="font-weight: bold;">Whew!!</span>), I might've bought something that has the potential to gather dust, or be<span style="font-style: italic;"> totally awesome</span>...<br /><br />But I tried it out today. And, I <span style="font-weight: bold;">{HEART}</span> it!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil635i8xztUZh_i50Z7dahkUWXxnSgozuj5cfKMHYS0iIXvaIOHCvJ6jhosfpqnCbdrIg_dJ_LDxMj9-yFz-6OIkgDOK9I-F0WxlWNA65QebEVd8faSnSjBfeFEf-mZDdSH6Cw7g/s1600/100_0625.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil635i8xztUZh_i50Z7dahkUWXxnSgozuj5cfKMHYS0iIXvaIOHCvJ6jhosfpqnCbdrIg_dJ_LDxMj9-yFz-6OIkgDOK9I-F0WxlWNA65QebEVd8faSnSjBfeFEf-mZDdSH6Cw7g/s320/100_0625.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600344945031836482" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">{<span style="font-style: italic;">ignoring the mess on my counter would be appreciated, thanks! LOL</span>}</span><br /></div><br />Basically, you chop the top of your pineapple off, center the "<span style="font-style: italic;">device</span>" over the core, and start twisting. <span style="font-weight: bold;">AMAZING </span>how quick & clean it makes cutting up this pineapple. Can you picture the possibilities with this thing? Using the pineapple shell as a vase, container, <span style="font-weight: bold;">DRINK </span>cup... Seriously cool.<br /><br />But, maybe I'm the last one on the <span style="font-style: italic;">planet </span>to have one...Mandalynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16169573520475565644noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19136595.post-68515926884449784092011-04-26T22:45:00.004-04:002011-04-26T23:06:57.675-04:00Max on Life<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIpQ4KOYsjmgkBSQ3tYvAVCEOeW9Dk825ki9ZwBBfrswegd6d4TGXiJktDL8FQm42-sMy-r4VldBXwanVJapXvXlKnBKq5Y-8TiaUkaUhoDKQ1CY9ANBEynkZZU1NyAy3zZOheig/s1600/_140_245_Book.340.cover.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 140px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIpQ4KOYsjmgkBSQ3tYvAVCEOeW9Dk825ki9ZwBBfrswegd6d4TGXiJktDL8FQm42-sMy-r4VldBXwanVJapXvXlKnBKq5Y-8TiaUkaUhoDKQ1CY9ANBEynkZZU1NyAy3zZOheig/s320/_140_245_Book.340.cover.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600089593725428242" border="0" /></a>Max on Life is a new book written by Max Lucado. He writes this book because of the many questions he has received over the years he has been "America's Pastor." These are not easy questions! The topics range from salvation and becoming a Christian to "Where is hell?" The book is segmented into different topics, and are actually numbered.<br /><br />I was worried when I first read the title of this book. It sounded a bit self-absorbed, but once I started reading the book I remembered who I was judging! Don't let the title fool you. This is not a book all about Max's wisdom! He definitely points to the One with All Wisdom, and he shares the wisdom he's gained with grace and love.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I wasn't sure I would love the layout of the book, but as the Mom of young children I found it an asset! As I mentioned before, all the questions are grouped together according to content, and numbered. The answers are also short & not chapter-length. The answers are delivered with love and grace, as well as short and to the point. Very easy to pick up and read through, or, as I had to do, put down for a bit until the next moment I could snatch some time to read!<br /><br />I can definitely say that I have found comfort and peace because of the answers I have personally struggled to answer. I loved the scripture references, because they showed me that Max didn't "pull the answers out of a hat!" I would absolutely recommend this book for everyone. It would make a great witnessing tool, also, and a good gift for someone struggling for answers.<br /><br />*As a note, I received this book free in exchange for my review.<br /></div>Mandalynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16169573520475565644noreply@blogger.com0