tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21647511898895878772024-02-20T14:38:28.338-08:00Where Joy Is Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01937617050831611588noreply@blogger.comBlogger552125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2164751189889587877.post-1783719679539115532015-08-24T12:49:00.000-07:002015-08-24T12:49:02.510-07:00Our 2015 - 2016 Homeschool Info<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We are into our second week of homeschooling. Although I don't have an official, registered student, I <i>do </i>have a four year old who is oh-so eager to learn and a 2 year old who simply <i>must </i>tag along. So while I'm not yet up to my neck in tests and teaching various grade levels, I am getting a jump start on some formal teaching with structure - to prepare me for a whole new routine and to prepare them for the years ahead. So here is how we are currently "doing school."<br />
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Nathan is just all about school. He loves learning. He loves doing. He loves books. I often will walk into his room late at night and find his lamp on and him fast asleep in his bed completely <i>covered </i>in books. He also loves anything interactive and so with him in Pre-K, I have tried to combine lots of things he loves and build on his strengths and interests.<br />
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I am a firm believer in letting kids be little, so I haven't pushed him to learn things prematurely. But with Kindergarten right around the corner and knowing that our days always go smoother when we have some form of schedule, I decided to give him a minimized version of a regular "big kid" school day. We do school three days a week for 2-3 hours a day, learning to sit still, work quietly, and be diligent with our work. The rest of the time, we live life and enjoy the day. We watch old movies. We sing songs. We play outside. We put together puzzles. We go places. And we goof off. So it's a good mix. :) Here is what we study.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3OJS-anUlybP8MMuOSXYfTZw4hNBR78DK_-xrHxd-9rU5Eu9LMh0O5T8EJknzqHTIetw6R13pdAf4rnlVY30L7oR1pBm3Rcl9CHBlLxn3Gajelo1C8iM_sPccU3FYfyDW3GPTVXJAm5x/s1600/DSC_0228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3OJS-anUlybP8MMuOSXYfTZw4hNBR78DK_-xrHxd-9rU5Eu9LMh0O5T8EJknzqHTIetw6R13pdAf4rnlVY30L7oR1pBm3Rcl9CHBlLxn3Gajelo1C8iM_sPccU3FYfyDW3GPTVXJAm5x/s200/DSC_0228.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Bible </span>- We LOVE the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Childs-Story-Bible-Catherine-Vos/dp/0802850111/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1440442186&sr=8-1&keywords=the+child%27s+story+bible&pebp=1440442188288&perid=0DSYRV12J6CE28G9MQ8G" target="_blank">Child's Story Bible</a>. We started it several months ago and the kids always enjoy us reading from it. It is very well written, giving deep theology in a child's language. Nathan asks for it and Selah will usually sit still while I read. My deepest desire is for the word of God to take root in their hearts. They can graduate with honors, go to the best colleges in the world, make millions, and be brilliant but if they know nothing of Jesus and His grace then I have failed them in every possible way. Creating smart kids is great. Raising saved kids who pursue His righteousness is unmatched. So Bible is our foundation. We read from the Child's Story Bible and we work on Scripture memorization. It's also my goal to try and take whatever spiritual lessons or verses they are currently learning and find practical ways to teach them how to implement those lessons throughout the day.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Letters, Numbers, Shapes, etc.</span> - We have <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mead-Letter-Raised-Writing-MEA48170-SN/dp/B004E3KDCO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1440443875&sr=8-1&keywords=raised+handwriting+tablet" target="_blank">handwriting tablets</a> to practice writing the alphabet and numbers but we are primarily using the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ready-Kindergarten-Revised-Updated-Leventhal/dp/1579128688/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1440443699&sr=1-2&keywords=getting+ready+for+kindergarten&pebp=1440443700817&perid=1JJWVT66A6BHE43ZZ86B" target="_blank">Get Ready for Kindergarten</a> book to practice letters, shapes, numbers, colors, sequencing, and such. Thus far, we love it! Nathan could sit and do the whole book in one day if I'd let him. He also has a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Letter-Sounds-Rock-N-Learn/dp/B00009XN4I/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1440444190&sr=8-4&keywords=rock+n+learn&pebp=1440444434366&perid=036X8VJR17Z0FNK70SKY" target="_blank">DVD from Rock 'n Learn</a> that makes learning letter sounds a blast! Nathan is already sounding out small words all by himself.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Science </span>- Last year, I purchased <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Made-World-Helen-David-Haidle/dp/0890515638/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1440442477&sr=8-1&keywords=god+made+the+world+and+me&pebp=1440442479367&perid=1YZQPANH63T0XARPRG8Q" target="_blank">God Made the World & Me</a> - a preschool, creation-based science curriculum with thirteen 6-in-1 lessons. We have loved it and are going through it again. Coupled with that, we are reading Christian Liberty's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Christian-Liberty-Nature-Reader-Readers/dp/1930092512/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1440442937&sr=8-1&keywords=nature+reader&pebp=1440443153769&perid=0EHQDGR5PT1RRJ3ETXBG" target="_blank">Nature Reader book 1</a>. I remember my mom reading through these books years ago when I was small and I love that I now can do that with my own.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">History</span> - We don't have any type of formal history lesson or curriculum, but we do pull out our globe and talk about the world. We have USA puzzles we put together and Nathan is currently learning the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/US-Presidents-Pocket-Flash-Cards/dp/B000C18QVM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1440444029&sr=8-1&keywords=president+flash+cards&pebp=1440444031095&perid=1D7ZA4DRFX20S7KE29NV" target="_blank">US Presidents</a>. Soon we will begin reading a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0964380331/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER" target="_blank">book on Columbus</a> which I'm anxious to dive in to. It's all very low-key. :)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Spanish </span>- Grant is very adamant about our kids learning Spanish so we have slowly begun introducing them to a second language. I picked up <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rock-N-Learn-Spanish/dp/B00023BLFI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1440445603&sr=8-1&keywords=rock+n+learn+spanish" target="_blank">this DVD</a> that teaches basic words and conversational phrases in a really fun way and the kids have really enjoyed watching it and trying to say the words back. I've learned a few things and so we're hopeful that we have a good start.<br />
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We also love reading books and go to our library as often as we can. Currently, we are reading through the <i>Little House in the Big Woods</i>.<br />
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My Selah girl cannot be left out of anything so while I work with Nathan, Selah is hard at work too. I'm taking it as a blessing and an opportunity to teach her to actually be still for a period longer than 10 seconds. :) We picked up the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ready-Pre-K-Revised-Updated-School/dp/157912870X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1440445140&sr=8-1&keywords=get+ready+for+pre-k+revised+and+updated&pebp=1440445141906&perid=18GFQW10NT6H7PY918T2" target="_blank">Get Ready for Preschool</a> book for her and although she loves it, I know she isn't quite ready for some of the lessons. She spends most of her time coloring, playing match games, or putting together puzzles.<br />
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I'm putting together a list of great books and DVD's that we have enjoyed, so keep an eye out!<br />
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Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01937617050831611588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2164751189889587877.post-78631721136691958742015-05-22T20:46:00.000-07:002015-05-22T20:46:14.720-07:00The Most Important Thing We Can Learn from the Duggar Scandal<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 17.5636348724365px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In recent years, there have been far too many Christian leaders that have fallen prey to sexual misconduct. Bill Gothard. Doug Phillips. Jimmy Swaggart. Tony Alamo. Just to name a few. Now the spotlight is on Josh Duggar, the eldest of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar's 19 children from TLC's hit show 19 Kids and Counting.<br /><br />You can read the news report <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2015/05/21/josh-duggar-resigns-from-family-research-council/" target="_blank">here</a> and the family's official statement <a href="http://www.people.com/article/josh-duggar-molestation-accusations-duggars-respond" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141823; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"><br />Now, it's no secret that this family has been very active and vocal spreading both conservative and Biblical values. I have been a long-time viewer of their show and have personally been greatly encouraged as a mom and as a wife. While our convictions are not exactly the same and there are several things I disagree with, I am supportive of wholesome television and I am in agreement with their strong stand on <a href="http://wherejoyis.blogspot.com/2014/04/what-purity-is-and-what-purity-isnt.html" target="_blank">the beauty of purity</a>, <a href="http://wherejoyis.blogspot.com/2013/07/dont-show-my-son-that.html#.VV_rePlViko" target="_blank">the importance of modesty</a>, and <a href="http://wherejoyis.blogspot.com/2014/07/pro-life-and-on-pill.html" target="_blank">the dangers of hormonal birth control</a>.<br /><br />Everyone is arguing over whether or not the situation was handled correctly and there is no way that I can say that it was handled properly. In fact, if the Duggars are as deeply involved in the Quiverfull movement and <a href="http://www.recoveringgrace.org/2015/05/gracenote/" target="_blank">in the ATI program</a> as i<span style="font-family: inherit;">t appears, then no, it was not handled properly at all. But as a parent myself, both of a little boy and two little girls, I doubt I would i<span style="font-family: inherit;">mmediately have all the answers and know exactly what to do if it were me instead. Would I put up more safeguards? Yep. Would I be diligent and watch over ALL my children more than ever, doing whatever it took to keep them all safe? No question. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141823; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">Without a doubt, </span><span style="color: #141823; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">I would hate to be in the shoes of Jim Bob and Michelle. Can you imagine being the parent of both the victims AND the offender? What a nightmare. <br /><br />While I in no way condone or defend his actions or the choices his parents made, the </span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">public shaming of the whole family is incredibly wrong. One sin committed years ago does not bar you from ever living a morally upright life. In the words of my Dad, "Your past can either be a hitching post or a guide post." We don't have all the details of what exactly happened because we weren't there. God was, though. And He recorded it all. Does that excuse what happened? Certainly not! Should Josh have known better? No doubt. </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 24px;">Molestation is wrong.</span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 24px;"><br /><br />Let me say it again: Molestation is wrong. Dead wrong. Completely and utterly wrong.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br />I think we can agree that there is no excuse for the horrible act committed twelve years ago. But is that just cause to set fire to a family now and dance on the ashes? I don't think it is. </span></span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">Keep in mind that Josh Duggar's official statement reads that he made Jesus his savior upon repenting and there is no indication that he has ever done anything like this in adulthood. <b>Hence, this happened before salvation</b>. This is exactly the kind of thing that Paul encourages us to remember in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text 1Cor-6-9" id="en-KJV-28477" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">Know ye not that<b> the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God</b>? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, </span><span style="line-height: 24px;">Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.</span><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span style="line-height: 24px;"><b>And such were some of you</b>: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141823; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"><br />Even the best of us fall prey to evil, whether that evil is big or small in the eyes of society. </span><span style="color: #141823; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">Nobody thought the Duggar family was perfect. At least, I didn't. But I believe t</span><span style="color: #141823; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">here is something a little more important the Church needs to see and learn from this.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #141823; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"><br /></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #141823; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;">When a Christian leader falls hard into sin, the eyes of the world see and it gives them cause to mock the faith that we proclaim. That's why it's so important, no it's <i>imperative </i>that the people of God fortify their walls to prevent the enemy from sneaking in and destroying their home. Standards should be high! Less time should be wasted on vain pursuits and more of our time should be spent pouring over the Word of God that teaches us how to live and gives us the strength to do so.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"> Satan wants to devour....and he does a viciously</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: transparent; display: inline; font-family: inherit; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"> good job at it when there are breaches in our wall. </span></span></span></div>
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</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: transparent; color: #141823; display: inline; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"><br />Parents, we need to quit assuming that a good school curriculum, regular Church attendance, and firm moral rules are enough to give us godly children. We should fall on our knees every single day and wage war for the hearts of our kids, for the purity of their minds and bodies, and for the enemy to be bound from our home. Jesus promises us that kind of power, but if we're too lazy to take it, then it's our own fault.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #141823; line-height: 17.5636348724365px;"><br />My heart is deeply saddened by yet another horrible smear to Christianity. But what needs to stop is the ranting over what should have happened over a decade ago, and the gossip that is not only sinful, but only fuels the fire. Prayer is what this family needs. The victims, the family, Josh, and the entirety of the body of Christ - ourselves and our families included - should be brought to the holy throne of God who offers redemption and restoration.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/4MyDesigns/Banners/ctbh_signature_01.png" /></span>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01937617050831611588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2164751189889587877.post-65792814787180401092015-05-04T05:26:00.000-07:002015-05-04T05:26:06.405-07:00What's So Honorable About Being a Stay-at-Home Mom?<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: center;">
<i>Disclaimer: </i></div>
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<i>I am writing this post in response to a question I received. This post in no way condemns working mothers and I gracefully ask that before you assume that it does, to please read the whole post before commenting.</i></div>
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If you are a stay-at-home mom, you know the feeling that comes over you when you see "Occupation" on paperwork. I've always filled it out as "Homemaker" and, sadly, I've been questioned many times about <i>what I do all day</i>....as if managing a home and raising children are a breeze and not even considered a job. It's a little disheartening and, sometimes, even offensive when people pummel me with questions about how it feels to give up dreams and hobbies for the sake of washing dishes, ironing work shirts, and scrubbing kool-aid stains out of the carpet. In the spirit of humility, I'd like to make one thing very clear: <b>The gifts and talents God gives to women are not meant to take away from the family and the home, but to build up the family and the home.</b><br />
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In the 1950's it's estimated that only 19% of young mothers worked outside the home. Now, roughly 80% of mothers are out in the work force. Motherhood has been stripped of its glory and made into a guilt-riddled, raging battle of the Mom's over who's the better parent. The career moms think the stay-at-home mom's are lazy and uneducated and the stay-at-home mom's believe the working mom's are selfish and careless about their children. The media is largely to blame for the tension and I, for one, would like it to stop.<br />
