Matthew (3), Amber (5), Kaitlin (4), Alyssa (1) Carter (6 mos.) (not pictured)

Four small children romp around me as I will my pregnant self to do the next thing.

At 5:30, Mark asks about our day and I don’t know how to answer.

I was busy, so busy that there was hardly a chance to think, but we didn’t accomplish a single thing that won’t have to be done again tomorrow.

Head over to Visionary Womanhood to read the rest of Dominion in Diapers.

Dominion in Diapers is a post from: Raising Olives

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Our family is eating better thanks to GNOWFGLINS.

Weekend Links: Dominion Theology, Remodeled Room and More Serving Who? Big {Home} Changes You Asked: Cloth Diapers, Potty Training and Cross Country Not Me Monday: Diapers and Jeans

Sometimes it’s just too much. Sometimes I know that I can’t possibly do this and sometimes I wonder why God has chosen me to parent a large family.

How do we keep homeschooling when we don’t even want to parent?

Repent

If I have a bad attitude about my circumstances, the only one I have a true complaint against is my heavenly Father.

Bella tears up a Henty book

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. ~Romans 8:28

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. ~Jeremiah 29:11

I am demonstrating by my attitude and possibly my actions that I do not believe God or His Word.

Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. ~ 1 Corinthians 10:13

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. ~ Philippians 3:13

I am sinning against the One that gave His life for me and I must repent.

Seek out your husband

God has ordained that we are not alone in this parenting journey. My husband is my sanity and strength during times when I don’t know what to do.

Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered. ~ 1 Peter3:7

Ask for your husband’s advice and input. Ask for his direction. Ask for his prayers.

And then do what he suggests.

Focus on the reason you are homeschooling

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge ~Proverbs 1:7

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, ~ Deuteronomy 6:5-7

Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. ~Mathew 6:33

Hopefully, your goal in home educating is to teach your children to fear the Lord, to seek His kingdom and to love Him. Hopefully you are striving to teach them that their only duty, their only allegiance in life is to be faithful to their God.

And isn’t that what we need to learn when we’re tempted to give in? Isn’t it what we need to remember when we struggle with a poor attitude? Isn’t Jesus where we need to turn in the midst of the storm?

There are often times when our family has chosen to eschew our normal course of study for a prolonged time of Bible reading, prayer, discussion and praise.

There are often times when we spend the day listening to praise music, sermons, lectures or the Bible on CD. We also spend days praying for forgiveness, strength, reassurance peace. (Once again I realize the blessing of educating our children year round and of deliberately limiting our outside activities as this makes it possible for us to focus on the most important rather than being a servant of the immediate.)

Depending upon the ages of your children, share your struggles with them. This is part of “as we walk by the way”. We are to live our lives side-by-side, hand-in-hand with our children and struggle is a part of life. In God’s perfect design we are to speak of God to our children in the midst of the storm.

Don’t let anyone tell you that this isn’t homeschooling.

Don’t believe the lie that ‘they’ tell us over and over and over again, “It’s the academics.” “It’s the curriculum.” “It’s the test results.” “It’s the number of days.”

Pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17)

We’re supposed to do this everyday, but I usually fall far short. It’s times like these that remind me to faithfully commune with God as I go about every aspect of life.

Do the next thing

Nick can find a mud puddle when no one else can.

I remember times when I would tell myself, “All you need to do is change this diaper.” “Now, smile at the baby.”

Two minutes later I would say, “All you need to do is make one sandwich. ” Then, “Make one more sandwich.” etc.

At every point I would know that I could do that one task, but I would have sworn to you that I could not possibly manage a whole day.

Yet, by doing the one task that I knew I could and then by doing one more task that I knew I could, I would eventually make it through an entire day and eventually an entire week.

How do homeschool when you need an attitude adjustment?

Be sure to visit the other Moms of Many to see how they homeschool when they need an attitude adjustment:

KimC at Life in a Shoe says exactly what I hope I said, “How do you homeschool when you’re in a rotten mood?” “You don’t! Repent first and then put one foot in front of the other.”
Connie at Smockity Frocks reminds us to put on our big girl panties and do what needs to be done.
Headmistress at The Common Room offers biblical encouragement and reminds us it’s OK to take a break.

You may also be interested in:

• Homeschooling year round
• A real homeschooling day: A live- blogging adventure
• 6 Distinctives of our homeschool
• Why we homeschool
• My heart about homeschool curriculum
  

Homeschooling When Mom Needs an Attitude Adjustment is a post from: Raising Olives

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Our family is eating better thanks to GNOWFGLINS.

Books for Mom: 4 Moms Answer Questions Housework and Homeschooling Start a Mom’s Group Q & A: Beginning Homeschooling, Potty Training and Newborns Encouraging Verses for Homeschooling: 4 Moms of Many

Currently we host a weekly pot-luck dinner (40-70 people), a monthly family Bible study (40-70) and a monthly Visionary Womanhood group (8-20 people). We also strive to be available for regular hospitality. God has blessed us with a home that makes this all possible.

Nearly a month ago, Mark and I were talking about how we could make the floor plan more open and usable and we realized we could take down the wall between the living and dining room. This would give us more space in our ‘getting-tight’ dining room (most homes are not equipped with a dining area that will seat 13 plus company) and would provide a more open area for our larger groups.

This is our dining room before:

BEFORE

The next picture, shows the wall that we took down. It’s the dark, magnetic wall.

BEFORE

Not only has God blessed us with this home, he has also blessed us with a friend who has blessed us in the past and been willing to continue to bless us with his time and expertise.

With our plan in place, we set the kids to work taking down the wall.

Nick (3) and Colby (5) working at demolition

[Yes, we turned off the power and made certain it wasn't a load bearing wall BEFORE we started.]

It was a HUGE mess, but how often in a kid’s life do they get to tear down a wall?

The kids had a wonderful time.

Carter (10), Matthew (12) and Kaitlin (14) continuing demolition

Our new space is lovely, light-filled and even better suited to our use.

AFTER

AFTER

Total cost: about $100

The transformation inspired us to try something else.

We have big plans (including this and maybe this) and hope that it turns out to be a practical and pretty solution.

And to think that I generally just paint during the second trimester…

Updated to add this picture of Bella (1) taking advantage of the chaos of the process:

Isabella (1) - The kitchen is looking better already

Suggestions are always welcome!

If you liked this, you may also enjoy:

• Given to hospitality – It’s not about fancy cooking, it’s about sharing what you have.
• A tour of our home – Complete with organizing hints for each area
• Good Measure, Shaken, Pressed Down and Running Over

Big {Home} Changes is a post from: Raising Olives

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Our family is eating better thanks to GNOWFGLINS.

A Big Birthday Party the Simple Way Merry Christmas from Our Home to Yours On the Home Front 4 Moms Open House: Kitchen and Dining Room Raising Girls Who Long to be Keepers at Home

Our family has been specifically asking these questions for the past 6-7 months.

We’ve always made an effort to feed our family whole foods prepared as healthfully as possible. However, in recent months it has become more of a priority.

In December I found and joined GNOWFGLINS (God’s Natural Organic Whole Foods Grown Locally In Season) and thanks to the added help and inspiration, we’ve cut out nearly all processed foods, use nearly all sourdough and have incorporated more natural food choices and preparation methods (soaking grains and legumes, fermenting, etc.).

So I was excited about the opportunity to review Peter Bringe’s book, The Christian Philosophy of Food.

“The Christian Philosophy of Food” is a broad survey of what a Christian’s ideas and attitudes toward food should be.

This is not a how-to book of what we should eat or how we should prepare it. Rather it covers a multitude of topics about food choices, uses, production and preparation. From thoughts about balancing times of feasting with normal food consumption to utilizing food as a relationship builder, Peter Bringe covers many aspects of food and the Bible.

Talking about our “fast food” society and our tendency to view food and eating as an interruption of what’s “really important” Mr. Bringe points out,

We have to get it into our minds that simple and ancient things like eating and conversing as a family are foundational to Christian culture and society. Even though it might decrease the efficiency of our work, and it won’t necessarily produce material profit, it is an important and ultimate part of our life. ~ “The Christian Philosophy of Food” Page 37

In my opinion, the book can lean toward overstatement. For example, when making the point that food production should be less centralized and more family-centered (and I agree it should be) Mr. Bringe says,

Having two different visions of work in a family tends to divide it, and a house divided will not stand (Mark 3:25). This is not only true if mom and dad go to their own businesses; it is also true in the “traditional family” where the mom raises the kids, and the dad supplies the finances by laboring at some workplace unrelated to the rest of the family. ~ “The Christian Philosophy of Food” page 48-49

So as always turn to the Scriptures as your ultimate authority.

However, “The Christian Philosophy of Food” provides plenty of food for thought, especially if you are just beginning to consider what the Bible says about food. It is a good place to start as we begin to examine what God’s Word has to say about our food choices.

