Coupon Crazy...

Alright... I can't help it, I saved a boatload of money this week at the grocery store, and I am proud of it! Here's my proof:

I know alot of people have been using coupons and shopping store sales since the economic crunch began a few years ago.  I used to do this every week, and then... I had TWINS.  Shew... my life changed dramatically and I was just glad to get a few groceries from wherever during those early days.  Now that the twins are finally 9 (it took me almost a decade to get on top of things again :0} ), I have had a bit more time to organize coupons and sales.  To really take advantage of the store savings, I have had to adopt a "pantry" method.  I use the sales/coupon events to stock up on certain items that week.  This means that I don't go to the grocery store and get the same thing every week.  I get what is on sale, and necessities for that week.  Each week it may be different, but because I have a "pantry" stock I can draw from it to create my meals.  It works great, and I have been spending less than $600 a month (this includes detergents, paper products, medicines, and cleaning supplies) to feed and care for 8 people.

Sound exciting?  Anyone can do it, so why don't you give it a try.  If you live in the South, start with SouthernSavers.com and Couponmom.com.  Both of these give you the sales for your favorite stores.  In my area it is Publix, Kroger, and Walmart. Between these three, it has worked great!

A Homeschool Intervention

Yes... homeschooling is tough.  It isn't the easiest thing that I have ever done.  In fact, I think there have been a few college level courses I have taught that were a bit easier.  Still, it doesn't change the fact that homeschooling is probably one of the singlemost meaningful things that I have done with my life.  I am directly involved in my children's education, I have the ability to encourage them spiritually at every turn, and I have the opportunity to raise responsible, intelligent, caring, citizens for the future.

And the future... is what I am concerned about these days.  I love America - yes - I AM PROUD to be an AMERICAN.  I am also very heart broken over the condition that our great nation is in these days.  I truly believe that we need men like Washington, Adams, Jefferson, and Franklin in these days.  Yes, I know - these men were not perfect - they had issues - but they were men of great character. Character that led them to make noble and selfless decisions for the future of a fledgling republic.

What is so very encouraging is the fact that homeschooling is the fastest growing form of education in America.  I wrote an article this past that brought out current research on this trend, however, the Old Schoolhouse sent out an email article today that reflected even more recent numbers.  It is amazing - and very encouraging.  I believe that homeschooling produces a different breed of individual - more akin to those great men I was just talking about.  Just think of the change that this "explosion" of homeschooling could have on our nation if left unchecked.  Could we begin to see the tide turn in favor of honest, upright, patriots?  I am anxious to find out how this intervention turns out!

I have six children, and I am praying that God would allow me to influence their lives, to train them to be of noble and outstanding character like American's founding fathers, and to make a difference for God and for AMERICA!

God bless the U.S.A.!

Ladybug Conundrum??

It's my little Jo's year to have a big birthday bash... sooooo.... I (though not very original) suggested a few birthday themes. One of which was a ladybug party.  Oh my, that caught on like wildfire, and now I am having to brainstorm ideas to incorporate into a party for 6 year olds!

So, since I have such great cyber friends, I thought I would ask you all for your expert opinion - on what to do.

1. The absolute party necessity - birthday games - can you think of some really good ones that use the ladybug theme?

2. I am determined that I am going to learn how to make my own fondant and decorate a cake - here are three of my favs... which do you like?

Each of these are so pretty... whoever made them did such a good job... I can

only hope to make Jordan's as nice.

3) I am wanting to let the girls make some "favors." I thought maybe a t shirt

with some Iron on ladybugs... or black puff paint with each of their names and

ladybugs... SHARE any ideas you have!!

 I have until Sept. 10th... so if you have any other ideas... I am all ears!! Please comment...

True Love

Just been rather under the "blog writing" weather... so sorry for my neglect.  I have been trying to focus on my precious Lord and His tender mercy, provision, and love for me.  His love is deeper than any person on earth could ever love me...

O THE DEEP DEEP LOVE OF JESUS by S Francis

O the deep, deep love of Jesus, vast, unmeasured, boundless, free!



Rolling as a mighty ocean in its fullness over me!


Underneath me, all around me, is the current of Thy love


Leading onward, leading homeward to Thy glorious rest above!






O the deep, deep love of Jesus, spread His praise from shore to shore!


How He loveth, ever loveth, changeth never, nevermore!


How He watches o’er His loved ones, died to call them all His own;


How for them He intercedeth, watcheth o’er them from the throne!






O the deep, deep love of Jesus, love of every love the best!


’Tis an ocean full of blessing, ’tis a haven giving rest!


O the deep, deep love of Jesus, ’tis a heaven of heavens to me;


And it lifts me up to glory, for it lifts me up to Thee!

Homeschool Hope...

Oh... my... goodness... school hasn't even started yet and I already have a headache...
Just trying to get my thoughts together for the fall and what we plan to teach and learn this year.   I have been gathering items over the past several months and setting them aside for this fall. Now I have to put all those bits and pieces into a cohesive learning plan.  Just to be honest, it is giving me a bit of a headache.

Yet, the teacher in me just loves to get out the new pencils and pens, notebooks and paper, and textbooks and learning programs.  Setting everything up with the anticipation of a great year of learning.  There is truly something exciting in that for me.  Maybe it is the new beginning, or the possibilities that a fresh start brings, or maybe even the hope that this year the problem areas will just "click" and we will have success in areas that we struggled with.  Hope...  that is what it is... hope for better things... new paths... greater success... achievement.

What are your homeschool plans looking like?  Have you been able to sit down and put together your learning plan?  Make some goals - if you give yourself something to shoot for... you will be more likely to hit it!!  Well, I am back to the drawing board... and my learning plan for the fall... Good luck with yours!

Related posts: homeschool science, homeschool resources