The Painters 5
28Aug/072

Tuesday night memoirs


Today I got 82 5x7 prints from York for just $20 bucks and some change! What a slammin deal! I used the coupon code GOBIG - tomorrow is the last day, go get yourself some great 5x7 prints for just 19 cents
each! They also have excellent deals on their 4x6 at just 10 cents each or 9 cents if you are just signing up.

We are still tickin along with homeschool. For our Bible lessons, we have been using THIS and I really like THIS ONE as well...especially since both are FREE. So what Bible curriculum are you using? Please post a comment and let me know your thoughts and opinions.


I signed up for Blogger Friend School at Training Hearts. The new class starts sept 5 and I am really excited! Also I am going to be using a new blog for our homeschool stuff. This way Emira can post there as well. I have alot of work to do on the new blog so bear with me and come back and visit often :)

Filed under: Uncategorized 2 Comments
27Aug/074

First Day of School


Today is our first day of homeschool!
So far it's slow going. Emira is having trouble concentrating but I know that is common after summer. We have a mascot - if you noticed our kitty Buddy in the photo LOL. We are doing a Bible lesson, a scripture for memorization each week, some reading and comprehension workbook review, spelling and handwriting practice, weather for science and a calendar for math. This week is going to be pretty simple and easy just to get into the swing of things. Next week we will get into our Miquon math and abeka books.

I was really able to get everything I needed for homeschool for almost nothing. I think moneywise, I spent about 10$ at the Dollar Tree for review workbooks and some worksheet CDs. I spent around $38 on amazon for her Abeka language arts books from Abeka and $20 on amazon - this was mostly the shipping charges as a lot of books there were less than $2. The Miquon is borrowed from a friend and the rest I found free online. Some books we need are at our local library and some I found on Paperbackswap.com

We set up a small table in our living room and added a dry erase board and some rules on the wall. Plenty of space and it's quite comfortable and well lit.

Here is a pic I took this past week at MIL's house while we were there for Pawpaw's funeral. Ainsley had a great time, she loves the water! Comes naturally to her to want to dive into the water and she doesn't cry when she gets water in her mouth, nose or eyes. Emira is such a good swimmer, she has really blossomed in the pool this summer. And with them is my nephew Austin who is a fish really!


Monday: Hamburgers and Hotdogs on the grill
Tuesday: White Chili (we didn't get to this last week)
Wednesday: Brown beans, sausage and cornbread
Thursday: Spaghetti
Friday: Out to eat or Pizza

Monday Madness

1. Where you live, what kind of weather (or weather-related tragedy) do you fear the most? Tornado - not likely but still very possible and I have nightmares about them.
2. What kind of weather do you MOST enjoy? Partly cloudy 65 degrees - perfect
3. What kind of weather do you LEAST like to drive in? Ice and frozen rain
4. What is the scariest weather-related experience you've had in your lifetime?Tornado warning - we did have some close to us. I am so afraid of these things!
5. Share a "weather picture" with us!

Filed under: Library 4 Comments
24Aug/071

We’re Back – With News!!

We arrived home yesterday early evening. It was a beautiful service and I was overjoyed to learn that Pawpaw Jack had indeed accepted Christ and is now in Heaven! I also enjoyed meeting a lot of my husband's family members that I hadn't yet met, and talking to the ones I have and getting to know them better. However I am glad to be back home and am ready to get into the swing of things.


I have news! After lots of prayer and pondering (and some really good support of friends) I had decided to start homeschooling Emira next year. After I read a few books and researched what I think I need to know, I made the not-so-final decision. I felt a huge weight lift off my shoulder. Then God spoke to me and said "DO NOT WAIT!". So I'm not going to wait until next year, we are going to start on Monday!

So with lots of help from some great homeschool mom friends of mine I am ready to go! We are going to be using a lot of online free resources as well as our library. But I have also been offered some curricula and material from local friends. I will post more about our schedule and curriculum next week as I tie it all together.

I am really excited, so much in fact that I haven't been sleeping well. So much info and ideas running through my head LOL. So if I am not blogging as crazily much as I have been, you will know what I am doing ;) Although we do plan to keep a good blogging journal of our homeschool journey.

I would like to thank my best friend Angela for all her help, prayer and encouragement and also my sweet dear online friend Connie Jean who has also been such a huge encouragement. And Meg as well, thank you for your comment and encouragement. It all means so much!

Filed under: In The News 1 Comment
22Aug/075

Wordless Wednesday

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21Aug/071

6 Months Old Already!!

Ainsley is 6 months old today!! I can't believe it! She is getting so big and learning so much! My dad keeps saying things like "next is talking and walking" and I'm like no way! I want her to stay as little as can be for as long as can be! They grow up so fast and they are only so little for a small time.

