Thursday, September 27, 2012

Best "Bee"havior Catalog


I posted about my Best "Bee"havior Catalog forever-and-a-day ago, but I did want to share with my teacher friends that I have recently posted it to TpT!  Please go check it out if you'd like a fun and wonderful way to manage behavior!  This is a fantastic alternative to treasure box prizes!  

Here is an example of the punch card included with the catalog:



Wednesday, September 26, 2012

More Progress


The last few days I've been doing a little of this.
Making a little more progress.
One step at a time.


The prep is as important as the painting. 
Maybe more important ~
My humbly submitted opinion, of course.  
I believe in taping and using drop sheets. 

Plastic is always a good thing too. :)


Austin's room is one of the areas in our home 
involved in the latest of our renovation endeavours.
It will double as the guest room ~ What a blessing!


Oh, and did I mention that I believe in taping? 
Here's my new favourite tape. 
Is it ever worth the money!!

There are two types ~ one is for use on delicate areas such as wallpaper, 
and the other is for *regular* use.  I bought both. 

Thank you Dad for the recommendation!


See how great it works?? 
I'm sure I could sell this stuff!!

Really..I *love* it!!  :)


To quote my friend Jennifer ~
who also happens to be painting... 
"Happy Weekend Y'all!" 

 Many Blessings, Camille

Monday, September 24, 2012

Five Hundred!

This is my 500th post ~
Five Hundred! 

I cannot possibly have that much to say, can I? 
Perhaps I should review my own words here
Or here. Or here

It's always good to take stock.

  


It has taken over three years to get to this place. 
My reasons for blogging remain the same, however.
Interesting how that is ~ I am encouraged. 

Over the next three years 
(based on my recent rate of publication)
I will not reach 1000 posts. 
So, I learn. And grow. And change.

By God's Grace! 

 HE is always Gracious, and Good, and Merciful. 
For these things, and many, many more ~
I am thankful that I belong to HIM! 

May HE lead us each in HIS Truth.
May we shine as lights for HIM.
After all, nothing else really matters.

"For what is a man profited,
if he shall gain the whole world,
and lose his own soul?..."
~ Matthew 16:26 ~

 Many Blessings to you all! 
With love, Camille 

 **Photo in this post courtesy of Calvin ~ 
Thank you my love! XO

Challenge 19 Top 3 & a round up of winners

So as promised, I'm back with the top 3 and winners.  Thank you so much for your patience, hopefully, I'll keep on top of things going forward.

So, for starters, the Top 3 for challenge 19 as chosen by the Design Team are:




Well done, girls, please grab the top 3 badge from our sidebar and add it to your own.

Now for some prize winners!  All winners are chosen using random.org

Challenge 11
The prize is 4 digi images from Meljens Designs and the winner is #48 Vickie ODell.  Please email Dee Morris on sprytebyrd@gmail.com with your choice of images.

Challenge 12
The prize is a 6 pack of Flexmarkers from Letraset and the winner is #133 Elizabeth H.  Please email me on cardsformen@donnasden.co.uk with your details so that I can get your prize to you.

Challenge 13
The prize is a $5 gift voucher for Digital Delights and the winner is #35 Carol.  Please email me on cardsformen@donnasden.co.uk and I'll pass your details onto the sponsor.

Challenge 14
The prize is a $10 gift voucher for Di's Digi Downloads and the winner is #109 Birgit.  Please email me on cardsformen@donnasden.co.uk and I will pass you onto the sponsor to sort out your prize.

Challenge 15
The prize is £10 gift voucher from One Stop Card Craft and the winner is #50 Janice. Please email me on cardsformen@donnasden.co.uk and I will pass you onto the sponsor to sort out your prize.

Challenge 19
The prize is 3 digistamps from The Stamping Boutique and the winner is #9 Sandra T.  Please email me on cardsformen@donnasden.co.uk with your choice of images.

So there you have it, all up to date.  Don't forget there's a great new challenge going on right now so please take a look and have a go.



Challenge 20 - Animal Magic

Another two weeks has whizzed by!  Thankyou to everyone who joined in with us.  I'll be back later today with a round up of winners and the Top 3 chosen by the team.

