The kids have spent a good deal of time outdoors drawing with chalk while I work inside. A few minutes ago, I heard a clop-clop-clop that sounded just like the noise my heals make when the kids are wearing them.
Merika had just come inside, and Keagan was by my side, so the noise had to be coming from Nolyn. I peeked outside to find my four-year-old wearing my favorite red heels.
"What are you doing with my shoes on?" I queeried.
"They make good holes!" he answered, as he punched them into the grass.
At least they are made of material that wipes off well.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Harrah for Homeschool!
Homeschooling is truly amazing. Sure, some days leave me wondering how I'm going to make it, but as a whole, its incredibly rewarding .(I'd probably feel that way regardless of whether we homeschooled or not since parenting is a difficult task either way, yet still rewarding!)
Lately I've seen such growth in Keagan. It was astonishing to me because, with my two older children, I was so caught up in myself and my own personal issues, that I didn't notice their growth beyond major milestones. I do (deeply) regret not being more tuned into them, but I can't undo it, but I can tune into them now.
Keagan mastered the stairs several months ago. He's always been quite great at climbing up them, but, with most children, once up, down is a problem. He quickly figured out that he could slide down the stairs. He is so quick and graceful! I'll have to take a video of it!
Keagie has become my little helper. He likes to help put things up, shut drawers and doors, and throw trash away. He loves to be involved in school projects, and wants to do whatever the older children are doing. It's hard to describe exactly how I feel as I watch my children learn and explore.
Brandon and I decided from the very beginning that we didn't want to push our children into education. We wanted to disciple them, and in the process, keep learning fun. I don't know about you, but when I was in kindergarten, I was learning my numbers and ABC's. Now children are learning how to read books and write in cursive. I feel like our country has put education on the fast track. It seems like education has become more important than the child.
Merikalyn will be six in May, but she is not at reading level at this moment. She knows her alphabet, she knows the sounds the letters make, and she loves books. She's a natural at math. We have only recently started the math activities, yet she understands everything we come across. I believe that's because it's something we do regularly in baking, making, and playing.
When I start comparing what she knows to what other children her age know, I begin to worry because she's not on the same level with reading, but then I step back and realize she's ahead in so many other areas... and not because I'm pushed or force her there, but because she loves learning and loves exploring.
It would be pointless to push her to learn something she is not ready to learn. It would only frustrate us both. I've had to learn this lesson several times! Education is a process. In these youthful years, their brains are still growing. Those things they may not full "get" or understand this year, they may passionately grasp the next. I have also learned that the learning process doesn't always go in the order I think it should.
Homeschooling has given me such insight into the children's mind and hearts, and that, my friends, is priceless. I really can't imagine giving such a task over to someone else. I'm glad I'm able to home educate!
Lately I've seen such growth in Keagan. It was astonishing to me because, with my two older children, I was so caught up in myself and my own personal issues, that I didn't notice their growth beyond major milestones. I do (deeply) regret not being more tuned into them, but I can't undo it, but I can tune into them now.
Keagan mastered the stairs several months ago. He's always been quite great at climbing up them, but, with most children, once up, down is a problem. He quickly figured out that he could slide down the stairs. He is so quick and graceful! I'll have to take a video of it!
Keagie has become my little helper. He likes to help put things up, shut drawers and doors, and throw trash away. He loves to be involved in school projects, and wants to do whatever the older children are doing. It's hard to describe exactly how I feel as I watch my children learn and explore.
Brandon and I decided from the very beginning that we didn't want to push our children into education. We wanted to disciple them, and in the process, keep learning fun. I don't know about you, but when I was in kindergarten, I was learning my numbers and ABC's. Now children are learning how to read books and write in cursive. I feel like our country has put education on the fast track. It seems like education has become more important than the child.
Merikalyn will be six in May, but she is not at reading level at this moment. She knows her alphabet, she knows the sounds the letters make, and she loves books. She's a natural at math. We have only recently started the math activities, yet she understands everything we come across. I believe that's because it's something we do regularly in baking, making, and playing.
When I start comparing what she knows to what other children her age know, I begin to worry because she's not on the same level with reading, but then I step back and realize she's ahead in so many other areas... and not because I'm pushed or force her there, but because she loves learning and loves exploring.
It would be pointless to push her to learn something she is not ready to learn. It would only frustrate us both. I've had to learn this lesson several times! Education is a process. In these youthful years, their brains are still growing. Those things they may not full "get" or understand this year, they may passionately grasp the next. I have also learned that the learning process doesn't always go in the order I think it should.
Homeschooling has given me such insight into the children's mind and hearts, and that, my friends, is priceless. I really can't imagine giving such a task over to someone else. I'm glad I'm able to home educate!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
A Fruitful Dollar Tree
Dollar Tree is awesome. I'm sure most you know that, and those of you who don't probably don't have to live on a tight budget.
For home educating families like ourselves, Dollar Tree holds a plethora of goodies, especially if you think outside the curriculum box. I had a few things in mind, so we headed over to our neighborhood store to grab a "few" items.
As you can see, we made out like bandits (except, we paid). I couldn't believe all the great finds they had this time, but maybe it was just because I was actually looking for things to use in specific activities.
