tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:56:59 +0000a stay at home mom's family website where a warm welcome awaits your entrancehttp://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/theporchlight@embarqmail.com (Revka)Blogger692125ThePorchLighthttp://feedburner.google.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-1438588405522681482Thu, 29 Oct 2009 02:29:00 +00002009-10-28T21:29:38.584-05:00BloggingBooks Prior to receiving my book* for this blog tour, I had not heard of Athol Dickson.  To be honest, I am not very familiar with contemporary authors, generally preferring the classics by authors such as Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, and the like.  That is one thing I really like about being part of the Litfuse blogger program - being exposed to new-to-me authors.  But I digress. I thoroughly http://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2009/10/blog-tour-lost-mission-by-athol-dickson.htmltheporchlight@embarqmail.com (Revka)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-3971607451145871322Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:23:00 +00002009-10-08T08:11:41.040-05:00BooksYou know, I'm feeling really sheepish about this post. I was supposed to publish it October 2nd, and I simply forgot! Which is a shame, because I really enjoyed this book. Which is why I'm publishing this post now.The Great Chirstmas Bowl by Susan May Warren is the perfect holiday story to remind us that Christmas is a time for giving, not just for getting. Marianne, a mom with a nearly-empty http://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2009/10/blog-tour-great-christmas-bowl.htmltheporchlight@embarqmail.com (Revka)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-3658308255693552199Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:16:00 +00002009-09-30T13:16:34.064-05:00 I'm on my lunch break (from homeschooling - I haven't gone to work) and thought I'd drop in a quick update. Since my last post, Mr. Incredible and I took our 10-year anniversary trip to the Pigeon Forge, TN area and had a fabulous time. I found a great deal on cabins through Sunset Cottage. We got three nights for the price of two. Even with cleaning fees and taxes, the cost averaged out to http://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2009/09/life-in-fast-lane.htmltheporchlight@embarqmail.com (Revka)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-7105815450178439164Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:04:00 +00002009-08-18T10:40:47.935-05:00MarriageGiftsFamilyEveryday LifeIt's a good thing that flowers aren't at the top of my "Favorite Gifts to Receive" list. Don't get me wrong - I like getting flowers, but I'm okay with not getting them, too.Which, as I stated before, is a good thing because the last time Mr. Incredible gave me flowers was 4 days before he proposed to me. 10 years ago.The last time, that is, until Saturday night when he surprised me by giving mehttp://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2009/08/beautiful-surprise.htmltheporchlight@embarqmail.com (Revka)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-6844643365992365409Tue, 11 Aug 2009 08:38:00 +00002009-08-11T12:40:58.589-05:00FamilyChildrenChristianityEveryday Life*This was originally written on March 26, 2009, but it languished in my drafts folder until I found it today.*The kids and I had an interesting trip to Wal-Mart after church last night. We had the unexpected opportunity to both give and receive.I needed to pick up just a few items, including milk. We made our way to the back of the store for the milk first (that's Mr. Incredible's way of http://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2009/03/giving-and-receiving.htmltheporchlight@embarqmail.com (Revka)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-5512637438194139172Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:08:00 +00002009-08-11T12:28:00.116-05:00FaithEveryday LifeI can't remember where I read this, but some study found that when people who were unhappy with their {life, marriage, whatever} were surveyed again 5 years later, the overwhelming majority of them were no longer unhappy with that situation.I can say from personal experience that you never know when the situation that is weighing on you will be transformed from a burden into a blessing.To be http://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2009/07/thank-you-for-valley.htmltheporchlight@embarqmail.com (Revka)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-1434076462472462654Tue, 07 Jul 2009 15:17:00 +00002009-08-11T12:28:00.116-05:00While I am waiting for the WordPress platform to finish uploading to a client's site, I thought I'd drop a quick line here.  I don't want to desert my poor blog so soon after only recently "finding" it again! Back in May, my bloggy friend Lizzie from A Dusty Frame created the Barnabas Award to recognize people in her life who have been an encouragement to her.  I was honored to be named as a http://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2009/07/thank-you-dear-barnabas.htmltheporchlight@embarqmail.com (Revka)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-6330503202588331012Thu, 25 Jun 2009 02:55:00 +00002009-08-11T12:28:00.117-05:00Mr. Incredible decided to get me a digital SLR camera for our 10th anniversary.  Even though our anniversary isn't until August, he had me research what was available (we prefer Nikon since we already have a traditional SLR from them and the lenses are interchangeable), and we made our selection, the new Nikon D5000. Boy, am I enjoying this!  Actually, we are both enjoying the new camera.  