tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19645174618707117182024-03-05T08:39:46.342-07:00The Teacher's WifeMusings of our life trying to get healthy, be natural, follow Jesus and stay sane. Sometimes we come close - sometimes we fall very very short!
The Teacher's Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01965255490271817426noreply@blogger.comBlogger112125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964517461870711718.post-57202445790707585392013-11-21T12:23:00.000-07:002013-11-21T12:23:19.491-07:00What our Christmas looks like Our Christmas looks a little different than some.<br />
I want it to look a lot different.<br />
Every year God is giving me ways<br />
- pushing me to change.<br />
<br />
About three years ago,<br />
we decided to forgo Santa.<br />
We were struggling keeping our focus on Jesus.<br />
Our kids were making lists.<br />
Being good to get a big present.<br />
We were budgeting and trying to only spend what we had in hand.<br />
We were not being truthful with them. <br />
It just didn't fit for us.<br />
The kids were 10 and 6. <br />
They didn't care one bit.<br />
<br />
I used to place little knick knacks and decoratioons all over the house.<br />
Now I feel like it would be cluttered.<br />
I like simple.<br />
We used to put up lights outside.<br />
Now, we will wait until I can afford the nativity I have always wanted.<br />
It will be lit with a single light.<br />
Signifying what we are celebrating during this time of year.<br />
Showing the passersby that we follow Jesus. <br />
The dramatic impact he's had on our lives. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvRDa9Sa9qRYPrWVtwTKLmELcQlCQ9wKJYfU_KRv37y4U2uU6V8c7kZatW0vOy8yf9OFiRYrB_7ck3IdtumpfJ9fxdHwra_1m0f8p3w6mOdTOWm0aHhQuin0FJcQ3EAIcZkGfxLIthQcj/s1600/nativity-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvRDa9Sa9qRYPrWVtwTKLmELcQlCQ9wKJYfU_KRv37y4U2uU6V8c7kZatW0vOy8yf9OFiRYrB_7ck3IdtumpfJ9fxdHwra_1m0f8p3w6mOdTOWm0aHhQuin0FJcQ3EAIcZkGfxLIthQcj/s320/nativity-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We decided to do our gift-giving differently.<br />
For friends and family we focused more on homemde.<br />
From the heart.<br />
Things that mean as much to you, making them<br />
as they do receiving.<br />
<br />
Our children now get 3 boxes to open on Christmas morning.<br />
Three gifts like the ones symbolized in the bible.<br />
Three gifts with a purpose.<br />
Three gifts that allow for discussion of that Holy Baby.<br />
The one who has changed each of us.<br />
The only one who deserves to be celebrated this day.<br />
<br />
One gift is the GOLD gift.<br />
This is usually something larger.<br />
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<br />
Something they've been wanting.<br />
We don't purchase a lot for our kids throughout the year - <br />
besides the necessities. <br />
This allows them something fun. <br />
It symbolizes the great gift we received in Jesus.<br />
How big of a deal this little baby is.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMS8CZYJx89FuMseZKsrR37uHfOsGEhOW2QBBlaWsi96mbPbD0aweVBEGZOS4q1vIQP63mp3Vohlwd-NiwH_UPzejnHPJub4gBdSSAYimb3EoVyI2YD6hyphenhyphentXCwq2QbxLivNTrPIMPN22qu/s1600/Myrrh+Oil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMS8CZYJx89FuMseZKsrR37uHfOsGEhOW2QBBlaWsi96mbPbD0aweVBEGZOS4q1vIQP63mp3Vohlwd-NiwH_UPzejnHPJub4gBdSSAYimb3EoVyI2YD6hyphenhyphentXCwq2QbxLivNTrPIMPN22qu/s200/Myrrh+Oil.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
Another gift is the MYRRH gift.<br />
Myrrh is an oil they would put on their bodies.<br />
Especially when someone had passed.<br />
Some say this was symbolic of preparing for the death of Christ.<br />
This gift is something for our children's bodies.<br />
A new outfit.<br />
A pair of shoes.<br />
Maybe some jewelry.<br />
A way to show their needs are met -<br />
our God is so good that we have the means to purchse new clothing.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLX50G4TLBP6_ZwDjTuTlaa6625lz6wubMJ_zlYE6NjYu4D4SbrV7He8IivU_CwKDgVo0zxTohuQ1gbNr8JXAuoqZzQK2pmapUnpBfJNGkc_UdpClECNYagd4mfhlLfrvzIC_0_b44HTta/s1600/frankincense.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLX50G4TLBP6_ZwDjTuTlaa6625lz6wubMJ_zlYE6NjYu4D4SbrV7He8IivU_CwKDgVo0zxTohuQ1gbNr8JXAuoqZzQK2pmapUnpBfJNGkc_UdpClECNYagd4mfhlLfrvzIC_0_b44HTta/s200/frankincense.jpg" width="169" /></a><br />
Finally the gift of FRANKINCENSE.<br />
They would use this as incense during prayer time.<br />
They believed it helped them to be more spiritual.<br />
It would bring them closer to God.<br />
This gift is to bring our children closer to HIM.<br />
To remind them throughout the year what Christ's birth meant for them.<br />
To help them grow.<br />
To help us teach and guide them.<br />
<br />
This isn't for everybody.<br />
How we do Christmas is not how you have to do Christmas.<br />
We were struggling with how to keep our season focused on Christ, and this was what God showed us would help our family. <br />
It has,<br />
but I'm always looking for more.<br />
<br />
This year, I think I'd like to pick up the new book the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp.<br />
She has a reading every day through Advent to really focus on what the season is all about.<br />
It really focuses on the events leading up the the Birth of Christ.<br />
The amazing Faith of the earthly parents.<br />
The amazing ancestors that gave of themselves.<br />
Here is a something Ann put out to urge you to keep Christ in Christmas this year.<br />
It is so very worth the time to watch.<br />
http://www.aholyexperience.com/christmasatthefarm/<br />
<br />
I would love to hear what your family does - what traditions you have - studies you do to keep focused on Christ though the holiday. The HOLYday.<br />
<br />The Teacher's Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01965255490271817426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964517461870711718.post-21266261867079158362013-11-20T11:45:00.001-07:002013-11-20T11:45:08.189-07:00What's the big deal???<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4t0k8OVmnIEPLM9IT55WcaPgDXO3JmepM6lnnk7MUSPiOwTakILBARzA6l2YfRTBtpoN2bruc6_clUblrA00ndJQLEr2Jq6cPFk-XimFVpTEoXEPkxqX1UKFmOr7GBRVURe_gtDkNx1Ch/s640/blogger-image--351349097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4t0k8OVmnIEPLM9IT55WcaPgDXO3JmepM6lnnk7MUSPiOwTakILBARzA6l2YfRTBtpoN2bruc6_clUblrA00ndJQLEr2Jq6cPFk-XimFVpTEoXEPkxqX1UKFmOr7GBRVURe_gtDkNx1Ch/s400/blogger-image--351349097.jpg" width="400" /></a>I don't want to be that girl.<br />
You know that one.<br />
The one that joins into some new multi-level marketing company.<br />
That's all she can talk about.<br />
How you need her product.<br />
How hers is the best.<br />
How it's a miracle and it's changed so many lives.<br />
Even worse, how you can get rich joining! <br />
You avoid her.<br />
You feel like you can't be her friend if you aren't in to her product.<br />
<br />
Here's the deal.<br />
<br />
I have used essential oils for years.<br />
I use them for homemade body products.<br />
I use them for cleaning.<br />
I use them for sicknesses.<br />
<br />
Last year, I realized there was a difference in essential oils.<br />
The ones I had been buying were not cheap, but they weren't the best quality, I learned.<br />
I decided that I wanted therapeutic grade for my family.<br />
If you google it, there are all sorts of articles on whether or not that word should even exist. <br />
For me, it meant a company that took care from the soils, seed, plant, picking, and the type of distilling used.<br />
It meant we could open up a whole new world of ingesting our oils without worry.<br />
Here's an article I read about <a href="http://www.awaken4u.com/media/reports/yl_therapeuticgrade.pdf">the process.</a><br />
<br />
I reached out on facebook to my friends all over the US to see who had experience.<br />
Seriously I was shocked when the only response I got was - 1 aunt was into it and one friend from high school.<br />
I immediately asked all my questions of my friend.<br />
For me, I thought that DoTerra and Young Living were equally aligned and it didn't matter much to me which one I purchased from.<br />
She had wonderful experiences and answered all my questions.<br />
I decided that since there was NO one around me to order from, I'd just sign up.<br />
<br />
By signing up, I get 20%-ish off<br />
and can add my friends orders to mine so they can share the discounts!<br />
I can do an auto ship every month to earn points toward free products.<br />
If y orders are around $200 in a month, I can earn a free promotional product or two.<br />
I can sign others up and make a small commission, if I desire.<br />
Most excitingly, I get emails every week about the amazing products and their benefits. <br />
<br />
I have no desire to start a business.<br />
I don't want to "talk" my friends into this brand.<br />
I for SURE don't want my friends to sign up for my benefit.<br />
I do want to teach others.<br />
I do want to pass on what works for my family to my friends.<br />
I do want to do everything possible for my family to stay out of the doctor's office.<br />