I'm always amazed by the intelligence of one-year-olds. I think we vastly underestimate their baby brains. Keagan understands quite a bit. The other day I "caught" him throwing stuff in the trash. I was a little panicked, thinking I would find half of my kitchen in the garbage can, but to my surprise he was throwing away wrappers my older children had left out (tisk tisk, ha!). When I'm working in the kitchen, I can hand him something to throw in the garbage, and he'll complete the task with a huge grin and a yelp of glee. In these photos, he is transferring beans from one container to another. Joy lit up his face. I love how my children love these little things. So many people think those who are easily entertained are "simple minded" but that's "simply" not true! In my opinion, it is those who have to be constantly entertained by television and video games and cannot enjoy the simpler joys of life that are "simple minded". They are not self motivated, but lazy.
The mini-buckets are from Texas Roadhouse. They were dessert tins that you could keep! The kids really love them. The little plastic containers came 8 to a package at, you guessed it, Dollar Tree. This is a wonderful activity for young children. It helps them build those muscles in their hands. We call this a "dextrous activity".
The original photo was quite dark, but I love his expression. Every now and then he'd take a bean up to his mouth, then giggle before pitting it in the tin. Guess he was just checking to see if I was paying attention!
While Keagan played with the beans, Nolyn and Merikalyn put together a puzzle. They recently really got into puzzles, so we've been collecting them. After they really get the puzzles down, we throw them into a bag of other puzzles. The task becomes a tad more difficult when they have to sort through pieces from four or five other puzzles! It's a great way to make what you have go the extra mile. Change it up!
Keagan loves playing with the little boxes. Each box has something different in it (mostly used for counting or dextrous activities)- beans, elbow noodles, googly-eyes, etc. Some are empty. He would shake each box then appear to be comparing the sounds. He'd peek into the box, then toss it back into the bucket. (He has a great arm- he over-threw by several yards a few times!)
What I love most about our method of home education is the simplicity of it. It gets everyone involved. Older children can play with younger children. Of course, it isn't always smooth sailing. Sometimes Nolyn hijacks Keagan's activities. It's important to be aware of what each child is doing. For one thing, I don't want Keagan downing a bunch of pennies or uncooked beans. Most of all, I am aware the my children do have a sinful nature, so I have to pay attention to their actions and reactions, so I can immediately correct and disciple (or guide).
Keagan really loves getting involved in our homeschool. Even though I miss the "babyness", I really love this stage. I could do without the disgusting diapers and runny nose due to teething!
Here is Merikalyn doing a dextrous activity. She was picking up beans one by one with a spoon and transferring them to another container while counting.
Keagan and I playing with the little containers of counting items.
These little cones are AWESOME. I can think of SO may things to do with them like use them as bases in a game, or for ring toss. Today, the kids used them to jump over and weave around.
We like our curriculum to last. We use enough paper with our crafts, so we try to make our work books stretch (even though some of them only cost a dollar). Using beans or other counters for their math activities helps them work out the problems, and they can use cardstock with numbers written on them to portray the answer. Even though the problems come with picture examples, I find it is easier for them to have their own items to manipulate. You don't have to spend a bunch of math manipulatives. You can use beads, beans, noodles, crayons, dominoes, marbles, or whatever else you have around the house. In fact, I encourage you to use household items, because it helps children understand that math is used all over the place. We have a bunch of flipflops (I have about a dozen pairs, and the kids probably have about half a dozen). We sometimes use our flipflops to do math problems. They can also use math to set the table. How many plates and napkins will we need? If Mom and Dad are going to use the larger forks, how many small (dessert) forks will be needed? We are having company over. How many extra settings will we need? Dad isn't going to make it home for dinner, so how many settings will we need now? You get the idea.
When you are cleaning out the pantry, have your children count the canned goods or even sort them out. Keagan LOVES to play with the cans! Children can also count the cans as help to put them away after a grocery trip.
For home educating families like ourselves, Dollar Tree holds a plethora of goodies, especially if you think outside the curriculum box. I had a few things in mind, so we headed over to our neighborhood store to grab a "few" items.
As you can see, we made out like bandits (except, we paid). I couldn't believe all the great finds they had this time, but maybe it was just because I was actually looking for things to use in specific activities.
The mini-buckets are from Texas Roadhouse. They were dessert tins that you could keep! The kids really love them. The little plastic containers came 8 to a package at, you guessed it, Dollar Tree. This is a wonderful activity for young children. It helps them build those muscles in their hands. We call this a "dextrous activity".
We like our curriculum to last. We use enough paper with our crafts, so we try to make our work books stretch (even though some of them only cost a dollar). Using beans or other counters for their math activities helps them work out the problems, and they can use cardstock with numbers written on them to portray the answer. Even though the problems come with picture examples, I find it is easier for them to have their own items to manipulate. You don't have to spend a bunch of math manipulatives. You can use beads, beans, noodles, crayons, dominoes, marbles, or whatever else you have around the house. In fact, I encourage you to use household items, because it helps children understand that math is used all over the place. We have a bunch of flipflops (I have about a dozen pairs, and the kids probably have about half a dozen). We sometimes use our flipflops to do math problems. They can also use math to set the table. How many plates and napkins will we need? If Mom and Dad are going to use the larger forks, how many small (dessert) forks will be needed? We are having company over. How many extra settings will we need? Dad isn't going to make it home for dinner, so how many settings will we need now? You get the idea.
When you are cleaning out the pantry, have your children count the canned goods or even sort them out. Keagan LOVES to play with the cans! Children can also count the cans as help to put them away after a grocery trip.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Homeschooling Around the Home [1]
I decided today we'd tackle the children's toys, but after the day began rolling, I realized it wasn't something I wanted to dig into just yet, at least not right now. I did talk to the children about it, preparing them for the moment, and was met with a million "Can I Keep" questions.
