Monday, April 30, 2012

NHBA Book Group, Wonderstruck, Finger Spelling, and More

I've shared previously about Currclick.com's National Homeschool Book Award club.  We usually read the books aloud as a family and then Mrs. Bergerson who leads the group has wonderful information, discussion, and activities.


The past two months we have read and discussed Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick. He is also the author/illustrator of The Invention of Hugo Cabret which was recently made into an award-winning movie.


This month during the book group, one of the main themes was finger spelling. The group learned and practiced the alphabet and their names using finger spelling. Then they did a cool activity. Mrs. Bergerson had them trace their hand and cut out the same number of hands as letters in their name. Then using tape or glue stick, the hands were to be shaped into shape of the finger spell letters. We then glued ours down to a piece of construction just to "make it pop!"
Mija has really gained an interest in finger spelling and sign language as a result. American Sign Language University is a website with lessons, videos, activities, and even jokes! Want to teach it as a homeschool subject? They offer a syllabus for teaching it in a homeschool.
HERE is a site that has fun video quizzes. You watch the letters being signed and then enter what you believe the correct answer is. You can set the number of letters It's actually related to the ASL University site.
Here's a few more sites to check out:

How about you? Do you know any great sites or activities for including ASL?

Deaf/ASL tishie

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Friday, April 27, 2012

One Lovely Blog Award

I was blessed by Vicki at SONset Academy with an award! I was awarded the One Lovely Blog Award!! Thanks, Vicki!
Now I get to share the award. I get to select 15 blog whom deserve this award. The challenge is selecting only 15 out of all the wonderful blogs out there! I picked from those blogs I check out myself regardless of size. Here are the winners in no particular order!


Cindy @ For One Another
Jennifer @ Sweet Blessings
Jenny @ Many Hats Mommy
Katie @ Brighton Park
Jen @ Gricefully Homeschooling
Julie @ Biblical Counseling 4 Women
Jenn @ The Purposeful Mom
Nichole @ Mama to 4 Blessings
Charity @ Vanderhoof House
Richele @ Under the Golden Apple Tree
Honey @ Sunflower Schoolhouse
Carie @ Living, Loving, and Learning with the Lord
Pam @ Doorposts
Jamie @ The Unlikely Homeschool
Joy @ Grace Full Mama

The rules for accepting this award are simple: Follow the blogger who felt moved to present it to you (if you don't already). And, in turn, search for 15 more bloggers and blogs who you feel deserve this award.
Thanks again, Vicki at SONset Academy.
Have Fun!!!

Friday Funny--Socialization Myth



I mentioned that it was Friday, and I needed to share something funny. Mija came up with this one for you.
"If I homeschool my kid, I would homeschool my kid! And then I thought again, I should homeschool my kid."
For those who don't find that hilarious, here's a cartoon.
Use small words ...

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Comfort for Christian Parents of Unconverted Children

There are many godly women I know who are concerned about their children's salvation. Actually, we all are, but I'm referring to those who have teen and older. Those whose children are their "own people" so to speak. This is for them, but also for those of us who still have some input!


Here's an article by Jim Elliff of Christian Communicators Worldwide.


All Christian parents wish that God would show us something to do that would secure our child's salvation, and then "we'll do it with all our might" because we love our child so much. Yet, God has not made salvation the effect of somebody else's faith; our son or daughter must come to Christ on his or her own. John shows us that all Christians are born into God's family "not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, [that is, somebody else's will] but of God." (John 1:13)

