Train Up Tuesday: Summer Kick-Off!

Hey gals!

Well, although it isn't "officially" summer, I'm sure most of you have children who are out for the summer (or at least will be within the next 2 weeks?). Even though summertime holds some of my favorite moments, I know that it can be easy to fall into a summertime "rut" this day and age. (Is it just me or does it seem like kids have more "to do" and play with than ever, yet STILL manage to get "bored"?)

Hopefully, we'll be able to provide some ideas as well as specific activities to help bring a smile each week :)

This week, think about enjoying what's out your window (an idea I swiped from "Large Family Logistics"). Seriously, take a moment with your child(ren) and look out a window (i.e. his bedroom window, a living room window, or wherever you most often look out). Ask your child what they see, what they like seeing, and then how they think they could make it more beautiful. Maybe they like the flowers in a neighbors yard. Perhaps you could plant some annuals around the tree he sees through his favorite window. Maybe she has a favorite tree she likes to sit under. Perhaps you could work on building a swing for the tree.

At our home, we've really enjoyed watching the birds fly into our yard and peck at the birdseed cakes. My boys and I had a great time recently, making a wonderful gift for our fine feathered friends. We combined a couple of really great ideas: The Perfect Pinecone and a Bird Nest Helper. Honestly, it's not that I'm THAT creative...I'm just a resourceful idea thief (and shameless at that). We had received a bird feeder kit as a birthday gift that contained the peanut butter, the seeds, and instead of a pinecone, a grapevine ball. So, with thanks to all the idea givers ;-), here we go:

First you need scraps of fabric, string, and such...

Cram the grapevine ball with your helpful nesting scraps

Next, get your jar of peanut butter (we were lucky to have received the really good Whipped stuff)...

He ESPECIALLY thought it was the good stuff ;-)

Fortunately, most of the peanut butter made it onto the ball!

Next, you'll need some birdseed

Now, enjoy sprinkling the ball, rolling it around in the birdseed

Finally you can hang it on a favorite tree and enjoy the "visitors"

Honestly, we are still waiting to see our feathery friends. I find that it usually takes them a couple of weeks to warm up to the notion of whatever birdseed we put out. Odd?

So, what ideas can you and your kids come up with for changing what you see out the window of your home? Be creative! What about those of you who live in 2nd story apartments or have some other "limitations"? I'd love to hear your ideas!

Have a happy week,
Ashlie

Marvelous MEMORIAL MonDAY: Honoring the Honorable!

Dear Military Wives,

As our country honors your spouses today, in RWAV fashion, we want to honor YOU and your sacrifice!

Thank you for all of the heart wrenching goodbyes you have said on behalf of our freedom.

 Thank you for all of the exhilirating "welome homes" that you took the time to make extra special for your men on behalf of our freedom.

Thank you for enduring the unknowns, the unbearable, the gut wrenching pain, great loss and grief--for wives like us and our families that you don't even know--on behalf of our freedom.

Today, we honor YOU among the honorable. Your men couldn't do it without you--and neither could we OR our country. God bless you, precious women! We salute you.

Stay at Home Saturday: Memorial Day Savory Smackerels

So...we've been doing a "get outta yo suppatime rut" series but we're gonna take a little break for some  Memorial Day weekend celebration inspiration. Here are some quick, go to, easy concoctions that definitely have a "wow" factor and won't be anything but crowd pleasers...or at least conversation pieces!

Patriotic Appetizer

For the Caprese lovers in your group, the first tray is blue corn chips, sliced tomatoes, and mozarella cubes topped w/ mozarella cheese cut into stars. The other tray is black olives, cherry tomatoes and balls of fresh mozarella. Remember--it's alllllll in the presentation!

Patriotic Side/Entree

Believe it or not, this patriotic persuasion comes from the Mexican side of the spectrum--Taco Salad! Click here for this Taste of Home specialty.



Patriotic Dessert
Ingredients:
•20 ice cream sandwiches (regular, strawberry or neopolitan)
•1 12 oz. jar hot fudge sauce
•1 8 oz. container frozen whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed
•red, white and blue sprinkles

Preparation:
1.Cut one ice cream sandwich in half. Place one whole ice cream sandwich and one half of an ice cream sandwich side by side across the short end of a 9 x 13 pan.
2.Next to those ice cream sandwiches, arrange 8 more ice cream sandwiches lengthwise, to cover the bottom of the pan.
3.Place hot fudge sauce in a microwave-safe container. Heat on high for 30 seconds. Spread half of the sauce over the ice cream sandwiches.
4.Top with half of the whipped topping.
5.Repeat layers: ice cream sandwiches, hot fudge sauce and whipped topping.
6.Freeze, uncovered 2 hours. Cover with foil and freeze another hour.
Makes 24-36 servings.