Whether that means herbs, tinctures, teas, oils.....<br />
<br />
God created all these amazing plants. It's all there. They can heal us. We have to know how to use them! ( There are many references to oils in the Bible - I do believe he intended us to use them)<br />
<br />
This brand is expensive.<br />
I decided that meant I could only purchase a certain amount every month and that would just have to be good enough.<br />
I've made a LOOONG list of what I want to try.<br />
I'm crossing them off as I get them.<br />
I plan to pass along my thoughts in the blog as I try things.<br />
Sort of a "review" so you can learn from our experience.<br />
We'll be the guinea pigs ;)<br />
<br />
For starters, if you're local and you want to learn,<br />
we are doing a fun girls' morning the Saturday after Thanksgiving.<br />
We'll make vapor rub, shower disks, and an herbal tincture.<br />
All my oils will be out so you can see them, smell them, and learn what they do.<br />
<br />
Let me know what you think about essential oils.... <br />
<br />
<br />The Teacher's Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01965255490271817426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964517461870711718.post-89807807605437689412013-11-14T12:35:00.001-07:002013-11-14T12:35:30.508-07:00Different sort of baby gift....I told you we have seven babies coming in the next FOUR MONTHS!<br />
Whoa!<br />
That is a lot of babies!<br />
The same thing happened last year.<br />
Somehow, our friends just know how to "be fruitful and multiply" :)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5c_Ykk8Zd7zwjBmjXku9dvCtZGJbW5svZKq5Ob1TndkJFkGgRkS_QnaIqPQInXcwJz9ctiXOym2x36nspGZ3MyvyeSqHC19QxNOuIZOi6i_PALPC0fHLzDobfDeHP9Qj2Z6WXWuKhCKAO/s640/blogger-image--462715003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5c_Ykk8Zd7zwjBmjXku9dvCtZGJbW5svZKq5Ob1TndkJFkGgRkS_QnaIqPQInXcwJz9ctiXOym2x36nspGZ3MyvyeSqHC19QxNOuIZOi6i_PALPC0fHLzDobfDeHP9Qj2Z6WXWuKhCKAO/s320/blogger-image--462715003.jpg" width="320" /></a>One family is due very soon.<br />
They are expecting a boy.<br />
They already have two boys.<br />
I couldn't imagine what they might need.<br />
I know in the past they have cloth diapered,<br />
so diaper wasn't even an option.<br />
<br />
This took a little creative thought<br />
- and pinterest looking,...<br />
But I settled on a hooded towel.<br />
Everyone needs towels, right?<br />
<br />
I thought <a href="http://thecottagemama.com/2010/10/embellished-hooded-towel-tutorial/">this tutorial</a> looked simple.<br />
and it was!<br />
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<br />
I whipped it together in no more than two hours. <br />
I really thought the finished towel was cute!<br />
I threw in a bundle of baby lotions and soaps.<br />
I also made a set of booties and a hat.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFwmGoAwkA4bAAmv7n06Nf5pMbKf6UV9NL7ywQ2FdraeMyEoC7utg6aYNacUccYjbN1OoLLDeun8M1srDHHyqmIt7fWCO9468MZptTzjHWaGDViffqMckOsyPg4pirgBPoJ8WoJv2vfeF/s640/blogger-image--704831668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFwmGoAwkA4bAAmv7n06Nf5pMbKf6UV9NL7ywQ2FdraeMyEoC7utg6aYNacUccYjbN1OoLLDeun8M1srDHHyqmIt7fWCO9468MZptTzjHWaGDViffqMckOsyPg4pirgBPoJ8WoJv2vfeF/s320/blogger-image--704831668.jpg" width="240" /></a>I really like to include a gift for the big siblings when I can.<br />
Especially if they are young<br />
and can't really understand all this<br />
giftgiving<br />
and<br />
new baby<br />
stuff.<br />
<br />
What can you do for boys???<br />
I settle on<a href="http://crazylittleprojects.com/2012/12/kids-car-carrier-tutorial.html"> this</a>.<br />
It's a carrier for their little hot wheels! <br />
They only took about 1/2 yard of fabric each.<br />
I split a pack of hot wheels between them.<br />
Cute, huh???<br />
<br />
I think this gift will be enjoyed!<br />
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The Teacher's Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01965255490271817426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964517461870711718.post-39176852081002592902013-11-13T13:00:00.000-07:002013-11-13T14:09:03.323-07:00ummm.... PEPPERS?What do you do with this many HOT peppers?<br>
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<br>
We were graciously given an entire plant by a co-worker of Jimmy's.<br>
I had NO idea what I was going to do with them.<br>
I figured I'd just dry them all and put one or two in every time I made chili.<br>
At that rate, this would lst me about 30 years!<br>
Then, I came across <a href="http://frugallysustainable.com/2012/05/a-recipe-for-homemade-homegrown-cayenne-pepper-hot-sauce/" target="_blank">this recipe.</a><br>
<br>
We go through TONS of hot sauce.<br>
For some reason, my family loves it.<br>
The kids put Franks on everything.j<br>
Jimmy uses a different one from Fronterra.<br>
<br>
Definitely couldn't hurt to try!<br>
I added about 8 big cloves of garlic to a quart container.<br>
<br>
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<br>
<br>
Then I added 5 teaspoons of Real Salt.<br>
Next, came the trimmed peppers.<br>
Green tops are OK.<br>
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<br>
<br>
Give it a lid and a shake, and it sits for 2 weeks.<br>
<br>
Here it is after 2 weeks.<br>
Make sure you open it S-L-O-W-L-Y and in the sink. <br>
It WILL spray.<br>
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<br>
Whirl it up in the blender, and use!<br>
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VERY SPICY!!!! The Teacher's Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01965255490271817426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964517461870711718.post-17094789390934000442013-11-12T14:03:00.002-07:002013-11-12T14:03:18.033-07:00Project Day!So, the kids slept in today. (that never means the baby - you know that, right?)<br />
9am came and went...<br />
10am came and went...<br />
11am came and went....<br />
<br />
By 9 or so, I had all their school work ready for them.<br />
I decided not to get upset. <br />
After all, it is their choice to have to sit and do school all day.<br />
I'd much rather get up and get it done so I could play the rest of the day.<br />
Not them.<br />
<br />
I figured I'd get some projects done.<br />
We have a baby boom in our life again.<br />
Seven babies so far - all coming before April.<br />
Of course I want a fabulous gift for each one.<br />
Of course it has to be somewhat homemade.<br />
I am slowly chugging away at each one.<br />
Here's a sneak of what I did today.<br />
It deserves a post of it's own, so that will come.<br />
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<br />
I have to put down the baby gifts, though.<br />
Christmas is coming.<br />
I have a few (not too many) homemade gifts to work on.<br />
Here's one that I finished up this morning. <br />
It, too, will have a post soon.<br />
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<br />
<br />
I still had FIVE WHOLE pomegranates in the fridge from our produce baskets.<br />
I decided to finally get at those delicious, juice, jeweled seeds.<br />
The kids and I LOVE them.<br />
They are so good!<br />
I used to dread getting the seeds out and then picking from the white pith.<br />
I watched <a href="http://youtu.be/jJ7dk9nDR-k">this video</a> not too long ago, and now I don't mind.<br />
So much easier than even the water method.<br />
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<br />
If you saw my facebook yesterday,<br />
you saw that Arabella is teething.<br />
Poor girl, doesn't have a fever,<br />
or is even showing much pain.<br />
She is taking LONG naps,<br />
and today she has a clear runny nose. :(<br />
I can feel her top molars coming.<br />
Those are big ones.<br />
I diffused thyme oil overnight.<br />
I diffused eucalyptus during morning nap.<br />
She takes a probiotic.<br />
I have given her a small amount of elderberry syrup. <br />
She's drinking broth.<br />
Anything I'm missing?<br />
I don't want her to get congested -<br />
or run down and a cold.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I'm loving the Gungor station on Pandora lately.<br />
So much worship - and folk going on.<br />
Today, I realized how much I love the mix of a rock band and an old hymn.<br />
I had to listen to this one over and over!<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/2cQqLqs5FGE" width="420"></iframe>The Teacher's Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01965255490271817426noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964517461870711718.post-5258825379494792442013-11-11T18:13:00.001-07:002013-11-11T18:25:49.382-07:00I finally conquered a coconut!Well actually TWO!<br />
<br />
We received them in our bountiful baskets last week.<br />
<br />
I use coconut a lot, but any time I've ever had one, I can NOT figure out how to easy get at the meat.<br />
I've pounded and pounded and pried at that shell and only ever hurt myself!<br />
Seriously - I've been injured in the act of opening a coconut.<br />
I dread them.<br />
<br />
Today, I cam a cross a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2UyVEm4Osg">video.</a><br />
<br />
I thought - "I can do that!"<br />
