Under the Golden Apple Tree

Coming Soon: The Heart of Simplicity eBook

noreply@blogger.com (Richele) — Sun, 27 May 2012 03:03:00 +0000

Introducing:

The Heart of Simplicity:

foundations for Christian homemaking

~To your heart from the hearts of over a dozen Christian women.

Today’s typical lifestyle is marked by busyness, consumerism, and stress. We, as women, often complain that there’s not enough time to “do it all.”

Do we suffer from a lack of time? No. We suffer from a lack of eternal perspective.

How we invest our time on earth will impact eternity in a million ways. Join over a dozen Christian women as we learn how to simplify our lives from the inside out and build homemaking foundations focused on Christ.

When we are faithful to focus on what is truly essential in our homemaking, we can build an eternal legacy . . . one simple day at a time.

Simple answers to our daily lives can be found in the these chapters:

Chapter 1: The Foundation: Surrendering our Homes to the Creator
Chapter 2: Marriage: Nurturing a Love that Lasts a Lifetime
Chapter 3: Motherhood: Delighting in our Children
Chapter 4: Missions: A Home-Based Vision for God's Great Commission
Chapter 5: Family Economy: Embracing the Simple Power and Peace of Contentment
Chapter 6: Education: Growing Hearts and Minds for God’s Glory
Chapter 7: Health: Bringing God Glory by Caring for our Bodies
Chapter 8: Cleaning: Tending the Gardens of Our Homes to the Glory of God
Chapter 9: Organizing: Reflecting our Orderly God by Keeping an Orderly Home
Chapter 10: Time Management: Managing our Hearts to Use Time Wisely
Chapter 11: Hospitality: Welcoming Others into our Homes
Chapter 12: Giving: Showing the Love of Christ through Simple, Intentional Generosity
Chapter 13: A Mother’s Legacy: Storing Up Treasures in Heaven

Ready for purchase on May 30th!

Are you interesting in guest posting for The Heart of Simplicity blog? Please visit the contact page for details.

First Grade Math Online Games: A Break from the Traditional Classroom Setup

noreply@blogger.com (Richele) — Fri, 25 May 2012 01:48:00 +0000

Introduction of Math Online Games to School’s Curriculum

Traditional methods of teaching involve a classroom setup where teachers rely on chalkboards, textbooks, worksheets and the like to impart the lessons to the students. The Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning has enumerated the advantages and disadvantages of traditional methods of learning. Although it has some drawbacks as compared to progressive method, we still cannot contest its effectiveness that is why majority of schools still follow these traditional methods in their curriculum.

But with the emergence of technology, most schools would want to expose their students early with the use of the different IT equipments such as laptops, computers, etc, that they have incorporated the use of these tools as part of their curriculum.

For first graders, one way of introducing the concept of the computer and the Internet to them is by exposing them to first grade math online games.

These games offer an interactive environment for the kids where they can choose among 100 different math games that will let them have fun, while learning different math concepts that they require for their grade level.

These different online games are smart as it can gauge the knowledge level of the student and present them with an individualized curriculum based on the student’s knowledge. As the student progress, the software tracks this improvement and will offer a more advance games where student can learn elevated skills.

Let us face it. First graders are still playful and they still have a short attention span. Introducing online math games for first grader makes learning fun and allows them to expand their academic experience beyond the four walls of the classroom.

The Heart of Homeschooling

noreply@blogger.com (Richele) — Thu, 24 May 2012 12:00:00 +0000

The Heart of Homeschooling

Homeschooling is a lifestyle--not an institution. It is led by the heart while holding the hand of a loving God for guidance. Keep your eyes focused on your calling to educate your children academically, emotionally and spiritually. Children should feel like your greatest joy and not another paper to grade in between building a business, making dinner, and responding to another email. To fully enjoy the blessings from this season of your life, it is important to resist overextending you or your children’s lives. Busy lives do not lead to more productive people. We hardly have a chance to grow or enjoy family if we are constantly dealing with commitments. Busy days turn into a badge of courage or, worse, idols in our lives. Being active is important, but it should never be confused with being overwhelmed. We are not failing our children by limiting the number of activities, sports and outside classes we allow. When we are too busy, we lose sight of the big picture and see only the next slot in our datebook. We lack the time to be available to a neighbor, a church member, a family member or even God. Our calling to homeschool includes instructions in righteousness along with a high standard of academics. Take each aspect of your homeschooling and decide prayerfully what aligns with what God put in your heart. Pull the weeds that choke your time and zap your energy, and the fruit of your hands will grow abundantly.

~Excerpt from The Heart of Simplicity eBook, by Richele McFarlin

Watch the Trailer:

Free Mini Unit Study: From Caterpillar to Butterfly

noreply@blogger.com (Richele) — Tue, 22 May 2012 15:46:00 +0000

It's the time of year again when we all head outside to watch the butterflies flutter by. Here is a mini unit study, I wrote a few years ago, to share with your preschoolers that compliments The Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. ENJOY!
From Caterpillar to Butterfly

Sweet-spirited Mama

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn) — Sat, 19 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Character-building.

There's a term I'm continuously coming across, especially among those with young children like my own.

Other familiar words: discipline, child-rearing, training...apply, instill...

We all want - we strongly desire - to raise obedient children with godly qualities. We don't want our children to stray and we are in constant worry about their future. For the longest time, I wasn't just worried...I was in constant panic-mode.

You see, I'm not the most godly mother. Allow me to not beat around the bush - some days I question if there's even a godly bone in me. This makes for a very difficult training opportunity with my 3 and 5 year old. It is like the blind leading the blind.