Wanna add some flair to the top? Get some bluberries and strawberries OR raspberries and bring out the inner patriot in you!

We would LOVE to hear your ideas and see pictures of your patriotic creations so PLEASE send them to roofwithaview at gmail dot com!!!!! We will share your ideas as July 4th ideas for our fellow sisters. :)

Free-for-all Friday: Road Trip Survival 101

Yesterday was my childs...

It's officially SUMMAHTIME (at least, for us). It's also a LONG weekend and there was no better way to kick it off than sitting down last night for BLT's after a day in the HOT sun topped off with a Bruester's Ice Cream celebration. Just the beginning of barefeet, smell of fresh cut grass, sound of kids playing outside, bounty of produce from the garden, days at the pool, road trips..... Love me some summer in the South!


Speaking of road trips, many of you are probably headed out somewhere for the weekend. If not this weekend, I've heard of lots of people hittin the beach as soon as their own school gets out. You don't wanna forget Angela's road trip survival kit for your sweet lil car riders!

When my boys were 3 and 6 months, we took a car trip to visit family and it was a nightmare! An 8 hour trip took 10. There was screaming, throwing, spills, and when we arrived to our destination, I was worn out, had a pain in my neck and I wanted to run away and scream! I didn't have a plan. My boys are now 6 yrs and 3 yrs old. Car trips are still a challenge, but they are much better because we have a PLAN! 

Our family has several big trips this summer. Lots of weddings and visiting family. A few of them are 8 hours or more. I love the dvd player in the car, but I really don't want my kids watching non-stop dvd's the entire time. Not that there is anything wrong with it, but they get cranky after all that tv. My HUSBAND came up with this clever little idea for my boys for the car. It's BRILLIANT! (Man, I really wish I had come up with it.) But, I decorated them. Yep, eh! :)

1. Travel Tubs:
Each of my boys have their very own tub. I drew some of their favorite themes on the tops. I took them to each of their rooms and let them pick a few toys and I put some inexpensive NEW surprises in there too. Yes, that is a PEOPLE magazine of Zack and Cody in Will's box. He loves that show. There are some activity books, a new box of crayons (Crayola $1.14 at Wal-mart), action figures, etc. I didn't let them open their boxes until after they ate their breakfast in the car. The anticipation made it more fun!

2. A CAR SCHEDULE!!!

Yes, I wrote out a schedule. My sister n law gave me this idea. This helped me SO MUCH on a recent trip. I found my boys asking me..."Mom, what's next on our list?" When I gave them allotted time for an activity, they were much more likely to finish it and not get bored. And, bonus, we didn't have the dvd players on all day. 

3. Honest Kids Juice
I'm a huge fan of these juice drinks. They are 100% natural, and VERY LOW IN SUGAR! They are high in antioxidants and have fruits like pomegranate. These 2 things do not go together: being cooped up in a car and sugar. They do not mix! These handy fruit drinks keep my kids hydrated and we don't spend the extra money on drinks through the drive thru's.

Be safe in your travels this summer! Happy Trails!

Love, Angela

Train Up Tuesday: The REAL Students in Homeschool...

I hope you've enjoyed reading encouraging words from Becky Seamon of the blog "High Heels at His Feet" this month. It's been a real treat to have her insight on the adventures of homeschooling. The following is part 3 of a series she has written.

What I Have Learned From 17 Years of Homeschooling Part 3

“Lessons for Mom”

Not only have I learned that I can only home school through His strength by bathing each step in prayer, but I have learned that character trumps book learning in preparation for life and service to God.

It is a comforting truth that the greatest lessons are not ones that come from a text book. I believe the deepest traits my children will use in this world have been lessons of character. Don’t get me wrong, we use curriculum from cover to cover. We have a daily schedule and lesson plans. I take this responsibility very seriously. However, Godly character will carry one through the difficult places of learning and life.

With a concept of honesty, one will do his “best as unto the Lord.” With determination, one can continue until there is completion.

Through character traits combined with the Lord as one’s guide, our children will be prepared for life. I have witnessed home-scholars that not only survive in this world but thrive. I believe this is because Godly character traits were taught through home educating.

