Each week I want to post a picture of what is blooming and describe it as "my favorite flower", because, truthfully, whatever is blooming is my favorite flower!
This reminds me so much of the seasons of life. The friend I am blessed to be with in this moment is my favorite friend. The sibling who is visiting me in this moment is my favorite sibling (and the one who visited last month, and last winter, etc. I have 6 of them!). The stage of life my kids are in is MY FAVORITE AGE! (I'm still working on feeling that way about 12 years old, but I'm coming around). I remember feeling that way about the terrible twos, about the trying threes, and the sleepless infant nights.
Twos: They weren't terrible; they were busy and exciting!
Threes: They weren't trying; they were inquisitive. "Why?!" x 1000
Sleepless nights = prayerful pauses
My new 12er's adventures into young adult feelings and emotions are interesting, as my kids become my companions instead of my co-dependents. (if you invite the definition from the wiki "often involves placing a lower priority on one's own needs, while being excessively preoccupied with the needs of others." Sound like motherhood?)
I was reminded of this truth this week as I studied through a chapter of "A Woman after God's Own Heart" by Elizabeth George, which I am reading with my mentor (a true Titus 2 woman who is discipling me). Elizabeth George, in chapter 12, describes a woman who really encouraged her: Betty. She would say "What age are your kids? Oh, that's such a wonderful age!" I loved that. How important to focus on the wonderful blessings our kids are and not the trials that we could so easily bemoan (potty training, tempers, and beginnings of hormones...)
Prov 10:12b "love covers all transgressions."
Of course, I can say that. I'm in the sweet spot. ;)
-Laura
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I know I've been posting a lot of school related posts and curriculum reviews lately. Much of the science and curriculum posts were written a while back, and lately, other than a few review products we're enjoying... school has been the farthest thing from our minds. We do take a pretty good break from May Day to Labor Day. This week all of the local schools are starting up, and I am SO thankful we aren't. This summer has gone fast enough!
The theme of the summer seems to be long days and short nights, and not just because the sun stays up later than in the winter. I don't know how year-round schoolers do it, frankly! From garden bounty to can, to summer sports and fairs, we haven't had a break!
In June we had baseball and softball. With all four kids playing, we were at the ball-fields 6 days a week. Most of the games ran from 6-8, but some from 8-10... or back to back and we did 6-10! We had practices called off for snow, and games in 100 degree heat. It was a crazy time. The final games finished up the day before the 4th of July. We celebrated the 4th by climbing the local landmark, Scott's Bluff. It was a 3 mile round trip in the dark, but watching the city fireworks from the top was totally worth it. I just shouldn't have worn my sandals.
The next weekend was our 13th anniversary, and the local parade. The following weekend we had my in-laws as houseguests and Tyler's 12th birthday. The weekend after that we enjoyed a visit from my cousin Andi and her boys, and we hiked the Bluff again. Only two days after they left, my brother and his sweet wife and son came to stay for a week. It was a wonderful time, and of course... we took them hiking up the Bluff. ;) That put us well into August.
The day after they flew home we began the county fair, and spent an entire week driving across the county to care for our animals at the fairground. The week went quickly and we tried not to miss a thing. Tyler and Emma both participated in Poultry Showmanship, Breed Showing, and Market Showing. Mayda participated in Cat Showmanship and Poultry Showmanship. Wyatt behaved himself very well considering he was bored and tired most of the week. :)
Finishing out the weekend was another great visit from Hubby's folks, and they got to watch the kids in the 4H auction! Wrapping up the fair by attending a concert with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band really topped it all off. And all the while all I could think of was: "Would it be crazy to cat nap during a super-loud concert?" I was SO tired!
In June we had to completely replace the motor in Ben's truck, and are only just now getting caught back up on those bills. Due to the crazy ball schedule, my garden nearly died of neglect, but it's finally coming around. I put up my first batch of jelly, and can see salsa season coming right around the corner.