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I'm going to go ahead and clearly say that there is nothing wrong with working wives and mothers. Many women in Scripture held jobs - both small and great. Deborah and Esther were in politics, Lydia was in commercial trade, Priscilla was a tentmaker, many were midwives and nurses, the Proverbs 31 woman was industrious and worked to bring in extra income for her family. Nowhere in Scripture are women condemned from holding a job outside the walls of her house. <i><u>However</u></i>, though we have the freedom to go out into the career world, what <i>is</i> commanded by God in Scripture has become demonized by society - even by those inside the Church! Let's explore that...<br />
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God's Word does not condemn the working women, but it is very, very clear on where a wife and mother's <i>priorities </i>ought to be. In Titus 2, we find the older women commanded to teach the younger women some pretty important things:<br />
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Titus 2:3-5 - <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;</span><span style="line-height: 22px;"><b> </b></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;"><i>That they may teach the young women</i> to be sober,<i> to love their husbands, to love their children</i>,</span><span class="versenum" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;">To be discreet, chaste, <b>keepers at home</b>, good, obedient to their own husbands, <b>that the word of God be not blasphemed</b>. (<span style="font-size: x-small;">emphasis mine</span>)</span></blockquote>
<br />Here we see that women are commanded to be keepers at home. The word "keeper" comes from the greek work <b>Oikouros </b>which means a guardian. It also means to be domestically inclined. This whole passage is teaching us our place as married women and mothers of children. We may want to work out of the home, we may HAVE to work outside the home, but our primary focus should be to look after our home - both spiritually and physically - and to manage our house with wisdom and godliness. The Proverbs 31 woman is a beautiful picture of a woman of God fulfilling Titus 2 while also holding a job. She is described as a strong woman with integrity and wisdom. Her husband trusts her, her children adore her, and she uses her gifts and talents, not in ways that will steal from her family but in ways that will bless them.<br />
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It's very difficult for a woman to fully keep watch over her house and her family when she is struggling to bring in income. That's why we ought to always seek the wisdom and guidance of God and let Him lead us. Our culture as a whole is anti-home and anti-family. Women all over America are pressured and expected to leave their children at a daycare and go out and "find themselves" by having a thriving career. Many times, the attitude behind it is pure selfishness and greed. Though there's absolutely nothing wrong with daycares and being out in the work force, if our children and our homes suffer, we are not in God's will. In fact, according to Scripture, God's Word is blasphemed!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ouch</span>.</div>
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1 Timothy 5:14 says something very similar as Titus:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, <b>give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully</b>.</span></blockquote>
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Now, we can get mad and come up with lots of exceptions, but the truth remains. If we say we ought to obey God and yet pick and choose what we want to obey out of the Scriptures, we become hypocrites and we cause unbelievers to speak evil of the Word of God because they see our outright disobedience to His commands. When we ignore the words of God, we are blaspheming that Word by not taking it seriously. Notice that in both Titus 2 and 1 Timothy 5, women are specifically commanded to care for their children and oversee their homes. I would venture to say that it is not only important to fix peanut butter sandwiches and scrub the floors, but it's <i>honorable</i>. In the midst of the messes, the busyness, and the tiring days, it's beautiful.<br />
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I have many hobbies. I have many goals and dreams of my own. But God gave me those things to honor Him in His way, not my way. If I go out and become a Grammy-award winning singer and yet neglect to nurture my children and train them up according to the principles of Scripture like I am commanded to do in Proverbs 22:6, I have blasphemed the Word of God. I can venture to write best-selling novels or travel all over the world for business but if my home suffers, my husband lacks affection, and my children are not trained by the authority God gave them - me and their daddy! - I have caused the watching world to speak evil about the Gospel of Christ. My job is to purposefully make my little ones the priority over musical (or any other!) aspirations. It doesn't matter if I'm singing in a stadium or singing a lullaby to my baby girl, if it is in line with the precepts of the Bible, I am in obedience.<br />
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When women of God delve into His Word and obey it, they will be honored. The Proverbs 31 woman was up before daybreak (something I have yet to master) cooking and cleaning and training her children all while selling merchandise. That's honorable. It's time to quit foolishly attacking each other and subtly looking at the home-all-day moms and the at-the-desk-all-day moms with arrogance or mean spirited resentment. It's not a competition on who's more holy. All that matters is if we are obeying God's Word.<br />
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<img border="0" src="http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/4MyDesigns/Banners/ctbh_signature_01.png" />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01937617050831611588noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2164751189889587877.post-72373247635271626182015-04-23T07:55:00.001-07:002015-04-23T07:55:44.028-07:00You Shouldn't Have So Many KidsNot long ago, I had to make a trip to the grocery store. An errand like that used to be simple. Now, with three children four and under, it is anything but simple!<br />
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After I made sure the diaper bag was stocked, sippy cups were filled, and shoes and coats were on, I strapped and buckled each child in their seats and we made the 20 minute trip to town. Once there, I unbuckled each child, grabbed a cart, settled my 18 week old in the carrier against my chest and we walked into the store. I noticed plenty people staring at this semi-young woman toting three very small children into a building chocked full of food, toys, and candy where disasters were very, very possible, and I felt like a circus show.<br />
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Even more recently I endured a very offensive verbal confrontation in the store which left me rattled for hours. In the spirit of pure selfishness, I was approached by a complete stranger who stared at my kids and then said that one child is bad enough; that by having SO MANY (it's only three, y'all...hardly worthy of the Guinness Book of Records), I'm one to be pitied. How thankful I am that my little ones are too small to understand the complete lack of value our world has for their precious lives!<br />
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It's funny when I think about it. Years ago, it was completely normal for women to have five, ten, even fifteen children! And yet, here we are in a society that gawks in disgust when a young woman has three small children. More often than not, they are treated like an annoying disruption to the norm. Pro-choice seems to be only for the ones who want to kill their babies, not for those who want them.<br />
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I've blogged <a href="http://wherejoyis.blogspot.com/2014/07/pro-life-and-on-pill.html" target="_blank">about the pill</a>. I've blogged about <a href="http://wherejoyis.blogspot.com/2014/05/god-can-plan-family-better-than-i-can.html" target="_blank">the blessing of children</a> and how much <a href="http://wherejoyis.blogspot.com/2011/11/to-love-their-children.html" target="_blank">I love being a mom</a>. Of course, it's exhausting. Of course, there is precious little time for many hobbies that I enjoy. Yes, there are moments when I want to pull my hair out and moments when I would love to just walk out the door without having to fill a diaper bag, load up three crazy kids, and make sure seat belts are tight, a stroller is in the back, and I have extra baby wipes should a crisis occur. But those things pale in comparison to the joy my kids bring. My little boy told me last week that I was "<i>the good-est mom he's ever seen!</i>" My two year old little girl regularly asks me to hold her and randomly gives me the sweetest hugs and kisses. She joins me in the bathroom each morning and brushes my hair while I'm getting ready. My baby girl greets me <i>every single morning</i> with the most precious baby grin and happily falls asleep in my arms every night after a feeding.<br />
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To all the nay-sayers, these little miracles with peanut butter smudged on their faces and dirt under their finger nails are eternity with skin on. They're little souls whom God has designed and each of them have a special calling upon their lives. I don't have too many kids. I have exactly what I'm meant to have; exactly what the Creator Himself has given to my husband and me. And I wouldn't trade it for anything.<br />
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<img border="0" src="http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/4MyDesigns/Banners/ctbh_signature_01.png" />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01937617050831611588noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2164751189889587877.post-22682377113264735472015-04-06T07:07:00.001-07:002015-04-06T07:16:00.351-07:00Silly Bunny, Easter is About Jesus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I find it very sad that Christian parents are having to constantly fight the world to keep Christ as the center of our holidays. Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny seem to be the two we struggle with the most as they are at the forefront of our two most important Christian celebrations.<br />
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My little boy is currently in love with all things Bible - and I absolutely love that. He is always some Bible character or telling us a Bible story or, more recently, asking questions about Jesus and His death on the cross. This Easter in particular, he is very interested in the story of Jesus and His resurrection which made me all the more excited to do some fun things with my kiddos to celebrate this special time of year.<br />
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On the Tuesday before Easter, I gathered my two oldest and we made an Empty Garden Tomb! First, we went outside with a bowl and our garden shovel....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We found a nice patch of grass and dirt and dug it up and plopped it into our bowl.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">....we found a pretty flower too</td></tr>
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I was too busy keeping little hands away from the knife to document, but once inside, we took a semi-large potato and I cut off one end, then made a small hole for the inside of the tomb. We took the tip of the end I had cut and used that as the stone door to cover the opening.<br />
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Nathan ran outside to gather some rocks....</div>
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Then he ran up to his room and got his toy Jesus that He HAD to put beside the empty tomb.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very proud of himself!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our spunky little helper, all covered in chocolate</td></tr>
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To get these great paper banners, you can click <a href="http://www.freefuneaster.com/easter-recipes/empty-tomb-treat/" target="_blank">here</a> for the free PDF file</div>
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over at <a href="http://freefuneaster.com/">FreeFunEaster.com</a>. </div>
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Our finished work! </div>
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Once we finished, we settled down with our favorite Easter DVD, <a href="http://www.nestlearning.com/he-is-risen-dvd_p42841.aspx" target="_blank">He is Risen</a>, from the Nest Family Series. I used to love this DVD as a child and now I am very happy that both my children love watching it as well.<br />
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**On a side note, we also love the new <a href="http://www.cbn.com/tv/2210689916001" target="_blank">Superbook</a> DVD's.<br />
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On the Saturday before Easter, we brought out the <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/resurrection-eggs-20th-anniversary-edition/9781602006515/pd/06515X?dv=c&en=google-pla&event=SHOP&kw=toys-0-20&p=1179710&gclid=CP2Fq9Hr4cQCFQaRaQodJiAARQ" target="_blank">Resurrection Eggs</a> and had a wonderful time teaching our kids more about the significance of Good Friday and Easter Sunday. They gathered up all 12 eggs in record time, then we ran back inside with our Bible and Resurrection Eggs pamphlet.<br />
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As each egg was opened, they discovered a special symbol inside that told the story of the last week of Jesus' life, ending with his resurrection. I highly recommend this great alternative.<br />
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It's so important to <a href="http://wherejoyis.blogspot.com/2011/08/saturating-your-children-with-scripture.html#.VSKSzvnF8R8" target="_blank">saturate our children</a> with the things of God. I encourage you to do all you can to make each day, especially our beloved Christian holidays, completely and utterly about Jesus.<br />
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<img border="0" src="http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/4MyDesigns/Banners/ctbh_signature_01.png" />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01937617050831611588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2164751189889587877.post-19730336251833362722015-03-27T07:55:00.001-07:002015-03-27T07:55:18.417-07:00Sorrow, Suffering and the Shepherd<div style="text-align: center;">
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This season of our lives has been one mingled with joy and sorrow. When winter's chill was deeply settled in, it forced me to be still (wrapped up in a blanket!) and truly think about all the joy that God has poured into my life. Specifically, with our newest arrival, Lily Eden. She brought a sweet peace and happiness into our home that I never knew was lacking!<br />
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But many times, joy goes hand-in-hand with sorrow. Recently, we discovered that my Momma has breast cancer. Cancer is never something the heart takes lightly and it has rattled us and scared us to the core. But - and I can only attribute this to the promises of God - peace has abounded. I honestly can't put into words the confidence that we have had in the hope of Jesus. I know that doesn't necessarily mean she will be completely or miraculously healed. But just as I know that winds howl and waves crash, I also know that these waves are still calmed by the same Voice who rebuked them 2,000 years ago. And that brings me peace.<br />
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I've recently opened up my favorite book - <b>Hind's Feet on High Places</b> - to read again through this trial and one portion in particular has given me such strength and calmness of spirit. If you are unfamiliar with the book's story, it's about a young girl named Much-Afraid who longs to leave the Valley of Humiliation and join the great Shepherd on the high places. Along her journey, she encounters Pride, she escapes Craven Fear, and she endures the shores of Loneliness. The Shepherd has promised to always be just a whisper away - even when she cannot see Him at all. At the beginning of the long, hard journey, she is given two companions - Sorrow and Suffering. Here is an excerpt from the book:<br />
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<i>"I can't go with them," she gasped. "I can't! I can't! O my Lord Shepherd, why do you do this to me? How can I travel in their company? It is more than I can bear. You tell me that the mountain way itself is so steep and difficult that I cannot climb it alone. Then why, oh why, must you make Sorrow and Suffering my companions? Couldn't you have given me Joy and Peace to go with me, to strengthen me and encourage me and help me on the difficult way? I never thought you would do this to me!" And she burst into tears. </i></blockquote>
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<i>A strange look passed over the Shepherd's face as he listened to this outburst, then looking at the veiled figures as he spoke, he answered very gently, "Joy and Peace. Are those the companions you would choose for yourself? You remember your promise, to accept the helpers that I would give, because you believed that I would choose the very best possible guides for you. Will you still trust me, Much-Afraid? Will you go with them, or do you wish to turn back to the Valley, and to all your Fearing relatives, to Craven Fear himself? </i></blockquote>
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<i>Much-Afraid shuddered. The choice seemed terrible. Fear she knew only too well, but Sorrow and Suffering had always seemed to her the two most terrifying things which she could encounter. How could she go with them and abandon herself to their power and control? It was impossible. Then she looked at the Shepherd and suddenly she knew she could not doubt him, could not possibly turn back from following him; that if she were unfit and unable to love anyone else in the world, yet in her trembling, miserable little heart, she did love him. Even if he asked the impossible, she could not refuse. </i></blockquote>