<br />
I used my trusty thermometer to poke through the soft eye.<br />
I drained the juice. Each one had about a cup of coconut water!<br />
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I then, put them in a 400 degree oven for about 20 minutes or so.<br />
They cracked. Just like in the video!<br />
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When they came out, I hit them with the hammer and they cracked right open.<br />
WOOHOO!<br />
What didn't pop right out of the shell, I used the flat head screwdriver separated it.<br />
Easy Peasy!<br />
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I peeled the brown skin off with a vegetable peeler and put it all in my Ninja.<br />
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I added about 4 cups of near boiling water. Not quite boiling though - you don't want to kill all the good coconutty enzymes.<br />
<br />
I gave it a whirl and it made 4 cups of delicious coconut milk.<br />
I strained it in cheese cloth and put it in a jar.<br />
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<br />
The pulp left, I dried out in the oven at about 200 degrees.<br />
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<br />
SO EASY!!!!!<br />
<br />
I also cooked up about 6 cups of acorn squash and 10 cups of pumpkin!<br />
Looks like some baking in my future!<br />
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<br />
We finished the lazy day with dinner at HuHot.<br />
Have you ever been?<br />
It's delicious!!!The Teacher's Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01965255490271817426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964517461870711718.post-20414827873564193932013-11-09T21:09:00.001-07:002013-11-09T21:09:36.627-07:00What to do with fennel.....I received fennel in my bountiful basket last week.<br />
First time for everything!<br />
<br />
I decided to make a soup as a side to something I already planned for dinner.<br />
In case we didn't care too much for it.<br />
Just in case :)<br />
<br />
I chose this recipe.<br />
<div>
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;">http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2010/10/roasted-carrot-fennel-soup.html</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;"><br /></span></span>
Lots of yummy veggies in there!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8O07cfjKyGafHaKYhGgKs9QOdicajx1lMZAUv3tkAPtwbL1_m1WlBLyB-iNjR5qHAVW6yYBcRMO0iy88XvW-A-IvawqE-cJgqesgiRfmQgepUSRcP7AwXT92qZArCPL_7mKSis6OT__GO/s640/blogger-image-731116578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8O07cfjKyGafHaKYhGgKs9QOdicajx1lMZAUv3tkAPtwbL1_m1WlBLyB-iNjR5qHAVW6yYBcRMO0iy88XvW-A-IvawqE-cJgqesgiRfmQgepUSRcP7AwXT92qZArCPL_7mKSis6OT__GO/s640/blogger-image-731116578.jpg" /></a></div>
Chopping all the veggies....<br />
<br />
<br />
The pureed soup!</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnXZ-KhjPzkMEdzULAZEVX9N_eblc-qwrixYh9VPAwq_0EmxPpzD6g3KV4pe1W5yW1PRL9AGZrkIO4jOdRq-pQtXKcj1sjHM1B_8m49xZE-5rTobGhip2wEeAKRRXIVI5QulWMkyitemqS/s640/blogger-image-2140401990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnXZ-KhjPzkMEdzULAZEVX9N_eblc-qwrixYh9VPAwq_0EmxPpzD6g3KV4pe1W5yW1PRL9AGZrkIO4jOdRq-pQtXKcj1sjHM1B_8m49xZE-5rTobGhip2wEeAKRRXIVI5QulWMkyitemqS/s640/blogger-image-2140401990.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Consensus? </div>
<div>
We didn't love it. </div>
<div>
It is really sweet and cooked carrot-y</div>
<div>
I'm not a fan of cooked carrots. </div>
<div>
The fennel part was good though!<br />
Arabella, on the other hand LOVED it.<br />
But she loves anything.<br />
She's like our very own Mikey. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
The Teacher's Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01965255490271817426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964517461870711718.post-1335337683066125022013-11-06T11:11:00.000-07:002013-11-06T11:11:03.415-07:00We're making headway!!!!I wrote about how wonderfully Arabella did without me the first week at my BSF Bible Study.<br />
Well, it slowly wend downhill from there.<br />
She is so attached to me.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHt1RdG6ot3cWUgRtGLUgC9QCTAtP0UfbH7IfE1I_TCHPqFF3wsNSMSsjscd633pGcY-maMeQNvKCaIyG5nW4H8kBeoQK56sr5bGu7SlpVsm343v-UNFZ_d2q8rXKGOaUCpTsDc8SLpHVC/s640/blogger-image--1550953435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHt1RdG6ot3cWUgRtGLUgC9QCTAtP0UfbH7IfE1I_TCHPqFF3wsNSMSsjscd633pGcY-maMeQNvKCaIyG5nW4H8kBeoQK56sr5bGu7SlpVsm343v-UNFZ_d2q8rXKGOaUCpTsDc8SLpHVC/s400/blogger-image--1550953435.jpg" width="300" /></a>She won't play without holding on to me when we aren't home.<br />
She won't let anyone else hold her.<br />
She really thinks I'm going to leave and never come back.<br />
<br />
<br />
I thought after a few consecutive weeks,<br />
Arabella would get used to the routine.<br />
She would happily play and eat her snack.<br />
In two hours I'd come to get her.<br />
Well, she just cried. and cried. and cried.<br />
<br />
It was breaking my heart.<br />
The first week of October, Jimmy and I agreed on a timeline.<br />
If she wasn't ok with it by the end of the month,<br />
I'd put off the study for a year and try again.<br />
<br />
I didn't want to see her so miserable week after week.<br />
I didn't want her to make the other kids nervous.<br />
I didn't want to add stress to the wonderful teachers.<br />
<br />
The first week of October, I pulled out all the stops.<br />
Every week, we'd been singing the songs they sing.<br />
Talking about the toys.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxN8zi7_gmsh_He147EMppW-sSXnbzJh5EMBkrcOi_jhjS77YDv8oWkqYaRE1hB4ZaxrcqJ0z5FpfLq4wMN4ZSSkC0SDFJrR6LUC1nAN61IBcDaFSpcFbiYACwoXPoPBqANCkTWJXyE7M/s640/blogger-image-287872194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxN8zi7_gmsh_He147EMppW-sSXnbzJh5EMBkrcOi_jhjS77YDv8oWkqYaRE1hB4ZaxrcqJ0z5FpfLq4wMN4ZSSkC0SDFJrR6LUC1nAN61IBcDaFSpcFbiYACwoXPoPBqANCkTWJXyE7M/s400/blogger-image-287872194.jpg" width="400" /></a>Talking about the friends.<br />
Making it an exciting place to go.<br />
This time, I tried something new.<br />
My <a href="http://www.youngliving.com/" target="_blank">Essential Oils.</a><br />
I chose Valor and Lavender.<br />
<br />
Valor is an oil that gives you a sense of confidence and well-being.<br />
Lavender is so calming.<br />
Guess WHAT???<br />
<br />
She had a wonderful day!<br />
I checked on her two times and she was sitting playing contently.<br />
Last week, I did the same again.<br />
She fussed as I handed her to the teacher, but immediately calmed and played.<br />
<br />
I'm not saying it was solely the oils.<br />
It was a combination of everything the teachers and I were doing.<br />
Since then, Arabella is growing and changing.<br />
She has gone to the church nursery twice (for about 1/2 hour each) and enjoyed it.<br />
She has let go of me and played with other toddlers at a church event.<br />
She has become more friendly to adults that try to talk to her at our weekly bible study.<br />
Those times were with no oils.<br />
<br />
I want to clear something up.<br />
In no way am I trying to push my baby to be without me.<br />
Or grow up.<br />
Or want other people more than me.<br />
Or scare her.<br />
I do, though, want her to be less anxious around others.<br />
For some reason, she clings to me as though somone will take her an never give her back!<br />
I want her to feel confident that I am there;, I will return if I am not.<br />
I don't want her scared all the time.<br />
I love her and I want her to feel calm and at ease.<br />
I want her to love to lay with others.<br />
I want her to feel the joys of letting go of me for a minute and watch what another toddler is doing.<br />
<br />
<br />
I see her growing confidence in herself and slowly learning to trust other people.<br />
I'm so grateful for the tools to help her.<br />
<br />The Teacher's Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01965255490271817426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964517461870711718.post-39494305229414818542013-11-05T18:38:00.001-07:002013-11-05T18:38:39.581-07:00Homemade Learning TowerI did it!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglswynKUSxXmp4cl6xWW-GYh2o6mszezF39AA_J5XBmwkqH496lAe0roQCZqtiXmjtYcUJzUyYOwLe9hGU6CpOAl9pfmykQXnhTmA39g59rwTtqCGWa9eO_lPzeK1d3jp0fu8agIv8eOK1/s640/blogger-image-2005942475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglswynKUSxXmp4cl6xWW-GYh2o6mszezF39AA_J5XBmwkqH496lAe0roQCZqtiXmjtYcUJzUyYOwLe9hGU6CpOAl9pfmykQXnhTmA39g59rwTtqCGWa9eO_lPzeK1d3jp0fu8agIv8eOK1/s320/blogger-image-2005942475.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just beginning to measure.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
By no means is it perfect.<br />
It has edges sticking out - and it's a bit wobbly.<br />
I'll fix the wobbly though.<br />
And sand as much as I can.<br />