The kids really pulled out all the stops and helped put up 200 ears of corn on Monday. Emma did all the blanching herself, and Tyler did all the cob cutting. That left me with shucking and bagging. They are getting to be such a great help! And did I mention my hubby butchered all the fryers the day the fair ended? That Grand Champion Cornish Rock is now in the freezer in an unmarked gallon freezer bag.
All this isn't to complain, but really just so I can write it all out, and remember later why we didn't go camping this summer (although our camper turns out to be a really handy guest cottage!).
And to be thankful... for all this! The health to enjoy it. The energy to accomplish (9 miles of up and down the Bluff in less than 30 days!). The garden to enjoy. The chickens to entertain us. The cool nights. The hot days. The generous friends. The cousins and family visitors. The neighbor dogs we pet-sat. (all 6 of them, from 4 households!) The beans replanted. The weeds pulled. The clothes we get to wear and enjoy. and wash. and dry. and fold. (maybe) The sunsets we photograph. The sunsets we savor. The hugs and snuggles. The late night conversations. The early rising sun. My early rising son. My Father whose grace is enough. A woman mentor who helps me see how to fill up, so I can pour out... and pour and pour and pour... The farmer's markets. The special granola orders. The wonderful rains. Beautiful flowers. The flood in the basement from a freshly burst pipe. The basement floor now nice and clean. The guests coming tomorrow, and Saturday, and Monday... The great review products we've enjoyed. Our love for each-other. The sweet spot of parenting (kids old enough to help and care, young enough to like to be with us!) The anguish on my knees. The friendships mourned. missing. The friendships beginning anew. The loneliness that draws me to my Father. Enough stuff to get us through. Of late nights. And early mornings.... where His mercy is new.
It was a really great weekend around here, so I thought I'd share a few pictures. The sweet spot of the weekend was the surprise flowers my hubby brought home "just because." :) Love him!
My cousin Andi and her boys came to visit this weekend, and we had a wonderful time hanging out with them. We enjoyed a nice picnic with Andi's crew, Grandma, my Aunt Becky, and Uncle Mark.Then we went for a hike at the Scotts Bluff National Monument, a good 3 mile loop. They stayed over with us and headed home this morning.
Also today (Monday) we had a fun visitor, as a young lady doing research (for a college project) on the health of backyard chickens came by. She surveyed us about our chickens, and took all sorts of samples. I can't wait to read her paper! As you can imagine, I had no trouble babbling on and on about my chickens. Hehehe...
Well, the week is going to be busy too, but I will be sharing a few more reviews as well as next week's blog hop! After that we should have our county fair results, so stay tuned!
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I'd been using the Endorse app on my phone for quite a while. Sadly this week they discontinued it's service. Over the 2 years, I'd earned over $200, so I was sad to see it go. So I switched to a new app or two and have been loving it! Here's the low down on what I've learned (so far) on using apps to save money while shopping:
iBotta - This app works on any smartphone, and is a digital coupon type app, but has high value bonuses for sharing the app with others. It also offers store-specific coupons, and at times extra bonuses for using them. (like this week there's about an extra $3 you can earn for using certain Target coupons through the app). These are not coupons that come off of your total at the register, but more like refunds you get after submitting your receipt. Be sure to use the checklist in the store, and verify the barcode of items you buy before you buy them.. just to be sure you matched it right. It's very easy. I earned $23 the first week of use, and it was sent right to my paypal account.
Shopkick- I'm still new to this one, but you collect points in the form of "kicks" by shopping in certain stores and for certain products. the "kicks" can be turned in for gift cards and rewards. You can earn the "kicks" pretty quickly in chunks of 2,500 or more depending on what you are doing, like referring friends. This one requires your phone location info, so that's why I haven't used it much. I don't prefer to leave my GPS on, as it eats my battery. Thankfully I do have unlimited data.