The current challenge is sponsored by 'Meljens Designs' and we just need to see 'Animals' on your cards.  The prize to be had is 4 digital images of your choice so why not take a look at the store to see which ones you'd like.


Meljen's Designs (http://meljensdesigns.com) is a digital stamp company owned and illustrated by Melissa Jenkins. She illustrates whimsical, fun digital images inspired by her kids and family. The Meljen's Designs store officially launched on April 1 and it is steadily growing. The new store offers instant downloads, organized categories, and a search feature. We have new releases along with a new challenge every Thursday, freebies every Mondays and a monthly Guest Designer at the Meljen's Designs Blog (http://meljensdesignsdt.blogspot.com/). Please visit the store to find more of Melissa's wonderful images!
The design team got some great images to work with and this is what they came up with:



So there you have it, now we want to see your ideas.  Here's the rules:

1. Your card must be new for this challenge.
2. Your card must be for a man/boy.
3. Your post must mention Cards for Men and contain a link back to the challenge.

The challenge will run from now until midnight on 7th October 2012. (British Summer Time)  Leave a link to your card (not just your blog) in the link list below.  If it's not in there leave a comment and I'll add you in before the draw.  Good luck.


Saturday, September 22, 2012

The Rhythm of Our Days

School has begun in earnest.
We are currently in our seventh year of
home educating our children.
They are growing up so quickly!
Oh how I wish I had known it would be like this!

Yes. I was told.
Yes. I tell others.
And so it goes.

Do we all think it will always be the same,
and then it changes?
Life can be funny. Don't you think?
 

As I type this, Fraser is playing the piano.
Emma is clattering in the kitchen making cookies.
Austin is at Grandpa's doing a wood working project.
Calvin is at the airport taking photos of airplanes.
Howie is painting.

 It's Saturday.

 The rhythm of life alters for these lazy/crazy weekend days.
During the week it's a different story.
We are busy. Life is busy. But, it's good.
 

It's all good.

 Austin is in Grade 12 and Calvin is in Grade 10/11.
They do much of their work online.
They hope to go on for further studies beyond high school.
We seek the LORD for what HE has planned.
This year they are working in the office space with Howie.

 It was part of the switching up we did.

 Fraser and Emma have their own little space with me.
It's been a blessing to get back to some of the basics with them.
Just like it was in the early days with Austin and Calvin.

We've come full circle.

 We open the day with private devotional times.
Emma still has hers with me.
Then breakfast, clean up, and a run/walk at the beach.
We return home for academics after having burned off some energy!

The mornings are reserved for English and Math.



Fraser and Emma take piano lessons, so practicing must be done.
Quiet reading hour is reserved for the end of the school day,
it's meant to be done at the same time after lunch ~
usually between 2:00 and 3:00.

 I'm doing Science and History with
Fraser and Emma together this year.
It's more fun that way.
 We are seeking to fit these subjects in twice per week.
Each evening after dinner we gather for family worship.

And so it goes ~ The Rhythm of our Days.

 God is a God of order.
We seek to keep order in our home.
Does it come easy? Sometimes. And sometimes not.
Do I follow *the plan* perfectly? Not always.

But, God's Grace is always sufficient.
And HE is always there.
"And tomorrow is always fresh...
with no mistakes in it yet."
(From "Anne of Green Gables" by Lucy M. Montgomery)

 What a blessing!

 With Love, Camille

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Doughnut Muffins

Do you like cake doughnuts?
If so, these muffins will satisfy your cravings.

Nutmeg-gy 
(not a word, I know...but, I like it, don't you?) 
and Sweet ~

Satisfyingly filling and yummy...
a great start to the day, 
or a perfect mid-afternoon snack.

What are you waiting for?



This yummy recipe comes from a British cookbook ~ 
"Brunch" by Parragon books.



~ Doughnut Muffins ~ 

 3/4 cup Butter, at room temperature 
1 cup sugar, I use organic dehydrated cane juice 
2 Large Eggs, slightly beaten 
2 1/2 cups Flour 
3/4 Tbsp Baking Powder 
1/4 tsp Baking Soda 
Pinch of Sea Salt 
1/2 tsp Nutmeg, ideally freshly grated...yum yum! 
1 cup Milk (may need a little more to make the batter less thick) 

 Beat butter and sugar together in mixer bowl until creamy. 
Add eggs one at a time and whip after each addition. 
Whisk the flour, baking powder and soda, 
salt and nutmeg together in a separate bowl. 