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<i>She looked at him piteously, then said, "Do I wish to turn back? O Shepherd, to whom should I go? In all the world I have no one but you. Help me to follow you, even though it seems impossible. Help me to trust you as much as I long to love you." </i></blockquote>
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<i>As he heard these words the Shepherd suddenly lifted his head and laughed - a laugh full of exultation and triumph and delight.... Then he added, "Fear not, Much-Afraid, only believe. I promise that you shall not be put to shame. Go with Sorrow and Suffering, and if you cannot welcome them now, when you come to the difficult places where you cannot manage alone, put your hands in theirs confidently and they will take you exactly where I want you to go." </i></blockquote>
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<i>Much-Afraid stood quite still, looking up into his face, which now had such a happy, exultant look, the look of one who above all things else delights in saving and delivering...</i></blockquote>
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<i>"Others have gone this way before me," she thought., "and they could even sing about it afterwards. Will he who is so strong and gentle be less faithful and gracious to me, weak and cowardly though I am, when it is so obvious that the thing he delights in most of all is to deliver his followers from all their fears and to take them to the High Places?"</i> </blockquote>
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Each time I read this, I can't help but love Jesus more. He hears my heart when I cannot speak. He's not overwhelmed by me or my fears. He's not turned off by my neediness. He doesn't get exasperated by my crying over things that are nothing more than a mosquito bite in His eyes. He's just there, gently calling me higher, even through mist, loneliness, howling storms, or my own human cripplings. </div>
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There is so much freedom in that. So much peace.<br /><br />I ask for your prayers for my family - especially my sweet Momma. <i>The waves and winds still know the Voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.</i><br />
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Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01937617050831611588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2164751189889587877.post-90049361537918077222015-02-23T05:00:00.000-08:002015-02-23T05:00:12.709-08:00Making the Most of the Younger Years<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Recently while the girls were napping, Nathan and I had afternoon tea for the first time. I brought out my beautiful little tea pot and some of our wedding china, made some tea cakes, and enjoyed some precious time with my three year old little boy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDsg7AogASanYijGCbKmAQr0QmwSoDbV1_HXDzww5g36DPhls9iUesqOTopAEhY6sELgK8I08PEnT3ErRoi48jlUvn6hYsqJ2tWhXWoF7aFDqFLjFnB2N6B22mDIRxdFxILC4QpaEETiU/s1600/DSC_1721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDsg7AogASanYijGCbKmAQr0QmwSoDbV1_HXDzww5g36DPhls9iUesqOTopAEhY6sELgK8I08PEnT3ErRoi48jlUvn6hYsqJ2tWhXWoF7aFDqFLjFnB2N6B22mDIRxdFxILC4QpaEETiU/s1600/DSC_1721.JPG" height="132" width="200" /></a>We worked on our manners and we discussed baseball, books, and David & Goliath (<span style="font-size: x-small;">his favorite story <i>ever!</i></span>)<br />
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The more I delve into the Word of God, the more I see God's intent for motherhood. With three children ranging in age from 9 weeks to almost 4 years, chaos seems inevitable. And chaos is not an atmosphere for one-on-one quiet time! So if I want to win the hearts of my children, I have to be intentional in exchanging laziness for diligence. I have to do all I can to reject disorder and cultivate order and peace within my home. If this is done, then the stage is set for big opportunities to make the most of the little years and reach my children for Christ. This world will envelop our kids if we, as parents, are not doing our job in winning the hearts of our children.<br />
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On the outside, reaching the hearts of our children for Christ when they are small seems a bit much. Why not wait until they are older? As challenging as the younger years are, I firmly believe that if we hesitate to disciple our little ones when they are small, we miss out on vital opportunities to instill the power of the Gospel into their lives. Little ones are sponges and they absorb <i>so much!</i> Jesus said in Matthew 18:3 to "come as little children"and He did that for the purpose of reminding us of a child's inherent, trusting nature. Unlike us adults, children are more apt to believe without the need of physical proof. That's why it is so important that we seize the younger years and use each moment of our day to pour the Gospel into their little hearts, tilling up the ground and planting seeds of faith. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wasn't quite ready to hand him a good piece of china, so we practiced with our John Deer mug. :)</td></tr>
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I am no creative person. But I'm learning that I don't have to be a Pinterest mom and come up with impressive, blog-worthy ways to make the most of my time with my children. The little tea party I set up was about the extent of my creative ability as a mom! But you don't have to set out china and have tea. You can simply take a ride in the car or bring your children to the park. It doesn't take a lot of planning or a special place, just the heart-felt intent to invite Christ into the moment. Simply set aside a time where you can sit down with you child, one on one. Here are some examples of how we can seize the opportunity to disciple our little ones:</div>
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<b>Talk with your children about what God is doing in your life</b>. </div>
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Children aren't fools. We can tell them what to do all the day long, but if we are not actively pursuing a growing and vibrant relationship with Jesus, they will not be impacted. Open up and be honest with what you are learning in your Christian walk. Recently I was having a very emotionally trying day and every little thing had me on edge. I found myself snapping at my kids and I wasn't very gentle or patient. Finally, I pulled Nathan aside and I apologized for my behavior. I was honest with him and explained that just as I was teaching him to obey those in authority over him, I was also being taught by God to obey Him.</div>
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<b>Read your children stories of great men and women of the faith.</b> </div>
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Nathan's favorite stories are Bible stories. He loves the stories of David and Goliath, Daniel, and Joseph. I recently began telling him the story of Richard Wurmbrand. Reading stories of men and women of God who did extraordinary things and endured a lot of persecution builds an understanding of what it means to follow Christ. Don't be deceived into thinking it's too much for them to handle. You can make certain stories age appropriate without dismissing or glossing over any truth. The Holy Spirit will lead you.</div>
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<b>Explain the attributes of the Christian life.</b></div>
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We have recently begun memorizing the definitions of love, found in 1 Corinthians 13. As we learn each element of love, I explain what they mean to us and how we can live them out. <i>Love is patient. What is patience? Have I been patient today? What are ways I have not been patient? How can I have more patience? </i>Break it down with your children and give them practical and real-life examples and pictures to understand it better. </div>
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<b>Sing hymns and worship songs, and explain what they mean</b>.</div>
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From time to time, I will read from the book of Psalms. Psalms are songs to God and it's one of my favorite books in the Bible. I also love the hymns, so I play them regularly. We listen to praise and worship and lots of great Christian music that are in line with Scripture. It's important to teach our children to sing and praise the Lord, but it's also important to teach them what these songs mean. Pick a song and play it until you all know it by heart. Psalm 40:3 says God, "<i>...hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it..</i>." Let them hear songs of praise and SEE those words come to life in your home day-by-day.</div>
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<b>Teach your children to memorize Scripture.</b></div>
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The story of Richard Wurmbrand is a huge example to me when it comes to memorizing Scripture. He was put in prison in Romania for his faith and while there for over 10 years, he was never allowed to have a Bible. That didn't stop him though. He knew a good portion of the Bible by heart and would "read" whole chapters from memory. His wife, Sabina, was also imprisoned for her faith and could also recite passages from memory. She said of her time in prison, "The words gave hope, comfort, life....How I wished I'd learned more of it by heart!" Psalm 119:11 says, "<i>Thy word have I hit in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee</i>." As I said earlier, children are sponges and so if we can take the younger years and teach them to memorize Scripture, we build a foundation of faith that they can stand upon later in life. The verses I memorized as a child, I can still quote to you because they were drilled into me at an age where I could learn and retain easily. You can make Scripture memorization fun. You can even <a href="http://wherejoyis.blogspot.com/2012/02/singing-scripture.html#.VOivgPnF8o4" target="_blank">use Scripture Songs</a>! However you go about it, make the most of these formidable years to give your kids the gift of God's word.</div>
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Never have I ever felt so overwhelmed and ill prepared than in motherhood. Raising little ones is hard, but training them and pointing them to Jesus seems daunting and very, very scary. Yet regardless of how intimidated and busy I may be, God will be faithful to me in my mothering. As long as I step out in obedience and train up my children in His ways, He will be faithful to complete the work He said He would do.</div>
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May we all keep working, keep praying, and keep diligently training our children to love Jesus Christ.</div>
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Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01937617050831611588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2164751189889587877.post-27378853970813071432015-02-10T02:05:00.000-08:002015-02-10T12:27:26.924-08:00What to Expect From 50 Shades of Grey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's 3 A.M. and I just fed my little one and laid that sweet little bundle of cuteness back in her bed. As a mother of three young children, I should be reveling in the sweet sleep that isn't offered to me that often. Instead, however, I'm here with a heavy heart.<br />
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This Friday history will be made as millions will flock to the cinemas to see the most sexually explicit R-rated film to date. Waving the banner of romance, this counterfeit love story will beat its way into the hearts and minds of women and men all over the country. It doesn't surprise me much that millions will see this movie. The Word tells us that in the last days there will be a huge moral decline. What <i>does </i>bother me are the scores of professed Christian women not only eager to watch this film, but who are defending it with a passion. A passion that scares me. That is why this wife and mommy is up at 3 A.M.<br />
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I can't stop anyone from reading these books or seeing the movie. I can give <a href="http://wherejoyis.blogspot.com/2012/10/fifteen-reasons-to-flee-fifty-shades.html" target="_blank">plenty of reasons why it should be avoided</a> at all costs but, in the end, we all make our own choices. But let me tell you what you should expect if you do decide to stroll into the theater with your popcorn and soda.<br />
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<li><b>Expect your marriage to be affected</b>. Many women have defended 50 Shades by saying that their sex life with their husband has become more exciting as a result of reading this series. Tell me, at what point in your Christian walk did it become acceptable to indulge in pornogrphy in order to make your love life more exhilarating? Quite honestly, my sex life with my husband is satisfying enough without the aid of provocative books, magazines, or movies. Maybe after viewing this movie you will come home eager to jump into the arms of your husband but. let me be frank, it's no different than your husband viewing pornography in order to get his engine running before he jumps into <i>your </i>arms. Same thing, just a different vehicle. The sinful relationship between an unmarried couple should not be the example a Christian married couple follows. If you soak up <i>50 Shades</i>, sister, you can expect a change in your marriage. It may very well begin with a bedroom romp, but as is the time-tested result of pornography, soon it won't be enough. Slowly, but most assuredly, you will tear down your marriage brick by brick.<br /><br /><b><i>Hebrews 13:4<span style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.<br /> </span></i></b></li>
<li><b>Expect your walk with Christ to be infected</b>. Somehow, in all the comments I have read from professing women of the faith, I have seen a defiant defense of this series instead of a sobering and passionate call to purity and honor. Have we lost all respect and thankfulness for our Savior that we would spit in His blood like this? Have we no shame at all in being entertained by the very evil that He died to set us free from? If you open your heart and welcome Christian Grey in, expect Christ to be far from you. We can either choose the lust and bondage of Mr. Grey, or we can choose the love, the purity, and the freedom in Christ. We can't have it both ways. That's just a fact.<br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="bible-item-title-wrap" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><b><i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">Matthew 6:24<br />No man can serve</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">two</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">masters</span></i></b><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><b><i>: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.</i></b></span></span></li>
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My heart has trembled and my eyes have cried sitting and watching my sisters handcuffed to this series. I'm raising my children in a world where evil isn't lurking in the dark alleyways anymore, but paraded down the Church aisle. But y'all...<br />
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I love my daughters too much to allow them to be taught that the relationship between Christian and Ana is a healthy, loving relationship; that bondage, humiliation, degradation, and punishment are ingredients in a love story. I want them to revel in the freedom of truth and be able to walk confidently in the knowledge that Jesus is the picture of what love really is.<br />
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I love my son too much <i>not </i>to shield him from a world that will tell him that porn is normal and healthy. I don't want him indoctrinated by Hollywood, I want him instructed in righteousness. I love my children enough to introduce them, not to E.L. James, but to the Author of real love. And, God help me, I'm going to fight garbage like this for the sake of my children's purity until my dying day.<br />
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I love my husband too much to allow myself to be swept off my emotional feet by a fictional character. Frankly, as a young woman married five years with three children, I am plenty satisfied in my marital bed. I don't need a supplement that my enemy can use to plant seeds of discontentment in my heart. I have too much respect for my God-fearing, hard working, adoring husband to even begin to compare him with a sadist who has no concept of real love, commitment and sacrifice.<br />
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Finally, I love my God too much to disobey Him. If He says to steer clear of the things that drive a wedge between us, then I have to obey. There is no part of me that wants to shove His grace into the sewer and gobble up poison. I love Him enough to believe that He will bless the ones who walk in His ways, and judge what is wicked. <br />
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To those of you on the front lines of purity and righteousness, I'm wielding my sword with you. It's the casualties of this war that has me up at 3 A.M. but, nevertheless, it is a comfort to know that when it's all said and done, we win the battle. That's a mighty good thing we can expect.<br />
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<img border="0" src="http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/4MyDesigns/Banners/ctbh_signature_01.png" />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01937617050831611588noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2164751189889587877.post-2170968096490168542015-01-19T07:54:00.000-08:002015-01-19T07:54:29.526-08:00So You Don't Want to Wait for MarriageLast summer, a woman wrote a blog post about how she remained a virgin until marriage and how much she wished she hadn't.<br />
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She wrote about how she signed her name to the True Love Waits pledge at 10 years of age, how she wore her "virginity badge" with honor all throughout her teen years. Then on her wedding night, instead of joyously experiencing the beauty of God's way, she felt dirty and awkward. She hated being intimate with her husband, underwent therapy, and finally shucked religion altogether.<br />
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Suffice it to say, the post went viral. Reading it, my heart broke. There's no telling how many read that blog and decided that purity wasn't worth saving.<br />