I realize it's been a while since I talked about our homeschooling adventures, so here you go, complete with photos!
All three children love the Handwriting Without Tears "tools". Baby Keagan pulls the box of "sticks" out several times a day.
We also use these sticks to make patterns/shapes. I make a pattern, and Merikalyn copies it. She did a really great job, especially since Keagan kept messing with both of our patterns!
We made ground beef tacos today. Every time I'm in the kitchen baking or cooking, the kids want to be right there with me. I wish I could say I use every opportunity to get them involved, but, well, sometimes I feel like it's a big hassle. Sometimes I just want to throw together a meal without having to explain everything or maneuver around stools. I just like to have my space sometimes. Yanno? Making a meal requires multitasking, but making a meal with children? That's like SUPER DUPER multitasking! Plus, every time I use the oven, Keagan is right there, so I have to balance on one leg while I try to hold him back with my other foot, open the oven, take out or put in whatever I need, and then shut it before he gets any closer!
We're using pistacho shells for a craft and a counting game, so the kids enjoyed "helping me" with the shells by eating the pistachos! Opening the shells is great for working those muscles in their little hands. Some they couldn't open, so they just put them back in the bag, but many were easy to crack. I'll post more on our crafts and games later.
I realize it's been a while since I talked about our homeschooling adventures, so here you go, complete with photos!
All three children love the Handwriting Without Tears "tools". Baby Keagan pulls the box of "sticks" out several times a day.
We also use these sticks to make patterns/shapes. I make a pattern, and Merikalyn copies it. She did a really great job, especially since Keagan kept messing with both of our patterns!
We made ground beef tacos today. Every time I'm in the kitchen baking or cooking, the kids want to be right there with me. I wish I could say I use every opportunity to get them involved, but, well, sometimes I feel like it's a big hassle. Sometimes I just want to throw together a meal without having to explain everything or maneuver around stools. I just like to have my space sometimes. Yanno? Making a meal requires multitasking, but making a meal with children? That's like SUPER DUPER multitasking! Plus, every time I use the oven, Keagan is right there, so I have to balance on one leg while I try to hold him back with my other foot, open the oven, take out or put in whatever I need, and then shut it before he gets any closer!
We're using pistacho shells for a craft and a counting game, so the kids enjoyed "helping me" with the shells by eating the pistachos! Opening the shells is great for working those muscles in their little hands. Some they couldn't open, so they just put them back in the bag, but many were easy to crack. I'll post more on our crafts and games later.
Monday, March 23, 2009
The Struggle with Stuff
(Seaside Cottage @ Art.com)
You see, we have quite a bit of debt. When we moved to Louisiana in the Spring of 2006, we were nearly debt free, but within two years, we had built up a nice little chunk of I-O-Us. It's not like we went out and spent frivolously. In fact, that's not it at all, but we did manage to get in over our heads while trying to run a business that was near failing when we walked into it (although we did not realize this at the time). I won't go into detail of how disastrous that was, but let me tell you, it was definitely no picnic. However, the experience did teach me how to live on practically nothing, and I learned to be careful what I ask for as well!
Brandon and I thought we were doing what God asked us to do, and in a way, we were (as it was clear we were suppose to move back to Louisiana from Indiana), but we had assumed that this is the path He wanted us to take while there, when, looking back, we can both see that we had not really sought clarification on it.
Still, the experience taught us many lessons, and, as you know, God can use our mistakes to bring us closer to Him and bring us into a better understanding of His will.
It is a little difficult (heart breaking) to look back and realize a lot of trouble could have been avoided if we would have listened a little more carefully and recognized the signs that we were heading in the wrong direction, but our past mistakes have given us direction in "what not to do" and what we should avoid, and at least we learned these lessons in our youth, and not later down the road.
But, as I said, from where we stand now, it's hard to imagine that our goal could even be a possibility, unless we wait twenty years (in which case, half of the goal is not achieved, as we want to raise our children in this environment).
Brandon and I have already overcome a large amount of debt which he piled up before we married, so I know it is possible (but we were also able to do that with the help of an inheritance), but back then, we only had one child.
Now, Brandon and I steer clear of credit offers. Besides, anyone who offers such a thing would be crazy to since our credit report is horrible, yet there are still companies out there tempting people like us with lines like, "Good credit? Bad Credit? No Credit? No problem!" or "No credit check!"
We have learned that if we cannot afford it, we cannot have it. (And even if we can afford it, we probably don't need it.)
I (unintentionally) came up with a great idea to cut back and save a lot of money, but it requires so much sacrifice that I don't know if I can bare it. My husband is all for it, but he also doesn't completely understand the sacrifice it would be for the children and I, since he is not home as much as we are, and, because most of the stuff we would be sacrificing would be my stuff, and the kids' stuff. I am not saying that he is not compassionate about the way I feel, but, being the way he is (unattached to his things, and only desiring to hold on to those things that he could use later in a trade- as in his carpentry tools), it is a little difficult for him to comprehend the inner conflict in me.
This is something I have always struggled with. You see, I have kept things I don't need because of the memories tied to them. A couple years ago, I realized I was hanging onto something that didn't even have good memories tied to it. In fact, the memories attached to it weren't lovely at all! I had boxes of papers with doodles and poems (and there was a time when I would write anywhere from five to twenty poems or songs a day, so you can imagine those added up). Of course, I hung onto things for the ever popular reason of, "I might need it someday." My husband and I have moved quite a bit since we married, so there are some things that stayed in boxes taking up storage space. We weren't even sure what was in the boxes!
