Jewels In My Crown

Creative Valentine's Day Box Expressions

2012-02-10T11:44:00.000-08:00

Today, the girls entered their Valentine's Day creations into a contest at Palaestra. (Palaestra is a program for homeschoolers offering a variety of courses in our State.)

All the children were to create Valentine's Day boxes for their traditional Valentine cards and candy exchanges. The boxes with the most creative would win a special prize. We all were informed of this contest. Seasoned families that have been there for years started their boxes as early as after Christmas. Well, since we are kind of new to Palaestra, we are learning about all of their fun activities, events, and contests that are available. Time kind of got away from us (well, yeah I forgot oops, super busy ugh) and my girls decided they would put their boxes together the day before. I told them "good for you, but to be prepared that there would be many boxes with magnificent designs due to the extra time that they used to create them." They were fine with this as all they cared about was getting goodies from their friends, haha! Makes sense. Such good little sports.

Well, in the end the most amazing Valentine's Day box expressions received special prizes such as Valentine's Bears and candy. There must have been 40+ boxes total. Other boxes received special little awards such as "Very Unique" or "Very Colorful." Kelly (8.5) received a little award on her box that read "Very Funny" and Lyssa (5) received one that said "Imaginative." They were very proud of those but then were anxious to get home and tear into the boxes to see all the cards and goodies their friends placed into them. My goodness, the boxes were full.

I love helping spark creativity in my girls. It is such a joy to see what comes out of them once their little creative juices get flowing.

Have a blessed weekend!

Lindsey
Blessed to be a wife and mom

The Proverbs 31 Wife Handbook

2012-02-06T14:05:00.000-08:00

As part of my homeschooling journey, I can't forget that I am also a wife. I most definitely do not want to neglect my wifely duties. The Lord is teaching me how to master homeschooling all the while being a Godly wife and domestic diva. Ha! Yeah, had to throw a little sense of humor in there. We all need that from time to time. But seriously, it has been a definite challenge being a homeschool teacher, parent, and wife all the while staying on top of domestic duties such as house cleaning, laundry, healthy meals, etc. I know that the Lord is teaching me a lot and I want to stay opened for what he has for me and my family. I don't want to steer off onto the wrong path and make decisions that I think are right when really they are selfish and don't line up with God's Word.

Just the other day, I downloaded a book on my Kindle Fire. It is called the Proverbs 31 Wife Handbook. I came across the website first. This most definitely caught my attention. It was only about $7 to download, gotta love Kindle. I started reading it and my goodness it is awesome. The author, Lara Velez, founder of momsoffaith.com is the author of this life fulfilling book.
In a nutshell, The Proverbs 31 Wife Handbook was not just something that was put together over night. Here is Velez's direct quote from her website on the "About" tab:

"The Proverbs 31 Wife Handbook has been a long time coming and took many hours of inner struggling and cries out to the Father. During the studying and initial writing stages, there were many obstacles and trials that needed to be overcome." ~Lara Velez

I do believe that the instant you go through misery, it indeed becomes your ministry. That I have learned through my Moms of Angels Outreach Ministry after losing my precious son. How could I possibly reach out to other moms who have lost babies if I never went through it myself, right? Same thing for Mrs. Velez. She went through trials in her marriage, decided to write a book, but then was attacked in the process. I can totally relate crying out to my father while putting the ministry together. And now my focus is on writing a book. Boy, it's been a struggle and I am still struggling but God is faithful and will help me craft the words that I need to relay to others.

Because I just started The Proverbs 31 Wife Handbook, I can't really talk about it just yet but can't wait to share it with you in a later post. Here is a summary of what I have read thus far:

Basically, Lara Velez, author, describes the scriptures within the chapter of Psalm 31 in detail then breaks it down for a Godly wife to really understand. She then prays for the journey through the book as it is a detailed handbook as well. You can purchase the handbook but I am just going to do the study of the scriptures that she makes reference to.