Buy It

The Christian Philosophy of Food is available for $9.95.

Win It

One Raising Olives reader will win their own copy of “The Christian Philosophy of Food“.

To enter: (Please leave a separate comment for each entry.)

• Leave a comment on this post about why you’re interested in this book.
• Share this giveaway on Facebook (you may use the FB share button at the bottom of the post).
• Share this giveaway on Twitter (you may use the Twitter share button at the bottom of this post).
• Post about this giveaway on your non-private blog. (5 entries, please leave 5 comments)

Giveaway will end on Thursday, May 24 and is open to U.S. residents only.

The Christian Philosophy of Food {Giveaway} is a post from: Raising Olives

Earn free Amazon gift cards with Swagbucks

Our family is eating better thanks to GNOWFGLINS.

Make Your Own Healthy Baby Food Large Family Food Storage : 4 Moms Keyboarding for the Christian School: Review 100 Best Blogs for Christian Homeschoolers Grill Daddy Giveaway and Review

In this post I’m answering questions about beginning homeschooling, the first few weeks with a newborn, keeping the car/van clean and potty training.

Maria wondered about potty training and how to prevent the process for dragging on for years.

Bella (22 months) is currently learning to use the potty, so we’re back in the trenches for the tenth time.

Here is a bit of our potty training history.

• All but one of our children have been completely potty trained by their second birthday. That one, Nicholas was completely trained by 25 months.
• Potty training generally takes less than a week (usually a few days).



• One of our children struggled with wetting when they were playing outside. I think this was more of an “I don’t want to be bothered to come in and use the potty” problem than a training problem. None of the others have had more than an occasional accident after they were trained.
• We have three children who are bed wetters. (This is a separate problem that they’ve struggled with well past 6-7 years old.) Most of our non-bed wetters were out of diapers at night within days to weeks of being completely trained during the day.

Here is a step-by-step of Nick’s first day potty training with links to more potty training answers at the bottom of the post.

Jamie asked, “What do your first few weeks with a new little one look like?”

Honestly it depends on the little one. And the goal here is survival.

Most of our newborns have been easy-breezy and for the most part we’ve continued on with a fairly normal schedule.

Most of the time we’ve taken the birth week off of school work and then started back up. For me, it’s easy to just keep the school work going while taking it easy with a new baby.

However, some babies require a lot more effort. After Isabella (our 10th) was born, I wondered if things would ever get back to normal. We just took our time and it eventually fell together again, but it took a lot longer than a couple of weeks.

Just do what you can do and eventually it will all fall back into place.

Nicholas (2) and Isabella (newborn)

Rachel wondered, “What homeschooling looked like when your oldest was 5 and would have been starting Kindergarten if going to school?”

Since we knew we wanted to homeschool our kids before they even existed, we began homeschooling well before our oldest turned 5 and were really able to ease into things slowly.

We read aloud and had family worship from the time our children were born.

We began helping our children memorize Scripture (and other things) as soon as they began talking.

We taught them to read as soon as they showed an interest and ability.

By the time our oldest was 5 we had five children, so I had my hands full with a house full of little ones, but we’d already been conscientiously homeschooling for 5 years and our children already had a good basis of memorization and reading.

Homeschooling a 5 year old

What we did: Keep in mind that most or all of this was already part of our day-to-day schedule so there was not a big transition.

• Family worship
• Independent Bible reading – because Amber was already a proficient reader
• Read aloud
• Memorized
• Chores
• Handwriting – We didn’t start handwriting because she was 5, we started because she showed signs of readiness.
• Introduced nature journals as desired.
• Listened to beautiful music

What we didn’t do:

• Preschool, work sheets or busy work
• Formal math
• Spelling, grammar or other language arts “programs”
• History program
• Science program
• Make school/learning any different from what we always do everyday.

Our schedule as we began officially homeschooling varied very little from the schedule we’d had since the birth of our 4th child.

If you didn’t start out as we did, no worries. We’ve been much slower with some of our younger children.

Beginning homeschooling is easy, simply add a time of memorizing around the breakfast table, a half hour to hour of school work during the day and quiet reading during rest time (if your child still naps, then skip this until they need less sleep).

The schedule for our current 5 and 4 year old looks like this:

• Get up and do before breakfast chores
• Breakfast, family worship and memorization work with the whole family
• Table chores
• Sometime during the morning the 5 year old reads aloud to me, does a handwriting page and, since he’s a brilliant speller, does some dictation work. This generally takes about half an hour. The 4 year old reads aloud to me (about 15 minutes).
• Listen to the big kids read aloud, whenever that happens.
• Play time
• Nap time (he still sleeps)
• Etc. until family worship in the evening

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge

Everything else is icing on the cake.

Amanda said, “How do you keep a clean car? I can’t keep up!”

The short version is that we have one of our kids assigned to clean out the van once a week.

The longer version is that a few years ago Matthew (now 12) saved up his money to purchase a guinea pig, cage, etc. but realized he would have a hard time continuing to earn enough money for food and bedding for his pet. He and his father struck a deal. We pay for food and bedding for the guinea pig as long as both cars are cleaned out and vacuumed on a weekly basis. Otherwise Matthew pays for the pigs necessities.

Matthew loves having a guinea pig and our cars stay (fairly) clean.

You may also be interested in:

• Live blogging potty training
• Teaching reading
• Teaching handwriting
• Teaching grammar, spelling and other language arts naturally
• Family Worship: What and How
• Our day to day schedule with all littles (you can see how we fit homeschooling into our regular day from the time our kids were small).

Also visit the other moms of many to read their thoughts and ideas:
Smockity Frocks shares how moms of many do (or don’t do) it ALL.
Life in a Shoe talks about weaning, big family comments and more.
The Common Room shares about pop culture, cookbooks and what features she would want if she were building a house.

For more Moms of Many posts visit the 4 Moms page.

Q & A: Beginning Homeschooling, Potty Training and Newborns is a post from: Raising Olives

Earn free Amazon gift cards with Swagbucks

Our family is eating better thanks to GNOWFGLINS.

Potty Training Revisited Potty Training: Live Blogging, Day 1 You Asked: Cloth Diapers, Potty Training and Cross Country Q & A: Scheduling with Only Littles, Potty Progress and Swimsuits Child Training Bible {Giveaway}

I feel amazing. It’s been a relief and surprise to have such a wonderful second trimester since with Isabella (my last pregnancy) I continued to experience that extreme “first trimester” exhaustion through the entire pregnancy.

Beginning with pregnancy #8, my pregnancies have gotten noticeably more difficult, with longer and more severe morning sickness, until with Isabella I struggled through even the second trimester. I chalked it up to my age and the fact that since my first pregnancy I’ve been either nursing, pregnant or both (that’s got to take a toll, right?)

This first trimester was most difficult by far. It was necessary for me to literally be in bed (or lying down on the couch) for 15-20 hours a day. So this amazing second trimester caught me by surprise, but I’ve not been wasting it.

So far we’ve taken down the wall between our living room and dining room and painted lamps and furniture to better accommodate our new, larger living space. You may see the area I’m speaking about in our home tour posts (the wall with all the books is now gone). After pictures coming soon.

I’ve knitted a hippo for Nicholas (4),

a cable sweater for the baby,

and a doll for Isabella (1). (More clothing for the doll is currently in progress.)

I made a quilt for the baby (my first ever finished quilt),

a hand full of burp cloths (more coming)

a diaper changing kit

and am half through with a new diaper bag (need to make the lining).

I still have plans for a swaddling blanket, more burp cloths, a larger diaper/tote bag for longer excursions and perhaps some baby bedding (the crib sheets that we have are thread bare after making it through 10 children).

In addition to the projects, we’ve been plugging along with our homeschooling, hosted surprise, extended stay guests (19 people in our home during the time when our living/dining area was under construction, talk about crazy, busy…), lots of regular company, a last minute camping trip and all the rest of the amazingly blessed and busy life of a family of 12.

Did I mention that I feel great?

I do drop into bed happily exhausted each night, but I’m very grateful for the health and energy that God has given during the last few months of this pregnancy.

Here are two things I’m doing that may (or may not) contribute to the energy boost:

• Exercise – I’m doing Peak 8′s two to three times a week.
• Vitamins/supplements – I’m taking “Super Mom” , cod liver oil, vitamin B6, Iodoral (an iodine supplement because my thyroid function has been extremely low this pregnancy, a first for me) and vitamin C.

I notice a huge difference in my energy levels when I skip my vitamins for a day or two, especially the cod liver oil.

This past week it seems that the baby has gone through a growth spurt and even though I have another week of second trimester, I’m feeling more third trimester-ish. I still have lots of energy, but I’m moving a little slower and am just starting to feel ‘big’.

