Believe

The Question Giveaway?

2013-11-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

No Riddles I promise! Just a good old fashioned giveaway!

Classical Conversations has just released a new book called The Question by Leigh Bortins. It is the follow up to The Core.

Classical Conversations has generously offered to giveaway five copies!! WOOT WOOT!!

Ready: Are you a Classical Educator?

Get Set: Did you read my review here?

GO!!!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Classical Conversations The Question ~ Review

2013-11-01T09:24:00.002-04:00

Classical Conversations is a home centered company providing materials to teach families to know God and make Him known. Classical Conversations teaches you how to educate your child in the art of classical education. Many books have been written on the subject of Classical Education and the Trivium. I believe Classical Conversations does a great job explaining this method of teaching to parents. I will give you a little definition here but I strongly recommend you check out the resource books CC has available. Moving on....The Trivium is divided into three levels grammar, dialectic and rhetoric.

Classical Conversations calls these levels:

Foundations K4-6thgrade

Essentials: 4th-6th grade

Challenge: 7th-12th grade

Leigh Bortins has authored a previous book called The Core. In The Core she dives in to the Foundations Level of Classical Education. Foundations is considered the grammar level in which you are providing your child "pegs" to memorize information. This information includes such things as Skip Counting, History Time lines and Science Q & A. Classical Conversations has developed a unique way of providing various motions, songs and other resources to help your child memorize these types of facts. The Foundations (Grammar) stage helps your child build up to the next level (Essentials).

The next level is considered Essentials in Classical Conversations. Leigh Bortins has written a new book called The Question to help parents in the middle stage of Classical Education. This book dives into five questions that will help deepen your child's education.

"The Purpose of a classical education is to ensure that one is never excluded from any realm of human endeavor." "This requires consistent discipleship or mentoring..."

I believe that Classical Education is one of the best ways to teach your children. I am so thankful I was lead to this method and style. As our children are getting older and I am sure you have also noticed teaching can get a bit well... errrr.... shall we say tricky? Ok Truth be told it's tough! These upcoming stages are so important in are children's training that we need all the help we can get. It is in these areas of life where are children are testing out the waters. Weighing decisions, choices, and beliefs. All of our children are learning how to make wise judgement calls on their own during these years. Although my oldest is just starting to enter these levels, she is processing the world and how her mentor, peers and parents make their own judgements. I am so glad to have books like The Question to guide me through teaching this stage of learning and truly life. (shhhh giveaway info at the end of this post)

The book is broken down into three sections. Part One speaks on The Classical Method. It is here Bortins talks about why it is Essential ( pun intended) for families to wrestle with the "Whys"of life. Part Two is what I call the meat of the book (which I will touch on below) and Part Three provides you with model questions and resources mentioned through out the book.

The Writing Chapter is where I will be dog-earing the most. Truth be told I did not receive a great education in this area. I am learning right along with my daughters and able to relate to "Hey Mom, Why do I need an adjective?" Bortins will be able to guide you through these types of questions and give you some practical advice on this frustrating area for many.

The beauty of Classical Education is that you see how every subject ties in together like a Tapestry. Each colorful cord representing a different subject, coming together to make a beautiful work of art.

Comparison maybe the easiest method for generating questions from your student.

One of the other chapter's that stuck out to me was Geography and Current Events. Bortins reminds us of using compare and contrast with geography and current events. Again these types of though are going to naturally lead your child into the "Whys". Bortins shows us the beauty and the proper flow of teaching through. These types of reinforcements teach our children to see the differences. They are able to make a decision based on fact, but also learning how to argue and taking a side.

Bortins gives multiple examples and stories for you and your child to learn from in each chapter.
Remember there is nothing new under the sun, Bortins is guiding you through shall we say "upgrading" our children to build on top of the knowledge already gained in Foundations.

"When a student begins to dig deeper into defining something in the natural world through comparison, eventually he must ask specific relationship questions."

Bortins give a great example in the book in the Science section on studying planets with your Essential student. Using the compare and contrast method you can explore deeper into each planet. For instance, How far is Earth from the other planets, what makes it similar?, what makes it different?, how are the poles affecting the planet. The more questions the more the child can draw a proper conclusion. The will be able to see the picture of everything in its place.

I would like to give you one little note on the scary chapter.. LOGIC!! Don't run away! I think Bortins does a great job explaining this topic. Logic is the best way to learn how to make those wise judgement calls. Recognize fallacies, presumptive language, distinguish good/bad reasoning and become better communicators. Logic can be a tedious thing if you have never had a class or understand why it's important to study. This study will be new to your student at this level. As teachers, I find it easier to teach if I have the proper resources and or experience in the topic to explain to my children. Logic is one of those topics that I believe we all continue to learn and discern from.

As a whole I believe Classical Conversations has done the best with this topic in my experience.

I would love to review ever chapter and give you a bite into each, but really it's better to SEE with your own eyes. You can read a sample chapter on the Classical Conversations website.

Bortins wraps up the book looking to the future writing process for the Rhetoric level. Her advice:

When you write anything-but especially a book-you must first define the audience,the message and the format.

