tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63080761983703181872024-03-13T07:14:22.602-04:00WBWhimsical BlessingsJenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910073537485271665noreply@blogger.comBlogger330125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6308076198370318187.post-66502015686695698652016-05-27T10:10:00.000-04:002016-05-27T10:10:32.951-04:00Behold Your God: When God is Big, I am Small<br />
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Did you know that what you think about God influences what you think about yourself? And what you think of God and yourself determines how you view sin and therefore salvation. If we want to think rightly, Biblically, about each of these four areas, we have to start by thinking correctly about God. If I see God as knowable, but limitless; approachable but Eternal and Infinite; full of love and mercy and grace, yet holy and just and righteous, where does that leave me? If I search for God in the Scriptures and investigate all of his characteristics, how do I begin to see myself compared to Him?<br />
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A correct response would be to see myself as insignificant compared to God. I am far from being like Him. I am frail. Sinful. Filled with darkness. Trapped by blindness. An enemy of God.<br />
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I begin to ponder my sin. If God is Holy--completely pure, without sin or flaw or darkness (and He is)--then what must He think of me in my sin? My sin is a thief of the glory I owe to God. I am unable to approach him, to worship him, until my sin is dealt with. I need an earth shattering life change! I need to be rescued because I am helpless here.<br />
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"<a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/passage/?q=romans+11:33-36">Oh, the depth of the riches and the wisdom of God!</a> How vast beyond all measure!" What Grace it is to be rescued from this life of sin and misery. I have nothing to offer, nothing of substance. To realize that God's love extends towards me, His enemy, and offers to call me His Child? What a gift! Not a cheap gift either. <a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/passage/?q=john+1:1-18">The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.</a> <a href="http://www.biblestudytools.com/2-corinthians/5-21.html"> He became sin, who knew no sin that we might become His righteousness. </a> Jesus took on God's wrath, atoned for my sins, bearing my sins in His death. Look what it took to get rid of this sin nastiness living in me! Grace! Grace! God's Grace! <a href="http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Grace_Greater_than_Our_Sin/">Grace that is greater than all my sins!</a><br />
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So now? Hallelujah, praise be to God! I made my choice over 30 years ago to follow Christ, but it's taking me a lifetime to begin to get a grip on what really took place in my soul. Because He rescued me from darkness, I want to walk as far away as possible from sinful lifestyles. Because He delivered me, I am full of gratitude. Because I am now in God's light, I want to do what is acceptable to Him. Genuine love now flows from this rescued girl. How precious to me is Jesus, knowing who He is! Knowing what He did for me when I was a wretch! How could I choose to live any other way? The only kind of Christian I know how to be is the one who desires to know and obey God.<br />
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Modern day churches don't always get this right. I don't always get this right! We are so prone to focus in on ourselves, our needs, our wants, our way. We fall prey to looking at the Bible for what we can get out of it, for what it says about me, when it is primarily a book about God! We define God according to our own imagination, making Him into something so much lesser than He really is. When we start to elevate ourselves, God automatically becomes smaller, and our sins start to look like no big deal. So what's the big deal about salvation if we don't think we're all that bad off? Do you see how the spin takes off in the wrong direction?<br />
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How much greater our praise and worship will be when we acknowledge God in all His glory! How much greater our adoration of our Savior when we humble ourselves low! As much as I love the singing time of worship, I am a Word girl. It's preaching that really stirs me up! How much richer the music and more ready my soul to respond to God if the majority of our singing were after a Word from the Lord! Some of the hymns of old got it right, such as this one by <a href="http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/l/a/alasand.htm">Isaac Watts</a>:<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Alas! and did my Savior bleed<br />And did my Sovereign die?<br />Would He devote that sacred head<br />For sinners such as I?<br />[originally, For such a worm as I?]</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Refrain</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light,<br />And the burden of my heart rolled away,<br />It was there by faith I received my sight,<br />And now I am happy all the day!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Thy body slain, sweet Jesus, Thine—<br />And bathed in its own blood—<br />While the firm mark of wrath divine,<br />His Soul in anguish stood.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Was it for crimes that I had done<br />He groaned upon the tree?<br />Amazing pity! grace unknown!<br />And love beyond degree!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Well might the sun in darkness hide<br />And shut his glories in,<br />When Christ, the mighty Maker died,<br />For man the creature’s sin.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Thus might I hide my blushing face<br />While His dear cross appears,<br />Dissolve my heart in thankfulness,<br />And melt my eyes to tears.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>But drops of grief can ne’er repay<br />The debt of love I owe:<br />Here, Lord, I give my self away<br />’Tis all that I can do.</i></span></div>
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<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910073537485271665noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6308076198370318187.post-40783738276064503242016-05-23T19:00:00.000-04:002016-05-24T16:56:43.749-04:00<br />
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Several months ago, my ladies' Sunday school studied <a href="http://beholdyourgod.org/resource/rethinking-god-biblically/">John Snyder's book, <u>Behold Your God</u>.</a> (Go online to watch the entire first week for free.) I watched the DVDs in class and was awed by how insightful and convicting this book was. Shortly after, an evening study was offered for this course, and I jumped at the opportunity to go through it again, this time buying the study book and going through the daily material. Once again, the Holy Spirit is working in my heart and mind to convict me and draw me before the throne and deeper into Scriptures.<br />
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Sometimes...most any time...it is so good to re-calibrate by focusing on God's attributes. He is Infinite. Limitless. Immeasurable. Unsearchable. FULL. And check this out: combine one attribute with another to get an inexhaustible glimpse of this great God we serve. His love is immeasurable. His mercy is unsearchable. His justice is limitless. On and on it goes. He is incomprehensible! And he chose to reveal himself to me! to you! to the world! Through his Word and through his Son.<br />
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That makes me Tremble! and bow my heart before this great and mighty God who is all that I am not.<br />
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<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910073537485271665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6308076198370318187.post-60138668021495769772016-05-22T19:00:00.002-04:002016-05-22T19:00:59.998-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Interested in family photos this spring or summer? This is the perfect way to make sure MOM gets in the picture with the family. Contact me and we'll set up a time and location. I can't wait!<br />
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<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910073537485271665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6308076198370318187.post-47666248660605285272016-05-22T18:45:00.000-04:002016-05-22T18:45:05.816-04:00<br />
Photography is a big passion of mine, one that when given time and opportunity, I explore with my family as my muse. Oceana County is the most gorgeous place to live during the spring, when the multitudes of orchards are in full bloom. With permission from our friends, my family spent a bit of Mother's Day at the Peach Orchard. Out of all the choices of cherry, apple, pear and peach, I say peach blossoms are the most enchanting, with beautiful shades of pink that no other can beat.<br />
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I handed my camera over to my daughters and they each snapped up a few of me that turned out quite darling! Both of my girls enjoy the creativity of a camera, and are learning some skills of their own.<br />
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This girl is such a help to her mama, caring for her younger brothers. She is very intuitive, and I even started paying her for babysitting services when I want to go jogging and Tim needs to work outside.<br />
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This boy. There are no words to express his infectious grin, his mischievousness, his daring naughtiness. He makes sure we don't get too lazy sitting on the couch for very long!<br />
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Some of my children's fondest memories are going to Nana & Papa's house to ride horses. My dad bought a new horse for his birthday. He's quite a showy Haflinger gelding that will be full of enjoyment!<br />
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<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910073537485271665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6308076198370318187.post-71231538599413609252016-05-15T18:39:00.002-04:002016-05-15T18:39:34.811-04:00The War That Saved My Life {book review}<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">As I’m
preparing to lead my children in a 20<sup>th</sup> Century history course, I’ve
been compiling lists of books to read, Netflix and YouTube videos, Pinterest
projects and the like. I came upon a
book called, <u>The War that Saved My Life</u>, by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, a
2016 Newberry Honor Book, displayed at my local library. I perused it quickly and stuck it in my bag
to pre-read for the school year. While the storyline was really quite
spellbinding, I want to share with you some of my troubling thoughts concerning
the book as a whole.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><img src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51QTjDIChNL._SX329_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Ada,
a pre-teen girl, is telling her story of how she was a London Evacuee during
the German Blitz of World War II. Born with a club foot, she lived with her
mother and younger brother in a flat near the docks. She couldn’t walk, was responsible for
cleaning the home and caring for Jamie, her 6 year old brother. She had never
been allowed out of her tiny home, as her mother despised Ada for her condition
and it is later revealed that all the neighbors have been told Ada is “simple
minded.” Living under great verbal, physical and mental abuse, as well as
negligence, she decides to escape with her brother with a group of evacuees
heading out of the city for safety.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Along
the way, she discovers just how negligent her mother, and as a result of their
utter filth and poverty, had to be forced upon a single woman to take her and
her brother in for the duration of the evacuation. Susan, the woman who would now care for the
two children, eventually did a commendable job, not only caring for their
physical needs, but providing love, kindness and nurturing such as they had
never experienced before.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">That
much of the story was captivating, sharing not only a glimpse of the historical
drama, but sharing a girl filled with so much pain, that escaping her mother
and the city because of the bomb threat actually </span><span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 32px;">benefited</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> her immensely. Now let’s talk about Susan. Bits of information about her past seep out
through the telling of her story. She is
depressed about the somewhat recent passing of her friend, Becky, who lived
with her. Becky owned prize horses that
she used for hunting, but had been sold off, providing Susan with living
money. Susan was outcast from the city,
having few friends. She was disowned by
her Preacher Father, because of what she learned at Oxford. Susan’s birthday represented an especially hard
day. I wondered right off if Susan was a Lesbian, but thankfully the book never
became any more graphic about the relationship than the statements listed
here. However, I believe any discerning
reader would gather the same conclusion I had, since the target audience of
this book is pre-teens, that is unacceptable! The reader is lead to believe
that just as Ada cannot be responsible for her club foot, and her brother Jamie
was born being left handed, so was Susan born with her “condition”. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Now,
maybe this isn’t a big deal to you.
Maybe this is something worth discussing with your children. I’ve discussed homosexuality and the culture
with my own tween daughters. But first, you
need to know the author’s stance behind this and the feminism driving this
force right at our children. Bradley, the author, admits that Susan is gay and
thinks it’s humorous that parents might have a problem with this, because
children certainly don’t. She asserts
the obviousness of Susan’s sexuality as well as confessing the whole situation of
lesbian lovers living together in the countryside isn’t historically accurate. Bradley declares on her <a href="http://kimberly-brubaker-bradley.blogspot.com/2015/01/a-touch-on-lesbianism.html?m=1"><span style="color: windowtext;">blog:</span></a> “<span style="background: white;">The
fight for gay rights may not be over, but the war has been won. We're past the
tipping point. Equality has prevailed; all that's left now is tamping out the
brush fires and skirmishes.</span>” She claims that children see expressions of
gay love all the time at school and throughout public life, which pleases her
greatly that it’s too common to be worth noticing. A commenter on her blog is
so tickled that children reading this will able to see Susan’s reflection of
such a loving relationship, that it is an invaluable tool for children to
recognize and accept this. This woman is apparently a 6<sup>th</sup> grade
teacher, quite excited to teach this book to her students, perhaps in a
classroom near you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">In another <a href="http://kimberly-brubaker-bradley.blogspot.com/2016/05/my-gay-agenda.html?m=1">post</a>,
Bradley’s main goal is to “write books that tell the truth”, and to represent
the gay and transgender, as well as the non-white and disabled peoples. After
all, aren’t they on the same level of morality and inability to choose who they
are and how they are born? She asserts that it is “a disservice to our
children, who need books that reflect their reality”. My reality and my Truth
is a far cry from this lady’s.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2015/08/04/living/children-history-books-booming-common-core-feat/"><span style="color: windowtext;">CNN</span></a> acknowledges the </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Common Core standards get credit for
making history books popular. Do you
suppose that with historical books written for children becoming so popular,
more authors are writing these kinds of books?