Remember the family-centered c-section video I posted? I asked my OB if it was possible for him to take the baby from my uterus and place him directly onto my chest. The nurses could then check the baby over while I’m holding him and we wouldn’t be separated at all.

He said, “Absolutely!”

Then he went on to say that he’s already done this once before and it will be no problem.

We have yet to talk about the remainder of the things on the video, but honestly, this was my biggest wish.

I still wish that I could deliver naturally, but I’m very thankful for the technology that enables me to have children born without injury and this is the best possible scenario for both me and our baby.

Oh, I nearly forgot to mention…swelling. My ankles have already started swelling (way too early in my opinion). Any tips or ideas for helping with that?

Pregnancy #11 posts:

• Coming August 2012
• Notes about pregnancy #11
• Week 18
• Family-centered c-section, my dream
• Week 20
• It’s a….
• Week 25: Good News, Energy and Projects

Pregnancy #11 Update: Week 25 – Good News, Energy and Projects is a post from: Raising Olives

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Our family is eating better thanks to GNOWFGLINS.

Pregnancy #11 Update: Week 18 Pregnancy #11 Update: 20 Weeks and Gender Pregnancy Update: Goodbye First Trimester Some Notes About Pregnancy #11 Pregnancy Dreams

Five hours later we were packed and on our way

Sadie (8) and Isabella (1) stop to look at the creek

Yes, we’re last minute like that and, trust me, 5 hours is pretty good for all the laundry, packing, shopping and food prep we had to get done, not to mention the fact that our home had to be picked up, cleaned and ready for company while we were out of town.

Colby (5), Nicholas (4) and Savannah (6)

and although we had a wonderful time hiking, swimming, fishing, camping,

one thing that did not get done before we left was my 4 Moms post.

Colby (5) and Nick (4)

So here it is several days late and re-posted from a couple of months ago.

Buy used.

Furniture, clothing, dishes, towels, sheets, home decor, etc. can all be found used. We shop mostly yard sales, but second hand shops can be useful for harder to find items (like boys blue jeans sans holes in the knees).

Buy in bulk.

Bella (1)

We do this mostly for food. We purchase from co-ops, restaurant suppliers and sometimes directly from the farmer.

Go paperless.

We generally do not purchase paper napkins, paper towels, etc. We’ve chosen to use all cloth, except for toilet paper. Check out our cloth napkin solution.

Make your own cleaning products.

We make all of our own cleaning supplies except for the detergent for the dishwasher. We mostly clean with baking soda, white vinegar and Castile soap. We also make generous use of microfiber cloths and water.

Here is our recipe for laundry soap.

Don’t buy what you don’t need.

Wouldn't you rather have a houseful of these?

Most people have too many clothes, too many toys, too many computer games, too many housewares, too much stuff! If we would simply purchase what we need, we would all have plenty to share with those who have need.

When we have too much stuff, we need more space to store it and require more time to manage it. Simplifying is an easy way to save money.

Pay cash.

If you can’t afford to pay cash, you can’t afford it.

And because I know that people will ask, we personally believe that a home is the one legitimate reason to go into a reasonable amount of debt. However, it would be ideal to purchase a home with no debt.

Recognize the difference between a ‘need’ and a ‘want’.

Cell phones: Until two years ago we had no cell phones. When our children got old enough to stay home alone, we decided to move into the cell phone world. We spend less than $10 a month for a simple pre-paid phone that we only use for emergencies. Even this is a luxury and certainly not a necessity.

Hair appointments: We do all of our own hair cutting in house. (I actually made a how-to video for boy’s hair cuts that I intend to post. Someday. )

Classes and sports: Need I say more?

Restaurant eating/Fast food: Even if you are super busy, eating out is not a necessity. It requires some planning and forethought, but people survived for centuries without fast food joints. When you chose to take the family out to eat, recognize the privilege that it is and enjoy the blessing of it.

Clothes dryers: Our family of 12 recently lived for 3 months without a clothes dryer. We live in a rainy, humid climate in North East Tennessee and this was during our cold season. We’re very happy to have a dryer again, but we know that running it is certainly a luxury and not a necessity.

Cable TV/Netflix/Video rentals: There is a library full of ‘free’ books, Cd’s and often even videos and even that is providing a ‘want’, not a ‘need’.

A second car: Our family survived with one car for many years and for many/most people having one car is a viable option.

What other money saving tips do you have?

Be sure to visit the other 3 Moms to see how they save money:

KimC at Life in a Shoe
Connie at Smockity Frocks
Headmistress at The Common Room

For more Moms of Many posts visit the 4 Moms page.

4 Moms Share Some Favorite Frugal Tips is a post from: Raising Olives

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Our family is eating better thanks to GNOWFGLINS.

Pumpkin Crunch: 4 Moms Share Thanksgiving Tips 4 Moms Share Family Traditions Tips for Feeding a Large Family on a Budget {4 Moms Linky} Upside-Down Cranberry Crunch Recipe & Favorite Desserts 11 Tips for Tidy Bedrooms

Homemade Vanilla Extract

Ingredients:

• 6-12 high quality vanilla beans (We purchased our from saffron.com)
• Bottle of vodka

Simply split the vanilla beans in half length wise

Place them in the vodka.

I poured some vodka into a quart canning jar because I wished to avoid the plastic bottle the vodka came in. In order to ensure the vanilla beans were submerged I cut them into smaller pieces. If you’re not weird about plastic (or you purchase your vodka in a glass jar), you can simply slip the vanilla beans right into the jar.

Shake

and wait.

I did tell you it was easy.

Your vanilla extract will be ready to use in 3 – 6 months.

How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract is a post from: Raising Olives

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Our family is eating better thanks to GNOWFGLINS.

Chocolate Chip Brownie Cheesecake Make Your Own Healthy Baby Food Homemade Salsa Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix Homemade Buttermilk and Yogurt

While it’s true that our family rarely has leftovers, it does occasionally happen, and being the incredibly creative cook that I am (go ahead and laugh), I do one of four things with our family’s leftovers.

If there is enough leftover from one meal to feed our family another full meal I:

1. pack up the leftovers, label them and put them in the freezer to pull out and serve for dinner at a future date
OR
2. pack up the leftovers and put them in the fridge to serve for dinner another night during the week.

If there are not enough leftovers to feed our family another full meal I:

3. put the leftovers in the fridge and at the end of the week plan a lunch or dinner (depending upon the amount of leftovers collected) buffet where everyone gets to choose the leftovers of his/her choice to eat
OR
4. put the leftovers in the fridge and instruct someone to eat them for lunch in the following days.

I realize that my plan is not creative, but it works and my family doesn’t mind eating leftovers.

Now it’s your turn to share how you deal with leftovers in your home. Please play by these rules:

1. You must link to a specific relevant post on your blog.
2. Your post must include a link to at least one of the 4 Moms blogs.
3. The post you link to must be completely family friendly.

If your link is deleted, you probably didn’t follow one of the rules above. Please feel free to add your link again once you have fixed the problem. If you don’t know why your link was deleted, please ask.

The other 3 Moms talk about leftovers here:
Smockity Frocks
Life in a Shoe
The Common Room

For info about our parenting ebook or bios of all four moms visit 4Moms35Kids.com

For more Moms of Many posts visit the 4 Moms page.

Cooking with Leftovers : 4 Moms {Linky} is a post from: Raising Olives

Earn free Amazon gift cards with Swagbucks

Our family is eating better thanks to GNOWFGLINS.

Tips for Feeding a Large Family on a Budget {4 Moms Linky} Cooking for a Crowd: 4 Moms, 35 Kids Cooking from Scratch: 4 Moms, 35 Kids Feed Your Family for $0.50 a Person: 4 Moms Menu Planning: 4 Moms, 35 Kids

First take a big breath, close your eyes and ears to what the world (and other homeschooling moms or dads) say is important for your child’s education. Now turn to God’s Word and grab hold of His standard.

While I’m absolutely convinced that God will give us everything we need to raise and educate our children for His glory, I’m also relatively sure that He may not give us the strength, endurance or finances to keep up with the homeschooling family down the road.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Keeping in mind that our standard is the Word of God, I think that there are a some practical things that we can do to prepare our children for educational success, especially when you are less capable of spending time teaching and overseeing.

Educate your children year round. – The idea that our children should be learning from August to May and then get a break is (sorry for my bluntness) silly. Learning shouldn’t be relegated to a season.

Humans are always learning, we may not always be learning things that are beneficial, but we are always learning.

As parents we should emphasize beneficial learning all day, every day. Our children’s education may look different during different seasons, but isn’t that the way that God designed all of life? He teaches us different lessons at different times of our lives.

Help your children become avid self-teachers. – For fun our children cook, sew, draw, write poetry, study nature, plant seeds, make bows and arrows, hunt, build forts and read books about history, science and theology, etc. I often think that our children learn much more in their free time than they do during ‘school time’.