I would agree!! The Question fits that mold. I am sure you will pull out even more information when you grab a copy. There is much more information in this book that will have you marking your copy to refer to. These types of resources you can refer to again and again. My copy is already bookmarked!

**Come back here on Monday for an awesome giveaway!!**

* Disclaimer* I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.*

The One in Nicaragua

2013-10-22T13:20:00.000-04:00

How can you go to a place with so many familiar connections and yet things be off? So many people choosing to live right where they are to give hope. Yet things just don't go together like peanut butter and jelly. A third world country with Apple and Droid cell phones, Facebook accounts and nice clothes who can't feed their children.

Where some can starve some can feed and they miss the One that will fill them up?

A place where we can be overwhelmed. Walk through the starving unable to feed even pets. I was unable to give enough hugs, enough hope , just enough for one.

A place where children are still shunned because their skin is a little shade darker and yet speaks three languages.

A place where little girls and boys can smile amongst whatever pains them. They walk through their congruent metal doors and walls to a place they call home.

The "off" the unsettling sits in my stomach. It's a gnawing that I wont foget.

BUT I don’t want to turn a blind eye , walk those children home to the parents who pilfer the meal just given to the child.

I don’t want send them on their way with a little kiss and pretend that it will keep them safe. That somehow that kiss will heal them from all the wrong.

I don’t want to think one meal and craft will make it all better because I know it really doesn’t.

A good scrub does not make it better. That thought of bringing anyone to the U.S. will not make it all better.

I can’t heal the mind. I can’t heal the pain. I can’t fix the injustice..I can’t fix the drunk father. I can’t fix the mother who never wanted her children....no man can, but, I know the One.

I know the One who gave a girl a tremor to comfort a child who knows he is not like everyone else.

I know the One who sent an average Mom a dream to fund wells to provide clean water for villages for His name's sake.

I know the One who kept a 3 year old safe on a Nicaraguan bus for hours when he was all alone.

*Date Correction 2013*

I know the One for humor sake connected two bloggers worlds apart.

I know of the One who sends people all over the world to form relationships with men and women in prison, streets & schools. The One who equips teachers and Pastors to tell others about the One.

I know the One who told you to pray and support me to go to Nicaragua and see how He works without us.

That One loves us so much that He sacrificed all to give us a life where there will be no hunger, no injustice, no pains.

Let us continue on and fight the good fight together. Words can not express what the Father does in the hearts of many.

Thank you for allowing me to share the love of Jesus Christ in Nicaragua.

We found GOLD!

2013-05-24T10:38:00.001-04:00

Well... : -) This little guy was in my garden with a friend shimmering away under a leaf. I have never seen these before. Have you? Enjoy your weekend!

The Organized Heart~A Women's Guide to Conquering Chaos~Review

2013-04-11T06:30:00.000-04:00

Cruciform Press is an up and coming publishing company that works hard to give you Biblical Truth,Technology and Simplicity! Each book is written in a short, clear, and well edited (Can I get an AMEN!?) way that can span from young adults to pastoral staff.

I am so glad I stumbled across Cruciform Press .

All books are specifically and conveniently available at the same price and downloadable in various e-book formats and audio. Of course, if you are “I’ve got to have a nice paper book in my hand to highlight.” Like me..ahem..you can order through snail mail. Although, I just printed it out e-book style. Now that I am rambling on to the book I reviewed.

The Organized Heart has smacked me between the eyes! I have related and soaked in every word Staci has written. She addresses women’s struggles with perfectionism, pleasing man, and business. Staci has a gentle way of writing that drew me in and then called my idols out at the same time. As I am reading I’m thinking “Aww yes I have done that..WAIT that’s an IDOL, BUT..well..I just, hmm Wow I need to pray! ”

She addresses more than your lack of organization in your home. She addresses the most important thing..your heart.

Staci says “My entire adult life could be described as a series of unfinished good intentions: notes never sent, kind words never spoken, calls never made and help never given.”..... “If I could JUST follow a certain system , I could enjoy a life of organized bliss. I could float through my spotless house.” Ch1

Staci points out specifically four idols that hinder our work for God: leisure, busyness, perfectionism and possessions.

As you read through each short chapter there are questions for you to journal through and apply. I think that is what kept me from flying through the book. I had to process my motivations for certain behaviors I am seeing in my life.

“I mistook personal desire and opportunity for divine calling.” “I feared that this was the only chance I would get to use my gifts! What if..” The Organized Heart

Cruciform Press has blessed me with The Organized Heart. This is one of those books I will be reading for my yearly spiritual check up!

Like all books from Cruciform Press The Organized Heart is available in e-format and hardback. You can choose what's right for you.

They also has a unique book club you can subscribe and receive monthly selections pay as you go or pre paid at a discount. Subscribe to their newsletter and see what's coming next. This company is a gem of a find and hope you check them out. Let me know which one you choose to read.

Now on to my next selection... Who am I? Identity In Christ by Jerry Bridges.