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So you don't want to wait for marriage? May I give you another side of the story that is far different from the one above? You see I, too, signed my name to the TLW pledge at an early age. I, too, remained a virgin all throughout my teenage years and into my early twenties. I, too, was pure on my wedding night. So let me be honest and give you some good advice, from someone who's also been there, done that.<br />
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Many make the mistake of assuming that virginity and purity are the same thing when, in truth, there is a difference between the two. Virginity is something we have and give away once, preferably to our spouse on our wedding night as commanded by God. It's priceless and we can never get it back. Purity, however, goes deeper. Purity is a not simply some<u>thing</u>, it's a <i>lifestyle </i>of shunning sin and embracing what is holy and beautiful. The young woman who wrote that blog had a misconception of the two and I believe the Church is partially responsible.<br />
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The Church has failed its young people by making marital intimacy appear boring and unexciting. Instead of seeing Christian couples in the Church madly in love and enjoying all the blessings of sex inside of marriage, they see most of them battling pornography addictions, having affairs, or undergoing painful divorces. For the most part, young people grow up either believing their elders are outright lying to them OR they grow up being indoctrinated that sex is dirty and shameful. And as a result, they either reject the notion of marriage altogether, or they carry that into their marriage and end up feeling impure once they hand over their virginity to their spouse. <span style="font-size: large;">The problem isn't that they remained a virgin, the problem is the fuel behind their choice </span>and the misconception of what purity truly is. If you make the choice to remain a virgin until your wedding night, assuming that's all there is to purity, you are going to be disappointed and you will likely wind up with just as much angst as the girl who wrote that blog. Purity is not merely something you "have." Purity is a way of life that can only be lived through the blood and the power of Jesus Christ. If you want a heavenly marriage, you will live in purity. You will carry it with you always, not leave it on the bed on your wedding night. It will go with you as you fold laundry, buy groceries, and pay your bills. It will walk with you into the sanctuary at your Church and into the bedroom with your husband.<br />
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<b>Was my wedding night awkward?</b> Not really, no.<br />
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<b>Did I feel dirty and ashamed?</b> Not once.<br />
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<b>Did I grow to dread intimacy with my spouse after that?</b> Not at all (my three kids likely prove that, eh? ;)<br />
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I made the same choices as that young woman did. The difference between us both, however, is the reasons behind the choices I made. I didn't stay a virgin because it was expected of me or because everybody else was signing cards pledging to do it too. I didn't stay a virgin because the Church pounded the notion into my head, threatening me with hell fire if I gave it away before the wedding vows. I made the choices I did because saving physical intimacy is a command of God and based on a principle of God's Kingdom. In Matthew 7:6, Jesus told His disciples, <span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"</i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><i>Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine." </i></span></span><br />
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I trusted that the Lord would be faithful to me. And He was.<br />
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Countless young people read that blog post and fell for it, hook, line, and sinker. No doubt many decided to forgo sexual purity and hand over their virginity simply because it's their body and their choice. But to that young woman and all the others in the same boat, I say this: <b>Of all the things of great value in your life, one of the most precious is your sexuality</b>. It's meant to be a holy and set-apart place of our being and reserved for only one to have access. It's not about rules and regulations, it's about God granting us a little brush with heaven. When God sets the stage for marital intimacy, it will never <i>ever </i>lose its beauty.<br />
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<img border="0" src="http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/4MyDesigns/Banners/ctbh_signature_01.png" />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01937617050831611588noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2164751189889587877.post-49121306090577488842015-01-06T06:00:00.000-08:002015-01-06T06:12:26.173-08:00Resolutions for a Momma<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Happy (belated) New Year!</span></div>
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Currently, my hands are very full. I have a three and a half year old, an almost-two year old, and a four week old that demand my attention and my care 24/7. My heart is much more full than my hands ever could be, but my work load is, nevertheless, far from light. Entering a new year with a brand new baby, I thought long and hard about my resolutions for 2015. To be honest, it got overwhelming. My list of things I'd like to do is long. But the more I tried to make resolutions like "<i>I will write more Thank You notes this year</i>" and "<i>I will finally organize that closet I keep avoiding</i>," the Lord slowly redirected my thoughts.<br />
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I haven't blogged much at all lately and my book I have been working on for over a year is nowhere near complete. But instead of letting that make me feel like a failure and that my potential is being wasted away, <b>I resolve to read one more book to my little boy and use the writing time I get - be it very little - to do my best. </b>(Col. 3:17)<br />
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My hair stays in virtually one style and I'm spending these rare "me" moments writing this blog post instead of working to firm up these flabby abs. But instead of choosing to let that make me feel unattractive, <b>I resolve to smile and put on Jesus Christ; letting Him be my beauty</b>. (Col. 3:12-17)<br />
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In the wee morning hours while feeding my baby, I've spent more time playing on my phone than praying and meditating on God's Word. Instead of allowing myself to be caught up in distractions, <b>I resolve to take my thoughts captive and delight in the law of the Lord. </b>(Psalm 1:2)<br />
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I'm ashamed to say I've been ushering my kids upstairs to get them out of my hair lately. Instead of letting laziness be my boss,<b> I resolve to play more board games, put together more puzzles, and to reach the heart of my children in 2015</b>. (Prov. 31:28)<br />
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My nails are chipped, my laundry is endless, my kids need a bath, and I'd love to sit down with tea and book (and quiet that doesn't mean my little girl is writing on the walls again!). But instead of feeling overwhelmed, my resolution is to live joyfully. There will always messes to clean, meals to bake, events to attend, and dates to remember. There will always be a list of things to do and groceries to buy. There will always be people I will disappoint and expectations I will not meet. But no more guilt! To echo Jonathan Edwards, my resolution for 2015 is <i>to live with all my might while I do live</i>.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><br />Micah 6:8<br />"...and what doth the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord </span>require of thee, but to do justly, and to <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">love</span> <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">mercy</span>, and to walk humbly with thy God?"</i></b></span></div>
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May 2015 bring us close to the feet of Jesus and may our cup be full-to-the-brim of His joy!<br />
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<img border="0" src="http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/4MyDesigns/Banners/ctbh_signature_01.png" />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01937617050831611588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2164751189889587877.post-78912438585762499212014-12-27T13:38:00.000-08:002015-01-05T13:05:02.594-08:00Birth Story of Lily EdenThings have been quite....busy (to say the least!). We welcomed our third child, our precious little girl, on December 11, 2014. Once home, I decided to take every available moment to rest and recuperate and get ready for Christmas. Now that things have settled down a bit, I would like to introduce to you, our sweet little Lily Eden.<br />
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Everything about this little one is beautiful. For me, personally, she is the perfect picture of God's grace. We didn't "plan" her. In all honesty, we wanted to wait a few years before having more children. I was scared of having more after the last one. But God, being Omniscient, knew that we <i>needed</i> this little girl; my "little bit of Eden" as I call her.<br />
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I was blessed with another healthy pregnancy and we were counting down the days until her due date. On December 10, at an OB appointment, my doctor and I discussed induction. I was a few days late and was experiencing a lot of pain due to Lily cuddling into my ribcage and stretching against my backbone and pelvis. Ouch. I had been dilated to 2-3 for three weeks and my cervix was extremely thin. So after weighing all the options, we decided we would go for an induction. Quite honestly, I as horrified. My birth plan did not, in any way, include induction. It did not include an epidural after having had one with my first and hating it. <i>My</i> plan was to go into labor - on my own - and labor naturally. As was seemingly the "theme" of Lily's pregnancy, my plans were not God's plans. :)<br />
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So on the morning of December 11, my husband and I checked into the hospital and we began pitocin shortly after 11:00 a.m.<br />
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Things began wonderfully. I immediately began to dilate and contractions were very bearable. I spent time reading, listening to music and singing, and visiting with our pastor, his wife, and my family. Around 1:30, things began to get intense and hard. Having read up on induction, I assumed I was going to be laboring all day and into the night. So, cringing, I asked for an epidural at 2:45 p.m.<br />
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One hour later, at 3:51 p.m. I saw my little girl and heard her strong cry for the first time. Once I got the epidural I, again, assumed it would be hours and hours before it was time to deliver. But it was no time at all before I felt my body try to push. I had just enough medicine to ease the pain without losing all feeling whatsoever. Four pushes brought Lily into the world and I was finally able to do something I hadn't ever been able to do with my other babies - hold them immediately. Lying there with a warm, wet, bright-eyed little girl against my skin, gripping my finger and looking up at me with her beautiful eyes took my breath away. And I kept thinking, "<i>This is grace...this is a little bit of heaven...of Eden</i>." :) Weighing 6 lbs, 12 ounces and 20 1/4 inches long, she was - by far - our greatest Christmas gift!<br />
<br />
My recovery this time around has been fantastic. Lily is two weeks old and sleeping fabulously and I am feeling - almost! - like 100% again. Thank you for your prayers and all the well-wishes via Facebook. I feel so blessed reading all the encouragement and seeing all the love. I leave you with some pictures of our family of FIVE now!<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsKAeUE93m_IHzXpSogeKZetddlipdt_4euWb2GJAHBUm6938CZEDRRY3wbvEnRSMkYFau4mlXbrqZj9K-FkDD-1g1SENfK0DYbeZ0rkaGf364IdLwuvIr95-sUZ5peIRV3d_vlY7Qq1gH/s1600/DSC_1276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsKAeUE93m_IHzXpSogeKZetddlipdt_4euWb2GJAHBUm6938CZEDRRY3wbvEnRSMkYFau4mlXbrqZj9K-FkDD-1g1SENfK0DYbeZ0rkaGf364IdLwuvIr95-sUZ5peIRV3d_vlY7Qq1gH/s1600/DSC_1276.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">first moments. can it get any more beautiful than this?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmIG18PtLO7o-docnwtFy2lRh14bqvAxpzBX3ILXtRsZVYh4IbNckEEDmTxrGN3MEWaHVwBmazH0vpW1WyVfqtkcGlZeHi3YyauWJtQmzJPaT-LzLJ27pDDBiehooXwkZVK6oin-5PBKz/s1600/1488280_777520638979684_6347998138235783390_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmIG18PtLO7o-docnwtFy2lRh14bqvAxpzBX3ILXtRsZVYh4IbNckEEDmTxrGN3MEWaHVwBmazH0vpW1WyVfqtkcGlZeHi3YyauWJtQmzJPaT-LzLJ27pDDBiehooXwkZVK6oin-5PBKz/s1600/1488280_777520638979684_6347998138235783390_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lily Eden</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcrO9OwussONoX1ECbJ82qS6o4qYyp_7szXEdfG8CvxJUFKE40WO8koWGimsUJwaMDJARB6R-V4GuoqmeMLn8oYrRQImNIUfWPE4i-2LHbFYBBEHPbz3nQrQsQP9Hlk98sl-D6RvkGRpeD/s1600/07-abel007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcrO9OwussONoX1ECbJ82qS6o4qYyp_7szXEdfG8CvxJUFKE40WO8koWGimsUJwaMDJARB6R-V4GuoqmeMLn8oYrRQImNIUfWPE4i-2LHbFYBBEHPbz3nQrQsQP9Hlk98sl-D6RvkGRpeD/s1600/07-abel007.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our little Christmas blessing</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tfKe3uFqExDgJrCEpS8h89A0fHEDpfUJekzjhJ7dhHKnRzzLkEnGGfU7inTA69qClJOBRVCxRtBTZyOp3i9uBM7VDhCCnDPgGDgiv3DFl7Oa0yYzTrvXs26sK0g3Y3J7GJStVOUpJcVF/s1600/22-abel022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tfKe3uFqExDgJrCEpS8h89A0fHEDpfUJekzjhJ7dhHKnRzzLkEnGGfU7inTA69qClJOBRVCxRtBTZyOp3i9uBM7VDhCCnDPgGDgiv3DFl7Oa0yYzTrvXs26sK0g3Y3J7GJStVOUpJcVF/s1600/22-abel022.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUI2HtItMkE4DQ7yiEoPh9bICGh6kzDheVwinL33YIMldFTlux-5HSx3188dol0VYufLBvGAIaGn5tNSbQOjFPxLRUz86g-Fua1WjBM0S1qaRMwwMQ9LeqOTXWXEPI1qkBMQqmgsLNnojY/s1600/DSC_1372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUI2HtItMkE4DQ7yiEoPh9bICGh6kzDheVwinL33YIMldFTlux-5HSx3188dol0VYufLBvGAIaGn5tNSbQOjFPxLRUz86g-Fua1WjBM0S1qaRMwwMQ9LeqOTXWXEPI1qkBMQqmgsLNnojY/s1600/DSC_1372.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">big brother is BEYOND proud of Lily and big sister is a <br />
"little momma"to baby "sis-soo"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6QejRnDaUJI5UjFF7oP_VaooizZHjbBc_dOnkdrOWlqHxx0ltAw8t9kkiEAuzfkFhs9gZtxkfNRShxjBEn1e_TtHt29iqbfzmkGp892kM206buQ-CG3yp0azPIoTf9tqiuA1bl-y3n7b/s1600/DSC_1574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm6QejRnDaUJI5UjFF7oP_VaooizZHjbBc_dOnkdrOWlqHxx0ltAw8t9kkiEAuzfkFhs9gZtxkfNRShxjBEn1e_TtHt29iqbfzmkGp892kM206buQ-CG3yp0azPIoTf9tqiuA1bl-y3n7b/s1600/DSC_1574.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grant and I celebrated our fifth Christmas together this year.<br />
Five years, three precious children. The Lord is so good. </td></tr>
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<img border="0" src="http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/4MyDesigns/Banners/ctbh_signature_01.png" />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01937617050831611588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2164751189889587877.post-70655301684752528172014-11-19T06:00:00.000-08:002014-11-19T06:00:05.886-08:00Christmas Countdown Ideas for Kids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_li-HPP2rw3uGrZwEqOzZr3OWcTaGeEiE4OfDMFrBqp5079K8tR5kwr2unoptrLFMePyOWsQ3lJwaxv3FOlJiJ4fCU0thFhMOBZkOj2qysrKs5LgKuIYb4IJAIKpcZ6ny9jVJimrjaEe/s1600/countdownideas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_li-HPP2rw3uGrZwEqOzZr3OWcTaGeEiE4OfDMFrBqp5079K8tR5kwr2unoptrLFMePyOWsQ3lJwaxv3FOlJiJ4fCU0thFhMOBZkOj2qysrKs5LgKuIYb4IJAIKpcZ6ny9jVJimrjaEe/s1600/countdownideas.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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The holidays are here! In just a few days, we will celebrate Thanksgiving and then the Christmas countdown will begin! Now that I am a wife and mommy, I have began building traditions with my own little family and I dearly love making memories with my husband and my kids. Today I'd love to share with you the Christmas countdown activities for this year. We won't necessarily do them in this exact order, but the goal is do them all and have fun making memories that will last for years to come. So here we go!</div>