And it still needs a few coats of clear polyurethane. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_K61ThAZvlhFfchvUOODIJxcAmbqV1d2rCVN4IM6OuC-_blFj2cvQD0GPDKhDKi3LVT_mr-cElEUbJKVeCKT4KsHxSuscxXzyj6QFwS2j_xvnXY07yC_2IAmOK4SD4CN3t4k4kuMCTqI3/s640/blogger-image-1340035216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_K61ThAZvlhFfchvUOODIJxcAmbqV1d2rCVN4IM6OuC-_blFj2cvQD0GPDKhDKi3LVT_mr-cElEUbJKVeCKT4KsHxSuscxXzyj6QFwS2j_xvnXY07yC_2IAmOK4SD4CN3t4k4kuMCTqI3/s320/blogger-image-1340035216.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All cut!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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But I did it!<br />
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And she LOVES it!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBoGsBbzJMdYol5YJ_Y_wPkWys4TXnsVbqCHI9JL-5VY6IceFOgOyG23BA5KEhyphenhyphen0BEmXFJpfKW5BcRx1XWG56WLObj_klENmohzDxsnD7hGaRaKsqo0Z2qYNZ2ExP2I0SNoy6TEZobo2ud/s640/blogger-image--858487030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBoGsBbzJMdYol5YJ_Y_wPkWys4TXnsVbqCHI9JL-5VY6IceFOgOyG23BA5KEhyphenhyphen0BEmXFJpfKW5BcRx1XWG56WLObj_klENmohzDxsnD7hGaRaKsqo0Z2qYNZ2ExP2I0SNoy6TEZobo2ud/s640/blogger-image--858487030.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/I%20did%20it!%20By%20no%20means%20is%20it%20perfect.%20It%20has%20edges%20sticking%20out%20-%20and%20it%27s%20a%20bit%20wobbly.%20I%27ll%20fix%20the%20wobbly%20though.%20And%20sand%20as%20much%20as%20I%20can.%20And%20it%20still%20needs%20a%20few%20coats%20of%20clear%20polyurethane.%20%20%20But%20I%20did%20it!%20%20And%20she%20LOVES%20it!%20%20%3Ca%20href=%22http://ana-white.com/2010/12/helping-tower.html%22%3EHere%20is%20the%20pattern.%3C/a%3E%20%20%20Or%20plans%20-%20but%20I%27m%20a%20girl%20and%20I%20sew." target="_blank">Here is the pattern. </a><br />
Or plans - but I'm a girl and I sew.<br />
<br />
<br />
It was very easy.<br />
I love Ana White for that. So straightforward. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2hYryBFn1U5tStCBwt4tq6CPJKn2v6jBYZcJ0ebIJTsGWHb5SB0IB0QDKat18RxBPTY1lPuG3FVihp4xP3Lfglmx41LfCZVxxv7MXMZhd7xAGfndCPvGtiQl1Qw7XEO1Fug8zL3fCU6I/s640/blogger-image-1926118455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2hYryBFn1U5tStCBwt4tq6CPJKn2v6jBYZcJ0ebIJTsGWHb5SB0IB0QDKat18RxBPTY1lPuG3FVihp4xP3Lfglmx41LfCZVxxv7MXMZhd7xAGfndCPvGtiQl1Qw7XEO1Fug8zL3fCU6I/s640/blogger-image-1926118455.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reading a magazine on the counter!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8b0-8YQ4ils2E23KqUNmziCwoRrgrnXJkwHiX00Fv8NeRdGyDjemdZfsCHjg2cpQhyphenhyphenNfSEbX_ZanFj1BKd87KvPDK-MEYtgIm87og3N6499WOwoOq4oPQVkAc8f85Bfm4fVsAWKjKVAf/s640/blogger-image--2121050371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8b0-8YQ4ils2E23KqUNmziCwoRrgrnXJkwHiX00Fv8NeRdGyDjemdZfsCHjg2cpQhyphenhyphenNfSEbX_ZanFj1BKd87KvPDK-MEYtgIm87og3N6499WOwoOq4oPQVkAc8f85Bfm4fVsAWKjKVAf/s640/blogger-image--2121050371.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
We went to Menards and bought the wood and screws.<br />
I think it came to about $40.<br />
<br />
Have you seen the real learning tower?<br />
It is so cool, but look at the price! <br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=thetswif-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B001ECHXVC" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
I can't justify that - even if I have more than one kiddo to use it.<br />
<br />
The only major drawback, is the height.<br />
I was hoping it would fit under my bar side of my counter when not in use.<br />
It is about 2 - 3 inches too high.<br />
If I was thinking, I could have accommodated that into the plan.<br />
Oh well.<br />
<br />
Who am I kidding?<br />
She is at my side every second without it - she will definitely be using it ALL the time.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglk_1n-j4PU3s3yRB4Lz75_hgI3aC0NEWIfbKwgqQVE1od_JX3MECVwurOAZuILNFVXwxtcTCrP8rhD2hUKKHUeAvRgIdBWywjAGVMZ57Ie6PGk5s8mKSfwKzIPp8K6DI1vaKbCdqN7Z5Z/s640/blogger-image-2141051518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglk_1n-j4PU3s3yRB4Lz75_hgI3aC0NEWIfbKwgqQVE1od_JX3MECVwurOAZuILNFVXwxtcTCrP8rhD2hUKKHUeAvRgIdBWywjAGVMZ57Ie6PGk5s8mKSfwKzIPp8K6DI1vaKbCdqN7Z5Z/s640/blogger-image-2141051518.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Washing off the counter.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Let me know if you build one!!!The Teacher's Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01965255490271817426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964517461870711718.post-64432301016889045592013-11-04T17:05:00.000-07:002013-11-04T17:05:19.496-07:00How do you work out??? Do you - or don't you???<br />
I really want to be a worker outer.<br />
Yes, that's a word.<br />
I plan it and think about doing it all the time.<br />
<br />
Do I do it?<br />
NO.<br />
Once in a while I get on a kick.<br />
I'll do it for like 4 days.<br />
hen I give up.<br />
<br />
I just can NOT force myself to make the time!<br />
<br />
I could get up early....<br />
but I already get up about 6 to shower and be ready before Arabella gets up or Jimmy leaves.<br />
<br />
I could do it during first nap.....<br />
but that's the best time for me to read to the kids or go over school work.<br />
<br />
I could do it during second nap....<br />
but that is when I get the house straightened up and any prep work for dinner going.<br />
<br />
I could do it t a random time when the baby is up.....<br />
but I tried it and all she wants to do is hug me the entire time. <br />
<br />
I could do it when the baby goes to bed....<br />
have you seen me after 8?<br />
It''s time to get any odds and ends finished so I an go to bed.<br />
I do not have energy to work out that late.<br />
<br />
I really don't like to get all sweaty during the day.<br />
Things I like to do are:<br />
<br />
Kettlebell - this is something that I can do during the day. It is quick and simple - you don't get too sweaty.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00109Y1SW/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00109Y1SW&linkCode=as2&tag=thetswif-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00109Y1SW&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=thetswif-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thetswif-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00109Y1SW" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
Ballet Bar - This would be my workout of choice - but I don't have room to store it upstairs and the workout needs to be a good 45 minutes, so for now - this is out.<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001A66QAG/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001A66QAG&linkCode=as2&tag=thetswif-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B001A66QAG&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=thetswif-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thetswif-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001A66QAG" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
Yoga - I do love to try to fit in my yoga video when I can. Yoga is probably my favorite workout for the stretching/lengthening of my muscles.<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004D91WIS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004D91WIS&linkCode=as2&tag=thetswif-20">Power Yoga Total Body with Rodney Yee [Deluxe DVD Edition]</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thetswif-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004D91WIS" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
10 minute trainer - I love these DVDs. They are quick. You can do one, two, three - whatever you have time for. I get too sweaty to just randomly do these in the middle of the day. They are good!<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0016PWG7S/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0016PWG7S&linkCode=as2&tag=thetswif-20">10-Minute Trainer DVD Workout</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thetswif-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0016PWG7S" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
Treadmill - again takes at least 30 minutes and I get sweaty!!!<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0048HS02G/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0048HS02G&linkCode=as2&tag=thetswif-20">Proform 505 CST Treadmill</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thetswif-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0048HS02G" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
See all my excuses!?!?!?!?<br />
<br />
Well, about 6 weeks ago, Jimmy dragged me kicking and screaming (ok that's a little dramatic, but I was almost crying) to a Boot Camp at a local church. A friend runs it. I imagined all these beautiful young people looking amazing while perfectly in sync with some routine. I was so intimidated!!!<br />
<br />
When I got there, I immediately felt comfortable. There were about 10 people in all different fitness levels, all different ages. It was fantastic. <br />
<br />
We meet every week on Monday and Thursday nights. It is about an hour long. Our leader makes a bunch of circuit for us to do while watching our form so we don't have injury. It is really fun! You can get competitive with the other people or you can just compete with yourself. I'm really liking it and looking forward to it helping me greatly after our next baby!