Thanks so much to everyone who left such sweet comments on yesterday's post! And all my posts for that matter! We will be going to stay at MIL's house on wed and thurs to attend the wake and funeral. This will be Emira's first time dealing with death and attending a funeral. She said she didn't want to go and I understand that but she really has to since there will be no one for her to stay with. Of course Ainsley will be with us as well.

Tackle It Tuesday Meme
I am working on tackling my kitchen!

It has grown legs and is walking away, really! I have not cleaned it in a couple days and this is what it looks like today. I have been sick with this sinus crud and now my ear is infected and it feels like my head is stuck in a bucket of water. Oh and it's itching inside today - hope that means it's healing!
I have been feeling so lazy the past couple days. I just want to sleep all day. Of course I have been getting up with Ainsley 5 or 6 times each night. She doesn't want to sleep alone and I can't get really good sleep if she is in the bed with me and daddy. So we have had a few very tiring nights and days.

So if I get my kitchen completely cleaned today, it will be of the Lord! Really I don't even feel like going in there. I just want to pull the covers over my head and sleep! And it doesn't help that its storming outside and the sound of the rain makes me feel so drowsy.

BUT I am off to the kitchen anyway, no more whining! Be back later with pics of my progress ;)

Here is SOME progress!! Believe me it took alot to get this done. Now don't ever let me let my kitchen get this bad again! PLEASE lol!

Filed under: Uncategorized 1 Comment
20Aug/074

Rest In Peace PawPaw Jack!

First I just want to thank all of you who were praying for Shane's grandpa. He passed away last night around 2:30am. I was actually up with the baby at that time and I felt like I knew it was happening, so I said a prayer for comfort and that the Lord would take pawpaw into his arms then. He had been sleeping for a couple days so I prayed he was in no pain. Shane's dad called at 4am and told us the news. Please continue to pray for the comfort of our family. Thank you!

This is a layout I did a few months ago, the photo was taken just after Ainsley was born.

I didn't get a chance to blog yesterday, we were pretty busy here with shopping and company. Here are my monday memes :)

Monday Madness
1. How many desktop computers in your home? 2 working
2. How many laptops? 0
3. What kind of internet service do you have? Cable
4. Do you tend to use more than one email account regularly? Yes
5. Do you use email as a main source for communicating to your family and friends? Yes
6. What kind of computer monitor do you own? Sadly my flatscreen died so I am using my daughter's big hp screen til we can afford to buy another one.


Monday: Goulash and garlic bread, cucumbers.
Tuesday: White Chili
Wednesday: Chicken BBQ- Crock-pot
Thursday: Tuna Casserole with Zucchini
Friday: Hot Dogs with Chili and Cheese Fries
Sat & Sun: TBA

This is pretty tentative right now as I have to go back to the grocery store tomorrow. Here is a meal/grocery plan I came up with this morning while our internet was out for a few hours.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD
This should help me out tremendously when I shop!

And now go and take this cute little quiz :)

Which Celebrity Chef are You?

You are PAULA DEEN!
You are PAULA DEEN!
You are all about getting back to your roots! It ain't about bein' fancy or low-fat, it's about FAMILY, FRIENDS and FUN! Paula's Home Cooking would be THE IDEAL SET for you!
How do you compare?
Take this test! | Tests from Testriffic

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket
I did get to watch the Beverly Lewis movie "Saving Sarah Cain" yesterday eve on Lifetime! At first I was pretty disappointed as it's nothing like the book at all. But as the movie took it's own turn, I did enjoy it. And of course I cried, as I always do reading her books! If you missed it yesterday it's on Lifetime again today - 2pm here. Emira and I are going to watch it again.

Filed under: Uncategorized 4 Comments
20Aug/074

Rest In Peace PawPaw Jack!

First I just want to thank all of you who were praying for Shane's grandpa. He passed away last night around 2:30am. I was actually up with the baby at that time and I felt like I knew it was happening, so I said a prayer for comfort and that the Lord would take pawpaw into his arms then. He had been sleeping for a couple days so I prayed he was in no pain. Shane's dad called at 4am and told us the news. Please continue to pray for the comfort of our family. Thank you!

This is a layout I did a few months ago, the photo was taken just after Ainsley was born.

I didn't get a chance to blog yesterday, we were pretty busy here with shopping and company. Here are my monday memes :)

Monday Madness
1. How many desktop computers in your home? 2 working
2. How many laptops? 0
3. What kind of internet service do you have? Cable
4. Do you tend to use more than one email account regularly? Yes
5. Do you use email as a main source for communicating to your family and friends? Yes
6. What kind of computer monitor do you own? Sadly my flatscreen died so I am using my daughter's big hp screen til we can afford to buy another one.