As you can see I have not obtained a whole lot of info yet but what I have grasped so far has open up my heart and mind to what the Lord has for me as a wife, which is a noble calling for sure.
~Proverbs 31:10

Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.
Lindsey
Blessed to be a wife and a mom

Image: jannoon028 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Encouragement for Christian parents

2012-01-31T13:27:00.000-08:00

In continuing with my iPhone devotional: Parenting by Design through YouVersion, I came across another one that really has encouraged me as a parent and in my spiritual walk with Jesus Christ. It was such a blessing to me that I felt compelled to blog about it today. I pray this encourages you this day, don't be discouraged!

CALLED TO PARENTING: Parenting by Design (YouVersion)
"Sometimes we don't understand why God calls us to a certain task or ministry. Other people seem far more qualified to meet the challenge that faces us. And yet over and over again in the Bible God used the unlikely people to accomplish His goals. There is no greater calling from God than parenting. When you feel inadequate for the task, realize you are putting your trust in the wrong person! Strive to be an excellent parent, but recognize that God is not dependent on your knowledge or expertise to bring about His results. When you feel overwhelmed, surrender control and trust God. He will provide."

Exodus 4:10-12

And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto they servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. And the Lord said unto him, who hath made man's mouth? Or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? Have not I the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.

Thank you Lord for this parenting revelation. God is faithful to minister to those who are His in times of great need, especially when raising children as unto the Lord! I know that I want to be a Godly example to my little ones so that they may emulate the things of God and eventually display those things on their own choosing. Let us not forget that not only are they our children, they are ultimately "God's children." He created them and entrusted them to us to raise them how to win the lost for him and how to serve Him with their whole hearts. We should all desire this for our children as Christian parents. I believe homeschooling parents have a greater responsibility in this as we were called to this for a purpose. What do you want God to do for you and your family?

Lindsey
Blessed to be a wife and mom

Image: Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Cleaning for your Health

2012-01-27T11:34:00.000-08:00

The past few months I have been learning about store bought cleaning products and how harmful the chemicals are to our bodies. I honestly cannot stand it when I have to cover my face and close a door just because the odors are so strong. Is there another way?

I just recently downloaded a really awesome book on my Kindle Fire for only $.99 called Frugal Living with Homemade Cleaning Products by Patti Graham. It has been a literal breath of fresh air for me and my family.

Here are just the basic ingredients you can use and right out of your pantry and refrigerator all the while saving money and staying healthy:

Good old Baking Soda
Distilled White Vinegar

And that's it for all purpose cleaning! How can something so simple have escaped me for so long? You can mix them together with water to disinfect your kitchen and bathroom, etc. Try pouring 3 cups of white distilled vinegar in your toilet for an hour and then scrub and flush. It really makes a difference and we feel so much healthier. Instead of scrubbing mildew spray on your bathroom tiles, use simple baking soda, water, and toothbrush and scrub away without holding your breath. It's so easy and effective and actually cleaner looking. I had my girls take an old toothbrush while they were in the shower and scrub away too while splashing it clean! They loved it and it's not harmful and no harsh fumes to inhale, you can't say that for store bought cleaning products!

Want a window and glass cleaning solution that won't leave streaks? Try rubbing alcohol and water and wipe the streaks away with crinkled newspaper, trust me, this works!

Furniture polish? Lemon juice does the trick with maybe a little water.

Looking for a natural room deodorizer? Find a small decorative bowl and put baking soda and white vinegar into it and place up high. Odors naturally draw to the baking soda all the while deodorizing, so awesome! Want a fun scented smell? Sprinkle cinnamon into the mixture.

I have been having so much fun learning about natural household cleaning products! We definitely do feel healthier for it. The great thing about these homemade products is that they do disinfect and kill germs. No more harsh cleaning chemicals in our household!

Lindsey
Blessed to be a wife and mom!

Seeing Your Children

2012-01-25T10:38:00.000-08:00

Just recently, I started an amazing (ministers to your spirit man or woman, haha), Bible devotional for parents. I found it through YouVersion on my iPhone and it has opened my eyes to so much. God is faithful. Here is a devotion from yesterday that really blessed me as I know it will bless you as a parent! God is so good and faithful, where would we be without him? Truly!