In a democracy, supply and demand is the breadwinner, and it is not too
far-fetched to think that authors, knowing there are willing readers and
willing Common Core classrooms, to write in such a way to further one’s own
agenda? Obviously, writing to an agenda is nothing new, but with public schools
backing books such as these and libraries and publishers praising in raving
reviews and numerous awards given, there will be no end to books being written
that deserve a Christian critique.</span></div>
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<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910073537485271665noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6308076198370318187.post-27246821937633114242012-04-24T13:49:00.000-04:002012-04-24T13:49:38.179-04:00The Blessings Bible Academy: Nature Study Spring Wild Flowers '12<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nature study is a habit we are trying to instill in our weekly rhythms. Getting ourselves out in nature can be as easy as taking walks or as complex as one would like to investigate and read up on a specimen of interest. My 7 & 5 year old daughters, along with my 2 year old son, really enjoy getting outside for fresh air and play, so taking a few moments out to examine birds or flowers & trees isn't too difficult. Of course, this easily gets forgotten and set aside without a plan, so I tend to follow the plans that I find at the <a href="http://handbookofnaturestudy.blogspot.com/">Handbook for Nature Study</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At this site, Barb posts weekly challenges to go study, and they tend to go along with the time of the year. We don't do much of it during the winter months, but we work hard at making time for it the rest of the year. There are a variety of challenges that a student can choose to do, and many have free downloads or printouts. A major tool that goes along with nature study is the book, Handbook for Nature Study, a rather thick book that is chock full of information and lessons to go with your specific study. You can buy this from bookstores like Amazon, or you can download it for free right now from the <a href="http://www.homeschoolfreebie.wholesomechildhood.com/jan-18-the-giant-handbook-of-nature-study-part-i-ii/">Homeschool Freebie</a>. There are 6 parts to the download, so make sure you get every part.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While nature study sounds nice and maybe even fun, you may wonder why bother? I mean, is there enough learning going on here to totally skip doing other science? I suppose that's really up to you and what you're looking for in elementary science. I choose to follow a curriculum during the winter months, because it's cold and snowy in Michigan. But here's why I choose to incorporate it the rest of the year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I believe that in giving our children <i>"regular opportunities to get in touch with God's creation, a habit is formed which will be a source of delight throughout their lives</i>." (A Charlotte Mason Companion, p. 253)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Children need to be taught to observe carefully the world around them, and a way we do this is by creating a nature notebook, where the girls draw or color pictures of what we've been observing. They also add a few notes, such as where and when the item was observed, and maybe a few sentences about it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As we studied violets outdoors in our yard, I brought out our Handbook for Nature Study and read a few things about violets. The book contained far more than was appropriate to teach to a 1st grade and younger, such as petioles and stipules (meaning, Mama didn't know what those were yet), but we did discuss how the violets were shaped, how many petals there were, what color the center of the flower was, and the leading lines into the center where the nectar is.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fUB5S_d-IJg/T5bbTc0MfvI/AAAAAAAACOM/d58LuBfe_78/s1600/nature+study+violetsC+42412_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fUB5S_d-IJg/T5bbTc0MfvI/AAAAAAAACOM/d58LuBfe_78/s640/nature+study+violetsC+42412_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I took pictures of the violets so we could continue the study indoors, and Hannah picked a few and made this bouquet that fit into a curled piece of bark. I thought it was quite creative and pretty! She also picked a few so we could try pressing some flowers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A few days after this, we got out our watercolor paints and first sketched and then painted the violets. For Makenna, 5, this was the first time she sketched out a picture before painting. She decided to include a variety of colors, so we came up with bluebells, poppies and snapdragons to go along with her violets.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZSLBQPlYbw/T5bbREZ3mpI/AAAAAAAACOE/J6POnUlA1Oo/s1600/nature+study+violets+42412_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZSLBQPlYbw/T5bbREZ3mpI/AAAAAAAACOE/J6POnUlA1Oo/s640/nature+study+violets+42412_edited-1.jpg" width="560" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hannah was more careful in her approach. She made sure that the violet in her sketch contained the 5 petals that she observed.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-POoyC8QdM9k/T5bbVs_NIuI/AAAAAAAACOU/4G7U4pEmW-U/s1600/naturestudy+violets+42412_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="610" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-POoyC8QdM9k/T5bbVs_NIuI/AAAAAAAACOU/4G7U4pEmW-U/s640/naturestudy+violets+42412_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fmyH8zJ5cx8/T5bdsfI_gLI/AAAAAAAACOc/FQwdPleD32w/s1600/nature+study+violets+hannah+42412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fmyH8zJ5cx8/T5bdsfI_gLI/AAAAAAAACOc/FQwdPleD32w/s640/nature+study+violets+hannah+42412.jpg" width="430" /></a></div>
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Hannah, age 7</div>
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Makenna, age 5</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another reason that I like Nature Study is that it incorporates art into our schooling. The girls love to do art, and I easily skip over it, maybe allowing them to do it on their own if I'm up to the mess. Making this a part of our day makes it so much more enjoyable, and the girls are excited to explore the world of art.</span><br />
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<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910073537485271665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6308076198370318187.post-51324562615631918002012-04-15T16:19:00.001-04:002012-04-16T08:07:37.563-04:00The Blessings Homestead: Sourdough Starter<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnrTAmQT_78/T4uHq-JE7JI/AAAAAAAAH1E/aWYnGaJY4J8/s200/Barn-Hop.jpg" /> </div><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Linking to <a href="http://homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/2012/04/barn-hop-58.html">Homestead Revival Barn Hop</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have a dream of living on our very own homestead. I'm not an animal lover, don't even like your dog licking my hands. But the idea of living a self-sustaining life off the land really appeals to me. When I was investigating options in making my own kefir, my brother joked that I was going all "Little House on the Prairie". I responded by saying, "I guess I got to be who I always wanted to be!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sometimes a dream seems like too much to accomplish, and I can get overwhelmed and give up before anything truly gets off the ground. An all or nothing kind of girl. Not this time, though. I've got plans, some specific, some not so much, nothing down on paper or in the planner. But every week I want to add to my list of skills or to my pantry or to my outdoor living spaces that promote homesteading and sustainability.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sourdough: what a place to start! This isn't the first thing I tried, but it was one of the more interesting, on-going projects that I've started. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First, I created a starter. Following some instructions, I placed 2 Tbl of rye flour and 2 Tbl water in a jar and stirred. I added this amount again every 12 hours for the next 10 days. It began to get very bubbly and yeasty smelling and started growing, just like it was supposed to. Why does this happen? I've used and made Amish Friendship sourdough before, but that had sugar and yeast in it. This only has water and flour. Apparently, our air has wild yeasts floating around in it, and they get pulled into the flour and water, creating a ferment. On the top of my jar, I used a rubber band to hold a coffee filter over it, so air could pass through, but not dirt and bugs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's a video that explains the process really well:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This lady's site has so much about sourdough as well as many other traditional foods that I would like to investigate further.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Why would I want to go to all this work for bread, when I could just pop ingredients into my bread maker and be done with it? Or just buy it from the store? Because I wanted the challenge. Because I like the taste of it. And because it's healthier. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's healthier because of the long process it takes to soak the flour and get the dough ready to bake. This process breaks down the gluten and makes it more digestible. It also frees up more of the good stuff--the good bacteria, minerals and vitamins to be freed up to used by your body. <a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2011/04/for-the-love-of-sourdough-starting-a-sourdough-adventure.html">Keepers of the Home</a> gives some easy to read reasons as well as some recipes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think my starter is off to a good start and I've made a few things, like pancakes and biscuits, and even bread! I may have baked bread before my starter was mature enough to handle the task, but my husband and I thought it was delicious! I didn't care for the pancakes, and the biscuits were pretty good. I will experiment some more and post results.</span><br />
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<img align="left" src="http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad93/tjbeggs/signature.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910073537485271665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6308076198370318187.post-53566525331240127402012-04-15T14:44:00.000-04:002012-04-15T14:44:12.963-04:00Scripture & a Snapshot A Cheerful Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IEfvoamO42U/T4sO-XY5TcI/AAAAAAAACNk/XAkEFdSi7pM/s1600/scripture&snapshot+41512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="457" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IEfvoamO42U/T4sO-XY5TcI/AAAAAAAACNk/XAkEFdSi7pM/s640/scripture&snapshot+41512.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Springtime in Oceana County is usually a beautiful site. This year, spring started early, with wonderfully warm temperatures in March. I was torn between giving the girls a few days off of school work, or trying to hurry through the rest of the year's schoolwork and just be done with it. We went for bike rides and took walks along the wonderful shores of Lake Michigan. During this unseasonably warm spring, though, worry edged the back of our minds. Late frosts could come as late as mid-May. How could we go the next 8 weeks without freezing temperatures to damage the fruit trees?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My phone tells me the weather forecast, and whenever there is a weather threat, it never fails to chatter out a wild jungle sound to alert me of it. So many nights now, my phone would send out the jungle warning at 3:30 am of a frost advisory. And I knew our friends were out fighting the frost the only way they could: start the fans blowing on the orchards. And I fought the only way I could: prayer to the Creator and Sustainer of life.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As it looks right now, there will be a very poor cherry & apple & peach season, along with others, I'm sure. Living is a small farming community, we'll all feel the effects. Those who aren't farmers work in the packaging plants and count of overtime during cherry season. Most others work in small family owned businesses that farmers buy and trade with. My own family, my husband and father-in-law, do a lot of the farmers' mechanical work on their trucks and tractors and machinery.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jesus is the One who sends the rain and the sunshine, along with the frost and the cold. We give him thanks during the bounty, and we must choose to give him thanks during the lack. Blessed be His name! Bring on whatever it takes to bring Him glory.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am not a farmer. I'm not married to a farmer. I don't have farmers in my family. But I like to eat the fruits of their labor. My friends and neighbors are farmers. My brothers and sisters in Christ are farmers. Can we all choose to trust the Lord of the Harvest together?</span></div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zcbEF5XwFTM/T4sO4LY-o_I/AAAAAAAACNE/3hqG149vY0Y/s1600/garden+bluebells.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zcbEF5XwFTM/T4sO4LY-o_I/AAAAAAAACNE/3hqG149vY0Y/s1600/garden+bluebells.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> My bluebells and violets are up and looking pretty!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">I even planted some peas along the edges of our TeePee and some spinach in the inside of it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9X6XfQkpGTI/T4sO7E7eb4I/AAAAAAAACNU/rnIl7tMJhUU/s1600/garden+peas+41312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9X6XfQkpGTI/T4sO7E7eb4I/AAAAAAAACNU/rnIl7tMJhUU/s640/garden+peas+41312.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Here's our teepee in the garden from last year. I hope to get the peas and beans to grow up it better this year. Last year, I planted the seeds long before the teepee was in place.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<img align="left" src="http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad93/tjbeggs/signature.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910073537485271665noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6308076198370318187.post-79446456933698408802012-04-13T15:36:00.000-04:002012-04-13T15:36:28.803-04:00Nature Study: Robins<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Robins are always one of the first signs of spring around here, and they are so easy to identify...I remember learning all about them in 4th grade Michigan History study, as they are our state bird. This year, our yard seems to have invited many of them to come and stay a while. I only hope they don't eat all my strawberries again!