Train Up Tuesday: THE Greatest Love of All

There has been so much to say about Ms. Whitney Houston's death. Much of it reflects sadness not only on how many of us presume she passed, but also over how she chose to live much of her life. She provided so many "anthems" that are considered the "gold standard" in music now. Unfortunately, between the lines of her songs and her life is clearly marked sadness and loneliness unsuccessfully veiled with false self-confidence. And even more unfortunately, these songs really are anthems for this generation.

Consider today "The Greatest Love of All", it speaks of how children today need to be taught well and led, how in her own search for a "hero", she found no one to meet her needs and found loneliness as a result. In attempt to take care of herself, she looked to herself to find that the "greatest love" is "learning to love yourself". Sadly, in the end, she learned that this was not enough after all.

Is this enough for our children? Looking to themselves for their safety, love, acceptance? There HAS to be more that we can teach them! Well, I have GREAT news, WE CAN teach them and show them a better way!

Do you know THE Greatest Love of all? Of course, I'm talking about Christ, primarily. But there is something more I want to share. If you are married, it is your marriage relationship. Read Ephesians 5:22-29 for full context, but read this quote by John Piper:

The main meaning of marriage is to display the covenant-keeping love between Christ and his church. In other words, marriage was designed by God most deeply, most importantly, to be a parable or a drama of the way Christ loves his church and the way the church loves and follows Christ. This is the most important thing for all husbands and wives to know about the meaning of their marriage.

"Marriage Is Meant for Making Children...Disciples of Jesus, Part 1." (Sermon delivered on June 10, 2007).

I came across this during our youth group's Sunday night gatherings. We are using a resource from "Children Desiring God."

Teaching our children to love, value, and respect the marriage covenant IS the way we can teach them and lead them in the greatest love of all and in leading others towards that. Are you valuing that relationship? Are you doing everything to protect it and honor it, to make it of primary importance to your family? Are you preserving it for your children's sake and the sake of the unchurched? I've mentioned it here before, that Titus 2 isn't there just so we can have happy homes for our own sakes, but so that God's Word isn't dishonored. Do we really believe that?

One of my awesome girls in my 10th-12th grade small group that I am humbled to lead brought up something quite profound. We were discussing Satan's lies and how he makes the "traditional" family look unnecessary or lacking. I asked them why they thought Satan fights so hard to tear down the traditional family and makes divorce look acceptable and desirable. One dear girl said (and I paraphrase poorly), that Satan hates the picture of Christ loving the Church for eternity despite their shortcomings. He seeks to destroy that testimony to the world so that the world won't believe that Christ could really love them that much.

Wow! This is one girl who IS being led properly in her home and is learning to have that Christian worldview. And she is right. Satan does want to fight tooth and nail to blind us and the world to God's love and perfect plan.

Let me leave you with a slightly more inspirational song that you may hear today, in light of the greatest love of all. The message isn't perfect, but if you can "redeem" the lyrics in light of Christ's love for the Church and our love for Him, maybe you'll think a little differently next time you hear "I Was Made to Love Her". Take it, Stevie:

Train Up Tuesday: A Servant's Heart

There is a "theme" that keeps repeating itself around me...in my reading, talks and discussions, and even suggested blogs I receive from friends. It's that of "servanthood".

There is SO much I could write regarding how God is shaping our family in this way. It would take several posts (will this be a part 1 of several? We'll see?). Let's step our toes into the water first. :)

I clearly remember being taught to have a "servant's heart" as a kid in school. I can still remember the tune and most of the words to a song we were all taught (I wish there was a version of kids singing it, because that's how I "hear" it, but this should give you a good idea):



I want to be a servant for Christ and others. I want my boys to become those "servant leaders" I admire. In today's culture, though, opportunities for that are rare and not enticing. I mean, even in the church world, we want to proclaim our efforts and receive accolades (or feel that we have to give them to those who do serve....many who want to do so quietly and NOT receive earthly recognition). How in the world do we train children in a world that loves platforms and fame? I'm finding that it isn't easy, but we CAN be intentional in our efforts. Why a servant's heart? As an opportunity to share the gospel of The ultimate Servant-Leader...not just to be a "pushover or a loser" (thanks, Tim Hawkins):



Let me whet your appetite with a few things that have lit my family's fire. :) First, you can read more about how my family has been challenged and how we are starting (we fondly call it the "garbage game") in my husband's post. Check out this blog that will no doubt give you great ideas for random acts of kindness (a launchpad for serving others).