Parenting by Design Devotional

Tuesday, January 24, 2012 (Day 28)

Genesis 16: 13

"And she called the name of the Lord that spake unto her, Though God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?"

"Seeing your Children"

"This passage tells of the trials of Hagar, the maid of Sarai. Sarai was unable to conceive so she sent Hagar to Abram, hoping Hagar would bear a child in her place. When Hagar became pregnant, however, animosity developed between the two women. Sarai's mistreatment caused Hagar to run away into the desert. There God intervened and encouraged her. She knew He truly understood her struggle, and as a result, she felt deeply known by God. She even named God: "You are the God who sees me." This gave her the stregnth to go back and fulfill her responsibilities to Sarai in the midst of tough circumstances. Like Hagar, our kids desperately long to be seen and known by their parents. How can we do this? By taking time to discover and celebrate their interests. By appreciating their unique qualities no matter how different they are from our own. By listening to their perspective on life. When we discover and value our kids' God-given uniqueness, they fell known and accepted."

This definitely should open our eyes as parents as we are shaping them to be Godly human beings in these dark days. We need to acknowledge every detail of their little lives. It's easy to go about our busy days and brush off even the minor details that will actually make a big impact on their life as an adult and throughout their spiritual life. Thank you Lord for this revelation!

Lindsey

Blessed to be a wife and mom!

Image: graur razvan ionut / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Have you ever heard of Giver's Log and Ticket Kitchen?

2012-01-23T14:24:00.000-08:00

Just today, I heard in passing about a couple of websites that I think you will also be interested in whether you are a homeschooling parent or not.

Givers Log

Givers Log is a fun site that gives you oodles of ideas whether you are on a budget or not. It already has gotten my creative juices flowing so-to-speak. For example, "Happy Mail"Well, I will let you click the link to give you an idea of what this is about. I can pretty much bet that you will be impressed with these simple ideas, so simple yet AWESOME it makes you think: "Now, why didn't I think of that?"

Looking for some unique printables? Well, these printables aren't your ordinary printables that you click "print" and simply just take off of your printer. Again, click here to see what I am talking about. It's one of those things where you have to see it to get an idea of what it's all about. Such a tease I know but hey, if you are just an inkling interested you will most likely check it out for yourself. Go ahead, I dare you, hee hee! ;)

Anyways, as a homeschooling mom who loves crafts like there's no tomorrow, this site will make you want to start your next project and without delay. I am sure the kids won't argue either. The website has everything from what I mentioned above to simple food ideas, lists and home organizing etc.

Ticket Kitchen?

I am pretty fascinated with this site already because well it involves....CHOCOLATE! My fave! The ideas they come up with chocolate is absolutely amazing and I can't wait to use the ideas. This site was founded by the same creator as Givers Log (AmberLee) right along side her Co-Founder: Andrea. To see what I am talking about.......(here she goes again, haha) click here to read their story and take a tour of what they have to offer.

Happy Homeschooling~

Lindsey
Blessed to be a wife and mom!

Image by: Grant Cochrane / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Back on Track for the New Year

2012-01-18T11:57:00.000-08:00

Hello all, I am finally back. Pheww, I never thought I would get back on here but for accountability to myself, I need this blog has a homeschooling mom.

Sweet Pea (8) is struggling with math. Remember those days? Ugh! I love A Beka Curriculums math program though. It introduces a new concept all the while reviewing everything prior. It's an accelerated concept but Sweet Pea seems to be holding her own. When we can, we just focus on whatever is the toughest for the time being. It will be worth it in the end I am sure. Other than that she seems to be thriving with the other subjects. So proud!

Cup Cake (5) is really coming along with her reading. She is at the 1st grade level so this is excellent news. She is also doing 1st grade math so this is an excellent sign for the coming year. We really need to focus on writing. She seems to be doing better so we will just keep our focus for the time being.

