August Holidays--Back into the Swing of things

 2---National Ice Cream Sandwich Day
 3---National Watermelon Day
 4---U.S. Coast Guard Day
 9---Book Lover's Day
10---National Smores Day
13---International Left-Handers Day
15---National Lemon Meringue Pie Day
17---National Thriftshop Day
18---Virginia Dare born 1587
19---National Soft Ice Cream Day
19---National Aviation Day
20---National Radio Day
21---Senior Citizen's Day
24---Mt. Vesuvius exploded covering Pompeii in 79 AD
24---National Banana Split Day
26---National Dog Day
28---"I Have a Dream" speech given by Martin Luther King, Jr.
31---National Trail Mix Day

Now is the time for Advent Calendars!

It's time for Advent Calendars if you plan on making your own that is. I mentioned before that I've been making a counted-cross stitch Advent Calendar. It's not much further along than when I wrote about it last year! And now, I can't find it since the move.  (sigh) I might get it done before mija goes to college!

You don't have to wait until your child goes off to college, however. In fact, you can act now and bless a missionary or ministry of your choice.

A friend from church does Heart FELT Truths which does felt Bible stories and Scripture memory for little learners. They are offering a special between now and August 31st. 

Here are the details:

Any full-price Advent Calendar purchased between now and August 31st gives you the opportunity to purchase an additional Advent Calendar at a discount rate to have shipped to a missionary or ministry of your choice. Advent Calendars cost $40-45.00 + 8.25 shipping. Additional calendars will only cost an additional $30.00 (that includes international shipping!) That's why you need to get them ordered now, because shipping internationally can take time.

They are also offering DIY kits at a special rate right now. The DIY Kits are currently listed at $16.00 and $21.00. For the presale you can not only get a head start on preparing your Advent Calendar before the holiday rush, but you can get an additional kit for only $6.00 during our Holiday presale! Make one for yourself and a friend as a great Christmas gift.

So check out her website now to find out how to order this great deal and great item!

Three Inserts this Week!

Friday Funny--Olympics

New Coupons--Babies and Kids

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• $3.00 OFF Any ONE (1) Loads of Love™ 3x Concentrated Laundry Detergent 64oz Fragrance Free & Lavender (Minimum purchase of $7.99 Required)
• SAVE $1.00 on any Little Tummys® Gas Relief Drops or any Little Remedies® product (Redeemable at Walmart)
• SAVE $1.00 on any Little Fevers® Infant or any Little Remedies® product (Redeemable at Walmart)
• SAVE $2.00 on any ONE (1) package of GOODNITES® Underwear (Jumbo Pack or Larger)
• Save $1.00 when you buy two 3.5-ounce Gerber® Organic baby food pouches
• SAVE $2.00 on your purchase of any TWO (2) Playtex® OrthoPro® or Binky® Pacifier Packs
• SAVE $2.00 on any one (1) Similac® Prenatal Vitamins (Redeemable at Walmart)

Summer Art Project using broken Crayons

It is SOOOO HOT around here. It's been over 100 daily for most of a month with more to come. It's too hot to play outside, so I came up with an idea for just a quick activity outside that would allow the assailing sun to do the work.


First, I collect broken crayons for such a time as this. You never know how you can use them. Leave rubbings come to mind.  Also, I think it would be really cool to do this --------->


We went outside and put pieces of broken crayon in an abstract design on paper. We broke them into smaller pieces if we needed to do so or just left the how the were.

Now, one thing we did wrong was to wait until late afternoon to make them. Start off earlier in the day and consider the fact that you may still need to wait until the next day depending on the location. More sun during the day and the faster the crayons will melt. Also, consider the breeze and place some stones on the corners to keep the paper from blowing away. Trust me, we learned this the hard way.
Warning: Any crayons left on the sidewalk, driveway, etc, will melt on the sidewalk, driveway, etc. Not so easy to to clean up.


Here's a look at one of the final products as modeled by the diva.

What I thought was interesting was that not all the crayons melted in the same way. Mija thought it looked like a Jackson Pollack whom she has liked since a library activity we attended awhile back.

Well, that's how we handled one scorching afternoon. How have you been doing art this summer?