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/RiLXhIPbKPg" width="560"></iframe>The Teacher's Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01965255490271817426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964517461870711718.post-79624791996920222062013-11-03T11:22:00.000-07:002013-11-03T14:51:31.935-07:00We are the Shepherds and we only get one chanceWow.<br>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9jP1vOuyDEb03vP-hP7r8REZHgkiXhpjagRPyN5WLQGeWeb9W3cUEkjaivm-d4hs6g-NHqagdvOgZvcOqLKUEMWc7UVMB1PBLYiyQEVGL_pl6xtiXW_Am0Pwbm0sbze9EBVhL9mFb5RB/s640/blogger-image--1060921189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9jP1vOuyDEb03vP-hP7r8REZHgkiXhpjagRPyN5WLQGeWeb9W3cUEkjaivm-d4hs6g-NHqagdvOgZvcOqLKUEMWc7UVMB1PBLYiyQEVGL_pl6xtiXW_Am0Pwbm0sbze9EBVhL9mFb5RB/s400/blogger-image--1060921189.jpg" width="400"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How can you not want to do right by a sweet girl like this?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
God is teaching me alot.<br>
I have tried to be good a "discipliner".<br>
<br>
<br>
I've tried the Love and Logic type of stuff.<br>
You know. Natural consequences instead of getting mad.<br>
<br>
I've tried laying down the law.<br>
You know. I'm the parent you must listen.<br>
<br>
I've tried reward charts.<br>
You know. Giving them stickers or candy or money for doing what they are supposed to.<br>
<br>
I've tried positive reinforcement.<br>
You know. Going crazy with praise whenever you catch them doing something well.<br>
<br>
None of this is wrong.<br>
BUT....<br>
NONE of it is right.<br>
<br>
Am I training them to make me happy?<br>
Am I training them to sit quietly in a restaurant?<br>
Am I training them to say SORRY when they hurt someone?<br>
Am I training them that good grades are most important?<br>
<br>
YES, YES, YES....<br>
<br>
Am I training them to TRULY love people from deep down in their heart?<br>
Am I training them to put others before themselves ALL the time?<br>
Am I training them that it upsetting me is nothing compared to sinning against GOD?<br>
Am I training them that knowing and modeling the love that Jesus showed is the most important?<br>
<br>
NO!<br>
<br>
This study I'm co-leading (Shepherding a Child's Heart) is teaching me so much.<br>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005GG6BYC/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005GG6BYC&linkCode=as2&tag=thetswif-20" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B005GG6BYC&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=thetswif-20" width="212"></a>I have so much changing to do<br>
.<br>
Every behavior comes from the heart.<br>
It shows what is in there. Deep down. Hiding.<br>
Is it greed? Is it self-centeredness? Is it anger?<br>
It is our DUTY to help our children weed through their emotions.<br>
To see where they are sinning against God.<br>
To see how they could show the love of Christ.<br>
Every discipline needs to point toward the gospel.<br>
Teach them what it means to sin.<br>
Teach them what it means to pray.<br>
Teach them what it means to LOVE.<br>
<br>
I love these kids. I want them to truly love God and truly love people.<br>
We have some changing to do around here.<br>
It starts with me.<br>
<br>The Teacher's Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01965255490271817426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964517461870711718.post-81380373616554366662013-11-02T06:21:00.000-06:002013-11-02T06:21:46.858-06:00She deserves her own post :)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Lexi has been busy creating.<br />
She made a very special gift for our neighbor.<br />
We love to give sibling gifts when a baby comes into a family.<br />
Older siblings are often forgotten, but can't understand what is going on.<br />
<br />
Lexi made her a bunny.<br />
She cut the pattern.<br />
Stitched a cute little face. <br />
Pinned it.<br />
Sewed it.<br />
Stuffed it.<br />
She did great!<br />
This was<a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-2131-crafts.aspx" target="_blank"> Simplicity patter 4225. </a><br />
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The Teacher's Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01965255490271817426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964517461870711718.post-48305856635918328562013-11-01T09:30:00.002-06:002013-11-01T09:30:29.561-06:00Did you Halloween?So, after all the debate on whether to Halloween or not Halloween,<br />
we did it. <br />
We didn't focus at all on the yucky, scary aspect,<br />
but we didn't have kids that missed out, either.<br />
<br />
A few days ago, we carved pumpkins.<br />
Lexi did a cross with Jesus carved into it, and Dylan did a pacman chasing a ghost guy.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
The kids put costumes together of things they already had.<br />
I did, though, make Lexi a cloak.<br />
She'd been wanting one to go over her dress up dresses for a long time.<br />
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<br />
Dylan just wore his favorite mask.<br />
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<br />
We had a few families over<br />
ate lots of good food<br />
let the kiddos roam around the neighborhood<br />
<div>
gave out glow bracelets and gospel tracts<br />
the baby had so uch fun greeting everyone<br />
</div>
<div>
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<br />
<br />
It was nice and relaxing!<br />
<br />
Here's what I made:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://freerange-human.com/recipes/paleo-pumpkin-chili/" target="_blank">Paleo Pumpkin Chili</a><br />
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<br />
<a href="http://emergingfoodie.com/2013/08/30/pumpkin-maple-cream-cheese-dip/" target="_blank">Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dip</a><br />
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<br />
We also had pizza, goodies contributed by others, and hot apple cider :)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Now on to Thanksgiving - and holiday truly worth the effort! </span></div>
The Teacher's Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01965255490271817426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964517461870711718.post-27083482172543647362013-10-30T09:19:00.000-06:002013-10-30T09:19:58.049-06:00Pumpkins, pumpkins and more pumpkins....I love fall.<br />
Especially when we have beautiful fall weather and NOT snow.<br />
This year, we have had a blizzard already.<br />
Last night it snowed again. Though nothing too substantial.<br />
Blessed that it will be gone by the weekend.<br />
<br />
Today, I decided to roast up 2 of the four baking pumpkins<br />
I bought this year.<br />
Nothing like fresh roasted pumpkin to use in your recipes.<br />
(Although I did buy a case or organic puree from Azure!)<br />
I'll share more of what recipes I'm making with it soon....<br />
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<br />
Here's how you roast them -<br />
in case your a novice....<br />
<br />
Cut and scoop out.<br />
DO NOT throw out those yummy seeds!<br />
If they are small, you can just cut each half in half again.<br />
If they are larger, you may want to third or quarter them.<br />
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<br />
Line a baking sheet with foil and spray it.<br />
This is just for ease of cleanup, and not necessity.<br />
<br />
Bake in a 350 degree oven for about an hour and a half.<br />
This will depend on the size and thickness.<br />
You'll know they are done when the skin is wrinkled and<br />
your fork or knife goes right in without resistance.<br />
<br />
Take out and let cool.<br />
Scoop out of the skin into a food processor.<br />
Blend until smooth - adding a bit of water if you need.<br />
<br />
My two pumpkins gave me about 4 cups of puree. YUM!<br />
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<br />
Now, the seeds....<br />
They are SO good for you and easy to roast.<br />
I don't rinse mine.<br />
some do.<br />
I don't dry mine.<br />
some do.<br />
I just toss with olive oil and salt.<br />
Spread on a sheet <br />
Roast at 350 for about 45 minutes or so.<br />
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<br />The Teacher's Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01965255490271817426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964517461870711718.post-11758759867238579622013-10-29T09:03:00.002-06:002013-10-31T11:38:03.456-06:00My favorite fabric and some sewing<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJKhMaJDXsjPiNzp0Cf151TCaMSxnJP_0rBv8QUICdgYV3Zd6Q8kACLpbQGIjJUKv9tbNh0QPcyGSM2YW-r9Hcx7Nxrxn9WOmQGfz-G12vNw2y6KgTNlMe1uBBkpOrVLZ8LZHBz6Cj6Blj/s1600/locally+grown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJKhMaJDXsjPiNzp0Cf151TCaMSxnJP_0rBv8QUICdgYV3Zd6Q8kACLpbQGIjJUKv9tbNh0QPcyGSM2YW-r9Hcx7Nxrxn9WOmQGfz-G12vNw2y6KgTNlMe1uBBkpOrVLZ8LZHBz6Cj6Blj/s400/locally+grown.jpg" width="131"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Locally Grown by Creative Thursday - LOVE</td></tr>
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I have been in love with this fabric<br>
ever since I read <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/2013/07/summer-dresses.html" target="_blank">this blogpost</a>.<br>
The colors are so beautiful!<br>
The design so simple.<br>
Of course I love all the farm animals and<br>
dainty little flowers.<br>
My head was spinning how to get my hands on this fabric<br>
and what I could make with it!<br>
I decided at the price of more than $10 a yard,<br>
I could live without it.<br>
It wasn't a necessity.<br>
Well, a couple weeks ago, I decided to check on it again.<br>
I found a few pieces of the collection at only $5 a yard!<br>
I gobbled them up and immediately began deciding what patterns to use.<br>
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I got some of the red scattered flowers on the top row.<br>
I made a little apron dress with white lace and a turquoise bow in the back.<br>
The pattern came from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/One-Yard-Wonders-Sewing-Projects-ebook/dp/B003JTHX4A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383013229&sr=8-1&keywords=one+yard+wonders+101+sewing+fabric+projects" target="_blank">One Yard Wonders. </a><br>
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I got some of the green fabric with the little yellow chicks.<br>
The green is so muted and pretty and the chicks are buttery and dainty.<br>
