My Top 13 Posts in 2013

Time to reminisce about 2013. 
For my family, it's been a year of growth, challenge, and hope for recovery. After over 2 years, my husband was finally able to find work!

As far as my blog goes, I've slowed down in posting because of additional responsibilities at church. Hopefully, you've enjoyed the lite version! 

Here are my Top 13 posts for 2013.

13.  Unbelievable! I'm nominated for Funniest Homeschool Blog again!
Nope, I didn't win. Should find out in a month or two if I made the top 10.

12.  Friday Funny--Public School, Ritalin, Television, Oh, my!

11. Fireworks Artwork---paper, paint, glitter glue & chenille stems

Great practice for little hands.

10. S*x in the Sanctuary
It's only a matter of time in a family-integrated church!

9.  The Well-Planned Day Planner----GIVEAWAY
It was really cool when a friend from church ended up winning!

8.  For Women Only--review and GIVEAWAY!!!
Yup, another giveaway in the top ten.

7.  Math Game--Multiplying by 10, 100, and 1000

6.  I've exercised for 2 days in a row---PraiseMoves: Christian Alternative to Yoga

It was so cool to actually have Laurette Willis comment on my post!

5. From Classical to Eclectic Classical--What we are doing this school year

Woody Allen got one thing right when he said, "If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans."

4.  School Room for 2013

3.  Free Printable!! My Country Report

Get the printable while I still have it available!

2.  Happy Reformation Day!!

The prices are still good from this post!

1.  Swagbucks--join the party
The birthday celebration is over, but you can still earn free things!

Friday Funny: Leviticus, the read through the Bible in one year widow maker

A funny from Stuff Christians Like.

It’s almost January 1st, which means New Year’s resolutions!

Statistically speaking, 82% of Christians will try to read the Bible in one year. (I made that stat up because blogs.)

A lot of them will think it will be easy. That is dumb. Why? Leviticus.

Genesis kind of woos you with stories. Ohhh, Adam and Eve! Joseph and his wicked awesome coat! All the stories! Dem feels!

Then you head to Exodus and you’re feeling good. I’ve got this. This is like a crazy desert soap opera. There’s a priest who just stabbed two people having sex with a spear. This isn’t a boring Bible, this is an action movie! Stallone was probably in the original, he’s pretty old.

- See more at: http://stuffchristianslike.net/2013/12/10/leviticus-read-bible-one-year-widow-maker/#sthash.Rr4QITrw.dpuf

Some Holiday Cheer with Feliz Navidad

I've confessed before about my need to hear Spanish words pronounced correctly.
Thankfully, that doesn't come into play with Feliz Navidad!

Christmas Goodies Made this Weekend

It was a Winter Storm Warning weekend here in the Kansas City area, so it was perfect for focusing on the warm kitchen making Christmas goodies.We are not done, but at least done with all the candy-type things like Peppermint Pretzel Melts, Peanut Butter Balls, and White Chocolate Christmas Crunch.

First, we made Peppermint Pretzel Melts. It's my favorite for it's ease in making and clean-up. We also had some chocolate kisses, so we made some of those to mix things up a bit!

We also made peanut butter balls per my husband's request. I haven't shared the recipe before, so here it is. 

1 lb. peanut butter (softened) 

1 stick butter

1-2 lbs. powder sugar

Chocolate almond bark

We brought in a neighbor to help!

Mix peanut butter and butter thoroughly. Slowly add powder sugar and mix well until the mixture is very stiff. Melt almond bark according to the directions. Make balls and cover in bark placing on wax paper to until dry.

The lasts thing we made was White Christmas Crunch Squares. It's so yummy but the most mom-intensive since it involves a boiling sugar and a 350 degree oven. Mija enjoys breaking up the candy canes!

We still need to make our "Happy Birthday, Jesus" cake. This year we're going to add a new treat which we also still need to make...

Friday Funny---I don't want anything for Christmas--Blimey Cow

The Women of Christmas by Liz Curtis Higgs--review

Don't most of us easily get hung up on all the holiday hoopla if we don't watch out? That's why I look out for things that can help me focus on "the Reason for the Season".

This year I read  The Women of Christmas: Experience the Season Afresh with Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna by Liz Curtis Higgs. I've always enjoy reading her works. Some of my favorites have been Bad Girls of the Bible: And What We Can Learn from Them and her Lowlands of Scotland Series, Vols 1-4.