Disclosure: *I received this book in e-format for free in exchange for my honest opinion.*

Monday's 4 Mom's The Ghost and The Darkness

2013-03-25T06:00:00.000-04:00

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour

Did you ever see the Ghost & The Darkness? It is based on a true story of the two lions pictured above. These two lions terrorized a village and hunted together which is never heard of.

People didn't know what to do and were scared until two men come in and hunt the hunters.

I had a dream I wanted to share with you today. A couple of years ago I dreamed that I was in a basement of a school of sorts and I was teaching kids. All of the sudden a lion was trying to get to the children. I was pacing back and forth making sure the kids were safe and looking through these little windows watching out for the lion. I remember thinking I have to keep watch I have to keep watch.. The men went outside and were searching for the lion. One man caught the lion and told us it was safe to come out and pet him. I told the man that he was crazy!! Didn't he know how dangerous lions are?! When I woke up I sensed the Holy Spirit say to me this verse 1 Peter 5:8. It jolted me to think that the enemy truly prowls around waiting for us to stumble, trip, or get a little too close to devour us. Let us brothers & sisters be vigilant! Sober minded and watchful together.

Week in Science & Interesting Finds!

2013-03-22T13:31:00.003-04:00

Wow So glad this week is over! Our leaky basement issue has been fixed thanks to a dear friend!!! :-) We were busy with school and staying warm. What is up with Spring? Snow this week and next week too?!?! Blah. No more snow..on too our week.

Apologia Notebooks are the Bomb! Mollusks & Gastropods. Nudibraches so beautiful!

We are also searching for Mushrooms & Lichen with Outdoor March Challenge. Lichen is pretty cool. It comes in different colors hope we find some in other than white!

Here is a neat video about Lichen for you too! ( I was having a hard time attaching it to the page here)

We found something pretty interesting. Pink Mold & these strange circle patterns. Maybe a nest of sorts?

Science Cards which I thought were VP (#epicfail long story) they are actually Classical Conversations. They do look alike.. We do use the VP cards for History!! I like them both!

What was your week like?

Can You Hear Me Now?

2013-03-18T06:00:00.000-04:00

When I was around 10 years old I lived in a housing development where there was a plethera of kids. I lived at the beginning of the street and Melinda lived across the street. All the "cool kids" lived further down the street. I was aloud to go to Melinda's yard and Leslie's house which was 4 houses down, but if I went 10 houses down to Regan's house I might be in trouble. My Step-Dad would whistle and when I heard it I knew I better run home fast! I could hear a faint whistle , but Melinda and I could always tell if her Dad was whistling or my Step-Dad was whistling. Isn't that funny we could tell? We just knew.

Do you know your heavenly Father's voice that well or do you struggle to discern it?

John 10:27 says "My sheep listen to my voice and I know them and they follow me."

So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me,15just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 18No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”

May you be encouraged to listen to Him this week.

Iesodo New Video ~ Review

2013-03-16T16:20:00.000-04:00

Iesodo is a new animated family friendly series based on the best selling book of all time! Can you guess what that book is? If you said Bible you are right! Where does that fit in with the name Iesodo?

Iesodo Pronounced Ya-Sa-Doe means “The way of Jesus” in Japanese. This series brings to life flocks of birds learning lessons as they fly about. Iesodo is the bird that brings the good news to other birds.

We were blessed with one of first viewing of its series this month. The girls really enjoyed the story. My oldest said during the show"Hmmm something is familiar about this story.." One of the others said "I think those are the Roman birds!!" " Hey that's Jesus!!"

The girls were not ready for the show to end and our ready for the next in its series.

I did not see an age range for this video but really who doesn't like cartoons? :-)

Hop on over to the site and follow for the release date coming soon!

Would you like to see the trailer? Well, hop on over and view it on their website.

The animation will be released soon!!! In the meantime you can follow them on Facebook and Twitter for the dates!

PS- Do you want to get in on seeing Iesodo first before it hits the stores??

Well head on over to Iesodo's site for more information.

Disclaimer: *I was given free access to view this product in exchange for my honest review*

Closet Clean Out- Linens & Things

2013-03-15T11:44:00.001-04:00

Source: IHeart Organizing

The linen closet is one of those areas that just never stays clean. I don't care what Martha Stewart says about folding the sheets it never works out for me. I must be a remedial sheet folder. I wonder if Martha teaches classes for that? Moving on...Ready for the before picture..No haters right??

At this point I fired the maid.. ;-)

It's bad isn't it. Ugh. IHeart Organizing challenges have motivated me to clean and donate! First I had to have a plan. Fold the bedding together (fitted& flat) and use the wire plate racks to stack the sheets but because I already have wire racks I would need to make some kind of new boards. That brought me to my next thought..which would be BUDGET..

Budget was pretty much non-exisitent so I ~~hired~~ required ahem.. some help. :-) The girls like to help clean too. Managed to wrangle all the medicine and vitamins randomly around the house into one area. Headed to the dollar store and look for something that would work.. These basket below were available and they had a couple of hard rectangle bins I picked up.