Source: flickr.com via Betsy Price on Pinterest

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. The Summer Olympics officially begin this Friday night...will you be watching? If you could see just one event in person which one would you pick?

Yes, we will be watching Friday night. In fact, mija and I are going to making a lapbook for the Olympics. One event? I'm assuming we're talking Summer Olympic events, so I'll say gymnastics!

This was 4 years ago. She's not doing gymnastics currently,
but we still enjoy them.

2.Do lazy days make you feel rested or unproductive?

Definitely feel unproductive 98% of the time.

3. July 25th is 'officially' Threading the Needle Day...can you sew? On a scale of 1-10 with 1 being not at all and 10 being Betsy Ross-like, how would you rate your skill with a needle and thread?

I have sewn in the past, but haven't for a dozen years or more. Now, I'd rate myself a 4. I don't even know if my sewing machine works!

4. 'Threading the Needle' can also mean to walk a fine line between two things or issues (think awkward social situation). When was the last time you had to 'thread the needle', figuratively speaking?

I have to do that all the time on Facebook. I believe the Bible teaches homosexuality is wrong and marriage is between a man and a woman. BUT my brother is homosexual and I'm friends with him and his partner on FB, so I try to remain true but kind when I share things.

5. Kidney, pinto, black, or navy...your favorite bean?

I'm part Mexican and grew up eating pinto beans. They're still probably my favorite.

6. Have you ever hosted a garage sale? Was it more success or bust?

Yes, I've done had garage sales. Most have been flops.

7. What makes you roll your eyes?

Unfortunately, a lot of things. I try not to let mija see when I do it. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

So, I'm thinking about writing a Kindle book about Proverbs 31. Think anyone would be interested?

Free Kindle Book today!!

Tomorrow is so Exciting!! Free Kindle book and more.

I reviewed Yelling on Friday. I wanted to remind you tomorrow, July 24, the Kindle book will be free on Amazon and you get a whole bundle of stuff for free! Make sure to snag it. 

Also, remember there is the Eternal Encouragement FaceBook Parties tomorrow to go along with the special deal on the book. You can attend both or one and be blessed. The first one is 1-3 PM Central time and the second is 7-9 PM Central.  

Yelling: a review, Kindle book, and FB Party

So much to share!!

First, back in November, 2011, I did a review of Yelling: The Cause, The Casualty, and The Cure in which I did a poor job since I was in a big funk. It deserves a better review and here it is!


Yelling. I've done it. I confess. Although I try not to use it as part of my regular repertoire of discipline, it comes out at times. Especially when I'm not feeling well or stressed.  The wonderful thing about Lorrie Flem's book is that it recognizes that. Just like the title states, Mrs. Flem deals with the causes and the cures of yelling. She gives an 11-step plan that makes sense and can work. I know. I've tried them.


Here are just a few points or quotes from the book that have made a difference in how I choose to respond.

• Look at it this way, if it isn’t life-threatening, if the house is not ablaze, if it is not time to call 911, or if the child you are yelling at is not half a mile away, then yelling is the wrong choice...
• ... to stop yelling is to understand what triggers the yelling.
• When we are behind, frazzled, hurrying, and trying to move fast, a child may anger us much more easily, causing us to yell.
• Lower your expectations.

There is sooo much more, but you have to get the book yourself to find out. 

You see, Mrs. Flem of Eternal Encouragement has released this as her first ever Kindle book. Yelling: The Cause, The Casualty, The Cure is available regularly for $4.99 at Amazon and of course, you can download the Kindle program for free for your computer, tablets and smart phones.

The awesome news is you can get the book for FREE on Tuesday, July 24. And not only will you get Yelling for free but a whole slew of additional freebies!  I mean over a hundred dollars worth of stuff you'll receive for free just by purchasing the book on Tuesday, July 24.

If all that weren't enough, Lorrie is also hosting a FB Party that day. Part I will be from 2-4 EST and Part II will be from 8-10 EST. You can come to one or both and glean on this topic live from Lorrie!

Friday Funny--Batman

Just because the new Batman movies releases today...