Safeway - I LOVE this app. If you have a local Safeway or affiliate, this one connects to your store card and lets you load coupons for use in the store. It gets even better if you have a matching paper copy of a manufacturer coupon. I love the "Personal Deals" If you don't have a smartphone to add the app, you can still add the coupons onto your card via the website. I typically save 30% to 50% off of my groceries with this app alone!
So, what do you use to save money? I'd love to know; Leave me a comment!
We were so thankful that Baker Publishing Group sent us free copies of the two first books in their Lily Lapp series: Life with Lily and A New Home for Lily. These books are written at a 8-12 year old reading level, but I actually enjoyed them completely as an adult. They both sell for $12.99.
I was particularly excited to get these books, as I grew up in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, home of MANY Amish and Mennonite folk. As a child we used to joke that you could find our house because it was the only one (on our street) with power lines running to it. I ran around with my barefoot Mennonite friend on my neighbors' farm, and I witnessed their life firsthand. As a 7 year old in that world, I saw many of the same things Lily Lapp did. These books were a delicious retreat into my own childhood!
I must also note, I very rarely read Amish fiction. Whenever I do I am disappointed that it is just another fictional author trying to capitalize on the popularity and fascination the public has for these amazing simplistic folk. These books were a delightful surprise. The facts and stories are accurate and real, drawing from Mary Ann Kinsinger's own real life childhood memories.
My daughter, Emma, and I read these books. We actually raced to finish the first book, and Emma beat me through it, winning a candy bar in the bet. ;) I finished the second book before her. I had to win once. It was easy to do. Though the first book is 280 pages, and the second one is 264, they are light and enjoyable reading, and I was through them in a flash.
The first book, Life with Lily, introduces Lily Lapp as a five year old girl, living in New York. Her Amish community is tight knit, and her family is young, but growing. In fact she and her younger brother are surprised with a new baby brother early in first chapter. I am friends with a midwife to the Amish, and I know first hand that babies are always a surprise. They never speak of their coming, and I've heard the comment that children even think maybe the midwife brought the baby in her bag! I loved how they portray this in the story, as a special surprise gift from God. As Lily grows and learns new lessons, they are told from her perspective. It's a beautiful inside look at life as she learns about school, friendship choices, hard work, financial hardship, and big changes. It is all painted into the setting of the simple farm life the Amish lead, and their Faith intertwining with their life on every level.
The second book, A New Home for Lily, begins with another big change, as Lily's family moves to Pennsylvania. She has to begin in a new school, and make new friends. Her family has to adjust to a new church, with slightly different rules. They never complain, and they teach Lily to love and serve in a way that honors her Faith. Her family grows again, as her third brother arrives, and many other changes in her life take place. The story line follows her intense disdain for a little boy in her school who teases her. Yet in the end of the book, her kindness to him helps bringing their community together in new and special ways. The book ends with her entering the 4th grade. I think this book was the best of the two. Now I'm anxious to read the 3rd book in the series, due out in July.
We also enjoyed exploring the website, The Adventures of Lily Lapp, where there are quizzes, games, contests and giveaways. Be sure you hop over there too!
Bottom Line:
I loved these books, and while they are fiction, I found them to be very accurate to REAL life. My daughter loved them too. They are factual, yet entertaining. Colorful and delicious (oh the food!), they are filled with Faith and family love. For a good story, and a window on a lifestyle we don't see often, they hit the mark. I would recommend them to any young girl, like the one inside me. ;)
(PS: I really do try and come up with pros and cons on every review, but this is my HONEST opinion: these were just plain good! No big agenda, or anything, but very entertaining and a bit educational.)
When you homeschool, the budget isn't always there for big vacations. Day trips are a great solution, and you can count it as a school day! Our family loves to take advantage these to break the educational doldrums; we just can't let them break the bank.
Today I'm a guest author over at Thrift Schooling. Click through to read the entire article, and find 3 fun and thrifty day trips!
One of my blessings in December 2012 was the visit I had from my dear sister, Jessica. It was so busy during Christmas that I didn't get to share about it with you all, but it was really very awesome! Jessica arrived on a Tuesday that we didn't have any major plans, so when the kids and I drove to Denver to pick her up, we had a great time running around downtown.