I love this look with the baskets!

Source

First we pulled everything out and started folding and matching. I could not believe I had so many sheets. The sheets,blankets that I hardly ever use or did not need anymore went into a donate box. I placed a sheet set into a pillow case and it just didn't look pretty. So the bags I normally carry my laundry in I decided to repurpose to hold the sheets in. I made some cute little tags on my Silhouette to place on the front and everything is sorted. Whew! Ready to see?

Yeah! Done! It really didn't take that long to sort through. I am happy with the way everything looks. Now on to the Loo. Have you started spring cleaning yet??

Ok Side by Side.

Chicken Ring

2013-03-15T06:00:00.000-04:00

Chicken & Broccoli Braid or Ring

There are many recipes for these rings or braids.. This is one of my favorite.

2 cups coarsely chopped cooked chicken
1 ½ cups coarsely chopped broccoli
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup diced red bell pepper
1/3 cup mayonnaise
¼ teaspoon salt
1 garlic clove, pressed
1 egg white, lightly beaten
¼ cup slivered almonds ( I omit)

Preheat oven to 375. In Bowl, combine chicken, broccoli, cheese, bell pepper, mayonnaise, seasoning mix, salt and garlic; mix well.

Unroll 2 (8 ounce) packages of refrigerated crescent rolls; separate into 16 triangles. Arrange triangles, slightly overlapping in a circle on Large Round Stone with wide ends 4 inches from edge of baking stone. Points will extend off the edge of the baking stone. Roll wide ends of dough toward center to create a 5 inch opening.

Scoop filling over ring. Bring points of triangles up over filling and tuck under dough at center to form a ring. Filling will show. Brush with egg white. Sprinkle with almonds.

Bake 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

My daughter does not eat this because of her food allergies I pull out some chicken for her and make a little salad for her.
I will try to update with pictures soon..
*The top pictures are from Taste of Home.com* :)

Quick Decorating Tip #1

2013-03-14T06:00:00.000-04:00

Sometimes decorating can feel overwhelming in a room or thinking of decorating a whole house. An inspirational piece can get you started in the right direction. It is much easier to pull from inspirational pieces than pulling from paint colors! The larger the inspirational piece the better.

Here are just a couple of ideas for you featuring Blessings Unlimited Home Decor.

Rustic Block Set Variety of Messages can be displayed

HANDCRAFTED Simple Graces Breakfast Tray, Kitchen Caddy, God's Heart Word Art

Silent Witness Cross Handcrafted, Blessings Bookends with Scripture

What is Classical Education Anyway?!~Part 1

2013-03-13T06:00:00.000-04:00

What is Classical Education?

Well, I will do my best to break it down like a fraction for you. :-)

Classical Education is a method of teaching that focuses on three parts/stages of learning.

Classical Education can be broken into 3 stages Ready for some more Buzz Words: Grammar, Dialectic , Rhetoric. Before I describe those for you I'm sure you have heard of Trivium and Quadrivium. Ok you ready for some definitions?

Trivium means to pertains to the mind the study of three roads (Latin). The 3 stages Grammar,Rhetoric & Rhetoric.

Quadrivium , You will like the Latin definition for this one It means way more. Ha!

Simply stated it would be the student future as in college and specializing in an area.

The Grammar stage sometimes is separated into Lower Grammar and Upper Grammar. This stage of learning focuses on facts. These facts are sometimes referred to building blocks for future stages. Such as Spelling rules, Scientific Facts, History time periods or facts, and persons of interests. Latin is also introduced and continued through all three stages. Children in this stage can memorize facts in jingles,rhymes and all sorts of combinations. These jungles help reinforce the information learned. Ya know like the annoying Barney Song that is stuck in your head..

As your child starts to age, the mind matures and starts to think more analytical. In other words they want to know WHY!?! This stage is called The Logic Stage or Dialectic Stage. They explore more on the results side of things. Children start to make connections and learning to debate. Buzz Word Drop : LOGIC is introduced. Logic is learning the idea of reasoning and understanding valid reasoning. The Well Trained Mind has a great chapter on Logic called "Snow White Was Irrational." I am still understanding this concept so if my definition needs a little bit more explanation.. Stay Tuned. HA!

The final stage of this method is called The Rhetoric Stage. This level focuses on writing & debating clearly. Your student will be reading great classics as well as thought provoking books. This level also should be learning and able to make the connections of grammar facts and the logic stage connect together. Writing in this stage will focus on persuasive topics from my understanding.

Here are a few Classical Curriculums that I recommend:

Classical Conversations

Tapestry of Grace

Vertias Press

Memoria Press

Next Week part 2 Scheduling
Linking up with The Homeschool Village

Easy Chicken Pot Pie

2013-03-12T06:00:00.000-04:00

Easy Chicken Pot Pie

This is a recipe I got from "Miserly Moms" by Jonni McCoy
I end up adding more chicken, but this is the basic recipe.
Cost of Dish: $2.70 serves 4
Preheat oven to 375 F
1 Cup Chicken Broth
1 Onion Diced
1 Potato Peeled and Cubed
2 Carrots Peeled and Cubed
3 Ribs Celery Cubed
1 Cup left over chicken
2 T Rue( 1 T Butter, + 1 T Flour, melted together)
1 tsp Sage
1 Tsp Oregano
1/2 Tsp Paprika
1/2 Tsp Pepper
(I Omit all seasoning and just add Lawrys Season Salt)
Combine all ingredients in a pan and stir over high heat. Put in a baking dish and spoon crust on top.

