Little Brick Cottage

Life Cycle of an Apple Tree!

2011-09-27T09:32:00.001-05:00

What Guys Think About Modesty

2011-04-02T12:50:00.002-05:00

10 Days of Giveaways

2011-03-15T10:31:00.000-05:00

Doorposts has a new blog and to start it off, they have 10 days of Biblical Parenting Giveaways! Today is the first day!

Orange Slice Cookies

2010-11-27T15:54:00.000-06:00

My dad LOVES these cookies! I have had them as a bar and a drop cookie and both are delicious. They are made from Orange Slice candy!

Recipe:

4 eggs

1/4 t. salt

1 T. cold water

2 cups brown sugar (1 lb. box)

2 cups flour

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

1 cup orange slices cut/chopped fine

Beat eggs, water, sugar. Sift flour, salt, and cinnamon together. Add dry mixture to egg mixture. Save small amount of flour to dredge nuts and orange slices. Spread on greased and floured cookie sheet rather thinly. Bake 350 until nice and brown - 15 - 20 minutes depending on thickness. Some people like them thicker in a 9x13 cake pan - they will need to cook 25 - 30 minutes.

Put icing over as soon as they are taken from oven and cut into desired slices.

Icing:

3 T. butter or cream

1 tsp. lemon or orange zest

2 T. lemon or orange juice

Enough powdered sugar to make a thin icing.

If made as a drop cookie, you will have to estimate the time! I have never made them as a drop cookie, but have eaten plenty of 'em! Be sure and put icing on these....it makes them soooo much better!

Hot Fruit Salad

2010-11-26T21:13:00.000-06:00

Hot Fruit Salad

1 can pineapple chunks
1 can pear halves
1 can peach halves
1 can apricot halves
1 lrg. bottle maraschino cherries

Mix :
2 c. fruit juices from above cans
3 T. corn starch
******
1 tsp. curry powder
1 c. brown sugar
1 stick melted butter
1/2 c. pecan halves

Arrange pineapple, pears, peaches, apricots, and cherries in large 11 x 14 dish.
Mix corn starch, brown sugar, curry, and melted butter with fruit juices. Stir over low heat until thickened. Pour over fruit - add pecans.
Bake 350 for 45 minutes to 1 hr.

Lilla Rose Giveaway!

2010-11-01T18:47:00.000-05:00

I saw this post on A Wise Woman Builds Her Home. The giveaway is for Lilla Rose's beautiful hair jewelry. I am so glad that my hair is finally long enough to use these! There is a video on Lilla Rose's website that will help you determine what size you need for your hair type! Enjoy!

Donors Choose! Help for classroom teachers!

2010-10-20T17:26:00.001-05:00

I am really excited! One of my friends told me about a website that lets teachers set up projects and choose items for their classroom. People can donate to help fund the new things for the classroom! There are even big companies, like U.S. Cellular, that donate. I set up my first project to help get some much needed math games/activities/books for my kindergarten class.

You can check it out HERE. If you are a teacher or know one that needs teaching supplies, be sure to sign up and create your own project! All you have to do is send thank you notes to your donors and take pictures of your class using the donated items! After you get one project funded, you earn points and can open up more projects for more money. I would LOVE to have two student computers that actually WORKED in my kindergarten classroom!

Weekly Home Blessing Hour

2010-10-15T18:36:00.000-05:00

I thought I would share an idea that I have been doing for the past year or so.
I first read about this idea on FlyLady's website. If you are not familiar with her, you need to check out her site! To be honest, I can't keep up with all of her daily jobs...maybe one day, but not now.
However, one idea she has stuck with me and it really helps with keeping our home clean and semi-ready for unexpected guests! If you're like me, when the doorbell rings, your heart stops! It's a mad rush to throw as much stuff in the closet, close all of the bedroom/bathroom doors, and throw cups/plates into the kitchen sink all in under 20 seconds!!!! Gasp!!!!

To end some of this anxiety, we started "blessing" (cleaning) our home once each week. Of course, I still do the daily chores (dishes, laundry, taking out trash, etc....) but the main cleaning takes place Thursday evening. The reason I chose Thursday is because Friday is my very favorite day of the week, and I love to come home from work to a clean home ready to start the weekend!!!!

To "bless" our home, I set the kitchen timer for one hour. When we first started doing this, I made a list of all of the things we had to do in an hour. My children are now 11 and 12 and we can get A LOT done in an hour! Sometimes, I will put on fast music to help motivate them (read, me). When I set the timer, we clean like CRAZY people!!!! I guess it's probably a good cardio workout, too...right? Sounds good, anyway.

Here is a list of most of the things we accomplish in an hour:

Clean both toilets
Clean both bathroom sinks
Clean tub
Make sure all dirty clothes/towels are in laundry room
Hang clean clothes and put away folded clothes
Sweep all hard floors
Vacuum all carpeted areas
Dust with Swiffer duster (I will do deeper dusting at another time...this is just a quick job!)
Windex bathroom mirrors, faucets, and front door
Put away EVERYTHING that belongs to you and is scattered around the house
Empty all trash cans (and please replace with clean bags...lol)
Clean off all kitchen counters thoroughly
Make sure all dishes are washed (or being washed in dishwasher) and SHINE YOUR SINK! (flylady)
Throw away any spoiled food or old leftovers in fridge
Wipe off areas around doorknobs and light switches

Now, each week may vary a little bit. This list can change! After it's all clean, I love to light a candle and just enjoy it while it lasts!

Making your home a haven - Fall Challenge - Come Link Up!

2010-09-27T15:44:00.001-05:00

I am linking up to one of my new favorite blogs. Courtney at Women Living Well has a Fall challenge for us!

Each week she will give you one practical tip and one spiritual tip that you can do to create a haven in your home.

This challenge will begin next Monday, October 4th and run through the month of October.
I love Courtney's daily blog! Even though a lot of her blog is about being a good wife (and I am not married), I still find her suggestions and resources VERY inspiring. She has great ideas on how to make a house a home. Be sure to head over to her blog and watch the video!

Here's the topic schedule for those who want to link up each week:

October 4 - Go buy an extra large candle and light a candle everyday in your home. I will be starting mine in the morning! But you can start yours at dinner time. Do what makes sense for your family. I will be placing mine in the kitchen - the main hub of my home. Each time the candle catches your eye, say a prayer for peace in your home.

October 10 - Play soft music everyday in your home. Choose worship, classical or another form of peaceful music that the family enjoys. Focus on using peaceful words and maintaining peaceful relationships. Remind your family to avoid seething anger, tattling, criticism or back talk. As the wife/mother, work on gentleness this week.