I think a lot of this was tied into the fact that my mom was the complete opposite, and, as a kid, I often wished she would have kept more of the items throughout her life, so I could have tangible evidence of her youth. Now I understand why she didn't hold onto things, and I often think sometimes we haul too much baggage around with us physical and emotional. I tried to bring half of my childhood with me when I got married, instead of starting fresh!
So, I've had to work to overcome these issues and the attachment to my stuff. I think most of us deal with this sort of thing. Could you sell everything you own? Could you get rid of half of your belongings? Could you bare to get rid of everything except the bare essentials?
Sure, it sounds good in theory, doesn't it? It does to me! Yet, actually doing it? How do you choose what to get rid of and what to keep? How do you filter out what is practical and useful from those things which you attempt to justify because of sentiment?
I don't want to be so attached to my stuff that I refuse God's blessings. I realize that it's just "stuff", and I knew once I let it go, I'd be fine, but it's the letting go that's difficult!
Do you struggle with this?
Are you like me? Do you not only struggle with letting go of your stuff, but also with letting go of your ideal life? I know that when I make a sacrifice for God, He blesses me with more than I could have ever imagined. So often, after much struggle, I have let go of a dream or my own plans for the will of God, and down the line, I realize that God has fulfilled my dreams better than I ever could have! More than that, He blesses me with peace and joy, so that, even if my dreams never came true, I am satisfied!
Luke 6:38
Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
I believe this verse isn't just talking about what we give to others, but what we give up as well. Besides, when we give up things for God, we are better able to give to the purpose of the Kingdom.
The American Dream says we can have it all, we should have it all, and we MUST have it all, and sadly, no one is immune from that lie. It is my belief that growing up in such a culture, most of us will struggle against this for the rest of our lives. The only way we can overcome it is to be rooted in the LORD and to allow our hearts and minds to be regularly cleansed!
God knew how our stuff would affect our lives because the bible talks about it often. Jesus knew we would be tempted to become servants to our stuff when he told us "no man can serve two masters". Proverbs is full of financial advice, and reminds us to "not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle."
The first Christians were willing to let go of their stuff in order to meet the needs of all in the church. (Acts 4) Unfortunately, this is a little difficult to do today for a couple reasons. First of all, we're too greedy to let go of our stuff or share it with others. Secondly, we have people who would take advantage of those willing to give. Their greed and laziness would have them always putting out their hand, but never contributing.
I believe, if we are unwilling to loosen our grip on our stuff, God may have to forcefully take it from us. We are to be good stewards of our stuff, and this means making wise choices in what we purchase and cling to, taking care of what we have, and being willing to share with others. If we cannot be faithful in these small things- these day to day matters- how can God trust us with the bigger things, the things of His Kingdom? That thought always puts things in perspective for me.
I know it's easy for me to depend on my stuff for safety and comfort, but I need to depend on God for those things. I know I WILL fail myself, but God will never fail me!
I pray that God will help me to overcome these issues and to be willing to let go for His sake! I think I have a tendency to feel, "Well, I deserve this stuff," but the truth is, I don't. Yet, once again, the American Dream tells me I do. I deserve the big house, the nice cars, top of the line everything. I deserve to go out to eat at restaurants. I deserve these nice clothes. I deserve.... but, again, I don't. We tend to think that riches are blessings, but the bible tells us that is not always the case.
Anyway, I've rambled on. I just wanted to share my struggle with you all. I'm sure some of you can relate! I know, with God, all things are possible, and He will help me overcome!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Make your own delicious cereal & Marketing tactics today
Has anyone been paying attention to the price of cereal lately? It's outrageous! I don't normally buy the name brand cereal because I find I can get the store brand for half as much (and it tastes exactly the same). However, even store brands have gone up, so I've been thinking of ways to make my cereal dollar stretch while still getting the delicious cereals my family likes.
The kids aren't really picky, thank goodness. They will eat plain cereals like crispy rice or corn flakes, but I'm a little more of a cereal snob than that. I like granola, or at least chunks of it in my cereal. I like a few different textures, and a touch of sweetness. I like bits of fruit in my cereal as well, so I often buy cereals with dehydrated strawberries (because, until summer rolls around, fresh strawberries are too expensive and not that great in terms of quality).
So, while we were grocery shopping Saturday, I had an idea. Why not combine some of the cereals I already have to make a cereal that fits what we like?
I have a huge box of corn flakes (which we use to make faux-fried chicken) that has been sitting there for several months, yet to be opened. I also have half a (gigantic) box of Rice Crispies (also from a couple months ago when I made Rice Crispy Treats). I have a box of Just Bunches (as in Honey Bunches of Oats) to satisfy my sweet granola craving. We always have raisins on hand for snacks and bananas (while supplies last... since those go pretty quick in our household). I combined half a box of corn flakes, half a box of Rice Crispies, one or two cups of Just Bunches then shook it up in a big bag before pouring it into our breakfast bowls. Then I added a small handful of raisins to each bowl and cut in slices of banana. The kids LOVED it, and it tastes REALLY good. For about six or seven dollars, I have the equivalent of about six regular sized-boxes of cereal. I could have found a similar cereal on the shelves, and paid the same price for just two boxes of cereal.