I just love it! I only used a tiny bit for this pocket, so I"ll be able to make a skirt or something when Arabella gets a little bigger.<br>
The pattern came from Sew Liberated. It's the <a href="http://www.sewliberated.com/products/woodlands-shirt-sewing-pattern" target="_blank">Woodland Shirt</a><br>
I love this pattern and I have so many ideas for other shirts!<br>
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The last is my absolute favorite fabric.<br>
I is sort of a lime green with chickens all over it!<br>
I made a dress our of it with brown ribbon ties on the sides.<br>
Then, I made a pinafore out of muslin to go underneath.<br>
I hope it fits her forever!<br>
The pattern was<a href="http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m6687-products-44743.php?page_id=4423&search_control=display&list=search" target="_blank"> McCalls 6687.</a><br>
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I still have a yard of the light blue sheep fabric.<br>
I'll save it for something special as she gets a bit bigger. I love these fabrics too much to let her grow out of them!<br>
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A quick project for Lexi.<br>
She always wanted a cloak. We made a white satin hooded cloak. Added a frog clasp and fur trim around the edges. She is in love!<br>
This was <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-9611-childs-caped-costume.aspx" target="_blank">Simplicity pattern 1583</a>.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7IC8oXG29vgMV8fPL2boAkdJ_12tlRtTuH0qsJvovKanF8HXv_Xr6l3iznl5_ehl4GmnshyphenhyphenMZWGlW9MGHkkG922i4HT1avh_im94xmNYoQaqHBFoqxnhSllaIze_SryPWMa__LK-cgkZa/s640/blogger-image--976870013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7IC8oXG29vgMV8fPL2boAkdJ_12tlRtTuH0qsJvovKanF8HXv_Xr6l3iznl5_ehl4GmnshyphenhyphenMZWGlW9MGHkkG922i4HT1avh_im94xmNYoQaqHBFoqxnhSllaIze_SryPWMa__LK-cgkZa/s640/blogger-image--976870013.jpg"></a></div>The Teacher's Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01965255490271817426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964517461870711718.post-62888557881787805732013-10-29T08:36:00.000-06:002013-10-29T08:36:12.854-06:00Oh, life... you get in the way.It has been nearly a MONTH since I wrote in this space.<br />
Do you ever feel like you really have nothing to say?<br />
Like nothing is new or different under the sun?<br />
The last month or so has left me<br />
-BUSY<br />
(homeschooling, violin lessons, bible studies, church activities)<br />
-BLESSED<br />
(God is pressing more and more on my heart every day that I am so very blessed with a wonderful family as well as amazing Christian friends and the ability to study and grow in his word) <br />
-TRAVELING<br />
(Jimmy's grandma passed and we took a week to trek to Milwaukee and stay a weekend in Pierre for a wedding)<br />
-TEACHING<br />
(Homeschooling is wonderful and exhausting at the same time. Sometimes it feels as though it gets in the way of life - and sometimes it feels like life gets in the way of our homeschooling. Perspective.) <br />
-LEADING<br />
(Began co-leading Shepherding a Child's Heart as a small group at church. I am being shown SO much. I hope it is blessing the other mommies as much. We will change the world if we can apply these principles. More on that in a future post. It greatly deserves it's own.) <br />
-LEARNING<br />
(My BSF study is amazing. Every week. So timely. God is showing my parts of the Bible (Matthew - which I have read many times) that are so convicting to me. Definitely provoking change. Also helping Arabella to trust others and be comfortable when mom isn't in sight!)<br />
-CREATING<br />
(I've been making baby gifts for friends and costumes for Lexi and clothing for Arabella. Feels good to be creating again. I long to make more time to create.) <br />
- MOSTLY JUST TAKING CARE OF ME AND MY OWN<br />
(My family is my first ministry. My husband. My kids. First, my God. If I don't have the time to devote to those three - nothing else should get any time.) <br />
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I haven't even wanted to read blogs. When I say that, it may not mean much in your life - but I LOVE reading other blogs. I love seeing how people create and what their family dynamic is. I am quite partial to those who love God, love to live simply, love to create, love to garden.... <br />
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What are your favorite blogs to read? <br />
<br />
I'll leave you with a little "quack,quack,quack" from the bathtub!<br />
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<br />The Teacher's Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01965255490271817426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964517461870711718.post-66848904292641535292013-09-21T11:11:00.001-06:002013-09-21T11:11:19.525-06:00Happy weekend!!!Funny, I'm so looking forward to this weekend, because there is nothing planned.<br />
I can knit, and cook, and play with the kids.<br />
Jimmy has to work all weekend. :(<br />
Bummer.<br />
He is NOT looking forward to this weekend.<br />
Friday movie night.<br />
Saturday wedding.<br />
Sunday wedding.<br />
He will be one tired math teacher on Monday morning.<br />
We'll have to be extra nice to him.<br />
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Movie night last night was great.<br />
Great turnout,<br />
Great weather.<br />
Here are some pics:<br />
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<br />
Both kiddos got up with me for Bountiful Baskets this morning.<br />
That's always a welcome surprise!<br />
Even though I know they only do it because I bribe whoever comes on the early ones with a starbucks.<br />
Oh well, 7:45 is early and they both cheerfully came along.<br />
Got stocked up on 2 amazing baskets, peaches, and a juicing pack!<br />
We're set!<br />
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Jimmy and the baby got ready while we were gone.<br />
We decided to enjoy the crisp fall morning with a run.<br />
Woohoo!<br />
Felt good to get out! <br />
Lexi came along on her bike.<br />
I love these fall days where the morning is crisp and cool,<br />
but the days still get a warm 80.<br />
Great for sleeping and playing!<br />
Map My Run said we went 3.88 miles.<br />
Not a bad run/walk for an old lady.<br />
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<br />
<br />
Cam home and made peanut butter/banana smoothies.<br />
YUM!<br />
I just took four or five bananas,<br />
about 3/4 cup peanut butter,<br />
a couple cups of water and ice<br />
blended it.<br />
Then stuffed as much spinach as I could fit in the blender.<br />
Blended that, and spread between cups for all of us.<br />
Great breakfast!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Hope you have great Saturday!!!</span>The Teacher's Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01965255490271817426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964517461870711718.post-13148257004520698482013-09-20T16:02:00.002-06:002013-09-20T16:02:28.953-06:00Halloween: YAY - or - NAY ???Do you do Halloween?<br />
I think this is a big one among Christians.<br />
Do you participate in dressing up and giving candy/tracts?<br />
Do you only hand things out but not dress up?<br />
Do you avoid it altogether?<br />
Do you leave home and do a "fall festival"?<br />
<br />
We have friends that do any or all of these.<br />
Some are passionate about their stance.<br />
Some have never given it much thought.<br />
<br />
For a few years now, I've felt that I didn't want to participate in the costumes.<br />
I'm fine with handing our tracts and making it fun for others,<br />
but I really haven't felt the need to have our children be fully involved.<br />
Jimmy, sees it different.<br />
He doesn't see a problem with Halloween as we do it these days.<br />
He has fun with the kids dressing up, lighting the house, and passing out tracts and candy.<br />
<br />
SO, we do it.<br />
It's not a hot button issue.<br />
He feels it's fine, so I don't push it.<br />
No scary costumes.<br />
No scary decorations.<br />
No scary pumpkins. <br />
<br />
This brings me to - - - WHAT DO YOU HAND OUT????<br />
We try not to have much in the way of candy around here.<br />
It doesn't sit right with me to give it out either.<br />
I don't want to be THAT house that passes out pretzels.<br />
or toothbrushes.<br />
or little spider rings.<br />
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<br />
This year I thought I was really cool.<br />
Today at Target, they had 15 packs of glow bracelets for $1.<br />
I bout 8 of them, so that's 120 bracelets.<br />
I was all excited when I showed the kids.<br />
They told me I was lame.<br />
We were now THAT house.<br />
The one that doesn't give candy.<br />
We'll let Jimmy be the judge.<br />
:( I thought I was cool.....<br />
<br />
<br />
Also on my mind is 4-H.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbyTu5x-LDnuZCUScQ_H8I2bseNuTWA4qMlojtZNed-iwOLIHAKoGkjITL2GS8NmY6glUDDSM_OgjDPmIaV9LVwynz9pcrzuhS4FER4Mnjl2OscAnQ5E3Hvl4ahFKkDaGmfjimwghDPk7/s1600/4+h.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbyTu5x-LDnuZCUScQ_H8I2bseNuTWA4qMlojtZNed-iwOLIHAKoGkjITL2GS8NmY6glUDDSM_OgjDPmIaV9LVwynz9pcrzuhS4FER4Mnjl2OscAnQ5E3Hvl4ahFKkDaGmfjimwghDPk7/s320/4+h.png" width="313" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit goes to the 4 H website!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Do you do 4-H?<br />
Did you growing up?<br />
<br />
The sign-ups are about to begin online - October 1st.<br />
Lexi is all over this. <br />
She has a list of things she really wants to do.<br />
Archery, possibly fashion, rabbits, preserving food..... among more.<br />
I'm still really unsure of how it all goes down.<br />
We will definitely do the intro to 4-H class to find out all the 411.<br />
<br />
Dylan isn't so sure.<br />
I think it would be good for him, but he is such a teenager.<br />
He wants friends, but doesn't want to step out to actually meet anyone.<br />
He wants to do things, but doesn't actually want go anywhere.<br />
I know some things interested him, but I dn't think I can convince him to step out and try it!<br />
<br />
<br />
The Love Dare for Parents tells us to treat our children with compassion.<br />
We are to model after Jesus.<br />
He was SO compassionate in so many areas.<br />
There are many examples listed in today's reading of exact instances where Jesus showed comopassion.<br />
Things we can model exactly!<br />
Why don't we do this???<br />