October 17 - List a few of the spots in your home that make you visually stressed because of all the clutter. Now go buy something for that spot - like a basket to put it all in! Work on cleaning up clutter - throw things away and encourage the children and your hubby to do the same in their bedrooms or offices or work areas this week. While you're at it - clean up some clutter in your spiritual life. What gets in the way of your peace spiritually?

October 24 - Keep the candle going, the music playing, and add some tender moments with your family. Have a pillow party in the family room and get out every blanket and pillow in the house and be cozy with the kids or your hubby! Even if you live alone you can do this. Enjoy a cozy evening of hot cider and caramel corn. Give a 5 minute back rub to every single person in your house...and for a double challenge- try to give one every day to each family member! During your tender moment with the family, ask them how they feel about this challenge. Are they enjoying it? Is it helpful? Is there anything they would change. Give your family listening ears. I think you will be blessed by the positive feedback you will receive!

October 31 - Focus on the kitchen, the heart of the home. Cook things with pleasant aromas. Pick a meal the family can cook together - include everyone in a task and take pictures so everyone can remember moments in the kitchen together - test tasting, being creative, laughing and loving. Remove discontentment with your home or family and give thanks to God for the home God has given you to in which to create a haven for your family.
Jesus said in John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled."

Scentsy Fall/Winter products are available!

2010-09-04T17:46:00.000-05:00

The new Scentsy catalog came out this week! The Fall/Winter products are now available to purchase. If you purchase Scentsy from my Scentsy website, they will ship it directly to your home. There are lots of new products and wonderful fall and winter scents! ♥ Click on links to go to my website.

This is the September Warmer of the month.

This is the Love, Live, Hope Scentsy Warmer.
Created to honor women with breast cancer Love, Life, Hope’s simple pink-and-white stripes and black accents spread a message of hope and support to breast cancer survivors and their families. One hundred percent of the net profits from the sale of Love, Life, Hope will go directly to The National Breast Cancer Foundation to support their breast cancer awareness and education programs.

Little Lamb Mid-Size Scentsy Warmer

Little Lamb features an embossed, pink and tan design on a porcelain base “as white as snow.” Encircled with lines from the classic nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” this warmer radiates sweetness.
♥ There are two other ones to choose from in this collection. ♥

Scentsy Buddy

Cuddly companions for children of all ages, each Scentsy Buddy features a zippered pocket to hold a Scent Pak in one of 15 delightful Scentsy fragrances.

Metamorphosis

2010-08-12T08:38:00.000-05:00

My daughter's Sunday School teacher said something that I really loved and I thought I would share it. You may have heard this before, but I have never heard it explained this way....

First of all, I believe that once you are saved, you are saved FOREVER. You cannot lose your salvation. Yes, we still sin, but if we are truly saved, there will not be a lifestyle of sin. Last night, my daughter's teacher compared salvation with the metamorphosis of a butterfly. She asked the children, "Once the caterpillar has changed into a butterfly, can it ever go back to a caterpillar?" No, of course not. It is a new creature! The Bible says, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come." (2Cor. 5:17)
We are NEW creatures on the inside!

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:2

Prairie Apple Crunch

2010-08-03T11:22:00.000-05:00

A lady at church made this wonderful dessert a few weeks ago. On the last Sunday of every month, we have the Lord's Supper and then a pot-luck lunch. We have some good cooks at our church! I have been looking for a good apple crisp recipe and she was nice enough to share it with me! My kids LOVE this! It is also good the next morning with coffee.

Prairie Apple Crunch

6 large baking apples, peeled and sliced (I cut mine up smaller the second time I made this and liked it better)

1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
dash salt
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
cream, optional
oatmeal, optional

Place apples in greased 12x7 in. baking dish. Sprinkle with the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Combine brown sugar, flour, and butter (and a little oatmeal, optional). I added a little oatmeal, maybe 1/4 c. or less. Sprinkle over apple mixture. Bake 350 for 40-45 minutes or until apples are tender. Serve warm or at room temp, with cream if desired.

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

2010-08-02T18:29:00.000-05:00

I know it is 100 degrees outside, but I feel like I am getting sick and am craving chicken noodle soup. I found the BEST recipe last year in a Taste of Home Soup magazine. I have been so tired and this stuffy nose has got to go! I'm sure I will repost this recipe this fall when we have chilly evenings. But here it is....in August.
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

1 stewing chicken (2 to 3 pounds) cut up - be sure to use a whole chicken and not just chicken breasts
2 1/2 quarts water
3 tsp. salt
2 tsp chicken bouillon granules
1/2 medium onion, chopped
1/8 tsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. dried marjoram
1/4 tsp. dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup diced celery
1 1/2 cups uncooked fine noodles (on Chinese aisle)

In large soup kettle, combine the first 11 ingredients. Cover and bring to
a boil; skim broth. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until
chicken is tender.

Remove chicken from broth; allow to cook. Debone chicken and cut into
chunks. Skim fat from broth; bring to boil. **At this point, it is your choice to
either strain the broth or leave the veggies in it. It is good both ways**
Add noodles; cook until noodles are tender. Return chicken to kettle; adjust seasonings
to taste. Remove bay leaf.

8-10 servings

Family Approved Movies

2010-07-28T15:02:00.000-05:00

In case you have never heard of this website, I thought I would tell you about the Dove Foundation Family Approved Movies..

I don't know about you, but I sometimes find it overwhelming to try and pick a movie that my kids will like and that I feel is appropriate for them to watch. I have looked at other movie review websites, but felt that they let a lot of movies slip through that I wouldn't approve of. If you go to this website, you can enter a movie title and it will give it an approval rating or let you know that it is not appropriate for family viewing. Some of the movies will be approved for children 12 and older. You can also search specific actors and get a list of movies. There are many ways to search on here....even a complete list of 5000+ approved movies!

We got National Treasure 2 in the mail today via Netflix. If I wanted to see what was in this movie that I might find inappropriate for my children, ages 11 and 12, this is what I would see. You can see that this movie is Dove Family Approved and recommended for ages 12 and over. Down at the bottom, you can see details of sex, language, violence, drugs, and other.