Although salvation is the work of God and not something that we can do for our child, there is hope. Consider the following:
1. A true burden in prayer for your child is a gift from God. A persistent burden may indicate that God intends to give your child eternal life because authentic prayer always begins with God. Though we cannot be absolutely certain that we know all that God is doing, we should be optimistic if the burden continues.
2. The miracle of the new birth is no less possible to God if our child is attentive to Him or running away from Him. Our child is like all other children when it comes to God's grace. He is dead spiritually whether he is in church or not, whether he listened well to the truths we tried to teach him or did not, whether he has some interest in God now or has none at all. He may be converted in the pig pen or the pew and we do not know in this case what is preferred by God.
3. God does hear our prayers. Though God has taught us that He chooses all who are His before the foundation of the world, He also taught us that we should pray, and not only pray, but expect the answer to our prayers. It is true that God is sovereign and it is just as true that He answers prayer. In fact, He could not answer prayer if He were not in control of all things.
4. We may have hope because of God's election of those who will come to Him. Every child is on his way to hell unless God stops him. God's election is our friend. We would have no hope for our child's salvation without it, because no child would turn to Christ if left in the state depravity (Romans 3:9-11). But given God's election of people for Himself, we can be encouraged.
5. Your child has some clear knowledge of what it means to be a true Christian. The Spirit certainly may bring this to bear at any time if this is His chosen method. Though it is no less a miracle for a knowledgeable child to be converted than a child with little knowledge; God always uses the gospel seed in every conversion.
6. Your own disobedience in the past will not ultimately keep your child from becoming a believer. It is pointless to berate yourself for any wrong behavior on your part as if it were the reason your child is without Christ. This does not mean that we as parents should not repent and do better, and even admit wrong to our children. But the reason your child is without Christ is related to his or her own sin. Every parent is sinful and inconsistent. This has never been a barrier to God if He desires to save your child. Illustrations abound of children who come from far less godly families who are nonetheless converted to Christ. In fact, this may have been the case in your own experience.
7. Some children may need the experience of being away from parental care in order to face up to their own need for Christ. The sense of need for many may be discovered only in the context of difficulties. We should not be surprised if it takes some solo flying before a child learns that he or she really needs another as his pilot.
8. Remember that there are lots of people who have come to appreciate their history prior to coming to Christ. I'm not saying that these people would not have wanted conversion earlier, but that the pain of the their pre-conversion history has left them with compassion, understanding, knowledge, testimony, and a burden that they would perhaps not have had any other way. They've seen God's wisdom in the timing of their conversion. This may well be so with your child. Paul said that there was a reason he was chosen to be converted even though he was a murderer, blasphemer and violent aggressor—so that people will see and have hope that God can save anyone.
9. You cannot save your child yourself no matter how hard you try. You are in a position of trust alone. This is good because it is the only way to please God (Heb. 11:6). Your rest in God, while simultaneously praying to the God who answers prayer, will be an encouragement to others in the same situation It will also help you respond to your child more positively, and will make your life far more joyful than your anxiety ever could.
10. Finally, remember that God has a purpose in all He does. We will one day rejoice that God has done a perfect job of ruling His universe. When we acknowledge this and put God even above our children, we will actually demonstrate to our child the way a Christian is to live.

Sunday Coupon Preview

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

A Cup Brimful of Water--speaking out of the abundance of your heart

My pastor is an expository preacher which basically means he preaches straight through a book of a Bible instead of topically. It's a big blessing because you can see Scripture in the context of which it was written which is the way it was made to be read if you think about it. 
After all, when you read a book or a letter, do you start in the middle, jump to a sentence at the beginning, read the end of another book....etc.? It's probably why I like to teach history in order, too!
Anyway, knowing what my pastor is going to preach on next Sunday allows me to review that passage ahead of time. That's why this passage is really standing out to me this week!
For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. (Luke 6:43-45 ESV emphasis mine)

This is so convicting. What comes out of my mouth when I haven't run it through my "spiritual" filter before I speak it? I'm not going to tell you, but obviously it's something I need to work on or I wouldn't be writing about it! It reminds me of a quote from Amy Carmichael:
If a sudden jar can cause me to speak an impatient, unloving word, then I know nothing of Calvary love. For a cup brimful of sweet water cannot spill even one drop of bitter water, however suddenly jolted.
Sometimes when I'm jolted, I'm not very sweet.
What am I doing to work on it? I'm working on filling my heart with more good than bad. I'm reading the Word more. I'm reading godly books more. I'm listening to audio sermons, Scripture on CD, and Christian music more. AND I'm talking to myself more and listening to myself less. Unfortunately, when we listen to ourselves, it's usually grumbling or negative, so in this case, being slow to listen and quick to speak the truth is a good thing!


Give me some ideas. What do you do to be brimful of sweet water, so don't spill even one drop of bitter water?


Monday, April 23, 2012

Non-Mother's Day--I'm posted at Home Educating Family Blog

NonMothersDay


Please check out my piece at the Home Educating Family Blog. It's about infertility and Mother's Day, and it's really from my heart. You probably know someone who is struggling with infertility even if you may not be aware of it because 1 in 10 women are dealing with it. Add Mother's Day to it, and it can be a hurtful burden to bear. Read my article. Maybe it will give you some ideas on how to help bear another woman's burden.