We'rehttp://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2009/06/loving-my-new-nikon-d5000-and-photoshop.htmltheporchlight@embarqmail.com (Revka)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-3075818278263616312Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:12:00 +00002009-08-11T12:28:00.118-05:00FamilyChildrenPhotosEveryday LifeIt had been a year and a half since our last family portraits, and Mr. Incredible kept saying we needed to get some more done.  One of my former piano students approached me to see if I would design a website for her new photography business.  I asked if she'd be interested in trading services, and we worked out a mutually agreeable arrangement. We had our photo session about a week ago.  We http://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2009/06/family-pictures.htmltheporchlight@embarqmail.com (Revka)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-5715336292066168665Sun, 14 Jun 2009 04:37:00 +00002009-08-11T12:28:00.118-05:00FamilyPhotosEven though I recently vented my frustration over having been backstabbed and implied that the incident had impacted my determination to allow people to know me better, I am happy to say that I recently made a real breakthrough in tearing down the walls that I have erected in my relationship with my husband.  What a difference taking a chance and being transparent and vulnerable with Mr. http://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2009/06/you-make-my-heart-sing.htmltheporchlight@embarqmail.com (Revka)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-919672919031407425Fri, 29 May 2009 20:27:00 +00002009-08-11T12:28:00.119-05:00Everyday LifeCan't go into details at all, but it really stinks when someone acts like they're your friend and then turns around and back stabs you. Even worse, it was public.It's things like this that have led to all the walls I have erected and have made me hesitant to let people get too close.Just when I thought maybe I could trust people...end of rant/pity party (Aren't you glad? *smile*)http://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2009/05/gotta-vent.htmltheporchlight@embarqmail.com (Revka)5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-4074884015385673142Thu, 14 May 2009 16:33:00 +00002009-08-11T12:28:00.119-05:00FamilyBloggingBooksWomenEveryday Life *Giveaway post - details at end!*Read what other bloggers think about this book.Before even I start my review, let me just tell you that this book couldn't have come at a better time for me. I have been drowning under my load of responsibility (personal and business), and I hadn't been doing anything well. Then I was offered a chance to review Making Work at Home Work, and I instantly acceptedhttp://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2009/05/blog-tour-making-work-at-home-work-by.htmltheporchlight@embarqmail.com (Revka)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-2031291029770393651Tue, 05 May 2009 17:29:00 +00002009-08-11T12:28:00.120-05:00Financesimage courtesy of fotosearch.comAbout a year ago, I started browsing the couponing blog niche. Blogs like Sisterly Savings and Thrifty Mommy made me wonder if I could save money using coupons. So I tried it. I found a coupon or two I thought I could use, purchased the name brand product, handed over my coupons, and still ended up paying more than I would have paid for the store brand product Ihttp://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2009/05/my-harris-teeter-score.htmltheporchlight@embarqmail.com (Revka)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-5446225182084715563Sun, 26 Apr 2009 09:33:00 +00002009-08-11T12:28:00.120-05:00HealthFamilyChildrenHumorYeah, I know that comes off as a little bit dramatic, but we've had plenty of drama in our house since Tuesday. One after the other, we all succumbed to a nasty, albeit quick, stomach virus.Buddy Bear (he's growing so quickly, and I need to post some pics for you!) threw up two times on Tuesday with no apparent cause. The first time, it looked like he had been chewing tissue and got choked, buthttp://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2009/04/dont-let-me-die.htmltheporchlight@embarqmail.com (Revka)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-4644495978520938396Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:25:00 +00002009-08-11T12:28:00.122-05:00MusicI found this video, and it is absolutely incredible. (You seriously must click the link.) My reaction at the beginning was the same as everybody else's and was based solely on appearance. Looks can be very deceiving.Added 2:24 p.m. - I cannot stop watching this. It puts me in tears nearly every time. I love watching the dignity and confidence of Susan from the very beginning, even when the http://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2009/04/dont-judge-book-by-its-cover.htmltheporchlight@embarqmail.com (Revka)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-5079736766165671722Sat, 14 Mar 2009 20:41:00 +00002009-08-11T12:28:00.123-05:00BooksI have reviewed a couple of Tricia's books in the past (Generation NeXt Marriage and A Whisper of Freedom), and I have been impressed with her stories and her writing in general. I was absolutely delighted to be invited to review her latest book, Every Sunrise. (You can find links to other bloggers' reviews at the blog tour post.)From beginning to end, this book did not disappoint. Even thoughhttp://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2009/03/blog-tour-every-sunrise-by-tricia-goyer.htmltheporchlight@embarqmail.com (Revka)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-839640551755435770Wed, 04 Mar 2009 11:00:00 +00002009-08-11T12:28:00.123-05:00Christianity(If you missed it, you need to read Kill 'Em with Kindness Part 1 before you read today's post.)Yesterday, I left off