Our week

Well it has been a long and tiring week. I am exhausted to say the least. I have not been sleeping well AT all. I am a worry wart ;o)! I cry, I laugh, I fret. I have finally realized though that all of what I am feeling is in Gods plan. He knows!! I have realized (once again) to FULLY TRUST IN GOD!! So therefore I am claiming I am a Frog!!!!



Did you think I was bonkers.......hahaha ;o)

Where has time gone?

It seems just yesterday Amber (my oldest) was born and now today she is grown! Her boyfriend proposed to her on Valentines day and she accepted. I have many mixed emotions. Is that normal? She is only 18 he is almost 19. They want to get married July 11th. I am just fearful because things will be hard on them. He has a good job and plans to continue his career in the medical field. She plans to go to beauty school and work part time. They both have good heads on their shoulders and are good Christian Kids (although Chris just got saved he thought he was before and just was unsure because he got saved at a young age and wanted to be sure). I just dont want them to struggle. I love them so. Amber is so excited! I am trying to be. I dont want to NOT be excited but kids sometimes dont look at the big picture. I know I have to let her go sometime I just did not think it would be so soon. So I guess I have a wedding to plan. Much to do!!!

Any tips or advice for the scared mommy would be greatly appreciated.....prayers too for the couple and their life journey!!

Karen

My frugalness for the day........

Well my old,old oven was sick (heating element went out). Dh was going to get a new element because that was WAY cheaper than a new Stove. My stove is very old, it has 2 drawers on the side for storage and one on the bottom. Anyway it was in GREAT need of cleaning. It of course is not self cleaning. So what better time to do it?!!! I was out of oven cleaner (which I hate to use because of my asthma). So I went to the net and googled (I love google...lol) homemade oven cleaner. I was directed to grandmas page...lol (dont know the exact link) This lady had several oven cleaning recipes. Since mine was so bad (seriously I had not cleaned it in months) I went for the one that was for tough stains. Well guess what I discovered it worked REALLY well!! I was shocked that such simple things really cleaned it well. I am talking baked on ick!!! Here is a few of the recipes I found. The first one is the one I used....ENJOY!!!

5 Tsp. baking soda
3 drops of dish liquid (I had Palmolive)
4 Tsp White vinegar

I made several batches because I had a big surface to cover. I poured it in the bottom and rubbed it on the sides and top. I let it set for a few minutes and then wiped it clean!!! I loved this because I could breath and it was cheep, easy and worked!!!

Here is another one (I have not tried)
1 Tsp Dish liquid
1 Tsp lemon juice
1 1/2 Tsp Bleach
1 qt warm water

It said this is for tough jobs but like I said I tried the other one first and it worked. I did not want to try this one first due to the bleach but thought I would share it. Enjoy Frugal ladies!!!

Karen

I just had to share my reward for the day........

I realized again what a blessing it is today to have the ability, and freedom to home school!! My son has rewarded me many MANY times over. Most mothers miss their kids first words, steps first every things but not us home school mommas!!! We can be here for EVERY first!! What a joy it is to teach your children and see them learn and the look on their face when they finally get *it*!!

Our day started rough. Thomas was struggling with his math, after many explanations it finally clicked and he got it!!! He was so excited, and I was so blessed. It's moments like these that makes all we do SO worth it.

I am so thankful that I am the one teaching my child to read, write, and most of all I can also teach him about the Lord! I don't have to worry about him being influenced by the world. I can teach him Godly character, how to be a man of God, how to Love the Lord with all his heart, mind, soul and strength. I get to witness EVERY first in his life.

Sometimes when you feel like giving up think about what a blessing our children are from the Lord. Think of what a blessing it is to be able to not only be their parents but their *Teachers*! "Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

Blessings in Christ, Karen

Here is a picture of my little man with his daddy......

Chruch Funnies!!!!!

I have been so busy with school and cleaning that I have not had time to post anything. My cousin sent me these chruch funnies by email and I thought I would share them, they are cute. So enjoy!!


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It was Palm Sunday, and because of a sore throat, five year old Billy
stayed home from Church with a sitter. When his family returned
home they were carrying several Palm Branches. Billy asked what
they were for? His parents replied "People held them over Jesus'
head as He walked by." "Wouldn't you know it," Billy fumed, "The
one Sunday I don't go to Church, HE showed up!"

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One Easter Sunday as the Minister was preaching the Children's
Sermon, he reached into his bag of props and pulled out an egg.
He pointed at the egg and asked the children, "What's in here?"
I know a little boy exclaimed, "Pantyhose!"

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Little Johnny asked his Grandma how old she was. Grandma
answered, "39 and holding." Johnny thought for a moment, and
then said, "And how old would you be if you let go?"