The first key to raising children who are avid self-teachers is to eliminate the drivel from their lives. Our children rarely (less than once a week) watch a DVD or play a video game. We don’t own many ‘fluffy’ books and have gotten rid of most of our ‘fluffy’ toys and games. We encourage productive activities and tend to limit activities that are merely entertainment.

A second key to raising children who are avid self-teachers is to give them interesting opportunities to learn. Our children have access to sewing machines, fabric, knitting supplies, cookbooks and food, art supplies, musical instruments, wood carving supplies and wood working equipment, etc.

They have (independently) designed and made dolls and doll clothing, skirts and purses, truffles, soap, chap stick, body lotion, boats, life-sized rafts (that actually carry people across the pond), chairs, trash cans, etc.

They have planned and planted gardens and, with help from some friends, made beautiful bows (with arrows) and fun replicas of rifles.

Matthew, Carter and Colby with the guns and bow that they made

Another thing to consider is introductory classes. I took about 8 weeks of art classes and have been able to continue learning on my own and have been able to teach our children.

A third key to raising children who are avid self-teachers is to ensure that they have adequate free time. If your kids are busy with planned activities, homework and classes from morning till night they won’t have time to learn how to learn independently.

Children who are taught or take a class for everything are more likely to wait for someone to teach them and less likely to discover how do it on their own.

If your children aren’t frequently learning on their own, if they say they are bored or if they are coming to you to ask what they should do next, then perhaps it’s time to encourage them to become more adept at learning and entertaining themselves.

Three year old Nick 'reads' to one year old Isabella

As I began to recover from morning sickness this pregnancy I was amazed at all the children had learned and accomplished while I had been extremely ill.

Stick with the basics. – During the first trimester of each pregnancy I focus on my beginning readers and I try to spend at least some time every day reading aloud to everyone. If nothing else gets done, that’s fine.

Teach your children diligence. – Our children have several subjects that they do every Monday through Friday, whether or not we’re ‘doing school’, whether or not mom or dad tell them to and whether or not we check their work. They reliably (for the most part) do these things on their own (Bible reading, Greek, math and one hour of productive reading).

Dads are teachers too. – During the beginning of this current pregnancy Mark took over all of the children’s ‘schooling’. He told them what he wanted them to accomplish during the day and then checked up on them at night. He’s always been involved in teaching the kids, but for 3 1/2 months it was all him.

If we try to live up to the world’s standards we will surely fail, but if we fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, and strive to do that which He has given us to do we will, through His power, succeed.

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? ~ Micah 6:8

You may also be interested in:

• Our Summer Schedule (2011)
• Teaching children dilligence
• 6 Homeschool distinctives as we try to conform to God’s standards
• Finding time for Play

What tips do you have for homeschooling during illness?

Also visit the other moms of many to read their thoughts and ideas:
Smockity Frocks
Life in a Shoe
The Common Room

For more Moms of Many posts visit the 4 Moms page.

Homeschooling Through Pregnancy or Chronic Illness is a post from: Raising Olives

Earn free Amazon gift cards with Swagbucks

Our family is eating better thanks to GNOWFGLINS.

Homeschooling Kids With Learning Differences: 4 Moms Q & A: Beginning Homeschooling, Potty Training and Newborns Husbands and Homeschooling: 4 Moms Encouraging Verses for Homeschooling: 4 Moms of Many Q & A: Homeschooling while Pregnant, Sourdough Starter and Handling a Large Family

This week is my friend’s 30th birthday, but she and her family were unable to attend Sunday evening, so some of those who were present took a minute to let her know that she wasn’t forgotten.

By the time we shot this video the kids had demolished the cake (even the piece that I set aside for you), but we love you anyway!

Happy Birthday to My Friend is a post from: Raising Olives

Earn free Amazon gift cards with Swagbucks

Our family is eating better thanks to GNOWFGLINS.

A Big Birthday Party the Simple Way Simple, Frugal Birthday Cakes Nature Friend Magazine – Review Ben and Bella The Train Cake

Here’s a question where it would be nice to hear some of your input. Jul asked, “I am wondering where are some good larger family friendly cities/states to live in? I cannot tell you how long I’ve been praying for the Lord to send Godly mentors our way and, I find it a rather dismal commentary on our times, that it’s pretty rare to find in one’s own community.”

I’d like to focus this answer on the what I think is the more important aspect, finding Godly mentors.

It’s much less about being “larger family friendly” and much more about finding an area where there is a community of believers who are passionately committed to the Word of God. If you find a community of believers who are passionately committed to following Christ, they will be large family friendly.

Mark and I have been talking about this a lot, trying to put our finger on why we have such wonderful, lovely, encouraging, faith building fellowship with some groups of believers and struggle to get past a casual “Hi, how are you doing?” relationship with others.

Our conclusion has been that when you find people whose first obligation is to the Bible, everything in their lives becomes subject to that standard. They will change how they view children, how they worship God, how they educate their children, their church affiliation, how they live their life, they will change everything to be more conformed to the Scriptures.

These Christians will change their lives in order to build relationships with other Christians and this is what we’re talking about when we talk about mentors, other Christians who are willing to sacrifice themselves in order to build the faith of others.

This type of commitment is unusual in Christians today. Most Christians do not believe that Christianity will change our lives, churches and the world, but if it doesn’t then it’s not true Christianity.

We’ve been very welcomed and loved in places with mostly smaller families and we’ve been in places with mostly larger families where we felt isolated and alone.

So what are some signs of people who are passionate about following God’s Word wherever it leads?

• They rejoice in being with other believers and make time in their lives for fellowship with other Christians. (John 13:35) They are committed to hospitality. (Romans 12:13, 1 Tim. 3:2, Titus 1:8, Heb. 13:2, 1 Pet. 4:9)
• The men primarily choose to talk about doctrine, God, the Bible and how it impacts their worship, food, education, activity choices, budget, children, etc. They don’t just about sports and work. They do not shy away or avoid talking about difficult issues because they are passionate about iron sharpening iron and learning God’s truth.
• They are unafraid to admit they are wrong and to change course.
• The men, especially church leaders, are characterized by a humble, sacrificial, servant-leadership.
  

  You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all.” ~ Mark 10:35

• Their lives and families will look different than the world, at least here in the God hating culture of America.
• They are committed to sacrificially serving each other in the name of Christ because they realize that everything they have is from God and it to be used to serve Him by serving others.

All of that said, perhaps a good place to start looking for a specific larger family friendly area (and more importantly a church that is passionately committed to following Christ), is the NCFIC website.

The NCFIC website provides a directory of family-integrated churches. When you click on a specific church you can see what that church believes, their style of worship, their denomination, etc. They also provide contact information so that you can speak to someone directly.

Mark and I have lived in Kingsport and Bristol Tennessee and Bristol Virginia (all one area) and then in Knoxville, TN. In both areas we’ve found churches and communities that fit what I described above.

Do you live in an area that is large family friendly? What tips do you have?

We’ve come up with a creative solution for those who already bought our 4 Moms Parenting ebook but wish they had waited for the Kindle, and we have a treat for those who are among the first to buy the Kindle version. For further details see The Common Room, but hurry, because this offer ends Saturday night at 7.P.M. Central Time.

Be sure to visit the other 4 Moms to find out what questions they are answering:

KimC at Life in a Shoe talks about courtship, dental bills and diapers.
Connie at Smockity Frocks offers room sharing and tub toy storing tips.
Headmistress at The Common Room shares family updates, managing socks and how to get the 4 Moms Parenting ebook on Kindle.

For more Moms of Many posts visit the 4 Moms page.

Q & A: Finding a Large Family Friendly Community is a post from: Raising Olives

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Our family is eating better thanks to GNOWFGLINS.

Laying the Foundation: 4 Moms and Large Family Logistics Coping While Exhausted: 4 Moms and Large Family Logistics Large Family Transportation: 4 Moms Large Family Gift Shopping: 4 Moms Managing Clothes for a Large Family: 4 Moms

Some that have caught my eye are:

• Smart Sweets by Katie @ Kitchen Stewardship, one of my favorite whole foods prepared naturally, bloggers.
• Not a DIY Diva about “embracing your authentic style and way of living at home so that you can be content, even in this “perfect image” world we live in”.
• That Works for Me – more than 800 of the most popular “works for me” tips in one easy-to-navigate format
• 4 Moms, 35 Kids Parenting – Terrific parenting advice from 4 moms of many. (Obviously my fav.)
• Tell Your Time by Amy @ Blogging with Amy (who I met in real life in an airport

This collection is only available from now until 8 a.m. on April 20th. There will be no late sales offered.

When purchased separately, these ebooks are worth $375, but from now until April 20th, you can purchase the entire collection for just $29!