Add half of the dry ingredients to the 
creamed butter mixture together with half the milk.
Gently fold together. 

Add in remaining dry ingredients with the 
remaining milk and stir gently until just barely mixed.
Spoon into 12 muffin cups lined with paper liners.


Bake in 350* F oven for 15 to 20 minutes 
until toothpick comes out clean. 

While the muffins are baking, 
mix together 1/2 cup powdered sugar (icing sugar) 
with 1 tsp ground cinnamon in a bowl.
Melt 2 Tbsp butter in a small pot on the stove 
 or in a bowl in the microwave. 

 As soon as the muffins come out of the oven, 
leave them in the pan and brush butter over the 
tops of a few muffins and then sift the sugar 
and cinnamon mixture over top.
Repeat until all the muffins are dusted heavily with the topping. 
 Remove to a cooling rack and enjoy while still warm! 

 Happy Baking! 

 Many Blessings, Camille

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

The Hybrid Approach

In the last little while, I have
fielded a few questions regarding treatment for Crohn's.
Before I launch into some of what we have been doing,
please let me say, we do not have it all figured out.
It is, and has been, a journey.

Quite the journey, in fact!

I am not a medical professional.
I am just a Mum seeking to do her best for her child.
Please weigh everything I share in that light.

Please also understand this ~ God is Faithful.
He never gives more than we can bear. Never.
What a blessing it is to rest in that. Truly.

A Blessing!

This journey for us began nearly three years ago.
Austin had been unwell for awhile off and on for about
nine months before his condition
escalated to the point of near desperation.
I did some serious research online.
My research pointed to Crohn's and I wanted to be proven wrong.
I pressed for testing to be done and we got our diagnosis.

Crohn's it was.

During this journey of research and testing,
we pursued alternative ways to deal with his condition.
And, he got some relief ~ what a blessing!
It was due to this relief, as well as some reading
I had done, that encouraged us to continue to pursue these means.

Now that we have been on this journey for a full two years,
much has been learned. Some things have remained the same,
while other things have changed. We must flex and grow.

It has been necessary.

Treating our son became a little more complicated when
The focus shifted from Crohn's to DCM.

And, rightly so.

Since those early days of dealing with a
life-threatening heart condition,
my focus has changed.
Everything changed in those first
few days of heart-wrenching uncertainty.

We are seeking to deal with Austin as a whole person.
And, we are taking what one friend referred
to as the "Hybrid Approach" ~ I like that.

The best of both worlds.


I came across a book that seems to be balanced in its approach.

Among other recommendations,
the basic premise of this book
is that you eliminate gluten, sugar, and dairy from your diet.
The author advocates using a good pro-biotic.
He also recommends getting yourself tested for any
immune responses you may have to foods,
and avoid any that are troublesome.

And, over time, relief is often the reported result.

It's simple.
And not ~ at the same time.
It is never easy to give up sugar, gluten and dairy.
Not easy, but not impossible either.

It seems to be working.

Austin has been taking the prescribed medications.
He has also been diligent about diet and taking his supplements.
The Hybrid Approach ~ It seems to be the sensible way to go.

One day at a time. Step by step. With the LORD.
HE is Faithful. And, HE does all things well.

If you are struggling with your own set
of troubles, please feel free to share,
and I will seek to remember you in prayer.
My email is found near the top right of my blog sidebar.

The LORD hears and answers.
HE will never give HIS people
more than they can bear!

What a blessing it is to belong to HIM!

In HIS Love,
Camille

**Disclaimer ~ I am not a medical professional.
I cannot advise on any dietary supplements, protocols,
or treatments. I am a Mum who is seeking to do the best
for her child, and along the way, I am sharing what I am learning.
May the LORD give you wisdom as you seek HIM for it! HE is Faithful.