How are you teaching your children or teens to have a "servant's heart"? What does that look like in day-to-day life and how do you apply it? I'm not asking just to get you thinking....I really want to know your ideas so I can share them and maybe even incorporate them into my own home. :)

Much love,
Ashlie

Train Up Tuesday: More Than a Cursory Glance

More than likely, if you follow this blog, you are probably pretty choosy about what your children are watching or what songs they are hearing. We are "those parents" in a lot of ways. The kind who are probably a little too strict on things regarding what we let our kids watch and hear.

Or at least, we try to be. But every once in a while, the guard isn't up as high as we like. Not intentionally but quite innocently. It might be letting the boys look over my shoulder while I search "Pinterest" for cool superhero cakes, or letting them watch the DVD that had not been previewed by Mom & Dad (because we remembered seeing it on television and not having any issues)....and THEN it happens. An image totally inappropriate for myself, much less my kids, sneaks into your image search (a search which is NOT supposed to contain "that" type of content). Or the DVD you didn't preview is not exactly the same as what you remember on TV and words creep through your set that are not in line with your standards.

Just another reminder that you HAVE to be proactive in guarding the hearts, mind, eyes, and ears of your children. Preview your searches before sharing exciting things with your kids. When they are old enough, DON'T let them search alone...even if they are in the same room with you (kids and computers are QUICK!). If they do search alone, do some research on all the filters available. Watch those DVDs and movies before they get the chance. Even if you use a great site, like Plugged In, to be your "preview", be sure that the movies meet your own personal guidelines before sharing them with young children. Individual children can often have their own personal limits about what they can handle. For example, I remember when we went to see "Up" as a family. Great movie. Adorable. But, at the time, my then 3 1/2 year old son was terrified of dogs (a frequent "nightmare" topic for him). It took a while to get past it. Another sidenote: just because it's animated, it doesn't mean it's suitable! Don't let what appears "innocent" get overlooked!

Just a helpful note to you based on our own recent experiences!

Have a terrific Tuesday!
Ashlie

Train Up Tuesday: Sweeter Than Honey

"Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bone."
Proverbs 16:24

This is the verse my family is learning this week (thanks to "My Father's World" curriculum). My oldest son remembers this principal (that of kind words being like jewels) from some studies last year. We came across an old fairytale at the library called "Toads and Diamonds" (read it here). It left quite an image in my son's mind. He often will say to me, "Momma, your words are so nice. It's like jewels are falling out of your mouth!" (That may only make sense to you if you read the previously mentioned fairytale.) :)

This week, as we are memorizing this verse and studying ways to apply it, we used this illustration: place one spoonful of honey and one spoonful of garbage in front of your child. Ask which one he/she would rather have. Even if your kid doesn't like honey, I doubt they would ever consider the garbage! I really didn't even want to serve the garbage - dig for it, put it in a bowl and place it on our table. We should take that same consideration with the words we decide to serve to others.

Upon further meditation on this verse, we talked about where we could get inspiration for these "pleasant words". We realized that the best words can be found in God's Word. We can pray for others, pray for what to say (or not say), say "I love you" or "God loves you". We also talked about the "healing" benefits of honey (hey, I was curious why the Bible says the words are like honeycomb). You should look that up, you might be surprised at all that honey can do for you! Our words can be a healing salve, an antiseptic, a soother for someone's soul (all things that honey can be for the body).

Your family might have a "hive" full of honey that a hurting world, neighbor, or family needs access to. Or maybe your own little family needs those "pleasant words" put into practice inside the home. Either way, take a little time today to get some honey from The Word so that you can have kind words to share with others.