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I planned on having some time to watch the robins this afternoon when it warmed up and the other bookwork was done, but I forgot that they are more plentiful in the morning and evening! We'll have to continue our bird watching at the appropriate time.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0lar0SsRlFo/T4h4b6rsLBI/AAAAAAAACMU/x2MrzgAH5Bk/s1600/robin+41312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0lar0SsRlFo/T4h4b6rsLBI/AAAAAAAACMU/x2MrzgAH5Bk/s640/robin+41312.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> This is one of the few we saw at lunchtime, and this was as close as I could get to it. I wish we could see the white circle around its eyes and the white belly patch that we read about.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0s9pgv5Bujw/T4h4n6MLbnI/AAAAAAAACMc/s0qIhhSDw78/s1600/hannah+drawing+robin+41312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0s9pgv5Bujw/T4h4n6MLbnI/AAAAAAAACMc/s0qIhhSDw78/s640/hannah+drawing+robin+41312.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7mfwGhekJdk/T4h71bEdBQI/AAAAAAAACMw/RqqMiSKZ9r0/s1600/naturestudy+robin+41312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7mfwGhekJdk/T4h71bEdBQI/AAAAAAAACMw/RqqMiSKZ9r0/s640/naturestudy+robin+41312.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We read about the robin and watched a few YouTube clips about the robin. After spending some time outside trying to find them, we came inside and Hannah drew a picture of a robin. She used a bird drawing book to help, but no tracing on this one! My aim is to develop her artistic eye and train her to be attentive to details and practice observation skills. Whether or not a child is a very good drawer, learning to draw and observe an object allows her to see details that she would have missed, thereby becoming much more intimately involved with what she is studying.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4PkiuyQKbYg/T4h72-MHOsI/AAAAAAAACM4/TFlwjEIBcGY/s1600/naturestudy+spring+41312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4PkiuyQKbYg/T4h72-MHOsI/AAAAAAAACM4/TFlwjEIBcGY/s640/naturestudy+spring+41312.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On the first day of spring this year, it actually looked like spring! We had daffodils and everything!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qQ_BwaffuPA/T4h70HFuqgI/AAAAAAAACMo/MgTAqcBpK98/s1600/artwork+passover+41312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qQ_BwaffuPA/T4h70HFuqgI/AAAAAAAACMo/MgTAqcBpK98/s640/artwork+passover+41312.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xCx1u5qJdjc/T4h4a2pwarI/AAAAAAAACMM/HVm-NbbTxJA/s1600/hannahpassoverdrawing+41312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xCx1u5qJdjc/T4h4a2pwarI/AAAAAAAACMM/HVm-NbbTxJA/s640/hannahpassoverdrawing+41312.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For Passover this year, I bought this set you see here from Dayspring. I never celebrated Passover before, and I led our ladies Sunday School class through a Seder meal. This set includes the cup, the plate and 2 candle holders. Hannah decided that she wanted to paint the cup, and she got this all set up to sketch out the cup. I think it turned out rather interesting.</span><br />
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<a href="http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad93/tjbeggs/signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="left" border="0" src="http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad93/tjbeggs/signature.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" /></a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910073537485271665noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6308076198370318187.post-18186157845535790492012-02-04T17:27:00.002-05:002012-02-06T14:42:33.723-05:00wintertime Scripture & a Snapshot<center><a href="http://katielloydphotography.blogspot.com/search/label/Scripture%20and%20a%20Snapshot"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4152/5005740786_2337690f81_m.jpg" width="196" /></a></center><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Traveling around the neighborhood last weekend, and stopped to see some friends along the way. The snow was sticking to all the trees and was so pretty! This is what a cherry orchard looks like in the winter! </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qRXHNwZjVCQ/Ty2tVrUx9AI/AAAAAAAACLQ/6Zg9ppn7Krc/s1600/scripture+&+snapshot+20412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qRXHNwZjVCQ/Ty2tVrUx9AI/AAAAAAAACLQ/6Zg9ppn7Krc/s1600/scripture+&+snapshot+20412.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This verse is chosen for the friend to whom this landscape belongs...she has gone through some losses recently, and it is so comforting that we can trust in a mighty God who is always good. (Canvas Love Stamped Love texture)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TRf6vrOWO78/Ty2tXTQuxmI/AAAAAAAACLY/-S0qRI-RGYI/s1600/scripture+&+snapshot+criley+20412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TRf6vrOWO78/Ty2tXTQuxmI/AAAAAAAACLY/-S0qRI-RGYI/s1600/scripture+&+snapshot+criley+20412.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zzU8CJubOc4/Ty2taq3n2jI/AAAAAAAACLg/UNf1-wQwJ94/s1600/hannah+020412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zzU8CJubOc4/Ty2taq3n2jI/AAAAAAAACLg/UNf1-wQwJ94/s1600/hannah+020412.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(And Then Some texture applied here)</span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SmQASUiO_y4/Ty2tcl5dCgI/AAAAAAAACLo/2zGoc-G3kTY/s1600/makenna+020412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SmQASUiO_y4/Ty2tcl5dCgI/AAAAAAAACLo/2zGoc-G3kTY/s1600/makenna+020412.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the slushy snow and sunny days!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N_toIXmlATE/Ty2tekPS94I/AAAAAAAACLw/C7VtAah8S58/s1600/makenna+b+020412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N_toIXmlATE/Ty2tekPS94I/AAAAAAAACLw/C7VtAah8S58/s1600/makenna+b+020412.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U4H6YEAL5os/Ty2tgbTbgNI/AAAAAAAACL4/BGNSiIOp-sY/s1600/mav+020412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U4H6YEAL5os/Ty2tgbTbgNI/AAAAAAAACL4/BGNSiIOp-sY/s1600/mav+020412.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This boy truly loves the out of doors! Can't get enough of this snow and playing! Especially snow this size, he can still move around in it. Earlier, it was too much for him to walk in and he didn't know what to do with it all! (above, used If Only texture; below used </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;">And Then Some texture)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ib1TLx0dkJg/Ty2tiQc7CVI/AAAAAAAACMA/NI-I8Ucmp5E/s1600/mav+b+020412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ib1TLx0dkJg/Ty2tiQc7CVI/AAAAAAAACMA/NI-I8Ucmp5E/s1600/mav+b+020412.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I used textures to edit many of these pictures, using <a href="http://www.kimklassencafe.com/thecafe/">Kim Klassen Cafe</a>'s textures on the 1st, 3rd, 6th & 7th picture. Linking up with her "Texture Tuesday"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://kimklassencafe.com/" mce_href="http://kimklassencafe.com" target="_blank"><img alt="kimklassencafe" mce_src="http://www.kimklassencafe.com/storage/button150.png" src="http://www.kimklassencafe.com/storage/button150.png" /></a><br />
<img align="left" src="http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad93/tjbeggs/signature.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910073537485271665noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6308076198370318187.post-35339747608487920052012-01-30T10:13:00.000-05:002012-01-30T10:13:26.103-05:00Front Porch Scripture & a Snapshot Sunday<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pairing a beautiful photo with Scripture really speaks volumes! I just love when I can take the time to create this kind of art. My friends, the <a href="http://vanderzwaagfamily.blogspot.com/">Vander Zwaag's</a>, spent a few months this fall purchasing and remodeling an old farm house. When I took a tour of their house, I was taken away by the wonderous color and the accents she used for decorating it. {I can't wait to photograph the inside!} It looks perfect for their family of 8! Last weekend, the sun was shining, the snow had freshly fallen, so I stopped to take some photos on my way past their house. I like how they turned out...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CRt5fJbBVzI/TyawJ5_gUbI/AAAAAAAACK8/YTwoDqO7ZV8/s1600/vanderzwaags+house+verse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CRt5fJbBVzI/TyawJ5_gUbI/AAAAAAAACK8/YTwoDqO7ZV8/s1600/vanderzwaags+house+verse.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stacy did request that the next time I do this, would I please shut her garage door? {I already felt like a stalker! Guess I should help myself to the garage door opener, too!}</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yv28o2hjc5k/Tyawffr_WBI/AAAAAAAACLE/PR9zNEc2gc8/s1600/vanderzwaag+porch+12812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yv28o2hjc5k/Tyawffr_WBI/AAAAAAAACLE/PR9zNEc2gc8/s640/vanderzwaag+porch+12812.jpg" width="544" /></a></div><br />
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<img align="left" src="http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad93/tjbeggs/signature.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910073537485271665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6308076198370318187.post-53363876761835489012011-12-27T11:18:00.000-05:002011-12-27T11:18:46.885-05:00Riley's Christmas Pictures & Photo ShootI had the great pleasure to try out my new camera with some friends in their family orchard! We finally were able to pick a day, and chose late afternoon to meet for the photos. The day started out nice and sunny, but by the time 4 pm came, it was quite cloudy and looked like rain wasn't too far off. While I'm pleased with these photos, I was hoping for more sunlight to work with. <br />
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Such a beautiful family! Baby Riley is expected in another month or so, so we got a few belly shots as well.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FK3kqhUBNDA/TvnqI_Lrc0I/AAAAAAAACKk/irUEX5TJkfo/s1600/sarah+riley_2011_ChristmasCard4x6+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FK3kqhUBNDA/TvnqI_Lrc0I/AAAAAAAACKk/irUEX5TJkfo/s640/sarah+riley_2011_ChristmasCard4x6+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c-Tsjv_pR3Q/TvnqNYDfBeI/AAAAAAAACKs/1sdhHj-gyLc/s1600/riley+story+board+1211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="630" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c-Tsjv_pR3Q/TvnqNYDfBeI/AAAAAAAACKs/1sdhHj-gyLc/s640/riley+story+board+1211.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hjpAK4bIrSY/TvnqQmLhf7I/AAAAAAAACK0/pQ0vOLUWudM/s1600/sarah+riley+carte+front+111111+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hjpAK4bIrSY/TvnqQmLhf7I/AAAAAAAACK0/pQ0vOLUWudM/s640/sarah+riley+carte+front+111111+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>It's always great to practice on new faces!<br />
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<img align="left" src="http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad93/tjbeggs/signature.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910073537485271665noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6308076198370318187.post-79541680328791289412011-12-26T12:07:00.000-05:002011-12-26T12:07:14.912-05:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Merry Christmas!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZU7TpydjLds/TvipTHgDEuI/AAAAAAAACJ8/8kLa1o720rQ/s1600/2011+Calendar+DecA+print.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZU7TpydjLds/TvipTHgDEuI/AAAAAAAACJ8/8kLa1o720rQ/s640/2011+Calendar+DecA+print.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
This was my Christmas photo card I designed this year~Merry CHRISTmas!<br />
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Here's some of my favorite pictures from this fall. I've been too busy homeschooling to get much up on my blog, but we managed to get a few photo opportunities in here and there. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NP31_dZ4IEc/Tvih0mW1LaI/AAAAAAAACIQ/X_Jm82sP7FE/s1600/102211hannahpink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NP31_dZ4IEc/Tvih0mW1LaI/AAAAAAAACIQ/X_Jm82sP7FE/s1600/102211hannahpink.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dqwzjWn1LlI/Tvih26dHrVI/AAAAAAAACIY/JItD7x7UidY/s1600/102211hannahpinkflower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dqwzjWn1LlI/Tvih26dHrVI/AAAAAAAACIY/JItD7x7UidY/s1600/102211hannahpinkflower.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w2M0wfFDpjg/TviiT2TViVI/AAAAAAAACJo/D6nVEM6HXxI/s1600/110411+makennaB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w2M0wfFDpjg/TviiT2TViVI/AAAAAAAACJo/D6nVEM6HXxI/s1600/110411+makennaB.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<img align="left" src="http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad93/tjbeggs/signature.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910073537485271665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6308076198370318187.post-68094741614107030962011-11-20T15:56:00.002-05:002011-11-20T16:05:20.404-05:00Knights of Arrethtrae<div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">"We can strip the knight of his armor, to reveal that he looks exactly like us, or we can try on the armor ourselves to experience how it feels. Fiction provides an ideal opportunity to try on the armor"</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #073763;">C.S. Lewis</span></div><br />
To say I love reading would be an understatement. Ever since I picked up my first Little House on the Prairie book at the age of 7, I have been reading, reading, reading. I have gone on magnificent adventures, meeting new friends and traveling all over the world and beyond. I have been transported back in time and experienced the ages of past, all within the boundaries of my imagination, through the gift of words and stories.<br />
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When I pick up a book that I have read previously, and begin to sift through the pages, it is like receiving an old friend into my home. It is almost like sitting down for tea with the character and rekindling our friendship. If you are a non-reader, this will not make any sense to you, but if you are an avid reader, then you will will understand this friendship that I'm talking about. A well-written piece of literature has the capabilities to capture our hearts and stir our affections like no other. Jesus, the Greatest Teacher, knew the power of a good story, especially the story with a purpose.<br />