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<span style="direction: ltr; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15pt; unicode-bidi: embed;">1.</span><span style="width: 8.25pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15pt;">Read the </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: red; font-family: "Lucida Handwriting"; font-size: 17.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: "Lucida Handwriting"; mso-default-font-family: "Lucida Handwriting"; mso-latin-font-family: "Lucida Handwriting"; mso-ligatures: none; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: red; mso-style-textfill-type: solid;">Christmas story </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15pt; text-indent: 0pt;">2. </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #00b050; font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; font-size: 15pt; text-indent: 0pt;">Unwrap</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15pt; text-indent: 0pt;"> new </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #00b050; font-family: 'Curlz MT'; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold; text-indent: 0pt;">Christmas</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: 'Curlz MT'; font-size: 18pt; text-indent: 0pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15pt; text-indent: 0pt;">PJs and a new </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #00b050; font-family: 'Curlz MT'; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold; text-indent: 0pt;">Christmas</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: 'Curlz MT'; font-size: 18pt; text-indent: 0pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15pt; text-indent: 0pt;">book/movie </span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 15pt; text-indent: 0pt;">3. Have </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: 'Britannic Bold'; font-size: 15pt; font-weight: bold; text-indent: 0pt;">hot coco</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-size: 15pt; text-indent: 0pt;"> and </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; font-size: 15pt; text-indent: 0pt;">cookies</span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15pt; text-indent: 0pt;">4. Open your special </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: red; font-family: 'Bernard MT Condensed'; font-size: 15pt; text-indent: 0pt;"><b>ornament</b></span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15pt; text-indent: 0pt;"><b> </b>to put on the tree </span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15pt; text-indent: 0pt;">5. </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: 'Goudy Stout'; font-size: 15pt; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0pt;">Mail</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15pt; text-indent: 0pt;"> Christmas cards </span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15pt; text-indent: 0pt;">6. </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #00b050; font-family: 'Blackadder ITC'; font-size: 25pt; font-weight: bold; text-indent: 0pt;">Shop</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15pt; font-weight: bold; text-indent: 0pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15pt; text-indent: 0pt;">for one special gift for a family member </span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15pt; text-indent: 0pt;">7. Make a Christmas </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: red; font-family: 'Imprint MT Shadow'; font-size: 15pt; text-indent: 0pt;">CRAFT</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15pt; text-indent: 0pt;"> with Mom </span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15pt; text-indent: 0pt;">8. Have a family Christmas </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #00b050; font-family: Broadway; font-size: 15pt; text-indent: 0pt;">movie night</span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #00b050; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15pt; text-indent: 0pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15pt; text-indent: 0pt;">- </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15pt; text-indent: 0pt;">with treats!</span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15pt; text-indent: 0pt;">9. </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #ffc000; font-family: 'Bernard MT Condensed'; font-size: 20pt; font-weight: bold; text-indent: 0pt;">Polar Express</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15pt; text-indent: 0pt;"> night! </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; text-indent: 0pt;">(Look at Christmas lights in PJs, with </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; text-indent: 0pt;">hot chocolate</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0pt;">) </span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: x-small; text-indent: 0pt;"><a href="http://shared.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/holidays/MinivanExpressTickets.pdf" style="font-family: Calibri; text-indent: 0pt;" target="_blank">Link to ticket here</a></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0pt;">10. Decorate </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #00b050; font-family: 'Curlz MT'; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold; text-indent: 0pt;">Christmas</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: red; font-family: 'Juice ITC'; font-size: 20pt; font-weight: bold; text-indent: 0pt;">cookies</span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0pt;">11. Gather old toys to </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #00b050; font-family: 'Maiandra GD'; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold; text-indent: 0pt;">donate</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0pt;"> to charity</span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0pt;">12. </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #00b050; font-family: Elephant; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0pt;">GRINCH</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0pt;"> night! (</span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #00b050; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0pt;">Grinch</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0pt;"> punch, </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #00b050; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0pt;">Grinch</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0pt;"> cookies, and </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #00b050; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0pt;">Grinch</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0pt;"> popcorn!)</span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0pt;">13. See </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: red; font-family: 'Bauhaus 93'; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold; text-indent: 0pt;">Santa</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0pt;"> at the Mall</span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;">14. Go on a hunt for </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: 'Blackadder ITC'; font-size: 20pt;">Mistletoe</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0pt;">15. Make </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #00b050; font-family: 'Curlz MT'; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold; text-indent: 0pt;">Christmas</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0pt;"> pancakes (with </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: red; font-family: 'Juice ITC'; font-size: 20pt; font-weight: bold; text-indent: 0pt;">cookie cutters</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0pt;"> and </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #00b050; font-family: 'Juice ITC'; font-size: 20pt; font-weight: bold; text-indent: 0pt;">sprinkles!</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0pt;">)</span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0pt;">16. Go to a </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: red; font-family: 'Curlz MT'; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold; text-indent: 0pt;">Christmas</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0pt;"> play or party </span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0pt;">17. Take a </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #00b050; font-family: 'Curlz MT'; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold; text-indent: 0pt;">Christmas</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0pt;"> bubble bath!</span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0pt;">18. Make a </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: red; font-family: 'Berlin Sans FB Demi'; font-size: 16pt; font-weight: bold; text-indent: 0pt;">Gingerbread</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0pt;"> Nativity</span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0pt;"> 19. Have a living room </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #00b050; font-family: 'Curlz MT'; font-size: 20pt; font-weight: bold; text-indent: 0pt;">Christmas</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 18pt; text-indent: 0pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: red; font-family: Jokerman; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0pt;">dance party!</span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0pt;">20. </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #00b050; font-family: Ravie; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0pt;">Color</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: red; font-family: 'Curlz MT'; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold; text-indent: 0pt;">Christmas</span><span lang="en-US" style="color: red; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0pt;">printable pages</span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0pt;">21. </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #00b050; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 20pt; font-weight: bold; text-indent: 0pt;">play</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; font-size: 20pt; text-indent: 0pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt; text-indent: 0pt;">a board game together as a family!</span></div>
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ligatures: none;"><span dir="ltr"></span>22. </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;">Have a </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: red; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ligatures: none; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: red; mso-style-textfill-type: solid; text-decoration: underline; text-underline: single;">picnic</span><span lang="en-US" style="color: red; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ligatures: none; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: red; mso-style-textfill-type: solid;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;">by the </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: red; font-family: "Curlz MT"; font-size: 19.0pt; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: "Curlz MT"; mso-default-font-family: "Curlz MT"; mso-latin-font-family: "Curlz MT"; mso-ligatures: none; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: red; mso-style-textfill-type: solid;">Christmas</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;"> tree <br />
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;"><span dir="ltr"></span>23. Make </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: red; font-family: "Kristen ITC"; font-size: 16.0pt; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: "Kristen ITC"; mso-default-font-family: "Kristen ITC"; mso-latin-font-family: "Kristen ITC"; mso-ligatures: none; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: red; mso-style-textfill-type: solid;">Candy Cane</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;"> syrup!<br />
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<span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;"><span dir="ltr"></span>24. Sing </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #00b050; font-family: "Curlz MT"; font-size: 19.0pt; font-weight: bold; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: "Curlz MT"; mso-default-font-family: "Curlz MT"; mso-latin-font-family: "Curlz MT"; mso-ligatures: none; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #00B050; mso-style-textfill-type: solid;">Christmas</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: 'Curlz MT'; font-size: 19pt;"> </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;">carols together</span></div>
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25. Have a </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: red; font-family: "Bodoni MT Black"; font-size: 16.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: "Bodoni MT Black"; mso-default-font-family: "Bodoni MT Black"; mso-latin-font-family: "Bodoni MT Black"; mso-ligatures: none; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: red; mso-style-textfill-type: solid;">birthday party</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;"> for </span><span lang="en-US" style="color: #00b050; font-family: "Bernard MT Condensed"; font-size: 20.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ansi-language: en-US; mso-ascii-font-family: "Bernard MT Condensed"; mso-default-font-family: "Bernard MT Condensed"; mso-latin-font-family: "Bernard MT Condensed"; mso-ligatures: none; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #00B050; mso-style-textfill-type: solid;"><b>Jesus</b></span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16pt;">!</span><span lang="en-US" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 16.0pt; language: en-US; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.pdf-archive.com/2014/11/18/christmas-countdown/" target="_blank">Click here for the free printable</a>!</div>
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What about you? What are some traditions and fun activities you do each year with your family?</div>
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Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01937617050831611588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2164751189889587877.post-77259453108792564772014-11-17T06:23:00.003-08:002014-11-17T06:23:32.772-08:0037 Weeks and Third Trimester Favorites<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhEDdNU3yTj8cFx_uH5G7o3bKo7MiYuyO1mutw48PVdq2IFMIfEvVeqFyddX4uleaPdC2N50Bu-pGNnQn6JQZZ4oOgYSAZVPoelRoERWZJp_A7-_L2Osw5IL7xvIuPsygZ8lmoxTRBRFmW/s1600/IMG_6311%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhEDdNU3yTj8cFx_uH5G7o3bKo7MiYuyO1mutw48PVdq2IFMIfEvVeqFyddX4uleaPdC2N50Bu-pGNnQn6JQZZ4oOgYSAZVPoelRoERWZJp_A7-_L2Osw5IL7xvIuPsygZ8lmoxTRBRFmW/s1600/IMG_6311%5B1%5D.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>I am 37 weeks which means I am officially full term! According to my doctor, baby is head down and I'm already starting to dilate, so it's possible that we'll have ourselves a little November baby!<br />
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Here's the latest:<br />
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<ul>
<li>I'm very uncomfortable and very tired. I definitely feel like I am carrying around 20 extra lbs...which I am. :)<br /> </li>
<li>My appetite is becoming nonexistent, which usually happens when I'm "done." I haven't had extreme cravings this pregnancy, but the cravings I have had have been similar to Selah's. I've wanted lots of fruits and sweets, especially McIntosh apples, peanut butter and chocolate. I think maybe the weirdest combo I have wanted was an apple, a slice of red velvet cake...with a taco.<br /> </li>
<li>No swelling. No varicose veins. So cystic acne. But plenty indigestion and headaches.<br /> </li>
<li>I became anemic during this pregnancy so I've been taking Iron supplements and have tried to add lots more spinach into my diet as well. The results have been great. I'm still tired, but I don't hit a brick wall every single day at 1 p.m. I have a little more energy and clarity of mind. Along with Iron, I've been taking the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Garden-Life-Oceans-Mom-Softgels/dp/B0039LF25A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416093841&sr=8-1&keywords=ocean%27s+mom+prenatal+dha&pebp=1416093856071" target="_blank">Garden of Life Oceans Mom prenatal</a> vitamin, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Solaray-B-Complex-100-capsules/dp/B000Z8WXTS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1416093889&sr=8-3&keywords=b-100+complex&pebp=1416093891219" target="_blank">B-Complex</a>, Calcium, and a low dose of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Natures-Way-Raspberry-Leaves-Capsules/dp/B000AR8PXW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416093946&sr=8-1&keywords=red+raspberry+leaves" target="_blank">Red Raspberry Leaves</a>. I have felt significantly better this pregnancy than the last because of it.<br /> </li>
<li>I'm already starting to dilate, so <i>hopefully</i> it will continue to progress and not stall. :)<br /> </li>
<li>Baby is measuring well and weighs somewhere around 6 lbs. So anxious to meet the little petite angel that will soon be here!</li>
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It's unreal how fast pregnancy goes by, and yet how ridiculously slow it is too. :) There are lots of discomforts that come with growing a life, especially when that little bundle grows into a good size bundle that prefers to sit directly over your bladder or cuddle into your rib cage. The third trimester is the hardest trimester for me but I'm thankful that there are things that provide relief. Here are some favorites of mine that have helped me in these final weeks.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/doTERRA-3890-Deep-Blue-Rub/dp/B005MQ2BQI" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">doTERRA Deep Blue Rub</a> This stuff has helped me tremendously! With my second pregnancy, I experienced some intense pain in my hips and this time has been even more painful. doTERRA Deep Blue Rub almost instantly soothes the aches and pains. It's worth the price.<br />
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<b>Peace & Calming Essential Oil</b> has helped with difficulty sleeping. Usually by your third trimester (sometimes before!) you begin having trouble getting comfortable. Then the closer you get to delivery, your mind starts to go crazy and it's hard to calm down and truly rest. I've used Lavender EO for years and it's great, but Peace & Calming blend just calms me quicker and I usually sleep lots better when I use it.<br />
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<b>Epsom Salts</b> I love this stuff. I soak in a bath with about 1/4 - 1/2 cup of Epsom salt every chance I get and I always feel wonderful after!<br />
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<b>Comforting books </b>This pregnancy I read <a href="http://redeemingchildbirth.com/" target="_blank">Redeeming Childbirth</a> by Angie Tolpin several times and it is definitely a book I highly recommend, especially while pregnant. I was encouraged and challenged on so many levels. Along with Redeeming Childbirth, I also read <a href="http://www.setapartmotherhood.com/" target="_blank">Set-Apart Motherhood</a> by Leslie Ludy which gave me an extra "oomph" as I disciple and train my kiddos.<br />
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<b>Pregnancy and Labor playlist </b>I shared a <a href="http://wherejoyis.blogspot.com/2014/08/maternity-favorites.html#.VGfcaPnF8o4" target="_blank">small list of songs earlier</a> in my pregnancy that spoke to me. Since then, I've added more and have claimed a few for the birth of this little one. The ones I have seemingly kept on replay have been:<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"> Jesus, Draw Me Ever Nearer - </i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Keith and Kristyn Getty</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"> Be Still My Soul/What a Friend</i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"> - Selah</span><i> <br /> Jesus Paid it All -</i> Aaron Keys<br /><i> Part the Waters/I Need Thee Every Hour</i> - Selah<br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" /><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"> Here </i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">- Kari Jobe<br /> <i> All the Way My Savoir Leads Me</i> - Various (<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/classic-songs-from-the-hymnal/id322469929" target="_blank">Classic Songs from the Hymnal</a>)</span></span><br />