Just like all of Liz Curtis Higgs' writing, The Women of Christmas: Experience the Season Afresh with Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna is easy to read and yet informative and thought provoking. Don't forget encouraging. Her focus on the women of the Nativity really helped encourage the reader to review in detail the miraculous steps God took to bring His Son into the world.

Higgs' also encourages women through this book. She shows how God used these women in mighty ways. He's not the misogynist that some try to make Him out to be. Just within the birth of his son he used a married woman, a single girl, and a widow. She does not leave out the men God used like Zachariah and Joseph, but her purpose is to teach ladies about how God used woman in the incarnation, and in my opinion, she succeeds.

I enjoyed how she used different translations throughout the book to clarify the Bible text and meaning. She also uses quotes from other women who apparently have done this study with her. In fact, there is a study guide in the back of the book which would be great to do with a group of ladies or even individually. I also looked at the bibliography and found the resources she used very reliable.

Feel free to read the first chapter for yourself!


I received this book for free from Blogging for Books for this review.
This post also contains affiliate links for the books I recommended. If you purchase through my links, I will make a little cash. 

Empty Arms at Christmas

I have written about this previously on my blog, but this version I updated for the Home Educating Family Blog.

Infertility during the Holiday

I have written previously about the burden the infertile bear during Mother’s Day. That holiday is a fairly obvious challenge for those who cannot be a mother. What is often unrealized by the masses is that there are other celebrations and days that may also strike hurt, fear, and shame into the heart of those dealing with infertility.

Most know that Christmas can be a bittersweet if not downright sad time for some people, especially those dealing with loss. Most losses are more obvious;:a job, a home, a spouse through divorce. Of course, there are also those dealing with a loss because of death. In fact, I know of a young husband and father who recently killed himself. That is definitely going to be a hard loss for his wife and children to deal with this whole holiday season.

Another loss is to miscarriage. To lose (although, thankfully, not forever) a child during a time that is celebrating a birth can be amazingly painful. I am sure most could empathize with individuals going through that.

The Pain of Infertility

Many, however, overlook the loss of another group of people because it is not as obvious: the infertile. Most don’t think about how Christmas could be painful to someone going through infertility. Miscarriage is the loss of a baby. Infertility is the loss of the hope of a baby. Loss is loss and grief is grief, but the loss of a hope is too intangible for some to consider or recall, especially when busy with celebrating the holiday.

- See more at: http://hedua.com/blog/christmas-infertility/#sthash.7cxARrG9.dpuf

Friday Funny--Naughty Dogs

You can tell that some of these doggies are really sorry!!
I picked some of my favorites. Go to the site to see the rest!! There are 35 all together.

God's Virture

I'm actually reading this book currently and will be doing a review on it soon!

Putting St. Nicholas Back into Christmas

 A friend shared this article which I felt was worth sharing also!
Great history and insight into the real man.

Santa Claus has become the patron saint of a secularized Christmas. Many Christians are trying to balance the mystique of Santa with the true meaning of Christmas centered in Christ. So me families are doing without Santa altogether, but even that can prove complicated. (As one of our own children told the grandparents, "My parents don't believe in Santa Claus, but I do!")
Read the rest of the articleHERE.

Sound of Music LIVE

Did you watch?

What did you think?

Personally, I thought it was all pretty good. The only thing I was truly underwhelmed about was Carrie Underwood's acting.

The DVD of the performance will be available on Dec. 17 and I can save you some money.



Enjoy!

Friday Funny--Classical Opera family-style

It's bring your daughter to work day!!!

Homeschooling for Hanukkah...continues

Last Monday, I wrote an article for Hedua about Hanukkah. If you don't know what Hanukkah is about, that article is the place to start.

But I didn't merely write about it. We been doing it!

First, we've been working on a free lapbook from Homeschool Share. Find it HERE. It includes history and traditions. We've really enjoyed it. We are not done yet since we chose to complete it over the whole eight days!

We have a mini menorah and have been lighting it each night.We made potato latkes using leftover Thanksgiving mashed potatoes. We used this recipe. I know it is technically not a latke but it was close. (Hint: be patient and use less oil than I did.)

We made our quick and easy donuts.


We still need to make and play with a dreidel, but there is time!