Much love,
Ashlie

Train Up Tuesday: Document Their Childhood

Most likely, you have a digital camera. If you're like me, you love that you have 20 frames of the same shot (and are hesitant to delete ANY of them, because it's like deleting a child!!!). And probably, you've only actually printed a couple dozen of the 1.5 billion photos you have on your computer.

Or, maybe you are a scrapbooker. I love the thought in those, but I would NEVER have nor make time to actually make them myself...buying the right papers, stickers, punches, ribbons...too many decisions for this 'ole gal! However, I do think it's worth your while to have those photos out of the computer and in a book so your kiddos can actually enjoy looking through their (or your) past. I love going through my childhood photos with my boys, figuring out which of them they think I resemble as a baby, sharing memories of my growing up years. I also love going through their pictures with them as they say, "HEY! I remember that!" or "I was SO cute then!".

In the last few years, I've opted to make photobooks. The first one I made was through Apple to document our first family trip with our firstborn. It was nice, but pricey and I never came across discounts (I'm all about a "special"!). I've also used Walgreens (recently) to make a book for our middle's second year. That one was pretty simple, but I wasn't very impressed with the final product (too many small black print smears throughout the book). Shutterfly, however is the one I have been most impressed with. I had made a small photobook with them in the past for my husband on Father's Day. He keeps it in his office to "show and tell" ;-)

The latest book I made was to capture our first year of homeschool. I figured, we don't have a "year book", but this would be better! Instead of just a couple of photos of my kids, they get a WHOLE book to themselves! Shutterfly offers a "simple path" and a "custom path". I think you would be impressed with either. We opted to customize our book and it was a real winner! The custom path was really quite simple...even though it was custom. I like being able to make one of my own photos the background for displaying other pics. I was thoroughly impressed with the finished product.

Shutterfly often has deals and specials (you currently save 20% on their cards AND get free shipping on orders over $30, making now a great time to work on Christmas cards or maybe birthday invites). Perhaps the BEST deal you can try for is a FREE photobook from Shutterfly. Do you have a blog? Go here to sign up for a chance for a free photo book from Shutterfly. (Promotion ends soon as blogs must be posted by August 5th!)

Yes, I'm hoping for a free book, as well. Like I said, I have WAY too many pics on my computer and am working to backtrack on some pics that I want to be able to look at with my boys in my lap :)

Have fun capturing AND actually printing your moments with the little ones!

-Ashlie

Train Up Tuesday: Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy! Some Thrifty Fun for Boys!

Okay, so not just for boys ;-) (I would have been all about these ideas during my tom-boy years....oh wait, I'm STILL a tom-boy!).

I know you've probably seen posts about the free Lowe's Build & Grow Clinics for kids, but you REALLY should take your kiddos to these! They are totally free (we've been to 3 and no money so far)! My two big boys have so far made a windmill putt-putt toy, a 4th of July waving flag stand, and a tow-truck (reminds them of "Mater"). The next class is scheduled for this Saturday (July 23rd, 10am in our area).


I think they are making binoculars, which sounds pretty interesting. When you sign up your kiddo for the first time, get them there early so they can get a free apron and goggles. They also receive a certificate and a badge (for the apron) each time they complete a project. What fun! They do actually sell the Build & Grow kits in the store, which is still good for doing things together, but it's hard to pass up on FREE. So, sign up for a class soon!

The boys are having some great Daddy time, and Daddy is having some great boy time! I'm hoping to coax the boys into using some of their handmade items as gifts for their cousins for birthdays or Christmas. I'm sure we'll be running out of room to put 2 of each of these items.

Image by ParentingPress.com

This next idea I'm so excited to share with you. What kid doesn't love a good fort...rainy day or not?! A great gal-pal of mine thought of me (don't you love when someone "thinks of you" and actually gets it right?!) when she saw this post by Emily at Salt Water Kids on a fort building kit. Basically, it is everything you need to build a sheet fort bundled nicely for gift-giving. Wouldn't that be a most awesome gift to give or receive?! Be sure to check the sidebar on the sight for more fort ideas and some other cool homemade gift-giving ideas. I'm becoming her follower ASAP!