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I have had the luxury the past few months to read the stories about the Knights of Arrethtrae. (Earth+Terra [Latin for earth] combined and spelled backwards). Below is book 1 in this series. While these books are aimed at youth, I found them both fascinating and compelling. They are allegorical in nature, and have been compared to a modern Pilgrim's Progress. It is the timeless story of good and evil, of the "King who ruled the Kingdom across the sea, along with His Son and their gallant and mighty force of Silent Warriors." The Prince was later sent to Arrethtrae to "train a force of commoners--for He was a true master of the sword. [The enemy], claiming to act in the great King's name, captured and killed His very own son...The King used the power of Life to raise His Son from the dead...and the Prince will come again to take all who believe in Him home to the Kingdom across the Sea."<br />
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These stories written are about the charge the Knights of the Prince take up: "those who love Him must travel to the far reaches of the kingdom of Arrethtrae, tell all people of Him and Him imminent return, and wage war against Lucius and his Shadow Warriors.<br />
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<img alt="Sir Kendrick and The Castle of Bel Lione, Knights of Arrethtrae" src="http://g.christianbook.com/g/slideshow/4/421243/main/421243_1_ftc.jpg" /><br />
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In this particular book, Sir Kendrick is a seasoned knight with a troubled past, and he takes along a younger knight, whom he mentors, on a journey to a far away castle. This castle is ruled be evil Lord Ra, who holds secret parties and festivals for all the young people of the land. He encourages the youth to rebel against their parents, and then he sucks them into his party life, or he locks them in a dungeon where they are never heard from again, or he turns them into one of his evil warriors to do his bidding. At the very least, these youth escape his evil clutches with a sense of apathy that evil should be tolerated. You will have to read it for yourself to find out what happens to Sir Kendrick's charge, Sir Duncan, and if the prisoners of the dungeon will be set free. But beware, there are ravenous wolves abounding in the forests around the Castle of Bel Lione. Each book focuses on a particular set of virtues and stongholds. This book looks at forgiveness and rebellion.<br />
<img alt="Sir Kendrick and The Castle of Bel Lione, Knights of Arrethtrae" src="http://g.christianbook.com/g/slideshow/4/421243/main/421243_4_exc.jpg" /><br />
<img alt="Sir Kendrick and The Castle of Bel Lione, Knights of Arrethtrae" src="http://g.christianbook.com/g/slideshow/4/421243/main/421243_5_exc.jpg" /><br />
These books are so applicable to today's culture and I find the Spirit pressing down on my to share these books any way that I can. I have spoken to more friends who work with youth and prayed about this like I've done with few other books or experiences that I've had. I've shared bits of this story with teen girls, hoping to start a small group book study in the next few months. I believe stories are that powerful, and this story, moving with the authority of Jesus Christ, can have the power to remove strongholds such as rebellion, fear, apathy and escapism that are so prevalent in our culture.<br />
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In the book, <i>Honey for a Teen's Heart,</i> Gladys Hunt shares that "reading together provides opportunities for the discussions every family needs. Books are about someone else; that means we can look objectively at the characters' choices and actions and discuss them." Reading books together strengthen the family bond and allows for children and parents to share their thoughts and feelings and ideas about the world around them. Adolescents need to know their parents are real people and they need to know <i>why </i>of who they are. Sharing a book together is a sharing of yourself. Hunt goes on to say, "When people read together, they give each other a piece of their mind and a piece of their time, and that says a good deal about human worth." She quotes another author who says, "that next to being hugged, reading aloud together is probably the longest-lasting experience of childhood."<br />
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I urge you, buy this book for your family and read it together, if you have tweeners or teenagers in your home. Perhaps you struggle with doing family devotions together, but you know that you must talk of spiritual issues together. These books provide perfect opportunity to draw your children in and allow each family member to share their thoughts and feelings. At the back of each book, there is a chapter by chapter discussion questions and answers that are quite fantastic, and you will need your Bible handy to be able to answer these thoughtfully. They are engaging and provoking.<br />
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<img alt="Sir Kendrick and The Castle of Bel Lione, Knights of Arrethtrae" src="http://g.christianbook.com/g/slideshow/4/421243/main/421243_99_bkc.jpg" /><br />
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I chose to read these ahead of time by ordering them from the local library using inter-library loan, and then started buying a few from <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/kendrick-castle-bel-lione-knights-arrethtrae/chuck-black/9781601421241/pd/421243?event=BB&bookbag=1&item_code=WW#curr">CBD</a>. I cannot wait until I can place each of them on my bookshelves to read again and again with my family.<br />
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<img align="left" src="http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad93/tjbeggs/signature.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910073537485271665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6308076198370318187.post-85825474284972323432011-10-17T09:43:00.000-04:002011-10-17T09:43:01.497-04:00I {Finally!}got some scrapbooking done! I got the girls' summer pages done, thanks to the use of some JIF pages from scrapgirls.com. I Love their products! I probably should've spent more time on the journaling, though. You may wonder why Hannah has so many more pages than Makenna...simple fact that Hannah likes to pose for photos, and Makenna makes faces and runs away! I'm hoping she grows out of that soon! She also inherited her father's bad habit of weird eyes when photographed--you know, eyes half closed or blinking or looking possessed. Most of her better photos are taken when she's not paying attention to me. She has these beautiful blue eyes and long lashes...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RlWZ1K8D1VQ/Tpwr_TE-eqI/AAAAAAAACD4/KUa2va48mgU/s1600/101611+hannah_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RlWZ1K8D1VQ/Tpwr_TE-eqI/AAAAAAAACD4/KUa2va48mgU/s1600/101611+hannah_edited-1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-28Knq7JKMlQ/TpwsByp-QaI/AAAAAAAACEA/qjAYreKQzrY/s1600/101611+hannahB_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-28Knq7JKMlQ/TpwsByp-QaI/AAAAAAAACEA/qjAYreKQzrY/s1600/101611+hannahB_edited-1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pBgyZ6aBlfg/TpwsEjKzWvI/AAAAAAAACEI/_gXFY6Sd-g8/s1600/101611+makenna+summer_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pBgyZ6aBlfg/TpwsEjKzWvI/AAAAAAAACEI/_gXFY6Sd-g8/s1600/101611+makenna+summer_edited-1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ikO2-F4R2I/Tpwr4yq7PPI/AAAAAAAACDg/JnfQfgc0kvI/s1600/101611+makenna+summerb_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5ikO2-F4R2I/Tpwr4yq7PPI/AAAAAAAACDg/JnfQfgc0kvI/s1600/101611+makenna+summerb_edited-1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wjfksJEFkho/TpwuP7YxeXI/AAAAAAAACEY/eE6KPiEwkJE/s1600/101011+makenna+oct+11_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wjfksJEFkho/TpwuP7YxeXI/AAAAAAAACEY/eE6KPiEwkJE/s1600/101011+makenna+oct+11_edited-1.jpg" /></a></div>It's been so long since I've participated in Monday's Multitudes of Blessings, and I really, {Really} need to get back in the habit of writing down my list of gifts. Posting them here keeps me accountable.<br />
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#498-505<br />
Colors of fall<br />
For eyes to see depth of color<br />
husband who makes plans for home improvements<br />
burdens for ministry in the hearts of believers<br />
God changes people<br />
Heat that kicks on when its chilly<br />
Neighbors to celebrate birthdays with<br />
holding dark haired chubby baby girls with dark skin -(Mia, neighbors' granddaughter)<br />
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<a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff162/annvoskamp/multitudesonmondaysbutton2-1.jpg" /></a><br />
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<img align="left" src="http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad93/tjbeggs/signature.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910073537485271665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6308076198370318187.post-17948484606542111562011-10-11T18:59:00.000-04:002011-10-11T18:59:30.380-04:00Texture Tuesday "Red" Barns<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://kimklassencafe.com/" mce_href="http://kimklassencafe.com" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="kimklassencafe" mce_src="http://www.kimklassencafe.com/storage/button150.png" src="http://www.kimklassencafe.com/storage/button150.png" /></a></div><br />
Texture Tuesday's Theme is RED!<br />
After my country drives last fall looking for barns, I had a few red choices. This first barn will always remind me of home. This is my parents' barn, where they have lived my entire life. We never moved growing up, and my first move was to college.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EXevfENExLU/TpTH_pSwbeI/AAAAAAAACDQ/hgrI-zsAQ6w/s1600/DSC_0068_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EXevfENExLU/TpTH_pSwbeI/AAAAAAAACDQ/hgrI-zsAQ6w/s1600/DSC_0068_edited-1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocking Horse Farm</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">On this picture, I did the following:</div><div style="text-align: center;">Coffeeshop action 20/20</div><div style="text-align: center;">KK's scripted edges at Difference blending mode 45%</div><div style="text-align: center;">KK's Yesteryear Overlay blending mode 65% and also duplicated at Multiply 65% with mask</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This next barn was on our local Barn Tour Color Drive.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZW0kdI2448/TpTIC-osfgI/AAAAAAAACDY/E6k1n6uys2M/s1600/DSC_0039_edited-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZW0kdI2448/TpTIC-osfgI/AAAAAAAACDY/E6k1n6uys2M/s1600/DSC_0039_edited-3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Barn</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">Coffeshop action 20/20</div><div style="text-align: center;">flattened and duplicated original; Hard Light blending mode</div><div style="text-align: center;">KK's Yesteryear Overlay blending mode 51%</div><div style="text-align: center;">KK's the ladder Linear Burn blending mode 13%</div><div style="text-align: center;">KK's Scripted Autumn Linear Burn blending mode 65% with mask</div><img align="left" src="http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad93/tjbeggs/signature.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910073537485271665noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6308076198370318187.post-55852459699444046422011-10-09T16:15:00.000-04:002011-10-09T16:15:43.867-04:00Scavenger Hunt October 9<center><a href="http://ashleysisk.com/search/label/Scavenger%20Hunt"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4795223164_aa1eb66c07_o.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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It's been quite a while since I've been able to find all 5 of the scavenger hunt items! I've been unsuccessfully trying the past few weeks, and I think I've achieved it this time! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BlpdTPS7oBA/TpH9PAJ8LmI/AAAAAAAACDA/wkJFcD6sF4k/s1600/DSC_0007_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BlpdTPS7oBA/TpH9PAJ8LmI/AAAAAAAACDA/wkJFcD6sF4k/s1600/DSC_0007_edited-2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Landscape</td></tr>
</tbody></table>On the way to pick up my children from my parents last Monday, I stopped at many farms along the way to take a photo from the side of the road. {My apologies if you recognize your farm here}The bright blue sky is such a beautiful contrast to the horses and their Barn Red abode.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DgmzUhLD-c0/TpH9SsD9eSI/AAAAAAAACDI/BMf_tKz9DoE/s1600/DSC_0020_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DgmzUhLD-c0/TpH9SsD9eSI/AAAAAAAACDI/BMf_tKz9DoE/s1600/DSC_0020_edited-2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Color Wheel Complementary</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I hunted for a scene that contained 2-3 colors from opposite sides of the color wheel. While I shot these apples just because they're juicy and sweet and hanging heavy ripe from the branches this time of year, it fits the prompt: red and green are from opposite sides of the color wheel.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ejF1LVb2oPM/TpH9T2eCfYI/AAAAAAAACDM/PNHQedwCTu8/s1600/DSC_0041vanilla+bw_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ejF1LVb2oPM/TpH9T2eCfYI/AAAAAAAACDM/PNHQedwCTu8/s1600/DSC_0041vanilla+bw_edited-1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black & White</td></tr>
</tbody></table>My beautiful First Born! She's really growing up. We spent the day yesterday doing a local Barn Tour. We visited 4 farms, sampled local apples and cheeses and took a hay ride. What beautiful weather~70s~and the colors are just gorgeous right now!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GFygAOs9CSY/TpH9Q2bYKCI/AAAAAAAACDE/LGbYnC3-rpw/s1600/DSC_0009_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GFygAOs9CSY/TpH9Q2bYKCI/AAAAAAAACDE/LGbYnC3-rpw/s1600/DSC_0009_edited-2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Food</td></tr>
</tbody></table>My indoor food shots hardly ever turn out well...I need to work on my lighting and backdrops. We went to a local apple orchard where we could pick our own apples. The kids just loved it! {for a while, anyway}There's nothing like biting into a fresh, juicy apple.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uLPe-Zo4KMM/TpH9NWAfWpI/AAAAAAAACC8/0WjoE-9FNgY/s1600/DSC_0064_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uLPe-Zo4KMM/TpH9NWAfWpI/AAAAAAAACC8/0WjoE-9FNgY/s1600/DSC_0064_edited-1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White space</td></tr>
</tbody></table>White space is blank space in a piece of art or photo. I took this photo while stopping on the side of the road to take photos of barns. American pride rings loud and clear in the Heartland.<br />
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<img align="left" src="http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad93/tjbeggs/signature.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910073537485271665noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6308076198370318187.post-14166408927525284982011-09-30T16:33:00.003-04:002011-09-30T18:18:17.424-04:00Couponing and Meal Planning<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span><br />