Let me share something absolutely wonderful about that. I'm a work in progress, carefully molded by Hands of grace and filled with the sweetest of fruit.

I'm not perfect, but I'm a perfect match for my children. Among all of the wonderful, godly women out there - God chose an anxiety-stricken, short-tempered gal like myself to raise His children. Without a shadow of a doubt, I know that He has blessed me with my children not strictly for their character, but for my own.

Let me share the ways God uses my children to build my character:

1. They fill my days- my life- with laughter. I could be enclosed in a cubicle with a white noise machine, but instead I'm surrounded by a symphony of giggles, squeals, belches and all sorts of inappropriate sounds. In other words, they loosen me up.

2. They build my confidence. That's right - my children make me stand a little taller. Only my 5-year old would enjoy all of my made-up jokes and belly-roll laugh until he is blue in the face. He understands me.

3. They teach me to be serious when it is time to be serious. The only way to get Charlie the cricket to grow is to completely submerge him in water and layer him with mulch. It makes no sense to me, but it makes all the sense in the world to my 3 year old. And it is a very serious matter.

4. They remind me how precious and short life is. The other night I was snuggling with our son who will be six this year. I noticed his arms still have faint little baby creases. The tiny folds in his wrists are long gone, but he still has two little creases - one on each arm. It seemed like yesterday I was constantly kissing those chubby little arms. Time is so precious and these years are fleeting.

5. They sweeten up my spirit. They are my constant reminder, my motivation, my drive to outwardly enjoy my days with them, while inwardly making genuine growth. They make my life sweet.

The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
    slow to anger, abounding in love.

He will not always accuse,
    nor will he harbor his anger forever;

he does not treat us as our sins deserve
    or repay us according to our iniquities.

Psalm 103:8-10

Simply Spray Giveway!

noreply@blogger.com (Richele) — Fri, 18 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Simply Spray is Simply Fun

I was recently introduced to Simply Spray and wrote about my experience on Families.com in my article; Fun Find: Simply Spray. I shared how much my kids and I enjoyed using spray paint as an art medium. Normally spray paint is harsh and toxic so rarely would a mom break out the spray cans with young children around. With Simply Spray there is no need to lock up the kids. The paint is permanent so you will want to wear old painting clothes. However, with the non-toxic, non-flammable, and low odor formula, you will have no worries about allowing your children fun playing and creating.

I have a seven and three year old who love to make big messes with paint. The creativity explodes when they get a paintbrush in their hands. You can imaging how much fun they had spraying paint! It took a few tries to paint evenly since they were over excited but they were able to paint properly. They decided that just praying it was fun enough so I let them have at it and make a graffiti backdrop. My older daughter decided to try it out with stencils. She played around for some time and was impressed by how easy it was to work with. She made a board to put under the top bunk of her sister's mattress so her other sister would have something fun above her to see.

Simple Facts

Made in the USA
For use on craft foam, posterboard, fabric, and wood
Permanent and fade resistant
Aerosol, non-toxic and non-flammable
Eight available colors: black, blue, purple, green, red, orange, yellow, and white
Safe for kids and easy to use

Giveaway

Sounds fun, right? Enter the giveaway and you may soon be on your way to spray painting projects and wondering why you didn't do this before!

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PrintRunner Giveaway: Postcards

noreply@blogger.com (Richele) — Wed, 16 May 2012 21:47:00 +0000

Who is PrintRunner?

PrintRunner.com was established with little more than a small press and a dream. Ten years later our company became one of the foremost quality printers in Southern California. Our commitment to provide the best value and high quality full color printing at affordable price made our company grow. PrintRunner is a full service high quality printing company located in Chatsworth, California.

Postcard Printing

Postcards are a great way to promote your business, event, or blog. You can also use them as invitations or thank you cards. There are many online printing services you can use for this purpose. However, if you want high quality, complete customization, and a professional look from a reliable company, you may want to confine your online postcard printing to PrintRunner. Having the pleasure of working with PrintRunner before, I know the quality they deliver.

Giveaway Details and Entry Forms

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I was compensated with the same prize detailed in the giveaway.

Starting Down a New Path of Learning

noreply@blogger.com (Richele) — Fri, 11 May 2012 16:01:00 +0000

She looked at the flashcard. The look on her face revealed the confusion going on inside her head. She sat silent not knowing where to begin. She could not make sense of the letters. So the simple word "in" became a puzzle she was unable to put together. Earlier she asked me to teach her how to read. It was not until she realized that other children her age could read that she seemed interested in learning. She could already read a few words here and there and knew some phonics. She was bright, so I thought the road to reading would be a well lit path. The path dimmed with each flashcard and each reader book she could not decipher. We had bright moments when the words made sense and stickers were happily given for completing an early reader book. The moments were overshadowed by a disconnect between what she saw on paper and what she was able to understand. The world of reading was closed off to her. I tried to give her the keys but the door would not unlock. Her ability to understand what was being read to her was well above her grade level. Yet, here she sat unable to remember the entire alphabet and struggling to read sight words. I had to find the key that unlocked her ability to learn. I had a child who asked me to teach her how to read and yet I could not. I had a child who begged me not to teach her little sister how to read before her. I could make no guarantees.

Determined to find a key, I headed to the bookstore to purchase yet another set of early reader books. I looked at the selection and felt defeated. I had almost everything there and what was left were cookie cutter versions of those same materials. Then a promise of hope walked up to me. She saw the book in my hand and told me what a great resource it was for her daughters. I smiled but doubted she could understand the struggles that happened witnessed by a dining room table who felt the tears of a struggling child. She told me her daughters were dyslexic. Dyslexia. It was the third time I had heard the word that week. Could it be possible? My promise of hope offered a name of a reading specialist who may hold the key. I called immediately and made an appointment.