I have also learned that siblings can be best of friends. My children have grown to deeply love and respect each other.

My 14 year old states that his brother is his best friend. They are very close. They have been known to complete each others' sentences while sleeping.

I recall when one of our sons volunteered to take the punishment of his brother. Tears ran down my face as he endured his brother’s spanking. Through my son’s wisdom, his brother’s hardened heart melted. It was a turning point of submission to authority.

I have seen an older sister care and tend to younger siblings with the sweetest of compassion.

This bond has been formed one step at a time from hours, days, years together at home through their childhood. They were not separated by age and classroom. They played together, learned together, and worked together. They created memories together. It has developed a bond that has not been easily broken.

I have also learned that teenage years can be the best of times. It does not have to be a rebellious stage. We have enjoyed our children at every period of life. I am not saying that we have enjoyed every moment. Parenting has been the hardest yet most rewarding journey I have ever traveled. Yet, there is a state of completion when your children move from the parent/child relationship into a friend relationship. Having young adults that respect and love their parents is an inexplicable joy.

“Treasured Moments”

In closing let me add, if I could do one thing over, it would be to relax and take pleasure in each moment. Truly, I would love to go back in time for just one afternoon. Instead of focusing “to get it all done,” I would take the afternoon and just play with my children…a game, a walk, even to just sit with my little one and hold him tight. The moments pass quickly and each day is to be treasured.

Today is a special treasure as well. My children are living proof that an ordinary, inadequate mom can teach her children. Our oldest child graduated from Liberty University [this May] with a psychology major. Our oldest son has completed his first year at college. I still have two eager boys learning at home. I never dreamed it possible 17 years ago. I only mention this as encouragement to you. By God’s grace, it can be done and it can be done well. Don’t quit in this journey my sweet sister. From one home school mom to another, it is worth it. Your efforts will pay off. Your little ones will grow up and thrive in this world. And you may discover that your children are not the only ones being “schooled” in your home.

Thanks again, Becky for your real life observations!

Sisters, come back next week! School is O-U-T for the summer, so I KNOW you need some good ideas to help "entertain the kiddos" ;-)

Blessings,
Ashlie

Harris Teeter Triples and End of Year Gift

Thought I would share this fun gift I put together for my teachers. This week is triples and you can see that I got this candy and cookies for under $2.00 total. I found these cute bags on clearance from $12 to $3. I had the cards, pictures, and tissue paper. The card says "Have a SWEET summer". This is a cute gift for $5. I am thinking that if you would like to copy check your dollar store for fun summer containers and even get the candy there if you do not coupon!

Love,
Imogene

Women of the Roof: Live online broadcast today!

Be sure to tune in at 11 am EST today to Grace Cafe for a live interview with on of our guest posters, Melanie, and Wednesday in the Word's Glenda. It's an interesting topic from which we can all benefit! There will be a live chat so you can ask any questions or give any feedback as the program is rolling. See you there!

Listen to internet radio with CWA Radio on Blog Talk Radio

Melanie Dorsey and Glenda Parrish have both suffered the the loss of a child. They both were surprised by the added grief brought on by the responses of others regarding their loss and grief process.

It takes a courageous person to figure out how to "be" around a friend who has suffered such a loss as loss of a child. Come join us. Learn to "be" that person.

Marvelous Monday: A Savory Smackerel~No mo suppah rut Part 3!

Some days, quick, go-to, easy, tried and true recipes are the ticket to dinnertime sanity. As I mentioned here, it seems many of my fav sisters had the same problemo- a recipe rut. So the recipe sharing began. Thanks to them, you can get outta your suppahtime rut, too, because we're sharing them with you!

Tonight, we're having the Coconut Milk Curry Chicken! Last night, we had another EASY PEASY that my friend, Mindi, shared. There are two GOLDEN NUGGETS that you can put to use to make her tip extra easy and yum.

1. Remember this chicken tip? Use that moist (sorry, don't like that word), flavor filled frozen chicken to save time. OR you can even use rotisserie chicken, too.

2. Trader Joe's and our local chain, Harris Teeter...oh and we've even gotten it at Publix at the beach, too!...have balls of white and/or whole wheat pizza dough already prepared and all you have to do is spread it on a pizza pan. It's only like 1.99 and SO good. I usually find it in the deli area by the deli cheese and meats, pre-made subs and take and bake pizzas.