You can also find creative ways to change up cereal- like smashing up a couple chocolate chip cookies (or some of those Girl Scout Cookies you just bought) in a small bag and sprinkling it over flakes or crispy rice. Sometimes we have a bunch of cereal boxes with just maybe a cup or so of cereal left in each one. You can find creative ways to combine these, or mix them up with some fruit and yogurt.
That's another thing. Granola isn't the only cereal you can serve over yogurt. Kids will like toasted oats (Cherrios) or crispy rice, and you might too.
Try adding different dried fruits (apples, pineapples, etc) to cereals, or toss in fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries, grapes, bananas...).
Mixing or adding stuff to the cereals you already have on hand will help stretch your dollar and liven up a cereal you found boring or bland.
You can even set up a mixing station for your children by setting out several bowls or bags filled with different cereals and mix ins. You could even set out some cupcake sprinkles or a shaker of cinnamon. They'll enjoy making their own cereal.
When I was in second or third grade my Gifted and Talented class did a fun cereal project. We were to create a cereal and design our own cereal box to go along with it. Take cereal box and cover it with paper, then have the children decorate their own cereal box. "Back then" we didn't have these fancy personal computers allowing us to make a more attractive project, but now days, kids can take a picture of the cereal they made, mess around with it on a graphic program (even put in the name of their cereal and tell what's in it), and print it out to post on the cereal box. Older children should try to make it appealing. You could use this as an opportunity to explain how companies and ad agencies use special tactics to lure the costumer into buying their product. Do some research into that. It's very interesting!
For example, companies use celebrity endorsements to promote their product. More and more companies are targeting children because they know parents are apt to give in to their children's desires. Sometimes Merika will beg me to buy a box of cereal because it has the Disney Princesses on it, and Nolyn tries to put a box of Spiderman shaped Mac'n'Cheese in my cart nearly every shopping trip. I joke that they'd try to convince me to buy a box of poop if it had their favorite character on it.
Companies also use product comparison to try to convince you that their product is better and more of a deal or steal than another. Right now, companies are really digging into our sentiments to sell us items. They also try to sell things to us by presenting it to us as a lifestyle
that we desire. Due to the state of our economy, companies realize that people are trying to save money, so they are really using this to their advantage. Credit cards are claiming that they will help us "spend wisely" and "save more". I hate to break it to you, but that's not what credit cards do. However, their strategy is working because people are falling for it.
Target has a few commercials in which they present what we want in a new, cheaper way. The new barber shop? Buy these clippers and cut hair at home! The new commute? Buy this bicycle and bike to work in your nice suit!! The new gym? Buy this yoga ball! The new movie night? DVDs at home, of course! The new family room? A seventy-dollar tent in the backyard! As you can tell, companies are trying to send us the message that we should spend our dollar at their company because they are interested in saving us money.
{Begin mini rant}
In my opinion, the worst of all is Wal-mart (which we boycott for various reasons) who loves to tell us that they are always slashing prices. (That comes with a price! If you have Netflix, watch "The High Cost of Low Prices" or watch this excerpt.) Please, try to frequent your Mom and Pop places. It is worth the extra pennies you'll pay! If you want to support your economy, put your business back into the small companies in your state. {End mini rant}
The kids aren't really picky, thank goodness. They will eat plain cereals like crispy rice or corn flakes, but I'm a little more of a cereal snob than that. I like granola, or at least chunks of it in my cereal. I like a few different textures, and a touch of sweetness. I like bits of fruit in my cereal as well, so I often buy cereals with dehydrated strawberries (because, until summer rolls around, fresh strawberries are too expensive and not that great in terms of quality).
So, while we were grocery shopping Saturday, I had an idea. Why not combine some of the cereals I already have to make a cereal that fits what we like?
I have a huge box of corn flakes (which we use to make faux-fried chicken) that has been sitting there for several months, yet to be opened. I also have half a (gigantic) box of Rice Crispies (also from a couple months ago when I made Rice Crispy Treats). I have a box of Just Bunches (as in Honey Bunches of Oats) to satisfy my sweet granola craving. We always have raisins on hand for snacks and bananas (while supplies last... since those go pretty quick in our household). I combined half a box of corn flakes, half a box of Rice Crispies, one or two cups of Just Bunches then shook it up in a big bag before pouring it into our breakfast bowls. Then I added a small handful of raisins to each bowl and cut in slices of banana. The kids LOVED it, and it tastes REALLY good. For about six or seven dollars, I have the equivalent of about six regular sized-boxes of cereal. I could have found a similar cereal on the shelves, and paid the same price for just two boxes of cereal.
You can also find creative ways to change up cereal- like smashing up a couple chocolate chip cookies (or some of those Girl Scout Cookies you just bought) in a small bag and sprinkling it over flakes or crispy rice. Sometimes we have a bunch of cereal boxes with just maybe a cup or so of cereal left in each one. You can find creative ways to combine these, or mix them up with some fruit and yogurt.
That's another thing. Granola isn't the only cereal you can serve over yogurt. Kids will like toasted oats (Cherrios) or crispy rice, and you might too.
Try adding different dried fruits (apples, pineapples, etc) to cereals, or toss in fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries, grapes, bananas...).
Mixing or adding stuff to the cereals you already have on hand will help stretch your dollar and liven up a cereal you found boring or bland.
You can even set up a mixing station for your children by setting out several bowls or bags filled with different cereals and mix ins. You could even set out some cupcake sprinkles or a shaker of cinnamon. They'll enjoy making their own cereal.