Jelly Bean (2.5) well, we are struggling in the potty training department. She thinks it's icky now and refuses to go but knows she is supposed to. Being consistent is key and I will just keep going that route.....I think I can....I think I can.....I think I can..... haha! She is pointing and counting, can sing the Spanish color song, and is just overall a busy bee.

I am currently searching and waiting for good deals on curriculum's next year. I will be resuming with A Beka, Love it! Cupcake will be doing 1st grade and Sweet Pea will be doing 4th grade. I am so excited! I am anticipating the rest of this homeschool year will really be a joy and we will look forward to a new beginning in the fall. I can't believe this fall will be going on our second year of homeschooling. Where did the time go? I do plan on doing summer school 2-3 days a week just to keep their minds sharp.

They are thoroughly enjoying their co-op classes at Palaestra. Sweet Pea will be continuing with Fashion Design and Cup Cake will be taking a class called "Lollipop Logic" another math and language arts supplement that I think she will greatly benefit from. I anticipate that Jelly Bean will be starting preschool this fall so it will be interesting tagging on another curriculum into the mix. Lord help me but I am at peace and just need a daily dose of joy and strength and of course.....FAITH!

Well, I need to make sure the girls are finishing up their chores. It was the only way I could get on here and quickly. It's now time for piano lessons! Preparing for our spring recital.

Lindsey
Blessed to be a wife and mom!

My photo image feature is currently having problems. Sorry that I don't have a pic to share =(

Merry Christmas everyone!

2011-12-16T09:55:00.000-08:00

Well, here we are, our first Christmas as homeschoolers! I am so beyond excited and pleased with what we accomplished so far and look forward to what 2012 has to bring. As homeschoolers, I have decided not to take the full two weeks off like the traditional school but we will be having a whole lot of fun. The Monday and Tuesday after Christmas we will for sure be taking off then resume Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at least with math, reading, and writing. Don't want to lose what was gained so far. The same pattern will continue after the New Year.

It's nice because even when everyone will be returning back to the brick and mortar setting we might be having a couple days off then too. I so love being in control of our schedules. It is such a blessing!

The next couple of weeks are going to be kind of hectic so with that said this is my final post for the year. I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I look forward to starting up with fresh content and gaining new readers with this new blog! God bless you all!

Lindsey
Blessed to be a mom!

Image: digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Gingerbread, Gingerbread, and more Gingerbread, OH MY!

2011-12-13T14:01:00.000-08:00

Oh gingerbread, oh gingerbread, so fun yet oh so stubborn. If you sing that to the tune of "O Christmas Tree" then you have that just about right, haha. This year we chose to do a Gingerbread Village, a cute little kit from Target. The past few years we have done a single large gingerbread house and a train. This year I thought it would be fun to do a little village. Talk about, WOW! That frosting was so stubborn with the gingerbread the houses kept caving in. UGH! haha. Eventually, it worked out and the results were very cute.

The girls still had a blast. Their Geegum (my mom, isn't that the cutest title for a grandma?) Kelly (8) came up with that when she was old enough to talk and it has stuck ever since, love it! Anyways, Geegum joined in on the fun, we all had a blast.

This project was an excellent fine motor exercise not only for my 5 year old but for my 8 year old as well. It definitely taught her patience and perseverance. We will continue with our Christmas fun until the end of next week. I can't believe we can now count down to Christmas on our fingers! Where does the time go?

Have you ever done a gingerbread house or village with your children? Was it successful?

Merry Christmas!

Lindsey

Blessed to be a mom

A baking we will go!

2011-12-12T16:20:00.000-08:00

This morning we packed up the sprinkles and cookie tins and headed over to grandma's; A.K.A Mema. The girls were very excited to do some Christmas baking as part of their learning today. Can you say fun? Ha, ha!

The baking fun started with some yummy cinnamon-nut mixture crescent rolls. I have heard of all kinds of yummy recipes you can do with Pillsbury crescent rolls but this was by far the yummiest I have tasted in the "sweet" department. A yummy cinnamon roll type glaze topped off this yummy treat. The girls enjoyed a warm one right out of the oven. After sticky hands and faces it was time to wash up and start the "Seven Layer Cookies." My husband loves these so we of course had to make them.

