Feeling Overwhelmed?

Too much to do?
Too many commitments?
Where can we find help
at such times?

I've been there.
I'll likely be there again.
We do not need to give up in despair ~
There is something that can be done!

SLOW DOWN...

B.R.E.A.T.H.E.

Refocus on those things that REALLY matter.
It may be helpful to write it all down.

A list, perhaps?
Just point form ~
things that *must* be done.

Then prayerfully consider the list.
What can be crossed off?
You may find that the bare basics
are all that are left.
It may be that in this season all that can be
handled are the bare basics.

And that is O.K.A.Y.

God calls us to be faithful.
But to what?

To the things we've "signed up for"?
The things others expect of us?
The things we expect of ourselves?
Or to HIM?
And to HIS calling on our lives?


Just Do the Next Thing.
But be sure that *next* thing
is in line with what HE desires.

Certainly, if you are the Mom of any
little people...the next thing may be to
feed them, bathe them, read to them...

You will know what it is.
I will too.

Wait on the LORD first thing in the morning.
Lay out the day before HIM.
And the LIST.

Pray for wisdom to know what you should try to
accomplish that day.
If it's *just* feeding, clothing and caring for
the little people (spiritually as well as physically)~
That is enough.

Your work is noble.

It is a high calling to raise up the next generation.
For they will raise up the next generation.
Who will in turn raise up the next...
Are you beginning to see the picture?

Are we raising them up for HIM?

Susannah Wesley was a great example of a
Mother who had this higher vision.
Why do we know about her?
Because of her children...
And her God!

For an honest look from a precious friend of mine
(who is the mother of eight children) ~
Please Click Here.

Only click on the link provided
if you want to be challenged to do what is right!
But...I would HIGHLY encourage you to ~
I don't think you will regret it...she is so
sweet and loving about it! :)


May the LORD bless you each in your homes!
In His Love,
Camille

Challenge No. 19 - Winner & Top 3

Sorry this is late, but it is soooooo hard picking a top 3.  We had 61 entries for the last challenge which was fab.  As usual the winner of the prize is chosen using Random.org and this time was

which is Alicia.  Congratulations, Alicia!  Send your name and address to cardsformen@donnasden.co.uk and I'll pass them on to our sponsor to send out your prize.  I'm  soooooo jealous!

The top 3 this time are

44 - Suzanne J Dean

52 - Linda P

58 - Lori

Well done to all of you, grab our top 3 badge from the side bar and add it to your own.

So that's it for now.  If you haven't entered  our current challenge, why not take a look now and have a go.

An Amazing Resource ~ For ANY Family

We have enjoyed looking at this
GIANT timeline of world history
with our children.
It's been a wonderful addition
to our home library.

It comes in a fold out format
with a cover, or not, depending on the
way you plan to use it.

If you have a large wall space (like a hallway or a playroom)
available for displaying a timeline such as this ~
you would want to order the book unbound.

We don't have a wall space as described above.
Our book is bound and we lay it out on the floor ~
The children read it on their tummies.

Adams World History ~
an accurate account of the history of the WORLD
chronologically laid out in a GIANT timeline format!

There is SO MUCH to take in!
Children (and their parents)
could literally spend hours studying the fascinating facts
which are laid out so beautifully.

REALLY, it is truly amazing and wonderful
to see the Hand of God throughout history ~
HIS story!

Easy Homemade Tomato Soup

Emma is learning to cook.
She loves to browse through recipe books...
especially her own!

"Christmas Fairy Cooking"
was the first cookbook she ever received.
She has thoroughly enjoyed kitchen-testing some of the
user-friendly recipes within it ~
with great results.

Now we have entered the zone of "real" cooking.
A sweet friend recently
gave her a "regular" cookbook.
She immediately began searching for something
to whip up in the kitchen.

One of the first things we tried was this recipe.
It's quick and easy!
Great for a last-minute lunch.
Just serve up with grilled cheese and you are set!


~ Easy Tomato Soup ~

Adapted from "Kids' Cookbook"
by James Mitchell

~ Ingredients ~

2 large onions, chopped
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
28 oz tin Diced Tomatoes
4 cups Vegetable Stock
1 tsp Black Pepper
1 Tbsp Sugar

~ Instructions ~

Fry onions in large pot with olive oil
until transparent.
Add remaining ingredients.
Bring to boil.
Reduce heat and simmer, partially covered,
for 15 to 20 minutes.
Use stick blender in the pot to blend until smooth ~
Or transfer to blender on the counter and blend till smooth.
Season to taste.

Serves 4 generously.

ENJOY!

The Overhaul!

We have just begun our fifth year of homeschool.
We have not always home-educated.

In fact,
we used to be opposed to it!

Our playroom was deemed the *perfect* classroom
by our homeschool friends.

