Playing with paper

After we finished our schoolwork for the day, I decided to toss in a load of laundry then spend the afternoon playing. I pulled out a paper collection consisting of a fun vintage cupcake/kitchen theme and created a fun little ensemble.

The large clipboard (which even has a recipe on it) would be perfect to clip your weeks menu and the recipes needed and hang it in the kitchen so it's close at hand when you're ready to cook dinner. The small clipboard would be perfect to hang near the phone to take messages or keep shopping lists. The journal would be a wonderful place to keep new recipes or to jot down family favorites and always have them in one place. The small little notepads are great to keep in the car or your purse so you're ready anytime you need to jot something down when you're out and about. Who says ordinary objects need to be boring?

A New School Year

It's upon us once again...a brand new school year. We normally hold off until after Labor Day to start our lessons back up, but the girls have been begging me to start back, so we did, a whole 3 weeks early. We are heading into our 10th year homeschooling and our second year without Tess, whom finished her home education early.

This year we're breaking away from our normal course of study and delving into a year long unit study about the pioneers, based on The Little House On The Prairie series. Of course we are sticking with our normal math, reading, and phonics curriculum so we stay on track in the basics. The girls are excited to delve into their pioneer studies, living out many of the things we will be reading about. Sarah is sticking with her normal course of study, but is enjoying joining in with us in some of our daily activities and special projects.

We love homeschooling our girls and all the blessings God rains down on our family through it. We begin each day with the Pledge of Allegiance, prayer, and scripture, along with a short devotion that teaches character traits pleasing to God. It's my favorite time of each day, having my daughters gathered around the table, learning more about God's love and grace. Then we proceed with our lessons. As I read our daily chapters from the Little House books, the girls work on their handwriting and spelling assignments. It works beautifully. We proceed with out lessons and activities pertaining to our unit study then take a short break. After getting the wiggles worked out while I make a snack, we return to our lessons. I've learned that by having a snack available for the girls to munch on while we work on some of our tougher subjects like math and reading/phonics, it helps to keep them more willing to stay on task. Since Gracie and Hannah are in different levels in these subjects, I find it works best to have one working on math while I work on reading with the other. Believe it or not, our school days usually run smoothly.

I can honestly say I was created to be a homeschooling mom and our family was created for the lifestyle it affords. I just can't imagine sending my girls off each day for other people to teach and mold their character. We feel God called our family home so that we can truly raise our children for His Kingdom Glory. Yes, academics are important, but not nearly as important as our daughters hearts and their eternal lives. Is this lifestyle right for everyone? Nope; and I don't think poorly of the educational choices others make for their families - each family is unique and therefore what's right for each is going to be unique as well. Do all homeschool families educate at home for the same deeply held faith convictions we hold? No; again, everyone has their own reasons for the choices they make. I just hope that we can continue to enjoy the freedom in this great country to make the best decisions for our families, especially when those decisions go against the "mainstream norm".

Ready to get started with our school day

Class Picture ;)

I really can't believe she's an eighth grader now

Benjamin thinks he can learn thru osmosis, apparently 

Being a good boy and listening to Mom read

Starting our day with the Pledge of Allegiance

The first day of school 2013

The Ups and Downs of my journey this past year

I don't know about all of you, but I've seen my fair share of ups and downs on that blasted scale over the years.  As many of you know, I discovered Plexus just about a year ago and what a life change that was!  I'd lost over 20 lbs my first month.  Then over the following 6 months, I lost close to another 20 lbs.  That said, I've been at a stand-still for the past several months.  On the upside, I haven't gained any weight back whatsoever.  On the downside, I haven't lost any either.  So, as I prepare to head into a new season, one that I love because it's full of comfort food and pumpkin spice latte's by the fire, I decided to take a few minutes and evaluate why I've been at this standstill.

