Happy Valentines Day!

Time Crunch~ A Busy Afternoon

I don't have much time today to blog, so I thought I would write a quick post. Blake is feeling much better today. I actually sent him to school yesterday. He did Ok but when he got home he was exhausted, and he slept from 5pm yesterday until 8am today. I kept checking on him, making sure he was OK.

Austen has his Valentines Banquet tonight. He has to be at the church at 4pm. I will take some pictures to share. I am going to have Travis over again tonight. Blake just loves his best buddy Travis, and they do so well together. He spends a lot of time with our family. He is a real blessing to us! Carey was telling me last night that he had his appointment this week at the specialist. The two masses that he had removed are back again. They are scheduled to have an MRI soon. Please keep him in your prayers. His picture is on the side of my Blog. I will try and keep updates here when we find out more.

I am looking forward to valentines day with my sweetie! I will share our highlights on Monday's Blog post.

Also for you ladies who are joining me in the '40 day Love Challenge', don't forget we will start day one on Monday ! I am looking forward to seeing God do GREAT things in our marriages. I was saddened yesterday when I herd a statistic that 1 in 3 men cheat on their wives. Yes....1 in 3 men cheat! Hard to believe. I must say ladies it is time that we put the effort in to work on our marriages. Please join me in this fight for our marriage! The world does NOT have the answers, but GOD does. His way is guaranteed to work! These will be great tools to help in your marriage. Looking forward to it!

Tag Offer~ Thanks For Visiting

For Some Reason, it would not post on 'Bran Made Tags'
So Here it is
Offer is good for 1 week
I made this one for our blogs
Please leave name in comment section that you would like on the tag. Give me a little time to complete, I will need a e-mail address to send your tag too. If you don't want to leave your e-mail addy here, you can e-mail me at Brwaau@aol.com

Homeschool~ Created for Work

Practical Insights for Young Men~ Bob Schultz

I purchased this book last year at the Homeschool convention. I have 2 wonderful boys that I want to become godly, hard working men someday! As parents, Wayne and I have been trying to instill the value of a hard worker. Today we see so much laziness in boys and men! I want my boys to strive to meet God's standards to please Him when they put the effort in to do a job. I am so thankful that my husband is such a extraordinary example of a hard worker! He is faithful to a job, and always gives his best. I always tell my kids that their dad can do anything....I can always count on him, and so can his employers.

On the back of the book

All young men should be on the road to developing a healthy attitude towards work. Honest productive work is the backbone of strong families and blessed nations.

A few highlight of the book
~ Full of Scripture truths (KJV)
~After every chapter there is a question section.
~ Austen is on PG 103 of 181
Example:
Chapter Title 'Sidestepping Discouragement'
Discouragement defeats a worker. It grows from roots of laziness, lack of vision, and selfishness. Discouraged people think too much about themselves and to little about God.

Verse: Nehemiah 4:6

10 Healthies Foods For Under $1.00

The 10 Healthiest Foods for Under $1

By: Brie Cadman


1. Oats
High in fiber and complex carbohydrates, oats have also been shown to lower cholesterol. And they sure are cheap—a dollar will buy you more than a week’s worth of hearty breakfasts.

Serving suggestions: Sprinkle with nuts and fruit in the morning, make oatmeal cookies for dessert.

2. Eggs
You can get about a half dozen of eggs for a dollar, making them one of the cheapest and most versatile sources of protein. They are also a good source of the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which may ward off age-related eye problems.

Serving suggestions: Huevos rancheros for breakfast, egg salad sandwiches for lunch, and frittatas for dinner.

3. Kale
This dark, leafy green is loaded with vitamin C, carotenoids, and calcium. Like most greens, it is usually a dollar a bunch.

Serving suggestions: Chop up some kale and add to your favorite stir-fry; try German-Style Kale or traditional Irish Colcannon.

4. Potatoes
Because we often see potatoes at their unhealthiest—as fries or chips—we don’t think of them as nutritious, but they definitely are. Eaten with the skin on, potatoes contain almost half a day’s worth of Vitamin C, and are a good source of potassium. If you opt for sweet potatoes or yams, you’ll also get a good wallop of beta carotene. Plus, they’re dirt cheap and have almost endless culinary possibilities.

Serving suggestions: In the a.m., try Easy Breakfast Potatoes; for lunch, make potato salad; for dinner, have them with sour cream and chives.

5. Apples
I’m fond of apples because they’re inexpensive, easy to find, come in portion-controlled packaging, and taste good. They are a good source of pectin—a fiber that may help reduce cholesterol—and they have the antioxidant Vitamin C, which keeps your blood vessels healthy.

Serving suggestions: Plain; as applesauce; or in baked goods like Pumpkin-Apple Breakfast Bread.

6. Nuts
Though nuts have a high fat content, they’re packed with the good-for-you fats—unsaturated and monounsaturated. They’re also good sources of essential fatty acids, Vitamin E, and protein. And because they’re so nutrient-dense, you only need to eat a little to get the nutritional benefits. Although some nuts, like pecans and macadamias, can be costly, peanuts, walnuts, and almonds, especially when bought in the shell, are low in cost.