My Church's Ladies' Retreat--Piper, DeMoss, Chan, and more!!

I was thoroughly blessed at our ladies retreat this weekend although my body is still trying recover!
And yes, we had John Piper, Nancy Leigh DeMoss, Jackie Francis Chan, and more  speakers at our retreat. Not in person, but on video!
I can't share all the fun, food, and fellowship, but I can share with you some of the speakers videos and/or information, so you can have your own little retreat at home. Our theme was being Women of the Word.


The first video we watched was:



After dinner, we had a testimony and then heard from Karen Eppler. She's developed some wonderful Scripture memory devices for using with children. In fact, you can find all her ABC verse rebuses and songs HERE.


On Saturday, we started with:

After another great testimony, my friend, Susan shared about Christian women through history. I've mentioned Susan before because she leads the book group I attend. It was such a blessing to see how God has used real women like us. She posted a bibliography and brief description of the ladies HERE.


In the afternoon, we had a breakout session in which we could choose one of three videos to watch. I'm posting the one I watched first, but now I can watch the others, too.
Honoring the Biblical Call of Motherhood--John Piper
Living a Life that Matters--Living Eternally--Francis Chan (scroll down to 3/8/09)
Singleness and the Next Generation--David Platt (scroll down to message #49 dated 6/12/11)


We ended with Nancy Leigh DeMoss' "Daily Devotions--Duty or Delight?" I can't seem to find the video for that, but I know her radio recordings on it are located on Revive our Hearts. She challenges you to a read you Bible 30 days in a row. 


Of course, I can't share everything about the retreat. After all, "What happens  at the retreat, stays at the retreat!! ;-)



Friday, April 20, 2012

Hitler's Birthday and the "180" abortion movie


I thought I'd share this with you in case you haven't heard or seen it. Today is the anniversary of the birth of Hitler. What a great day to watch and share the "180" movie by Ray Comfort. Even if you're already pro-life, it will make you think.
Warning: While the foul language has been bleeped out, there are still disturbing images dealing with the Holocaust and abortion. 

Friday Funny--Math style

This way, when your kids ask if they are going to use this algebra in real-life, you can say, "YES"!!


Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Autism and Immunizations--Is there a correlation?

April is Autism Awareness Month.


I am in no way able to do a dissertation on the possible links between the increased use of vaccinations and rise in rates of those children living on the Autism Spectrum.


I vaccinated Mija, but it was before I knew about the issues. Thanks to God, we haven't had any issues. I don't know what I would do now, but things like the graphic below, make me ponder. Notice that in addition to the increase in immunizations there is a decrease in the RATIO of the rate in autism. It went from 1 in 10,000 in 1983 to 1 in 150!


Let me know what you think on the subject.
                                         10                        36

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

New Coupons: Johnson's baby, Greenworks, Egg Beaters


Free Cupcake Ebook from American Family

I know cupcakes are all the rage, so this could be a great resource!


Joining American Family is easy, free and can be a great source to play games, find coupons, search for recipes, take quizzes—and earn points along the way. Cash in those points for gift cards, electronics, magazines, jewelry and more. 


I'm so into earning free things!

Proverbs 31 study with Good Morning Girls--Want to join in?

Back in December, I posted about starting an Ephesians Bible study with the Good Morning Girls.  That study has come to an end and everyone is looking forward to the new study coming up for the summer.


It will be over Proverbs 31. When you  sign up for her blog HERE, you get a copy of the book. The study is supposed to be "light, practical and GREAT for the busyness of our summers."


Here's the basic information from the Good Morning Girls website.


This summer session will include:
  • Videos from Courtney & Angela
  • Practical and realistic tips on HOW to be a Proverbs 31 Woman
  • Fun weekly challenges
  • Memory verses
  • And special guests!!!
The study is going to run from May 14 to August 17.  Now is the time you can decide if you want to join my ongoing Betsy's Bible Babes group on Facebook to join in the fun with us. It's a closed group, so you can only join it if I invite you.   If you'd like to, just drop me an email or leave a comment below BUT make sure you leave your name as you have it on Facebook.  I was disappointed this last session, but they left the comment as anonymous, so I had no way of adding them to the group!