Monday: Goulash and garlic bread, cucumbers.
Tuesday: White Chili
Wednesday: Chicken BBQ- Crock-pot
Thursday: Tuna Casserole with Zucchini
Friday: Hot Dogs with Chili and Cheese Fries
Sat & Sun: TBA

This is pretty tentative right now as I have to go back to the grocery store tomorrow. Here is a meal/grocery plan I came up with this morning while our internet was out for a few hours.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD
This should help me out tremendously when I shop!

And now go and take this cute little quiz :)

Which Celebrity Chef are You?

You are PAULA DEEN!
You are PAULA DEEN!
You are all about getting back to your roots! It ain't about bein' fancy or low-fat, it's about FAMILY, FRIENDS and FUN! Paula's Home Cooking would be THE IDEAL SET for you!
How do you compare?
Take this test! | Tests from Testriffic

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket
I did get to watch the Beverly Lewis movie "Saving Sarah Cain" yesterday eve on Lifetime! At first I was pretty disappointed as it's nothing like the book at all. But as the movie took it's own turn, I did enjoy it. And of course I cried, as I always do reading her books! If you missed it yesterday it's on Lifetime again today - 2pm here. Emira and I are going to watch it again.

18Aug/074

Saturday Scrap N Share


It's been a long time since I have scrapped! I think this meme is just what I need to get me scrapping again! Be sure to visit Tamara for more Scrap N Share participants.


Click to see the layout larger and read the journaling.
Quickpage by ShabbyPrincess.com from her Grab Bag.

Filed under: Uncategorized 4 Comments
18Aug/072

Homeschool

I want to finally post about something that has been weighing heavily on my heart for a long time now.
Homeschool

Last year Emira was in 1st grade. I met her teacher, very nice lady! In fact she may have been too nice.
Emira seemed to have some problems like not bringing her homework home, therefore not completing her assignments. Spelling
was always a big problem because she would lose her word list on monday, not get another one from the teacher til wed, and
then have 2 days to study for tests. These are just some examples of what could have easily been prevented if the teacher would
have reprimanded her for being so careless. I am to blame as well, I was pregnant and had a newborn during the last school year
and was so sick all the time. It was really hard for me to take part in any school activities. I kept saying this next year would be better!
Now she did rather well over all last year, she is very smart. She just needs a good push to get her going. I think she may have been bored
with school/ learning, (and I don't think she has add or adhd). She just didn't seem to be interested in anything school related.

Now all I can think about is homeschooling her. I have actually mentioned it to her and she seems to like the idea. Her cousins are homeschooled
and she has always been intrigued with that idea and ofcourse we have been involved in many of our church's homeschool group activities and events.

I know there are lots of books I can read to answer my questions about homeschooling, but I would rather have an honest up front opinion on some of them. I've been praying about this and here's what I need to know:

Can we really afford it?
I know God will make it happen if it is His will. However we are a family of 4 living on a very small income (>20k/yr) and we can barely afford to pay our bills as it is.

I know there are so many resources for homeschooling on a budget, but does it really work? Can you really homeschool and afford it?

Can I teach my child while still caring for a small baby?

Can we homeschool even though we live in a small home and have no extra room for a "classroom"? We would have to use the kitchen table, however Emira does have her own desk in her bedroom.

Will my child be able to concentrate with no special learning area and a baby in the same room?

What if we try it and we decide it's not for us?

My husband (and myself) worry about my patience with teaching our daughter. I have always said no to homeschooling because I never thought I would have the patience to teach, and because I felt my child would not take me seriously as an instructor after
attending public school. Are these issues that other homeschool moms struggle with?

What other feelings do homeschool moms struggle with?

If you homeschool, I would LOVE to hear your comments please :)
Thank you and God bless!

Filed under: In The News 2 Comments
17Aug/072

50 Uses For Vinegar

I have fallen so in love with vinegar! Yes, vinegar - plain distilled white vinegar! I have been using it for everything and I even love the smell - am I weird? Here is a great list of the many great uses for vinegar!