Kelly (8) and Lyssa (5) enjoyed breaking up the first layer of the seven layer cookie...Graham Crackers! Then came the butter, coconut, chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, condensed milk, then walnuts! They turned out fabulous!

After the seven layer cookies were out of the oven we started the classic Christmas cookie decorating. There were stars, stockings, bells, and Christmas trees. First, the yummy frosting then the sprinkles. We stuck with a simple themed trio of colors: Red, Green, and White! There were sprinkles everywhere! It was so much fun =)

We look forward to some more baking! This most definitely wasn't the end of our adventure. We are heading over to the other grandma's tomorrow A.K.A Geegum to make a Gingerbread Village! Should be a fun mess =)

Share your baking goodies, would love to swap recipes! Happy Baking =)

Lindsey
Blessed to be a mom

Check out Lindsey's Reading Corner (my other blog), for a winter resource.

Christmas Crumbs

2011-12-10T16:27:00.000-08:00

This week ahead we will be whipping out the rolling pin, cookie cutters, and sprinkles for some quality Christmas cookie baking. The girls are beyond excited and we have a few ideas up our sleeves to really make Christmas baking unique and memorable and yes all the while leaving crumbs in the process. I am thinking it's going to be messier than the previous years as we are making more than three different kinds of Christmas cookies. On Monday, we are starting the process with my mother-in-law so it should be a fun time not only for me but for the girls as well.

Here is a list of cookies that I am thinking of whipping up this week and next and of course leaving a nice crumby mess =) Gotta love it.

Christmas Cookies

•Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies-This one is a sure thing, of course!
•Gingerbread Cookies-Made these last year and turned out adorable, should we make them again?
•7 Layer Bars-My husband's favorite, it's a must!
•Candy-Cane Meringue Cookies-These look very interesting, thinking about it.
•Rum Balls- Hmmm, a nice adult treat, what do you think?
•Homemade fudge-(This will be done with Grandma A.K.A Mema, her secret recipe not the one mentioned, shhhh hee hee, don't really know if it's a secret but ya know, ha!)
•Chip Mixers-These look fun and sound great!
•Chocolate Snowstorms-Looks like fun, especially for winter. Thinking these would be a hit with some hot chocolate and marshmallows.

I am so excited to start our Christmas Crumb fun, let the fun times begin =) hmmmm I can smell and taste those goodies right now. Yum!

What is your favorite Christmas recipe traditions? Look forward to reading your ideas!

Lindsey

Blessed to be a mom!

Image by Scrubjay Wikimedia Commons

Lindsey's Reading Corner

2011-12-08T12:12:00.001-08:00

As a homeschooling mom, I love looking for the best deals on children's books including educational resources. What homeschooling mom doesn't love that right? Because of my passion I have partnered with childrensbookstore.com to help get you amazing deals on children's books and educational resources. With much thought I decided to start a separate blog in this category as it contains all things books and resources and didn't want to mix it with my homeschooling journey. You can view my other blog at: Lindsey's Reading Corner. I am still working on getting a custom domain and button for my new site as I am also working on getting a custom domain name and button for this site. It's exciting starting these new endeavors but yet scary at the same time as I need to establish connections, etc. I am eager to connect with so many homeschooling families out there.

Feel free to stop on over anytime. I also have an fb page for Lindsey's Reading Corner if you are into staying updated that way as well. Have a blessed Thursday!

Lindsey
Blessed to be a mom

An Early American Christmas

2011-12-07T13:05:00.000-08:00

Today, I taught the girls about Christmas in the early 1800's and how it was originally celebrated. From decorations to recipes the differences between then and now are quite interesting. In honor of the first traditions we handmade all of our Christmas crafts out of paper. Here are some of the few projects that we worked on today. They turned out quite cute if I say so myself! I was hoping to post pics of our creations but currently having camera-phone issues. I hope you enjoy the title cover of the library book we are currently using as a resource!