It was the day before my daughter's 7th birthday. My husband and I sat across from another promise of hope as she explained our daughter's test results. She began by telling us how impressed she was by some of the scores. Alyssa is a very bright girl who scored well above her grade level in many areas. Despite her difficulty with rote memory she scored high in math which was a testament to her intelligence. Like the wind foreshadows an impending storm, I knew these kind and encouraging words would leading us toward the rain. The disparity in her high scores to her low scores were vast. The vastness represented the severity of the disability. Alyssa also showed a problem with both phonological awareness and phonological memory. Many dyslexics only have an issue with one but she has both. Her quick wit and keen observation betrayed her as the scores in rapid naming put her below a Kindergarten level.

A storm never stays. The ground may feel the impact of the lightening and be covered by the rain but the ground resurfaces. It is followed by a bright sun and a rainbow; the symbol of hope. What seems like devastating winds actually reveals truth and clears a path. Dyslexia does not prevent the swirls of creative imagination from moving. It does not strip the person from feeling the joys of the written word. It does not mean defeat. It simply puts you on a different path of learning. We are leaving the dark path behind as we follow a new well lit path. We stand grateful for God's nudging, grateful for the rays of hope He brought this mom who sought only to grant her child's request to read, grateful to know this beautiful mind. Join us as we unlock the world of reading.

Review: Fresh Produce Sportswear

noreply@blogger.com (Richele) — Tue, 08 May 2012 13:43:00 +0000

Fresh Produce carries a line of clothing for women and girls. If you are seeking clothes for Caribbean adventure to cover ups for the beach, they have you covered. The name of the store reflects the fresh and crisp style that is easy to wear and always looks great. The dresses are perfect for summer afternoons or a night out. I love comfortable yet classic clothing with flair and I think Fresh Produce delivers.

This adorable dress is the Girls Surplice Dress in Augustine. It is a comfy 100% cotton with an adorable ruffle on the hem and a fun paisley print. A great dress for going to the zoo or an afternoon picnic. If you think this is cute you can find a causal summer dress for you as well.

Here is a closer look at the print! You can pick from a variety of sizes and colors. Much like many of the lovely dresses at Fresh Produce you can a variety of options.

And here is my little model in her lovely new summer dress. Add a white little sweater and she is ready for church or go as is to a summer picnic. I love the quality of the dress and how it holds up after washing. Fresh Produce is on my list for summer dresses for all the girls in my house!

The dresses run true to size. Shipping is only $8.00 in the contiguous US States.

Coupon: Buy one get one half off on dresses when you enter coupon code: LOVEMOM

Hurry before the offer expires!

Disclosure: Dress provided in exchange for a fair and honest review.

App Review: ABC's with Bingzy Bee: Phonics

noreply@blogger.com (Richele) — Sun, 06 May 2012 15:41:00 +0000

At a Glance

Product: ABC’s with Bingzy Bee: Phonics

Format: App for the iPhone or iPad

By: Bing Note

Use: To teach children the alphabet and phonics through an original song.

Cost: Free

App Description:

ABC’s with Bingzy Bee: Phonics is the first animated app that teaches the alphabet and letter sounds through song.

Features:

Features Bingzy’s ABC Song.
Perfect for PreK and K.
Available on the iPhone & iPod.
Developed by a group of award-winning teachers & used in the classroom for numerous years with proven success.
Song is taught in 4 sections, with a game after each section to reinforce what the child learned. Or, the entire song can be played at one time.
Sounds are pronounced by a professionally trained teacher.
ABC’s with Bingzy Bee: Phonics is an essential step for beginning reading. Stay tuned for more in the series

Learning and Game Play

When you click on the app you are given four choices: Play Bingzy’s ABC Song, Play Song and Games, Play letter Drag and Drop, or Play Bingzy to the Rescue.

Play Bingzy’s ABC Song: Your child will enjoy a catchy song that teaches the letter and the letter sound through animation. Each letter is associated with an animal which helps a child associate the letter visually.

Play Song and Games: The child will enjoy listening to the Bingzy Bee song. However, this time after a series of letters the song stops so the child can drag and drop letters to the correct animal word.

Play Letter Drag and Drop: The child drags the letter to the correct animal word. The game is the same as in Play Song and Games but there is no song.

Play Bingzy to the Rescue: An adorable game where the child must drag the animal to a helicopter rescue. The child must drag the animals in alphabetical order.

My Thoughts

I love my iPhone and so do my kids. I have so many kid apps that the time to purchase an iPad is upon me. One app that will be the first to go on is ABC's with Bingzy Bee: Phonics. The app is fun, entertaining, and uses a multi-sensory approach to teach the alphabet and associated letter sounds. Because the letters and letter sounds are set to music it makes memorizing easy. I love the Bingzy to the Rescue game. A child learns ABC order quickly and in a fun way. Best of all, the app is FREE! Who can argue with that? A quick trip to the app store is all it takes to pick up a free educational app that will teach valuable lessons. We love it over here. Well, the little ones loves it. My older kids and I are a bit tired of hearing the song. But whatever gets a three year old to know her phonics effortlessly, right?

Disclosure: Non-monetary compensation was given to review the app in an objective way.

Love Him With Everything

noreply@blogger.com (Tanya) — Fri, 04 May 2012 06:36:00 +0000

Our Precious Lord..

What He did for us.. Nothing. Ever. Will. Compare.

Ever.

Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. ~ Deutoronomy 6:5

When I think of how the Lord calls us to love Him, I think: Oh, I am a failure. Because, yes, I love Him, but I have a divided heart. Most days I love Him radically and see clearly, but some days I am divided.

I'll tell you when I am not divided; when my focus is unwavering. It is when I am actively seeking Him. Have you ever read a passage in the bible and it speaks something totally different from when you read it a year ago? Or even a few days ago?? It's because we are meant to stay in the Word. Feasting on it! To continually bring new life, new hope, new revelation into our hearts and minds.

And all of this love we are to have for Him? What will this devotion to Jesus Christ birth?

Love.

It will simply birth love. Because when we died and became a new creation in Christ, we became LOVE, for He is Perfect Love, and this emotion ~ this pure, raw emotion leads and tugs us toward a life to be lived to glorify God. Not to seek happiness. Not to seek comfort, but to be a willing vessel in total trust and submission unto the Lord our God.

Today's world screams the very opposite of this.. Pursue happiness; never mind holiness. Oh, wait! There's a new message going on ~ Holiness is happiness. Really? Because the Perfect, One and Only God I know was not very happy up on The Cross. He came to fulfill The Father's will. He died to himself. We seek Him, and the pursuit of happiness dies right before our eyes. This is what the gospel speaks to me. It tells me: seek Me first, and the best gifts in life shall be yours ~ Peace and Joy! And joy may not come in a form you anticipated, but because you sought me, you shall find a new form of completion; a new form of joy. Look to Me and You shall never thirst! Follow Me and I will use you to reach beyond your grasp into the blessings of eternity! I will help you set people free! Little me will set people free? Yes! Who better than those who were bound and chained? Who better knows the pain of bondage and the freedom needed than someone who has been delivered? And haven't we all been delivered?? He tells me: Go be a blessing! He tells us ALL: Go be a blessing!! He says; I live inside of you to bless!

You make known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand. ~ Psalm 16:11

So now as I imagine my King on The Cross, I ache. And then to test my affections, I imagine my husband on a cross and I lose my breath; I feel hysterics bubbling up inside of me. And so I still my divided heart and humble myself before The Creator of all things and pray:

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be Your Name,

Your kingdom come,

Your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

ANd forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from the evil one.

~ Matthew 6:9~13

I pray for His Spirit to continue guiding this dead person. Dead to this world and alive in Him. Dead to the tv shows that want to divide my heart. Dead to conversations, to the acquaintances, to the habits that will become stumbling blocks in my walk and my mission to live and be used by Almighty God! We have to stand before Him one day! It's not fanaticism ~ it's love and wisdom for a yearning to be close to the giver of life, true life. The world thinks we are suppressed, but we know we have true freedom.. And it's a joy! Guard your heart. Seek Him and cling. Cling until you meet Him face to face. Time is short and this world is fleeting. Let us live for the LORD.

No greater purpose in the world...

The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. ~ 1 John 2:17

10 FREE Educational Apps on the iPhone or iPad

noreply@blogger.com (Richele) — Wed, 02 May 2012 12:00:00 +0000

I recently traded in my old phone for a shiny new iPhone. So far I am smitten and enjoy everything about my phone. Since, it has so many capabilities and I am interested in getting an iPad soon, I wanted to explore educational apps. Before I get to the ones my kids are enjoying, I want tell you about AppStar Picks. AppStar Picks is an app that guides you to over 250 top picks of educational apps for children. Some are free but many you will have to buy.

10 Free Educational Apps

1. Dancing Animals for Kids: Spelling

2. Amazing Coloring Studio: Art

3. SparkNotes: Study guide to literature, poetry and even Shakespeare

4. ABC Letter Tracing ~ Free Writing Practice for Preschool: handwriting

5. Your Teacher: Math: math lessons for pre-algebra, algebra, and geometry

6. PBS KIDS Video: favorite videos from PBS

7. Dictionary.com Flashcards: make your own flashcards (need to sign up at Dictionary.com to gain access)

8. Periodic Table of Elements: chemistry

9. Animal Fun: fun app about animal names and sounds

10. SkyORB: astronomy, studying planets

Please let me know if you found some fun apps for education or games for children.

Craft: Make Seeds of Hope

noreply@blogger.com (Richele) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:09:00 +0000

Craft: Make Seeds of Hope

Explain to your children that according to the Bible they are to spread the Word of God. (Matthew 28:19) As they tell others about Jesus they are planting seeds. The seeds we plant are of hope so others will come to a saving knowledge of Christ.

Supplies:

Brown Construction Paper
Seed Packet Marker
Terracotta Pot

Seed packets you can print out.
and HERE.

Directions:

1. Cut out a seed shape from the brown construction paper. You will want the seed large enough to print verses or verse reference on but small enough to tuck into a seed packet.

2. Print verses or verse references on each seed which relate to salvation. Verses to consider are: Romans
3:23, Romans 6:23, Romans 5:8, Romans 10:13, Romans 10: 9,10, Romans 3:20, John 1:2, John 3:16.

3. Gently open the seed packet leaving the read seeds intact. Place your seeds of hope inside the packet and close.

4. Place the seed packet in the terracotta pot. You may decorate the pot, add a card, tissue paper, etc to make it pretty.

5. Give to someone you have a burden to see come to Jesus

Book Review: Quick, Easy, and Delicious Meals for Your Family

noreply@blogger.com (Richele) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 04:13:00 +0000

Book: Don’t Panic, Quick, Easy, and Delicious Meals for Your Family

Authors: Susie Martinez, Vanda Howell, and Bonnie Garcia

Published by: Revell Publishing

Disclosure: Book provided by Revell in exchange for a fair review.