So, with 3 boys, I'm always looking for good, wholesome, thrifty fun. If you have a favorite blog or idea, PLEASE post in the comments!

Train Up Tuesday: A Rainbow of Fun!

Do any of you use Snapfish? I'm FINALLY making some photobooks of pics I've had stored for a couple of years! I've used Walgreens and Shutterfly and have been pleased. I don't think I've used Snapfish, but I'm on their emailing list. They have a neato promo going this summer. You can enter photos based on a color of the week theme for 7 weeks. If you participate, you get a FREE 5x7 photobook! What a fun project! There are more details and more prizes to win!


Wouldn't this be a fun way to make a "color book" for your kiddos or a young friend? It could be a book to introduce colors to your child. Or maybe in talking about colors, you could also use this as an entry to talk about the gospel. (Remember those witness bead bracelets using the cord and 5 different color beads?...think along those lines)

Also, does anyone other than me remember "The Crayon Box Song"? I LOVED this song as a kid!



I love simple things, like rainbow books, bracelets, or songs that give me an image to remember basic biblical concepts. What are some favorite songs or crafts that you use around your house to instill and remember the basics?

-Ashlie

Summer Activity List Ideas

Yesterday the post focused on creating a Summer List as a focal point to utilize family time during the summer months. 

Below please find some ideas to consider for your personal list.  Remember, have some fun, educational, spiritual and serving items to do together.  These are merely ideas.

Do what appeals to your family with as few or as many as desired.

Eat dinner outside
Go to the ocean
Visit a local museum
Visit a zoo
Play miniature golf
Go bowling
Boat trip
Visit a water park
Visit a splash pad
Watch a movie outside
Go camping
Camp in the living room
Attend a concert
Wash family cars together and get wet on purpose!
Go out for ice/cream or frozen yogurt
Water balloon fights
Catch fireflies
Paint outside
Get a slurpee
Bubbles outside
Sprinkler fun
Chalk writing in the driveway
Window writing (use window pens)
Have a grill night
Morning walk
Paint crayon rocks
Library time
Shaving cream fight
Drive Daddy to work and have breakfast
Bike riding
Spend night at local hotel
Learn a new board game
Have a game night
Press flowers
Document one day in photographs from start to end
Go out for breakfast
Visit a relative and take lots of photographs of your time together
Complete reading program at local library or one of the local bookstores
Go fishing
Learn a new joke
Memorize scripture
Hopscotch on bubble wrap
Get Chinese take-out
Create homemade t-shirts
Send photographs to loved ones
Write postcards to loved ones
Vacation Bible School
Skype someone
Write to some missionaries
Make treats for neighbors and deliver as a family
Make treats for the local fire station and deliver as a family
Prepare boxes for Operation Christmas Child
Have a silly string fight (outside)
Try a new vegetable
Try a new fruit
Have a scavenger hunt
4th of July Parade
Have a GIANT family sundae
Surprise Dad at work for lunch
Go on a surprise picnic after church or one evening
Fly a kite
Visit a new restaurant
Go on a secret destination (surprise outing night)
Have a garage sale
Go garage sale hunting
Indoor picnic on the living room floor
Unbirthday party
Breakfast for dinner
Baking time with Mom
Date nights with Mom/Dad
Frisbee
S'mores
Go to a candy store and let each child select a special treat

Make lots of fun memories this summer!  Please share your ideas in the comments.

Blessings,

Caroline

Train Up Tuesday: Summer List 2011

A friend from University posted a fabulous idea on Facebook  regarding a Summer List.  Sunday night we had a family meet to discuss our summer wish list.  We asked the boys what they would love to do this summer and also some things we could do for others.  Our family meeting list is now our Summer List 2011 which is now on the back of our front door.

This is our first year to incorporate a Summer List, however, I ran with the idea based on the fact that lists inspire me. It is a visual for my boys to see the fun that we have in store during summer break.  It will serve as a reminder to set aside time for  activities that are important to each family member which will become memories treasured in our heart.