BUT...
the LORD wasn't going to call us to
do such a thing!

A playroom it would remain.
Or so I thought.

For four years our schoolroom was just as it appears
in this post.

But this year we made some changes.
We only removed the little red table with
its one remaining chair.
Everything else was kept.
Most things were rearranged ~
The Overhaul!



Ahhh...it feels
So. Much. Better!

811. Thankful for an area in our home to "do school"

812. Thankful that the LORD called us to this!

813. And thankful that the children WANT to!


814. Enthusiasm of the children

815. The branching out and searching out on their own


816. New discoveries


817. Making discoveries together

818. Field trips taken together
(instead of with their separate classes)

819. Working through problems with our children

820. Their willingness to work at it


821. The "thank you" from a child and the hugs that follow

822. The sparkle in their eyes when they "get it"!

823. That I'm not too old to learn :)

824. Access to amazing resources

825. Thankful that we are able to teach from a
Christian Worldview

826. Thankful that the LORD promises to give us
the wisdom and grace and strength we need

827. A husband who believes in what we are doing

828. And who encourages along the way

829. And for his help in rearranging the room...
until midnight one night!

830. Getting to the bottom of the piles

831. Finding a place for everything!

832. A reading couch for the school
that was found at a garage sale many years ago

833. That the reading couch can be a bed for the child
who gives up their bed for an overnight guest

834. For Kristy who has had many a sleepover :)

835. Bookshelves and bookshelves and
books and books and books

836. For "Little House in the Big Woods" ~
our current after lunch read-aloud...

837. And thankful for my friend
@ Wanting What I Have
who rekindled the idea! :)

Many blessings,
Camille

Challenge No. 20 - Autumn

So here we are with another challenge, it'll soon be Christmas, oh no!  Our theme this time is 'Autumn' which to me means orange and rust colours with leaves.  But to you it could mean country walks, toasting marshmallows or a multitude of different things.  That's the beauty of a theme, we get to see everyone's interpretations and we love visiting your blogs to look around.

Our sponsor this week is the wonderful, Crafts & Me:

Crafts and Me has everything for the card maker, with a wide range of rubber stamps from around the world. Teresa has just introduced her own range of rubber stamps from three international artists Hannah Lynn, Molly Harrison and Sara Burrier.

The prize this time is a gorgeous stamp designed by Sara Burrier and is exclusive to Crafts & Me.

If you haven't had a look around Crafts & Me before then go over and be amazed.  Teresa has all the makes you'd expect and some wonderful ones that you don't see elsewhere.

If you'd like some inspiration then our DT have been working hard for you:

Patricia

Shirley

Sarah

Mandy

Alison

Kitty

Issy

Donna

Hopefully, you've got some ideas from us.  Here's the rules:

1. The card must be for a man/boy.
2. You need to follow the theme/sketch that is set.
3. It must be a new card.

The challenge will close at 12 midnight (BST) on the 10th October 2010.  Leave your name and a direct link to your entry (not just to your blog) below.  If the link tool is not there for some reason then leave the details in the comments and I'll add you in when I'm doing the draw.

Sound Boxes

One of my focus skills during guided reading is phonemic awareness, and one of the ways we practice is by using Elkonin Boxes. The kids push counters into boxes for each phoneme they hear. Well, I loved the idea of this activity, but it just didn't sound or look like a whole lot of fun, so I "spiced up" my Elkonin Boxes using colorful paint sample strips! {You know me. It's got to be cute.} I just picked a few bright colors from the paint sample station at Lowe's, glued them to a sheet of paper, and laminated it. I found some cute mini cars the kids can use to "push" or "park" the sounds! The squares on the paint strips kind of look like little parking places for the cars!


Stay tuned this week for...ApPleS! I'll post pictures of some of our apple activities!

What's Next?

Sometimes we get frozen into doing NOTHING.
But, we KNOW we should be doing SOMETHING!
What should our motto be at times like that?

This is mine...


~ Do The Next Thing ~

From an old English parsonage down by the sea,
There came in the twilight a message to me.
Its quaint Saxon legend deeply engraven
Hath it seems to me, teaching from heaven.
And all through the hours the quiet words ring,
Like a low inspiration, do the next thing.

Many a questioning, many a fear,
Many a doubt hath its quieting here.
Moment by moment, let down from heaven,
Time, opportunity, and guidance are given.
Fear not tomorrows, child of the King,
Trust them with Jesus, do the next thing.

Do it immediately, do it with prayer;
Do it reliantly, casting all care.
Do it with reverence, tracing His hand,
Who placed it before thee with earnest command.
Stayed on Omnipotence, safe ‘neath His wing,
Leave all results, do the next thing.