1. Kill grass on walks and driveways.

2. Kill weeds. Spray full strength on growth until plants have starved

3. Increase soil acidity. In hard water: one gallon of tap water for watering rhododendrons, gardenias, or azaleas.

4. Deter ants. Spray vinegar around doors, appliances, and along other areas where ants are known.

5. Polish car chrome. Apply full strength.

6. Remove skunk odor from a dog. Rub fur with full strength vinegar; rinse.

7. Keep cats away. Sprinkle vinegar on areas you don't want the cat walking, sleeping, or scratching on.

8. Keep dogs from scratching his ears. Use a clean, soft cloth dipped in diluted vinegar.

9. Keep chickens from pecking each other. Put a little in their drinking water.

10. Tenderize meat. Soak in vinegar over night.

11. Freshen vegetables. Soak wilted vegetables in 2 cups of water and a tablespoon of vinegar.

12. Boil better eggs. Add 2 tablespoons water before boiling eggs. Keeps them from cracking.

13. Soothe a bee or jellyfish sting. Dot the irritation with vinegar and relieve itching.

14. Relieve sunburn. Lightly rub white vinegar; you may have to reapply.

15. Condition hair. Add a tablespoon of vinegar to dissolve sticky residue left by shampoo.

16. Relieve dry and itchy skin. Add 2 tablespoons to bath water.

17. Fight dandruff. After shampooing, rinse with vinegar and 2 cups of warm water.

18. Soothe a sore throat. Put a teaspoon of vinegar in a glass of water. Gargle, then swallow.

19. Treat sinus infections and chest colds. Add 1/4 cup or more vinegar to the vaporizer.

20. Feel good. A teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water, with a bit of honey added for flavor, will take the edge off your appetite and give you an overall healthy feeling.

21. Deodorize the kitchen drain. Pour a cup down the drain once a week. Let stand 30 minutes and then flush with cold water.

22. Eliminate onion odor. Rub on your fingers before and after slicing.

23. Clean and disinfect wood cutting boards. Wipe with full strength vinegar.

24. Remove fruit stains from hands. Rub with vinegar.

25. Cut grease and odor on dishes. Add a tablespoon of vinegar to hot soapy water.

26. Clean a teapot. Boil a mixture of water and vinegar in the teapot. Wipe away the grime.

27. Freshen a lunchbox. Soak a piece of bread in vinegar and let it sit in the lunchbox over night.

28. Clean the refrigerator. Wash with a solution of equal parts water and vinegar.

29. Unclog a drain. Pour a handful of baking soda down the drain and add 1/2 cup of vinegar. Rinse with hot water.

30. Clean and deodorize the garbage disposal. Make vinegar ice cubes and feed them down the disposal. After grinding,run cold water through.

31. Clean and deodorize jars. Rinse mayonnaise, peanut butter, and mustard jars with vinegar when empty.

32. Clean the dishwasher. Run a cup of vinegar through the whole cycle once a month to reduce soap build up on the inner mechanisms and on glassware.

33. Clean stainless steel. Wipe with a vinegar dampened cloth.

34. Clean china and fine glassware. Add a cup of vinegar to a sink of warm water. Gently dip the glass or china in the solution and let dry.

35. Get stains out of pots. Fill pot with a solution of 3 tablespoons of vinegar to a pint of water. Boil until stain loosens and can be washed away.

36. Clean the microwave. Boil a solution of 1/4 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of water in the microwave. Will loosen splattered on food and deodorize.

37. Dissolve rust from bolts and other metals. Soak in full strength vinegar.

38. Get rid of cooking smells. Let simmer a small pot of vinegar and water solution.

39. Unclog steam iron. Pour equal amounts of vinegar and water into the iron's water chamber. Turn to steam and leave the iron on for 5 minutes in an upright position. Then unplug and allow to cool. Any loose particles should come out when you empty the water.

40. Clean a scorched iron plate. Heat equal parts vinegar and salt in a small pan. Rub solution on the cooled iron surface to remove dark or burned stains.

41. Get rid of lint in clothes. Add 1/2 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle.

42. Keep colors from running. Immerse clothes in full strength vinegar before washing.

43. Freshen up the washing machine. Periodically, pour a cup of vinegar in the machine and let in run through a regular cycle (no clothes added). Will dissolve soap residue.

44. Brighten fabric colors. Add a 1/2 cup vinegar to the rinse cycle.

45. Take grease off suede. Dip a toothbrush in vinegar and gently brush over grease spot.

46. Remove tough stains. Gently rub on fruit, jam, mustard, coffee, tea. Then wash as usual.

47. Get smoke smell out of clothes. Add a cup of vinegar to a bath tub of hot water. Hang clothes above the steam.

48. Remove decals. Brush with a couple coats of vinegar. Allow to soak in. Wash off.

49. Clean eyeglasses. Wipe each lens with a drop of vinegar.

50. Freshen cut flowers. Add 2 tablespoons vinegar and 1 teaspoon sugar for each quart of water.

Filed under: Uncategorized 2 Comments