Wimpy Theology makes Wimpy Women

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. The Summer Olympics begin next week and London is playing host. If you had the chance to go in person which (non-Olympic) London site would you most like to visit?

I would visit the Tower of London. I'd love to see the crown jewels, where Anne Boleyn is buried and where the poor two Princes were held. I LOVE HISTORY!!

2. What is something in your life right now that feels like an Olympic event?

Live in general! With my husband unemployed and no money coming in, that's a challenge.

3. What's your favorite supper to prepare and serve when it's too hot to cook?

McDonald's!  

4. July 18th is National Get Out of the Doghouse Day...when was the last time you were 'in the doghouse'?

Me? In the doghouse? Never!

5. What television advertisement do you find particularly irritating or inappropriate? You may not answer with 'all of them'. I know some of you were thinking about it.

Here are two of the commercials that get in my craw every time I see them!

I mean really? Your life ends if you get married or have a baby? You'll never accomplish or do anything ever again? Grrrrrr...

6. Share one piece of interesting news from the year you were born.

My Fair lady and Mary Poppins where the big winners at the Academy Awards that year!

7. What's the best part of your average day?

Naptime!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

"Children today are tyrants. They contradict their parents, gobble their food, and tyrannize their teachers" - Socrates (420 BC)

Little Girl Hair Ideas

I like trying to do different things with mija's hair. This is challenging since I'm not the most talented hair dresser and mija is tendered-headed and has fine, thin hair which doesn't like to stay in place.


Here are two hair-do's I've done recently and where I learned how to do them!

The first is called "Lady Gaga" Hair bow.  A bow made from hair! Very easy.

Here's the link:

Source: kouturekiss.com via Betsy Price on Pinterest

Second, we did a French twist into a rope braid. Here's a picture of my first attempt.

Here's the link to the video:

Source: youtube.com via Betsy Price on Pinterest

Not too bad for my first attempt!  You can just do the bottom part of it, too!

7 Dangers of the Internet for Kids

The Biblical Counseling Coalition had a great piece on their blog which I wanted to share with you.

The World Wide Web is the greatest invention since the printing press. Nothing else has so radically shaped culture, media, commerce, entertainment, and communication. But with these benefits come great dangers all parents should know about. Read the rest HERE.

Sunday Coupon Preview

Friday Funny---Magna Carta signed today in 1215

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. How often do you check the weather? How do you check the weather?
Ideally I check the weather a couple of times a day. I often check on the internet. I like the idea of watching the local news weather report, but they tell you so much, I actually get bored and lose track of what they are saying! By the time I realize I need to pay attention, I've missed the forecast!!  Surely I can't be the only person who can't concentrate through the whole weather forecast! 

2. Since this is volume 84 of the Wednesday Hodgepodge, and since I got married in 1984, and since I'm attending a wedding this weekend it only seems right to post something related here.

"Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance. If the dispositions of the parties are ever so well known to each other or ever so similar beforehand, it does not advance their felicity in the least. They always continue to grow sufficiently unlike afterwards to have their share of vexation; and it is better to know as little as possible of the defects of the person with whom you are to pass your life."

Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

Agree or Disagree. Why?

Disagree. Marriage is definitely a chance to get to learn how different our spouses are from the person we actually married! That, however, is part of the refining process and purpose of marriage. Happiness is the choice you make to deal with those differences with a good attitude.

3. Do you like to dance? Have you ever taken dance lessons?

I do love to get an "Electric Slide" on! I remember learning to dance when I was 4 or so in the upstairs hallway of my aunt's house. My teenage cousin would put some 45s on and we'd dance, dance, dance! Jackson-5. Osmonds. Paper Lace. More. That's the only dance lessons I had! I still love to dance and sometimes have my own dance party in the living room.

4. Fresh from the oven peach pie or home made peach ice cream? Pick one.

Peach Pie with vanilla ice cream please!!  

5. Should people accept unfairness and learn to make the best of it?

Yes. In fact, that's one of the things I remind mija every time I hear "It's not fair."  Life isn't fair. AND it's better to have justice than fairness. Ponder that!

6. The top five all time summer movie blockbusters (released between May and August and grossing at least 100 million dollars) are-Jaws, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Star Wars (the original), Ghostbusters, and ET. Which one's your favorite?