Looking to Jesus, ever serener,
Working or suffering be thy demeanor;
In His dear presence, the rest of His calm,
The light of His countenance, be thy psalm,
Strong in His faithfulness, praise and sing.
Then, as He beckons, do the next thing.

Author Unknown

Often quoted by Elisabeth Elliot

Fast Food ~ Homemade!

Ever feel like just taking the family out to eat at
a fast food restaurant after a long day?
Does making dinner sometimes feel like an overwhelming
task to tackle?

Don't give in to that feeling!

After all, you have to pack everyone up into the car,
unload them all at the restaurant,
keep them safe while you are there,
load them back up again,
and maybe even give them all
baths them when you return home!

Here are a couple of quick solutions I use.
Would you like to share some of your ideas
in the comments section?
I'm sure we would all benefit from some fresh inspiration for the
"I can't make dinner tonight"
thoughts we sometimes think! :)

How about whipping up a salad with pre-washed organic greens,
half a tin of salmon, any assortment of chopped veggies ~
I especially like to add some sliced avocado ~
and a handful of raisins added in for good measure?
Make this up on individual plates ~
this saves on dishes and ensures that the ingredients are
distributed evenly amongst your guests.
Serve with a roll or slice of bread on the side.
Voila! Dinner is served!

Scambled or fried eggs anyone?
Make it colourful by quartering a tomato on the side.
Serve with steamed veggies and a roll or toast.

We have even had a feast of corn on the cob.
Yum Yum!

Ideas anyone?
Add them into the comments section ~
It would be wonderful to hear from you!

Blessings,
Camille

Favourite Devotional Books

There are a few special books that I cherish.
Other than the Bible, of course ~
It's the MOST important book I own!

But, there are a few devotional books that are
wonderful to dig into for
an added dose of spiritual encouragement.

A long-time favourite of ours is
Spurgeon's "Morning and Evening".
It really is a TREASURE!
I cannot speak too highly of it.
We feel as though Spurgeon has pastored us over the years...
so wonderful...so encouraging!

We recently were told about "365 Days With Calvin",
which is edited by Joel R. Beeke.
We find it to be a refreshing addition to our collection of
spiritually encouraging books.

Jerry Bridges' "Holiness Day by Day"

was one we were given just a little over a year ago.
It has been a blessing to us both since then.
Such practical insights are found within it.

The first two are based in the KJV of the Bible.
Jerry Bridges' book is not,
but do not dismiss it because of that...
it is still most definitely worthy of a read!

I tend to look up the verses in my own
copy of God's Word and read the context of the verses
referred to in the devotional for that day.
Of course, we always want to focus on the Word of God ~
these types of books are just helps and encouragements along the way.

May the LORD help us each day to spend time in
HIS Word and prayer ~
HE is Worthy!

Blessings,
Camille

Grandpa Can Cook!

Not long ago my Dad invited
Emma and her Mummy (that's me)
to have dinner at his house.

He would COOK!
For REAL!

AND it. was. good.

We had a lovely visit.
We ended our time together
looking through some old photos
and sharing stories of the past ~
the long past.

Family history.

My Dad agreed to let me take those old photos home.
I took notes so that they could be properly labeled.
How precious these things are.
They mean more than gems or jewels.
These are the real treasures.

Thank you Dad!

Continuing this Monday to give thanks
to the ONE Who gives all things!

Really, the numbering of blessings is one of the
most wonderful of practices that I have begun.

Would you care to join us?
We are either thankful or unthankful ~
there is no neutral ground.

Would you be one of those who will take up the challenge to
continually give thanks?

It is a life-altering discipline.
And SUCH a blessing ~ try it and see!

796. A Dad who gives of himself

797. These precious days and moments

798. Good food prepared for me ~
A real treat! :)

799. Family history to learn about
and a Dad who still remembers the stories

800. The photos that are now mine!
I've wanted them for years! :)

801. Moments to hide in our hearts as memories

802. Joy on the face of the little girl
as she looks into the face of her Grandpa

803. Joy on the Grandpa's face as he looks into
the face of the little girl

804. That my Dad lives only a few minutes' drive away

805. That we can even ride bikes to his house!

806. Thankful that he loves the same Saviour we do

807. The prayers of a father for his children
and for their children too

808. Time together ~ we don't know for how long

809. Thankful that our times are in HIS hands,
and we have NOTHING to fear if we are truly HIS!

810. Thankful that HE gives the desire to share HIS grace with others ~
might we all be faithful to lovingly point the way

Many Blessings,
Camille

Growing Good Readers {and Spellers!}

The poster above is on display by our classroom reading nook. The kids helped me brainstorm all the things they think good readers do! So far, I have been very impressed with my class of readers. They LOVE to read, and they LOVE to listen to stories! Woo hoo! They can't wait to get their book bags to "shop" for new books in the morning, and that makes me a very happy teacher. In talking with my fantastic first grade parents over the years, it seems that some of my first grade friends don't feel as motivated to read or practice sight words and spelling at home! Although I try not to give too much homework, I believe strongly in reading each night, and in making reading a bonding experience that is enjoyable for everyone involved! It is my hope that reading and spelling practice at home will no longer be a chore, but something those energetic first graders can look forward to! Here are some ideas that could make spelling and reading practice a little more exciting...