When you purchase the Simplify Family Life collection, you get instant access to each of the 38 ebooks listed below:

Entrepreneurship & Blogging

Blogger Behave by Laura @ 10 Million Miles ($4.99)

How to Have Your Cake and Eat It, Too by Mandi @ Life Your Way ($12.00)

Make Money Blogging by Tara @ Feels Like Home ($4.99)

Tap Into Your Unique Creativity and Self Expression Webinar by Lisa @ WellGrounded Life ($39.00)

Tell Your Time by Amy @ Blogging with Amy ($4.99)

Your Blogging Business: Tax Talk & Tips from a Bookkeeper Turned Blogger by Nikki @ Christian Mommy Blogger ($4.99)

Food & Cooking

Get Lean Recipe for Success by Nisha @ Healthy Mom’s Kitchen ($37.00)

Got Dinner? by Susan @ The Confident Mom ($4.00)

How To Cook For Yourself: A Complete Beginner’s Guide by Rachael @ Kitchen Courses ($35.00)

Plan It, Don’t Panic by Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home ($4.99)

Real Food Basics by Kate @ Modern Alternative Mama ($6.95)

Real Food, Real Easy by Erin @ The Humbled Homemaker ($9.95)

Smart Sweets by Katie @ Kitchen Stewardship ($9.95)

The Everything Beans Book by Katie @ Kitchen Stewardship ($9.95)

Homemaking

2012 Confident Mom Weekly Household Planner by Susan @ The Confident Mom ($9.00)

Clean Start: Your Guide to Natural Home Cleaning by Michelle @ Open Eye Health ($4.95)

Complete Printables Download Pack by Mandi @ Life Your Way ($7.00)

Food on Your Face for Acne & Oily Skin by Leslie @ Crunchy Betty ($7.99)

From Debtor to Better by Barry @ Debtor to Better ($15.00)

My Buttered Life {Summer + Gift Giving Editions} by Renee @ MadeOn Hard Lotion ($10.00)

Not a DIY Diva by Melissa @ The Inspired Room ($3.99)

One Bite at a Time by Tsh @ Simple Mom ($5.00)

That Works for Me by Kristen @ We Are THAT Family ($8.00)

Marriage & Relationships

A Simple Marriage by Corey @ Simple Marriage ($4.99)

Buck Naked Marriage by Corey @ Simple Marriage ($2.99)

Entangled by Amy @ Permission to Peruse ($4.99)

The A to Z Guide: 26 Ways in 26 Days to a Happier, Healthier Marriage by The Dating Divas ($9.97)

Minimalism for Families

101 Ways to Simplify Your Life by Laura @ Journey to a Simple Life ($9.95)

321-Stop by Lori @ Loving Simple Living ($9.97)

Inside Out Simplicity by Joshua @ Becoming Minimalist ($11.99)

Simple Ways to Be More with Less by Courtney @ Be More with Less ($9.97)

The Minimalist Mom’s Guide to Baby’s First Year by Rachel @ The Minimalist Mom ($9.95)

Parenting & Kids

4 Moms of 35+ Kids Answer Your Parenting Questions by the Moms @ 4 Moms, 35+ Kids ($7.99)

Flourishing Spring by Michele @ Frugal Granola ($5.95)

Mindset for Moms by Jamie @ Steady Mom ($4.99)

Nurturing Creativity by Renee @ FIMBY ($3.00)

Parenting with Positive Guidance by Amanda @ Not Just Cute ($9.00)

Truth in the Tinsel by Amanda @ Impress Your Kids ($6.99)

Click here to purchase your collection today!

The sale ends at 8 a.m. ET on April 20th, and there will be no late sales offered, so don’t wait.

Simplify Your Family Life Ebook Sale is a post from: Raising Olives

Earn free Amazon gift cards with Swagbucks

Our family is eating better thanks to GNOWFGLINS.

Win an HP Mini, Simplify Your Life 4 Moms Parenting Ebook Sale Begins Today at Noon EST It’s Your Life: Moss Family {Giveaway} Tools for the Frugal Family – Sale 4 Moms Parenting Ebook $3, Limited Time

After we knew, the tiny ultrasound room bulged with 10 children and we all enjoyed watching the newest member as he/she happily moved across the screen.

Nick (3), holding onto the foot of my bed, bounced up and down saying, “That’s our baby, that’s our baby.”

Sweet baby #11 mouthing it's hand

“Is it a boy or a girl?” “Are you going to tell me what it is?” “When are you going to tell me what it is?” “I really want to know what the baby is.” from Colby (5).

The others chatted, amazed at the miracle on the screen before them and still trying to guess the baby’s gender.

“Aww, look how cute, the baby is sucking it’s hand.”
“Look, I see it’s fingers”
“That’s it’s spine.”
“I can see it’s feet.”
“Mom, can you feel the baby moving?”

The original plan was to wait until Friday evening (we found out Thursday) and to have an egg hunt (something our littler ones had never done). Inside one of the plastic eggs we would put a note that said that the child who found that egg would be able to look at the ultrasound picture on which the tech had put the baby’s gender and then tell all the others whether they were having a brother or sister.

But none of us wanted to wait overnight, so we stopped by the store and purchased some half price Easter candy and plastic eggs and held our hunt.

Nicholas (3) found the egg with the note. So he had the privilege of telling the others that we were having a baby

BOY!

After the cheers, clapping, jumping, laughing and “I told you so-s” subsided the name debate began.

Picking a name used to be much simpler.

Mark and I simply had to agree on something that we both liked, but now everyone wants to have a say and while the kid’s opinions are not the deciding factor, we don’t want to name a baby something that none of his siblings like.

And so at nearly every mealtime and car ride and sometimes at odd moments during the day, we launch into the name debate, receiving suggestions and vetoes from every corner of the table, car or room. And Mark and I, we try to rally the most support for our favorites, trying to convince the other by sheer force of numbers.

So for the moment, the boys narrow the gender gap in the Olive family, 5 boys to 6 girls.

Pregnancy #11 posts:

• Coming August 2012
• Notes about pregnancy #11
• Week 18
• Family-centered c-section, my dream
• Week 20
• It’s a….
• Week 25: Good News, Energy and Projects

It’s a … is a post from: Raising Olives

Earn free Amazon gift cards with Swagbucks

Our family is eating better thanks to GNOWFGLINS.

Pregnancy #11 Update: 20 Weeks and Gender Family Centered C-Section: My Dream, a Reality? Pregnancy #11 Update: Week 18 Coming August 2012 Some Notes About Pregnancy #11

What is the Child Training Bible?

I love what the Dunn family has done to make turning your children to Scripture simpler and easier. They’ve created the Child Training Bible.

The Child Training Bible uses a system of cards, tabs and highlighters with a standard-sized Bible to create a Bible that is easily marked and tabbed to allow you to quickly and easily locate the passages of Scripture that apply to many of the areas of sin that children and adults struggle with.

The Child Training Bible is simple to assemble, although it does take a bit of time to complete.

Is your child struggling with anger? The Child Training Bible has many passages of Scripture that talk about anger marked with color coded tabs and matching highlighting on the specific verses. This makes it fast and easy to locate the appropriate passages as you and your child deal with specific issues.

The Child Training Bible covers more than 20 topics including: disobedience, fear, fighting, defiance, lying and impatience. Each topic has eight or more Scripture references, some heart seeking questions (“Are you showing patience in this situation?”), some application questions and a simple prayer for help with this problem.

What we thought of the Child Training Bible.

We love the concept of taking our children directly to the Bible when we have need to correct and discipline them. We’ve done this for years and the Child Training Bible certainly makes it quick and easy to find applicable passages.

Bella (1) enjoyed playing with the CTB tabs while I assembled

We love that you and your children are reading from a real Bible instead of a book that has some applicable Bible verses printed in it.

We love that it’s adaptable. We can add and mark our own Scripture passages for some of the topics they’ve already covered.

We were a little disappointed in some of their Scripture choices for some of the issues. (i.e. For defiance the Child Training Bible has Phil. 2:8 “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on cross.” but not 1 Sam. 15:23, Deut. 13:5 or any of the other passages that speak about the severity with which God views defiance or rebellion.)

We would like to see a more variety and specificity in their chosen passages. Our solution to this has been to mark additional passages for many of the topics.

The Child Training Bible charts are available from the Dunn family for just $9.

The Dunn family has offered to give one Raising Olives reader a complete Child Training Bible kit.

Your kit will include an English Standard Version of the Bible, tabs, highlighters, clip and set of Child Training Bible charts. Everything that you need to complete your Child Training Bible will be included.

To enter:

• Leave a comment on this post telling me why you’re interested in the Child Training Bible.

Extra entries: (Please leave a separate comment for each entry)

• Share a link to this giveaway on Facebook. (You may use the FB button below.)
• Share a link to this giveaway on Twitter. (You may use the Twitter button below.)
• Tell your blog readers (on a public blog) about this great child training resource and link back to this giveaway and the Child Training Bible site. (5 entries, please leave 5 comments).