Book Description: We're all busy, but that doesn't mean we have to eat like we are.
You don't have to settle for feeding your family commercially packaged meals full of sodium and preservatives or fat-laced fast food. Quick and healthy meals from your very own kitchen are easy with delicious recipes like Southwestern Baked Cheese Dip Thai Chicken Wraps Walnut Spinach Salad Homestyle Mac & Cheese Slow Cooker Pork Chops Oven Roasted Orange Chicken Grilled Flat Iron Steak Sandwiches Spicy Shrimp and Asparagus Stir-Fry Fruit Pizza Mexican Chocolate Mousse and many more From quick meals made on the grill or in the sauté pan to crockpot dishes that require little prep and cook while you're out for the day, the recipes in this cookbook are tasty and nutritious--and require less hands-on preparation than traditional meals. Easy appetizers and desserts; one-dish casseroles and pastas; simple soups, salads, and side dishes; and even fast breakfasts round out the selections. Meals that are freezer-friendly are marked for those who want to make ahead. Give your family the best--the easy way!

My Thoughts: There was a time in my life that I enjoyed making dinner. I loved the experimentation and the joy of cooking for my family. I felt like I accomplished a great task by satisfying the hunger of my family with a delicious meal. My pride enjoyed hearing the compliments and my children asking me to make their favorite meal. Then something happened. I had two more children, gained a business, a job, and had middle school, elementary school along with Kindergarten to homeschool in one year. My love of cooking dwindled along with the time on my hands. Instead of casually setting out to make dinner I was in a constant rush. I started to make quick meals that lacked in quality and taste. I figured that “mom’s cooking” was just not going to be something my kids missed upon moving out. Now, there is a good chance that even with no time on my hands my kids will remember good home cooked meals with Don’t Panic, Quick, Easy, and Delicious Meals for Your Family. The recipes are easy to follow with ingredients easy to find, with no more than 30 minutes of prep time if that. Some recipes take about ten minutes! You will find breakfast, appetizers, dinners, desserts and crockpot recipes. I am making my way through this book since so far everything has been a hit!

UPrinting Giveaway: Business Cards!

noreply@blogger.com (Richele) — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 12:10:00 +0000

It's time for another UPrinting giveaway! No matter what they offer you know you will get high quality materials. I used UPrinting for business cards once before and loved the results. I loved the cards so much I almost hated to give them away. I love the options for the different shapes! It adds such a flair to your business cards.

Enter to win before it's over!

Disclosure: You should assume that I will receive free print products in exchange for the post. Any and all reviews posted are based solely on my own experience and may be atypical. Please practice due diligence in making any related purchase decisions

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Floam and Gak are Back!

noreply@blogger.com (Richele) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 04:40:00 +0000

My kids love to play with squishy, stretchy, and smooshable, substances like mud. Thankfully, there is a cleaner alternative to mud pies and mud castles. Floam and Gak are two fun items that should be standard equipment with any creative child.

About Floam

Floam is a reusable molding compound that transforms the imagination of a child into a colorful sculpture. A child can store it in the airtight container to create another day or allow it to harden overnight to preserve his masterpiece. In addition, a child can use it to enhance the look of common items like frames, flower pots, pencils and toys. The clean up is super easy which makes it a super fun activity for both the kids and mom. Don't forget to pick up all the available colors like Rockin' Red, Blazin' Blue, Electric Yello, Glimmer Green, Posh Pink and Purple Power.

About Gak

Gak is back! It makes a return with a less messy and easier to use formula. Gak can keep a child entertained all afternoon. It can be squeezed, squashed, twisted, rolled, and bubbled! It comes in an airtight container so your child can enjoy it time and time again.

I feel that Gak is a wonderful tool for fidgety children. It comes in a small container that is easy to transport anywhere.

Gak also comes in a fun color such as: Rebel Red, You Blue It, Yakkity Yellow, Good Green, Tickled Pink, and Purple Panic.

Both Floam and Gak can be purchased at Target, Toys R Us, Walgreens, Bed Bath and Beyond and more!

What Did We Think of Floam and Gak?

I loved:

The convenient containers.
The easy clean up.
The fun the kids had with each other at the dining room table.

The kids loved:

The squishy feel of the Gak.
That Floam and Gak could keep up with their active imaginations.
The fun colors!
The easy clean up. Yes, they are responsible for cleaning it up and were so happy it was easy!
The Gak containers. Each child decided to keep one on a desk or in a backpack.
Making bubbles!
Mixing the colors to make new colors!

What we did not like:

At first my daughter did not like the feel of Floam but she quickly got over it.

Our Experience

Look at that bubble! The kids loved the Gak. I have a feeling we will be getting more and more of this in the near future!

Barbie was getting a makeover with a Floam dress. I think Barbie enjoyed riding in her decorated car and new scarf.

Disclosure: Gak and Floam were provided for this review by Child's Play Communications and Nickelodeon.

Mom: Hand over your reins

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0000

What a privilege it is to have my children entrusted to my care. And not just sometimes, but all of the time. And how easy it is for me to forget that it is indeed a privilege. God chose me, out of all women, to mother my children. He chose you, too.

It's a challenge too, especially when I try to face the day as a one woman army. I'm sure you know the feeling of fighting in the ring by yourself.

That is just what we're doing when we are weary, overwhelmed, panicked through this journey of motherhood.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love,

joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness"

Galatians 5:22

You've read that verse time again. You know it's true. I know it's true, but I also know that Me + Myself + I does not = the fruit of the Spirit.