Think of activities that can be in the following categories:

1.  Spiritual
2.  Educational

3.  Fun

4.  Service

The list can be on a board or just on a sheet of notebook paper.  Remember, you don't have to accomplish everything on your list, just do what is achievable and hopefully many items on your list will make a return appearance in 2012.

Tomorrow I will post some ideas to get you going on your own personal list.

Happy Summer Sisters,

Caroline

Thrifty Thursday: Car Seat Safety

Are your car seats safe?!??! Hmmmm. Of course, we'd like to think so but it's nice to have an official seal of approval. Thanks to Britax (maker of our #1 fav car seats), you can set your mind at ease for your summer travels!

I recently discovered that Britax is having monthly checking stations throughout 2011 providing free care seat safety inspection. I believe they did this also in 2010 so I don't know where I've been. Anywho...lucky for us, their North American headquarters is local so local peeps or anyone venturing to Carowinds and in the vicinity of the Charlotte, NC area can make a quick detour right off Carowinds Blvd. to:

13501 South Ridge Drive
Charlotte, NC 28273

The Checking Station schedule for the remainder of 2011 is:

June 17, 2011	8 am - 12 pm
July 15, 2011	8 am - 12 pm
August 19, 2011	8 am - 12 pm
September 23, 2011	8 am - 12 pm
October 21, 2011	8 am - 12 pm
November 18, 2011	8 am - 12 pm
December 16, 2011	8 am - 12 pm

You don't necessarily need a Britax car seat. All manufacturers are welcome. No appointments needed and you should allow 30 minutes per child. For best results, be sure to bring:

• Your safety seat and all parts, accessories, and instructions 
• A second adult to assist with watching your child while you learn how to install your car seat child
• Your vehicle and vehicle owner’s manual 
• Your child  

For further information, click here.

Don't worry--if you're not planning any visits and/or don't live in/near Charlotte, you can visit www.safekids.org for a checking station near you!

Sidenote (just to check if you're reaaaaalllly reading): Although I definitely would not expect it or presume it upon Britax, I do happen to have one friend that recently went to one of these inspections and her car seat was near expiration so Britax gave her a brand new, free, MAC DADDY car seat. Once again, I wouldn't expect it or presume it but never hurts to have a little incentive to make safety #1. :) Let's hear it for Britax being committed to keeping our munchkins safe!

Train Up Tuesday: Celebrate the Flag!

Has today just passed you by? I mean, did you wake up thinking..."just another Tuesday"? Did you know it is "Flag Day"? Does it matter? I have a love/hate relationship with the spring/summer holidays from Memorial Day through Veterans Day (with D-Day, Flag Day, 4th of July) all of it wrapped up in these nice, beautiful seasons. On the one hand, you have a great 5 months to celebrate the greatness of patriotism. On the other, you have a lot of people (including myself) who see it all get jumbled up into "one" idea of celebration. Each of these holidays mark very specific points for our country - honoring the fallen brave servicemen and women, remembering specific attacks, the "adoption" of our flag, our country's "birthday" of freedom, honoring those who have served. It is a beautiful time indeed, but it is so easy to gloss over all of it and not take time to make each of these days special.

In the past, I've not really made a big deal over "flag" day. I'd like to change that. Last year, we visited my Dad's grave on Memorial Day weekend (he was a Marine and actually passed around that time many years ago) and went to our first 4th of July parade . I've not found a lot on "Flag Day" in the way of crafts, but perhaps these links will get you started:

Enchanted Learning has quite a few great printables to help you.

Apples 4 Teacher has SEVERAL links to help you talk about Flag Day and to make things for celebrating.

I think this would be a fun flag to make... "Let freedom ring"


...but I don't know my boys would be able to do much in helping me with it. So, our craft will probably be basic and made from whatever craft bits I have on hand.

Maybe, if your family enjoys exploring "The Flag", you could talk about making your own family flag, filled with symbols that mean something to you, your interests and your values! I'd like to do that at some point with my family. Perhaps revisiting the idea every few years to see if anything changes.

Hope it's more than just another Tuesday for you!
Ashlie

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

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

Marvelous Monday: Parties for Pennies Part 2

I had fun sharing planning parties on a penny part one! I did not get my pics on the post in times so I thought I would follow up with pictures of my great finds.