Serving suggestions: Raw; roasted and salted; sprinkled in salads.

7. Bananas
At a local Trader Joe’s, I found bananas for about 19¢ apiece; a dollar gets you a banana a day for the workweek. High in potassium and fiber (9 grams for one), bananas are a no-brainer when it comes to eating your five a day quotient of fruits and veggies.

Serving suggestions: In smoothies, by themselves, in cereal and yogurt.

8. Garbanzo Beans
With beans, you’re getting your money’s worth and then some. Not only are they a great source of protein and fiber, but ’bonzos are also high in fiber, iron, folate, and manganese, and may help reduce cholesterol levels. And if you don’t like one type, try another—black, lima, lentils … the varieties are endless. Though they require soaking and cooking, the most inexpensive way to purchase these beans is in dried form; a precooked can will still only run you around a buck.

Serving suggestions: In salads, curries, and Orange Hummus.

9. Broccoli
Broccoli contains tons of nice nutrients—calcium, vitamins A and C, potassium, folate, and fiber. As if that isn’t enough, broccoli is also packed with phytonutrients, compounds that may help prevent heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Plus, it’s low in calories and cost.

Serving suggestions: Throw it in salads, stir fries, or served as an accompaniment to meat in this Steamed Ginger Chicken with Asian Greens recipe.

10. Watermelon
Though you may not be able to buy an entire watermelon for a dollar, your per serving cost isn’t more than a few dimes. This summertime fruit is over 90 percent water, making it an easy way to hydrate, and gives a healthy does of Vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, an antioxidant that may ward off cancer.

Serving suggestions: Freeze chunks for popsicles; eat straight from the rind; squeeze to make watermelon margaritas (may negate the hydrating effect!).

Another Ick Bug!

My Lil guy has had a icky cold, and then he got the flu on Sunday. We are still trying to get him to feeling better! I can't seem to help the coughing that keeps him up at night, and he is still running a fever. Last night I woke again to coughing and I turned to my husband in frustration and asked him "What can I do, I feel helpless", he replied...
"Let's Pray", so we did (2am in the morning). My sweetie knew what to do :) He seems to be just tired today,and running a low grade fever now. We did a couple school things...His letters, sight words, reading, and Bible. Monday at his school they had a substitute so I was not going to send him anyway. The only day he goes this week is Thursday! Praise God, I would much rather teach him at home.

I have been praying and hoping to change hubbys mind about keeping him in Kindergarten class, but he wants him to finish the year. I can understand. It actually has been a blessing in some ways, because Austen is going to help Blake's teacher with a boy who should be in special ed....but, because of the school funding, he is stuck with the rest of the class. He will help every Thursday. I will continue to work in the classroom on Mondays. Which only leaves him alone in the class every other Wednesday. I honestly do way more seat work with him at home, then he has ever done at school! There has been a handful of times he has come home saying they watched an afternoon Disney movie??? That is crazy!! Well I'm off for the day...Laundry is calling my name.

The Love Dare

Last week we watched FIREPROOF, it was very good and I highly recommend it! The book that they speak of in the movie is 'The Love Dare'. I am so exited, I received the book in the mail yesterday, and I'm looking forward to starting it and recording my progress!

Count Your Blessings

Count Your Blessings
Author Unknown

Count your blessings instead of your crosses;
Count your gains instead of your losses.
Count your joys instead of your woes;
Count your friends instead of your foes.
Count your smiles instead of your tears;
Count your courage instead of your fears.
Count your full years instead of your lean;
Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.
Count your health instead of your wealth;
Count on God instead of yourself.

Father God, lift the heavy burdens off my heart and let me see this new day as You do. Give me strength to stand against the discouragement that weighs me down and help me defeat Satan's lies with praise to You for Your blessings. In Jesus' name, Amen.
~aophomeschooling

Great Valentines Ideas....

These Are Great Ideas.
This week is Valentines week, I am picking out 1 special thing to do for my husband every day this week. I encourage you to do the same! No excuses, that you don't know what to do.....here is a list to choose from :)
Make Him Feel Special!
Have FUN with it!!!