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</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, and enjoys knitting and sewing. She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places and brings back exotic surprises. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day. She looks over a field and buys it, then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started. She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking. She's quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>She doesn't worry about her family when it snows; their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear. She makes her own clothing, and dresses in colorful linens and silks. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Her husband is greatly respected when he deliberates with the city fathers. She designs gowns and sells them, brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops. Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly. She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy and productive. Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise:</i> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Proverbs 31 msg</span></div><br />
<h1 align="center" style="line-height: 15.6pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px;"> </span></h1><h1 style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 16pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Common Cents Savings</span><o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 style="line-height: 15.6pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></h1><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How would the Proverbs 31 woman shop in today’s world? Would she coupon? Would she look for the best deals?</span><br />
<h1 style="line-height: 15.6pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><h1 style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15.6pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Stewardship</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">: </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">All that I have is the Lord’s and comes from Him as a gift. I am responsible to care for and handle these gifts well. This includes my finances and how I run my home. I am called to be a servant to my family...less of me, more of Him.<br />
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A penny saved is a penny earned. How I spend my family’s money is just as important as how my family earns its money. As the one who buys and prepares food, it is my “job” to get the best deals for the lowest amount of money and to prepare healthy, filling food. See this area of your life as "specialized career", not just something that has to be done.<br />
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We are living during a time when being frugal is hip and trendy…and necessary for many. Do you normally buy the majority of your items on sale? Do you use coupons? Do all of your food and health & beauty aids come from a grocery store? Why or why not?</span></span></h1><h1 style="line-height: 15.6pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 style="line-height: 15.6pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">You can do this!</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
I want you to come away with 1-3 new things you can implement into your home-making experience. Don’t think you have to do all of this next week. Create a game plan. I am not organized. I have wandered the grocery store aisle trying to decide what to buy. I have rushed to the store to pick up a much needed but forgotten item. I often stare at my cupboards at 5 pm and wonder what to feed my family. If I can do this, you can do this!<br />
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There are a lot of excuses for not using coupons. If you think clipping coupons isn't worth your time, think again. Just a few minutes spent each week clipping or clicking can lead to big savings. The average coupon-using family saves about $1,000 a year, according to Deerfield-based <a href="http://www.nchmarketing.com/us/index.asp">NCH Marketing.</a> Perhaps it sounds like a lot of work, especially after you watch the TLC show Extreme Couponing! It does take a bit of extra time and preparation, but most worthwhile things do. <br />
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What I’m going to tell you is quite simple: match up your coupons with sale items and get what you need at the lowest possible price. The difficult part here is to keep track of it all! As a mom<a href="http://whimsicalblessings.blogspot.com/search/label/savings%20angel">, my brain checks out more often than I wish it would, so I use a couponing service called Savings Angel</a>. This is a monthly paid service ($20 a month, discounts available), and there are several blogs that will list the best deals each week at a variety of stores. Options here are available!</span><br />
<h1 style="line-height: 15.6pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 style="line-height: 15.6pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">How to get started:</span><o:p></o:p></span></h1><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Buy your Sunday paper, people! Beg, borrow (but don’t steal) coupon inserts. For West Michigan, getting the GR Press is a must. Not all newspapers carry the same coupons. The quantity, value and variety of coupons will differ greatly. The Detroit paper is also a big carrier of coupons. Buy more than one paper. I regularly buy three papers for my family of 5. I’ll tell you why in a minute.</span><br />
<h1 style="line-height: 15.6pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 15.6pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">What to do with your paper: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Most couponing sites will tell you not to cut your coupons until you need them. Instead, create a filing system and put your weekly inserts in a file, separating them by week. Write the date on the outside of the inserts with a black marker so it’s easy to identify. Coupon deals are listed by the date and name of the insert. Once a deal is posted that you are interested in, then you retrieve your coupon from the file and cut as many as you need/have. If a deal is a great deal, plan how many you’ll need until the next time it may go on sale. Most sales go in a 12-week cycle. Some sales are seasonal, so stock up.</span></span></h1><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NHZ2rxpVLTI/ToUN0A_uYpI/AAAAAAAACCU/mzc0TF9K9eI/s1600/100_9768_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NHZ2rxpVLTI/ToUN0A_uYpI/AAAAAAAACCU/mzc0TF9K9eI/s400/100_9768_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">coupon file box</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yZ9zynNUH3s/ToUN14TLpHI/AAAAAAAACCY/TRsmoW-d3t4/s1600/100_9766_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yZ9zynNUH3s/ToUN14TLpHI/AAAAAAAACCY/TRsmoW-d3t4/s400/100_9766_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inserts and grocery list</td></tr>
</tbody></table><h1 style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-line-height-alt: 15.6pt;"><span style="color: black;"> <o:p></o:p></span></h1><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><strong><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial;">STOCKPILE –</span></strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Smart coupon shoppers stock up on products when they are at their lowest possible sales price (plus using a coupon), so they don’t have to run out and pay full price on items when they need them – and they buy enough to last them until the NEXT big sale (generally every 12 weeks). Stockpile basics such as cereal, meat, toiletries – whatever items your family uses the most.</span></blockquote></div><div style="line-height: 15.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><strong style="line-height: 12pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial;">HAVE A PLAN –</span></strong><span class="apple-converted-space" style="line-height: 12pt;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: Arial;"> </span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This goes with shopping sales. You NEED a plan before you head to the store. Print out the best deals for your local store and build your menu plan for the week based on what items are on sale. Savings Angel will create a printable list with the sales and coupons you choose. Or create your own by copying and pasting deals into a Word document.</span></div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Remember, You Can Do This! </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have I convinced you that you can save money by couponing?</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Decide to buy the Sunday paper this week! (send husband out tomorrow, there will be 4 inserts) Decide where and how many.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What stores are within shopping range that you can begin matching sales and coupons?</span></li>
</ul><div style="line-height: 12.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br />
</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you first start out gathering and collecting coupons, you may think you’re missing out on deals because you need past coupons. Be patient! Start with what you have, consistently buy the Sunday paper and print out more when you can by using on-line coupon sites.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">1. Use coupon-matching websites.</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">There are great sites out there that track store sales and give you printable coupons, including ones that you pay a monthly fee for: <a href="http://savingsangel.com/">SavingsAngel</a>, <a href="http://www.couponmom.com/">CouponMom</a> and <a href="http://www.thegrocerygame.com/">The Grocery Game</a>. Make sure the site that you’re using will work for the area in which you live. I joined the Grocery game early in my “career” and was incredibly disappointed because the deals they listed weren’t available in my area and the coupons the site listed weren’t the same as the ones I bought. This is why I love Savings Angel—it is using local coupons and watching local deals.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">2. Stack coupons.</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Combine manufacturer coupons with store-specific coupons -- that's when you really start saving money. I use Walgreens store coupons and Meijer Mealbox coupons along with manufacturers coupons</span>.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">3. Shop for lower prices rather than specific brands.</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">There are some things I’m brand loyal on, like some toothpaste and deodorant, but on many things, I’d choose a lower-priced good deal that fits my needs. If you are brand-loyal, just stock up when it’s a good deal.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"> 4. Local grocery stores offer better deals than big box stores. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Really watch the front page ads of a store for the best the store has to offer. These “headers” get you into the store and the store often doesn’t make any money on these items. Don’t be afraid to just buy a few things and go to several stores to stock up on what you need. I used to shop only Walmart, now I rarely go in there for groceries.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">5. Store brands aren't usually cheaper.</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The price of a store brand often doesn’t go on sale, so when the name brand goes on sale and is combined with a coupon, it can be much cheaper than the off-brand.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">6. Coupons aren't only for groceries. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Housewares, clothing and toys all go on sale in very predictable ways. For instance, January is the best time to shop for toys, the end of summer is the best time to shop for school and office supplies, and September is an optimal time to buy patio furniture. Use those department store $10 off any purchase deals to buy necessities. Menards can offer some good deals, so watch their ads. Watch on-line sales and coupon codes for gifts and necessities. Picking a few coupon blogs to subscribe to will keep you in the loop.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">7. Watch seasonal sale cycles and stock up. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Some of this is learned and some of this is common sense. This time of year, stock up on baking items, hot drink mixes, tea, coffee & creamer, canned & frozen foods. In January, stock up on health/diet foods</span>.<br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">Gather</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After you have your shopping list together, start clipping your paper coupons and printing your on-line coupons. Many name brand products offer coupons to print from their websites after you sign up for their mailing list. There are also other kinds of on-line coupons, like <a href="http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-3347006-10415416">Coupons.com</a>, <a href="http://coupons.redplum.com/offers/default.aspx?Id=SavingCentsWithSense&DefaultZipCode=">RedPlum</a>, and <a href="http://coupons2.smartsource.com/smartsource/index.jsp?Link=DRU7WOBH4BV46">Smartsource</a>. Be honest, watch the expiration date, and only use the coupon with the item(s) it was intended for. Read the fine print on the coupon.</span><br />
<h1 style="line-height: 15.6pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 style="line-height: 15.6pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Organize</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When I’m ready to go to the stores, I use letter binder to sort out my coupons by store and sometimes put them in order by the store layout. This helps me to have them all ready at the check-out line.</span><br />
<h1 style="line-height: 15.6pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 style="line-height: 15.6pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Shop</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As you shop, you may find that the in-store deal differs from what you expected. You may be able to get a rain-check if the item is out of stock or you may be able to return to the store later in the week. This can be frustrating. Don’t give up! You can do this! </span><br />
<h1 style="line-height: 15.6pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 style="line-height: 15.6pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Check-Out<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Have all the coupons that you are using in hand when the transaction is complete. Don’t forget to enter any card coupons, like <a href="https://www2.meijer.com/mperks/">Meijers Mperks</a>. Don’t worry about how much time you’re taking during the transaction. People behind you can just deal with it...if they grumble, they’re just missing out. Honestly, I’ve never heard any complaints.</span><br />