Quick Spoon-On Crust
1 cup Flour
1-cup Milk
1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 T Melted Butter
1/2 tsp Pepper
Combine all and spoon over chicken.
Bake 375 for 45 minutes.

Salmon Cakes & Dill Sauce YUM!

2013-03-10T16:40:00.000-04:00

I am not a seafood person at all but this recipe is so good!!

My Step-Mom and Dad made this for us and I am hooked! It must be the dip! :)

You can find the recipe on Eating Well. Although we make some substitutions and additions.

3 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 stalk celery, finely diced
2 tablespoons dill
15 ounces canned salmon, drained, or 1 1/2 cups cooked salmon
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 1/2 teaspoons dijon mustard
1 3/4 cups quick oats
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1-2 garlic cloves finely chopped
1 lemon, cut into wedges
Preheat oven to 450°F. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
Heat 1 1/2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and celery; cook, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in parsley; remove from the heat.
Place salmon in a medium bowl. Flake apart with a fork; remove any bones and skin. Add egg and mustard; mix well. Add the onion mixture, breadcrumbs and pepper; mix well.
Shape the mixture into 8 patties, about 2 1/2 inches wide.
Heat remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons oil in the pan over medium heat.
Add 4 patties and cook until the undersides are golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Using a wide spatula, turn them over onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining patties.Bake the salmon cakes until golden on top and heated through, 15 to 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare Creamy Dill Sauce. Serve salmon cakes with sauce and lemon wedges.

Creamy Dill Sauce
(Which can be used the rest of the week for yummy dressing for sandwiches or chips! :)

1/4 cup Vegenaise( Its actually pretty good) or mayonnaise
1/4 cup Fage (Fa-yeh) Greek plain yogurt or plain yogurt
2 scallions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
Mix all above ingredients and store for up to 2 days.

Homemade Egg Rolls

2013-03-10T16:35:00.002-04:00

Homemade Egg Rolls

Cooked Shrimp

Diced Onions

Seasonings you like: Garlic, Cumin, Old Bay.

The Old Bay is for the Shrimp

Steak or Chicken

Egg Roll Wraps 2 packs

*Not pictured: Cabbage, Onions, Celery, Cooked Rice, Green Peas, Carrots, Oil, and Dipping Sauces.*

My husband and I enjoy making these together. He normally makes a batch and then I make the other and we eat them all week for lunches!

To make the "stuffing" shred the chicken or beef, cabbage, celery, carrots.

Short Cut: Buy the Cabbage bag pre mixed with carrots and cabbage. or add about 2-3 cups cabbage.

1/2 cup- 1 cup carrots

1 cup peas

About 1 cup Celery diced

*Bean Sprouts would be good too

Cook Rice ahead of time about 2 cups. Make sure it's dry not sticky.

Add seasoning. You can cube the shrimp up as well. We have two bowls one for meat egg rolls and one for shrimp.

Mix all your shredded "meat" choice and stuffing choices together.

Warm up your pan with oil about 4-5 min. on medium high.

Peanut Oil is best. Peanut oil heats well and has a very good flavor. We use Canola Oil due to daughter's food allergies. BTW- She doesn't eat these either.

As your pan warms up start rolling your egg rolls.

Place egg roll on the plate like a diamond.

Place about one or two spoonfuls of your mixture into the middle of the egg roll.

Dap the ends with water or egg whites and bring up the back first. Roll tight, bring each side and roll up to top.

Be careful not to rip the roll. All your mixture will fall out and your egg roll will not work.. :)

When placing your egg rolls on a plate waiting to be fried make sure they do not touch each other.

They can stick together and rip.

If your oil is not hot enough your egg roll will soak up the oil and get soggy. You should hear your roll frying when it touches the pan.

Turn on sides when brown.

Place in a bowl lined with paper towels to soak up any extra oil.

Repeat process until you are out of your stuffing. Continue to add oil but always make sure it heats up enough before placing egg roll. It will go faster since your pan is already warmed up. I use a cast iron pan which holds heat very well.

*If you have any left over mixture and no more egg roll wraps. You can make fried rice with the rest of your mixture.

YUM! Now the Dipping Sauces is where you can add more flavor.

I like mine with good ol yellow mustard and duck sauce.

My husband is all Old Bay seasoning.

My extended family enjoys soy sauce, different hot mustards and...I know I am forgetting some. What would you add??

Broccoli Cheese Soup

2013-03-10T16:30:00.002-04:00

Broccoli Cheese Soup

O So Yummy! I have made this a couple times in the past month and it is so good.