And when we give into all of the characteristics and qualities of our humanness, handling our role without God - at that point we often find ourselves reaching out in desperation:

My heart says of you, "Seek his face!"

Your face, LORD, I will seek.

Psalm 27:8

What an awesome God we serve. He has read your heart. In that moment of desperation you know and He knew you can't face the trials and triumphs of motherhood without Him.

You have handed over your reins to Him because you had faith. Had you no faith, you would have never called out to Him. And look what He does - He is not only happy to take over, but He rewards you for even asking.

And without faith it is impossible to please God,

because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists

and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Hebrews 11:6

The Spring Blessing Blowout: $360 PayPal Cash Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Richele) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Spring is such a beautiful season!The first buds of the year are blooming, grass is getting greener by the day, and temperatures are on the rise.

To celebrate, several other bloggers and myself have teamed up to offer you this Spring Blessing Blowout Giveaway, and one reader will win a BIG prize: $360 in PayPal cash!

We pray that this Spring Blessing Blowout Giveaway is truly a blessing to one of you. We're thankful for the time you spend with us here, the thoughtful comments you share, and the encouragement you've given. You have been a blessing to us!

Grab a cup of coffee, pull up a chair, and send in as many entries as you like using the Rafflecopter widget below. There are many blogs you can "like" or follow to gain entries, and you can take your time doing it. Have fun!

*Please note that comments left on this post are NOT counted as entries; you must enter through the Rafflecopter form below.*

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway will run from today, April 18th until 12:01 a.m. on April 25th. It's open to everyone and one winner will receive $360 in PayPal cash. The winner’s name will be displayed on this post after the giveaway ends.

Six Things to Consider When Choosing Curriculum

noreply@blogger.com (Richele) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:19:00 +0000

The time to think about next year's curriculum has arrived! This is an exciting time for some and frustrating for others. Picking curriculum can be an overwhelming task due to all the choices. Remember there is no perfect curriculum and never be afraid to switch gears even in midstream. Most of all, do not frustrate yourself with "gaps" in education. No one...not you..not a school system...can teach your child everything. There are gaps in every form of education. Education is more than a textbook...it is instilling a curiosity and love of learning that lasts a lifetime.

How do you cut through the choices to find what will work for your family?

1. Learning Style: One of the most important factors in choosing curriculum is your student's learning style. A conflict of learning and teaching styles can result in frustration on the part of the teacher and the student.

Resources:

Overview of Learning Styles

Learning Styles Explained

Choosing Curriculum Based on Learning Styles

2. Consider Homeschool Method: A classical homeschooler and an unschooler will pick vastly different resources for their children. If you have an established method or you want to enhance your homeschool with a method then you will want resources and curriculum that complies. A conflict with your homeschool method often leads to dissatisfaction with curriculum.

Resources:

Exploring Homeschool Methods

Homeschool Teaching Methods

3. Number of Children: Do you have multiple children to teach? You may want to chose a curriculum that you can use with multiple children. History and Science are the best subjects to teach to multiple age groups. However, you can include read aloud books in your literature to appeal to all your children.

History: Mystery of History, Story of the World

Science: Kids Explore, Real Science 4 Kids

Curriculum: Sonlight

4. Faith Based or Secular: Decide if you want to purchase faith based or secular materials. This factor alone will narrow your choices. You can certainly chose a variety of the two based on your preferences. Please keep in mind when choosing faith based materials that you must confirm it does not conflict with your doctrine. "Faith Based" can be misleading or imply a different "faith".

5. Budget: Most homeschooling families will find themselves on a budget. Homeschooling does not normally come with two full time working parents. In today's world it is hard to make it financially one one income so we need to save where we can. The best way to budget is to plan in advance. Putting away $10 to $20 a week for the school year into a budget for the next school year will save you a bit of headache. If you are like me, you end up with a headache or using a portion of the tax return. It is possible to provide an excellent education on a budget. If a budget is not your concern, then have at it! If so...here are a few resources for you.

Resources:

Ambleside Online: Free Charlotte Mason Curriculum

Homeschool Buyers Co-Op

An Old Fashioned Education

Curriculum Share.com

Free and Inexpensive Math Curriculum

Free Homeschool Curriculum

Resources to Purchase Inexpensive Curriculum:

Rainbow Resource

Hearts At Home

Ebay

Craigslist

6. Life Circumstances: What your view on the perfect homeschool environment or life is...just cut it out! Drop what you think. Homeschool moms are moms. Moms with part time jobs, with businesses, with one child or multiple children, with special needs children, with crazy schedules, with husbands who work 2nd or 3rd shift, with chronic illnesses, single, and some are even pregnant. Find a curriculum that suits your lifestyle do not try to fit your lifestyle into your curriculum. If you do not have the time or desire to make lapbooks or engage in unit studies then don't. If you have time to create giant sized timelines in your dining room then go for it. Just do not count out your circumstance or believe it is an obstacle to homeschooling. The obstacle comes when you chose what you think a good homeschool mommy would chose and not what you need. By the way, if you find a "good homeschool mommy" let me know so I can tell her what trouble she is causing.

Very cool resource: Curriculum Planner (the site if full of helps and resources)

Love One Another ~ A Poetic Piece

noreply@blogger.com (Tanya) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 14:00:00 +0000

So I had this thought ~ about all the people of God existing across this pulsing planet. A so called 3 billion? Lovers of The Powerful One.. The Holy One.. Jesus Christ. We profess ourselves His; eternity is our destination.. In glory with our King.

And these people whom love Him so? What are they like?

They are sinful, fallen children.

As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one... ~ Romans 3:10

In need of a Savior.

