I had an interesting experience last Saturday. After we had taken my daughter to her first day on her new job we went shopping, and we saw a sight that has left me thinking... .... YEAH, and SisterT does THINK on occasions!! ha! But what I SAW I have never seen before... ... ...
I guess you could call me judgmental~or discriminating.. . . you know, these words have a BAD rap in our society today, but I call it THINKING and DISERNMENT~
I was sitting in a parking lot, and along came a traditional conservative Amish family of three~husband, wife and little baby~NO PROBLEM here~none with me.... NONE!
While the vision of such a devout couple was sweet, what did NOT look quite right to me was when the wife pulled out the potato chip can (you know the looong one-NOT a bag) and well... ... ... that wasn't too bad or IF it is bad...then in the back of the buggy was a super huge package of toilette paper... ... .. .. . .. .
Now, like I said, I am probably being judgmental, but something is WRONG with this picture~however IF I don't judge the situation, I have think about just where they are drawing the line in what they are willing to do to become separate from this world~ahem! Isn't this the reason for their clothing and lifestyle choices in order to please God? So if modern conveniences are wrong or evil, then how do they decide which ones are OK, like the chips and double thickness paper ON A ROLL??
With this said, this picture IF YOU CAN IMAGINE IT~and one I wish I had taken my camera to capture, just didn't add up~but trying NOT to judge~not be ugly myself about this in any kind of cynical way...
WHERE do I draw the line in this world in my own worldly affairs is MY QUESTION~what I need to consider rather than focus on this couple who were doing their best I am sure, that they could to live their own faith...
There are so many times and places that I find one foot squarely planted in this world with the pull of its powerful lure sucking me away from the God of my heart, while my spirit and heart longs for more intimacy with Him...such a conflict~a war, really...
WHERE to draw the line is such a difficult question, and to find ones self being reminded that I too have to and HAVE made a decision of dividing from this world and seeking God more intimately~should I inch closer to God more than I am?
Of course, I should. My division isn't as close to the Savior as it should or even could be...
Oh Lord, help me to become closer to you... AND thank you for showing me this precious family and teaching me something through them...Amen.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
GiveAway: Auto B. Good DVD
Christian Stay At Home Mom is offering a giveaway for a dvd of AutoB.Good. (ENDS 7/12)
Children's dvd that has good values...
Children's dvd that has good values...
FREE: AntiVirus Software and Malware Breakdown/INFO
Wonder what you really need when it comes to computer software protection? Oh boy, a virus can make life just plain miserable and stop us dead cold in our internet dealings...Check THIS out!
PCMag's blog on all the FREE antivirus/malware software available...AND FREE IS GREAT!
PCMag's blog on all the FREE antivirus/malware software available...AND FREE IS GREAT!
GiveAway: Stretch Mark Cream from Mederma
CrewMate, Reviews by Angela is hosting this giveaway. (ENDS 7/14)
GiveAway BLOG: Audrey's Giveaways
Go check Audrey out...she's giving away ALL kinds of stuff~and hey, THIS IS GREAT!
I can't resist~she's got a GiveAway LINKY~oh yeah...
GiveAway LInky with 69 giveaways just this week!! WHOOHOO!
$25 Gift Card to Sparkle~Go see her blog!!
I can't resist~she's got a GiveAway LINKY~oh yeah...
GiveAway LInky with 69 giveaways just this week!! WHOOHOO!
$25 Gift Card to Sparkle~Go see her blog!!
GiveAway: $100 CSN Store Gift Card...
I am a huge sucker for a giveAway~Audrey's Giveaways is hosting a $100 gift card giveAway to order and item of the winner's choice. (Ends 7/23)
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Spot Light: TOS CrewMate, Kimberly Williams
Congrats to Kimberly Williams who has a neat article in HSE Magazine this time about motherly socialization and how important it is for us to nurture ourselves. There is an opportunity to get a FREE sample and other free items from their website.
Go check out HSE~very very nice magazine!!
HSE Magazine
Go check out HSE~very very nice magazine!!
HSE Magazine
FREEbie: Online Calendar
Thanks to my CREWMATE, Life on the Hilltop for sharing Cozi where I can do an online calendar and lists... *grin*!!
Ah...THAT MATH Question Again
Oh boy~I'm REVISITING math again this year~well, let me explain...
I have two teens who are now going to 9th and 10th grades. For four years (but not totally) we have used Teaching Textbooks with an interlude of time with our daughter using ALEKS of which I had written a review and she wanted to try. She did. She found that it was not preparing her in a way that her pie was becoming filled in a timely fashion as she worked almost a year~albeit with times that her computer wouldn't load the program AND times when ALEKS did not record her work~yes, this happened...so this mama took matters BACK and put bought Algebra I for her, and we began AGAIN...
My friend who is a high school math teacher but also now teaches middle school visited us last week and because I had asked many questions about math when we need to find something that will teach it and my child will GET it, she said she would "work" with them a little bit to see what was going on. After several sessions my friend told me that my children have good mental math skills, which is a testament to the hard work in their younger grades. Whohoo!