Theatrical Release: 12/21/2007
Release Date: 5/20/2008

National Treasure: Book of Secrets

Dove Family-Approved
Recommended for
ages 12 and over

Rating Descriptions

Reviewer: Julie Kemme
Source: Theater
Company: Walt Disney
Writer: Cormac Wibberley and Marianne Wibberley
Director: Jon Turteltaub
Producer: Jerry Bruckheimer
Genre: Adventure
Runtime: 130 min.
MPAA Rating: PG
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Ed Harris, Helen Mirren, Jon Voight, Diane Kruger

Synopsis:
In this follow up to the box-office hit "National Treasure," treasure hunter Ben Gates (Nicolas Cage) once again sets out on an exhilarating, action-packed new global quest to unearth hidden history and treasures.

When a missing page from the diary of John Wilkes Booth surfaces, Ben's great-great grandfather is suddenly implicated as a key conspirator in Abraham Lincoln's death. Determined to prove his ancestor's innocence, Ben follows an international chain of clues that takes him on a chase from Paris to London and ultimately back to America. This journey leads Ben and his crew not only to surprising revelations, but to the trail of the world's most treasured secrets.

Dove Worldview:
If you are a fan of "National Treasure" you won't be disappointed by this engaging and clever sequel. Once again the audience is taken on a treasure hunt through history, this time to clear the name of our hero's ancestors. Along the way, we find clues in plain site and some in more remote locations. Ben Gates and his cohorts must once again use their knowledge of history and their puzzle-solving-skills to follow the clues, and even devise a plan to kidnap the President of the United States.

I enjoyed revisiting the characters in this sequel and found them just as exciting and humorous as the first time around. Families will find much to discuss in this film, from the assassination of Abraham Lincoln to the possibility of the President having a "book of secrets." Please note that there are many intense chase scenes involving gun shots and the characters find themselves in peril during the final stages of their hunt. Overall this is an enjoyable film and we are proud to award it our Dove "Family-Approved" Seal for ages twelve and over.

Content Description:
Sex: One scene with mild sexual innuendo; woman kisses man passionately to distract him; man and woman kiss; there is mention of main characters previously living together.
Language: My G-1
Violence: Man shot in head, no impact seen or blood shown; boy is with father when he is shot in stomach and dies, no blood shown; man hit in head during break-in; chase scene involving gun shots and reckless driving through populated streets; several crashes during car chase scenes; intense scenes involving peril while characters are searching for treasure; a rotten corpse is seen with knife sticking out of its chest; fist fight and knife held to a character's throat; intense scene involving water.
Drugs: One scene where men are drinking liquor; champagne at party; a character twice mentions a run-in with tequila.
Nudity: Mild cleavage.
Other: The main characters in this film do manipulate others, break-and-enter and break laws to advance in their quest, though not without consequences.

False assurance of salvation...

2010-07-28T10:45:00.000-05:00

There are so many false conversions in church today. This video is about that. I know it's long, but believe me, it's worth watching. BY THE WAY, the title says something about rappers...this has nothing to do with music.

Walking down the aisle, signing a card, and praying a prayer does not guarantee salvation. I know so many people that say they were saved as a kid or a teen, but their lives do not show it. They do not produce fruit. I want to state that I am NOT judging anyone. I am concerned that they THINK they are saved, but are not. There are a lot of preachers out there that talk to children, teens, and adults after a prayer or professions of faith and tell them that they are now going to heaven. How could a preacher know that?! I was "saved" when I was 16 and BELIEVE ME, I did not live a life that showed it. I was told by my preacher, church, and sunday school class that I was saved and yet I lived a very disobedient life. I am glad that I did not die all of those times I drove drunk in my late teens and early 20's because I would have gone to hell. Christ was not in me. Anyway, if you watch this, let me know what you think.

Exercise while you work...

2010-07-27T11:32:00.000-05:00

This is what I need for my elliptical!

I spend a lot of time on the computer, especially this time of year. I am getting ready for the new school year by working on lesson plans and searching for new and exciting ideas to use in my classroom. My elliptical is behind me, staring me down. I need to get on it daily to help shed about 30 pounds. I don't know if an elliptical would work as well as a treadmill because you go up-and-down a lot on the elliptical and that might make it hard to type!

This looks like fun!

Let's see....what else could we incorporate into daily tasks. How about a "Thigh Master" attached to the front of the cabinet under your sink?

While you are washing dishes, you can work your thighs? Ha! Okay...maybe not.

Help!!!! Back to School lunches....

2010-07-23T10:18:00.000-05:00

I don't know about you, but my kids are getting tired of PB&J in their lunchbox! It is so difficult to come up with good, nutritious meals that normal kids will eat. I have googled ideas for lunches, but I'm tellin' ya....my kids are NOT going to eat hummus in a whole wheat flour wrap. Ha! I don't want to send any Chef Boy-r-Dee type of meals with my kids. They are extremely high in fat and expensive.

I'm not completely dismissing the pb&j, but I want to have several ideas to choose from. What do you send in your child's lunchbox as the MAIN ENTREE'? Mine have no access to microwave or fridge.

Here's the list so far:

PB &J
Turkey or Ham Sandwich
Turkey or Ham Wrap
Leftover Pizza
Leftover chicken (baked, fried, strips....whatever)

Not very exciting, is it?

HELP!!!!!!!!!!!

By the way.....this is what our school lunches usually look like. Pathetic.

My favorite teaching websites and blogs...

2010-07-22T13:06:00.000-05:00

I LOVE reading other teacher's blogs, especially kindergarten teachers! There are a lot of talented and inspiring teachers who take the time to share with others and I think that is GREAT! Below is a list of blogs/websites that I frequently go to for ideas or just to see what they are doing in their classroom:

Kindergarten 3 R's

Chalk Talk

Ms. Warner - just found her this week via Chalk Talk

Kindergarten Kindergarten - found her this week via Chalk Talk

The Virtual Vine

Kinder by Kim

Kelly's Kindergarten

Kindergarten Kove - If you use Scott Foresman kindergarten, you MUST see this site!

Mrs. Jump's Kindergarten

Centers in a Bag - This is a website that sells downloads to GREAT learning games. I have purchased several of them and my students really liked them. She has free downloads every month.

Shari Sloane - Lots of games to print off for hands-on learning!

I hope I haven't left any off. There are so many good sites on the internet!

Students Ordered to Stop Praying Outside Supreme Court Building

2010-07-15T22:12:00.000-05:00

Is this what America is coming to? A group of Christian students was ordered to stop praying outside the U.S. Supreme Court building on May 5 because a court police officer told them it was against the law.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/07/15/students-ordered-stop-praying-outside-supreme-court-building/

Favorite Bible Verse

2010-07-15T17:31:00.000-05:00

What is your favorite Bible verse?

Who do we worship?