Here's what I realized: The first few months I was diligent about everything ~ drinking my Plexus every morning and taking my Accelerator capsules along with it.  I tracked my weight and measurements and recorded my losses.  I also tracked not only my calorie/carbs, but also my food choices, enjoying the occassional fast food and treats along with my normal "family friendly" menu that I try to keep nutritionally balanced.  I was consciously aware of when I was truly hungry and when I'd had enough and was satisfied.  The excitement of seeing the scale go down daily kept me accountable... then, just like with most things, I became comfortable where I was and began to take for granted everything Plexus does for me.  After awhile, some of my old habits had slipped right back in without me even noticing it.  I began drinking Dr Pepper everyday rather than once in awhile.  I found myself skipping my Plexus here and there, sometimes for a week or two at a time.  AND... I realized that I was once again mindlessly snacking instead of listening to my natural hunger signals.  I gotta tell ya though,  through it all, Plexus hasn't let me down.  It's kept my weight and my health in check even though I wasn't keeping myself in check.  NO WEIGHT GAIN!  And, my last lab work showed that my blood sugar and all my lipids are still in great shape :)

Well, where does that leave me now?  I'm going back to square one again and finding the excitement I had a year ago when I first started my Plexus journey.  I determined to set my goals, work out a plan that works for me, and most importantly I'm giving it all over to God to use for His glory.  I took my starting weight and measurments today and recorded them so I can begin tracking again.  I'm once again using the app on my phone to track my food choices as well as my exercise routine.  Finally, a biggie for me, I've gone cold turkey giving up Dr. Pepper.  I know that I can enjoy all the yummy comfort foods that come along with the cooler weather as well as my pumpkin latte's and still achieve my personal weight and health goals.  I will keep you all posted as I once again see the numbers going down :)

If you'd like more information on what Plexus can do for you, please check out my website.  www.getslimLiveWell.com      It really is all that it's cracked up to be :)

Max William celebrates his birthday!!!

Can you believe that our boy is two years old today? Wow! We love our boy and of course had to celebrate by throwing him a little party. Cupcakes and his own cookie along with ice cream made up the refreshments ;). Everyone in the deli of our grocery store had a chuckle as we sang happy birthday to him and a few stopped by our table to wish him well :). Looking forward to the year ahead and watching him continue to grow.

Saving money without compromising quality

I rarely write a product review, but once in awhile I run across something I need to share. It seems to me that EVERYONE I know lately is trying to find ways to save money, myself included. Well, as women, I think it's safe to say, for most of us, that we will sacrifice many things before we give up our favorite cosmetics.

Since I first began wearing makeup as a young teenager, I've only used name brand, high quality products...Clinique, Estée Lauder, Bare Minerals, etc. lets face it, it gets expensive even with the fun "gifts with purchase" sets. Well, Sarah began wearing makeup a few months ago, and being the amazing bargain hunter that she is, she stumbled upon a cosmetic line that she instantly fell in love with...elf Cosmetics. With most things ranging from $1-3 and pallets well under $10 (not to mention when the online site runs a half price sale making it unbelievably cheap) it totally caught her attention. As a cosmetic snob, I thought "I'm glad she's having fun but no thanks...I'll stick with my Estée Lauder".

It all changed one day when Sarah bought me a small eye shadow pallet that was on sale for $1 and she just knew it was colors I'd love. Doing my motherly duty, I used it the next morning as she anxiously watched, wanting to know what I thought. SURPRISE was what went through my mind. The colors were beautiful and the coverage was smooth and nice. "It won't last all day, I'm sure" was my next thought. Wrong! By bedtime, my eye shadow was still on; no creasing and no smearing. Hmmmmm.... Is my13 year old onto something?

A couple weeks ago, while at Target, Sarah shows me some new color sets and products they've just gotten in. Mineral eye shadows. Baked eye shadows. Beautiful blush shades. A full cosmetic line. So, in a moment of temptation I pick up a few things and spend less than $10. I have to tell you, I love everything I bought. The baked shadows are gorgeous. The colors all blend so beautifully. I'm hooked :). So, if you're looking for a way to save money without giving up quality, give elf a try. I'm betting you'll be as surprised as I was :)

Now, don't be a hatin'... ;)

Yes, I'm one of "THOSE".  You know the one... I get excited when I see Hobby Lobby stocking the shelves with Christmas ornaments and when I see the Christmas trees going up in the middle of the aisle.  I shop for twinkly lights in August, and begin all my Christmas To Do lists.  I actually start listening to Christmas music when the first frost is more than 6 weeks away.  I refuse to even consider buying another pair of flip flops no matter how cheap they are and spend time drooling over the new Uggs beginning to show up on store shelves.  I'm even beginning to draft our annual Christmas letter and have started making our Christmas card.  Yes, I'm definitely "THAT" woman:)