Friday Funny--Post Thanksgiving Toilet Issues

Thought some of you might be feeling this way after your Thanksgiving meal yesterday!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Friday Funny--Seven More Lies about Homeschoolers by Blimey Cow

Appreciation Notes for a Homeschool Mom

My daughter like to make cards and notes for individuals. Sometimes I'm actually the recipient!

After a long day of hitting the books at home, it was a big blessing to receive this...

I'm the best teacher!! I know the rest of you really try, but obviously, I'm the best.

But not only do I rock at teaching!

That's right. I'm the best mom in the WORLD!  What makes me qualified for this title you may ask?

Apparently, I like to cook. Well, I cook but actually I don't really like to do so. 
But this one was the kicker!

Okay, this is true. I do rest a lot. I'm not sure how it qualifies me as best mom in the world, but I'll take it. I do appreciate how THIN this picture makes me look!

Have you been shown appreciation lately?

Homeschooling for Hanukkah

Eight Crazy Nights

During this time of year, it is not uncommon to hear the humorous song about Hanukkah and wonder the why and the hows of those “eight crazy nights.”

Those eight crazy nights of Hanukkah remember a great historical and spiritual event, which even Jesus celebrated (John 10:10).

The Cool Thing God Did

We tend to forget that there was a whole period of time between the Old Testament and New Testament. It was during that time that the Greeks, Syrians, and eventually Romans came to control Palestine.You can read about some about this historical time for yourself in the Books of the Maccabees in the Apocrypha or the historical works of Josephus.

Now, before I scare you off with deep historical studies, let me simply share the cool thing that God did.

- Read the rest of what I wrote at: http://hedua.com/blog/homeschooling-hanukkah/#sthash.mhqNUcmC.dpuf

  

Friday Funny--Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie

Three Things the Father Never Says to Me

This was a convicting article since I think I probably said these three things in the last 60 minutes alone!

This summer our generous church family made it possible for me to take a three-month sabbatical. It was an amazing time that allowed me to spend more time with my family than usual. Together with our four children (ages 7-14), my wife and I did a three-week road trip to southern California, went camping, and kicked around our city. We played games and rode bikes and threw the football. I loved it, and am still thanking God regularly.

Not surprisingly, though, the increased time with my kids led me to experience more frustration (read, selfish anger) than usual, too. At times, I found myself looking forward to getting back to the normal routine where helping mediate adult conflicts can sometimes seem easy compared to keeping the peace in my home.

Though I have a great earthly dad, my heavenly Father has been my best example when it comes to loving and training my children well. So, amidst my frustration, the Spirit called my attention to a few specific things that I was saying to my children, phrases that the Father never says to me as His beloved child.

READ THE REST HERE!

Remembering Last Year's TEN TURKEY CRAFTS in TEN DAYs

I'm going to focus learning more about Hanukkah this year than Thanksgiving crafts, but I wanted to reminisce about last year's TEN TURKEYS IN TEN DAYS! (BTW, be looking for a post about Hanukkah next week!)

Day 1


Day 2


Day 3 & 4


Days 5-8



Days 9-10

Quote--Laura Ingalls Wilder

“I believe it would be much better for everyone if children were given their start in education at home. No one understands a child as well as his mother, and children are so different that they need individual training and study. A teacher with a room full of pupils cannot do this. At home, too, they are in their mother’s care. She can keep them from learning immoral things from other children.” 
~Laura Ingalls Wilder

Remembering Veterans' Day

Thankful for our veterans!!

Friday Funny--Little Homeschoolers on the Prairie

I think they should make a whole episode in addition to this intro!

Olive Oil uses besides cooking---make sure your house is level

Many have extolled Olive Oil for it's cooking benefits. Every Food Network star is BFFs with EVOO. But Olive Oil is AKA a household and health helper. 

So here's the 411 on some of the recent things I've done with it.

WD40 out and EVOO in for squeaky door hinges. In fact I find more convenient to use than WD40. I just pour a little olive oil in a paper towel or old rag and rub it on the hinges. I open and shut the door as I do this to get it throughout the offending hinges.

Here's the kicker!

The house we are living in is soooo unlevel that now that I've EVOO'd the hinges, the door won't stay shut! That is why I mentioned to make sure your house is level.

As a health helper, EVOO can help with your ears. 

My ears were itchy. I frequently used a Q-tip thinking I needed to clean my ear, but to no avail. My doctor explained that I actually do not have enough earwax, so my ear canal is dry and feels itchy. She recommended that I put some mineral oil on a Q-tip and rub it gently in my ear canal.