It's not roket science.<br />
It's reading the bible and actually DOING it!<br />
Wow! Novel idea, huh?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_b8f1nk9qv2eTCwwHPRUpMWzQRopyPLhRI1mq10T6ht-t_t4_fFIl16GcgxuKIyq0CovyGVRUn1JHYSSeAUMIYiV3PkPa2voU9kjB5xGORjcRtT04mNMTPj2byi2DpPW2_bNBPP2zDSK6/s1600/feeding+south+dakota.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_b8f1nk9qv2eTCwwHPRUpMWzQRopyPLhRI1mq10T6ht-t_t4_fFIl16GcgxuKIyq0CovyGVRUn1JHYSSeAUMIYiV3PkPa2voU9kjB5xGORjcRtT04mNMTPj2byi2DpPW2_bNBPP2zDSK6/s1600/feeding+south+dakota.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit goes to the feeding South Dakota website!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We have a Movie night tonight downtown!<br />
If you are local, come down and check it out!<br />
We have teamed up with Feeding South Dakota and are showing Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs.<br />
This month, they are raising awareness of all those kiddos that go home with nothing to eat.<br />
The free breakfast and lunch at school are about all they get.<br />
Couldn't be a better cause to raise awareness for.<br />
Hopefully I'll have some great pictures to show you tomorrow!The Teacher's Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01965255490271817426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964517461870711718.post-85699779927067931202013-09-19T19:18:00.001-06:002013-09-19T19:44:14.989-06:00Homeschool is FUNOk, so maybe I'm a dork, but I love it.<br />
I love our curriculum,<br />
I love reading our books together,<br />
I love setting up projects, and recipes.<br />
I love having my kids with me all day.<br />
I love the freedom we have to learn whatever, go wherever, play. <br />
<br />
It's not all sunshine and rainbows.<br />
There is clutter.<br />
I do always with I had more time.<br />
There are days the baby won't cooperated.<br />
<br />
I still love it.<br />
Our read-alouds this year so far have included:<br />
<br />
Almost Home<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00377153Y/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00377153Y&linkCode=as2&tag=thetswif-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00377153Y&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=thetswif-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thetswif-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00377153Y" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
- an great way to feel as though you were on the Mayflower. You really lived the ups and downs as the family tried to get to America<br />
<br />
and we are about one third the way through<br />
<br />
Amos Fortune<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0140341587/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0140341587&linkCode=as2&tag=thetswif-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0140341587&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=thetswif-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thetswif-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0140341587" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
- it began as an African King and his children were having a ceremony in their village. Captors came and snatched up the strongest males and females to be taken to America as slaves. I really brings home how aweful the slave trade was, wiping out entire civilizations in Africa and following the journey in America. <br />
<br />
The history we are reading to go along are:<br />
<br />
Trial and Triumph<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004BSH1IG/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004BSH1IG&linkCode=as2&tag=thetswif-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B004BSH1IG&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=thetswif-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thetswif-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004BSH1IG" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<br />
Story of the World<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CLWQ2WK/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00CLWQ2WK&linkCode=as2&tag=thetswif-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00CLWQ2WK&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=thetswif-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thetswif-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00CLWQ2WK" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<br />
Building a City on a Hill<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0915815516/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0915815516&linkCode=as2&tag=thetswif-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0915815516&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=thetswif-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thetswif-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0915815516" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<br />
and a couple more....<br />
<br />
We are also working on memorizing the whole book of James together, using<br />
Boy, Have I Got Problems as our guide!<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00547QX3M/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00547QX3M&linkCode=as2&tag=thetswif-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00547QX3M&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=thetswif-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thetswif-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00547QX3M" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
- I don't know if we'll be able to do it, but we're having fun trying!!!!<br />
<br />
Lexi had her second violin lesson today.<br />
She is in love.<br />
I am so surprised that I'm not covering my ears from squeakiness!<br />
I hope this passion lasts a while.<br />
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<br />
<br />
Yesterday I made <a href="http://www.thefreckledfoodie.com/italian-crock-pot-chili/" target="_blank">THIS (sort of) chili recipe</a>.<br />
I changed it a little by only adding 2 pounds of ground beef, but adding 2 summer squash.<br />
I also at least doubled the broth so mine was more soupy.<br />
Today we had leftovers of it and served it over mashed cauliflower.<br />
It was really good!<br />
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<br />
Linked up at<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://ichoosejoy.org/" title="I Choose Joy!"><img alt="I Choose Joy!" src="http://ichoosejoy.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/From-House-to-Home-Link-Party.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
The Teacher's Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01965255490271817426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964517461870711718.post-1473616643905819262013-09-18T15:12:00.000-06:002013-09-18T15:12:58.434-06:00Birthday Re-capWe had a great night last night for Jimmy's birthday.<br />
Lexi couldn't wait to give her daddy her gifts!<br />
She worked really hard painting a mug for pens and pencils on his desk.<br />
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<br />
She made it packer colors and all!<br />
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<br />
Dylan worked on a plate with the girls' handprints.<br />
It had his fingerprints around the edge.<br />
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<br />
Everyone's name and age were on the back.<br />
<br />
We took him to Olive Garden for dinner so he could enjoy his favorite endless pasta and meatballs.<br />
We headed to church after dinner for a night of reflection and celebration of the Lord's Supper.<br />
we ended the night with some ice cream at Coldstone.<br />
Wow, a busy night led to this:<br />
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<br />
<br />
The Love Dare for Parents reminds us of the<br />
huge responsibility we have in disciplining our kids.<br />
We need to nurture their respect for God.<br />
They need to respect their parents and take them seriously.<br />
Does anyone else see this as something that has gone<br />
terribly wrong in the past few generations???<br />
Today's reading shares a little about how we can<br />
foster that in our children, but it doesn't go nearly far enough.<br />
I am so excited to begin a study at our church with other moms<br />
centered around Shepherding a Child's Heart.<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0966378601/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0966378601&linkCode=as2&tag=thetswif-20" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0966378601&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=thetswif-20" /></a>I see in my children's heart that they question my authority as<br />
though they are to answer to me.<br />
That's where I've gone wrong.<br />
In their heart they need to seek to do right by God and<br />
know that consequences come when they stray from that path.<br />
We will be working on it, and I urge you to, too!<br />
<br />
<br />
Our second day of Bible Study was great today!<br />
I think it is really going to help me in being more disciplined in my<br />
Bible reading and time with God.<br />
I met the ladies in my small group and I think they are fantastic!<br />
What a great year Arabella and I have ahead of us!<br />
<br />
I linked up at:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://proverbs14verse1.blogspot.com/"><img alt="Wise-Woman-Builds " border="0" src="http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/jj500/naomifuentes/wisewomanbutton.jpg" /></a><br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.deeprootsathome.com/"><img border="0" src="http://www.deeprootsathome.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Capture-2.jpg" /></a></center>
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<br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thetswif-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0966378601" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
The Teacher's Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01965255490271817426noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964517461870711718.post-76192802316738463412013-09-17T16:19:00.001-06:002013-09-17T16:34:32.878-06:00Happy Birthday, My HusbandIt's my husband's birthday today.<br>
I don't show him nearly enough appreciation.<br>
He is better than me at life in so many ways.<br>
He is calm.<br>
He is funny.<br>
He puts people at ease.<br>
He likes to be around people.<br>
He makes friends like nothing.<br>