<h1 style="line-height: 15.6pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 style="line-height: 15.6pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Print outs<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you receive any register rewards or catalinas at the check out, either spend them immediately or save them for your next visit. They will expire in a few weeks, generally. When I shop at Walgreens, I try to do several transactions at once and have no register rewards with me when I leave. This takes a bit of finagling! You can only use one register reward per transaction and you may not have more coupons than the number of products you are buying. For instance if I’m buying 2 products that have 2 of their own coupons plus using the RR from the previous transaction, I will need to add another non-coupon item to this transaction.</span><br />
<h1 style="line-height: 15.6pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 style="line-height: 15.6pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Remember, You Can Do This!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Are you going to be a coupon clipper or a filer?</span></li>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
<li>Will you use an online site or blog to assist you?</li>
<li>Begin marking printable coupon sites on your computer.</li>
<li>This week, make your first list, using what coupons you can gather.</li>
<li>Start tracking your saving and spending</li>
<li>Make a goal of downsizing your grocery budget by a certain amount</li>
<li>Start shopping drugstores for health & beauty aids, even if you don’t want to buy many of the groceries that coupons can be used on. Use your savings here to buy the produce that you need.</li>
</span></ul><br />
<h2><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Meal Planning</span></h2><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">As you're planning your grocery trip, try to incorporate your shopping deals with your meals. Free items like mustard or BBQ sauce or great, but how will you use up 10 of them? Buy a reasonable amount that you will either use up or donate. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I hear over and over again that the key to cutting down your grocery budget is to plan your family’s meals. This will limit the number of trips to the grocery store because you’ll be shopping for the week’s menu (or 2 weeks or month) ahead of time.<o:p></o:p></span></div><h1 style="line-height: 15.6pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></h1><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
Browse through your cook-books or check out some of the food blogs that I listed and start listing down some possible ideas for meals that your family might go for. Look for the recipes that are simple and require ingredients that you can easily obtain. Print out online recipes and make a binder of new recipes to try.<br />
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The biggest part of planning a menu is writing it down. To help you get started, print off a <a href="http://www.5dollardinners.com/strategies/printable-resource-center">few of these</a> menu planners and get to work filling them out. There are so many ways to keep track, but actually writing it down and posting the menu really works for us. <br />
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The further on this Common Cents Savings journey that I get, the more things I’m willing to try. As I try to prepare foods that are healthy, the more I see coupons and sales for “ready made” products that aren’t necessarily healthy. And the cost per serving is higher than I could make it for myself. I’m a natural DIY girl, and I’m no different in this area of my life. So here’s some things I’ve considered making and may or may not have attempted:</span><br />
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</span></span></div><h1 style="line-height: 15.6pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Yogurt</span><o:p></o:p></span></h1><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I followed this <a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/HP_Administrator/My%20Documents/Word%20Docs/:%20http://this-precious-life.com/2011/06/14/homemade-yogurt-tutorial/">recipe</a> after testing a few other recipes using the crock-pot unsuccessfully. This takes a bit of time and I had to buy a candy thermometer to get my temps just right. The end result is delicious! I like it better than what I buy in the store and often eat it with fruit for my evening snack. I haven’t gotten my kids totally hooked on it yet, but if I stop buying the store-bought containers, they’ll have to eat it, right?</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xfGtblw0_ws/ToY_nq7RPOI/AAAAAAAACCw/5VsKYsmXWCE/s1600/DSC_0012_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xfGtblw0_ws/ToY_nq7RPOI/AAAAAAAACCw/5VsKYsmXWCE/s400/DSC_0012_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My homemade yogurt</td></tr>
</tbody></table><h1 style="line-height: 15.6pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 style="line-height: 15.6pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Breakfast</span><o:p></o:p></span></h1><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
I still buy cereal, but in the cooler months, oatmeal, pancakes and muffins are such a healthy treat. I’ve made <a href="http://www.lynnskitchenadventures.com/2010/11/baked-pumpkin-oatmeal.html">baked oatmeal</a> a few times recently and it’s delicious and filling! I tried this recipe and it’s alternative with peanut butter. The kids didn’t so much like, but my husband and I did. If I make a big batch for breakfast, it will last a few days and reheats well with milk, I think. I also like a big batch of <a href="http://whimsicalblessings.blogspot.com/2011/09/old-fashioned-oatmeal.html">Old Fashioned Oatmeal</a> on the stove.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dhl07awBYNc/ToUO3fkxM0I/AAAAAAAACCc/mMyF9MG7PNo/s1600/0911+oatmeal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dhl07awBYNc/ToUO3fkxM0I/AAAAAAAACCc/mMyF9MG7PNo/s640/0911+oatmeal.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Fashioned Oatmeal</td></tr>
</tbody></table><h1 style="line-height: 15.6pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 15.6pt;"><a href="http://whimsicalblessings.blogspot.com/2011/09/honey-wheat-bread.html">Home Made Bread</a>: <o:p></o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"> Yummy treat that I make every week or two. I have a favorite recipe that I use with a bread machine on the dough cycle.</span></h1><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DQTlJVMv_sc/ToUPR0kh96I/AAAAAAAACCg/Rx6-6xpSD7E/s1600/100_9499_edited-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DQTlJVMv_sc/ToUPR0kh96I/AAAAAAAACCg/Rx6-6xpSD7E/s640/100_9499_edited-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Honey Wheat Bread</td></tr>
</tbody></table><h1 style="line-height: 15.6pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 style="line-height: 15.6pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/HP_Administrator/My%20Documents/Word%20Docs/.%20http://onceamonthmom.com/gluten-and-dairy-free-granola-bars/">Granola</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
I’ve tried several recipes that I really like, but beware of the ones containing lots of sugar or sweeteners. Granola can be loaded with calories and fat. Although my family isn’t gluten free, I made this recipe for a friend and it was so yummy, I made a batch for us. <br />
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I want you to consider where you get your food. Are there alternatives to buying from the grocery store that could be cheaper and/or healthier? </span><br />
<h1 style="line-height: 15.6pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 style="line-height: 15.6pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Gardening</span><o:p></o:p></span></h1><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We’ve been gardening for a few years, and every year we expand the size of our plot. I planted many (too many?) tomatoes this year, and have jars and jars of canned tomatoes—juice, <a href="http://whimsicalblessings.blogspot.com/2010/08/monday-meals-home-canned-tomato-soup.html">soup</a>, spaghetti sauce, salsa and more. I won’t have to buy any tomato products from the store this year. We also won’t be buying any potatoes. Or consider buying from Farmer’s Markets.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NIABKPbFSz0/ToUSg-j0npI/AAAAAAAACCk/rGJe-dJZlOI/s1600/090711+pears.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NIABKPbFSz0/ToUSg-j0npI/AAAAAAAACCk/rGJe-dJZlOI/s400/090711+pears.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HqYxvtCMK2E/ToUSipHpnZI/AAAAAAAACCo/uY2tO1WI4EI/s1600/090711+pears2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HqYxvtCMK2E/ToUSipHpnZI/AAAAAAAACCo/uY2tO1WI4EI/s400/090711+pears2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><h1 style="line-height: 15.6pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></h1><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
Learn how to <a href="http://whimsicalblessings.blogspot.com/2011/09/blessings-bounty-fall-canning.html">can and preserve</a> by asking older women around you or other friends who may know. Canning fruits like pears, peaches and applesauce are such a treat to eat in the winter months.<br />
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Instead of planting decorative plants in our yard, we began to plant berry plants. Yes, they are a lot of work, but {I hope} they will be rewarding year after year.</span><br />
<h1 style="line-height: 15.6pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 style="line-height: 15.6pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">Bulk Food<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
I have a few options for buying things like flours and oats and dried beans and nuts. I order from <a href="http://www.clnf.org/">Country Life Natural Foods</a> as part of a co-op group here in Hart. I also travel to Fremont/Newaygo area to Amish stores where this is available in smaller quantities. There is a store similar to these in Scottsville. They are reasonably priced.</span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sTi7iVp2m5Y/ToY_14foDtI/AAAAAAAACC0/gxofW_1HieE/s1600/DSC_0008_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sTi7iVp2m5Y/ToY_14foDtI/AAAAAAAACC0/gxofW_1HieE/s400/DSC_0008_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spices bought in bulk</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HYemeqSzCTY/ToY_3bGLXWI/AAAAAAAACC4/ZiU5N30V618/s1600/DSC_0004_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HYemeqSzCTY/ToY_3bGLXWI/AAAAAAAACC4/ZiU5N30V618/s400/DSC_0004_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quinoa, Couscous, beans, rice, barley and oats bought in bulk</td></tr>
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<h1 style="line-height: 15.6pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Raise your own food<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We have enjoyed eggs from our own chickens for the past year. They are supposedly the easiest pet to keep. Check with your local laws on raising chickens and see what you can do this spring. Spend the winter reading up on their care and what kind of shed they will require. The price of eggs is one of the things tracked during the last year to rise by $.30.</span><br />
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</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uVSnYkh2Vio/ToUTAxF4FCI/AAAAAAAACCs/_2vaRgvnesg/s1600/100_5899_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uVSnYkh2Vio/ToUTAxF4FCI/AAAAAAAACCs/_2vaRgvnesg/s320/100_5899_edited-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><h1 style="line-height: 15.6pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 style="line-height: 15.6pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;">Hunting</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
My Mighty Hunter has already slain 2 deer this fall and is spending today duck hunting {what do I do with a duck?} Consider this as an option for filling your freezer with meat.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
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<h1 style="line-height: 15.6pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Cleaners</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
<a href="http://www.jillsavage.org/?page_id=896">Jill Savage</a> gives a laundry detergent recipe<br />
<a href="http://thefrugalgirls.com/">Frugal Girls</a> give a host of cleaners, like <a href="http://thefrugalgirls.com/2010/10/homemade-fabric-softener.html">Fabric Softener</a>, plus others <a href="http://thefrugalgirls.com/homemade-cleaners">here</a><br />
Febreze recipes? <a href="http://www.curbly.com/diy-maven/posts/8952-make-homemade-febreze">Try here</a></span><br />
<h1 style="line-height: 15.6pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 style="line-height: 15.6pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Remember, You Can Do This!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></h1><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Start with a weekly plan for dinners, even 4 dinners planned out will be a help if you haven't done this before.</span></li>
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<li>Or plan out 2 weeks or a month ahead, making a grocery list as you go.</li>
<li>Bake or cook something that you would normally buy pre-made. Try something new!</li>
<li>Cook up large amounts of ground beef (fry) or chicken breast (boil or grill) and freeze them in 2 cup (1 lb) ziploc bags. Easy to pull out to throw into soups, chili, tacos & Mexican, spaghetti...</li>
</span></ul><br />
<h1 style="line-height: 15.6pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></h1><h1 style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0in; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0in; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0in; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0in; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 15.6pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><a href="http://www.meijermealbox.com/">Meijer Mealbox</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
Meijer offers printable coupons that are good for one month. They add new coupons every Friday, and these items will generally go on sale once during this cycle.<br />