First, here is a picture of the two boxes that I use all year to collect the items for our personal parties. They are in the top of my closet and when the party comes, everything is gathered in one spot. I will admit that I used to have everything everywhere. I have found this helps a ton.

The second picture is of the party favor bag that cost under $1.00 total. The figure is .50 since I got them on clearance in a pack of 6. The blowers come in at .5 (they were clearance from New Years supplies). I will be using the hats that match for my other sons party later in the year. The skittles were bought with a coupon for pennies and so were the fruit roll ups. This is such a cute idea and far from the $3 a bag I spent last year. This includes the ribbon and bag.

The third picture is a shot of the Tee that I got for $2 at the Disney Store. This was a STEAL and why I am telling you that when you plan in Jan for the upcoming year's parties, your eyes can narrow in on great opportunities! I would have walked right by this tee if we had not planned these parties ahead of time.

I have some fun invite ideas I did last week for the parties. I will do a follow up post on them and some cupcake toppers done for pennies. Happy Planning and Saving!

Imogene

Marvelous Monday: Holy Week and the Easter (Egg) Story

For many Christians, this week, the week before Easter, symbolizes "Holy Week" or "Passion Week"-- the last week of Jesus' life including his crucifixion and resurrection. The week began yesterday, Palm Sunday, when Jesus entered Jerusalem to cheering crowds and ends on Easter Sunday when we celebrate the Resurrection and that He is ALIVE! I encourage you join Finding Hope here on Facebook as they share thoughts and scriptures each day this week on Jesus Christ's crucifixion and resurrection and how is the foundation for our HOPE.

Many of you have probaby heard of Resurrection Eggs. We mentioned them in this post two years ago and you can buy them here for 16.99. Good news is you don't have to spend 16.99! I was so excited when my three year old daughter who is now old enough to understand and appreciate them came home from preschool with her very own set that she made in class! I love her preschool.

You can make them with your kids too. It really is a great way to impress the Easter story from Matthew 26-27 into their hearts and minds.

All you need is an old egg carton, 12 plastic colored eggs and the items below to go inside each egg. If you really want to go all out, see how this mom implemented it as a full on activity (I think for homeschool).
Here is a print out that coincides with each egg.


Have a Marvelous Monday!
Hannah

Train Up Tuesday: So You Think You Want to Homeschool (Series...Part 2)

Last week, I talked about the 2 basic things to "go to" when making a decision...especially one regarding homeschooling. Remember, I mentioned that we prayed, asking God to guide us to the resources we should review, considering that I didn't have a lot of time to research a million things and I had no idea where to begin.

God answered our prayer for this resource by way of a referral from a couple of friends. They both mentioned the book Cathy Duffy's "Top 100 Picks for Homeschool Curriculum". I seriously should own this book, as often as I've referred to it when talking to friends lately. However, I actually just borrowed it from the library. What a resource! It takes the "overwhelming" feeling out of you and replaces it with a better handle on what you need.

It's more than a rundown on some lady's favorite picks, although that may be enough for some people. No, it starts off by asking you as parents to come up with your education philosophy. What are your goals for educating your children. She has a chart of questions to get you thinking about these things and shows you how to see what is the most weighty in your decision making.

She also considers your child's learning style and offers recommended learning "approaches" for the learning style. After you put this together with your family's philosophy, you can then start browsing through her "Top Picks". She matches up your preferences, the child's learning style, the appropriate "approach" (Classical, Traditional, Charlotte Mason, etc.) while also considering other issues that may be important to you. (Like for me...how much prep time is involved?) From there, you can see a good match among a few choices, rather than a storehouse of thousands of suggestions! You can get her review of the curriculum and an idea of their suitability.

I STRONGLY recommend checking out her link and the book. You will be amazed at the burden it helps to lift from your shoulders :) Even if you don't go with her "Top Picks" (we actually went with one of her suggestions that didn't make the top 100), the book still equips you with knowledge and know-how in making an appropriate decision for your family.

Hope it helps you as much as it did my family!