That being said, here's Mindi's GREAT go-to dinner tip to get you outta a supper rut. My hubs told me I should patent it last night he likeyed so much. Thanks, Mindi! ;)

Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza
For homemade pizza (and using frozen shredded chicken) I love to make BBQ chicken pizza.  I keep bacon in the freezer and just cut into bits and fry them.  Use some of the leftover grease to caramelize red onions.  Spread BBQ sauce on the pizza crust, top with shredded mozzarella or mont jack cheese, shredded chicken, onions and bacon bits.  Sooo yum.  It's one of our favorite homemade pizzas.  Not sure if this will go over well for the kids.  I usually make two pizzas.  One with pepperoni or just cheese and one BBQ chicken.

Happy Monday! Have a marvelous one.

Thrifty Thursday: ...and MORE Homemade Cleaning!

We had a great response to our first homemade cleaning resource here and brief sequel here .  Here's a little more natural cleaning wonder for you!

This weekend I witnessed a miracle before my very own eyes! There is a house that I visit frequently that happens to have skylights. Unfortunately, those skylights happen to leak when there are heavy rains and we happened to have heavy rains this past weekend. The homeowner has a couple of carpet stains where these leaks occur and has tried EVERYTHING...Resolve, Bissell steam cleaner, Professional carpet cleaners. The stains fade but never go away. On a whim, the homeowner conjured up a little natural wonder figuring there was nothing to lose. Um. You won't believe it but the stains DISAPPEARED! It was a miracle. I wish I had before and after pictures.

Have any stubborn carpet stains? Don't give up and definitely don't spend a fortune. Give this thrifty, environmentally friendly, natural concoction a whirl. I've witnessed firsthand. I really, really works.

Homemade Carpet Cleaning for the Impossible Stains

• Use water to start. A spray bottle gives you more control, so you can apply water carefully without spreading the stain. Spray, let it soak in for a moment or two, and blot it with a clean white cotton cloth or plain white paper towels. Repeat this process until you no longer see dirt transferring to the cloth. That may be enough to get it all, but if not, on to the the next step...
• Mix about 1/8 teaspoon of Dawn or Joy dish washing detergent into two cups of warm water. Apply this (that spray bottle works well.otherwise be careful and use your finger tips) to the spot and work it in very gently (no heavy rubbing or you might damage the fibers). Blot the spot with a clean cloth or paper towels and repeat the process until you see no more stain transfer on the cloth.
• Rinse the area repeatedly with plain water, removing it between applications using a wet/dry vacuum cleaner or by blotting it up with a cloth.
• Dry the spot quickly with a fan blowing on it. Fast drying prevents any dirt that is lower down in the fibers from migrating up to the top where it would be visible.
• If that procedure is not enough, you can try removing dirt stains using 3% hydrogen peroxide. Apply it with the corner of a cloth or with cotton swabs. Let this stay on the fibers for an hour. Blot it. Rinse.

Try it and let us know! Happy Thursday. Have a Thrifty one!

Wednesday in the Word: Hide and Seek

Our church has been concentrating on prayer for the past few weeks....it's importance, it's power, just DOing it in general! It's really been wonderful and ministered to my soul. I've realized we have TONS of golden nuggets right here on the Roof about PRAYER! So, we'll be digging those up and chewing on them again. They are too good not to bring back to the forefronts of our minds. Last week's  reminder was from Colossians on praying about every opportunity. This week is out of Psalms and it is beautifully comforting just to know THE safest place to hide and that we can talk to our Counselor, Comforter, Protector just as we talk to our best friends~only better and safer!  -HPS

A friend sent me this video of a beautiful song of worship. I have listened to it at least fifty times. It is a rare song that captures your heart and takes you away to what seems like a safe place. The song, The More I seek You sung by Kari Jobe, talks about how the more we seek the Lord, the more we find Him...the more desire we have to just rest back against Him...to hear His heart beat.

Today people everywhere are looking for safety and comfort.

The Bible says in Psalm 32:6-8:

Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.
 From the rooftop:

You have a safe Hiding Place: His name is Jesus.

You have the ability to seek the One that provides safety. Talk to Him.

He can be found. Talk to Him.

He will instruct you and teach you what to say and which way to go. Talk to Him.

He will counsel you. Talk to Him.

He will watch over you. PRAISE Him.

If you are at a point in your life that you need to experience a safe,comforting place. Talk to JESUS. He is your hiding place and will provide you with a peace that no man can manufacture. May we all remember to talk to Him and seek His hiding place before we go anywhere or to anyone else.

God Bless You.