When I was in second or third grade my Gifted and Talented class did a fun cereal project. We were to create a cereal and design our own cereal box to go along with it. Take cereal box and cover it with paper, then have the children decorate their own cereal box. "Back then" we didn't have these fancy personal computers allowing us to make a more attractive project, but now days, kids can take a picture of the cereal they made, mess around with it on a graphic program (even put in the name of their cereal and tell what's in it), and print it out to post on the cereal box. Older children should try to make it appealing. You could use this as an opportunity to explain how companies and ad agencies use special tactics to lure the costumer into buying their product. Do some research into that. It's very interesting!
For example, companies use celebrity endorsements to promote their product. More and more companies are targeting children because they know parents are apt to give in to their children's desires. Sometimes Merika will beg me to buy a box of cereal because it has the Disney Princesses on it, and Nolyn tries to put a box of Spiderman shaped Mac'n'Cheese in my cart nearly every shopping trip. I joke that they'd try to convince me to buy a box of poop if it had their favorite character on it.
Companies also use product comparison to try to convince you that their product is better and more of a deal or steal than another. Right now, companies are really digging into our sentiments to sell us items. They also try to sell things to us by presenting it to us as a lifestyle
that we desire. Due to the state of our economy, companies realize that people are trying to save money, so they are really using this to their advantage. Credit cards are claiming that they will help us "spend wisely" and "save more". I hate to break it to you, but that's not what credit cards do. However, their strategy is working because people are falling for it.
Target has a few commercials in which they present what we want in a new, cheaper way. The new barber shop? Buy these clippers and cut hair at home! The new commute? Buy this bicycle and bike to work in your nice suit!! The new gym? Buy this yoga ball! The new movie night? DVDs at home, of course! The new family room? A seventy-dollar tent in the backyard! As you can tell, companies are trying to send us the message that we should spend our dollar at their company because they are interested in saving us money.
{Begin mini rant}
In my opinion, the worst of all is Wal-mart (which we boycott for various reasons) who loves to tell us that they are always slashing prices. (That comes with a price! If you have Netflix, watch "The High Cost of Low Prices" or watch this excerpt.) Please, try to frequent your Mom and Pop places. It is worth the extra pennies you'll pay! If you want to support your economy, put your business back into the small companies in your state. {End mini rant}
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Cruises, car wrecks, and smashed fingers... oh my!
Several things happened over the last couple weeks. Mom and Dad went on a cruise and brought back really cool stuff for the kids (which we picked up today). Merikalyn slammed her finger in a car door (OUCH!). Keagan reached the ripe age of 18 months. We "celebrated" the eight-year anniversary of Mom's car accident (in 2001). ("Eight years of pain and heartache," I said. "Have a piece of chocolate cake.") Oh, and Nolyn got his Spring haircut- a mohawk (we do this every year, and he was begging me to do it again).
The following photos of from today. We stopped by Mom and Dad's condo on the way home from our church in Louisiana, and they gave the kids their special gifts (from the cruise).
The three amigos.
Ole! (Nolyn's shirt and Merikalyn's dress were also special gifts Mom and Dad bought on their adventures, along with the hats, of course.)
Poppa with Nolyn and Merika. They are holding a floatie/blow-up cruise ship. Merikalyn is wearing one of the head covers that many of the poor women make and sell in one of the villages they visited.
And here's a precious photo of my other baby... :) He fell asleep with the stuffed dog, and Mom and I thought it would be hilarious to add other props... like a pacifier and a bottle!
I know some of you are wondering what Merikalyn's flower girl dress looks like. It is currently being altered, but here's a couple photos I snapped before we took it to be tailored.
As you can imagine, she loves wearing it because it makes her feel like a princess! You can kind of see that the tip of her pointer finger is a little "blackened" from the clash with the car door. I remember what that feels like... ugh.
The following photos of from today. We stopped by Mom and Dad's condo on the way home from our church in Louisiana, and they gave the kids their special gifts (from the cruise).
The three amigos.
Ole! (Nolyn's shirt and Merikalyn's dress were also special gifts Mom and Dad bought on their adventures, along with the hats, of course.)
Poppa with Nolyn and Merika. They are holding a floatie/blow-up cruise ship. Merikalyn is wearing one of the head covers that many of the poor women make and sell in one of the villages they visited.
And here's a precious photo of my other baby... :) He fell asleep with the stuffed dog, and Mom and I thought it would be hilarious to add other props... like a pacifier and a bottle!
I know some of you are wondering what Merikalyn's flower girl dress looks like. It is currently being altered, but here's a couple photos I snapped before we took it to be tailored.
As you can imagine, she loves wearing it because it makes her feel like a princess! You can kind of see that the tip of her pointer finger is a little "blackened" from the clash with the car door. I remember what that feels like... ugh.
Monday, March 9, 2009
My friend is getting marrrrrieeeed!
Two Fridays ago, I met up with a friend of mine at La Madeline's for lunch and to pick up a very special dress for a very special girl! Jessica and I have been friends since the 6th grade (when we realized our schedules matched so we'd have every single class together). She's one of the few people I've really stayed in touch with through the years (without the help of myspace and facebook).
Now my buddy is getting married, and my daughter is going to be her flower girl! I can't tell you have excited Merikalyn is. The dress matches Jessica's, and she's thinks she's a princess. She can't wait for the wedding (and keeps asking me if its "tomorrow").
So, when you think about it (maybe now?) say a little prayer for Jessica and her husband-to-be (Brad). I hope God blesses their union and uses it to bring them closer to Him!
I love you Jess!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Church, Control, and Children
We spent the weekend in Louisiana, where we "commute" to church.