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<a href="http://savingsangel.com/">Savingsangel</a> matches up weekly ads with local and on-line coupons with many stores in West Michigan—Meijer, Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, Kmart, Aldies, Kroger, Dollar General, Family Dollar, D&W, Family Fair, Walmart, Target/Super Target, Staples, Plumbs, Pamida, Office Max, Office Depot, Hardings and Glens.</span></span></h1><h1 style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</h1><h1 style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.savingaddiction.com/?p=17297" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Saving Addiction</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">is a fantastic site! It lists W MI stores' weekly sales on Meijer, Target, Family Fare, Walgreens and Rite Aid. Other deals and coupons are also posted. You can make a grocery list on this site and print it out. <a href="http://www.savingaddiction.com/?page_id=2379">Rite Aid</a> and <a href="http://www.savingaddiction.com/?page_id=2369">Walgreen</a> coupon usage and deals are also explained.</span></h1><div><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #c75d62; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.sarahsdeals.net/">Sarahs deals</a> seems like the best blogger for W. MI. lists many local chain stores and uses GR Press.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.couponingfor4.net/">Couponingfor4</a> chicago area<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://hip2save.com/">hip2save</a> posts all kinds of deals for on-line stores, grocery deals, etc. If you have an on-line buying addiction, beware!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.bargainstobounty.com/">Bargains to Bounty</a> Detroit based blogger listing local deals and coupon match-ups<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://glimpseofsonshine.blogspot.com/">Glimpse of Sonshine</a> West Michigan based blogger listing stores and coupon deals (doesn’t always seem up to date)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.centsablemomma.com/">Centsable Momma</a> specializes in Michigan, especially CVS sales and coupons. She matches up the best deals of the week with current on-line & newspaper coupons. Her Meijer’s deals are based out of Detroit, so deals and coupons may or may not be the same as here. This site also does Walgreens, Rite Aid and Wal-mart.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<a href="http://onceamonthmom.com/">Once A Month Mom</a> helps you fill your freezer by creating <a href="http://onceamonthmom.com/menus">monthly menus</a> using <a href="http://onceamonthmom.com/recipes">seasonal recipes</a>. This site includes monthly menus for traditional foods, whole foods, diet-friendly foods, gluten free foods, vegetarian foods and some toddler foods. Each month has approximately 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 8 suppers. It also includes a grocery list and a spreadsheet to adjust the number of people you’re cooking for. I use this a lot!<br />
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<a href="http://www.5dollardinners.com/">5 dollar dinners</a> she offers many quick and frugal dinner recipes.</span><br />
<h1 style="line-height: 15.6pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></h1><h1 style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 15.6pt;"><a href="http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/">Crockpot 365</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"> the crockpot is my friend! Here are many practical, every day dishes to feed your family from the crock-pot. Outside of summertime, I use my crockpot frequently. It’s great for days that I’m away from home part or all day, and it’s great when I’m busy with the kids and don’t like to take energy in the afternoon to cook. Plus, the crockpot is economical:</span></h1><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
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1) <a href="http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2009/03/meal-planning-with-crockpot.html">Plan your meals</a>. Seriously. Take the time on Sunday night to plan your meals out. Many people do <a href="http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/search/label/red%20meat">red meat on Monday</a>, <a href="http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/search/label/chicken">chicken on Tuesday</a>, leftovers Wednesday, <a href="http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/search/label/vegetarian">vegetarian on Thursday</a>, and <a href="http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/search/label/fish">fish on Friday</a><br />
2) <a href="http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2008/10/cooking-dried-beans-in-crockpot.html">Use dried beans</a>. They are filling, nutritious, freeze well, and are CHEAP. <br />
3) <a href="http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2008/10/you-can-make-yogurt-in-your-crockpot.html">Make your own yogurt</a>. Yup, in the slow cooker. It totally works. (I found this doesn’t work)<br />
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4) <a href="http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2008/11/crockpot-granola-recipe.html">Make your own granola</a>. Granola is wickedly expensive, and can be laden with preservatives and artificial sweeteners. <br />
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5) <a href="http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2008/08/how-to-make-baby-food-in-your-crockpot.html">Make your own baby food</a>. This is so easy, and really makes a whole lot of sense. The little jars are bad for the environment and your wallet. <br />
If you are concerned about the amount of energy consumed by using a crockpot (which is a very valid concern!) <a href="http://www.firstenergycorp.com/files/MakingCents.pdf">here is a pamphlet put out by First Energy Corp., in Ohio.</a> The chart on page 5 says that acrockpot uses $0.02 power per hour.<br />
Here's <a href="http://www.psnh.com/Residential/ReduceBill/Applianceusage.asp">another energy usage list put out by the Northeast Utilities System</a>, that says the monthly cost of using a slow cooker is $1.17.</span><br />
<h1 style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 15.6pt;"><a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/">Kitchen Stewardship</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
this site contains a lot of very healthy, frugal recipes and living ideas.<br />
</span></span></h1><h1 style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 15.6pt;"><a href="http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/">Passionate Homemaking</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
this site has many ideas for a godly woman, mama and wife. It’s from a conservative view point, and spans the range from cooking, homeschooling, ministry, health, frugal living and more.<br />
</span></span></h1><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">In order to keep track of all these websites that post deals continually throughout the day, I “like” their facebook page and created a “great deals” list of them on my FB. I also use iGoogle to track my favorite blogs and websites. Sites like these will often post giveaways. Give it at try! Although it does take time, and you may decide not to, I will encourage you by saying in the past few years, I’ve won Unity tickets {maybe} 4 years in a row {I’ve lost track}, 2 iPod touches, DVDs, Books, CDs, and more! I’ve also NOT won a whole bunch, but you’ll never win if you don’t enter.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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Coupon lingo</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just like any hobby, coupon shoppers have a language all of their own. At first all the acronyms might be overwhelming, but stick with it – it’s worth it.<br />
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$1/1, $1/2, etc. = One dollar off one item, one dollar off two items, etc.<br />
2/$1, 3/$2, etc. = Two items for one dollar, three items for two dollars, etc.<br />
BOGO or B1G1 = Buy one item get one item free<br />
B2GO or B2G1 = Buy two items get one item free<br />
Blinkies = Grocery/drugstore coupon dispensers with blinking lights<br />
Cat = Catalina coupon, prints from a separate machine when your receipt prints<br />
CRT = Cash register tape, usually used when referring to CVS coupons that print with receipt<br />
FAR = Free after rebate<br />
IPQ = Internet printable coupon<br />
IVC = Instant Value Coupon, Walgreens’ store coupons found in ads and Walgreen’s coupon book<br />
MFR = Manufacturer<br />
MIR = Mail-in rebate<br />
OYNO = On your next order<br />
OOP = Out of pocket (the amount you pay out of pocket at the time)<br />
Peelie = Peel-off coupon found on product packaging<br />
PSA = Prices starting at<br />
RRs = Register Rewards, Walgreens’ Catalina coupons<br />
SCR = Single Check Rebate, Rite Aid monthly rebates program<br />
UPC = Universal Product Code, bar code on a product<br />
+UP Rewards = A promotion at Rite Aid. +Up Rewards print at the register and are triggered by items that you purchase. They are coupons to use on future purchases.<br />
WYB = When you buy</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy Shopping! Let me know of your successes!</span><br />
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</div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910073537485271665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6308076198370318187.post-42680524519810828002011-09-28T17:24:00.000-04:002011-09-28T17:24:30.413-04:00Old Fashioned OatmealI started making oatmeal on the stove a few years ago, when I was limiting my sugar and wheat intake. It is very filling and nutritious. I have it most mornings in the cooler months. For taste, I also add 1 tsp Splenda and sugar-free vanilla creamer to my individual serving. I also add 2 tsp vanilla and a good sprinkle of cinnamon when I'm cooking it. I generally make a big batch such as this and then re-heat it for a few mornings for myself. Give it a try!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LyRAzfFG5gA/ToNwAc4rTaI/AAAAAAAACCQ/wSJJXEMxmmM/s1600/soaked+oatmeal+recipe_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LyRAzfFG5gA/ToNwAc4rTaI/AAAAAAAACCQ/wSJJXEMxmmM/s640/soaked+oatmeal+recipe_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<img align="left" src="http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad93/tjbeggs/signature.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910073537485271665noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6308076198370318187.post-48061511240029631872011-09-28T08:27:00.000-04:002011-09-28T08:27:13.637-04:00Love My Son with Texture Tuesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://kimklassencafe.com/" mce_href="http://kimklassencafe.com" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="kimklassencafe" mce_src="http://www.kimklassencafe.com/storage/button150.png" src="http://www.kimklassencafe.com/storage/button150.png" /></a></div><br />
I just love this son of mine! After his nap, I grabbed his hat and jacket and toured the yard for places to take photos. Here's a few of the results:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g8XiK4E8fBg/ToIk7WHMXnI/AAAAAAAACBo/t3_GuscIZvI/s1600/100_9611_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g8XiK4E8fBg/ToIk7WHMXnI/AAAAAAAACBo/t3_GuscIZvI/s1600/100_9611_edited-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nCPsf6prQ2k/ToIk99EMydI/AAAAAAAACBs/2I2-dZWhiVU/s1600/100_9614_edited-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nCPsf6prQ2k/ToIk99EMydI/AAAAAAAACBs/2I2-dZWhiVU/s1600/100_9614_edited-3.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I used combinations of Kim Klassen's textures, but I can't remember what I used! There were so many photos to edit, as I've gotten behind.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yA6jSrYC7Fg/ToMMFJ9mZAI/AAAAAAAACBw/yihukdJNVGk/s1600/100_9597_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yA6jSrYC7Fg/ToMMFJ9mZAI/AAAAAAAACBw/yihukdJNVGk/s1600/100_9597_edited-2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KK's Golden Texture</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vTfAazBnAJ4/ToMMGDSpR8I/AAAAAAAACB0/ntYfOpquJw8/s1600/100_9527_edited-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vTfAazBnAJ4/ToMMGDSpR8I/AAAAAAAACB0/ntYfOpquJw8/s1600/100_9527_edited-3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coffeeshop actions only</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SR2QNo01MVI/ToMMJE9qWYI/AAAAAAAACB4/vuBGucSmQX0/s1600/100_9528_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SR2QNo01MVI/ToMMJE9qWYI/AAAAAAAACB4/vuBGucSmQX0/s1600/100_9528_edited-2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KK's Golden Texture</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JY2wxh_llq0/ToMMKiIGDNI/AAAAAAAACB8/tOxrpkAZGjQ/s1600/100_9533_editedcaramel_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JY2wxh_llq0/ToMMKiIGDNI/AAAAAAAACB8/tOxrpkAZGjQ/s1600/100_9533_editedcaramel_edited-1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No texture, Coffeeshop actions only</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7embkWSUSmg/ToMMNZ5kSpI/AAAAAAAACCA/n7iAGncrB0o/s1600/100_9541_edited-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7embkWSUSmg/ToMMNZ5kSpI/AAAAAAAACCA/n7iAGncrB0o/s1600/100_9541_edited-3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KK's Mayzee Texture</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7STHubiZe-k/ToMMQJOXHWI/AAAAAAAACCE/BI3c6_TvOlg/s1600/100_9548_edited-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7STHubiZe-k/ToMMQJOXHWI/AAAAAAAACCE/BI3c6_TvOlg/s1600/100_9548_edited-3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KK's Ugglove Texture and Thursday Texture</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uG4XvcAafQQ/ToMMTeXxZII/AAAAAAAACCI/cjKnr20p-EE/s1600/100_9570_edited-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uG4XvcAafQQ/ToMMTeXxZII/AAAAAAAACCI/cjKnr20p-EE/s1600/100_9570_edited-3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KK's Golden Texture</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a-MXzZAq0Zo/ToMMWJ8TbfI/AAAAAAAACCM/Zaqx18iL678/s1600/100_9573_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a-MXzZAq0Zo/ToMMWJ8TbfI/AAAAAAAACCM/Zaqx18iL678/s1600/100_9573_edited-2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KK's Golden Texture</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<img align="left" src="http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad93/tjbeggs/signature.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910073537485271665noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6308076198370318187.post-38045527546135027682011-09-27T15:31:00.001-04:002011-09-29T19:21:09.608-04:00Honey Wheat Bread<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's my favorite bread recipe! I've made a few loaves since fall arrived. It goes great with a crock-pot full of soup or chili. My husband's not a big fan of soup, but I am, so make it especially for him when we have soup. The original recipe was double this, but it's too much for my bread machine. I have added less honey before (down to 1/4 cup) and it does change the texture and moistness of it, but I felt like it was adding too many calories. I have also made this into a pan of rolls, which is delicious. You may need to adjust to a lower cooking time if you do this.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I think this can be printed out if you double click on it. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tTlF0K3sKNE/ToIjd00KVPI/AAAAAAAACBk/SbgwUhDk4yo/s1600/honey+wheat+bread+recipe_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tTlF0K3sKNE/ToIjd00KVPI/AAAAAAAACBk/SbgwUhDk4yo/s640/honey+wheat+bread+recipe_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<img align="left" src="http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad93/tjbeggs/signature.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910073537485271665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6308076198370318187.post-36052271323953309282011-09-25T20:30:00.000-04:002011-09-25T20:30:31.589-04:00Scripture & a Snapshot Sunday September 25<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aL_pvm69OHI/Tn-IQ8BjIJI/AAAAAAAACBg/s2e14hMrzQA/s1600/100_9466_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aL_pvm69OHI/Tn-IQ8BjIJI/AAAAAAAACBg/s2e14hMrzQA/s1600/100_9466_edited-2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<img align="left" src="http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad93/tjbeggs/signature.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910073537485271665noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6308076198370318187.post-78537999765154544042011-09-25T15:52:00.000-04:002011-09-25T15:52:31.114-04:00Garden Harvest 2011We planted, watered & nurtured our garden all summer long, praying and hoping there would be a reward for our labors. We thank Jesus that we had an abundance of tomatoes and peppers, which I've been canning large batches weekly for the past 3 weeks. Currently, I have a picnic table loaded down with green ones. We'll see what becomes of them. I have a recipe for green tomato and apple relish.<br />