Love,
Glenda

Train Up Tuesday: Encouragement from a Pro for When Homeschooling Gets Tough

Last week, I introduced you to Becky Seamon, a homeschooling mom of 4 who has been doing it for 17 years! She has more encouragement for you today! Please enjoy:

What I Have Learned from 17 Years of Homeschooling Part 2

“When It Got Tough”

I must admit, I was passionate my first several years of homeschooling. There was a stimulation of learning within my oldest two that was exciting. We rose to the occasion. But I would be less than honest, if I did not tell you that as more children came along, different grade levels needed to be taught with a toddler pulling on me, and a baby crying, I began to watch the “air of excitement” seep out of our learning adventures. Just to get through the day, I needed fifteen hands and patience of mother Teresa and I had neither. I can remember moments when I would throw my arms in the air and threaten to enroll my children in the public school and daycare by noon that very day. I felt I was “ruining” our children. I was weak. I was tired. I was drained. I wanted to turn in my resignation.

I sat at my sticky kitchen table and told the Lord I could not do this any longer. As I told Him “I quit,” He whispered gently, “Though you are weak, I am strong.” I poured my questions, fears, and uneasiness into prayers. I was reminded, “He who began a good work in me would complete it.” I began to intentionally seek Him. I began to act on His guidance. I started praying through virtually every aspect of homeschooling. I saw direction as I prayed. I realized I must seek understanding from the One who knows the beginning and the end. This new depth in my prayer life became an on-going habit through the following years of teaching my children. I have prayed over curriculum, teaching methods, clarification in specific topics and even laid hands on my computer asking God for mercy to operate modern day equipment…Honest. He has given the direction needed in each step of the journey. He has placed others in my path that could answer my questions. He has provided co-op classes to teach the High School subjects I felt inadequate to present. He provided friends to care for my children on days I felt overwhelmed. He has proven that He is able, when I am not. He taught me that He gives wisdom and strength when I ask Him. James 1:5 states, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without fault, and it will be given to him.” It has been a journey of not only re-learning from textbooks as I train my children, but gaining wisdom from my Lord as I seek Him.

Come back next week for part 3! In the meantime, you can check out Becky's blog, too!

Blessings,
Ashlie

Marvelous Monday: A Savory Smackerel~No mo suppah rut Part 2!

Life has been CRAZY! Doesnt it seems that's always how May is? That's when quick,go-to, easy, tried and true recipes are the ticket to dinnertime sanity. As I mentioned last Saturday, it seems many of my fav sisters had the same problemo- a recipe rut. So the recipe sharing began. Thanks to them, you can get outta your suppahtime rut, too, because we're sharing them with you!

Here's the second recipe that caught my eye. I've tried various Sloppy Joe recipes. Some hits. Some flops. This one looks like a hit to me. Mandi B. says:

I have the same problem. A rotation of about four or five things. Here is one of our favorites...

Homemade Sloppy Joes

1 lb of ground turkey (beef) works too.
1 can of tomato sauce
1 sweet potato/yam
onion
garlic
worschester sauce
chicken/beef broth
brown sugar

Skin the sweet potato and cut it up.
Boil it till soft and mash-add brown sugar as desired
(set aside)

Brown the meat with chopped onion and minced/chopped garlic.
Add worschester sauce and splash of broth.
Once brown add tomato sauce and mashed sweet potato.

We eat the on toasted hamburger buns. My sons like it with Ranch and I like it with hot sauce.

Enjoy and have a MARVELOUS Monday!

Thrifty Thursday: SavvyCents Discount!

You may remember the SavvyCents Debt Free wallet introduced here and our great giveaway of one here. Sweet Melinda, the designer and owner of SavvyCents, emailed me yesterday with a special 15% discount code she thought the ladies of the Roof may like to take advantage of for either teacher appreciation or end of the year teacher gifts. Isn't she so thoughtful?!?!

Details:

• This code is specifically for her red wallet.
• It starts today and ends on May 18th so spread the word!
• Coupon Code:  1305141870

If you're interested, just scoot on over here to check out SavvyCents and here to place your order for one, two or maybe even three (depending on how many chill'uns and teachers you have) red wallets! This wallet is already only a budget friendly 26.00 fully priced so with your special discount it will only be 22.10. Not too shabby for a cuuuuute, stylish (and useful) wallet.

Thank you, Melinda!

Wednesday in the Word (belated)

I wanted to post yesterday but we had a BAD storm in the middle of the night and my computer has been giving me fits ever since. I do apologize for the delay! Anywho....


