Friday, August 29, 2008

 

Frugal Friday: Last bit of jam...



So it's a good thing my children don't read my blog, because I've been getting away with something for a while now, and I really don't want them to know about it!

When I buy jam, I only buy the "all fruit" varieties, so it is a bit more pricey than regular jam. When the jar is almost empty, I add some plain or vanilla yogurt and a bit of milk. Then I cap the jar and give it a good shake. This mix goes into popsicle molds and Presto! My kids think I've slaved bigtime!

You could also throw the mixture into a smoothie concoction. At any rate, check out the other great frugal tips!

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Wednesday, August 27, 2008

 

WFMW: Diaper wipes stash



After 10 1/2 years of changing diapers and having to buy diapers and wipes, you can bet your bottom dollar (pun intended) I was singing "Hallelujah!" to be able to sail right past that aisle in the grocery store. Until I remembered that panicky feeling I would get when I would reach into the diaper bag only to discover I was out of wipes. Nooooooo!

So now I keep a tub or two on hand for my friends who still change diapers. Their relief is almost a tangible thing. It is such a small thing, really, to serve others in this way. Be sure to check out what else works.

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Friday, August 22, 2008

 

Can you believe...



That something like this could cause so much excitement? We had 4 windows replaced in the front of our home yesterday. One window is a huge 9 foot wide picture window. The old one was uuuuuuuuugly; but the new one is simply beautiful. We also got a new front door. It will be painted red next week! Yay!

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Wednesday, August 20, 2008

 

Homeschooling: Raw and Uncut...




One part of change in our family is that I am homeschooling two of our children this year. For various reasons, Rob and I chose to keep Harrison (oldest) and Kirk (youngest) at home for me to teach. I have read lots of "homeschool" blogs and honestly, I get irritated/frustrated with the ones that come off as homeschool-is-perfect-and-nothing-ever-goes-wrong-and-we-finish-by-noon-at-the-latest.


Let me tell you: my 7th grader has picked up on this mentality, and we have had some significant conversations on why it isn't practical to expect that he will be done with his work everyday by noon. Moreover, we have had to deal with his feelings of how unfair it is that his brother, who is in kindergarten, does finish by noon everyday!


Some of my friends have asked me, "Isn't it easier to homeschool when you have taught school before?" I think the answer is "NO!" The explanation is simple, really. When I taught at a day school, my class periods were definitive: 45 minutes from bell to bell. There was no phone ringing, no potty help required of me, no FedEx man at the door...you get the idea. In addition to that, I could wax philosophical and assign work. End of story, homework due next day. Homeschooling my own children is a lesson in daily dependence on the Lord. Not that I didn't have to depend on the Lord when I taught for pay, but now my attitude must be "Help me not be frustrated at the interruptions. Let me enjoy this time at home and take advantage of the ond-on-one time with my children."

*any encouragement/advice will be much appreciated!!

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Monday, August 18, 2008

 

I love this pic...


I was browsing through some old family pics when I came across this one of Sophia's birthday in January (note my turtleneck and her sleeveless summer dress). She had told me not 30 minutes before that she hoped someone got her a baby doll for one of her gifts! Surprise!

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Friday, August 15, 2008

 

Frugal Friday: Saving Broccoli


Ummmm....yeah. So how does one save broccoli? Well in our house, my kids actually like broccoli- the tops, that is. They claim that it reminds them of little green bushes. Fine. Whatever they want to think. But then I'm left with the woody stem parts. Now what? Well, I julienne them and toss them in a big salad. I suppose you could also eat it crudite style on a platter with other raw veggies as well.

What are you waiting for? Go save some broccoli!

Head this way for more Frugal Friday tips.

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Thursday, August 14, 2008

 

Back...


in the saddle again. I hope. So much has happened in what I used to call Suburbia. I think, technically, I am just "urbia" now, but I'll have to look it up to make sure.

So we moved, but that wasn't really a surprise though. We are in a small, southeast Georgia college town (emphasis on small and south), and we came here to work with a church plant. Beginning last September, Rob and I (kids too) came down every other weekend to work with a small group of 12 or so who wanted to be a church plant. This group has steadily, by God's grace, grown to average between 40-50, and they asked us around the first of the year if we would consider moving down so Rob could pastor them.

Wow.

There really is more to the story, such as how God changed my heart and my children's hearts as well. There's also the one about how God, in His sovereignty, decided my heart needed a major renovation. Or maybe a demolition.

But it's late, and morning comes pretty early around these parts. I sincerely hope to write more regularly (I could be sarcastic and say, "I regularly write when I get around to it...") and share just what has been going on here with The Suburban/Urban/Whatever I am Housewife if for nothing else but to reflect a little glimmer of God's glory.

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