2010-07-15T17:24:00.000-05:00

♥Matthew 2:2 2 “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”

♥Matthew 2:11 After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh

Matthew 14:33 And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “You are certainly God’s Son!”

♥Matthew 28:9 And behold, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they came up and took hold of His feet and worshiped Him.

♥John 9: 35 - 38

35 Jesus heard that they had put him out, and finding him, He said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”

36 He answered, “Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?”

37 Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him, and He is the one who is talking with you.”

38 And he said, “Lord, I believe.” And he worshiped Him.

♥ Hebrews 1:6 And when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says,

“And let all the angels of God worship Him.”

♥Galations 1:8 - 9 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!

We need to KNOW who we worship.

My favorite verse in the Bible is Ephesians 2:8 - 9 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Chalk Talk - Math Class Books

2010-07-13T19:56:00.000-05:00

One of my very favorite teacher blogs, Chalk Talk, just posted a great link for math class books! She has a SMILEBOX slideshow of her math kindergarten class books. Very cute ideas! If you click on the link, she has downloads for each one! I love it when other teachers share great ideas like this. :) I downloaded each file individually and saved it in its own folder so it will be easier for me to pull up later on.

I have a problem.....

2010-07-10T22:52:00.000-05:00

" Father, I have a problem. It's weighing heavy on me. It's all I can think about, night and day. Before I bring it to you in prayer, I suppose I should pray for those who are less fortunate than me - those in the world who have hardly enough food for this day, and for those who don't have a roof over their heads at night. I also pray for families who have lost loved ones in sudden death, for parents whose children have leukemia, for the many people who are dying of brain tumors, for the hundreds of thousands who are laid waste with other terrible cancers, for people whose bodies have been suddenly shattered in car wrecks, for those who are lying in hospitals with agonizing burns over their bodies, whose faces have been burned beyond recognition. I pray for people with emphysema, whose eyes fill with terror as they struggle for every breath merely to live, for those who are wracked with the pains of aging, whose only 'escape' is death.

"I pray for people who are watching their loved ones fade before their eyes through the grief of Alzheimer's disease, for the many thousands who are suffering the agony of AIDS, for those who are in such despair that they are contemplating suicide, for people who are tormented by the demons of alcoholism and drug addiction. I pray for children who have been abandoned by their parents, for those who are sexually abused, for wives held in quiet despair, beaten and abused by cruel drunken husbands, for people whose minds have been destroyed by mental disorders, for those who have lost everything in floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes. I pray for the blind, who never see the faces of the ones they love or the beauty of a sunrise, for those whose bodies are deformed by painful arthritis, for the m any whose lives will be taken from them today by murderers, for those wasting away on their deathbeds in hospitals.

"Most of all, I cry out for the millions who don't know the forgiveness that is in Jesus Christ...for those who in a moment of time will be swept into hell by the cold hand of death, and find to their utter horror the unspeakable vengeance of eternal fire. They will be eternally damned to everlasting punishment. O God, I pray for them.

"Strange. I can't seem to remember what my problem was. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen"

I think this was written by Ray Comfort, Living Water Ministries.

Pioneer Woman's Coffee Cake

2010-07-07T22:35:00.000-05:00

Yesterday morning, I made The Pioneer Woman's Coffee Cake. I printed this recipe off a few weeks ago and kept thinking about it. I've been trying to lose weight (snicker, snicker..) and didn't want to be tempted. But, alas, I gave in to temptation and made it. It makes a 9x13 cake and it deee-licious! BUT! I have to say that it was even better today, if that is possible. I would've posted a pic, but it's already gone.

Ya know, I haven't tried a recipe from Pioneer Woman that I didn't like! She is not helping with my diet because not only do the recipes sound mouthwatering, the photographs look so good I can almost smell her cookin'! Have you tried any of her recipes? If so, which ones?

Fish With Trish

2010-07-06T15:01:00.002-05:00

I am SO excited about a blog I just found. Fish With Trish is a Christian blog that gives lots of inspiration and ideas on sharing the gospel. Under her "About Me" section, she writes:

Trisha Ramos currently serves on staff with Kirk Cameron and Ray Comfort at Living Waters. Trisha's passion is really God's passion, and that is to see Him glorified through the preaching of the Gospel to the lost...

Trish keeps her purse stuffed FULL of gospel tracts and gives them out wherever she goes. Living waters has a great selection of these tracts to choose from. Trish also has a youtube channel that has lots of videos showing how she shares the gospel. One of my favorite videos that I watched today was a quick two-minute trip through the drive thru:

I will be using Trish's great ideas that she posts on her blog! The most important thing we can do is share the gospel.

The Narrow Gate

2010-07-03T13:12:00.001-05:00

The Pilgrim’s Progress

Now I saw in my dream that these two men went in at the gate: and lo, as they entered, they were transfigured, and they had raiment put on that shone like gold. There was also that met them with harps and crowns, and gave them to them — the harps to praise withal, and the crowns in token of honour. Then I heard in my dream that all the bells in the city rang again for joy, and that it was said unto them,

Enter ye into the joy of your Lord.

I also heard the men themselves, that they sang with a loud voice, saying,

Blessing and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth Upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, for ever and ever.

Now, just as the gates were opened to let in the men, I looked in after them, and, behold, the City shone like the sun; the streets also were paved with gold, and in them walked many men, with crowns on their heads, palms in their hands, and golden harps to sing praises withal.

There were also of them that had wings, and they answered one another without intermission, saying, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord. And after that they shut up the gates; which, when I had seen, I wished myself among them.

Now while I was gazing upon all these things, I turned my head to look back, and saw Ignorance come up to the river side; but he soon got over, and that without half that difficulty which the other two men met with. For it happened that there was then in that place, one Vain-hope, a ferryman, that with his boat helped him over; so he, as the other I saw, did ascend the hill, to come up to the gate, only he came alone; neither did any man meet him with the least encouragement. When he was come up to the gate, he looked up to the writing that was above, and then began to knock, supposing that entrance should have been quickly administered to him; but he was asked by the men that looked over the top of the gate, Whence came you, and what would you have? He answered, I have eat and drank in the presence of the King, and he has taught in our streets. Then they asked him for his certificate, that they might go in and shew it to the King; so he fumbled in his bosom for one, and found none. Then said they, Have you none? But the man answered never a word. So they told the King, but he would not come down to see him, but commanded the two Shining Ones that conducted Christian and Hopeful to the City, to go out and take Ignorance, and bind him hand and foot, and have him away. Then they took him up, and carried him through the air to the door that I saw in the side of the hill, and put him in there. Then I saw that there was a way to hell, even from the gates of heaven, as well as from the City of Destruction. So I awoke, and behold it was a dream.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Matthew 7:13-23 (ESV)

13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.
14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.
18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit.
19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’
23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

John 14:6 (ESV)
6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

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I don't know about you, but every time I read these verses, I pray that God will keep pointing me towards truth! Continually seek the narrow gate because most people are heading down a wide road to destruction.