Patterned Paper Chains
Paper Christmas Trees
Paper Gingerbread Men
Paper Snowflakes

I was thinking of having the girls make their very own candle just like they did in the good ole' days. If I decide on this project I will most definitely post pics.

The next chapter of our Early American Christmas education is recipes. I was thinking of looking up a few recipes from the "Little House on the Prairie" days. Looking forward to that!

What have you done so far with your homeschoolers as far as "Christmas Crafts" go? Please share your ideas, would love to hear them!

Lindsey

Blessed to be a mom!

What Bible curriculum do you use?

2011-12-06T08:29:00.000-08:00

As a new homeschooling mom, of course Bible is an important part of our learning. I want my girls to know the Bible more than anything but have tried a couple different curriculums and they are just not working at this point.

Right now we are just doing a deep mom and daughter devotional (as seen on the right) along with learning the ABC Bible Verse alphabet. I would like a curriculum that is versatile with all ages if possible. What are you using? Can you please tell me a little about your curriculum? I look forward to your comments. Have a blessed rest of the week. We woke up to a little blanket of snow on our front lawn, yay, Christmas is coming =)

Lindsey

Blessed to be a mom!

Called to Homeschool!

2011-12-03T05:03:00.000-08:00

As a new homeschooling mom I can honestly say that it has been a harder experience than I originally anticipated. The Lord began speaking to me about homeschooling over two years ago. My oldest daughter (Sweet Pea, 8) was enrolled in a public school since Kindergarten. All was going well. I was very active in her school and was on the PTA but something was brewing in my spirit, homeschooling kept popping up. I was back and forth and really unsure and very apprehensive. I prayed: 'Lord, if you are really calling me to do this, you will send the resources and help me be research what I need to do this.' The Lord did an amazing thing and resources and people just came my way in droves. God is so amazing. It first began when I homeschooled my middle daughter (Cup Cake, 5), when she was in preschool. This was an easy transition as I am a degreed and certified Child Development professional and taught preschool for years. God started me with what I was familiar with first. It was then a year later the Lord had me pull Sweet Pea out of the public school the end of her second grade year. Our youngest (Sugar Bean, 2.5), well she is potty training and a busy bundle of energy. I most likely will be starting preschool with her pretty early on as she is eager to be doing what her big sisters are doing. It's all a new challenge for me but I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! I will not give up, Lord help me.

I have learned that if you are not called to do this, don't. If you are meant to, you will just know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are supposed to home educate your children. Prior to my journey I talked to so many moms that homeschooled their children and thought they were 'crazy' for lack of a better word. HA! But, God gave me the desires of my heart and here I am today. There have been dark days and discouragement but the Lord has been faithful to carry me through. Honestly, I wouldn't trade this for anything. I love my children and want to raise them up in the way they should go, according to the Bible. If I am disobedient in training my children, I will be held accountable for their lives and they may end up going down the wrong path in life. I do not want this to be. I want the Lord to bless me and my family and the only way this can be achieved is if we are being obedient and diligent! The "Jewels in my crown (my sweet little girls), will indeed one day earn me heavenly jewels in my crown.' This is why I named my blog "Jewels in my Crown.' Please feel free to share your heart with me and send on over words of encouragement. We are still in the adjustment phase but coming along swimmingly. We started our homeschool journey here at Brandon M. Homeschool Academy the end of August 2011. I will share what the name of our homeschool means in a later post. I am sure you will be touched and blessed by this.

I hope you enjoy my new blog as a homeschooling mom. I just ended my personal blog: Peaceful Island Mother and felt I needed to start over fresh with a new focus and that being connecting with other homeschooling moms and families out there.

God bless you and I look forward to sharing journey. For a play by play of my weeks including crafts, etc., you can view Lindsey's Journey on homeschoolingindetroit.com. (This is a local source in my state). Enjoy!

Also, if you are looking for excellent deals on children's books and even homeschooling workbooks, foreign language, biographies, etc., check out a site I have partnered with childrensbookstore.com. To learn more about this endeavor you can view my blog in process titled "lindseyskiddiebooks.blogspot.com.'

Lindsey
Blessed to be a mom!

Image: digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net