Make spelling words glow with the glow station!



Find a fun font and have your child type their words.



Put sight words on sticky notes and use a fun pointer. Call out words you want them to find.



Cut up old magazines. Look for sight words, or cut the letters out to spell the words and glue onto a piece of paper.



Fun spelling snack! Yum.



Write words with the Aquadoodle!



Bath time and learning time combined! Write words with bath crayons or bath markers!

Worried?

Do you ever get worried
or burdened down with care?
Is there too much to carry on your own?

We were never meant to carry it all alone.
The LORD never leaves us
if we belong to HIM.

"Cast thy burden upon the LORD,
and he shall sustain thee:
he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."
~ Psalm 55:22 ~

"Casting all your care upon him;
for he careth for you."
~ I Peter 5:7 ~

May the LORD minister to each of you,
kind friends,
with the Word of HIS Truth.
HE is greatly to be praised!
How precious HE is to us!

Blessings,
Camille

Skor Bar Trifle

Now THIS is worth every calorie!
Or, at least, you could get lulled into thinking such
thoughts when you try your first spoonful!

It originally was supposed to be a layer cake,
and called for a cake mix.
To simplify things, I altered it to become a trifle dessert,
which is served in a bowl.

I recently discovered a new cake recipe that works
so well in this trifle.
My friend Linda from Prairie Flower Farm
has it featured on her blog ~
You will find her recipe at the very bottom of this post ~
just omit the icing.
Of course, you could use a regular cake mix,
but the homemade cake is more dense,
and in my opinion ~ better.


So, how do you create Skor Bar Trifle?

Bake a chocolate cake.
Use a mix or the above recipe, or one of your own.
Let it cool.
Once it's cool, cut into little chunks.

Whip up 500 ml (2 cups) of whipping cream
with 1/4 cup cocoa powder and 1/2 cup sugar in it.
Whip until stiff.

Crush 4 Skor Bars ~ chocolate bars with hard toffee inside.
Stir the little crunched up pieces of Skor into the
chocolate whipped cream.

Layer the cake and the cream mixture in a pretty bowl
alternating twice, ending with the cream.
Decorate with another crushed Skor Bar,
or with chocolate sprinkles, or just a dusting of cocoa powder.

Refrigerate until serving time.
Enjoy!

Challenge No. 18 - Winner & Top 3

Wow, 59 entries for the last challenge and the design team commented on how hard it was picking their top 3's this week.  The prize winner is much easier because we let random.org do the work for us, lol.

Congratulations, lilackat, email me on cardsformen@donnasden.co.uk and I'll send your details on to Phindy's Place so that she can sort out your prize.  I've only just realised that I didn't say what the prize was - it was a $10 gift certificate for Phindy's place.  Once again congratulations, Kat, and a huge thankyou to our sponsor,

After much deliberation, the top 3 are

1 - Joyce

16 - Lori

46 - Vicky xx

Congratulations to all of you.  Please grab our Top 3 Badge from the sidebar and add it to your own.  Well done.

Challenge No. 19 - Transport

Our challenge this time is sponsored by the wonderful Peachy Keen Stamps and the theme is 'Transport'.

Peachy Keen Stamps is a family owned and operated leading clear stamp manufacturer based out of Northeast Wisconsin. Our stamps are made with the highest quality polymer on the market today, giving them their unique peach tint. The whimsical images designed by Kathy Jakopovich coupled with their durability make them a favorite amongst scrapbookers, card makers, and artists alike. These stamps are sold exclusively online at www.peachykeenstamps.com and at independent stamp and scrapbook stores worldwide. Please visit our website for a complete list of retail locations.

The prize up for grabs is a wonderful set of stamps, specially chosen for us by Peach Keen, to go with our theme.  Take a look at these,

If you need some ideas, our design team have been busy creating these wonderful cards:

Patricia

Issy

Kitty

Mandy

Donna

Kym

Sarah

Shirley

Alison

Aren't they wonderful?  You can get more details from the individual blogs, so please pop over and take a look.  Here's the rules:

1. The card must be for a man/boy.
2. You need to follow the theme/sketch that is set.
3. It must be a new card.

The challenge will close at 12 midnight (BST) on the 26th September 2010.  Leave your name and a direct link to your entry (not just to your blog) below.  If the link tool is not there for some reason then leave the details in the comments and I'll add you in when I'm doing the draw.