Just for the month of July, Scentsy has.....

2010-07-02T18:40:00.000-05:00

For the month of July, Scentsy has brought back 20 of your favorite retired scents! Click HERE to go to my Scentsy website. You can SHOP ONLINE and Scentsy will ship it to your home!

W.O.W.

2010-07-02T09:04:00.000-05:00

W.O.W. = Watch Our Words

For the entire month of July, I am going to spend each day in the book of Proverbs highlighting every verse that has to do with our WORDS. Proverbs has plenty to say about this! I have not always been the best person at holding my tongue or choosing my words carefully. My words have hurt, offended, criticized, belittled, and angered others. I have said things to my own children that I would give anything to take back. Words are not easily forgotten, as we all know! I am praying that I am able to see myself in these words and CHANGE how I speak to others.

Look who stopped by to say hello....

2010-06-30T19:10:00.000-05:00

I walked out onto my deck and saw two beautiful butterflies on my coneflowers. A blue butterfly and a yellow butterfly were enjoying themselves, flitting from flower to flower. They stayed for a long time and then flew away together. Little things like this make ordinary days special. ♥

Marine sings fourth verse of Star Spangled Banner!

2010-06-29T16:16:00.002-05:00

Square Foot Gardening

2010-06-28T10:10:00.002-05:00

This is my first year to use square foot gardening and I must say that it really does work! I have two 4 x 8 foot beds and they are full of vegetables! Nothing has died! This is a miracle for me, because in the past I was a (gulp!) plant murderer. Nothing ever lived, and if it did manage to live for a little while, it never produced vegetables for me. My next door neighbors called me on Father's Day weekend and wanted to borrow my Square Foot Gardening book. By the time I got home and put it on their front porch, they had decided to purchase their own. They had peeked over my fence and saw all of my wonderful veggie plants and were really impressed with the size of the plants in such a shallow box. In the book, Mel says that six inches deep is enough. I wouldn't believe it if I didn't see it for myself.

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO TILL THE SOIL. This is the best part of SFG, I think. I built my box and placed it where I wanted it in my yard. I took old cardboard boxes and removed all the tape. Then, I put the broken-down boxes on top of the grass in my raised bed/box. I also used some newspaper. No grass has grown up through my bed at all. The cardboard and newspaper will eventually decompose and become part of the soil. I have only had 5 weeds in my raised beds! No weeding! Could it get any easier?!

I live in town and my backyard is not very big. I have a HUGE oak tree right in the middle of the yard that I thought might shade too much of the yard. Actually, it has turned out to be a blessing. My raised beds are on the east side of my yard. They get morning and noon sun and are protected from the blazing hot afternoon sun by my shade tree!

This year, I have lots of various tomatoes, jalepeno peppers, banana peppers, cilantro, basil, bell peppers, strawberries, green beans, and cucumbers. In July, I'm going to plant pumpkins. Did you know that you can grow pumpkins vertically? If you give them a strong enough support system, they will climb up and produce huge pumpkins! The stem will automatically thicken and strengthen itself to support the growing punkin'!

Next year: After visiting a friend's house last week and walking through her blueberry and blackberry beds, I decided that next year I am gonig to build another raised bed just for berries! They are perrenial, so all I have to do is add most compost each spring and they will THRIVE. Blueberries, especially organic, are so expensive to buy in our store. I can't wait! I am also going to build another 4 x 8 bed and put more veggies in. Eventually, I want to have the entire east side of my yard lined up with raised beds.

Replace your broken Scentsy tops/dishes!

2010-06-25T11:54:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I noticed on my Scentsy page that you can now buy replacement tops for your Scentsy warmer! I have had several people call and tell me they accidentally broke the top and need a new one. Now, you can!

Shop online! You can buy from my page and Scentsy will ship it to your home!

https://susanmcdonald.scentsy.us/Buy/Collection/89

Mmm....coffee.

2010-06-25T10:02:00.000-05:00

As I made my morning pot of coffee this morning, I thought about when I first started enjoying the stuff! Growing up, I tasted my parent's coffee occasionally to see what the big deal was about. STRONG. FAKE POWDERED CREAMER. BITTER. Yuck. I'll pass, thanks. When I was in my early 20's, I was in a situaion where I was freezing and there was nothing to drink except black coffee. I held onto that little styrofoam cup and finally started taking little sips until it was all gone. Hmmm....so maybe this stuff isn't too bad.

Don't you love the smell of fresh brewed coffee in the morning? For some reason, it reminds me of my granny and papa's house when I was a child. They lived in small-town Oklahoma and when we would visit, every morning would start off with the smell of bacon, eggs, biscuits, and coffee.

Currently, my favorite is Millstone Hazelnut Cream. Our Starbucks closed after only one year. It was always busy, but they said they had to close some and ours was one of the chosen.

I have to admit that I am a horrible mom. My kids love my coffee and I let them have a cup occasionally (really, not very often!). One day in the future, when they are dragging themselves out of bed to start yet another day as an adult, they might come to really appreciate this black gold.

Tell me, how do you like your coffee?

Me? Black.

...off to get another cuppa.

Are You a Good Person?

2010-06-24T07:22:00.002-05:00

Well, let's see.... take THIS test.

Sharing the gospel...

2010-06-21T08:57:00.004-05:00

This is a video from Santa Monica, CA. Notice the man with the sunglasses on that stands to the side the entire time. Evidentally, he was listening. They ran into him years later and found a huge change in his life. I am waiting to receive the video that shows how God has changed this man's life....can't wait to see it! This is from Way of the Master.

Childhood Toys

2010-06-18T21:58:00.000-05:00

I wish I would've kept some of these toys from my childhood! Can you tell which decade(s) I grew up in? Some of the toys have continued to be popular and some have come back for my kids to enjoy! I remember seeing E.T. in the theater and crying when he was dying. I also remember seeing Ghostbusters on a hot summer night. The air conditioning in the theater wasn't working and in Oklahoma in the middle of summer, it is HOT.

Oh! I forgot to put Annie in there! My mom gave me my first perm the same day we went to see Annie. My dad was worried that we were going to be late so she washed out the perm and I ended up with frizzy hair that looked like Annie's. I had to sit in the theater smelling like rotten eggs.