Want the Homemade Recipe? Here it is.

4 cups of Broccoli / Cauliflower mix

8 cups Chicken Broth

5 medium potatoes peeled and cubed

1/4 cup chopped onion or diced I have done it both ways.

1/2 stick of butter. (The real stuff)

1 cup of whole milk. (Yup that’s right)

2 cups of sharp shredded cheese.

1 Tablespoon of Sour Cream (optional)

5-6 shakes of salt

4 Tablespoons of Rue. (4 tablespoons of melted butter + 4 tablespoons of flour) Optional

Boil Broth and add potatoes and veggie mix and onion.

Boil until potatoes are mash consistency.

*Remember to save a cup or so of broth to add back in.*

Drain mix and add to large bowl.

In a large bowl or kitchen mixer add the veggies, milk, butter, Rue and cheese to the mixture.

Blend well adding more milk or broth for desired consistency.

Serving suggestions: Garlic Bread, Hot ham sandwiches. I like mine with oranges on the side. :-)

Enjoy!

March Nature Study~Outdoor Hour March Challenge Mushrooms

2013-03-06T18:52:00.001-05:00

We love the Nature Studies we do with the Outdoor Hour and have never linked up before. So we printed out March Grid and Marched outside. :-)

Little Munckin checkin out the water level to our creek. She tried to check it with her body but I caught her just in time...ahem..

Now to our Challenge! This months challenge is Mushrooms, Moss,Lichen, Bracket Fungi and..I feel like I'm forgetting one.. hmmm at any rate here is what we found.

MOSS! Check

Munchkin loves to collect and touch so she found a nice piece of hollowed out bark. She collected all our treasures for later.

Lichen! Check.

White, and dry. This stuff use to grow on all the oak trees back home. I never new it wasn't part of the tree.

Bracket Fungi

Back at the homestead. Ha! We observed all of our moss and fungi. We found some other really neat things I can't wait to show you but I will save it for later.

Still looking for some good mushrooms. We found a couple of dead ones. but nothing exciting.

We cut out our book marks and March Grids to observe anything the rest of the month.

Happy Hunting!

Are Your Kids Perfect?~They Should Be Right?

2013-03-04T06:30:00.000-05:00

Are your kids perfect?

They Should be.

You have a schedule.

You bought the perfect curriculum and then switched to the other perfect curriculum.

You have a schedule.
You are the perfect teacher for your children. Then they should be perfect right?

Your kids aren’t perfect. No one is perfect. I am screaming this at myself. This concept dawned on me this week as I was talking with a teacher. I can not demand perfection from my children, because that is not reality. It is something not achievable. They will always feel like they don’t measure up. They will never fit into gloves that aren’t made for them. Children can strive to do their best, but if they just aren’t good in an area that's OK. Repeat that with me...It’s OK they are not good at..Spelling, Reading, Science, History or (fill in the blank). Amen? So does that mean we give up teaching them in that area? No Way! we should continue to encourage them to keep trying. You never know when it might click with them or gain perspective in to always keep trying.

God has given them gifts and abilities to succeed in and some that they are weak in.

It may not be the curriculum you need to switch. You just need to keep going. Keep pushing through.

Can you relate? Talk to me below in the comment section. Happy Mondays

Photo Challenge with Compassion.

2013-03-01T11:50:00.001-05:00

Take a picture with your clock for a chance to win
"Just A Minute"
What do you think?? How did we do?
Visit Compassion International, today and find out what they take a minute for!! and you can too!

When Was The Last Time?

2013-02-28T11:03:00.002-05:00

We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot[a] love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother 1 John 4 19-21.

How Do You Define Love?

Is it all about you? Or is it all about them? Or a little of both? I think our Heavenly Father was full of laughter and satisfaction when he made each one of us..Yet pained Him to see us suffer in our own darkness.

When was the last time you showed love to a Christian brother or sister? Have you ever given until it hurts? Were you ever the one begging, desperate for help? Desperate for just one more meal for your children? Desperate for someone to just love you? Desperate for acceptance? Desperate that you trade your only daughter to feed your family and hope the men will take care of her? Desperately left with a baby growing in your belly not knowing what to do next.

"God is in the slums, in the cardboard boxes where the poor play house. God is in the silence of a mother who has infected her child with a virus that will end both their lives. God is in the cries heard under the rubble of war. God is in the debris of wasted opportunity and lives, and God is with us if we are with them. Bono, lead singer of U2 The man standing on stage said he went to this South American country with a team. One day he went to deliver supplies to a little hut. Traveling not to far to this area he said he saw little children excited to see them. One little girl caught his attention. Wide eyed and wondered she couldn't stop talking. The translator said she believes someone loves her brothers and sisters in America. They were sponsored with Compassion. Did you hear it? Would you have glanced over her comment? I might have missed it. Tony didn't miss it, he leaned down gave her a hug and said "Someone loves you here." " Right here in this place." That moment for her I'm sure filled her soul. That minute touched her soul heart.

Mother Teresa, Roman Catholic nun
"The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread."