The past few years have brought me back to my roots and helped me to realize just what is actually important and what isn't.  I've come to fully appreciate the little things that tie us to those we love and what we value.... heritage, legacy, crafted from the heart by the hands of someone you hold dear.  This year, more than anything else, I really want to make our entire holiday season a season of love and blessing.  From Thanksgiving to Christmas and all the way thru to Valentine's Day, I want to let my family and friends know they are loved and cherished.  A tall order, for sure and for certain; one that requires me to begin planning and working on things while the kids are still splashing away in the pool on hot summer days and catching fireflies on muggy August evenings.  The upside to starting on Christmas in August?  Well, it certainly helps you think cool thoughts as you envision snow covered landscapes, fireplaces roaring, and yummy smells floating from the oven.

Yes, I'm one of "THOSE"and no matter how hard I try to keep it undercover, I just can't help but do my little happy dance as I browse the aisles full of evergreens boughs and glittered christmas ornaments :)

Back to School...

We are heading into our 10th year of homeschooling our children.  WOW!  Like many families, we started that first year leaving the door open to return to a traditional school setting if it just didn't work out for us.  What we didn't realize then, was that homeschooling isn't just an educational choice, it's a lifestyle.  I can no longer fathom any other way of spending my days than teaching my daughters around our own school table.  Enjoying all the highs and enduring all the lows of each day, together as a family.  Watching the older ones teach the younger ones.  Wiping away the tears when something is just so hard to learn and seems so far out of grasp, then celebrating when, like a light switch, a child "gets it".  I wouldn't trade these days for anything.

We are still enjoying the last days of our summer break, but as the girls are riding bikes and scooters, and playing with their friends, I'm getting ready for our upcoming year.  My desk is covered with index cards, post-it notes, books, markers, my Bible, my planner, teacher manuels, paper clips, folders, library lists, field trip schedules, etc.  These are the days that I work diligently to make our school year enjoyable for both the girls and myself.  For those that know me well, they are probably scratching their heads about now, because I'm normally a "shoot from the hip" sort of gal.  We don't live by a strict schedule or routine.  However, I've schooled my children long enough to know that if my planning isn't done ahead of time, school days will just slip by with the bare basics at best.

This year we are doing something a little new... For my two littlest ones, I've decided to break away from our normal curriculum and enjoy a unit study.  In addition to our normal math, reading, spelling, and handwritting, we are going to use the Prairie Primer and spend the year going through the Little House on the Prairie books.  Unit studies are an amazing way to learn, as all your core subjects are studied in corrolation with the book you're reading.  Science, Health, History, Language Arts, Bible, even Reading, Math, Handwriting, Vocabulary, and Spelling (although I utilize our normal curriculum for those subjects to stay on task) are all learned in a seamless stream as you study each work of literature.  We will immerse ourselves in the pioneer period, learning to do things the way the Ingalls family would have and delving deep into the history of that period in time.

We are looking forward to starting our new school year on August 19th (early for us).  The girls already have their school supplies ready...folders organized and pencils sharpened.  We all love back to school time; not sure why, but there's just something exciting about a new school year and all the opportunities to learn new things.

Nebraska's Big Rodeo

What fun! We had dear friends come visit this week from Virginia and they've never been to a rodeo. Of course that was the perfect road trip. We packed up the truck and headed out west. We enjoyed visiting with Grammie and Papa and showing David and Michele a real Nebraska farm, along with all that the small towns here have to offer. After staying the night in McCook, off we went to explore the edge of the Sandhills. We shared the rich history of our state all along the way (Nebraska really is a great state when you get off the interstate and onto some of the back roads). We finally made it to the rodeo in Burwell and had a blast enjoying the midway before the rodeo events began. Once the sun began to set, all eyes were on the arena. There is nothing more American than a rodeo; if you've never gone, I'd highly suggest you do. It will restore your patriotism and make you remember everything we love about our country. From the opening with our flag flown from horseback and raced around the arena, to the national anthem and prayer, and finally onto cowboys (and cowgirls in a few events) competing, the night is nonstop fun. We all had a great time and are anxious to enjoy another rodeo soon.