... not of works, lest any man should boast. ~ Ephesians 2:9

And we're a blessed bunch. All of us playing our parts; we encourage, we love, we nurture, we inspire, we sharpen... All of us on our own special level with the Mastermind; Creator of all things.. Or not.. Some confuse Him with the voice of self; not hearing Him at all..

Anyhow, I wonder what He wants most?

I think for us to love one another? A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. ~ John 13:35~35 I know as for me and my household it is to love, but sometimes in the midst of my alter ego wanting to save the world, I miss God all around me. I think I'm bringing Him, but He was already there... The Beginning and The End.

For those who were saved from much, love much...

And when we're down, we can't love much.. Are you down? And so not able to love? The bitterness has rooted in so deep that you're angry and resentful; alone.. worn.. Dear one, please look up. Look into your future and see the Blood Stained Cross of the Precious, Beautiful One who died for you. So that you would be free.. You needn't live in a shell.. Peeling from insecurities and so living out in anger, and pity, and critique. Talitha cumi...

And He took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise. ~ Mark 5:41

I do believe the time is near, and since He wishes that not one would perish, I'm compelled to stifle my pride and emotions, for the good fight; that I may not cause anyone to stumble. Tuck my weak self inside of Him so that I can carry my own burdens plus some other one's..

Use me so.. Break this will of mine and use me for Your glory.. Leading, pointing to Your Sweet Salve.. Your Grace, Your Love, Your High Place of Peace.

So that's how it is? To break soberingly low then ascend; high in Him? So humbled by His person that all my energy goes toward being a blessing, not a burden.. Positive, and not negative. A compliment, and not a curse..

Not of this world..

Do not conform to the pattern of this world. but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - good, pleasing and perfect will. ~ Romans 12:2

Blog Design: Cup of Joelle

noreply@blogger.com (Richele) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 20:35:00 +0000

Some of you already know that I started a new blog offering blog accessories. Through my few years blogging, I found that many beginning bloggers want to freshen up their blog but do not want to put in a large investment. I have also found many who need little buttons and banners along with way for projects and ads and again do not want to break the bank to do it. Since, I love playing around with images and designing, I decided to try and fill that niche. So, if you need a few blog accessories like a header, button, banner, social media icons, Facebook cover images or ads, and you want it look nice but not cost too much...I'm your girl. Go over to my new site and check out some items I have already designed and my prices.

I look forward to working with you!

Here are a few examples:

Go to Cup of Joelle and check out more!

Planting Day

noreply@blogger.com (Richele) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 14:25:00 +0000

Every year we take time out for a science unit on planting. I have to admit my 14 and 12 year old children find it a bit old. My three and six year old children enjoy playing in the dirt. Maybe a bit too much. Even with mixed feelings it is always turns out to be a fun day for everyone. I highly suggest adding this activity into your school year!

Here's what we used to make our day special:

We used a Planting Unit from Science Unit Studies for Homeschoolers and Teachers, ages 4-13 by Susan Kilbride. We are really enjoying this book that is perfect for any homeschooling family. It offers a wide range of activities for multiple ages. Having children in so many different stages, this concept is quite appealing. Read my review of this study, Curriculum Choice: Science Unit Studies for Homeschoolers and Teachers on Families.com. If you are interested in starting off spring with a planting unit study then click on over for a FREE study from the book referenced.

I enjoy planting because you soak in vitamin D while digging in the dirt with the hope of seed sprouting and becoming a beautiful flower or part of a delicious meal. Because any child is able to participate and everyone gets to work together it makes a wonderful family activity. It also makes a lovely devotion about planting seeds for Christ or watching Christ bloom in our hearts.

Book Focus: The Tiny Seed can be used to enhance your planting day study into a devotional full of activities perfect for this time of year. In the book your child will learn:

The Parable of the Sower
How the Tiny Seed relates to the Parable of the Sower .
Crafts
Printables on plants
Activities
Narration lessons
Nature study lessons
Bible lessons

Best of all it is on sale for $1.00! (It is also a unit I wrote...hee hee)

Herodias: The Vindictive Wife

noreply@blogger.com (Richele) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 17:20:00 +0000

Herodias is not a name you will hear when great wives of the bible are mentioned. She was certainly not a great wife. She wasa vindictive woman willing to do whatever necessary to get her way. There is nothing in her character that would make any woman want to emulate. Yet, we can learn from her and how she conducted herself in her marriage.

Herodias got bent out of shape when John the Baptist accused her marriage with Herod to be unlawful. Who would dare say anything so brazen about the king and his wife? How could he get away with implying that the King’s marriage was incestuous or unlawful? Surprisingly, John was able to say it and get away with it.

While the statements infuriated Herodias and demanded punishment in her eye, Herod had no intention of punishing John. She now was not only offended by John's statements but her husband's inaction. The bible states that she wanted to kill John but had not the power to get the act done. Frustrated, angry, and offended she devised her own way which involved her daughter, Salome. Herodias' plan to manipulate her husband forced him to bend to her will.

Herodias cunningly planned her scheme while Herod was drunk at his birthday party. Herodias had her daughter dance provocatively for the king. Herodias knew her husband would be pleased by this display of hedonism. Herod was so pleased he promised with an oath that Salome could have anything she wanted. Salome asked, as Herodias instructed her, for John the Baptist’s head on a plate. It was so granted by the King. Herodias got the result she wanted uncaring of the position of her husband or daughter.

Does that sound like anything you would do? Of course not. Yet, perhaps there is a friend of your husband that you saw to it never showed his face around your home again. Perhaps, your husband was forced to give up on a hobby or interest due to manipulation. Do you use your influence to determine household or family issues? Have you used your children against him so he had not other choice but to concede to your plan?