Giveaway will end April 20. Free shipping for U.S. and Canadian residents.

Our family was provided with a Child Training Bible for the purpose of this review/giveaway. No other compensation was provided and all opinions are our own.

Child Training Bible {Giveaway} is a post from: Raising Olives

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Our family is eating better thanks to GNOWFGLINS.

A Family Bible Study Guide for Proverbs {Giveaway} Daily Bible Reading Thoughts on Child Training or What I Learned While Cleaning My Bathtub Bible Reading in 2012 Potty Training Revisited

This week 4 Moms who have lived this challenge are going to share our thoughts on saving, tithing and thriving with a large family on one income.

The 4 Moms are:

KimC at Life in a Shoe
Connie at Smockity Frocks
Headmistress at The Common Room
and Me

I think the issue of saving and tithing are completely different. Saving, while it’s wise, is optional. Tithing is not.

Malachi 3:8-10

Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.

Tithing

Mark and I have always given 10% of our income to the Lord. There are times when this has taken more faith than other times, but God promises that He will provide for us and He has.

I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread. Psalm 37:25

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? … But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:25-33

We have seen first hand the promise of Malachi 3 and God’s overflowing abundance.

Our first year (and more) of marriage our income was less than $12,000 a year. On this income we not only completely supported ourselves, we moved to a nicer rental home, had a baby and saved enough money for a down payment on our first home.

Our best tip for supporting a large family on one income is to tithe, to seek first God’s kingdom because certainly God will add all these things unto you.

Saving

As I mentioned, saving is wise, but I don’t believe it’s required. There may possibly be times when a family is unable to save.

That said, despite the fact that our family’s income generally puts us beneath the U.S. poverty line, we’ve always been able to save a small percentage of our income.

We have chosen to pull out a percentage of our income to save before we begin to budget or spend money because once we start thinking about how much money we’d like to have in the various budget categories, we’d have nothing left to save.

4 ways to save money:

1. Live on a budget.

Living on a budget is simple, but it does require discipline.

First take out 10% for your tithe. Next figure out your necessary, fixed living expenses; housing, taxes, insurance, some utilities, etc. Then divide the remaining income between those variable living expenses; food, clothing, utilities, gifts, entertainment and savings (if you haven’t already pulled that out), etc.

Since these variable expenses can be extremely variable. We’ve learned to live with what we have available for each category. We clothed our family for less than $25/month up until about a year ago (11 people). Mark and I lived on less than $100/month food budget for more than a year. We’ve had times when we’ve had nothing in our entertainment budget and less than $10 a month for gifts.

All of this works when you start with the premise that God has given you everything that you need. If there is not enough money to spend a little each month on clothing or gifts, then then clothing or gifts are obviously luxuries that your family can do without.

2. Be content.

If your family income is $10,000 a year, you are wealthier than 84% of the world. If your family income is $50,000 or more a year, you make more than 99% of the world.

We are rich. You are rich. We should be giving out of our abundance to those who are really in need. Instead most Americans want more, think they need more and go into debt in order to have more. Shame on us!

for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content ~Phil. 4:11

Be content by:

• Staying home
• Thinking of other’s needs before you think of your own.
• Remembering the sovereignty of God – Any complaint is really a complaint against God’s perfect plan for your life.

We are so very blessed and so very wealthy.

3. Buy used.

If you are willing to patiently shop at yard sales you can clothe your family and decorate your home at a standard much higher than you could otherwise afford.

Several years ago, when we were expecting our 6th baby, our neighbors asked Mark how we dressed our children in such beautiful clothing. We laughed because we never paid more than 50 cents an item for children’s clothing.

4. Pay cash.

It’s simple. If you can’t afford to pay cash, then you can’t afford it.

You may also be interested in:

• 7 Simple Money Saving Tips
• Yard Sale Rules
• Feeding a large family on a budget
• Feed your family for 50 cents/person
• Affording clothes
• Simple, frugal birthdays for kids

Visit the other moms of many to see how they tithe and save:
Smockity Frocks
Life in a Shoe
The Common Room – The HM gives a great argument for why we should tithe and why it should be at least 10%.

Tithing and Saving on One Income: 4 Moms is a post from: Raising Olives

Earn free Amazon gift cards with Swagbucks

Our family is eating better thanks to GNOWFGLINS.

7 Simple Money Saving Tips Saving Money Feed Kids while Traveling without Breaking the Bank: 4 Moms Home with All Littles: 4 Moms Q & A Feed Your Family for $0.50 a Person: 4 Moms

The Olive children on Easter Sunday - Amber (15), Kaitlin (14), Matthew (12), Alyssa (11), Carter (10), Sadie (8), Savannah (7), Colby (5), Nick (3) and Isabella (1)

My singular concession to this pregnancy is that I’m trying to get to bed a little earlier than usual. By evening I’m tired. I’m not willing to say it’s all pregnancy because our days have been jam packed, but whatever the cause getting a good nights sleep has become a necessity.

Bella (21 months) is finally sleeping through the night and so, for the first time in nearly 2 years, am I.

Tomorrow is our big ultrasound scan where they check the baby from head to toe to make sure that everything looks like it’s developing properly. We’ll also probably find out the gender of the baby.

A few evenings ago our family, plus our company, guessed the baby’s gender. We thought it would be fun to let you in on guessing.

Nine of us guessed boy and five of us guessed girl.

I’ve been correct on guessing gender for 8 (I guessed boy) of the 10 and Mark has been correct twice (he guessed girl).

Our gender pattern has been girl, girl, boy, girl, boy, girl, girl, boy, boy, girl.

I do not carry differently with boys/girls nor feel more sick with one or the other.

The only thing that seems to have worked as an indicator of gender (sometimes) is the baby’s heart rate, high rate = girl, low rate = boy.

This baby’s heart rate has been 155, Mark says that means girl.

Your turn: Boy or Girl?

How is your pregnancy progressing? Any new babies?

Pregnancy #11 posts:

• Coming August 2012
• Notes about pregnancy #11
• Week 18
• Family-centered c-section, my dream
• Week 20
• It’s a….
• Week 25: Good News, Energy and Projects

Pregnancy #11 Update: 20 Weeks and Gender is a post from: Raising Olives

Earn free Amazon gift cards with Swagbucks

Our family is eating better thanks to GNOWFGLINS.

Pregnancy #11 Update: Week 18 Pregnancy #11 Update: Week 25 – Good News, Energy and Projects Pregnancy Update: Goodbye First Trimester Some Notes About Pregnancy #11 Pregnancy Dreams

Perhaps the reason that I watched this DVD with tears in my eyes is because I feel a heavy burden for thousands of Christians who believe the lie and refuse the eternal blessing of children in exchange for perceived physical and/or material comfort. Perhaps it is because, despite my efforts, I will never be able to communicate the indescribable heights of love, joy and peace that arise from willingly accepting the gifts which God chooses to send. Perhaps it’s simply because the film brings with it remembrance of our merciful and gracious God who has showered blessing upon blessing on our undeserving family.

You may read my entire review here.

During the month of April you may purchase “Children Are a Blessing” (a semi-finalist in the San Antonio Christian Film Festival) for only $10. Even better you may view the entire film online at Moore Family Films for free until April 30.

The Moore family has also produced More Than Making Maple Syrup and two “It’s Your Life” films, one featuring the Moody family and one featuring the Moss family.

Don’t miss your opportunity to see “Children Are a Blessing” for free and once you’ve seen it, spread the word so that others may be blessed and challenged by this thought provoking film.

Watch “Children Are a Blessing” for Free During the Month of April is a post from: Raising Olives

Earn free Amazon gift cards with Swagbucks

Our family is eating better thanks to GNOWFGLINS.

The Blessing Of… Bible in 90 Days: April – Who’s In? Can We Trust God? Our Journey to Many Children I’m a Foot: The Blessing of Adversity Free Summer Movies for Kids

For us the purpose of Raising Olives has always been clear:

• Offer practical help, advice and encouragement to younger moms. (Titus 2)
• Tell a little of our story, the joys and the struggles, so that others would know that they aren’t alone.

We accomplish that by focusing on:

• Creating content and answering reader questions
• Being available to readers (I am often available to speak with blog readers on the phone and we’ve had several readers and their families into our home for a meal.)

When we started the blog we thought that RO might be beneficial to those we personally knew and those who others sent to us with questions. We never imagined that RO would have any significant reach, but we immediately saw that the Lord had other plans and realized that perhaps this was a ministry that God had called our family to at this time.

At that point we clarified what role the blog should play in our family:

• God, first.
• Family, second.
• Church and personal friends, third.
• Blog, last

and we set up some guidelines, the primary one being:

• No blogging when children are awake.