So, wanna' do a Bible study with me this summer?

Monday, April 16, 2012

Learn how to love your puppy with Purina's FREE Puppy Care eBook!

Learn how to love your puppy with Purina's FREE Puppy Care eBook!

5 Weeks, 5 Disciplines, 5 Challenges--Week 2


Last week, she started with the body. My goal was to record my eating daily at MyFitnessPal. I'm still looking for more friends, so check out the post and look me up at MyFitnessPal. I have recorded each day since Wednesday when I started and I was only over my calories one day. Okay, I did increase my calories after that, so I wouldn't go over again, but it's still making a difference.  See for yourself.
Now, on to this week. Time management. Read about it HERE.

Here's Courtney's challenge this week.

So, there's not much decision in this one. Write down and pray about your priorities. Write out the list. Every morning, pray over list and adjust accordingly. Repeat!  You can go to here site if you'd like to use her To-Do list.

Here's also some additional sources for schedules and calendars:


Thursday, April 12, 2012

Sunday Coupon Preview

Raising Children who Hope in the Triumph of God--John Piper on Eph. 6:4

Sermon_thumb_5-fp-f869ca705d7eb6b0070915fab3aac27f



I was listening to John Piper last week. This sermon is Raising Children who Hope in the Triumph of God from 1988 on Ephesians 6:4. You can listen or read it at the link. Here are just a few comments that really made me think.

Therefore I conclude that whatever else it means to bring our children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord—the King and Commander and Ruler of all things—it means this:
  • Bring the children up to hope in the triumph of God.
  • Bring them up to find their place in the triumphant cause of the Lord Christ.
  • Bring them up to see everything in relation to the triumph of God.
  • Bring them up to know that the path of sin is a dead end street no matter how many cool and famous people are on it, because the cause of righteousness will triumph in the end. Christ has already struck the decisive blow on Good Friday and Easter morning.
 I get excited
  • when I think of the family as a breeding ground for children who hope in the triumph of God,
  • or when I think of it as a training school for teaching what is true and false about what the world is really coming to,
  • or when I think of it as a boot camp for fitting out young soldiers of Christ for the greatest combat of the world,
  • or when I think of it as a fortress for protection or a hospital for healing or a supply depot for replenishing the troops or a retreat center for R and R,
  • and I get especially excited when I think of the family as a launching pad for missiles of missionary zeal aimed at the unreached peoples of the world.
Doesn't that just whet you appetite for more? Check it out for some encouragement.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

New Coupons--Wisk, belVita, Hot Shot and more...


5 Weeks 5 Disciplines 5 Challenges--MyFitnessPals Unite!!


Courtney at Women Living Well is starting a new series: 5 Weeks 5 Disciplines   5 Challenges. The five disciplines are going to be mind, body, spirit, work and time. She is starting with body.

I mentioned in a previous post that I was working on losing weight. I had actually lost 9 lbs at the writing of the post but then gained some during the week of my step-father's death and funeral. I haven't weighed or logged into MyFitnessPal since then.
During the past few weeks I have returned to my limitless, uncontrolled eating, so I'm dreading what I'm going to see when I step on the scales this morning. I need to return to working on it at least.
So my healthy habit that I would like to work on over the next 5 weeks is to sign in daily to MyFitnessPal and record my food. I'm not going to give a specific weight to lose, I just want to be disciplined in eating. If I do that, the rest will come.
Would you like to take part in the series? If so, why don't you leave a comment below about what healthy body habit will you work on in the next 5 weeks?  Also, I'm always more than willing to have more friends at MyFitnessPal! Join up and be my friend. Make sure I stay true to this challenge. Everyday for the next 5 weeks. That would be through Tuesday, May 15. I'm mrspriceisright on the site.

CVS--Post Easter buying for next year

FHH0117.jpgI found these couple of deals from Kansas City Mamas.


Speed Stick or Lady Speed Stick Deodorant - $2.99
Buy One, Get $1.50 ECB (Limit 1) 
$1/1 Speed Stick Deodorant from 3/25 SS Insert 
Pay $.49 after coupon and ECB


 Tampax Radiant Tampons or Always Radiant Pads and Liners - $3.99
Buy One, Get $2 ECB (Limit 1) 
$1/1 Always Infinity or Always Radiant Infinity from 4/1 PG Insert  
Pay $.99 after coupon and ECB


Mostly, I went to look at the 50% off Easter items. I look for little Easter trinkets that are on sale to save for mija's basket next year. Yes, I'm that cheap frugal. I grabbed a little stuffed animal, some pens and paper, a Pez dispenser, etc. I put it in a plastic tube where I keep future gifts!