Remember when Atari came out? We went to Sears and my parents surprised us by purchasing an Atari and Pac Man (because what is Atari without PacMan).

I have so many good memories from childhood. It seems like yesterday, my sister and I were waiting for dinner at Pizza Hut and playing Centipede or Ms. Pac Man. I wish I would've saved the E.T. and Care Bear glasses that we got from Pizza Hut.

What was your favorite childhood toy?

Kay Arthur Bible study

2010-06-18T16:01:00.000-05:00

I know Kay Arthur has been around forever, but I am new to her books and Bible studies. Love it! I bought a book today - Lord, Teach Me to Study the Bible in 28 Days. I have cheated and read the first three days. Love it! She uses colored pencils to "code" her Bible while studying. I read the Bible a lot, but am not good at studying it on my own.

Beauty Tips - Audrey Hepburn

2010-06-17T10:12:00.000-05:00

4th of July for your home!

2010-06-15T08:04:00.000-05:00

Look at these cute ideas from Country Sampler magazine!

http://www.sampler.com/decoratewithcrafts.aspx?id=27532

http://www.allysonsplace.com/home1.html

http://www.sampler.com/hometours.aspx?id=378

Prayer Request Tuesday

2010-06-15T07:15:00.001-05:00

Jeanette over at Sweet Jeanette has a prayer request "chain" going on over at her blog. I love this idea! We all need prayer from time to time, not just for ourselves, but for our children, friends, parents, etc.

http://sweetjeanette.blogspot.com/2010/06/prayer-request-tuesday.html

Garlic Spaghetti

2010-06-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

I love this easy recipe. If you like garlic and pasta, then you need to try this! It takes about 15 minutes to cook and is cheap and healthy! This recipe can be a main entree or can be a side-dish.

I use whatever garlic I have available. If I'm in a hurry, I will use minced garlic from a jar. Or you can take the time to mince your own!

Garlic Spaghetti

In a large pot, cook desired amount of pasta. You can easily adjust the amount of garlic/oil to make more or less. This recipe will be for 4 servings.

In a skillet, heat 1/4 c. olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 T. minced garlic. Stir until lightly browned and immeditaly remove from burner! Drain pasta. Pour olive oil/garlic over pasta. Toss. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve in bowl and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. You can also sprinkle some parsley flakes on top for a fresh herb taste. This recipe is easy to modify to your taste. If you want only a hint of garlic, use less. If you want to keep the vampires away, then load up the skillet with it!

Okay, so I might not want to keep all vampires away.....

Storyline Online

2010-06-15T06:34:00.001-05:00

If you are a parent or teacher, you need to check out Storyline Online! It is a free online streaming video program that has famous people reading children's books! My kindergarteners love listening to A Bad Case of Stripes.

http://www.storylineonline.net/

My favorite Scentsy products!

2010-06-11T18:21:00.000-05:00

Favorite Warmer - Zebra

Next Favorite Warmer - Wynken

Favorite Scents :

French Kiss

Honey Pear Cider

Cinnamon Cider

Making Pizzelles...Italian Cookies

2010-06-10T18:47:00.001-05:00

I first had these cookies when I was in middle school. An Italian friend in our neighborhood used to invite everyone over for an annual Italian feast. I could not eat enough of these! Delicious.

Pizzelles

3 eggs, beaten

3/4 c. sugar

1/2 c. butter, melted (1 stick)

1 t. vanilla

1 t. anise extract (optional)

1 3/4 c. flour

2 t. baking powder

powdered sugar

Mix eggs and sugar and gradually mix in melted butter. Do not use very hot butter or you can guess what will happen to your eggs! Mix in vanilla and anise (optional). Stir in flour and baking powder. Make sure your pizelle maker is hot and the light has turned off. Put 1 Tbls. batter in middle of pizelle design. It only takes about 60 seconds! Gently lift out with tongs and let cool. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Makes about 18 cookies.

Have you ever made pizelles? Do you have any tips to share?

Shrek Ever After and Shanghai Girls

2010-06-10T11:37:00.001-05:00

A few days ago, we saw Shrek Ever After in the theater. I was afraid I would be disappointed (as I usually am with sequels). It was really cute and I had more than one laugh-out-loud moment. We had to choose between Shrek and Marmaduke - glad we chose Shrek. Maybe Marmaduke will be another day.

Yesterday, after reading a lot of reviews on GoodReads, I bought the book Shanghai Girls. It is set in 1937 in China when Japanese attack. It is about two sisters who live in an upper class society. They think of themselves as modern women, making their own choices and living their lives the way they want to. Then, their father tells them that he has gambled away the family's wealth and he has sold them as wives. I am only halfway through the book (stayed up until 3 a.m. reading) and am anxious to find out what happens next. This is definitely a "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" kind of book.

Slumber Party

2010-06-09T21:14:00.001-05:00

Slumber party at my house tonight. Tween and teen girls. Pray for me.

Foreign film...love or not?

2010-06-09T21:12:00.004-05:00

have watched very few foreign films, but while browsing Netflix, I found one that sounded interesting. It stars Audrey Tautou, someone I have never heard of. The movie is Amelie. I really loved this movie. It didn't take me long to get used to the subtitles. This movie is cute and quirky and is a sweet love story. There are a couple of "naughty" scenes, but I just ignored 'em and moved on. I'm not much on sweaty love scenes, anyway. LOL! Audrey Tautou is so beautiful! The colors in this movie are so vivid....it really draws you in.

Amelie, source unknown

Her hair is down at the beginning of the movie. It's cute and flippy. Like I said, this is a love story. She begins secretly doing nice things and helping others, not ever expecting acknowledgement or thanks. She also does some dirty work, getting back at evil-doers. Very cute and funny.

As far as my very limited experience in foreign films goes, I think this one is great and definitely give it a thumbs up.

Now, thinking about darkening my hair.........

I LOVE Roomba!