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Not much longer now!<br />
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<img border="0" src="http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/4MyDesigns/Banners/ctbh_signature_01.png" />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01937617050831611588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2164751189889587877.post-11974664211420327662014-11-05T06:00:00.000-08:002014-11-05T06:00:04.218-08:0010 Gift Ideas for Men Under $50<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66e1DHaO3szvmsMfZ2n3lxBNHPLx0SGZ8GChRXQir-Ah7HwfrgsHbbwINSaCW4YoJNHNlELroSapqOMuEM8TaHasgG4jA2LFLfiyYtjCR9OGkqGNwe0oTYLI7xJyLS7EEnieTXgk0g_QI/s1600/men.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66e1DHaO3szvmsMfZ2n3lxBNHPLx0SGZ8GChRXQir-Ah7HwfrgsHbbwINSaCW4YoJNHNlELroSapqOMuEM8TaHasgG4jA2LFLfiyYtjCR9OGkqGNwe0oTYLI7xJyLS7EEnieTXgk0g_QI/s1600/men.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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The holidays are right around the corner! Have you begun your Christmas shopping? With baby #3 due in a couple of weeks, I have been slowly buying up gifts for the past few months so I won't be completely overwhelmed when little bit gets here.<br />
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Many women confess that they struggle finding gifts for the men in their life. By far, my husband, is the most difficult person to buy for. Last year, I shared a list of <a href="http://wherejoyis.blogspot.com/2013/12/10-gift-ideas-for-women-under-50.html#.U8k2NPldUo4" target="_blank">10 Gift Ideas for Women Under $50</a>. Today, I'm sharing a manly version! So here are 10 Gift Ideas for the manly man in your life.<br />
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<b>1. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0039SLSU6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0039SLSU6&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwbiblicalho-20" target="_blank">16-Ounce Insulated Travel Thermos</a></b>. I actually bought this for Grant last year and he loved it. In the winter months, it kept his coffee hot for a good 5 hours. $20.00 + shipping.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1Q8mheDQJL0Uo-oXLG2erzt61L5fN0YRxcKtGcHhVK4376djHIBpOMJ8EAeWX2xiJsKWLaeQXSPgb5ByLmhP0sGoO5LH-lIi8sj_VvczNXUOUTbzuCU7IEGgomN1Vl2ULB_aVAMx738h/s1600/712SH11kKtL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1Q8mheDQJL0Uo-oXLG2erzt61L5fN0YRxcKtGcHhVK4376djHIBpOMJ8EAeWX2xiJsKWLaeQXSPgb5ByLmhP0sGoO5LH-lIi8sj_VvczNXUOUTbzuCU7IEGgomN1Vl2ULB_aVAMx738h/s1600/712SH11kKtL._SL1500_.jpg" height="200" width="120" /></a></div>
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<b>2. <a href="http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/beard-pack" target="_blank">Beard Pack</a> </b>- If your man sports facial hair, this will make a fun gift that he may just actually use! $39.95 + shipping<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLm4efAfQrd-J2l1NXnQTVSwxollm9hO8O5GsDpRMTJgZao053QW-B-91VZWZSEfjM6rMf7dF27jS6AROK_si3PvupoJV3ktzOeZ60pZEk97LUXoHuWo_dJTom_EDabmGeO-dvpFJmQ6s/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLm4efAfQrd-J2l1NXnQTVSwxollm9hO8O5GsDpRMTJgZao053QW-B-91VZWZSEfjM6rMf7dF27jS6AROK_si3PvupoJV3ktzOeZ60pZEk97LUXoHuWo_dJTom_EDabmGeO-dvpFJmQ6s/s1600/Capture.JPG" height="193" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b>3.</b> <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WU9LCQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000WU9LCQ&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwbiblicalho-20" target="_blank">MagnoGrip Wristband</a></b>. This doesn't seem very cool, but it has received great reviews. If your guy likes tinkering with tools or doing DYI projects, this is sure to come in handy. $6.28 + shipping<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_rS8_z-PA2CPaBVOMnO8nreFP8cAiJtCerwC5_MeI-ye4iDEHkLpyh4IqgbJFZB5Og8lr-gqQIaQMoEIm6ejkmV1DaSUFb4kJ-gOe8Hf-vHG8-DU8mqA6idzaiR42hyphenhyphenKZ-l42sJJlXY5/s1600/71LkKjbTvML._SL1146_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_rS8_z-PA2CPaBVOMnO8nreFP8cAiJtCerwC5_MeI-ye4iDEHkLpyh4IqgbJFZB5Og8lr-gqQIaQMoEIm6ejkmV1DaSUFb4kJ-gOe8Hf-vHG8-DU8mqA6idzaiR42hyphenhyphenKZ-l42sJJlXY5/s1600/71LkKjbTvML._SL1146_.jpg" height="191" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b>4. Books.</b> Is your guy a reader? Check out <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Why-Revival-Tarries-Leonard-Ravenhill/dp/0764229052/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405699738&sr=8-1&keywords=why+revival+tarries" target="_blank">Why Revival Tarries</a></i><b> </b>by Leonard Ravenhill, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/No-Compromise-Story-Keith-Green/dp/1595551646/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405699832&sr=8-1&keywords=no+compromise" target="_blank">No Compromise</a></i> by Melody Green, or <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Bravehearted-Gospel-Truth-Fighting/dp/0736921648/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405698879&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=bravehearted+gospels" target="_blank">The Bravehearted Gospel</a></i> by Eric Ludy. These books are some that will ignite the spiritual fire in any man.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJw_OLQFMoMgRibfuSDBxibYKD2G9oAzcM0Rzr-cA772nbPT84H45maVuChJcID2st0Sdsl_fpiAmev8FzTALppIG79qiVgKPOlUMxqKiieD7-duhlvM-Ix0bNKJa2YMFBBbJ1dA-vCfc/s1600/Capture1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJw_OLQFMoMgRibfuSDBxibYKD2G9oAzcM0Rzr-cA772nbPT84H45maVuChJcID2st0Sdsl_fpiAmev8FzTALppIG79qiVgKPOlUMxqKiieD7-duhlvM-Ix0bNKJa2YMFBBbJ1dA-vCfc/s1600/Capture1.JPG" height="200" width="135" /></a></div>
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<b>5. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/101191975/3-gun-soap-stocking-for-man-gifts-for?utm_source=Pinterest&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share" target="_blank">Gun Soap</a>. </b>Need a stocking-stuffer idea? These gun-shaped soap bars should be a hit for any man proud of his right to keep and bear arms. :) $6.00 + shipping.<br />
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<b>6. SmartTouch Gloves. </b>I want a women's pair of these gloves! If you own a touchscreen phone, you know it can get irritating in the wintertime when you can't do anything on your own unless you remove your gloves. Then your hands are left freezing. No more! These gloves are awesome and range from $20 to over $100! <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Isotoner-Mens-Smartouch-Tech-Stretch-Glove/dp/B00ENXFLG8/ref=pd_sim_a_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1CNRW41W300C9NWE8EK1" target="_blank">This pair</a> is only $17.70 + shipping and the reviews are good.<br />
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<b>7. </b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Multi-functional-emergency-seatbelt-digital-flashlight/dp/B00HZFL56Q/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1405700063&sr=8-6&keywords=multifunctional+knives" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">All-In-One Emergency Safe Hammer</a>. This gadget is pretty neat. It can be used as a standard flashlight, but it is also a rescue tool. It works as a hammer, a LED flashlight, cell phone charger, has an emergency blade, and several other things. For only $18.99, I may get one for myself!<br />
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<b>8. <a href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/5958343/" target="_blank">Monogrammed Forged Steak Brand</a>. </b>My man's favorite food is steak. This authentic miniature version of the cattle brand used for years will bring a fun touch to your meat. :) $39.99 + shipping.<br />
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<b>9. Sermons on CD. </b>I have given my husband several sermon series on CD and it's always a great gift for the guy always on the go. He can listen and be encouraged on his drive to and from work or on business trips or even vacation. I have fond memories of my Dad playing sermons in the car on long drives and Grant and I have enjoyed it on our trips together as well. Some good sources for sermon downloads or purchases are: <a href="http://sermonindex.com/">SermonIndex.com</a> or <a href="http://www.lwf.org/" target="_blank">Love Worth Finding Ministries</a>.<br />
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<b>10. </b><b><a href="http://www.saddlebackleather.com/" target="_blank">Saddleback Leather</a> </b>is an awesome place to buy macho-leather gifts for your man. Most of their merchandise is very expensive, but there are a few options that are $50 and under. Wallets, belts, iPad and iPhone sleeves, Bible covers, are just a few. And you can count on very good quality!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What about you? Do you have any great gift ideas for men? :)</span></span></div>
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<br />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01937617050831611588noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2164751189889587877.post-51250514331946552822014-10-27T06:18:00.000-07:002014-10-27T06:25:00.997-07:00A Set-Apart Weekend and Pregnancy UpdateThis past weekend, I traveled to beautiful Windsor, CO for the first annual Set-Apart Motherhood conference, hosted by Leslie Ludy. It was kind of a mini Babymoon....sans the husband. :) I have wanted to attend several of the Ludy's many conferences and events in Colorado for years, so to finally have the opportunity to go was a major blessing and answer to prayer. Being 34 weeks, I was unsure if I could/should make the trip, but once I was cleared by my OB, I purchased my ticket and began planning and packing. It was an interesting experience, traveling alone in my third trimester to the mountains. I'm so thankful for good health, enough energy, and a problem-free pregnancy that allowed me to go. I came home <b>full-to-the-brim</b> spiritually and with a stronger vision for motherhood than I ever had before. Here are some highlights from my trip.<br />
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At Ellerslie, you would never know that you are a 10 minute walk from Windsor. It feels tucked away and secluded. Very much <i>set apart</i>. :) The peaceful atmosphere was beautiful.<br />
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This was my favorite view. To wake up with the dawn each morning and walk to breakfast, I saw this magnificent picture. A camera photo just can't capture the splendor. I think I stared out the window every time I was NEAR a window!<br />
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Each session was power-packed and practical. I have read many parenting books and blogs and there is an ever-present theme in our Christian culture to just take it easy and survive motherhood. The modern Christian mentality says it's normal for your spiritual life to take a back seat when you have little kids and so just be comforted that God understands you're tired, frazzled, and a complete mess. He loves you anyway. Truthfully, that's unscriptural and so I loved how each and every session was full of Biblical wisdom and commandments. <i>Not</i> about hanging on and surviving motherhood, but thriving - through Jesus - in your parenting and bringing heaven into your home.<br />
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The worship was <i>worship</i>. Growing up in music, it's always been one of the quickest ways to move me. I was anxious to hear the music from Ella Powell, but was also curious how the music and worship would be led. Let me just say, <b>it was real worship</b>. And I was so moved by, not only her sweet demeanor, but the songs she has written for her children, which she shared with us at the conference. And on a side note, I highly recommend the music of <a href="http://irishelkmedia.com/">IrishElkMedia.com</a><br />
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It was a joy to see the two newest little Ludy kids! Via the Set-Apart Girl magazine, I have watched their two biological children grow and have seen the hand of God in the adoptions of their, now, <i>four </i>adopted children. These two little ones came from Haiti and after an intense 29 month battle to bring them home, they arrived <u>the day before</u> the first-ever Motherhood conference. Isn't that just like God? :)<br />
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I met Eric and Leslie Ludy once briefly, one month before my wedding when they spoke at a conference in Arkansas back in 2010. But it was an amazing honor to be in their environment and talk with two people whom the Lord has used mightily in my Christian walk. When I was a teenager and got a hold of their testimony and their love story, it opened my eyes to areas of my life that I had never fully surrendered to Christ. What a blessing to be able to thank them for being an instrument the Lord has used to change my life.<br />
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P.S. They were absolutely sweet, down-to-earth, and fun to talk to. :)<br />
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The conference ended Saturday night and I stayed over and attended the Church at Ellerslie Sunday morning. I receive each week's sermon in my inbox, but to be in the atmosphere and worship with so many like-minded people - it was a sweet little taste of Heaven on earth.<br />
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Now that I am home, I am BUSY getting ready for little miss to make her arrival. Only a few very short weeks and we will be a family of five! I'm feeling well overall. I'm uncomfortable and the pregnancy penguin waddle is slowly surfacing, but that just means it's almost over. :) After such a renewing weekend, I'm more than ready to hold my baby in my arms......right after I get the crib put together. :)<br />
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<img border="0" src="http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/4MyDesigns/Banners/ctbh_signature_01.png" />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01937617050831611588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2164751189889587877.post-89260962728039142142014-10-22T06:00:00.000-07:002014-10-22T06:00:03.833-07:00Love: As Scripted By GodIn a culture whose heroes of love are Edward Cullen or Christian Grey, never has it been easier to see what love is.<br />
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...or at least, what has the appearance of love. In reality, what is scripted by screenwriters and published by people who do not know Jesus Christ, what is labeled as love is anything but.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZVkWccIvHrJlCi_haSIWPgP8QpAE1sUxXfjZtybWCiHMXif6mn0LAYDp4Vm82wUgDehKJuBfYaWqypQUEKrY-TyFMC_t8nIbmZu-VVkHzru2Vgb0K4UOxQmJZGcaUcx0kLRP-OJacLDU/s1600/writing4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZVkWccIvHrJlCi_haSIWPgP8QpAE1sUxXfjZtybWCiHMXif6mn0LAYDp4Vm82wUgDehKJuBfYaWqypQUEKrY-TyFMC_t8nIbmZu-VVkHzru2Vgb0K4UOxQmJZGcaUcx0kLRP-OJacLDU/s1600/writing4.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a>It's depicted as an all-powerful surge of emotions; something we literally "fall" in to. For many, it is an overwhelming mental obsession; for many more, it is a mad desire to simply jump in bed together. It has been reduced to clever, cushy sayings that are then quoted by the masses on blogs, Tumblr accounts, selfie Instagram photos, and Facebook pages.<br />
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It's something we can choose to give up on if it's in our best interest. It's something we can find in many different partners, so long as we are kept happy and comfortable.<br />
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May I tell you what love - true, marital love - looks like when it's scripted by its Author?<br />
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<b>Love is giving all of you and the best of you, especially when you don't want to.</b><br />
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<b>Love is keeping sacred things sacred </b>(your body parts, your marriage bed, your heart).<br />
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<b>Love is the shared glace over the dinner table while your children are laughing.</b><br />
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<b>Love is being held tenderly when your heart has been broken, whether by a hurtful word or a painful loss.</b><br />
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<b>Love is faithfulness even when you're financially broke, emotionally empty, or physically ill. It's the "sticking-togetherness" for better or for worse.</b><br />
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<b>Love is knowing that you are desired, regardless of your swollen, pregnant belly or your inability to put on your own shoes.</b><br />
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<b>Love is trust. </b><br />
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<b>Love is not wondering where your spouse is or if they desire another. It's not leaving your spouse in search of greener pastures instead of watering your own yard.</b><br />
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<b>Love is doing your spouse good and not evil <i>all</i> the days of your life...whether it's reciprocated or not. </b><br />
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<b>Love is choosing their happiness over your own.</b><br />
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<b>Love is initiating forgiveness and reconciliation even when it may have not have been "your fault."</b><br />
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<b>Love is patience when your nerves are shot and kindness when stress is at an all-time high.</b><br />
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<b>Love is friendship and all its belly laughs.</b><br />
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<b>Love is being led to the throne of God, even when you're too weak to walk there alone.</b><br />
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Love is many things that are no longer sought after or cultivated in relationships. Instead, it's a weak, feelings-based decision that we can make null and void should we have the urge to. And as a result, there's heartbreak, divorce, anger and resentment, and quite a bit of emptiness.<br />