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A little boy was in a relatives wedding. As he was going down the
aisle, he would take two steps, stop, and turn to the crowd. While
facing the crowd, he would put his hands up like claws and roar.
So it went, step ROAR step, ROAR, step,, ROAR, all the way down
the aisle. As you can imagine, the crowd was near tears from
laughing so hard by the time he reached the pulpit.

When asked what he was doing, the child sniffed and said, "I was
being the Ring Bear."

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One Sunday in a Midwest City, a young child was "acting up" during
the morning worship hour. The parents did their best to maintain
some sense of order in the pew but were losing the battle. Finally,
the father picked the little fellow up and walked sternly up the aisle
on his way out.

Just before reaching the safety of the foyer, the little one called
loudly to the congregation, "Pray for me! Pray for me!"

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One particular four-year old prayed, "And forgive us our trash
baskets as we forgive those who put trash in our baskets."

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A little boy was overheard praying: "Lord, if you can' t make me a
better boy, don't worry about it. I'm having a real good time like I am."

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A Sunday School teacher asked her little children, as they were on
the way to church service, "And why is it necessary to be quiet in
church?"

One bright little girl replied, "Because people are sleeping."

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A little boy opened the big and old family Bible with fascination,
looking at the old pages as he turned them. Then something
fell out of the Bible. He picked it up and looked at it closely. It
was an old leaf from a tree that has been pressed in between
the pages."Mama, look what I found," the boy called out.
"What have you got there, dear?" his mother asked. With
astonishment in the young boy's voice, he answered, "It's
Adam's suit."

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The preacher was wired for sound with a lapel mike, and as he
preached, he moved briskly about the platform, jerking the mike
cord as he went. Then he moved to one side, getting wound up in
the cord and nearly tripping before jerking it again. After several
circles and jerks, a little girl in the third pew leaned toward her
mother and whispered, "If he gets loose, will he hurt us?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Six-year old Angie, and her four-year old brother, Joel, were sitting
together in church. Joel giggled, sang and talked out loud.

Finally, his big sister had enough. "You're not supposed to talk out
loud in church."

"Why? Who's going to stop me?" Joel asked.

Angie pointed to the back of the church and said, "See those two
men standing by the door? They're hushers."

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My grandson was visiting one day when he asked, "Grandma, do
you know how you and God are alike?" I mentally polished my halo,
while I asked, "No, how are we alike?" "You're both old," he replied.

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A ten-year old, under the tutelage of her grandmother, was
becoming quite knowledgeable about the Bible. Then, one day,
she floored her grandmother by asking, "Which Virgin was the
mother of Jesus? The virgin Mary or the King James Virgin?"

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A Sunday school class was studying the Ten Commandments.
They were ready to discuss the last one. The teacher asked if
anyone could tell her what it was.

Susie raised her hand, stood tall, and quoted, "Thou shall not
take the covers off the neighbor's wife.

The fourteen days of homeschool!!

I listened to this this morning and thought I would share! I hope it makes you laugh, I know I sure did!!

P.S. Sorry you will have to go down and stop my playlist, they do not sound good together ;o)!!

"ODE TO A HOMESCHOOL MOM"

As a wife, mother, and home educator You are the embodiment of life, love, and laughter. Even at times when you do not feel respected, You are adored by the children you’ve directed.

Your chosen career means there is much to do, For you are your children’s best teacher, too– Training them to walk, to talk and say “please,” Plus reading, writing, math, and social studies.

Gathering books from the library, you strive To read aloud and bring history alive. You take kids on field trips and nature hikes, Arrange play days and set up movie nights.

You are a modern “Renaissance woman,” Instructing every one of your children In all of the fine arts and sciences While you also pursue your own interests.

You are a housekeeper, nurse, cook, janitor, Counselor, cheerleader, and a whole lot more. You can give a lesson and bake a cake While tying a shoe and mending a break.

You teach your children for most of the day, And carefully listen to what they have to say. Rather than measuring by height, grade or year, You track their growth by the character they wear.

You routinely put your family first And do your best to fix every hurt. Your heart is full of compassion showing You are quite wise and always knowing.

Your life is not as glorious as some, With many days taken up by tedium. You rarely get what you truly deserve, As anyone else would surely observe.

But even amid the worst of all days, Happiness is found in a special way. God is your strength and Jesus is your mentor; As you honor Him, He blesses your endeavor.

May each of my homeschool moms be blessed this day and always!! For all you do!!

Karen

"Ode to a Homeschool Dad"

A homeschool dad is second to none When it comes to mixing learning and fun. After working hard the whole day long, His will to teach and play is still strong.

Whether it’s hide and seek, checkers or chess, Dad is the person who does them the best. He coaches the kids on how to catch and throw Plus so much more; there’s nothing he doesn’t know.

Many weekends he goes mountain biking, Sailing, four-wheeling, camping or hiking. Then for his vacation he always takes us On a trip to the beach and other places.

Dad can repair almost any doll or toy That might be broken by a little girl or boy, Using the quality tools at his disposal Which are neatly arranged on his workshop table.