Off to the rodeo

We are heading up to Burwell Nebraska today for the rodeo. Hannah is all excited about it, but I think she's a bit on the tired side. Here's what I found this morning .....

50th Birthday

Craig is celebrating his 50th birthday this month. What fun we've had making him feel special during this milestone. Gifts, time with family and friends, favorite foods, and even a road trip to the Burwell rodeo via a side trip to the family farm have all made for lots fun and memories. 50 years of blessings so far and hopefully another fifty more to come.

Vacation Bible School

Wow! This is a new one for this Mama...for the first time since becoming a mom, I have 3 hours completely free and to myself all this week. Tess is working and all the others are off at VBS. Sarah volunteered to teach and is the table leader for Gracie's group :). We've been bringing along friends as well and have been having a fun week full of sleepovers, swimming, and learning about God.

2 years ago....

It's been two years since Mamo's Heavenly Homecoming.  There isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss her, but I'm so thankful to know that she is healthy and whole in her new body up in Heaven.  There's no more pain, no more illness, no more longing for her beloved family members, especially her own Mama, that had gone on before her.  I'm also so thankful that my girls have so many wonderful memories of Mamo, just like I do.  She was a huge part of their lives and they loved her dearly, just as I did.  We visit her grave often, and enjoy "filling her in" on all that is going on in our life.  We laugh at the great memories we have of times spent with her, and can at times almost hear her voice when her words come to mind.  I am so blessed to have had such a wonderful grandmother who was actively involved in my life, every single day since the day I was born.  To say I loved her is an understatement, to say the least.  I adored her, cherished her and the time I got to have with her.  I treasure each and every lesson she taught me... whether it be personal character, resposibility, work ethic, driving, sewing, caring for children, enjoying the moments with those I love, etc.  I honestly wouldn't be who I am, had it not been for her.  Yes, the pangs of grief and loneliness still strike my heart and sole, but it's at those times that the good memories flood my mind and I wrap myself up with them and find such comfort... I Love You, Mamo.  God blessed me so much more than I could have ever asked by giving you to me as my grandma.

Summer days

I'm so thankful for a husband willing to work hard to provide a good life for his family. While he's working away, on the road, teaching kids at summer entrepreneur camps, working with small communities around the nation...I get to enjoy the benefits of being a stay at home mom, raising our girls for God's Kingdom.

There's been a lot of debate over recent days about the benefits of moms staying in the work force; it's set the "mom wars" back on fire. Personally, I don't think it's a black and white matter. God created each one of us and wired us in very unique ways. Not every woman is meant to be a stay at home wife and mom. Not every woman is meant to juggle both a career and family life. God gave us examples of both throughout the Bible and we would be wise to understand that there is no right or wrong answer to this. What is important, however, the right way if you will, is to actively seek to be where God would have you in your life. Seek God's will first and find contentment in all He has for you.

As for me, I love being a stay at home mom. I love being able to watch my girls grow in God's grace every day and leading them to His Truth every step if the way. I enjoy the natural rythmn of the changing seasons and the simplified lifestyle our family leads compared to most in today's world. And, personally, I don't think there's any better way to spend the warm summer days than relaxing by the pool, while the girls enjoy splashing and swimming.

So, do I have a problem embracing the traditional husband/wife roles of the 1950's, like one woman recently expressed disdain about? No way! God created us with specific roles to fill and the gifts needed to carry them out. I find I am the most content when I'm squarely in my role as wife and mom. Nurturing my family, making our home cozy, teaching our children, being a helpmate. I don't want my husband's role...frankly it looks too hard. Besides, let me point out again that he's out working and I am relaxing poolside ;).

Thankful....

In this day and age of everything being temporary and disposable, there arise moments when your heart is so thankful for "fixes". My favorite sandals came unstitched at the end of the hot weather last year. I tucked them away, figuring I'd deal with it this summer. Well, here it is nearly July and they've still been sitting there waiting for my attention. Today was the day:). I'm so thankful that we still have repair shops like this, available to make our disposable ways a little less prevalent:). I'm also extremely thankful for a whole lot if rain this late June morning :)

Sarah's Homecoming

After an entire week away at church camp, Sarah came home safe and sound. We were all excited to have her back with us. Even tho the week went by quickly, she was greatly missed and the void in our home, without her, was deeply felt. Is this mama ready for an empty nest? NO WAY! I may go a little crazy sometimes because of all the noise, chatter, and chaos that surrounds me, but in no way am I ready for it to cease quite yet.