God's benefits are for everyone Amen? Amen! In our generation through the internet and planes flying from one end of the earth to another we are able to see. We are able to see and touch and know what families are going through. It is our job to help. It is our job to reach out. Do you choose to turn a blind eye? In the end what will the Father say to you? Will He say "I gave you opportunity after opportunity to help" , "and you you continued to chose.what?" Yes absolutely take care of the ones God has given you, but if one man can help free over 2,000 children since 2011. What do you think you could do? Could you spare $38.00 a month? Could you sacrifice that for one child? What can you do? Tony travels around the US entertaining, and sharing Christ's love. What abilities has God given you? What gifts are you able to share with God's people? What are you choosing today to love? Find out how you can love another by visiting Compassion International.

"Let us be the ones who say we do not accept that a child dies every three seconds simply because he does not have the drugs you and I have. Let us be the ones to say we are not satisfied that your place of birth determines your right to life. Let us be outraged, let us be loud, Let us be bold."

Brad Pitt, actor

I linked this post with Compassion Blog Hop. * Quotes were taken from the Compassion International Website to see more follow the link.*

Linking up with Women Living Well

A Weekend To Remember

2013-02-27T07:30:00.000-05:00

Family Life Today Weekend To Remember

My husband and I were fortunate enough to attend a Weekend To Remember in Hershey, PA.

(Inserting funny ironic story here): I went to the DMV to have my DL renewed and brought in a billions pieces of paper because that is what the gov’t is requiring now, Don't have it yet? wait its coming to all states soon , but I regress at any rate the Wonderful man behind the counter (ahem) spent a good 3-4 minutes glancing back and forth at my marriage license and my SS card. Back and my license and then SS card and one more time back at my license then my SS.. Ok here’s the part where I ask “Is something wrong?”

Mr. Wonderful responds with “Well, it looks like you this is not a license and you are not legally married.” ahhhh..What? This piece of paper here has a seal and a judge signature, “What do you mean we are not legally married?” Mr.Wonderful did I mention he was engulfed with cigarette smoke comes back with “ Well this is an application to get your license.” Soo now what do I do? While he's blah blah...I am thinking hmmmm I could be getting food stamps,WIC and all sorts of government benefits. OK I wouldn’t abuse the system once again I degrees...Long Story short and $35.00 later (Vitalchek) I have a piece of paper with a green border that says I am married legally. and 4 trips to DMV and 2 hour wait. Whew..

Back to the weekend!

The weekend was packed full of wonderful resources and a great team that prayed for us by name! Not once not twice but 10 times during the weekend. Total strangers praying for us! Such a blessing. The 1800 attendees also had a Godly couple leading us that weekend, Brian & Jen Goins. This couple was perfect for our group. They were honest about the real stuff in marriage. Brian speaks in various locations along with an addition to Family life Conferences, Brian has also written a book called Playing Hurt available through his website. Jen and a friend have created a very cute blog called Dinner and a Family which features great recipes and has a growing audience!

We we also had Bob Lepine there which is so funny when you listen to someones voice for so long and then see them. Bob has also written a book called The Christian Husband. At one point during the Conference the Goins said they lived in Montana at which point I almost fell out of my chair, because my husband is obsessed with moving there in the next 10 years. If I can have an indoor pool UPS deliver and Internet out in the middle of the 8 feet of snow 9 months out of the year , I guess I will go too. Ahem.. Moving On.

You can feel a little lost with 1800 people in a room but I saw God moving. There were moments in the conference where I would see women balling their eyes out in the bathroom being counseled by Family Life volunteers. Men telling it like it is in the Men to Men session. I have no idea and to what level of brokenness some of these people have gone and are going through but am thankful that they were choosing to be open with people that could encourage and pray. I loved the book choices that were available. Books that I would not dare pick up and look at in a store because of fear of what people might think or say , but at this weekend I had the sense it was safe. Moments of healing were happening here. Moments of truth, tender moments of openness. Glory to God for those !!

So the favorite part of the sessions

Each session was packed full and felt a little rushed at times but with 1800 people I am sure the speakers felt pressure to make sure we got all our sessions in. Anyway, I never thought that threat’s in our marriage could lead us to isolation and that we as a people have a natural drift to isolation in our marriage. WE have to make a conscience effort to intentionally move toward oneness in our marriage.

Other eye-opening moment was this simple little chart that showed your degree of communication and transparency with various people in your life. EPIC FAIL HERE!!!! TMI Kelly TMI!

I am glad my husband and I attended and am glad we could get away and learn to communicate better and drift toward oneness instead of isolation. It was needed.

Family Life has also released a series of videos that YOU can order and host a small event in your church called The Art of Marriage.

Favorite Part of the weekend? hmm the homework was so worth it. The letters we were suppose to write and read to each other(spouse) with the writing prompts they gave us. The semi required date night was fun. Since our budget was feeling a little tight, we decided not to do the traditional dress up fancy schmancy that I would have been paying for the next 6 months. We opted for our old college date night place. DUNKIN DONUTS! Bagel & cream cheese, hot chocolate and a donut for later. The Best. Bonus we watched Back to the Future 3. hahaa! Camping may have also been involved on that weekend (conference joke).