 Well, I did not want to purchase or use mineral oil. Do you know that mineral oil is a petroleum product? It's related to the motor oil you put into your vehicle! Yuck!

So I used good ol' EVOO on a Q-tip for my dry ears! And before you say anything about sticking something in my ear, remember, the doctor told me to do it! Generally, it is severely frowned upon. So, stick at your own risk!

I have also read of using warm EVOO to soften excessive ear wax or to help with an earache.

Door hinges and dry ear are just two ways I've used EVOO in a 911!  Here's a little meme with some other ideas and don't forget to Google!

Unbelievable! I'm nominated for Funniest Homeschool Blog again!

 Last year, I was awarded as one of the Top Ten Funniest Homeschool Blogs of 2012 by the Homeschool Blog Awards. 

Well, I'm nominated again!

So, I'd appreciate all your votes. 

Voting started yesterday, Nov. 4 and will continue Monday, Nov. 18.

You can vote once per day per device. That means you can vote once on your phone, once on your laptop, once on your pad, once on your desktop, once on your husband's phone, pad, laptop and desktop, etc. each and every day!

The funniest or saddest part of this depending on your perspective is that we don't currently have Internet access at home. We've been visiting McDonald's parking lot and the library quite a bit!
Here I am writing this post.

After this photo, we had to leave the teen area because school was out and  they actually wanted it free for teens to use. Go figure!

Anyway, I'd love to have your votes!

Happy Reformation Day!!

Just wanted to share some last minute ideas for Reformation Day today!


Currlick is offering a freebie of The Lutheran Rose. It describes the meaning behind the symbols and colors of the Lutheran Rose. This is from Creative Learning Connections.

Another item from Creative Learning Connections that we've used previously is the Martin Luther Lapbook and Mini Unit. As I mentioned in my review, it is master copies only. There are no instructions. It's only $1.25 today.

Go over the 95 theses or print them and hang them up on your door.

Here's a Reformers word search.

Here's some notebooking pages for Reformation Day and the Five Solas.

And don't forget the Reformation Rap!

Friday Funny---Mother and child art

This is almost more sweet than funny. Definitely an idea to try!

When artist Mica Angela Hendricks got a new sketch book a while back, her 4-year-old daughter was insistent upon being able to try it out herself. Hendricks tried to say no, but her daughter used a phrase on her mom that she must have heard a few times herself…

If you can’t share, we might have to take it away…

 



Check out the linked article for more. Or go to the artist's original post.

I've still been exercising...and more

 A couple of weeks ago, I posted about exercising. I mentioned that I had been using PraiseMoves: The Christian Alternative to Yoga, DVD
What was really cool was that Laurette Willis herself commented on my post! Go read it. I wait here for you to come back!

Well, I'm still at it. I've been averaging about three times a week. 

Yes, I have been noticing a difference. My body feel much looser. Not so tight. Also, I've been getting down and up from the floor more. Not easily mind you, but down and up. I had gotten to the point of fear of getting down on the floor that I may not be able to get up. Well, I've been getting up without fear. 
That's probably a foreign concept to most of you, but it is what it is.

Mija continues to do it with me for PE credit. She has been really enjoying it.

I've also being tracking my food on My Fitness Pal. It's similar to Weight Watchers online except it's free. I have definitely noticed a challenge to stay on goal on those days that have been extremely stressful. It makes me see all the times I go for comfort instead of the Comforter.

In case you want to join me on My Fitness Pal, my "code name" is mrspriceisright. I know. Very original. ;-)

Inspired--Shaping Parents

The Math of Manners

My latest piece over at Home Educating Family.

Dating sites use all kinds of math equations and algorithms for matches. Did you know that there is a math equation which leads to manners? A friend explained it to me a few years ago.

An Equation for Manners

I was in amazement that people commented on my daughter’s manners. We had been to a craft fair, and numerous people had complimented me on how she routinely said please and thank you without the usual parental prompt. It is kind of a sad commentary on things that good manners are noticed and not assumed, but I digress!

A few days later, I commented to my then four-year-old daughter that she has nice manners. I asked her if her momma had taught her manners in homeschool. She replied, “No.”

- See more at: http://hedua.com/blog/the-math-of-manners/#sthash.VkLAFOOF.dpuf