Come back next week! We'll talk about the curriculum I've fallen in love with :)

Ashlie

Train Up Tuesday: So You Think You Want to Homeschool (Series...Part 1)

Sometimes, I'll admit, I have NO idea what to write to sweet ladies. Occasionally I'll get "divine inspiration". Other times, it's just something I like talking about. Once in a while I'll just skip it because I feel like I have nothing interesting to bring to you. However, there are unique times when my life seems inundated with a particular topic or question by several friends. This post is for that type of instance.

Over the last couple of weeks, I've had several gal friends, other women from church, female family members, and such ask me about "homeschooling". I'm blessed, because glory goes to God in that they see something positive in our family's experience so far with it. To be fair, we've only been homeschooling for about a year. We aren't even "registered" yet since we were playing it by ear (my 5 year old didn't meet the birthday cut-off; I also was about to give birth when school started).

However, we have been very blessed in our experiences this year. That's amazing. A year ago, I knew nothing about homeschooling (other than what we all "know"....that homeschoolers are a bunch of unsocialized kids that might be really good at reading and spelling). I didn't even know what I "didn't know," since it wasn't part of my culture growing up. Does that make sense?

So, what did we do? I know it sounds simple and basic, but we prayed. I didn't have lots of time to research (one of my favorite things, honestly). I knew I wouldn't have a lot of time to prepare each lesson with 3 little ones. I didn't know where to start to get started! So, my husband and I prayed about all those things. Mainly, we prayed that God would guide and direct our search.

And He did. I asked ladies that I respected and admired, having learned that they homeschooled. Two of them had the same answer for where to start, as far as a resource to get me pointed in the right direction (I'll share that in the coming weeks, so stay tuned).

We also kept our nose in the Word. The curriculum and teaching approach that we thought we were leaning towards was validated in our own readings of the Bible. Now, I'm not saying that the curriculum we chose is what everyone should use. I'm saying that based on our family's education philosophy, goals, and our sons' learning styles, God spoke peace to our hearts about the choice we were making by confirming it with our daily walk with Him.

Isn't that how it should be? Should all our decisions and choices go to the filter of those 2 very basic things...prayer and God's Word? Amazing how the obvious sails right past us sometimes.

Stay tuned. In the coming weeks, I'll share encouragement on why you CAN homeschool as well as a great resource to get you going in the right direction.

Until next time,
Ashlie

Marvelous Monday: St. Patty's Food Fun

March 17. St. Patrick's Day. This coming Thursday.

Whether or not you're Irish, St. Patty's Day can just be a little something fun to give you a reason to deviate from the norm and have some family friendly fun. Maybe you already have some ideas up your sleeves. If not, maybe these will help get those creative juices flowing in the area of creative food without adding green food coloring to everything under the sun. Don't get tooooo excited cuz we're keepin' it preeeettttty basic here, but your kids might likey.

Breakfast:

• One blog I read suggested topping your favorite healthy muffins recipe or mix with cream cheese an green sprinkles for some added flair.
• I also have learned that you can use a heart cookie cutter, cut three hearts, put them together and it makes a shamrock. This could work w/ toast or french toast, girls.
• I'm thinking about trying these Naturally Green Sweet Pea Streusel Muffins. I like the name. Think the munchkins will go for them? I mean, they do have chocolate chips in them. I can hear my mother right now telling me those look not very good.

Lunch:

• Remember the heart cookie cutter turned shamrock idea from above? Take it to the limits, baby....tortillas, quesadillas, sandwiches. Name your (or your child's) pleasure.

Dinner ideas :
Actually, this is me needing you to get my creative juices flowing in this department.

• Shepherd's Pie may be a hit for some families. In others, it may make the children dread SPD. If you decide to make it, one option could be to make the mashed potatoes green w/ spinach puree but then again...risk of creating a holiday tradition the kids may dread? Maybe you have some better ideas since "green" foods aren't typically at the top of my three year olds list.
• Sweet Peas?
• Green Beans?
• Cole slaw?