Monday, September 17, 2012

Our Community Map

Our community map is finally complete!  Each child was responsible for drawing a place in our town to add to the map.  Everyone also created their own house out of a milk carton box!  We got so excited about adding the 3-D element to our map with the houses, that we just HAD to add paper cars to our highway!  They are propped up with straws.  Precious!






Cute McDonald's!  She even drew the Play Place slide!  :)  



Our Chief End

These days cannot be repeated.
Really. That's it, isn't it?


Our chief end.

Is that what we are doing?
Are we bringing HIM glory?
Do we live as though HE is our chief end.
Our all in all?

There are times when I haven't.

But, by God's grace I can give HIM thanks.
And, truly all is from HIS hand.
And, we are in Good Hands.

What a blessing!

Seeking today to remember all HIS tender mercies.
All HIS wonderful blessings.
Through trying times and joy-filled times.
Through times of sorrow and of triumph.

Always praise.
By HIS Grace alone.

1756. Joy-filled beach walk moments
(from awhile back)



1757. Joy-filled family times
(once again...from awhile back)



1758. Emma's Emily cared for lovingly ~
Mummy-in-training...



1759. Homemade treats by Fraser and Emma ~
without any help from Mummy!



1760. They were edible and yummy....



1761. These two took it upon themselves
to make waffles for brunch one Saturday morning...
what a treat!



1762. They were good too! :)





I list as events unfold.
Sometimes many all at once,
and other times in a trickle.
But, always by HIS Grace.

Would you like to begin?
Just grab a pen and a journal,
set them out on the counter,and list out your blessings.
Find the joy in the moments ~ As they arrive.
Enjoy the journey!

Many Blessings, Camille

**First three images in this post courtesy
of Calvin ~ Thank you my love! XO

**My disclaimer post may be found by clicking here.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

And the Love Continues to Grow

It finally happened.
Emma got to ride a horse!

In our area we have DealFind.
And, it found a deal for me!
Three one hour lessons for a ridiculously low price.

Apart from the fact that it took us
over an hour to get to the riding stable,
it was very, very economical.
What a blessing!

Emma has always
(since she knew what they were) loved horses.
This was a dream come true.


These were lessons, after all,
and part of the package was grooming the horse.
Emma got to get up close and personal with Flynn
right off the bat!

She loved it.


After being taught the basics,
Emma was handling the horse by herself!
She got to do a few laps of the ring...
so exciting!


Posing for Mama.


Two more lessons to go!
And the love for horses grows.

Many Blessings,
Camille

Monday, September 10, 2012

Challenge 19 - Going digital

So, we're back after our summer break feeling refreshed and ready to go!  Hopefully you are all ready to go as well with our first challenge 'Going Digital'.  We just need to see your digi stamps and papers on your cards to join in with the challenge which is sponsored by The Stamping Boutique.



I'm Tracey Malnofski, the artist and owner of The Stamping Boutique. My team and I are very happy to sponsor 2 Sketches 4 You. My store has been open since September 2009.I am currently a stamp artist for UnityStampCo. and I've worked for InStyleStamps, Squigglefly, and TheDigiShack in the past. I'm a professional artist and an active member of the Artist' Guild in my community. I have quite a busy household with a husband, 3 teenagers, 5 mini-dachshunds and an Appaloosa mare. It's noisy, but I love them all. I'm truly blessed.

"The Stamping Boutique" is dedicated to quality products and original artwork. We not only provide wonderful digital images in our store, but also several lines of red rubber images. Our designers are chosen for their character and personality,as well as, their beautiful designs. We work hard to give you our very best. Thank you so much for having us as your sponsor this week.

The prize for our winner is 3 digital stamps of your choice.  The Stamping Boutique is a wonderful shop so why not hop over and have a look around.






















 
 


So there you have our ideas, I'm sure they've given you an appetite for a challenge.  Now all you need are the rules:

1. Your card must be for a man/boy and follow the theme set.
2. Your card must be new for this challenge.
3. Your post must mention Cards for Men and contain a link back to the challenge.

The challenge will run from now until midnight on 23 September 2012 (British Summer Time).  Leave a link to you card (not just your blog) in the link list below.  If it's not there for some reason leave a comment and I'll add you in before the draw.  Good luck.