Updated on April 13, 2013
I have never been one to set goals, actually, I have been known to set goals, but carrying them out hasn’t been my strong suit. I am a procrastinator by nature so things like goal setting and organization are not my forte. I love reading about goal setting and organization and planning it all out, but that’s about as far as I usually get.
In December I read Amy Lynn Andrews ebook Tell Your Time. I had been feeling like life was just flying by and the things I was wanting to get done weren’t happening. Amy does a great job of making the case for the importance of setting goals in order to achieve the things we want in life. After reading her book I was convinced that in order to accomplish what I want to with my life, I need to set goals.
I knew in order to stick with the goals I would need to keep it simple to start with. One of my down falls in the past has been making the goals too involved and then I get overwhelmed and give up.
So, I set a few small, easily attainable goals in January, like getting to bed at a set time each night and reading through the Bible in a year. I stuck with those goals, but then took a short break from setting any others since I was very pregnant.
Now that the baby is here, I am attempting to set more goals, but I am sticking with small, simple ones so as to not overwhelm my postpartum, procrastinator self.
So, here goes this weeks goals:
1. Continue with reading through the Bible in a year (in Ecclesiastes right now, was reading on the fast track of 11 chapters a day, cut back to 4 chapters, now doing 1 a day, hope to get back up to 4)
2. Read aloud to the kids 3 times a week (I used to do this regularly in school, but have gotten away from it this last year)
3. Make sure the house is straight each night before bed (the kids help with this but I have been too exhausted at bedtime to make sure it gets done, which puts us behind in the mornings – not good!)
4. Don’t eat after supper (my first goal for shedding all the extra “baby” weight)
Check back next Monday and I will let you know how I did accomplishing my goals and list new ones for the next week. Do you want to join me? If you are working on achieving goals you have set or would like to join me in starting to set goals, I’d love to hear in the comments section.
Updated on April 25, 2013
The Waiting is Over
The waiting is over. We have welcomed Will into the world and into our home. Though he arrived over a week past the due date, God’s timing was perfect! Nicci and Will are both doing wonderfully and all the children are having fun taking turns holding him. We praise and thank the Lord for this new little blessing!
[social_share/]Updated on April 13, 2013
Quote of the Week: Martin Luther, for Husbands & Wives
Updated on April 13, 2013
Free and Inexpensive Homeschooling Resources
We’ve been homeschooling for about 12 years. Right now we have 8 children who are school age. And since we have 4 more who will be joining our school in the coming years, it looks like we will be at this for a while. Needless to say, we try to take advantage of free resources and curriculum as much as possible to keep up with our growing school. There are several inexpensive and free resources I like to utilize.
Our Local Library
I use our local public library a lot. I can find a good number of books there to use, particularly for history and reading. I also like to check out shapes, numbers and ABC books for the younger ones “preschool”. I have even been able to find some good science videos at the library.
Exchange Curriculum with a Friend
There have been times I have exchanged books with friends when we were not using them at the time. Once, a friend had a history book
Websites
Several years ago someone told me about Donnayoung.org, a website that has free homeschooling resources. I have so appreciated all the free resources Donna offers on her site. She also shares what methods and curriculum she used to teach her children, which was a big help when I was revamping the way we do school. I have gleaned a lot from her and I appreciate her simple approach to homeschooling.
More recently I found another great site. At Free Homeschool Deals, Jamerrill does a great job of making available lots of different free homeschooling resources and deals. I have just begun to utilize her blog and I am excited to continue following it and take advantage of some of the many deals she highlights.
Buy Used
Another way I have saved money on books is by ordering them used. Amazon is a great place to look. I have found my daughter, who is in high school, a history book
Also, most homeschool groups have a used book sale every year. I have found great deals on gently used books at these sales. If you are not sure whether your local group has a used book sale you can usually find out at their website.
All of these things have been a great blessing to our family over the years. What ways have you found to save money on homeschool resources?
Updated on March 27, 2013
Spencer Family Coffee Cake
One of our favorites! Perfect for breakfast or with an afternoon cup of coffee, or tea. Here is the recipe:
Spencer Family Coffee Cake
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Batter:
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup oil
2 eggs
1 cup milk
In medium to large mixing bowl, mix wet ingredients together, then stir in:
3 cups flour
4 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
Topping:
1 cup brown sugar
4 tbsp. flour
4 tsp. cinnamon
4 tbsp. butter (melted)
Mix the dry topping ingredients in a small mixing bowl. Stir in melted butter until thoroughly mixed.
Optional: add 1/2 cup walnuts
Icing (drizzle):
2 cups powdered sugar
3 tbsp. milk (more or less for desired consistency)
In small bowl stir powdered sugar and milk together until thoroughly combined.
Pour half of the batter into a greased 10×15 baking dish (a 9×13 baking dish could be used, adjust baking time accordingly).
Sprinkle half of the topping over the batter in the baking dish.
Spread the remaining batter evenly over the topping and batter already in baking dish.
Sprinkle remaining topping over the batter.
Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Drizzle icing over coffee cake while still hot.
Let cool 10 minutes – serve warm.
Serves approximately 12.
Enjoy!
[social_share/]Updated on April 13, 2013
Review: New Balance Athletic Shoes
Shortly before I had our 11th baby, I started having a lot of pain in my feet when I walked, especially when I first got out of bed in the morning. I figured it was just part of the pregnancy and would go away once the baby came. However, after she was born the pain in my feet only got worse. I soon discovered that I had all the symptoms of plantar fasciitis which was probably the result of pregnancy as well as wearing shoes that didn’t have good support (e.g. flip-flops).