I would have a tie between Raiders and Star Wars.  Did you realize that all but one of those movies was brought to us by either Spielberg or Lucas? 

7. If given the chance, would you like to visit the moon?

Um, no. I mean if it were free, sure, but if I'd have to pay, I'd much rather spend the money going to Europe!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

It was extremely hot last week. Saturday's high was 107!  I have a friend who shared this idea. Instead of thinking of it as 107, he chose to think of it as only 75 degrees above freezing!  It sounds so much cooler that way, doesn't it?

Don't forget your free Slurpee at 7-eleven on 7/11!!

Homeschool Freebie of the Day

If you've been around, you know I love FREE!!! Let me let you in on a freebie secret. Sign up for Homeschool Freebie of the Day! Every week you get an email of the freebie they will offer each day of the week AND if you sign up, you will also receive emails for freebies only offered to subscribers. I've gotten tons of great things from this site!

So, sign up for Homeschool Freebie of the Day.


Don't forget some more freebies and good deals!

2012 Summer Olympics--Great deals on great resources!!

I enjoy being an affiliate for Currclick.com. It offers so many things mija and  
I enjoy and I get to share them with you. Just in time for the Olympics, it's...

Just like it states, you can search for 12 free country studies.  You know what it think about FREE!!!  Then 10% off a lot of Olympics resources. In fact, some are even free!


Let me share a few of my favorites that I'm using or have used.



I love anything done by the Founders Academy. Mija often asks when her next class with Mrs. Schott is going to be!
Live! For Kids: History of the Olympics is a 30 minute class on the history of the Olympics for ages 5-7. The sale price is only $4.50.

She's also doing Live! Olympic History. This class is 60 minutes and for ages 8-18. It's marked down to $6.30!

Either class from Founders Academy would be great!

How about something free? Here's Olympics Upper-Lower Case File folders labels! There are a lot of cool things you can do with them.

One thing I already have and am getting ready to use is this great lapbook by A Journey Through Learning entitled The Summer Olympics 2012 Lapbook with Study Guide. I chose it because it covers the history of the Olympics, the current Olympics and then allows you to keep track of winners in 15 events, AND get this...it's 58 pages, for ages 5-10 and only $0.45!!! Yes, you can't go wrong with $0.45!!

So, look for those free units and save with some Olympic resources!!  There are a lot to choose from. These are just a few I recommend.  

Coupons--Toys, Baby, Formula, more!

• SAVE $3.00 with the purchase of one (1) BARBIE™ in A Mermaid Tale 2 MERLIAH™ DOLL (W2883)
• SAVE $3.00 with the purchase of one (1) Thomas & Friends™ Talking Motorized Engine
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• SAVE $5.00 with the purchase of one (1) MY LITTLE SNUGABUNNY™ SEAT
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• SAVE $2.00 on your purchase of any TWO (2) Playtex® OrthoPro® or Binky® Pacifier Packs
• Save $1.00 when you buy two 3.5-ounce Gerber® Organic baby food pouches

Firday Funny---Kind of late

My Broken Leg--Possible Misdiagnosis

As you're reading this, it's Mondy (or later!) Our move in two weeks time from a mobile home to a 3-bedroom home owned by friends has happened.  I'm assuming it went well since I'm writing this on Friday beforehand! We'll be without phone and internet for a few days, so I'm working ahead!


A few days ago I wrote an update in which I compared our situation seems to be broken leg which God keeps applying band-aids to. I said, "I'm thankful for them [band-aids] but long for the leg to be set, casted, and the bone to be knitted back together."

God continues to work on our behalf and in my heart. 

I realized that I'm not the Great Physician. Who am I to diagnose our issue as a broken leg? Maybe our situation is blocked arteries or a common cold. Or maybe we really do need only band-aids! 

To put it in the mundane, my husband needs a job that will support us and preferable provide insurance. Or at least that is what I assume we need. Maybe we need more. Maybe we need less. Maybe it's something totally different that we need. 
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts (Is. 55:9).

I don't know what we need, but obviously it involves a lot of well-timed, needed band-aids!