He can handle pressure without cracking.<br>
He can see the possiblities in things.<br>
He can jump at a chance for change.<br>
He can handle me :)<br>
He keeps me grounded.<br>
He keeps me fun.<br>
He keeps me from organizing everything to death.<br>
He helps me take chances.<br>
He genuinely loves me for who I am.<div>He has no problem telling me what he appreciates about me.<br>
He doesn't hold back telling people the truth - good or bad.</div><div>He's a great loving daddy.</div><div>He's a great loving husband.</div><div>He's a great provider.</div><div>He's a great spiritual leader.</div><div>I greatly hope god showers him with blessings over the next year to show him how much he is appreciated in our lives.</div><div>Happy birthday, my husband!<br>
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<br />
We bought an old covered turtle sandbox<br />
at a rummage a couple weeks ago.<br />
Jimmy is kind of anti-sand.<br />
He decided we should fill it will ball pit balls.<br />
I still need to give it a good scrubbing.<br />
In the mean time, I saw a great idea on pinterest!<br />
We bought a teeny tiny inflatable pool<br />
for $3 on clearance at Target.<br />
Filled it with balls.<br />
Now baby has a fun winter activity.<br />
She is in heaven.<br />
Balls are her favorite toy right now.<br />
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Dinner tonight was super yummy.<br />
I took a pound of Italian seasoned ground turkey,<br />
browned it with a 1/2 pound of mushrooms<br />
and a medium onion.<br />
Added a pint of my pizza sauce.<br />
While that was cooking down,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRR9kBpC9vW3aYuuNyseVsWMC-ape2iwCZKGQKrBrOvpctVOzPhG7P2czI307QQQBkxF0EJjJamWluse84on0KYloqYwd8U_ZMLsyDh1vwrORi-FXmFy9muNLtVXPRB6zEr0zV1dYRYSGT/s640/blogger-image-1821295751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRR9kBpC9vW3aYuuNyseVsWMC-ape2iwCZKGQKrBrOvpctVOzPhG7P2czI307QQQBkxF0EJjJamWluse84on0KYloqYwd8U_ZMLsyDh1vwrORi-FXmFy9muNLtVXPRB6zEr0zV1dYRYSGT/s640/blogger-image-1821295751.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Linked up at:<br />
<br />
<a border="0" href="http://www.amamasstory.com/search/label/Mama%20Moments%20Mondays" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WJ7yZRhfGYYlgzGzqbis9CR-CfwA6Do-6kk0-jJSOiid1yF7YPAGwy0nsQ0CC9d7NWdB_q8JyOn4NvjSWFzbvP5xsSBPW0tlOBxEMVAXibviSDhprbS5fXm58LAVzoSiq_CacGDpTgk/s1600/MMMButton.png" /></a>The Teacher's Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01965255490271817426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964517461870711718.post-38213225790383772092013-09-14T16:17:00.001-06:002013-09-14T16:52:40.554-06:00So proud!I am so proud of my little sister!<br>
Here are a couple pics from her "White Coat Ceremony" last night.<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9XL2A41nKSHFjoXtof9slcPyCdyB2f_DIytTMqQ2MZQoWPHV83E25QGgtAoPfZi_TDbpxr0ZC1KP4FfUAQs4GglCU15WSfo6jmQ9p3Qn9r0nzOyizYiaZp3LqA5erPZx-wfSht4sRPBZO/s640/blogger-image-1408810177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9XL2A41nKSHFjoXtof9slcPyCdyB2f_DIytTMqQ2MZQoWPHV83E25QGgtAoPfZi_TDbpxr0ZC1KP4FfUAQs4GglCU15WSfo6jmQ9p3Qn9r0nzOyizYiaZp3LqA5erPZx-wfSht4sRPBZO/s640/blogger-image-1408810177.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrNbpE-zEnUGofQVppHBClBM4VaYXGvmVcgZKHn-eBmP0Sj0WWyzuYQjT4lJXabB1HodMjVQhu7EdpeDJM0mXnHpbWfpyddcKY-KiJXwQ8XOrPxiHrfhcYv-Vn77OnCvg2mTBTFyZaErE/s640/blogger-image-1862739205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrNbpE-zEnUGofQVppHBClBM4VaYXGvmVcgZKHn-eBmP0Sj0WWyzuYQjT4lJXabB1HodMjVQhu7EdpeDJM0mXnHpbWfpyddcKY-KiJXwQ8XOrPxiHrfhcYv-Vn77OnCvg2mTBTFyZaErE/s640/blogger-image-1862739205.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br>
She does well at whatever she puts her mind to,<br>
and will make a wonderful nurse in 2 years!<br>
<br>
We had a girls' day today.<br>
The boys are in Nebraska to dj a wedding.<br>
Lexi and I got our basket at 7 am.<br>
I treated her to a big caramel roll at Colonial House.<br>
A girl's gotta have incentive to get up that early on the weekend!<br>
<br>
We went to Target.<br>
- our favorite store -<br>
If your kiddos need shorts for next summer, GO!<br>
I got baby play shorts for the next 2 summers.<br>
All were $1.50 to $2.10.<br>
The swim cover up was $3.50<br>
WOOHOO!<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PsN6mlSieyYIYWwj3pP-A9r4NGDuX1iXs-E0J1B9Aa-_3DRbsAgVNYVg_v7iiGLEQ2_GLr8Pbrb7QO-ziLYcrTwC_0ZUadjI9-qe2pdfzbQDeK2N9pcDvVjuYZKMBufBvuV6r-8ocdz9/s640/blogger-image--1152761248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PsN6mlSieyYIYWwj3pP-A9r4NGDuX1iXs-E0J1B9Aa-_3DRbsAgVNYVg_v7iiGLEQ2_GLr8Pbrb7QO-ziLYcrTwC_0ZUadjI9-qe2pdfzbQDeK2N9pcDvVjuYZKMBufBvuV6r-8ocdz9/s640/blogger-image--1152761248.jpg"></a></div><br>
I also bought a few camis for $4 each.<br>
When you are nursing, you need layers!<br>
And some women's socks for 90cents each!<br>
<br>
Yay! A good day.<br>
Finishing the day with Netflix movies, taco soup, and ben and jerrys.<br>
:)<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyK8A-b9uJNGjufuVQAdB8P5THuMFeeTc0OQOeeETZ9inMHwduLjURJqUrPYQxiV4sW_RkVBPh95WwYzwky22AK6JuXtIa60UqMZjZ3QdWwOK3TJGTdfk0kciEhDcTCcWIkqZJYe_AGkVk/s640/blogger-image--1377617433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyK8A-b9uJNGjufuVQAdB8P5THuMFeeTc0OQOeeETZ9inMHwduLjURJqUrPYQxiV4sW_RkVBPh95WwYzwky22AK6JuXtIa60UqMZjZ3QdWwOK3TJGTdfk0kciEhDcTCcWIkqZJYe_AGkVk/s640/blogger-image--1377617433.jpg"></a></div><br></div>The Teacher's Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01965255490271817426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964517461870711718.post-85544317560484833422013-09-13T17:00:00.000-06:002013-09-13T17:01:52.576-06:00My big girl!!!My girl was walking today!!!<br />
I leave you with this video.<br />
We had a busy day cleaning up and lots of cooking.<br />
My sister has a ceremony to celebrate her advancement into the nursing program at her college.<br />
We will have family over for dinner to fairly recognize her achievement. <br />
You can't do that without a meal?<br />
I couldn't be more proud! Pics to come tomorrow....<br />
Now to get dressed up....<br />
<br />
<a href="http://instagram.com/p/eNNSVOBb5L/?autoplay=true" target="_blank">WALKING!!!!</a>The Teacher's Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01965255490271817426noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1964517461870711718.post-51812703212831571092013-09-12T19:00:00.000-06:002013-09-12T20:35:12.681-06:00Lexi's big day!We had a great day catching up on school and canning.<br>
<br>I only have those 10 tomatoes left.<br>
I think I will roast them and freeze them for future use.<br>
It's not really enough to can anything with.<br>
I canned 7 quarts of spaghetti sauce today. <br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2LdVRITFfSDBjX8DgVnUHAdYVkS5JdfePC974-zhpbV2UlO33EYoE8m-RctS0dMp-Cf9greXKe6O-pSU-g8GrdNCuPx_ttUzs5N4yjKWBw4mkkvbr8FavlIlkSWJaZe9ZLeGp6-hjNGW/s640/blogger-image--1594014300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2LdVRITFfSDBjX8DgVnUHAdYVkS5JdfePC974-zhpbV2UlO33EYoE8m-RctS0dMp-Cf9greXKe6O-pSU-g8GrdNCuPx_ttUzs5N4yjKWBw4mkkvbr8FavlIlkSWJaZe9ZLeGp6-hjNGW/s640/blogger-image--1594014300.jpg"></a></div><br>
I filled the dehydrator again with pears.<br>
We really love them, so I know they won't go to waste!<br>
I made 6 1/2 quarts of sauce with them,<br>
and the rest are cooking down to fill the dehydrator for fruit leather.<br>
Can't have too much of it, can you???<br>
I'll probably add some blueberries to some of it.<br>
I was thinking pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice to the other.<br>
Is that too weird???<br>
Kids might think so.... <br>
I won't tell them what it is.<br>
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Lexi had her first violin lesson today.<br>
She has wanted to learn for YEARS.<br>
We finally decided we had enough time to really do it.<br>
She couldn't stop grinning :)<br>
Really, she loved it!<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFsAV2y4OA6SRdIoRKLKwfS95aiwggvlnz72ZGDk2UaYp14qAyk4wirMSKBia-4HCVuC7fTH5jzv8zVvUfZkeMiUsUNHKfA-_arWxXU5Pg6TN2kT-EAHwNdtu7ILzip0kBfpDrCT3Xo19/s640/blogger-image--1324068604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFsAV2y4OA6SRdIoRKLKwfS95aiwggvlnz72ZGDk2UaYp14qAyk4wirMSKBia-4HCVuC7fTH5jzv8zVvUfZkeMiUsUNHKfA-_arWxXU5Pg6TN2kT-EAHwNdtu7ILzip0kBfpDrCT3Xo19/s640/blogger-image--1324068604.jpg"></a></div><br>
Dylan had to show his new song when we got home too.<br>
He wouldn't let me take a video.<br>
TEENAGERS!<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hgL-fcTfyVaL63_RbUqLATov18IB_D40GemeCURcND_Lx4TZe-6GRobp4-ARloKY_5Pb5KbTw-TLjBZEwW14WnzU_CnJXQxwH5JvAnq_qdOkFpmZQIzkyCczeoj0uk4H7CT_qiTE_upb/s640/blogger-image--691777195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hgL-fcTfyVaL63_RbUqLATov18IB_D40GemeCURcND_Lx4TZe-6GRobp4-ARloKY_5Pb5KbTw-TLjBZEwW14WnzU_CnJXQxwH5JvAnq_qdOkFpmZQIzkyCczeoj0uk4H7CT_qiTE_upb/s640/blogger-image--691777195.jpg"></a></div><br>
Here's an idea from dinner last night,<br>
everyone LOVED IT!<br>
I took my big roasting pan and added about 4 big sliced chicken breasts,<br>
3 big bell peppers,<br>
3 big onions,<br>
drizzled with olive oil,<br>
seasoned with mexican spices<br>
(cumin, chili powder, oregano, taco seasoning, salt, pepper, cayenne...)<br>
whatever your family likes.<br>
I added a couple cans of diced tomatoes.<br>
Popped it in the oven at 400 for about 45 minutes or so.<br>
The kids ate on corn tortillas.<br>
Jimmy and I just ate in a bowl with salsa and sour cream.<br>
No complaints from anyone!<br>
<br>
Our parenting lesson today.<br>
Encourage them. ALL.THE.TIME.<br>
Be their cheer leader.<br>
Who else will?<br>
"What you speak into the ears of your children can impart love and build bridges of hope for them or it can poison their perceptions and crush their confidence."<br>
LOVE THAT. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIT8jCkDbndVObDa4SKVa3wZB4BHcrFf5eez1xf_iMWBCeykVazJtvAtu-PGxUdJnGD5sv2VxdBlFRYt0FedA3Kss6XHPq3K7MKrRiwANGHBqXeOwWLiVMo1PbFe484tNMyb9xcC0pm-43/s640/blogger-image-1975039242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIT8jCkDbndVObDa4SKVa3wZB4BHcrFf5eez1xf_iMWBCeykVazJtvAtu-PGxUdJnGD5sv2VxdBlFRYt0FedA3Kss6XHPq3K7MKrRiwANGHBqXeOwWLiVMo1PbFe484tNMyb9xcC0pm-43/s640/blogger-image-1975039242.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Baby's new shoes... Her second pAir from ebooba on etsy. Love them!</div><br></div>The Teacher's Wifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01965255490271817426noreply@blogger.com0