It is easy to park and then get around downtown Denver on foot (or trolley). So we did! We rode the length of the 16th street mall, and had lunch at Noodles & Co. We had a great time exploring the outdoor art around the Denver Art Museum:
We also enjoyed visiting the outdoor German Market that is set up downtown, just during the holidays. I had seen it last year when I took the girls to the Nutcracker for Christmas, but we were late for the show and couldn't check it out. It was much more fun getting to go there and shop, and we even found a lovely Christmas ornament for a souvenir.
One of the best giggles came from this display at the Russian vendor:
Over the next week, we took Jessica with us to the Farmer's Market, our Awana Christmas Party, and to visit a local school I'm trying to interest her in. She also spent a heap of time with my Grandma, and helped her get her Christmas cards done, which was a huge blessing. I miss her already. My favorite part was when everyone told us we look like twins... since I'm a decade older, that was awesome!
Sisters are a true blessing. I just wish mine didn't live so far away!
I know I've been posting a lot of school related posts and curriculum reviews lately. Much of the science and curriculum posts were written a while back, and lately, other than a few review products we're enjoying... school has been the farthest thing from our minds. We do take a pretty good break from May Day to Labor Day. This week all of the local schools are starting up, and I am SO thankful we aren't. This summer has gone fast enough!
In June we had baseball and softball. With all four kids playing, we were at the ball-fields 6 days a week. Most of the games ran from 6-8, but some from 8-10... or back to back and we did 6-10! We had practices called off for snow, and games in 100 degree heat. It was a crazy time. The final games finished up the day before the 4th of July. We celebrated the 4th by climbing the local landmark, Scott's Bluff. It was a 3 mile round trip in the dark, but watching the city fireworks from the top was totally worth it. I just shouldn't have worn my sandals.
The next weekend was our 13th anniversary, and the local parade. The following weekend we had my in-laws as houseguests and Tyler's 12th birthday. The weekend after that we enjoyed a visit from my cousin Andi and her boys, and we hiked the Bluff again. Only two days after they left, my brother and his sweet wife and son came to stay for a week. It was a wonderful time, and of course... we took them hiking up the Bluff. ;) That put us well into August.
The cool nights.
iBotta - This app works on any smartphone, and is a digital coupon type app, but has high value bonuses for sharing the app with others. It also offers store-specific coupons, and at times extra bonuses for using them. (like this week there's about an extra $3 you can earn for using certain Target coupons through the app). These are not coupons that come off of your total at the register, but more like refunds you get after submitting your receipt. Be sure to use the checklist in the store, and verify the barcode of items you buy before you buy them.. just to be sure you matched it right. It's very easy. I earned $23 the first week of use, and it was sent right to my paypal account.
Shopkick - I'm still new to this one, but you collect points in the form of "kicks" by shopping in certain stores and for certain products. the "kicks" can be turned in for gift cards and rewards. You can earn the "kicks" pretty quickly in chunks of 2,500 or more depending on what you are doing, like referring friends. This one requires your phone location info, so that's why I haven't used it much. I don't prefer to leave my GPS on, as it eats my battery. Thankfully I do have unlimited data.
-Laura
The first book, Life with Lily, introduces Lily Lapp as a five year old girl, living in New York. Her Amish community is tight knit, and her family is young, but growing. In fact she and her younger brother are surprised with a new baby brother early in first chapter. I am friends with a midwife to the Amish, and I know first hand that babies are always a surprise. They never speak of their coming, and I've heard the comment that children even think maybe the midwife brought the baby in her bag! I loved how they portray this in the story, as a special surprise gift from God. As Lily grows and learns new lessons, they are told from her perspective. It's a beautiful inside look at life as she learns about school, friendship choices, hard work, financial hardship, and big changes. It is all painted into the setting of the simple farm life the Amish lead, and their Faith intertwining with their life on every level.