Isn't it interesting that people are willing to commute for work or drive all over the place as work. (My own husband spends a huge amount of time on the road just driving around Houston and it's outer parts- and if you're from this area, then you know that it can take two hours to get from one side of "outer Houston" to the other, and that's with little to no traffic.) People are willing to move to different cities, states, and even countries for a job....
But the idea of doing so for church is shocking.
We attend two churches. Our "home church" is actually three hours away in my husband's hometown in Louisiana. It is the church we attended before moving back to Houston, the church that we ached to leave (and the only reason we would have stayed, had God not made it so clear that we were to move).
Since it is not always feasible for us to attend our "home church" (meaning, "main church"... services there are not actually held in a home), we also have a "secondary church" which is about a forty-five minute drive (when there is little or no traffic, and there usually isn't on Sundays). It took us several months to find this a church here in our area (and, technically, it isn't in "our area", but it is close enough!). The search for a church made us painfully aware of how God's word is often watered down to make it easier to swallow or spiced up to make it more entertaining or completely twisted by those who either simply misunderstand because the mystery has not been "unveiled" to them yet or because they deliberately choose to alter it.
I think God used those experiences to show us how Satan has really taken over. There were also some churches we attended that preached the gospel truth, but that God did not give us a "peace" about, meaning, we felt he was telling us to "keep on looking" even though the Spirit was definitely there.
We have made some wonderful friendships within our church here in Texas- ones that are just budding. Friday night, we had supper with one of the couples from our church here. They also have three children. It was so nice to fellowship with a like-minded family. Brandon and I have come to realize that most of our good friends do not have children, and so we are missing a particular aspect in our friendship that comes with being parents. We are in different areas of our lives- which doesn't mean we cannot be great friends- but it does mean that they will not fully understand certain things.
I have been praying that God would lead us into friendships with couples (with children) who are like minded, and I felt like He answered that prayer on Friday. There are so few people who have the same views we do (not just one or two here and there, but as a whole), and it is so comforting and... such a relief... to know that there are other families out there striving for the things we strive for and seeking to live as we do. We even have similar interests! We had such a wonderful time talking, that we didn't leave until it was almost midnight, which made it difficult to wake up in the morning to leave for Louisiana!
While in Louisiana, we were able to visit with more of our friends with children. My friend Christy is absolutely delightful and relateable... and I finally got to meet her newest addition, a little girl (which caused my baby fever to raise a few more degrees). We also got to spend time with my in-laws and the kids enjoyed playing with their cousin, Hunter.
Church was absolutely wonderful. Brandon and I definitely felt like this is where God wanted us to be, but it didn't click until recently that this was to be our "home church" until one of the pastors at our church here in Texas mentioned the first little bit I mentioned (about thinking nothing strange about moving across the country for a career, but gawking at the idea of moving to attend a godly-driven church). Many people drive long distances to attend the church we attend here in Texas. It is common for many of the members to drive over an hour for the services.
God really impressed upon my heart that He still wanted us at the church we made our "home" in Louisiana. Brandon and I thought about it often- missed the church and wished we were closer (or that they were here), but it didn't occur to us to make the drive on weekends to be there until later. I think God definitely used that time in between to teach us somethings and bring us to a church in our area where we could visit a couple times a month and build some friendships with those in our area.
I am constantly amazed by the plans of God- how He weaves things together and makes such intricate art out of our lives. Over the last year, God has really been pressing into me the lesson of His timing. We like to believe we are in control of our lives, and while it is true that we do have some control (over our choices, reactions, etc), ultimately, whether we are believers or not, whether we submit to God or not, whether we like it or not.... our lives are in God's control.
As Brandon and I have hoped and prayed for another child and have seen the months pass without conception, this has really hit home. Our first child came quite unexpectedly, and the following two entered just when we planned. It never occurred to me that I wouldn't be able to conceive right when I wanted to. After all, everyone had always joked I was fertile myrtle, laughed that all my husband had to do was wink my way and we were with child again. But that's not how it works, is it? Even those who seem quite fertile, who have youthful, healthy, working reproductive systems can't MAKE themselves have a baby. Ultimately, it is in God's hands, isn't it? He opens and closes the womb.
Sunday, Brother Jerry worded it quite well in his sermond. "Did it ever occur to you that nothing ever occurs to God?"
And it's true- God sees all and knows all. He has plans for our lives beyond what we can imagine, and we have to trust in Him to lead us, to lay out the path before us. We also need to be willing to take action when we tells us to, to go where He leads, and to always be praying about the choices and options before us.
I cannot control those around me. I have enough work just trying to control myself, and that is what I really need to work on. I know that God has chosen not to give us another child at this moment because He has things He desires me to work on, and I cannot receive the blessing until I have followed through in obedience.
I feel like God has some things He wants me to "work out" in our home, in our parenting, etc before he adds another to our "crew", and while I have to agree, it's not easy to "hear".
I know some think it is selfish to desire more children when we already have three beautiful little darlings. Of course, many of these people are the same sort that strive for more money and more stuff and bigger houses without seeing their own selfish motives for such.
I honestly thought that two would be enough, but God has revealed to Brandon and I what a blessing children are, and it seems today's culture is too worried about population, finances, and whatnot to take joy in the most precious things.
Children are the only thing that we can "make" that last forever. Our houses, our bank accounts, our material possessions will come to an end- but God has offered everlasting life- a beautiful, glorious, everlasting kingdom. Sometimes I lose sight of this. Have you?