Our church has been concentrating on prayer for the past few weeks....it's importance, it's power, just DOing it in general! It's really been wonderful and ministered to my soul. I've realized we have TONS of golden nuggets right here on the Roof about PRAYER! So, we'll be digging those up and chewing on them again. They are too good not to bring back to the forefronts of our minds. I thought this was a good place to start (reposted from January 2010).

My mother used to say, "make the most of every opportunity." I am not sure she knew she was quoting scripture but if you look in Colossians chapter 4 you will see it right there.........."make the most of every opportunity."

Early in my life I squandered a lot of opportunities. I am not sure if it was lack of motivation or ignorance or both but as I have became older and grown in my relationship with the Lord. I desire to make the most of every opportunity.

Here is the whole verse:

2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone Colossians 4:2-6

If we look at this verse we see clearly the key elements of making the most of every opportunity.

From the rooftop:

The first key is to pray about everything, be devoted to prayer.


The second is to watch for opportunities.


The third is to be thankful when opportunities come our way.


The fourth is to show people God's love and to proclaim Jesus Christ to them.


The fifth is to conduct ourselves with delightful conversation and as gracious people that know a gracious God.

How many times do opportunities come across our path and we see them as burdens and miss a blessing in our life. Recently, I have been so struck by the videos of the chaplains from the Billy Graham Association and Samaritan's Purse making the most of the opportunity as they help so many in Haiti. Maybe someone is sick living next door to you, there is an opportunity. All the little people and the husband that may reside in your home are opportunities. Point is we don't have to look far to seize the opportunities that God wants us to make the most of. I am praying that we all respond to the daily opportunities that we are given.

I love you,

Glenda

Train Up Tuesday: Encouragement from a "Pro"

I hope you all had a lovely Mother's Day. I love learning from moms of all backgrounds. And I love the path God has me on with homeschooling and the encouragement I've been receiving. One lady in particular is an inspiration to me. Becky Seamon is not only the wife of our church's associate pastor, but also an encouragement to women in so many areas of life.

Recently, I posted a series of "homeschool" themed articles. I know that my limited "first year" perspective may seem skewed, so I wanted to bring you thoughts through a different view, another lens...someone who has been doing it well, for a while. Hope you enjoy!

What I Have Learned from Seventeen Years of Homeschooling

“Beginning Steps”

I remember very clearly twenty-two years ago when my husband walked through the doors of our little apartment from a full day of attending classes at Mid-America Seminary and handed me a stack of papers. He then stated, “We had a guest speaker visit our school today. He spoke on homeschooling. I brought you some information. I think we should consider this.” I sharply replied, “I will never home-school our children. Homeschoolers are weird,” as I shoved the papers across the coffee table in his direction. Because my husband is a wise man he simply responded with, “Well, just pray about it.” I thought to myself, you pray about it, I don’t need to.

He must have prayed pretty hard for when it came time to enroll our daughter in Kindergarten there was uneasiness in my spirit. I had an educational background and decided I could at least handle Kindergarten. Then we would reevaluate. That year I did the research…I learned that academically home educated students scored off the charts on their standardize test. I observed that with the individualized instruction a child receives through homeschooling, lessons can be customized to the learning style of the child. I found hundreds of curriculum designed for home educators. I witnessed an over whelming amount of children who had a love for learning and knew how to think for themselves. They could research answers and apply knowledge. But what convinced me the most was the living testimony of the families I “ran into” that year. The children were well behaved with an amazing respect towards adults. Most had a love for the Lord and lived their convictions. Contrary to my former assumption, they were not lacking social skills but could relate to others of all ages. They were not home bound but busy in the community with projects, clubs, co-op groups, fieldtrips, church events and sports. Their homes were crazy with activity yet homes filled with peace. Needless to say, I was hooked. That first step has turned into many small steps; steps that turned into a journey of seventeen years….a journey of one math problem at a time, one science project at a time, one day at a time.
Yet, a path that created curiosity within the minds one little girl and three rambunctious boys as they observed…

• Quail hatching under an incubator in my living room
• A hamster loose in my house for days…did I mention that it was loose for days???!!!
• Finger paint on my chairs
• Chicken bones soaking in vinegar
• A cow tongue on the kitchen counter
• Seeds planted in plastic cups sitting on the window sill
• Eyeballs for dissecting
• Bird houses constructed
• Stacks of textbooks on my kitchen table
• Laptops humming
• A science experiment that went wrong and caught on fire
• Book reading on the front porch swing

Has it been easy? No. Has it been rewarding for my family? Absolutely. Would I do it over? Without a doubt. Was my husband right on this? I plea the fifth. :)


Come back next week for more inspiration from this sweet woman of God. To learn more about Becky Seamon, PLEASE check out her wonderful blog: "high heels at His feet"!