Okay, I did get myself my family some chocolate-covered marshmallow eggs to enjoy, too!



My retail total would have been $24.85. After sales, coupons, and over $13 in ECB, I paid $1.24 which is a savings of 95%. I earned $3.50 back in ECB meaning I earned $2.26 on this purchase. That's a savings of 109%!



Monday, April 9, 2012

Quote





"Most people are willing to pay more to be amused than to be educated."-- Robert C. SavageSource: Life Lessons

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Two Easter Candy Coupons--hurry!

$1.00 off two bags of Wonka Jelly Beans
$1.00 off two BAGS of NESTLE NestEggs

Easter Egg Lesson Resources from ClickSchoolingcom

ClickSchooling shares a cool website everyday. Sign up for their emails at their websites.


She's been sharing some cool "Easter"-related things, and I thought I'd pass them on to you. Maybe I just have eggs on the brain from my post about crockpot hard-boiled eggs.


*Discovery Education: The Good Egg Project - ClickScholar Fran Wisniewski recommended this website that offers free, downloadable egg-themed, lesson plans on agriculture and nutrition for grades K-5.
Don't miss the FREE Farm-To-Table Virtual Field Trip on April 18th at 1:00 PM (ET). Register to virtually transport your kids to a working egg farm.
*Science Junction: Egg-Cellent Adventures - An egg is a very big cell. This website offersscience experiments to help you discover:
  • The Biochemistry of the Egg Shell
  • Diffusion and Osmosis in Animal Cells
  • Physics via The Flying Pizza Pan Egg Drop!

*San Diego Zoo: Egg-speriments The San Diego Zoo has a resident scientist who offers some fun facts about eggs and some egg-citing science activities with hard boiled and raw eggs including:
  • What’s the Strongest? — Test the strength of eggs!
  • Make an Egg Float — Find out what a little salt water can do to help.
  • Spin Your Eggs — Use this trick to tell which egg is raw, and which is hard-boiled!
  • The Egg-in-a-Bottle Trick — Find out how to get a whole, intact, hard boiled egg into a narrow-necked bottle!
*Spinning Hard Boiled Egg Water Sprinkler - The Science Frontiers website explains how to make hard boiled eggs act like water sprinklers — has something to do with gravity and centrifugal force.
*Make A Hard Eggshell Soft! - This eggs-citing experiment uses a little vinegar and a hard-boiled egg to get some amazing results.

The egg’s interesting mathematical properties are explored at this site that seems to be designed for students in junior high and up. Explore the symmetry of eggs, dividing eggs equally, spherical geometry, and embryo calculus to determine how many cells are in a chick and more. When you get to the site just click on the module that interests you on the menu, and a new page opens with lesson plans and activities.
Egg Math WorksheetPrint out this worksheet with elementary grades, egg-themed math word problems.
LessonPlansPage.com: Easter Egg MathThis website offers an Easter-egg-themed math lesson for Kindergartners in a classroom. It can easily be adjusted for use in a homeschool or as a family activity
Egg Carton MathRecycle your egg cartons into a fun math game that kids of all ages will enjoy!
Egg Math Brain TeaserAre you an egghead? Kids (grade 3 and up) will have to use their eggs to figure out the answer to this reverse cryptogram.
Age Range:  All (with parental supervision)
This terrific website helps you learn to say or write "Happy Easter" in many languages of the world.
When you get to the site you'll see a menu of languages with "Happy Easter" printed in each language. Some of those written expressions are linked to a sound file. Click on it and you can hear a native speaker say the words. Some of the languages you'll find include:
  • Afrikaans
  • Chinese (Mandarin, Cantonese, Taiwanese)
  • French
  • German
  • Hindi
  • Italian
  • Latin
  • Persian
  • Russian
  • Spanish
  • Ukrainian
  • Welsh
  • Zulu
And many more! When you're through learning to say "Happy Easter" check out the rest of this site that provides useful phrases, free video lessons, and songs in different languages.

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