2010-06-09T13:24:00.001-05:00

Last December, I bought myself a Christmas gift. I bought a Roomba. You know, those robot vacuum cleaners! I have laminate and tile floors in my kitchen, dining, living room, and down the hall. Although I love hard floors, they gather a lot of dust/hair/crumbs. I always think to myself that if I had carpet, those dust bunnies would still be there, but they would be buried in the carpet! Anyway, I ABSOLUTELY love this machine. It gets under my sofas and dining bureau, under the tables, around the chairs, and even in the corners. I have used them in the bedrooms where there is carpet and was very surprised at how well it performed! Roomba got under my bed and picked up a lot of dust, which will help my allergies. We have been calling her "Alice" - the maid off of The Brady Bunch. Ha!
There are several to choose from, but after reading many comments, I decided to get the Roomba Pet Series.. I guess some of the older models were bad about getting clogged up with pet hair/fur and this one doesn't. One of the best parts is that it will pick up cat litter! I will put her in the utility room when I go to bed and wake up to a clean floor and no kitty litter. I haven't had any problems with it getting clogged, except when my kids were playing with fishing line and left a long piece in the floor. Alice didn't like that!
Do any of you have a Roomba? If so, what do you think? Right now, she is vacuuming my living and dining area. There is a battery-powered virtual wall that will keep Roomba in one area. You place it against one wall and aim it toward the other wall and she won't cross the line.
OH! Also, when Alice's battery gets low, she will dock herself. I thought I'd share this with anyone that is interested because she saves me a lot of time.

Alice

Bubble Pizza for Dinner

2010-06-08T19:37:00.000-05:00

I was cruisin' Hoosier Homemade's blog and came across a quick and easy recipe. I have heard of Bubble Pizza before, but have never made it! Yummy! Click HERE for the recipe.

I made my first Blog Button!

2010-06-08T14:55:00.000-05:00

I have been wanting to make my own blog button, but had absolutely NO idea how to do it. I downloaded the free trial of photoshop elements and started googling for a how-to. I found THIS website that shows how to add the little box below so you can let others link your page! My button is nothing fancy, but it's my first one! Woo Hoo! I am so excited! I plan on buying Photoshop Elements this summer from Academic Superstore. If you are a teacher, you can get discounts on a lot of stuff!

Those skinny French women....

2010-06-07T16:08:00.004-05:00

Okay, so I've had this book for a while - French Women Don't Get Fat. I read it last year and it went right back on my bookshelf. Yesterday, I pulled it back down and began reading it again.
Every summer, I go through the same thing. I want to lose a lot of weight and tone up so when I start teaching again this fall, I will look goo-ooood. I want to buy new teaching clothes that show off my slim and toned new body. I procrastinate week after week. Then, around the first of August, I freak out and start walking, lifting weights, using elliptical, etc, etc.. So, I thought I would try the French women's way. The author gives a recipe for "Magical Leek Soup" that is supposed to kick-start your weight loss.

I would post this recipe, but I don't want the copyright police to come after me. I'm sure if you googled "magical leek soup", you would find it.
She also gives a lot of tips on eating practically anything you want, but just in moderation (sounds like my kind of diet). I'm going to give it a try and will keep you posted.
Oh! I didn't know Mireille Guiliano had a French Women Don't Get Fat Cookbook! Ordering that today..

Oh, look! I found a link to the author's website that has a step by step how-to on the soup. http://frenchwomendontgetfat.com/content/how-make-magical-leek-soup

By the way..... I don't know if French Women are actually skinnier than American women. This book just has a lot of common sense advise and tips on keeping things in moderation and still enjoying food.

Pasta to Love

2010-06-04T15:07:00.004-05:00

This is a quick and easy pasta recipe that my family loves. The recipe can be modified so you can add in more goodies to make it like your family likes it!

1/2 lb mild Italian sausage (I use 2 - 3 links, remove casings)

1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes

1/4 to 1/2 cup diced onion (depending on how much you like onion...)

1 tsp. minced garlic - I use the preminced garlic in the jar, but you can use whatever.

3 - 4 Roma Tomatoes , coarsly chopped

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 pint cream

Pasta for 4 - I use a different pasta every time we make this. My favorite, so far, is rigatoni.

Parmesan cheese

In a large skillet, heat 1 T. olive oil over medium heat. Crumble up sausage and sprinkle with red pepper flakes. Cook until sausage is no longer pink. Add onion and garlic and cook until onion is a little bit tender and sausage is starting to brown. Add tomatoes and salt. Continue to cook for about 4 minutes or until tomatoes begin to soften. Pour in cream and simmer on low for a few minutes until it starts to thicken up. Toss with cooked pasta. Serve and sprinkle with parmesean cheese. You can add what your family likes to this dish: black olives, bell pepper, etc....

I love this warmer .... perfect for summer!

2010-06-04T14:47:00.000-05:00

This is the Liberty Scentsy warmer. Click to learn more or to buy online.

One man's junk....

2010-06-04T09:07:00.003-05:00

Here are some recent garage sale treasures. The doorknobs are actually hangers. I haven't decided where to put them. Ideas? I thought about the bathroom to hang towels on. I'd rather have them in the kitchen or living area.

I love this bird cage! I hate to put it outside because the sun/heat/wind/rain will ruin it. Cute!

I♥ garage sales!

Minivans are HOT....

2010-06-04T00:44:00.000-05:00

I saw a link to this video on the Blessed Life blog and HAD to share! I feel a lot cooler about driving a minivan after this!

CakePops

2010-06-01T21:06:00.001-05:00

I made some yummy cake pops that I found HERE. These are definitely keepers, although my technique could use some improvement. LOL! I enjoyed looking around Bakerella's site last night. Wow....lots of talent!

Tip of the day....

2010-05-31T18:38:00.001-05:00

When using your bread machine, don't forget to put the paddle in.

Yummmmmy! After waiting for over an hour for the dough to mix and rise, I opened it to find a big blob of flour with oil/water sneaking up around the edges. Lesson learned.

Dumped it out. Trying again.

Toastmaster TBR15 1-1/2-Pound Breadmaker

Greek Tomato Feta Salad

2010-05-31T12:54:00.002-05:00

When I lived in Texas, I loved going to Whole Foods Market. One hot afternoon, I tasted a sample of this salad and it was love at first sight...err...taste. They were giving out the recipes, so I nabbed one and we have been together ever since. ♥ When we have pot-luck lunches in the teacher's lounge, I make this salad. I double it and it makes a HUGE amount. It always disappears! I serve it with slices of bread or just eat it by itself.

Greek Tomato Feta Salad

6 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon chopped oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cucumbers, peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded and cut into bite-size chunks
4 ripe tomatoes, cored and cut into bite-size pieces
1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded and roughly chopped
1 small red onion, peeled and thinly sliced
4 to 6 ounces feta cheese, cut into cubes
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
In a large bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, oregano, salt and pepper to make a dressing. Add cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, onions, feta cheese and olives and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately.

Quick, Cool, and Easy, No-Bake Memorial Day Dessert!