She evaluated their Teaching Textbooks PreAlgebra and Algebra I in light of a few things she knew would show up on the CRCT for 8th grade in her state and the high school graduation exam (GRE). She advised me to look at the state standards here in our state and compare them line by line to the scope and sequence of our curriculum. If I find things not present then she advised me to find a way to teach them so my kids will be prepared for the ACT/SAT when they take it in preparation for college entrance.
Well, there are things not present in the Alg I but I need to see if they are in Alg 2 and Trig or Geometry. I honestly don't know, but it's a huge question since we are in the ninth hour of our educations. I think I need to develop a good plan to address this.
I will look into the state standards of my state for the CRCT/GRE and compare~make some notes...
I plan to call Teaching Textbooks and speak with a curriculum specialist or whoever they have who can help me to discover what the courses in the future will hold according to our needs...
I can appreciate other thoughtful parents considering this question of a good math education for their children,
Books /'n Other Stuff has a good analysis of her research and findings which I plan to follow.
This is a pretty big question for me and stay tuned for the MATHATHON in deciding just how to address this issue...
WHAT would you do? H E L P!!!
I have two teens who are now going to 9th and 10th grades. For four years (but not totally) we have used Teaching Textbooks with an interlude of time with our daughter using ALEKS of which I had written a review and she wanted to try. She did. She found that it was not preparing her in a way that her pie was becoming filled in a timely fashion as she worked almost a year~albeit with times that her computer wouldn't load the program AND times when ALEKS did not record her work~yes, this happened...so this mama took matters BACK and put bought Algebra I for her, and we began AGAIN...
My friend who is a high school math teacher but also now teaches middle school visited us last week and because I had asked many questions about math when we need to find something that will teach it and my child will GET it, she said she would "work" with them a little bit to see what was going on. After several sessions my friend told me that my children have good mental math skills, which is a testament to the hard work in their younger grades. Whohoo!
She evaluated their Teaching Textbooks PreAlgebra and Algebra I in light of a few things she knew would show up on the CRCT for 8th grade in her state and the high school graduation exam (GRE). She advised me to look at the state standards here in our state and compare them line by line to the scope and sequence of our curriculum. If I find things not present then she advised me to find a way to teach them so my kids will be prepared for the ACT/SAT when they take it in preparation for college entrance.
Well, there are things not present in the Alg I but I need to see if they are in Alg 2 and Trig or Geometry. I honestly don't know, but it's a huge question since we are in the ninth hour of our educations. I think I need to develop a good plan to address this.
I will look into the state standards of my state for the CRCT/GRE and compare~make some notes...
I plan to call Teaching Textbooks and speak with a curriculum specialist or whoever they have who can help me to discover what the courses in the future will hold according to our needs...
I can appreciate other thoughtful parents considering this question of a good math education for their children,
Books /'n Other Stuff has a good analysis of her research and findings which I plan to follow.
This is a pretty big question for me and stay tuned for the MATHATHON in deciding just how to address this issue...
WHAT would you do? H E L P!!!
A Little Bragging IF Ya Don't Mind~and a GiveAway (READ ON!)
Thank You~
Under the Golden Apple Tree for offering such a wonderful giveAway!
When it can't get better, I have have to tell ya that I just received in the mail a wonderful gift from my fellow blogger buddy (former CREWmate), 
Ladybug Chronicles who has hosted a Crafting Pay It Forward on her blog...Here!
My friend is an incredible stamper/crafter/scrapbooker and I had NO idea (but secretly HOPED) for some of her handmade cards~wooola~ ~ gorgeous cards from my incredible friend... NO DOUBT, they were made especially for me!
(I KNOW I'm braggn'~but being so blessed make the BIG GRIN on my face needs an explanation~
Here's a huge plug for joining up in the contests and giveAways: YOU WON'T WIN if you don't enter~ sooo yeah, come on~join in this fun...
I am hosting a Crafting Pay It Forward too~
Head on over
HERE!! to enter~Don't be left out!
Join in the fun~there will be FIVE WINNERS~come on!
WHAT I will make JUST for you???
(HINT: I am not a card maker!)
(((HUGS))))
Monday, July 5, 2010
Summer KIDS Reading Fun~
It's amazing what is out there for kids in the summer~
FREE Summer Reading Incentives
FREE Summer Reading Incentives
FREE: Regal Cinemas SUMMER MOVIES~
Just when you thought it can't GET ANY BETTER,
Put your state in to see your location! (ALL SUMMER!)
Put your state in to see your location! (ALL SUMMER!)
Sugar Free Pickes~oh yeah!
Our garden has BEGUN coming in~oh yeah!! And nothing is MUCH BETTER tasting that some homemade pickles~when my son brought in 15 cucumbers today, it's a good day to make up a batch~~hunting up a recipe that will use Splenda (hence the coupon HERE! to save a little change too!
Do you love FRESH summer veggies? They are the healthiest and best tasting!
OK, here's the breakdown on those delicious temptations:
info on cucumbers
ONLY 16 calories per cup! HUGE value for their caloric content.