Much love,
Ashlie

Marvelous Monday: In the morning when I rise....

OK. I have a confession. I am not a morning person AT ALL. I try to spend time in the Word every day but first thing in the morning is not always when it happens. My devotion time is something I have tried not to be legalistic about~trying to preserve that it happens out of  "desire" rather than routine or structure. However, I have greatly noticed a difference in my days when I do try to have it in the morning rather than squeezing it in my day.

I've heard Anne Graham Lotz share many times over the years how she remembers her mom, Ruth Bell's, light being on in her "prayer room" every morning when Anne awoke and every evening when she went to bed. I'll admit it convicts me when I wonder if that's what my children will recall...or my spells of worry matched with my time on the computer/IPhone and the tube.

Awhile back my friend Aundrea, aka Zerbert Baby, sent an email with this link of a blog post that discusses the example of mom's reading their Bible.One of my favorite parts of the post is the encouragement to moms that feel as if they've failed at doing so. It says:

Your example makes a difference--but if you feel like you have failed as an example, take heart. If you have fears for your children's souls, fears that they will not come to be satisfied in Jesus, let your heart take courage. Remember the promises of our Lord:


"I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten" (Joel 2:25) and "The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad. Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like streams in the Negeb! Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him." (Psalm 126:3-6)

Our own Ashlie has encouraged on designating this time somewhere in the day providing great suggestions here and here.

Wednesday in the Word's Glenda has touched on this several times also. On Wednesday, we are going to be bringing those golden nuggets out of the archives-particularly on the topic of PRAYER (another key component to spending time w/ the Lord).

All of this to say, I have felt the Lord impressing the time "6 AM" on my heart. I've tried to shake it for weeks and it ain't going away. Guess it's time I best listen up! I know this isn't early for many of you but it IS for me. Guess I best be shifting my mindset of it as an "ungodly hour" to godly. My Mother's Day resolution-get my buns outta bed at 6 AM, crack that spine and get on my knees till the house starts a stirrin'. I'm praying for the desire, strength, and AWAKEness. Does anyone feel led in the same direction? By no means, any pressure . It's just always encouraging to hear stories about how the Lord blesses our steps of obedience~big and small.

Have a marvelous Monday!
-Hannah

Stay at Home Saturday: Get outta your Suppahtime Rut!

One week. Two separate groups of friends. Two separate emails. Same cry for help.

First email went a little something like this:
If you have a meal plan for the week, would you mind sharing it with us all?...I am stuck!  What are you making/serving this week?  I need inspiration and ideas!


...and the second one:
hey girls...
looking for a little motivation to getting back to cooking dinner on a more regular basis...seems lately im tired of fixing the same stuff over and over and can't come up with new ideas. i know yall are all busy but if you have a second will you send me your favorite (easy) 'go-to' dinner idea/recipe? just something that you tend to fix often because family likes it and its easy. im hoping this will get me in the mood to cook! im sure {hubs} is hoping too :-) thanks!


Between these two groups of friends and two emails, let me just say that I received quite a collection of great ideas....and YOU are going to benefit! I'm in the process of compiling them all together and will share the ideas with you over a period of time. Meanwhile, we'd love for you to also share your helpful tidbits so we can add them to the collection while we're at it.


For today, I'm going to share one recipe that immediately grabbed my attention because it's different from my usual repertoire. It peaks my interest and I can't wait to try it! Better yet, it's for the crockpot. How I love those crockpot recipes! Thank you, Caroline L....


Curry Chicken with brown rice

• Stick chicken breasts in the crock. 
• Add 2 cans of light coconut milk, 1 can chopped green chilis, dice a small onion, a heaping TBS of Curry powder.
• Let is cook all afternoon.
• Serve over rice.
• Can add veggies but my crowd likes their veggies straight up. 

Thrifty Thursday: Moms eat free!

If you need to keep it easy on the wallet and are at a loss where to head for Mother's Day festivities, here are 10 Mother's Day Freebies -- where moms eat FREE!

1. Boston Market - Free Dessert: Every mom gets a FREE family-size dessert -- apple pie, chocolate cake, etc.! -- with a purchase of any family meal from May 6-8. Download the coupon to receive the offer.