LOL. OK. I'm at a loss for surefire hits in this category. Somebody help this sister out. I'm starting to think our best bet is to make homemade shamrock shaped pizzas. Hey, the heart shaped ones are a hit at Valentine's Day!

Fun Snack/Dessert:

Would you believe these are yogurt covered pretzels?!?!? Cuteness. Click here to make your own.

Dessert:

What we called Grasshopper Pie was one of my all time fav desserts as a child and it was a very special treat when my mom made it! Click here for recipe. Note: Make green by using green Mint Choc. Chip ice cream. I guar-an-tee this will be a crowd pleaser! :)

Happy Monday, ya'll. Have a Marvelous one.

Love ya,

HPS

Safeguard Your Spouse Sunday: When you have a great one-liner...

My lifelong BFF, Anna, gave our family a subscription to Thriving Family for Christmas last year and we love it. If you aren't familiar, it is a wonderful magazine by Focus on the Family that ministers to every family scenario (single parent, divorced family, blended family, "traditional" family).

This article convicted me not long ago. I'm sure I'm not alone. :)
When You Have a Great One Liner
by Janine Petry

I don't have a problem with respect — it's showing respect to my husband that I can't quite get the hang of.

Showing disrespect has become a modern marriage pastime. We laugh as our favorite on-screen wives make fools out of their husbands, and before long we're talking like these leading ladies.

Here are some ways we show disprespect:

• Witty one-liners are clever ways to get the last word. Example: "You can tell me how hard work is after you birth three children."
• Sarcasm uses mocking words to strike at him personally. Example: "That's your best idea yet; got any more?"
• Misplaced laughter ridicules him, whether or not he's around. Example: "He actually thinks those look good together."
• Demeaning reminders imply a lack of trust. Example: "So are we actually going to see you on time today?"

I've come to understand that the phrase "Women need love and men need respect" is more than just a slogan — it's Scripture (Ephesians 5:33). So I try to use encouraging words to show my husband respect. The opportunities are endless, and my words have the potential to empower my husband to be more of the man God wants him to be. When I'm sincere and he accepts my words, our marriage is strengthened.

Here's how I've been making the transition from casual disrespect to intentional respect: I start with prayer, asking God to change my heart and my attitude. I also listen carefully to my words. Finally, I replace rudeness with words that exhibit honor for the husband God gave me.

These alternatives show respect:

• Ask questions: Give him a chance to express himself. Example: "What made work so difficult today?"
• Keep it simple: Make clear statements about issues. Example: "I'm not sure that's going to work. Are there any other options?"
• Encourage: Choose words that highlight his individuality. Example: "I love that he's daring enough to wear that."
• Tell the truth: Express concerns and affirm positive changes. Example: "It's been really hard for us when you're late; I appreciate you making the effort to get home earlier."

I show respect to my husband because God brought up the subject. It's His way of leading me into a marriage that is blessed as it reflects the loving relationship between Christ and His bride, the church. Marriage has a purpose far greater than my husband's and my relationship. Our unity expressed in love and respect is nothing short of God's witness to the world of His great love.

This article originally appeared in the January/February, 2011 issue of Thriving Family magazine. Copyright © 2010 by Janine Petry.

I think one of many great "hands on" examples of implementing below is CC's (aka Musing Foodie) recent post on "Chicken Parm-With or Without The Attitude?"


If you want to put yourself "out there," feel free to encourage your fellow sisters on the Roof  through the week by sharing the way God blessed the "filtered" feedback/reaction you gave your husband vs. a reaction you wanted to give. Cue the song "It's Only Graaaace..." :)

Train Up Tuesday: PLAY!

I know most of us are overwhelmed by Christmas cleanup. Did you wake up the day after wondering...where on earth are we gonna put all this stuff?! I declare, even when we as parents tighten things up and give only what matters most, kiddos still seem to receive more than we (or they) can imagine!

Of course, we need to tidy up and get back to "normal", but while you are doing that, don't forget to take some time to play with your little ones and enjoy the season. They won't be little much longer. Besides, how can you resist playtime when you have little ones dressed for the part? ;-)


Hope your days have been "merry",
Ashlie