2010-05-31T12:46:00.003-05:00

Okay, I know most of you have probably tried Lemon Icebox pie, but I had to share. This recipe is so stinkin' easy and soooooo cool and yummy. Perfect for a summer day! I posted my recipe on Recipezaar (my new favorite place to get recipes). If you make it, let me know what you think!

http://www.recipezaar.com/recipe/susans-lemon-icebox-pie-420818

Planning for next year...

2010-05-30T22:27:00.002-05:00

I'm going to order my favorite plan book this week. I can't do any official planning this summer because we are going to have some big changes next year. We are going to have a longer day...maybe 1.5 more hours in our school day. I have mixed feelings about all of these changes. We will be starting school later, which means we will be getting home later. I would rather start early. 8-3 would be perfect, but I don't get to make those choices! We don't have naps in kindergarten at my school. Most 5 y/o do okay without a nap....some don't. The hard part is, we have before and after school childcare. Some of these kids are dropped off at 6:30 a.m. and don't get picked up until 5:30. It's a long day for those babies! I guess I will have to wait and see what changes we are going to be facing.

Here is my fav planner.....so far. DJ Inkers is so stinkin' cute! I thought about doing my plans in Word, but haven't decided which is the best way.

Photofunia!

2010-05-30T15:28:00.003-05:00

I love this website. Fun photo effects! Go check it out! Photofunia
I don't have an iPhone, but I just noticed that they have an iPhone App!

Photoshop, here I come!

2010-05-29T22:49:00.000-05:00

Next Wednesday, I get to attend a photoshop class for free. I don't know anything at all about photoshop. I have tried to mess around with it and figure it out, but was very frustrated. I want to learn how to make banners, and buttons, and backgrounds! I'm sure I will just learn the basics, but it will be more than I know right now. I'm actually considered the "computer person" at my school - most of my fellow teachers ask me for help. lol However, I know that there is soooo much I don't know and I am dying to learn! ♥

Now......if I can just figure out how to get photoshop for free.

Tips on saving money on grocery budget!

2010-05-29T18:49:00.000-05:00

I have found a GREAT way to save on my grocery bill. Although I am not Mormon, I have found some great blogs/websites by Mormon moms who KNOW how to plan a grocery budget.

At foodstoragemadeeasy.net, they have made an excel spreadsheet that you can plan an entire month's menu. After writing out the menu, you fill in the amount of each item you are going to need for your grocery list. There is a master list at the beginning of the excel spreadsheet that I print off and take with me to the store. For example, last month, I needed to buy 7 pounds of hamburger meat, 16 chicken breasts, 6 cans of cream of chicken....etc. You have to SEE this to understand how great it is! Go to the link and watch the short videos, then save the excel spreadsheet to your computer and start planning.
I PROMISE it is very easy and worth planning! I saved almost $200 last month!
Grocery Excel Spreadsheet
Let me know what you think! After making my master list, I took a clip board to the store and wrote down the prices for EVERY SINGLE ITEM. Then, at home I added another column and plugged those prices in beside the grocery item. Using my limited excel knowledge, I multiplied the price times the quantity so I knew exactly how much I was going to spend.

Do I have too much time on my hands?!

Square Foot Gardening!

2010-05-29T18:46:00.001-05:00

I am a new square foot gardener. I bought Mel's book. I made Mel's soil mix. I built my beds. Everything is STILL ALIVE!! I am so excited that I haven't killed any plants....yet. I planted a lot of tomatoes this year and have lots of baby tomatoes. I cannot wait for the first salad/hamburget/pico de gallo with my OWN home-grown tomatoes.

Free Smartboard Calendar Math!!!!

2010-05-27T21:49:00.000-05:00

These are the CUTEST Calendars for the Smartboard that I have ever seen. I used them last winter and spring with my K-class. They are FREE to download and can be used from pre-k to 3. There is a daily interactive calendar, pattern, weather page (that links to the weather channel), weather graph, and many math pages. I do not use all of the pages because they are too old for my kindergarten class. She used Thistlegirl Graphics to make these.

http://www.thewrightroom.com/page4.htm

Here are a couple of snapshots to give you an idea!

Smartboard Files - Free!

2010-05-27T21:40:00.000-05:00

Teachnic

In case you haven't already visited this AWESOME site, please check it out. She has made lots of smartboard files that you can save to your computer and use with your kindergarten class! She has a file for every letter of the alphabet, nursery rhymes, math, ..... oh, the list goes on! I saved all of mine into my network drive at school just in case she takes them off the web. Most of them are plain/nothing fancy, so if you want to take the time to "cutesie" them up, go for it!
http://sites.google.com/site/teachnic2/home

Interactive Games for Smartboard

2010-05-27T21:34:00.000-05:00

I found this link for math, reading, writing , science, social studies, and music games. These can be played on the smartboard. There are many games to choose from.

http://www.netrover.com/~kingskid/smartboard/smartboard.htm

Bookmaking Bonanza

2010-05-27T21:26:00.001-05:00

I recently ordered a book by Kim Jordano - Bookmaking Bonanza. I have wanted it for several months and it came in the mail today! She has many, many ideas for student-made books using a variety of materials - envelopes, tp rolls, film canisters, plastic bottles, paper plates, and more. I can't wait until next August so I can start using these! I ordered mine from Amazon, but you can also order from her page.Bookmaking Bonanza, Gr. K-1

Center Ideas!

2010-05-05T14:26:00.000-05:00

I made these word cards so students can work on sight words

without having to make paper copies. We are short on $ in our school

district, so we are all thinking of creative ways to teach

without it! I printed off five work mats and five sets of sight

word cards from our Scott Foresman kindergarten reading program.

I made this Rainbow Addition game using Thistlegirl graphics.

Students roll dice, add, and color the sum! Because regular

dice might be too easy (students just count the dots and don't add), I

made dice with numerals on them.

Bingo Addition

Students roll dice, add them together, and put a marker on the sum!

Yahtzee Addition

Students roll dice and add to find sum. They put an X by

the sum. I pair up two students to do this game. I got

this idea from Shari Sloane's website. She has a lot of

super ideas for kindergarten!

Spring Writing!

2010-05-05T13:37:00.000-05:00

This is a Spring word wall that we use for our kindergarten writing!

We do daily journals and try to use our sight words, seasonal words (like this), and

our kindergarten spelling! This idea is from Kim Jordano's website.

She has lots of super ideas!

Welcome!

2010-05-05T13:33:00.000-05:00

I am starting this blog to document all of the neat things we do in my kindergarten class. I also plan on posting links and pictures of all the wonderful things that I find on the internet. There are so many great ideas and so many great teachers that make teaching fun!