We celebrated Sarah's homecoming with ice cream and enjoyed hearing all her stories of everything that happened over the past week. She is such a little homebody, we wondered if she would get homesick...yes, she felt the pangs of missing her home and family, but she turned to God for comfort and He provided her with just that along with tons of fun. She says she's going back next summer :). But for now, I am thrilled to have all my children back home where they belong :)

Oh yes, for those wondering...yes, there were more tears on my part. This time they were happy tears :). (It's official, I've turned into my mother;)

It's the little memories...

Ever notice how its the little, minuscule even, things that can bring you great joy or cause you to crash into a pit off despair? I had one of those moments today; the kind that brought a smile to my lips and joy to my heart. As I was about to get comfy on the lounge chair by the pool, I noticed it....the towel laying along that lounge was the towel Mamo made for me (along with a matching pool bag that , yes I still have:) when I was in high school. It was the 80's after all, and classic preppy was all the rage. That included plaid Scotty dogs on most everything :). I'm so glad that I still have these every day type of reminders of my Mamo and so thankful to, that my girls also have tons of good memories of her as well :)

Half Empty Nest...

It's the strangest thing; I basically only have 2 kiddos home this week... and I'm not really sure what to think of it.  Our days have taken on a relaxed tempo; mornings out and afternoons in.  No real need to be anywhere (other than an endo appointment for Miss Gracie) or do anything at all; just at our own whim for each day.  I gotta admit, it's a nice break, but it's not something I'm ready for on a regular basis.  Yes, I'm preparing for Tessie to fly to coop towards this Fall and honestly I think she pretty much only lands here at home to sleep these days anyway between her 4 jobs... But, this week Sarah is off at camp out in the sandhills too.  I know she's having a great time, but boy do I miss her.  At least I see Tess and get a hug and kiss each day.  AND we text back and forth throughout the day as well ~ contact is important to this mama's heart.  Sarah was sent off on her adventure with nothing other than some envelopes and paper.... no phone, no iPod, no laptop, no nothing.  No way for me to know what she's doing, how she's feeling, what she needs me to pray for, no way for me to tell her I love her each day.  SIGH... It's been 3 days and I have 3 more days till she's back home with a duffle full of laundry and lots of stories to tell us about her week.  Until then, I'm off to the pool with my two youngest.  Enjoying them to the fullest this week while they are still little and watching them grow closer with each passing day.... and remembering wonderful times of when my two oldest where this age and not out on their own life's adventures :)

Tess and Sarah enjoying sailing with their dad back in 2004 (Maybe '05, my memory isn't what it use to be ;)

Father's Day

It's arrived and left me feeling the sharp pangs of grief and loss all over again. For the first time ever, I wasn't sorting thru all the cards on the rack looking for just the right one and getting a padded envelope so I could stick a bag of pistachios in with the chosen card. Loss...hurt...pain...all raw emotions still fresh and overwhelming at times. There's joy too; when out of nowhere a picture from the past flashes thru my mind. Lots of pictures, lots of memories, lots of giggles - and still lots of tears. The first Fathers Day without my dad here for me to celebrate. What I wouldn't give to hear his voice come over the phone just one more time; yes, even in the grumpy tone he'd get when he was tired of me asking what his doctor had said. Just one more "I love you Herman"....

Blessings :)

My family knows that if they want me to remember something, the best thing to do is write it down on a post-it note. I can't help but smile when I see the notes the girls leave for me on my computer so I won't miss them :)

Passing on the legacy

Mamo taught me how to sew when I was super young. By the time I was in kindergarten, I was sewing my own doll clothes on the sewing machine and embroidering pictures to make into pillows. It brings me so much joy to pass on everything Mamo taught me to my girls. I've been on an embroidery binge lately and it's intrigued Gracie and Hannah, so they've asked to learn how to do it for themselves. I found a sweet kitty pattern for them to sew and they began sewing their blocks tonight. I hope they continue down this path; they're certainly off to a good start.