Low in fat and sugar grams too~virtually nonexistent.
So if you are trying to get healthy~head on out and either plant some/pick some/or buy some!!
For a variation, you can omit the dill OR just use a little garlic (fresh or powdered.)
Do you love FRESH summer veggies? They are the healthiest and best tasting!
OK, here's the breakdown on those delicious temptations:
info on cucumbers
ONLY 16 calories per cup! HUGE value for their caloric content.
Low in fat and sugar grams too~virtually nonexistent.
So if you are trying to get healthy~head on out and either plant some/pick some/or buy some!!
RECIPES:
Canning/Recipe/Processing
This is a FUN/cheater way to make sweet pickles LOL!!
There's a neat video at the bottom here!
Sweet Pickles
Canning/Recipe/Processing
This is a FUN/cheater way to make sweet pickles LOL!!
There's a neat video at the bottom here!
Sweet Pickles
For a variation, you can omit the dill OR just use a little garlic (fresh or powdered.)
Marinated Cucumbers (THANKS Debbie!)
1 large cucumber (cut ends. Be sure to rub the cut end to the whole end~I don't understand it, but it will sweeten a bitter cucumber.) Slice the cucumber VERY thin~paper thin or as thin as you can. Thicker works, but it will take longer for the cucumbers to fully marinate (a clear look to them.)
Coffee cup (Yeah, the one you make your morning up with works fine IF it's washed LOL!!)
Vinegar (I like Brags Vinegar (brown apple cider vinegar) pour in about 1-2 inches in the bottom of the coffee cup.
Sugar/Splenda (sweeten to taste~as much as you like it.)
Warm water (I like distilled/purified water/tap is OK.)
Pour the vinegar marinade mixture over the cucumber slices.
Put in the fridge until cold and/or slices have a clear look.
VARIATION: You can put onions (We like sweet red onions in ours.), zucchini, and yellow crook neck squash too!
This is similar to Shoney's marinated cucumbers they used to have on their salad bar years ago! Enjoy!
FREEbie: Today~Arbie Sandwich with purchase of drink!
Thanks Deal Loving Mama~loving THIS (Ends TODAY 7/5)
Blog Walk WEEK 4
This is so much fun~just stopping by to visit my CREWMATES from The Old Schoolhouse Crew~IF you join me in visiting the blogs be sure and leave a comment or two~I know that everyone will appreciate your feedback!
King Alfred Academy has touched my heart with her plea for prayers for a little cousin and his family. Also I love her reading list and her pictures~I think the bike with the wicker basket and the aprons inspire me!
Confessions of an Organized Homeschool Mom has some cute and FUNNY cartoons~you gotta check these out!
Confessions of an Organized Homeschool Mom
Curriculum Reviews From Oak Creek Farmhouse has a beautiful picture in her header and is looking for that GEM in curriculum for her family~it excites me, b/c I am looking too!!
I Can't Decide's blog name certainly intrigued me! LOVING her pics of her green thumb and looking forward to reading more!!
My Life on a Taffy Pull is a neat mom of 6 with a cool cool backyard! I SAW the pics and am drooling over the beehives and the garden...I was intrigued by the micro frogs too~wonder WHERE they live??
Losing My Tale has a unique graphic in her headder~did she draw it herself???
I have a special place in my heart for military families and
http://www.inhisimageacademy.blogspot.com/ really touched me with her pictures of her husband's oath taking. There's a new baby on the way for them too~whoohoo! LOVEn' a new little one!!
Serenades and Solace is sewing some adorable dresses using a vintage look~cool!!
Our Village is a Little Different is offering a FREEbie hair conditioner sample:
HERE!
SisterTipster's Telln' It IS MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! Glad you stopped by!
King Alfred Academy has touched my heart with her plea for prayers for a little cousin and his family. Also I love her reading list and her pictures~I think the bike with the wicker basket and the aprons inspire me!
Confessions of an Organized Homeschool Mom has some cute and FUNNY cartoons~you gotta check these out!
Confessions of an Organized Homeschool Mom
Curriculum Reviews From Oak Creek Farmhouse has a beautiful picture in her header and is looking for that GEM in curriculum for her family~it excites me, b/c I am looking too!!
I Can't Decide's blog name certainly intrigued me! LOVING her pics of her green thumb and looking forward to reading more!!
My Life on a Taffy Pull is a neat mom of 6 with a cool cool backyard! I SAW the pics and am drooling over the beehives and the garden...I was intrigued by the micro frogs too~wonder WHERE they live??
Losing My Tale has a unique graphic in her headder~did she draw it herself???
I have a special place in my heart for military families and
http://www.inhisimageacademy.blogspot.com/ really touched me with her pictures of her husband's oath taking. There's a new baby on the way for them too~whoohoo! LOVEn' a new little one!!
Serenades and Solace is sewing some adorable dresses using a vintage look~cool!!
Our Village is a Little Different is offering a FREEbie hair conditioner sample:
HERE!
SisterTipster's Telln' It IS MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! Glad you stopped by!
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