Let’s face it, our husband’s will eventually make decisions we do not like. He may even disappoint us with inaction. In these situations we need to consider what action would be pleasing to God not ourselves. Our relationship with our husband mirrors our relationship with God. We need to trust that God will guide and convict our husbands properly. Will there be times our husbands are not pleasing the Lord or not considering the Lord when making a decision? Yes. Yet, it is still not our role to manipulate him or force his hand even if we believe it is God’s will. We need to trust our husband's discernment and that he will allow the Lord to guide him. If we continually make decisions for him we take away his role as the spiritual leader and deafen his ears to the call of God. We will certainly be working outside the will of God. We exhibit obedience to God by not giving into our flesh.

Bible reference Mark 6:17-28, Matthew 14:1-11; Luke 3:19-20

eBook Review: The Good Wife's Guide

noreply@blogger.com (Richele) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 11:20:00 +0000

eBook: The Good Wife's Guide

Author: Darlene Schacht

Rating: 5 Golden Apples

Book Description (via Amazon):

In The Good Wife's Guide New York Times best-selling author Darlene Schacht encourages women to joyfully serve their families. In doing so she offers reasons for achieving a well-managed home backed by scripture and gleaned from experience. As well she provides readers with detailed cleaning and organizing schedules for practical application.

The Good Wife's Guide encourages women to make faith and family their first priorities from a place of sacrificial love. It reminds women that they were created with a specific purpose in mind, which is that of being a help meet. In supporting our husbands and living in unity we reflect God's blueprint for marriage.

My Thoughts:

Most of you know Darlene from her encouraging blog, Time -Warp Wife. I have been reading her blog for quite some time and I never fail to be blessed by her. She is encouraging, firm in her convictions, understands and loves God's Word, and willing to serve as a Titus 2 mentor. Yet, I cannot say I was super excited to read her book. I feared what I would find in between the pages. Would I find more confirmation that my dusty mantel and mountain of laundry made me a poor housekeeper? Would I feel like I was light years away from being a good wife because I sometimes don't get dressed until after lunch? I knew that I needed to read her book. I wanted to grow in this area. Yet, pride sometimes keeps conviction standing outside alone with the welcome mat turned upside down.

As I read through The Good Wife's Guide, I was amazed to learn that Darlene does not fold underwear. Would it be possible to love her more? I also found she is not naturally organized and perfect. Yes, I could love her more. In fact, I felt my spirit soar as I read her candid personal stories which mirrored myself. It gave me the inspiration to know that becoming a wife that honors God is attainable. God will equip you if your heart is willing. I decided not to highlight the pages since the pages would turn neon yellow. I wanted to quote her to give you all an example of her God given wisdom and her humble heart. Yet, I could not narrow it all down. You simply must read it for yourself. Above all, she is true to God's Word no matter the price or popularity of the stance. I admire that the most. Well, that and she doesn't fold underwear.

In the end, I did not not feel "bad" about not doing enough. I did not feel as if I was failing. I felt inspired to follow the plan for a wife God has laid out in his Word. I felt motivated to "get my act together" and deep clean my house in five days. Yes, she has a chapter on deep cleaning your home in five days. I am a recovering bad housekeeper with a sacrificial heart to serve. Darlene just helped me realize it.

Putting the Extra in Ordinary for Our Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Jenn) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:25:00 +0000

Photo Credit

Oh, motherhood. Some days I can't tell if I'm caught in a current or just riding the waves.

My heart yanks me toward my children and their cries for my attention, but my mind is caught up in another ~~Mount Everest~~ pile of laundry.

The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

- Matthew 26:41b

Oi. Ouch. Yep, that's me.

It has become both a temptation and habit to say "just a minute" to my children. Sometimes I never actually make it to their request, and I well with regret at the end of the day. And the cycle continues when I open my eyes the next morning.

All they wanted the entire time...was my time.

But first, I need His time. To renew me. To fill me up. To do ordinary things with extraordinary love.

"In this life we cannot do great things.
We can only do small things with great love."- Mother Theresa

Looking at my life, at the world God has made, He doesn't just present to us mediocrity (although we easily take for granted the intricacy of His design. So much that we don't even question the sun rising. We don't even have to lift a finger. He raises it for us.) Now that is extraordinary.

I'm challenged by His word and character. Not the challenge that tires me, but the sort that makes me want to grow as a mom. To be extra-gracious, extra-willing, extra-loving.

Photo Credit

What are some ways I aim to put the extra in ordinary for my kids? It is all in the practical; the day-to-day, but with a little extra thought. Here are a few:

1. A sweet and colorful breakfast. It doesn't have to be anything fancy. A fruit salad of apples, oranges, bananas and grapes with a sprinkle of brown sugar and cinnamon. Served with warm milk and a little honey stirred in.

2. Warming their blankets in the dryer before you tuck them in. Or resting a warm rice-pack on their bellies to gently lull them to a comfy sleep (sometimes I'll do this at nap time).

3. Playing a book on CD in the car or while they are coloring/doing school work. We've enjoyed listening to audio books such as The Jesus Storybook Bible, Charlotte's Web and Frances.

4. Having an "all-out" day. A full day of one of the following: reading, baking, movies, or crafts.

5. Go for a drive down scenic roads. When I was little I loved going for drives in the countryside. Especially the roads with hills! "Weee!" :)

Putting the extra in the ordinary doesn't require much planning at all. All it requires is a willing heart, a humble spirit, and a little extra thought :)