1)For young couples with kids, get them involved in an all-family fun Valentine's Day dinner at home. Mom can prepare a dessert for two and light the candles while dad puts the kids to bed.
2)Since Valentine's Day is on a Saturday, celebrate with a day full of low-cost activities you both enjoy doing (depending upon your location and weather). Do something with your significant other that he/she rarely has time to do, but loves.
3.)Make the entire day full of his favorites: the breakfast of his dreams, the dinner of his dreams, TV that is his favorite, his music, etc. Don't say anything about it, surprise him all day long.
4.)Create a framed group of photos that put your relationship in chronological order of events, by months or years (depending on how long you've been together).
5.)Give each other long-lingering back rubs or head-to-toe body massages. Invest in luxurious lotion or oils.
6.)Watch an old movie at home together, with popcorn and soft drinks and candy - movie-theater style.
7.)On Valentine's Day, place three pair of sexy undies on your bed and let your mate pick out which one you should wear. It's your secret!
8.)Write a "Top 10 Reasons Why I Love You" list.
9.)Leave a note on your mate's pillow expressing how special you think he/she is. Place a couple of mints on the pillow, too (or a single rose)...all to be discovered at bedtime.
10.)Use a bar of soap to draft a love note on your bathroom mirror. Or, if you shower first, write a love note to your sweetheart in the steam on the mirror.
11.)Use fabric paint to decorate a Valentine's Day pillowcase for your loved one. Check arts-and-crafts web sites for other easy-to-make gifts.
12.)In the morning, tuck a love note in his pocket or her pocketbook or other certain-to-be-found spot. Jot down some meaningful words on a piece of paper - "Can't wait to wrap my arms around you tonight!"; "What's for 'dessert'?"; "You make me happy every day!" - and tuck it in a conspicuous location to be easily discovered during the day.
13.)Have a 15-minute kissing session and try some new ways and places to kiss. The same old smoocheroo can get boring. Use your imagination...and perhaps a little whipped cream, chocolate syrup, etc.
14.)What are your mate's quirks and habits that irk you? Don't nag about any of them the entire day. Then try to extend the no-nagging effort to every day of the year. Remember, you're never going to change the other person.
15.)If you don't have a special sweetheart, focus on bringing a smile or laughter to everyone you come in contact with on Valentine's Day.

Do you have any ideas to add, or something special you do for your husband? Please share with us in comment section.

Tuesday's Theme: Marriage 2/10/09

Marriage & Divorce Statistics - The Barna Group
by Bald Man on March 31st, 2008
The Barna Group, a research organization focusing on the state of faith and spirituality in the United States, released new statistics on marriage and divorce today. A couple highlights:

4 in 5 of us will be married at least once
1 in 3 will be divorced at least once
Here’s an interesting comment by George Barna, director of the study:

“There no longer seems to be much of a stigma attached to divorce; it is now seen as an unavoidable rite of passage,” the researcher indicated. “Interviews with young adults suggest that they want their initial marriage to last, but are not particularly optimistic about that possibility. There is also evidence that many young people are moving toward embracing the idea of serial marriage, in which a person gets married two or three times, seeking a different partner for each phase of their adult life.”

Monday Theme Deep Cleaning & Organizing

Monday~ Bookshelf In School Room
Tuesday~ Main Bathroom Cupboards & Drawers
Wednesday~ Pantry Cupboards
Thursday~ Pots & Pans, and Bowl Cupboards
Saturday~ Desks & Disinfect all surfaces

Today Is A New Day...You Choose?

I thought this was a GREAT thought, and is something I will ponder on each morning. We do have a choice. Our daily routines often bring difficult situations. The question is, will we let our circumstances dictate our joy? We can choose to stay the same, or grow.

Dear Lord,
Today is a new day, I pray for your will Lord, and not my own! I pray today I can learn something new from your Word, and apply it to my life. I do not want to look back on yesterday, but I want to look forward to today. I pray I can teach my children how to have a personal walk with you, and that they may look back on a childhood where the focus in our home was to grow, and to become more like you.
In Jesus Precious Name, Amen

Daybook~ Feb. 9th 2009

Blake got an award this week from his school for the best kindergarden runner, with the BEST attitude :) He was so exited to tell us all about it!



For Today...

Outside my window... Sun Is Up...It is going to be a beautiful, but cold day!
From the learning rooms... Blake has almost got all his letter/sounds down. But school room today is just about non-existent. The flu bug arrived yesterday to it's first victim...Blake :(
I am thankful for... Answered Prayer!!!! A dear sister called me last night to share the news her unsaved hubby brought the movie 'Fireproof' home. She is seeing God work in her husband, and she is so exited! We have had very similar experiences in our marriage. It has been a GREAT joy to share that God CAN save your marriage, and work through US to do so! She also shared that her father-in-law (who lives next door) is asking questions about Heaven and Hell. She thinks he is close to salvation. Praise God.....He is so good!!! Rejoicing for answered prayer.
From the kitchen... Dinner....Turkey burgers & Veggies
I am wearing... Jeans & Red short sleeve top
I am reading... My Bible My personal devotion James 3:13-18, Isaiah 55:8
Who [is] a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but [is] earthly, sensual, devilish. [ For where envying and strife [is], there [is] confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. (James 3:13-18 KJV)

For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD. (Isaiah 55:8 KJV)
We can't presume to know what's best
when we begin to pray;
So we must ask, "What honors God?"
Then seek His will and way.
~Sper
I am hoping... this flu to pass, and that it does not take anymore victims!
I am creating... Going through old CD's with graphics to share on my other blog site.
Check it out, you may find something you like :)
I am hearing... Blake coughing...Word World on PBS
Around the house...My Deep Cleaning Today is The School Room
One of my favorite things... To hold my boys, To be able to encourage my husband and make him smile!
A few plans for the rest of the week...Clean, Exercises,Complete Grading,Friday is our homeschool group day, and Austen is attending the teen Valentines Banquet. Saturday is the adult Valentines Banquet.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you... At The Top :)