2. Champps Americana - $10 Off: Moms get $10 OFF with any $25 purchase from May 6-8 at participating Champps Americana, located in 20 states.

3. Denny's - Free Sundae: Send mom (or yourself, if you're a mom) a free Mother’s Day eCard through Denny’s Facebook page (you have to "Like" them first), and get a coupon for FREE Pancake Puppies Sundae on Mother's Day.

4. Fleming's Prime Steakhouse - $25 Gift Card: The steakhouse and wine bar is offering a FREE $25 dining card for a future dining purchase through 6/12/11 when you treat mom to brunch or dinner on Mother's Day. On May 8, Fleming’s brunch menu will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations strongly recommended.

5. IKEA - Free Breakfast: This Mother's Day, visit the IKEA restaurant before 11 a.m. and enjoy a FREE breakfast of fluffy scrambled eggs served with a side of hash browns, scrumptious bacon, plus a hot cup of coffee, all for FREE! And then go shopping! Offer valid Sunday, May 8, 2011.

6. Restaurant.com - 80% Gift Certificate Discount: Restaurant.com is offering 80% off $25 gift certificates. Get a $25 gift certificate for just $3 to use at any of their 18,000 restaurants nationwide. What a deal! Use the coupon code "BONUS" at checkout.

7. Ruby Tuesday’s - Free Red Velvet Cupcake: Visit on Mother's Day and Mom gets a FREE gourmet cupcake! Yummy! Reservations are strongly suggested.

8. Souper Salad - Free Buffet: Print this coupon and get a FREE buffet with purchase of an adult lunch or dinner buffet. Valid Sunday, May 8 only at participating locations.

9. Starbucks - Half-Price Frappuccino: Moms (and anyone else) can score HALF-OFF frappuccinos at your neighborhood Starbucks location between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. May 6-15. No coupon necessary.

10. TCBY - Free Yogurt: For the fourth year in a row, TCBY will offer FREE frozen yogurt to moms on Mother’s Day. Moms will have the choice of their favorite flavors, such as White Chocolate Mousse, Watermelon Sorbet, or Strawberry.

How are you planning to celebrate? Please do tell if you know of any other great deals so the ladies of the Roof can take full advantage!

Train Up Tuesday: "Large Family" Book Winner Announced!

Good morning, friends! As promised, we are announcing the "Large Family Logistics" book winner today!

Each person was given one entry (even if they posted more than once) ;-)

Our winner is:
Rain, who said:

Just found your blog! Can't wait to spend more time here. I just had my 6th and would love this book! My best piece of advice- take time to nurture your marriage.

Congratulations, Rain! We hope you do indeed spend more time on the Roof and I surely believe you will GREATLY benefit from this book, too! Looks like God knew you needed this (with having a 6th) ;-) Rain, please email me at ahugmiller@hotmail.com with your full name and mailing address and I'll get this out to you asap!

Have a blessed day and a WONDERFUL Mother's Day, everyone!
-Ashlie

Marvelous Monday: The Perfect Pinecone

I have a 4 year old who loves to bring me treasures from the yard; a cool leaf, a random rock, a lady bug - you name it. A recent treasure was 'the perfect pinecone' and he was ever so proud of it. I had it on display in the kitchen for about two weeks.

Spring Break was last week for our Preschool and I tried to have something special for my boys to do each day...the library, a play date, lunch with grandma etc. It was a great week and I thought I was home free until someone reminded me that there was no school on Easter Monday. Clearly I was so on top of things as a mom that I knew this? Oh boy. This one blew completely past me and I needed something special for today as well. "The Perfect Pinecone" to the rescue!

After lunch and my youngest had been put down for a nap, my four year old and I set out to make a fun, inexpensive craft involving a pinecone, some peanut butter and some birdseed.

I put about 1/4 of a cup of peanut butter on a plate and gave him a butter knife to spread it all over the pinecone. He LOVED it. It was messy and cool and he had my undivided attention.



After the peanut butter, he got to sprinkle birdseed all over the pinecone.



Next...oh one would think you'd rush right out and tie it to a tree but I used my mom skills for nap leverage! If he took a really good nap, we'd hang it on the tree when he woke up. My plan worked beautifully and we have a pinecone hanging from a tree in our front yard. It's masked well by the leaves and flowers and was a fun project for the two of us.



I hope your Spring Breaks were fabulous - I'm always up for fun suggestions of things to do if you have any to share!  Happy Monday. Have a Marvelous one!

Be blessed!
CC