I blog because we believe that it is something that God has called our family to do as a means of ministering to the body of Christ. For this reason, blog time stays on my to-do list.

All of this to say that your reasons for blogging will determine when and how you make time for it, how you manage it and what you spend your blog time doing.

I almost always blog early in the morning before the children get up. Sometimes I will spend some of the children’s afternoon rest time blogging or answering emails. (I’m hopelessly behind on emails as I really haven’t gotten back to it since the beginning of this pregnancy, sorry if you’re waiting on me.)

My Best Blog Tip

The one idea that works best for me as I seek to manage the blog is to have a basic weekly posting schedule. Back when I was posting regularly it went something like this:

• Monday – Funny/humorous or personal post about life in a large, homeschooling family. Most of these were “Not Me” posts (Some favs; Dames, Trains and AutomoBeetles, Why I don’t Post Regularly, Tubs and Toes and Dinner Disaster
• Tuesday – Practical, thoughtful or useful post. (i.e. cloth napkins, mega-bulk freezer cooking and tutorials.
• Wednesday – Picture of the kids, often of some of their crazy antics. (i.e. Cleaning windows, Olive style and table manners)
• Thursday – Whatever I felt like posting or an off day. This has now been taken over with 4 Moms posts.
• Friday – Product review or giveawy, telling readers about something we use and love.

I miss those funny posts and pictures as well and hopefully will get back to more of that type of posting soon.

Questions?

Something that you would like to see on Raising Olives?

Be sure to visit the other 4 Moms to read some of their blogging wisdom:

KimC at Life in a Shoe
Connie at Smockity Frocks
Headmistress at The Common Room

For more Moms of Many posts visit the 4 Moms page.

Managing Blog Time and A Blogging Tip: 4 Moms is a post from: Raising Olives

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4 Moms Make Time for Managing the Budget Managing Your Week: 4 Moms and Large Family Logistics Managing Clothes for a Large Family: 4 Moms Managing Your Day: 4 Moms and Large Family Logistics Tuesday’s Tip for Mom: Help with Dinner Time Messes

Because of our birth history and Nick’s brachial plexus injury at birth, any more children we have (including the little one currently being formed) will be born via c-section.

Our first c-section was wonderful, Isabella was handed to me shortly after birth and I was able to hold her while they finished stitching me back up, but Mark and I have been talking about how to make it even better.

Yesterday I saw this video posted at Grateful For Grace. It’s amazing and brought tears to my eyes. I would love to be able to watch my baby be born, to have the privilege of discovering his/her gender and to have the baby immediately placed on my chest even while having a C-section.

I’m praying that the Lord will open our OB’s heart to helping us come close to this type of birth in 4 1/4 months.

If you had to have a C-section, would you choose something like this?

Pregnancy #11 posts:

• Coming August 2012
• Notes about pregnancy #11
• Week 18
• Family-centered c-section, my dream
• Week 20
• It’s a….
• Week 25: Good News, Energy and Projects

Family Centered C-Section: My Dream, a Reality? is a post from: Raising Olives

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Our family is eating better thanks to GNOWFGLINS.

Coming August 2012 Tips for the end of pregnancy Pregnancy Dreams Pregnancy and Birth Some Notes About Pregnancy #11

The trash can keeps the compost contained and “neighbor friendly”.  The black color of the can attracts heat and aeration is simple since we are able to turn the trash can on it’s side and give it a couple rolls.

You will need:

• Black trash can with locking lid
• Drill with 1″ bit
• 5 year old boy and chalk (both optional)

Mark delegated the responsibility for making the composting trash can to Colby (5), who did a fabulous job.

We used chalk to draw circles so Colby would know where the holes should go. We were  random with the hole placement.

The holes provide ventilation that allows air flow and facilitates the decomposition process in addition to providing a space for  “juices” to flow out.

Drill holes.

There were helping hands available as needed,

but Colby soon got the hang of it.

and felt like a big man using a power tool and tackling a project “all by himself”.

Don’t forget to drill holes in the bottom of the can.

Slightly elevate your new composting trash can so that air can circulate underneath and it can drain. You may use whatever you have handy, we used rocks. We have tons of rocks in our yard.

How to use a composting trash can

To use the composting trash can, simply use the ratio of 4:1 brown (dead leaves, coffee filters, coffee/tea grounds, shredded paper, etc.) to green (fruit, veggies, grass clippings, etc.).

We keep a pile of leaves near the bin and add a handful of leaves whenever we add kitchen scraps.

Compost ingredients:

• coffee grounds and tea leaves, filters and bags
• egg shells
• uncooked waste from fruits and veggies  or overripe fruits and veggies
• grass clippings
• leaves
• shredded newspaper
• ashes
• weeds
• sourdough starter waste/overflow

Do not add dairy or meat products to your compost. They may introduce unwanted bacteria and cause a stench.

Continue adding to your compost bin, agitating, by turning the can onto it’s side and rolling (be sure that the lid is on a locked) about once a week.

Once your trash/compost can is full, continue a weekly agitation. Your compost will be ready to use sometime between several weeks to several months. The time it takes will depend upon your compost’s composition and the weather conditions.Finished compost should look like nice black dirt.

At this point, you may wish strain the compost through a wire screen to eliminate particles that have not finished composting. These particles may be added to your next batch of compost.

We’ve found that it’s useful to have two composting bins to use in rotation. This gives us a place to put new compost while waiting for the first bin to finish composting.

Do you compost? What tips do you have to share?

Linked to Frugal Friday at Life as Mom.

Composting Trash Can Tutorial is a post from: Raising Olives

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In our house the answer is simple, I don’t. For the first several years of our marriage I was responsible for the budget. Mark and I would set it up together and then I spent a couple of minutes a couple times a week in the evening and kept track of our income and expenses. Eventually we realized that this arrangement lent itself to me having most of the control over our finances rather than Mark.

Mark just didn’t feel that he had all the info necessary at any given time to make a knowledgeable decision about our purchases. So years and years ago, Mark took over all budgeting responsibilities.

Here’s the thing, I don’t like to spend money. Mark tends to fill that role in our home, so him having full knowledge of the budget and that responsibility works well for our family.

I know what my grocery budget is each month (and try to stay within it) and at the beginning of the summer, I get an allotted amount of cash to use for yard saleing. Other than that almost all of our purchases are joint decisions.

Finding time to budget is simply a matter of priority. It should only take a few minutes a few times a week and this can easily be done one evening after the children are in bed.

Mark and I carry no debt and talk about changes in our financial situation as they come up.

Currently, we are preparing to purchase a new-to-us van as we now drive a 12 passenger van, but will soon have 13 people in our family. Mark has been saving for this for a while and we both know the amount of money available, so when the time comes and the right van appears we will pay cash and there will be no need to change anything in our budget.

How does your family tackle budgeting responsibilities?

Psst! Speaking of budgets, would you like an opportunity to supplement yours? The response to the 4 Moms Parenting ebook has been terrific.

“I’d have paid the money just for the info in the appendices.” – Jenny

“Just have to say that I bought the 4 mom’s book & I LOVE IT!!! It is well worth [the money]… There is so much practical advice even for a mother of just 4 ( so far).” – Renata

And now we’re giving you an opportunity to share the joy. With our new affiliate program you will earn 50% of your sales. That’s more than we earn since we divide the remainder of the 50% four ways. Excited?

We want your help to spread the word, so visit our affiliate page for more info, a great sale code and to join the 4 Moms’ team.

Be sure to visit the other 4 Moms to read what they have to say about this topic:

KimC at Life in a Shoe
Connie at Smockity Frocks
Headmistress at The Common Room

Psst! Speaking of budgets, would you like an opportunity to supplement yours? The response to the 4 Moms Parenting ebook has been terrific.

“I’d have paid the money just for the info in the appendices.” – Jenny

“Just have to say that I bought the 4 mom’s book & I LOVE IT!!! It is well worth [the money]… There is so much practical advice even for a mother of just 4 ( so far).” – Renata

And now we’re giving you an opportunity to share the profits. With our new affiliate program you will earn 50% of all sales made through your link. That’s more than we earn since we divide the remainder of the 50% four ways, but that’s okay,

For more Moms of Many posts visit the 4 Moms page.

4 Moms Make Time for Managing the Budget is a post from: Raising Olives

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Our family is eating better thanks to GNOWFGLINS.

Managing Blog Time and A Blogging Tip: 4 Moms Tips for Feeding a Large Family on a Budget {4 Moms Linky} Feeding Your Family on a Budget: 4 Moms, 35 Kids Managing Your Week: 4 Moms and Large Family Logistics Managing Clothes for a Large Family: 4 Moms

In the past three weeks, we’ve spent time visiting friends in the hospital, cleaning homes (including ours), taking meals to several families, watching extra children, lending girls to be momma’s helpers, hosting several get-togethers including a screening of IndoctriNation.