Isn't it interesting that people are willing to commute for work or drive all over the place as work. (My own husband spends a huge amount of time on the road just driving around Houston and it's outer parts- and if you're from this area, then you know that it can take two hours to get from one side of "outer Houston" to the other, and that's with little to no traffic.) People are willing to move to different cities, states, and even countries for a job....
But the idea of doing so for church is shocking.
We attend two churches. Our "home church" is actually three hours away in my husband's hometown in Louisiana. It is the church we attended before moving back to Houston, the church that we ached to leave (and the only reason we would have stayed, had God not made it so clear that we were to move).
Since it is not always feasible for us to attend our "home church" (meaning, "main church"... services there are not actually held in a home), we also have a "secondary church" which is about a forty-five minute drive (when there is little or no traffic, and there usually isn't on Sundays). It took us several months to find this a church here in our area (and, technically, it isn't in "our area", but it is close enough!). The search for a church made us painfully aware of how God's word is often watered down to make it easier to swallow or spiced up to make it more entertaining or completely twisted by those who either simply misunderstand because the mystery has not been "unveiled" to them yet or because they deliberately choose to alter it.
I think God used those experiences to show us how Satan has really taken over. There were also some churches we attended that preached the gospel truth, but that God did not give us a "peace" about, meaning, we felt he was telling us to "keep on looking" even though the Spirit was definitely there.
We have made some wonderful friendships within our church here in Texas- ones that are just budding. Friday night, we had supper with one of the couples from our church here. They also have three children. It was so nice to fellowship with a like-minded family. Brandon and I have come to realize that most of our good friends do not have children, and so we are missing a particular aspect in our friendship that comes with being parents. We are in different areas of our lives- which doesn't mean we cannot be great friends- but it does mean that they will not fully understand certain things.
I have been praying that God would lead us into friendships with couples (with children) who are like minded, and I felt like He answered that prayer on Friday. There are so few people who have the same views we do (not just one or two here and there, but as a whole), and it is so comforting and... such a relief... to know that there are other families out there striving for the things we strive for and seeking to live as we do. We even have similar interests! We had such a wonderful time talking, that we didn't leave until it was almost midnight, which made it difficult to wake up in the morning to leave for Louisiana!
While in Louisiana, we were able to visit with more of our friends with children. My friend Christy is absolutely delightful and relateable... and I finally got to meet her newest addition, a little girl (which caused my baby fever to raise a few more degrees). We also got to spend time with my in-laws and the kids enjoyed playing with their cousin, Hunter.
Church was absolutely wonderful. Brandon and I definitely felt like this is where God wanted us to be, but it didn't click until recently that this was to be our "home church" until one of the pastors at our church here in Texas mentioned the first little bit I mentioned (about thinking nothing strange about moving across the country for a career, but gawking at the idea of moving to attend a godly-driven church). Many people drive long distances to attend the church we attend here in Texas. It is common for many of the members to drive over an hour for the services.
God really impressed upon my heart that He still wanted us at the church we made our "home" in Louisiana. Brandon and I thought about it often- missed the church and wished we were closer (or that they were here), but it didn't occur to us to make the drive on weekends to be there until later. I think God definitely used that time in between to teach us somethings and bring us to a church in our area where we could visit a couple times a month and build some friendships with those in our area.
I am constantly amazed by the plans of God- how He weaves things together and makes such intricate art out of our lives. Over the last year, God has really been pressing into me the lesson of His timing. We like to believe we are in control of our lives, and while it is true that we do have some control (over our choices, reactions, etc), ultimately, whether we are believers or not, whether we submit to God or not, whether we like it or not.... our lives are in God's control.
As Brandon and I have hoped and prayed for another child and have seen the months pass without conception, this has really hit home. Our first child came quite unexpectedly, and the following two entered just when we planned. It never occurred to me that I wouldn't be able to conceive right when I wanted to. After all, everyone had always joked I was fertile myrtle, laughed that all my husband had to do was wink my way and we were with child again. But that's not how it works, is it? Even those who seem quite fertile, who have youthful, healthy, working reproductive systems can't MAKE themselves have a baby. Ultimately, it is in God's hands, isn't it? He opens and closes the womb.
Sunday, Brother Jerry worded it quite well in his sermond. "Did it ever occur to you that nothing ever occurs to God?"
And it's true- God sees all and knows all. He has plans for our lives beyond what we can imagine, and we have to trust in Him to lead us, to lay out the path before us. We also need to be willing to take action when we tells us to, to go where He leads, and to always be praying about the choices and options before us.
I cannot control those around me. I have enough work just trying to control myself, and that is what I really need to work on. I know that God has chosen not to give us another child at this moment because He has things He desires me to work on, and I cannot receive the blessing until I have followed through in obedience.
I feel like God has some things He wants me to "work out" in our home, in our parenting, etc before he adds another to our "crew", and while I have to agree, it's not easy to "hear".
I know some think it is selfish to desire more children when we already have three beautiful little darlings. Of course, many of these people are the same sort that strive for more money and more stuff and bigger houses without seeing their own selfish motives for such.
I honestly thought that two would be enough, but God has revealed to Brandon and I what a blessing children are, and it seems today's culture is too worried about population, finances, and whatnot to take joy in the most precious things.
Children are the only thing that we can "make" that last forever. Our houses, our bank accounts, our material possessions will come to an end- but God has offered everlasting life- a beautiful, glorious, everlasting kingdom. Sometimes I lose sight of this. Have you?
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