On a side note being in Hershey, PA is not like Wonka World even though it may look like you can lick the wall paper because it has Hershey Kisses on it does not mean I repeat does not mean it will taste like Hershey Kisses..

At the Conference you were also able to browse through books dealing with various marriage changes and issues. I was able to skim through some and of course take some home because I am a book reader! Below are some titles from the Conference.

10 Great Winter Nature Ideas

2013-02-26T11:30:00.000-05:00

Still Snowing Your Way?

Here are some ideas to try while you thaw out.

1 Ballon Ice shapes
ehow instructions.

2. Make a Bird Feeder out of a Milk Carton

3.Winter Scavenger Hunt

4. Star Gazing. Winter is the best time to look at stars.

5.Paint in the Snow

6. One Small Square Study

7. Make a Winter Wreath

Link for directions here

8. Twig Towers
I heart this website! Such great ideas and Free printables!

9. Draw Tree silhouettes

Handbook of NatureStudy.

10. Paint Pine Cones and make a table display

Link Here

Coming Back to Mondays!

2013-02-25T17:15:00.000-05:00

Mondays For Moms is BACK!

It's time to breath some breath back into this blog!

Come Back Next Monday for some Mom Encouragement,

Laughter & Hope! Lawd knows I need it and thinking maybe you do too!

10 20 30 Go!~Lenten Downloadable Cards- Giveaway

2013-02-18T22:10:00.001-05:00

Renew Lenten Cards from 10 20 30 Go! NEW ~ UPDATED FOR MY READERS!
FREE DOWNLOAD FOR MY READERS!

10 20 30 Go! has just released bonus Lenten cards to go along with your 10 20 30 Go Chore System. This 6 card download guides your family to prepare your hearts for Easter. In the “Go” section once again are suggested ideas for your family to be challenged.

What is Lent?

While Lent is traditional celebrated by Catholic denominations I believe it is good for the Non-Catholic believers to understand and possibly observe this season. It is a time of renewal, confession, prayer, fasting and giving. This season is observed for 6 weeks up until Easter Sunday.

Lent I believe is all about reflection, renewal.

Seeing your incompleteness in His completeness.

Seeing your failures through His accomplishments.

The 10 20 30 Go! Cards are a wonderful teaching tool to expose your children to lent and learn as a family to grow to be more like Christ. It’s not too late to order them they come in downloadable pdf. The pdf comes with instructions, a prayer board you can laminate and the 6 week cards for only $5.95. You can print out as many cards as you need for each one in your family. To purchase the Downloadable cards follow this link. :-) If you would like to read more about 10 20 30 Go! please see my review or follow one of the hyperlinks above to 10 20 30 Go's website. ~~Would you like to win a free download?~~ ~~Well just leave a comment below for a chance to win. Winner will be chosen by random on Friday 2/22/13 !~~ Download them for FREE using the code FishEaters in the Code box.

To read more about Lent. You may click here..

Believe

The Question Giveaway?

Classical Conversations The Question ~ Review

The One in Nicaragua

We found GOLD!

The Organized Heart~A Women's Guide to Conquering Chaos~Review

Monday's 4 Mom's The Ghost and The Darkness

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour

Week in Science & Interesting Finds!

Can You Hear Me Now?

Do you know your heavenly Father's voice that well or do you struggle to discern it?

May you be encouraged to listen to Him this week.

Iesodo New Video ~ Review

Closet Clean Out- Linens & Things

Chicken Ring

Quick Decorating Tip #1

What is Classical Education Anyway?!~Part 1

What is Classical Education?

Easy Chicken Pot Pie

Salmon Cakes & Dill Sauce YUM!

Homemade Egg Rolls

Broccoli Cheese Soup

March Nature Study~Outdoor Hour March Challenge Mushrooms

Are Your Kids Perfect?~They Should Be Right?

Are your kids perfect? They Should be.

Are your kids perfect?

They Should be.

You have a schedule.

You bought the perfect curriculum and then switched to the other perfect curriculum.

You have a schedule.You are the perfect teacher for your children. Then they should be perfect right?

Photo Challenge with Compassion.

Take a picture with your clock for a chance to win"Just A Minute"What do you think?? How did we do?Visit Compassion International, today and find out what they take a minute for!! and you can too!

When Was The Last Time?

How Do You Define Love?

A Weekend To Remember

Family Life Today Weekend To Remember

Back to the weekend!

So the favorite part of the sessions

10 Great Winter Nature Ideas

Still Snowing Your Way?

Coming Back to Mondays!

Mondays For Moms is BACK!

10 20 30 Go!~Lenten Downloadable Cards- Giveaway

Are your kids perfect?

They Should be.

You have a schedule.
You are the perfect teacher for your children. Then they should be perfect right?

Take a picture with your clock for a chance to win
"Just A Minute"
What do you think?? How did we do?
Visit Compassion International, today and find out what they take a minute for!! and you can too!