Dad builds book shelves, bird houses, sand boxes, And his hand-tossed pizza tastes delicious! Yes, dad can cook and he doesn’t stop there– He even changes diapers with great care.

Homeschool dads are dedicated to their families, Instrumental in creating unforgettable memories, Forming a father-child bond that lasts a lifetime While supporting mom and being her lifeline.

Dad also lends that special masculine touch To a home full of children he loves so much As he stops fights, heals hurts, and educates them In good character, virtue, and discipline.

Dad is a provider, protector, counselor, Role model, hero, principal and tutor. Whether it’s science, math, or reading aloud, Dad’s instructional skills are of worth to be proud.

But most importantly he is our captain and leader, Spiritual head of the house and scripture reader, Following divine truths set forth by the God of all men, Through wisdom handed down from our Father in heaven.

May all you homeschool dads be blessed as well and Thank you for being our spiritual leaders and well just our leaders!! Also thank you for being there for us moms through our good days and especially our bad.

Karen

Happy Birthday Punkin Unkin!!

Today my beautiful Amber turned 18. I am so glad that the Lord chose me to be her mom (or mommy as she still calls me...lol). I will never forget the day she came into my life a beautiful 6lbs 14oz 21 1/2 inches of beautiful. I was scared to death and knew nothing about being a mom. She taught me a lot really!! Of course I had to put in many calls to my parents...lol I could not be any more proud of her. She has blossomed into a beautiful lady.

I will never forget the day she ask Jesus to save her. She was a tender four years old and looked at me and started to cry and said mommy I don't want to go to hell. This was totally out of the blue as her and I was watching her favorite show "Barney"!! I turned off the TV and talked with her to make sure she fully understood what she wanted. SHE DID! Her and I then knelt and she asked Jesus to come into her heart. What a thrill it is to lead your children to the Lord. I will cherish that day forever!!! Of course the first ones we called was papaw and mamaw. Then a few Sundays later papaw had the privilege to baptize her. Now on this day her birthday her boyfriend Chris ask Jesus to Save him!! What a great birthday present!! I am so happy!! She is as well.

It is my prayer for my daughter that she continues to put the Lord first above all and look to Him to guide her through this life. She will graduate this spring and plans to go to beauty school.

Amber my beautiful daughter I love you more than you will ever know. There is no way to express the love I have for you in my heart. The only way you will ever understand is when you become a mom yourself. My mom told me the same thing and I now know she was right.

I am so proud of you and the person you are. There is one thing I want you to always remember and that is not only do I love you but God loves you the most. Keep him close and he will take you through anything this life throws at you. Never take your eyes off of Him for one minute! There is nothing to big or too small for God. I hope that someday when you are a mom you will pass along Gods love and His Salvation to your children. Always know that no matter what you are always my daughter and I love you!!

I love you and Happy Birthday (again...hahaha), Mommy

Good Advice to Live By

This is something someone sent me and I thought I would share it today. The best advice however that "I" can give you is to live by God's Word (the instruction manual for life), and put all your faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and He shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:6

If you want your dreams to come true, don't oversleep.

The smallest good deed is better than the grandest intention.

Of all the things you wear, your expression is the most important.

The best vitamin for making friends....B1.

The 10 commandments are not multiple choice.

The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.

Minds are like parachutes.. .they function only when open.

Ideas won't work unless YOU do.

One thing you can't recycle is wasted time.

One who lacks the courage to start has already finished.

The heaviest thing to carry is a grudge.

Don't learn safety rules by accident.

We lie the loudest when we lie to ourselves.

Jumping to conclusions can be bad exercise.

A turtle makes progress when it sticks its head out.

One thing you can give and still keep...is your word.

A friend walks in when everyone else walks out.

AND FINALLY...
The pursuit of happiness is the chase of a lifetime!!!

Things..........
Outside my window... The cars are finally parked in our driveway!

I am thinking...We are blessed by the Lord everyday and have so much to be thankful for.

I am Thankful For......My family and the Lord keeping us safe and warm through the ice storm. Many were not as blessed.

From the kitchen...I smell coffee and may have to get a third cup!!

I am wearing...my peach culottes and a white t shirt, or comfy clothes as I like to call them

I am reading...The Bible and I just finished The Series of The Heritage of Lancaster County by Beverly Lewis.

I am hoping...That we have a good day and Daddy is able to find some work this week.

I am hearing...The Today show!

Around the house...Kids are still sleeping. Mom had her devotions and is now blogging

One of my favorite things...The Forgiving of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ

A few plans for the rest of the week...This week hopefully is not as busy. Wednesday is Amber's 18th Birthday so we will celebrate it and Thursday is Dustin's birthday party at Gaditown. Friday Amber and Devin will be back for the weekend, they are going back either today or tomorrow to their dads :o( who now has power and water. I hate to seem them go. There is a great void when they are not here.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...