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But if you want a little glimmer of heaven, if you want something with substance and beauty, let God be your Scriptwriter. His stories are the best.<br />
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<img border="0" src="http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/4MyDesigns/Banners/ctbh_signature_01.png" />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01937617050831611588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2164751189889587877.post-48832330494988010822014-09-29T05:47:00.000-07:002014-09-29T05:47:17.925-07:00Pregnancy Update. 30 Weeks with Baby #3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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30 weeks down! I cannot believe I have 10 weeks - more or less - to go! Considering both my previous children have been born at 39 weeks, I'm minorly freaking out (in a good way!). I have so much left to do but I enjoy nesting and preparing, so I am looking forward to stocking the freezer, washing newborn clothes and blankets, and taking down the itty-bitty baby gear from the attic. It's a fun and exciting busyness that definitely helps keep the nerves at bay. :)<br />
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Little miss is doing wonderful. And, albeit sometimes ungracefully, I am doing well too. Pregnancy is not a very dignified state, but it is a beautiful time that I am truly trying to cherish, even during the uncomfortable moments.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My three-year-old snapped this picture yesterday before Church.<br />He has a little talent, I think. :)</td></tr>
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<b>Some updates....</b><br />
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<li>I feel huge. I suppose every pregnant woman feels huge, especially during subsequent pregnancies. It's not an easy thing to watch your body change so drastically in less than a year. But just like the last two pregnancies, God has been faithful to remind me that His beauty is what is important. I may feel clumsy and heavy, but I have been given the blessing of growing and nurturing another life, and that is worth the sacrifice.<br /> </li>
<li>Have I had cravings? Yep. Coconut, avocados, chocolate, nuts, grapes, and apples have been foods I find myself wanting more and more of. I've also eaten a bit more peanut butter than usual too.<br /> </li>
<li>Tons and tons of movement! Little miss is beginning to feel a little cramped in there. I love feeling every twitch, every hiccup, and every kick. Definitely the best part of pregnancy!<br /> </li>
<li>No swelling, glory be! Like my pregnancy with Selah, I have been drinking lots more water and taking regular Epsom salt baths, which help with swelling. I dealt with that during my pregnancy with Nathan and it.was.horrid.<br /> </li>
<li>I've had a lot of hip, thigh, and back pain, which has made it more challenging to exercise like I want. I'm hoping chasing my kiddos from here to kingdom come makes up for it, though!<br /> </li>
<li>I'm starting to get a little more tired each day, which is totally understandable seeing how I am growing a person inside my body while raising a preschooler and keeping up with a toddler every day. Praise the Lord for nap time, right? :) When my kiddos go down, I also have been lying down. More often than not, I pass out and get a good nap in. Sleep has become my best friend. </li>
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Only a few more weeks left. :)<br />
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<img border="0" src="http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/4MyDesigns/Banners/ctbh_signature_01.png" />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01937617050831611588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2164751189889587877.post-41887441577253493002014-09-23T06:00:00.001-07:002014-09-23T06:00:11.550-07:00Our Frog Theme in 3K<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A couple of weeks ago, we began a "Frog week" in School where I let Nathan choose a specimen to study and learn about. It has actually become frog <i>month</i> because we have studied them slowly so we can retain and enjoy. It's been a timely theme as our porches have been the home of quite a few frogs lately. Much to my disgust....</div>
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We started by going to the Library to pick out a book on frog facts. We chose "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/All-About-Frogs-Jim-Arnosky/dp/0590481649" target="_blank">All About Frogs</a>" and have loved learning about the differences between frogs and toads, all the different species of frogs and toads, and the cool things each are able to do. Nathan is fascinated by learning how far they can hop and the funny croaking noises they can make.</div>
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Thanks to <a href="http://preschoolmom.com/">PreschoolMom.com</a>, I found this nifty printable explaining the life cycle of a frog. Nathan liked learning about tadpoles and how they change as they grow - just like we do! He said, "I was a baby...now I'm a big boy. One day, I'll be big like daddy and have a beard!" Yep. From tadpole to toad, buddy. ;)</div>
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We also had a frog-themed treat at lunch one day! FYI, this is <u>not</u> a picture of my attempt to make the frog-apple-with-marshmallows-grapes-and-chocolate chips. Mine wasn't near as good. But this is what I was shooting for. And Nathan knew it was, in fact, a frog so although it is probably more along my lines of a Pinterest fail, it was a complete success in his eyes, which is all that counts. :)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://www.halfhourmeals.com/food-for-thought/healthy-food-made-fun-for-kids-5-cool-snacks/" target="_blank">photo credit</a></td></tr>
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We ventured outside and found frogs. :) Both Nathan and Selah had a jolly time finding them, squealing as they hopped, and chasing them all over the yard and the porch. Selah finds it necessary to blow on any small critter and then scream at it. Nathan has taken to wanting to smash anything smaller than him. Needless to say, they had to be under some heavy supervision. :)</div>
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Getting out of my comfort zone, we also caught a frog. Or, to be more accurate, <i>I</i> caught a frog. I'm a bit disgusted by small critters, but I managed to catch a small frog on our porch and brought it in for a few hours to get a close up look as we went through our <i>All About Frogs</i> book. Nathan loved staring at its legs and had a little too much fun trying to make the small amphibian hop in the jar.</div>
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Lastly, we began the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1/188-9607784-1866767?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=frog+and+toad" target="_blank">Frog and Toad</a> series, which we have all enjoyed reading. :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZzC5XAsRyOje8YGYXZnlQ4lTsInzUPCq7hYqThfE8JegjNM8A1wuqdz-tTpEofc59yN10hSm4p5PexoTOhQGA2N7tfpVFyF5QUD9yEPG-EK8yKx3wQPxcOrXW-atuE-hoafuUZUvUQJeL/s1600/Frog_and_toad_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZzC5XAsRyOje8YGYXZnlQ4lTsInzUPCq7hYqThfE8JegjNM8A1wuqdz-tTpEofc59yN10hSm4p5PexoTOhQGA2N7tfpVFyF5QUD9yEPG-EK8yKx3wQPxcOrXW-atuE-hoafuUZUvUQJeL/s1600/Frog_and_toad_cover.jpg" height="320" width="223" /></a></div>
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I'm not sure what theme will be next. Nathan has expressed an interest in spiders, but I'm not sure mommy can handle that one. Might be a good father/son project to do with daddy.....<br />
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<img border="0" src="http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/4MyDesigns/Banners/ctbh_signature_01.png" />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01937617050831611588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2164751189889587877.post-49729820694438025002014-09-11T06:00:00.000-07:002014-09-22T12:06:02.308-07:00Facebook, Pinterest, and the Comparison Trap<div style="text-align: left;">
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Maybe you have thought it in the moments when you're browsing through Pinterest just because you are looking for a new recipe to try out. And as you browse, you see all the "How To's" - from how to decorate the tops of your cabinets to how to have the tightest, firmest body after your second pregnancy. And you feel it. </div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">I'm not enough....</span></i></div>
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Maybe you have thought it while skimming Instagram and you see the pictures of that woman who just had her third child two months ago and she looks better than she ever did before! It's got to be the filter, right? Nevertheless, you feel it.<br />
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<i style="font-size: x-large;">I'm not doing a good enough job...</i></div>
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Maybe you have said it out loud when you are scrolling through the news feed on Facebook, minding your own business, simply wanting to stay updated on your family and friends. And you read about one of your friends who's two year is reading already....and you just wrestled your three year old into a new set of underwear because he forgot he wasn't wearing a pull-up. Again. And here it comes....<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>I am a complete failure...</i></span></div>
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You've likely said it. Thought it. Bemoaned your failures while eating the chocolate you have hid in the laundry room. (I have!)<br />
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Last week we finally sat down and watched "Mom's Night Out" -- <span style="font-size: x-small;">totally recommend, by the way! -- </span>I laughed a lot. I nodded in agreement. And I cried, fully feeling and understanding the things this sweet mom felt.<br />
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Those of you who have seen this movie, did this portion of the movie get to you too?<br />
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Oh, I found myself in a blubbering mess after that. And I have one of those ugly cries. You know what I'm talking about....<br />
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But I felt that truth wrap its arms around me. And it felt so good.<br />
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Sometimes, because of social media and even because of certain people, we build up expectations of ourselves that are nigh impossible to attain. And we work so hard (so ridiculously, incredibly HARD!) to measure up those expectations. We run ourselves into the ground trying to please everyone, ourselves most of all, and forget that we are not called to see that our children are academically advanced at age three or that our homes look like a page out of Pottery Barn magazine. We are not called to do all we can to achieve a body that bears no marks of childbearing or to serve gourmet dinners to our husbands every single night. We are not expected to be a Pinterest wife or mom, nor should we compare ourselves with a status from someone on Facebook. Our worth and security is not found there, but only in the Person of Jesus Christ. Simply serving Him and doing the best we can with the gifts and strengths that He has given us is enough.<br />
<h5 style="margin: 26px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i>Where does your security lie? Is God your refuge, your hiding place, you stronghold, your shepherd, your counselor, your friend, your redeemer, your Saviour, your guide? <br />If He is, you don’t need to search any further for security.</i></span></span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;"> <br />Elisabeth Elliot</i></h5>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">So to all of you out there who find yourself logging off feeling less than victorious about your role as a wife or a momma, let that encourage you today.</span><br />
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<img border="0" src="http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/4MyDesigns/Banners/ctbh_signature_01.png" />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01937617050831611588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2164751189889587877.post-13730577125030130192014-09-10T06:00:00.000-07:002014-09-10T06:00:02.834-07:00Where Joy Is Wednesday #20 and a Link-Up<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Welcome to</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Where Joy Is Wednesday!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC47AKye8dgCBiuzuopEnA-bRx56usJ4n3mosHNZ2PiNLlxFmwBCwW6gRsQLgaFBYpQkw3wP6bFkZ54uSYMy-w88wLon1IiJ2asf5kn1z2tkSh2NRS6P94ql7yFDTV5UwjcAHvYkBsJRit/s1600/wji-lu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC47AKye8dgCBiuzuopEnA-bRx56usJ4n3mosHNZ2PiNLlxFmwBCwW6gRsQLgaFBYpQkw3wP6bFkZ54uSYMy-w88wLon1IiJ2asf5kn1z2tkSh2NRS6P94ql7yFDTV5UwjcAHvYkBsJRit/s1600/wji-lu.jpg" height="202" width="400" /></a></div>
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Things have been quite busy lately! I have finally reached the third trimester with baby #3! I'll save the pregnancy update for another post, but all is well and baby and I are both healthy - and growing!</div>
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Along with baby prepping, we have been enjoying the end of the summer weather, the beautiful cooler mornings, 3K school, and working on odds and ends around our home. I am already in the holiday spirit and anxious to start decorating for Thanksgiving and Christmas! My little ones are growing by leaps and bounds! Our son is loving all the things he is learning in school, and our daughter is showing an interest in potty training. Being barely 19 months, I'm very pleased with that and so we will be seeing if the interest sticks in the next few weeks. :)</div>
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While preparing my home and my children for another little life coming soon, I have been taking time to prepare my spirit. One Scripture has resonated with me for weeks:</div>
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<b><i>James 1:17</i></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.</i></b></span></span></div>
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One of my favorite songs is "Great is Thy Faithfulness." The above verse has been repeatedly reminding me that each gift from God is good and it comes from a Savior who is faithful and true and does not change. No matter what each morning brings, his mercies are new <i><u>and enough</u></i>. The fears that try to topple over us or the change that rattles our security - it's all perfectly packaged from a wonderful, faithful Father.</div>
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May you see His faithfulness today. :)</div>
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<img src="http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/4MyDesigns/Banners/ctbh_signature_01.png" />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01937617050831611588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2164751189889587877.post-51406961013923981882014-09-02T09:10:00.003-07:002014-09-02T09:10:51.886-07:00Our Favorite Preschool Apps<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBjt1BzzPWBv-6y5FKkgpsao4AeTY-BlJla4XjOL_rxO_BFG3YEBfBklmyi8TGUToFoQMTVoGJhtPlQG7aytZXazy-0VyiQ1Pt_-SGmhpaWwpBER5ntC0W7mGH3Bppw9kKgEvr4BUnwFEy/s1600/favorite+apps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBjt1BzzPWBv-6y5FKkgpsao4AeTY-BlJla4XjOL_rxO_BFG3YEBfBklmyi8TGUToFoQMTVoGJhtPlQG7aytZXazy-0VyiQ1Pt_-SGmhpaWwpBER5ntC0W7mGH3Bppw9kKgEvr4BUnwFEy/s1600/favorite+apps.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Though we are using lots of books, notepads, printables, and dry erase books, I have been utilizing my iPad for some of Nathan's education. He loves learning through interaction and so today I am sharing my favorite Apps that we currently use in our 3K schooling. :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-TzG7I5HF6VAgdlKsojdttG3w_OcrRK4uMC5ZWKT5nvkHSf-6Znnes2V5AVzM-xsRupdW4xTcuUYQQFL98StCmuejYwWPaGL4pGA619SRA8RGS0eFMdcRq86sotIKYw1zTL-nH3p145L/s1600/apps2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-TzG7I5HF6VAgdlKsojdttG3w_OcrRK4uMC5ZWKT5nvkHSf-6Znnes2V5AVzM-xsRupdW4xTcuUYQQFL98StCmuejYwWPaGL4pGA619SRA8RGS0eFMdcRq86sotIKYw1zTL-nH3p145L/s1600/apps2.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bible-for-kids/id668692393?mt=8" target="_blank">Bible for Kids</a></div>
We love this app. This is probably Nathan's favorite game to play. It's full of Bible stories and is very easy for him to use. He loves listening to the narrator tell each story and the touch-activated characters and animals. I highly recommend getting this on your phone and your tablet! :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxuMY0EHbIUukjlQuKXm2jPFCrTJDG-3sCiTt8DFVxrHKBETiVGQBLUf9kXH_sRzJBzpPO4vq7pgLU9XB-Sn3XjF_mNc_PaXWEfXcI5F70pc3OanOeXVxElEfomMZiaGRiZZqPrFjIz1D2/s1600/apps1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxuMY0EHbIUukjlQuKXm2jPFCrTJDG-3sCiTt8DFVxrHKBETiVGQBLUf9kXH_sRzJBzpPO4vq7pgLU9XB-Sn3XjF_mNc_PaXWEfXcI5F70pc3OanOeXVxElEfomMZiaGRiZZqPrFjIz1D2/s1600/apps1.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/abby-monkey-basic-skills-preschool/id458813562?mt=8" target="_blank">Abby Monkey Basic Skills</a></div>
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This preschool game is among our favorites for matching skills, counting, shapes, colors, and patterns. Nathan loves making a train with the correct patterns and I love that it is both fun and super educational!</div>
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<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/toddler-counting-123-free/id536476423?mt=8" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUPVV_8Kp8grziOmj8AmURLYoRSt8snO-F1IM32t7ozjkg-XnkAuuT7cOvXzYP25njWFqDjcfoYEqB4VotgCHts2lVTajqgoiVL66mw6npWI0Hzr0RkhDDgC5yUFIZqTNWS-rdlMBHm1X/s1600/apps4.JPG" /></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/toddler-counting-123-free/id536476423?mt=8" target="_blank">Counting 123</a></div>