In God’s providence one of the men involved in making/promoting ‘IndoctriNation’ and one of the men who was featured in the film (Robert Ziegler) were visiting our church the morning of the ‘IndoctriNation’ screening and were able to come and answer questions for our group.

We also found made time to head to the ER in a lights flashing ambulance. (Thanks to a bike ride down the hill in our front yard that ended up in crashing into Isabella (20 months). The bike hit Bella’s head and she was knocked over and hit the other side of her head on our concrete drive. She was then unable to focus her eyes or walk and we couldn’t keep her awake. She ended up being fine with just a little scratch on her head.) We’re thankful that a sweet friend was willing to pack up her two small children and come sit with the additional 12 kids who remained at our home.

The kids have been outdoors nearly non-stop since the weather turned nice. We’re calling it ‘spring break’, although we’re still doing our everyday basics (Bible reading, Greek and a little math) and I’m encouraging them to write or complete nature journal pages about what they’re doing and learning.

They’ve found multiple bird’s nests (one in the WINTER wreath on our front door *rolls eyes*), lizards, tadpoles, etc. and our house is teaming with life.

We’ve planted a spring garden and started all of our summer garden veggies from seed. We are beginning to harvest some of our variety of lettuces and praying that God will provide buyers for our home so that we might be able to move to a place with a little more property.

I must say that once I get past that first trimester, my pregnancies are smooth sailing (except that I cry about nearly everything, happy or sad).

In mid-April we will have an ultrasound to make sure little one is developing normally. We will also find out the gender of the baby, unless we decide that we want it to be a surprise.

We’ve chosen to be surprised with 5 and we’ve found out the gender with 5.

Do/will you find out the gender of your baby?

Pregnancy #11 posts:

• Coming August 2012
• Notes about pregnancy #11
• Week 18
• Family-centered c-section, my dream
• Week 20
• It’s a….
• Week 25: Good News, Energy and Projects

Pregnancy #11 Update: Week 18 is a post from: Raising Olives

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Our family is eating better thanks to GNOWFGLINS.

Pregnancy #11 Update: Week 25 – Good News, Energy and Projects Pregnancy #11 Update: 20 Weeks and Gender Pregnancy Update: Goodbye First Trimester Tips for the end of pregnancy Some Notes About Pregnancy #11

Michelle Givler asked, “Do you believe in courtship or dating and what does that look like to you and your husband, especially in regard to girls?”

and Amy Bass Powell wondered, “How you have taught your pre-teens thru teenagers to be pure and holy?”

Since these questions seem to go hand in hand, I thought I’d tackle them together.

The focus of this post will be from the perspective of parenting daughters.

Our oldest (a girl)  is 15, so we’re speaking mostly in the hypothetical as we’ve had almost no experience when it comes to courtship and dating.

Also, these are our ideals, our ‘prefect world’ scenario. We know we don’t live in a perfect world and we trust that as we navigate this unknown territory that God will grant us mercy and bless us with wisdom.

When it comes to purity, courtship and dating, this biblical principal is our goal and standard:

You have heard that it was said, “You shall not commit adultery”.  But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. ~ Matthew 5:27-28

Jesus clearly tells us that the goal is not merely a physical purity, but also a purity of mind.  Our goal therefore is to be able to present our daughters to their husbands as young women who are pure both in mind and body.

Physical purity

Most married men and women, have a pretty good understanding of what is appropriate behavior between the sexes.

For example, most would deem it inappropriate for a married woman to walk around the mall hand in hand with a man who was not her husband. Most wives would not be happy with another woman resting her head on their husband’s shoulder, giving him a certain type of hug, a goodnight kiss, etc. Most married woman don’t appreciate it when other women speak and interact in a flirtatious manner with their husbands, even if there is no physical contact involved.

However, those who would apply this type of standard to singles are viewed as somehow extreme.

When considering standards for our children, we remember that we are raising young men and young women who will, Lord willing, one day be married. Our goal is for our children to save all those intimate actions and words for their 0ne-day spouse.

To this end, any action or attitude that we would view as unacceptable behavior for two people who are married to two other people, we view as unacceptable for our single children.

We do not expect our girls to flirt, hug, hold hands, kiss or do anything with a  male friend that they would not be comfortable doing with another man in front of their husband.

Emotional purity

As the Matthew 5 passage indicates, our goal is more than simple physical purity.

Just as it’s easier to refrain from the actual act of adultery than it is to keep from even thinking about the possibility, it is easier to remain physically pure than to remain emotionally pure.

It is because we are working toward a goal of emotional purity that we prefer for our children to ‘court’. Now this  means a lot of different things to a lot of different people. In our experience, it most often simply means ‘date’ with parental supervision or permission.

This is not what we mean by ‘court’.

Our goal is that when Mark walks our daughters down the aisle, he will be giving them over to the only man that they have ever committed to emotionally.

Some ideas before courting:

• We encourage our children to be friends with people of both genders.
• From the beginning, we socialize as a family, building friendships and relationships with people of all ages and genders.
• From the beginning we encourage deeper friendships and relationships with those who will encourage us and our children toward godliness and righteousness and we caution about the damage that poor relationships will cause. (Proverbs 13:20 and 27:17)
• We discourage ‘particular’ friendship with anyone of the opposite gender.
• We exhort our daughters to guard their hearts. This will  require careful discipline and diligence.
• We remind our girls of the potential deceitfulness of the human heart and that we want what is best for them. We explain that there may come a time when it seems like we do not want their best, but we want them to trust us through that.
• We protect our girls by providing supervision.
• Unless both the boy and girl are ready for marriage emotionally, physically and financially, it’s not time to even think about courtship, dating, marriage or a ‘particular’ friendship.
• Our girls (and boys) know that everything is forgivable and that we will love them no matter what.

Some courting ideas:

• We hope and pray that both sets of parents will be involved in the process.
• We hope that the young man would first approach Mark for permission to pursue a relationship with our daughter.
• In order to enter into this relationship, we would have to believe that it is likely that this man would be a suitable husband for our daughter.
• The girl has the final say-so. If she says, ‘no’ then the answer is ‘no’!
• The ‘couple’ should know each other well before entering into this type of relationship because we believe that this is the point that the heart-guarding begins to be let down.

Courting between long time friends

In the easiest scenario, the boy and girl would have known each other for a long time before this point. The families would know each other well and the parents of the ‘couple’ (and the ‘couple’ themselves) would have a good indication as to whether or not this was a good match.

In that case, ‘courting’ would be a period of time for the ‘couple’ to form a particular friendship and the heart guarding to be somewhat let down as this relationship would be quickly heading toward marriage.

We would hope that the time between this relationship and marriage would be fairly short.

New friends

In the event that the boy and girl are newly acquainted, but both are ready for marriage, we would desire that there be a time period of getting to know each other with continued heart guarding on the part of the girl.

It would be our preference that our daughter not know the boy’s intentions at this point in the process (for heart purposes), but that both sets of parents be involved and approving.

Getting to know each other over a distance

This seems the most difficult scenario, but, of course, not impossible. We would once again encourage a time period of getting to know each other before any type of emotional commitment is made.

We realize that perhaps we are idealistic and we certainly don’t claim to know much of anything about this.

Some people would consider what happened between Mark and me to be courting. I would say that it was dating with parental involvement. So we’re really new to all of this and are praying that God will give us wisdom as we begin to navigate through this new territory.

 Amy also asked, “What resources other than the Bible (if any) you have used and at what age you have taught ‘the facts of life’?“

You will want to read this post about Teaching Children about the Facts of Life.

How do you plan to handle (or have handled) these issues with your children?

Visit the other moms of many to find out what questions they’re answering today:
Smockity Frocks
Life in a Shoe
The Common Room

You can still get the 4 Moms Parenting ebook for $3!

Courtship, Dating and Purity: 4 Moms Q & A is a post from: Raising Olives

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Doubts: 4 Moms Q & A Keeping Little Ones in Worship: 4 Moms Building Strong Sibling Relationships: 4 Moms of Many Laying the Foundation: 4 Moms and Large Family Logistics Coping While Exhausted: 4 Moms and Large Family Logistics

We’ve had a marvelous response (so terrific that 87 of you got it for 50 cents, instead of just the first 50). So this $2 $3 price may not last long.

From outings with only littles and training your children to sit through worship services to nap times and tackling big projects, the 4 Moms of Many tackle 17 of your parenting questions in this 195 page large family parenting ebook.

We also included a chore chart and fruit of the Spirit printable.

We would love to hear your feedback as we hope to make our future books even better. Just use this contact form and put ‘ebook feedback’ in the subject line.

And don’t forget to hurry and get your copy of the 4 Moms Parenting ebook for $2 $3.

4 Moms Parenting Ebook $3, Limited Time is a post from: Raising Olives

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