at the time when I found out that the family was moving, and the mom still had my favorite solo songbook.I once again asked for my book. This time, she said that she had already returned it to me. I knew very well I had never received the book and tried to convince her of that http://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2009/03/kill-em-with-kindness-part-2.htmltheporchlight@embarqmail.com (Revka)9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-2630868819784241768Tue, 03 Mar 2009 17:24:00 +00002009-08-11T12:28:00.124-05:00ChristianityI've been thinking about posting this for a couple of weeks now but wasn't sure I wanted to be that transparent in such a public forum. :DYesterday, our pastor preached an excellent sermon about Mary anointing Jesus' feet. Many things stuck with me, but the one thing relating to this post is the verse that tells how Judas Iscariot angrily asked why the ointment hadn't been sold and the money http://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2009/03/kill-em-with-kindness-part-1.htmltheporchlight@embarqmail.com (Revka)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-1424250169849067836Wed, 18 Feb 2009 12:12:00 +00002009-08-11T12:28:00.124-05:00MarriageBooksYou thought I'd forgotten that I labeled the last post Part 1, didn't you? I didn't forget; I couldn't write the next part because I misplaced my book just like to give my readers time to reflect on the wisdom found in my profound posts. :DThe following passages are also from The Trail of Conflict by Emilie Loring.What wonders women were, some of them, Steve amended. He thought of the girls with http://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2009/02/marriage-1920s-style-part-2.htmltheporchlight@embarqmail.com (Revka)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-2148167059999379425Sun, 15 Feb 2009 01:47:00 +00002009-08-11T12:28:00.125-05:00BloggingToday Berries and Cream Blog Design (a newly named and designed RS Designs) officially opened for business. We are kicking off with a 2-week launch party (Feb. 14-28) which will feature a new prize giveaway contest every day. We are also having a grand opening sale at the store - everything is up to 25% off.Stop by and take part in the fun. :)http://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2009/02/berries-and-cream-blog-design-is-now.htmltheporchlight@embarqmail.com (Revka)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-7077463702012768703Mon, 09 Feb 2009 14:04:00 +00002009-08-11T12:28:00.126-05:00ChildrenHumorillustration courtesy of fotosearch.comOh, how I love my kids! They make me laugh in the most unexpected ways.Pookie Bear and Miss Muffet are in the same children's church class. Their teacher is also a teacher at the church's school, and her school class room is just a few doors down from the children's church class room. She has a fish tank with a male and a female seahorse in it, and she http://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2009/02/lessons-from-childrens-church.htmltheporchlight@embarqmail.com (Revka)5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-6355751512877907481Tue, 03 Feb 2009 20:36:00 +00002009-08-11T12:28:00.126-05:00MemesEveryday LifeDramaMama tagged me to reveal 7 random things about myself. Although I've done a similar post before, it has been quite a while, and I've decided to play along. :)Here are the rules:Link to your tagger and list these rules on your blog.Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog - some random, some weird.Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blog (http://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2009/02/7-random-things-meme.htmltheporchlight@embarqmail.com (Revka)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-1249494265886596921Sun, 18 Jan 2009 19:34:00 +00002009-08-11T12:28:00.127-05:00MarriageI've been thinking a lot about marriage lately. Being married is not always easy, but it can be extremely rewarding for those who have the courage and tenacity to keep working to improve that marriage and to build a strong and lasting relationship with their spouse. Still, I see and have occasionally felt how tempting it can be to take the easy way out and quit trying to build a good/great http://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2009/01/marriage-1920s-style-part-1.htmltheporchlight@embarqmail.com (Revka)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-2214868970987442716Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:00:00 +00002009-08-11T12:28:00.127-05:00MarriageFamilyEveryday LifeI'm blessed to be married to an exceptionally thoughtful man. Here's an example. For Christmas, Miss Muffet and Baby Bear both wanted specific fairy dolls (from the Tinkerbell movie). Unfortunately, many other little girls must have wanted them, too, because the ones they wanted were never in stock. So we got them different ones and promised to get the ones they really wanted later. While http://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2009/01/marriage-thoughts.htmltheporchlight@embarqmail.com (Revka)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6429762648669124588.post-1310789485590042605Thu, 25 Dec 2008 16:16:00 +00002009-08-11T12:28:00.128-05:00ChristmasPhotosEveryday LifeFrom my family to yours: Have a merry Christmas! I don't know about you, but I feel like I have lived this past month in fast forward, and I can't seem to figure out where the time has gone. It is during the insanity and bustle of "Christmas" that I tend to lose focus on the reason we celebrate Christmas. Will you join us in making a point to remember that we are celebrating Jesus' birth?http://ourfamilyporch.blogspot.com/2008/12/merry-christmas.htmltheporchlight@embarqmail.com (Revka)1