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This is a very simple app that teaches toddlers to count from 1 to 20. They use everyday things your child sees like animals, food, and toys to engage them and keep them motivated. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRauiklPTB1EBBNPb0-2Dqk10gTWcpJKj3YAR1t5ytoCHiTIL-5krPXzquVnkcW6V_bCp31Z-zmhvzOBMgfHesymCOfzgLUyK4kgk9ZHqyww2QVtTdjssufliaNj0alRhUP_GO8XF6w4R5/s1600/apps5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRauiklPTB1EBBNPb0-2Dqk10gTWcpJKj3YAR1t5ytoCHiTIL-5krPXzquVnkcW6V_bCp31Z-zmhvzOBMgfHesymCOfzgLUyK4kgk9ZHqyww2QVtTdjssufliaNj0alRhUP_GO8XF6w4R5/s1600/apps5.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/little-writer-tracing-app/id515890480?mt=8" target="_blank">A5 Tracing</a></div>
I'm using this app a lot more now that we have officially started 3K. This tracing app is wonderful in teaching your child how to properly write his/her upper and lowercase letters, their numbers (1-10), and over 20 basic shapes. It's very cute and very easy to use. Nathan absolutely loves it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyShGPinHbXEilKPUHKQHWcpW8srX8xAB82sCoKM-hBFTKLaUi2OR80wlImdFiNkTf6nzGSaX-lrPD8xX7sw0_UAAeSMhotgMydj65A37dqAXVrrBcJEPGFWo0Wj2pkV6mlR8y7jolyYNf/s1600/apps3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyShGPinHbXEilKPUHKQHWcpW8srX8xAB82sCoKM-hBFTKLaUi2OR80wlImdFiNkTf6nzGSaX-lrPD8xX7sw0_UAAeSMhotgMydj65A37dqAXVrrBcJEPGFWo0Wj2pkV6mlR8y7jolyYNf/s1600/apps3.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fun-spanish-language-learning/id661574705?mt=8" target="_blank">Fun Spanish</a></div>
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We want our children to learn Spanish and there is no better time to start than early on! Fun Spanish came highly recommended and I have been pleased with it thus far. It's designed for kids ages 3-10 and includes lessons, games, and music. Nathan has loved it and I'm learning some things as well. :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0Lc5ojiTiVzBhq0iIO5hNWec-0_ENOAAIDDuzfkK2AYvOyEUMbtmIjMC-yEJTFV0zHgrAgY4S8ATDslqgAWgXYneQStlv3Svuvkyqx37PgX9BfNYezrNolcBCkfxqhJgAK3jfdpt85aE/s1600/apps6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0Lc5ojiTiVzBhq0iIO5hNWec-0_ENOAAIDDuzfkK2AYvOyEUMbtmIjMC-yEJTFV0zHgrAgY4S8ATDslqgAWgXYneQStlv3Svuvkyqx37PgX9BfNYezrNolcBCkfxqhJgAK3jfdpt85aE/s1600/apps6.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ibooks/id364709193?mt=8" target="_blank">iBooks</a></div>
Though I am not a fan of reading books without actual HOLDING a book in my hands, iBooks has been a huge help in those times when our library does not have a certain book we want to read. Currently, we are reading <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/frog-and-toad-are-friends/id370130949?mt=11" target="_blank">Frog & Toad Are Friends</a> and we are using iBooks to do it. It's been very beneficial and we will most likely continue to use iBooks in the future -- especially since we don't have to worry about crayon markings on the pages!<br />
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What about you? What are your favorite preschool apps? :)<br />
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<img border="0" src="http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/4MyDesigns/Banners/ctbh_signature_01.png" />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01937617050831611588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2164751189889587877.post-52274582707179478582014-08-27T07:10:00.000-07:002014-08-27T07:10:15.072-07:00Where Joy Is Wednesday #19 and a Link-Up<div style="text-align: center;">
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<img src="http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/4MyDesigns/Banners/ctbh_signature_01.png" />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01937617050831611588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2164751189889587877.post-29195604334325277502014-08-15T06:00:00.000-07:002014-08-15T06:00:08.483-07:00Maternity Favorites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Right now, I'm feeling some powerful kicks coming from the little 24 week-old-baby in my tummy. Each pregnancy is different and this one is no exception! I haven't been sick like last time, nor have I been so tired that I could fall asleep standing up like I was with my first. This pregnancy has brought along a whole different set of new experiences. So today I am sharing with you some of my favorite maternity items that have helped me in my previous pregnancies and with this one. :)</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Redeeming Childbirth</span>: Experiencing His Presence in Pregnancy, Labor, Childbirth, and Beyond</b>. Enjoy reading? Oh friend, you must read Redeeming Childbirth! <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Redeeming-Childbirth-Experiencing-Presence-Pregnancy/dp/1462723756/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405537288&sr=8-1&keywords=redeeming+childbirth" target="_blank">This book</a> has been a huge blessing and comfort to me during this pregnancy. <a href="http://www.redeemingchildbirth.com/" target="_blank">The website</a> also has some fantastic tools, further encouragement, and a sweet community of like-minded momma's.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Maternity SPANX</span></b>. I found this gem during my second pregnancy. I had never used SPANX before, but I had heard great things about their maternity items, so I purchased the <a href="http://www.spanx.com/shop/spanx/shapewear/style/mid-thighs/power-mama--zid38-163/cat-38-catid-fncat_spx_sw_styl_mt" target="_blank">Power Mama</a> and hoped for the best. Not only does it smooth some of those *ahem* soft spots, but it gives my back <i>a lot</i> of support! Double whammy.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Epsom Salt</span></b>. I love bubble baths and I seem to take them more regularly during pregnancy. They help my body relax and with each bubble bath I take, I add about 1/4 cup of Epsom salt to the water. The natural benefits are wonderful. The magnesium and sulfate in Epsom salts are absorbed through the skin and help reduce inflammation, improve oxygen use, help muscle and nerve function, flush toxins and ease migraine headaches. I use Dr. Teal's brand which can be found in your local Wal-Mart or Target.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Lavender Essential Oils</span></b>. I also regularly add a couple drops of Lavender Essential Oil to my baths. Obviously, lavender is known for relaxing the body. It can also be used topically or aromatically. There have been plenty of nights already when I have dabbed a little behind my ears before bed to calm my mind and my body and help me rest better.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Red Raspberry Leaves</span></b>. <a href="http://wherejoyis.blogspot.com/2014/06/my-secret-weapon-for-all-things-girl.html" target="_blank">My secret weapon</a>. :) This stuff will <i>always </i>be in my house. I love how it makes me feel and the nutrients that help prep my body for labor. And it's delicious! You can buy it in tea or pill form.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Full-Panel Capri Jeans</span></b>. With it being my third pregnancy, I started feeling bloated very early on and began showing by the third month. I've had crazy dizziness too and so one day while out shopping, I tried on <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=939597012&vid=1&locale=en_US&kwid=1&sem=false&sdReferer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.oldnavy.com%2Fproducts%2Fmaternity-capri-pants.jsp" target="_blank">these capri jeans</a> and fell in love with the comfort. My tummy isn't restricted or bound and they feel wonderful. Worth every penny.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Music</span>.</b> I love music anytime, anywhere. :) But through reading <i>Redeeming Childbirth,</i> I have been challenged to truly worship through this pregnancy. With two little ones undertow already, I have found myself overwhelmed and fearful in the moments when I let my guard down and am tired and vulnerable. In those moments, if I am unable to grab my Bible, I put on my "Pregnancy & Delivery playlist" on my phone and let the truth of God's promises wash over me. Some of my favorite songs on repeat have been:<br /> <i>Be Still My Soul/What a Friend</i> - Selah<br /> <i>Here </i>- Kari Jobe<br /> <i>Restless </i>- Audrey Assad<br /> <i>Part the Waters/I Need Thee Every Hour</i> - Selah<br /> <i>Be Still My Soul</i> - Kari Jobe<br /> <i> I Can Trust Jesus</i> - The Collingsworth Family<br /> <br />
It's your turn! What are some of your favorite maternity items?<br />
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<img src="http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/4MyDesigns/Banners/ctbh_signature_01.png" />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01937617050831611588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2164751189889587877.post-22289989573867369722014-08-13T06:23:00.002-07:002014-08-13T06:23:20.820-07:00Where Joy Is Wednesday #18 and a Link-Up<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Welcome to</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Where Joy Is Wednesday!</span></span></div>
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Yesterday, the kids and I spent several hours playing outside. We washed the car, we colored on the sidewalk, we played ball, slid down the slide, and ran around getting sweaty and smelly. And loving every minute of it.</div>
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I have been challenged to get on the same level as my kids. When they talk to me, I am working to make eye contact with them and truly show them that I am listening. Sometimes my daughter is running around screaming and I am tempted to treat her like a big kid "who knows better" instead of understanding that she's only little for a short time. How I wish I could run around screeching and screaming sometimes! :)<br />
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It's easy to be a grown-up sometimes. Today I challenge you to find the joy in the crazy moments of your life, whether it be a wild toddler, a stressed-out husband, or an irritating co-worker. Find the joy there. Laugh. Giggle. Do something fun that you would normal shrug off and replace with "more important work."<br />
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Take joy.<br />
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<img src="http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/4MyDesigns/Banners/ctbh_signature_01.png" />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01937617050831611588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2164751189889587877.post-76857924149862551462014-08-08T06:00:00.000-07:002014-08-08T06:00:03.135-07:00Our 3-K Curriculum <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYt-cZ9ZIz94W6gLkgIEhsFPhfPQl2ebfr9-cquRg2HNyRkIDNcUiMc3_GcdLzuHonbx10I0C2bTmeTuXnCQ6oSGtJBbFiEG3QC_LADvV1qZnATFOvPw0mTxDz_laTzfNzkr7L5gFi6iP/s1600/3k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYt-cZ9ZIz94W6gLkgIEhsFPhfPQl2ebfr9-cquRg2HNyRkIDNcUiMc3_GcdLzuHonbx10I0C2bTmeTuXnCQ6oSGtJBbFiEG3QC_LADvV1qZnATFOvPw0mTxDz_laTzfNzkr7L5gFi6iP/s1600/3k.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've always known I would homeschool my children and so when my husband and I were planning to build our house, we both really wanted a room especially devoted to studying and teaching our kids. We painted it bright yellow and I stocked it with fun learning tools and lots and lots of books! :) This year, we decided to begin 3-K with Nathan and introduce him to a school schedule. So today I am sharing with you our 3-K curriculum for 2014-2015.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYefMaAUhnrih2a73U_iXay-7pRe_dkMz80CEeyLXnI5EC75kPN3G_1q5rPoC8ZBGzQkTVK1YDYPcQNCdSe_QumDmswqGywueYX6qKaAM2Kpxqhyphenhyphenz8vaBJOn1jzhdK8WskcOFl8BlJ4Rk2/s1600/DSC_0673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYefMaAUhnrih2a73U_iXay-7pRe_dkMz80CEeyLXnI5EC75kPN3G_1q5rPoC8ZBGzQkTVK1YDYPcQNCdSe_QumDmswqGywueYX6qKaAM2Kpxqhyphenhyphenz8vaBJOn1jzhdK8WskcOFl8BlJ4Rk2/s1600/DSC_0673.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am a big fan of dry-erase. Nathan has a few dry-erase books and I made him a binder (see above) where I can print off what I want for him, slip it into a page protector, and he's free to work on the same thing over and over again. Definitely cuts down on the stacks of paper and the ink in my printer! However, I also bought a few colored folders for those papers I want to keep forever. :)<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Math</span></b>: For a three-year-old, math is simply learning numbers. Currently he can count to twenty, but what we are now working on now is his visual recognition of each number and his ability to trace it, then write it on his own. This <a href="https://www.google.com/shopping/product/1159238149059152281?q=match+it+puzzle+game&newwindow=1&rlz=1C1TSNF_enUS548US548&es_sm=122&biw=1242&bih=585&sa=X&ei=QBjAU5KMAamV8QH_r4GgBQ&ved=0CNABEPICMAU" target="_blank">Match-It game</a> has been a fun way for him to recognize each number as he counts.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Shapes and Colors</span></b>: Opportunities to teach your child shapes and colors are easy. For colors, I grabbed a stack of paint color samples to use. We play with play-doh and talk about each color, we have used paint to mix and create variations. It's simple to find inexpensive ways to teach your child colors. For shapes, I printed out pages of different shapes and put them into his binder. When he was a baby, he received <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Babys-First-Blocks-Bundle/dp/B00E1AEERK/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1405097259&sr=8-6&keywords=shape+blocks" target="_blank">these blocks</a> which I've used. Plus, things can always be found around the house to further teach him shapes and colors. Tires on the car, plates, books, etc.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0J7NQKfgB2op70Ub4oTwX0qsuB6pcvZm5fBZbjS-X1S4mD-7i3BPHoP0WC2j5fIBilSmq2xns2aR-QoYadEYM8I4owMQIGhO3vEy00-uwm4r5kwrKXgJi33n9Wh3bApN-yx79QC8QGSC/s1600/3k_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0J7NQKfgB2op70Ub4oTwX0qsuB6pcvZm5fBZbjS-X1S4mD-7i3BPHoP0WC2j5fIBilSmq2xns2aR-QoYadEYM8I4owMQIGhO3vEy00-uwm4r5kwrKXgJi33n9Wh3bApN-yx79QC8QGSC/s1600/3k_2.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a><b><span style="font-size: large;">Letters</span>:</b> Nathan has two dry-erase books, "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Can-Print-28Pg-Wipe-Off-Books/dp/B007FIA5DC/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1405097168&sr=8-10&keywords=I+can+print+%28wipe+off%29" target="_blank">I can Print!</a>" and "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/TREND-ENTERPRISES-ANIMAL-WIPE-OFF-BOOKS/dp/B004LDDELE/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1405097529&sr=8-9&keywords=ABCs+%28wipe+off%29" target="_blank">My ABC's</a>" which he loves. I like how he can use them over and over. I also have a notebook called<a href="http://www.mead.com/meadstore/catalog/productDetail.jsp?prodId=48170" target="_blank"> Learn to Letter</a> with raised pulling that helps him write his letters on his own. We have a poster on our wall where we go through each letter in the alphabet and so he can see the upper and lower case letters and identify each letter with the proper sound it makes.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Science</span></b>: With Nathan being so young, I wasn't stressing about introducing him to a full curriculum at age three. But I did want to begin teaching him Science in a way that he could understand. I happened upon<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0890515638/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank"> this book on Amazon</a> that not only teaches Creation Science for his age group, but has thirteen 6-in-1 curriculum lessons inside it. For $12, you can't beat that. And what I love most is it is very solid, Biblically, with scripture memorization for each lesson (<span style="font-size: x-small;">in KJV and NKJV translations, which we prefer</span>).<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Geography</span></b>: I saw <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Learning-Journey-Learn-Puzzle/dp/B00CI8FIRW/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1405096817&sr=8-7&keywords=wooden+state+puzzle" target="_blank">this wooden puzzle</a> of the USA on Zulily and immediately bought it! Nathan loves puzzles and is beginning to identify a few states already.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">History</span></b>: Like Science, I really wanted to start teaching Nathan a little history in a way that he could not only understand, but enjoy. I did a little searching and found the whole series of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Libertys-Kids-The-Complete-Series/dp/B00CMDPTTA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405096368&sr=8-1&keywords=liberty+kids" target="_blank">Liberty Kids</a> on Amazon marked down to $5! He loves it and I've enjoyed how it makes each story to come to life.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Bible</span></b>: For Bible, we have <a href="http://wherejoyis.blogspot.com/2014/03/instilling-scripture-into-young-hearts.html" target="_blank">two charts</a> of Bible scriptures we go through. We also sing <a href="http://wherejoyis.blogspot.com/2012/02/singing-scripture.html" target="_blank">Scripture Songs</a> a lot! On a trip to Mardels book store, I picked up <a href="http://www.staples.com/office/supplies/StaplesProductDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogIdentifier=2&partNumber=873954&langid=-1&cid=PS:GooglePLAs:873954&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=873954&KPID=873954" target="_blank">this poster</a> where we learn the books of the Bible and the category each one falls under. Along with that, we have lots of Bible story books and DVDs like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Theo-Gods-Grace-Exclusive/dp/B008BMNDY4/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1405097712&sr=8-7&keywords=Theo+dvd" target="_blank">Theo</a> that we enjoy and watch often.<br />
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What about you? Do you homeschool? What age do you begin teaching your little ones?<br />
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<img src="http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/4MyDesigns/Banners/ctbh_signature_01.png" />Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01937617050831611588noreply@blogger.com4