I started wearing tennis shoes and doing exercises I found online, but nothing seemed to help. Then my mom, who had similar issues with her feet, mentioned that her doctor recommended wearing a pair of New Balance shoes, because of their support. She let me borrow a pair of hers. I immediately felt a difference. She let me keep her shoes to see if they would continue to make my feet feel better. I wasn’t in as much pain when I was wearing the New Balance shoes v.s. my generic tennis shoes, but I didn’t have complete relief right away.
I would wear the New Balance shoes all day and only wear other shoes if I absolutely had to. Over time, they improved to where my feet only hurt when I would wear other shoes. Then one day, I realized the pain was gone, even when I would wear shoes with practically no built-in support.
Since then I have bought my own pair of New Balance Women’s W790 Running Shoes
Updated on April 25, 2013
Waiting on the Baby…Waiting on the Lord
Our whole family is eagerly awaiting the birth of our newest addition – no one more than my wife, as you can imagine. The due date came and went last week with no sign of our baby boy making his appearance. He doesn’t realize the help he is being to us all – assisting us, in this small way, to grow in patience.
Of course, we understand that it is not our baby controlling the date of his arrival, but God, who is weaving him in his mother’s womb1 and who is righteous in all His ways,2 even regarding the day and time of this birth. So, God is graciously giving us the opportunity to exercise patience and to, as the Psalmist exhorts, wait on Him.3 What a wonderful, restful place to be – waiting on the Lord!
We look forward to seeing the time that God has appointed for this new little one to come into the world! And in the meantime, upon the One who is faithful and true,4 we will gladly wait.
1Psalm 139:13
2Psalm 145:17
3Psalm 27:14
4Revelation 19:11
Updated on May 17, 2013
Creating a Peaceful Home at the End of the Day
It is 4:30 pm, I realize my husband will be home soon, a quick glance around the house reveals a not so pleasant atmosphere. Toys are strung everywhere, a basket of laundry is half folded on the dining room table and the kids are chasing each other through the house. Not exactly the environment I want to welcome him into.
When I was a young mom just starting out, I read one of Emilie Barnes’ books
I knew that my husband would appreciate walking into a peaceful home after being gone all day. And, it makes me feel good to have a clean, quiet home at the end of a busy day.
I found there are six steps that are helpful in creating a peaceful home:
1. Decide What Time to Start
I usually planned to start 30 minutes before my husband was due to get home. I chose 30 minutes because I could usually get a quick cleanup done in 30 minutes. It may take more time in the beginning though to get the routine down and the kids “on board”.
2. Gather the Children in One Spot
Assign them each a place to sit, with a few books to read/look at. I usually use books instead of toys because books tend to be quieter and are easier to gather up quick once the time is over. Let the children know you expect them to sit quietly looking at their books.
3. Set a Timer
Setting a timer for 30 minutes seems to really help both the kids and me. A timer helps me work faster and the kids enjoy listening for it to go off. Plus, it eliminates the need for the constant question “how much longer?”. In the beginning it may help to start with 15 minutes while the kids get used to the new routine, then work up to 30 minutes.
4. Clean
Once you have the kids settled, start going through the house putting everything in order or preparing dinner. If you have older kids who can be a help, assign them jobs, or they could read a book to younger siblings.
5. Keep the Peace and Quiet
Now the house is picked up and maybe dinner started but the kids’ timer has gone off, so does the house go back to chaos? Once the timer has gone off, that shouldn’t be a cue for the kids to run wild again. Let them know they still need to play quietly. You could share with them that in the Bible Ecclesiastes says there is a time for everything…a time to be silent and a time to speak. (Ecc. 3:7b); helping them understand there is a time for loud, rambunctious play and times for quiet, more reserved play.
6. Reward
If it’s going to be a little bit before supper is ready, you could put out a small snack for your children. This would be a nice reward for their good behavior. It can be something simple like veggies and dip or cheese and crackers. Lay out a tablecloth or flat sheet on the floor to make for an easy cleanup or use coffee filters.
Do you have a good end of the day routine? If so, I’d love to hear in the comments section.
Shared at: What Joy Is Mine, The Better Mom, A Mama’s Story, Christian Stay at Home Moms, Deep Roots at Home, Raising Mighty Arrows, Walking Redeemed, Missional Women
[social_share/]Updated on March 27, 2013
Quote of the Week: “He Lifted Me”
This week’s Quote of the Week is a great hymn text, He Lifted Me, by Charles H. Gabriel (1856-1932):
He Lifted Me
In loving-kindness Jesus came
My soul in mercy to reclaim
And from the depths of sin and shame
Through grace He lifted me
-Chorus-
From sinking sands, He lifted me
With tender hand, He lifted me
From shades of night to plains of light
Oh praise His name, He lifted me
He called me long before I heard
Before my sinful heart was stirred
But when I took Him at His word
Forgiv’n, He lifted me
His brow was pierced with many thorns
His hands by cruel nails were torn
When from my guilt and grief forlorn
In love He lifted me
Video: Vocal Performed by Ryan Baird
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Updated on March 27, 2013
Quick Tip: Sour Cream
Next time you are using sour cream for a topping on a meal, try adding some milk and seasoning to it. The thinner consistency makes it go farther and it is easier to dollop on your favorite dish.
1- 16 oz. sour cream
1/4c. milk (more or less depending on your desired consistency)
Garlic salt and pepper to taste
Stir together and serve
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