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We planted giant sunflowers at the ends of each of our garden rows. I would like to get a smaller variety that can actually support its own head! These are pretty, and we'll be saving some seeds for planting again next year. I should also save some for eating or even bird-seed. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DqnEY-f0sbA/Tn9_DsXPqwI/AAAAAAAACA4/0tB0IxhsSB0/s1600/garden+0911+kennasunflower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DqnEY-f0sbA/Tn9_DsXPqwI/AAAAAAAACA4/0tB0IxhsSB0/s1600/garden+0911+kennasunflower.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Makenna & the Giant Sunflowers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Since I had so many green beans last year, I didn't plant any regular plants, but we did create a Teepee and planted climbing white beans and scarlet runner beans on it. I forgot to pick the beans, though, and they got too big and tough to eat. We'll save some for seeds next year. The scarlet runner beans climbed and had red blooms, but I can't tell if any actually grew beans. I think the pods would look different. I got the seeds from my sister-in-law.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5TLDO_4sMpw/Tn9_hplU7sI/AAAAAAAACBc/6kAs13nBonM/s1600/garden+0911+kenna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5TLDO_4sMpw/Tn9_hplU7sI/AAAAAAAACBc/6kAs13nBonM/s1600/garden+0911+kenna.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The TeePee for climbing beans</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I planted these zinnias at the front of a row in the garden, and I was surprised at how well they grew. I knew they would like it here, but the blooms have been out for a couple months, and they're so bright and long lasting! I'll plant more next year, for sure. I saved seeds from these by stripping the dead heads and placing in a bag. I left the bag open to air out and dry--hope they don't get moldy and they dry out quickly. Both girls helped me gather the seeds and we got quite a collection.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YsPh3c1sNXc/Tn9_H2ioojI/AAAAAAAACA8/cU3PwKTIxQo/s1600/100_9435_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YsPh3c1sNXc/Tn9_H2ioojI/AAAAAAAACA8/cU3PwKTIxQo/s1600/100_9435_edited-2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bright Multi-colored Zinnias</td></tr>
</tbody></table>These flowers are still blossoming and growing in my yard. I scattered a seed variety packet this spring, and these yellow flowers were a part of it, I think. They look like a black-eyed Susan/daisy type. The second flower here is a Glad. I planted many bulbs in my front yard and got quite a variety of colors. So pretty!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--61wQyjyGIY/Tn9_KjSwK2I/AAAAAAAACBA/-NlpIxoNJXE/s1600/091811+flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--61wQyjyGIY/Tn9_KjSwK2I/AAAAAAAACBA/-NlpIxoNJXE/s1600/091811+flowers.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gladiolas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The Butterfly Bush is on its second year, and did well. They really do attract butterflies! The second flower was from the variety seed packet, and I have no idea what it is, but it's so pretty and delicate.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8MgBrwN8Fg4/Tn9_NT8i1YI/AAAAAAAACBE/s0Q2k6ugdm8/s1600/091811+flowers+pink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8MgBrwN8Fg4/Tn9_NT8i1YI/AAAAAAAACBE/s0Q2k6ugdm8/s1600/091811+flowers+pink.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butterfly Bush and Pink Flower</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This is what my son does when we're out to the garden. Our garden is past our backyard and across the ally-way. The previous owners of our house also own the vacant property across the ally and they are friends from church and still neighbors, so they allow us to garden on their property (no shade here, so perfect for a garden). Anyway, Maverick likes to lay in dirt piles, drive his trucks through dirt and just plain get dirty!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KnsRAQUb1Fg/Tn9_QD0JkfI/AAAAAAAACBI/0iBvaRgBCG0/s1600/091811+Mavdirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KnsRAQUb1Fg/Tn9_QD0JkfI/AAAAAAAACBI/0iBvaRgBCG0/s1600/091811+Mavdirt.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maverick</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We also planted a few types of potatoes and the girls think it's so much fun to help Daddy dig them up! We did have a potato bug problem this year, worse than last year, and so we didn't get quite as many potatoes this year. These tall plants you can see here by Tim are Jerusalem Artichokes. They grow like a potato and I guess you cook them up like a potato, even though they're gnarly like a ginger root. I've never had them, but I thought they'd be fun to try. We'll dig them up after the first frost. We also planted sweet potatoes, which will be dug up soon, too.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VECVMyfwybw/Tn9_TooNl9I/AAAAAAAACBM/07tXcoVBFoc/s1600/091811+potatoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VECVMyfwybw/Tn9_TooNl9I/AAAAAAAACBM/07tXcoVBFoc/s1600/091811+potatoes.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Digging up Potatoes</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lhj02zQJp7g/Tn9_WG_OdnI/AAAAAAAACBQ/-Yt8j76Xq4c/s1600/091811+potatoes+n+cosmos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lhj02zQJp7g/Tn9_WG_OdnI/AAAAAAAACBQ/-Yt8j76Xq4c/s1600/091811+potatoes+n+cosmos.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cosmos</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I planted Cosmos once, I think, and they've been re-seeding themselves the past few years. This year, I decided to collect seeds from the dead-heads and hope to have more of these bright, sweet, tall flowers.<br />
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Hannah is doing her nature study notebook. Most of the time we're so busy out in the garden picking and weeding and eating that she doesn't do much drawing, but I think the sketching is good practice for her. It trains her eyes to look at the details of an item and spend more time inspecting it instead of just racing to the next thing. She's studying the Milkweed here. We read a bit about it in our Handbook of Nature book and learned that it's called Milkweed because it seems to "bleed milk" when the skin is damaged in an attempt to heal itself. When we broke it open, it did indeed seem to bleed milk!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e5LMzz66kU0/Tn9_ZMNrAHI/AAAAAAAACBU/6DwP3lqqy7c/s1600/garden+0911+hannah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e5LMzz66kU0/Tn9_ZMNrAHI/AAAAAAAACBU/6DwP3lqqy7c/s1600/garden+0911+hannah.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wmbNREtkFak/Tn9_bu9Zr_I/AAAAAAAACBY/iRgs-CEcvRw/s1600/garden+0911+hannahmilkweed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wmbNREtkFak/Tn9_bu9Zr_I/AAAAAAAACBY/iRgs-CEcvRw/s1600/garden+0911+hannahmilkweed.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<img align="left" src="http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad93/tjbeggs/signature.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910073537485271665noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6308076198370318187.post-91645533910609166612011-09-18T16:55:00.000-04:002011-09-18T16:55:14.925-04:00September Nature Study<div style="text-align: center;">We have been having a great time as a family digging into God's nature at various times of the year! This month, we took special note of goldenrod, thistles, Queen Anne's Lace and more! While we were driving to Nana & Papa's house (to do more canning), we stopped along the way to pick flowers! What a beautiful bouquet! We are following some Nature Study this month as suggested by <a href="http://handbookofnaturestudy.blogspot.com/">Handbook of Nature Study</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1G7TO8k7kfM/TnUG0BOgEvI/AAAAAAAACAI/BJdOwQFtKZQ/s1600/100_9280_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1G7TO8k7kfM/TnUG0BOgEvI/AAAAAAAACAI/BJdOwQFtKZQ/s640/100_9280_edited-1.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We noticed all the tiny details of this goldenrod, how the flowers look like stars all lined up in a row.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rRUjgmx6VEc/TnUG3ToEzUI/AAAAAAAACAM/HyivCaVJEb4/s1600/nature+study+9611+flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rRUjgmx6VEc/TnUG3ToEzUI/AAAAAAAACAM/HyivCaVJEb4/s640/nature+study+9611+flowers.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We looked at the milkweed a little here, and then observed it more later when we could open up the seed pods. For weeds, aren't these all glorious? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-66kR1fs0wVQ/TnZXm2_NtqI/AAAAAAAACAs/J3m_peOod0E/s1600/09-18-2011-16-37-03-944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-66kR1fs0wVQ/TnZXm2_NtqI/AAAAAAAACAs/J3m_peOod0E/s640/09-18-2011-16-37-03-944.jpg" width="496" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vO9G_R-kj84/TnZXvUEktKI/AAAAAAAACAw/8OGeM-pzJR0/s1600/09-18-2011-16-38-38-230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vO9G_R-kj84/TnZXvUEktKI/AAAAAAAACAw/8OGeM-pzJR0/s640/09-18-2011-16-38-38-230.jpg" width="468" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BPYcNz-1VIk/TnZX60WEmUI/AAAAAAAACA0/i7Ve8GhTA-A/s1600/09-18-2011-16-39-45-250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BPYcNz-1VIk/TnZX60WEmUI/AAAAAAAACA0/i7Ve8GhTA-A/s640/09-18-2011-16-39-45-250.jpg" width="496" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Here's the Queen Anne's Lace, all opened up and then all closed up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pvg8bLA8QVQ/TnUG6Cwi-0I/AAAAAAAACAQ/af0IfxEL9yc/s1600/nature+study+9611+flowers2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pvg8bLA8QVQ/TnUG6Cwi-0I/AAAAAAAACAQ/af0IfxEL9yc/s640/nature+study+9611+flowers2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">There was even an old apple tree right here. The girls tried a bite of apple, but it was a bit sour.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lirnCcoIQSM/TnUG9ruxHwI/AAAAAAAACAU/uWmAOSntA-o/s1600/nature+study+9611+flowers3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lirnCcoIQSM/TnUG9ruxHwI/AAAAAAAACAU/uWmAOSntA-o/s640/nature+study+9611+flowers3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Even a nasty thistle can look {slightly} pretty! We didn't try to touch this one! The girls are still quite fascinated with the cattail, pointing out all the places we stopped to look for them this spring and fall. They think it would be fun to try to eat the edible root. I haven't gotten that brave yet...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ihsvQpSkBfk/TnUHAWPr_PI/AAAAAAAACAY/0n6IMIplZWc/s1600/nature+study+9611+flowers4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ihsvQpSkBfk/TnUHAWPr_PI/AAAAAAAACAY/0n6IMIplZWc/s1600/nature+study+9611+flowers4.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Last weekend, Daddy wanted to go check out his duck hunting spot. So we all took a walk out to the lake, called Horseshoe Lake. On the way, we saw this dragonfly. There were many of them. And we even spotted this little frog.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ytTXM3pj7aE/TnUHD4HDF4I/AAAAAAAACAc/PoOeXDmtK9E/s1600/nature+study+9911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ytTXM3pj7aE/TnUHD4HDF4I/AAAAAAAACAc/PoOeXDmtK9E/s640/nature+study+9911.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's a shot of the lake. You can see it's surrounded by brush and has all kinds of lily pads and growth on the top. It's very shallow, and out in the middle you can see that bottom is showing. Tim and his friend might set up a blind out there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U_-6hiO8Xq0/TnUHH4vkx9I/AAAAAAAACAg/io_fb0YbNw8/s1600/nature+study+9911+pond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U_-6hiO8Xq0/TnUHH4vkx9I/AAAAAAAACAg/io_fb0YbNw8/s640/nature+study+9911+pond.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's our first glimpse of the lake. Maverick walked quite a ways to start with, but then was ready for the backpack. The girls did pretty good until we got to a spot with a lot of scratchy growth.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lEbYHVtM9XQ/TnUHLPDLUwI/AAAAAAAACAk/K_tf-GDhpbY/s1600/nature+study+9911+tim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lEbYHVtM9XQ/TnUHLPDLUwI/AAAAAAAACAk/K_tf-GDhpbY/s640/nature+study+9911+tim.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm not sure what kind of mushroom this is, but I've never see a red one before!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1h-b_3uuiAQ/TnUHNAS4sEI/AAAAAAAACAo/-9E-uCoOd9k/s1600/nature+study+9911+turtle+mshrm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1h-b_3uuiAQ/TnUHNAS4sEI/AAAAAAAACAo/-9E-uCoOd9k/s640/nature+study+9911+turtle+mshrm.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our last find of the day was this little snapper! The kids really got a kick out of seeing this little guy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<a href="http://handbookofnaturestudy.blogspot.com/">http://handbookofnaturestudy.blogspot.com</a>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910073537485271665noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6308076198370318187.post-62570006606615809702011-09-17T16:40:00.001-04:002011-09-29T19:18:11.024-04:00Blessings & Bounty Fall CanningI look forward to fall-time to reap the benefits of all the work of summer & spring. But boy, is it exhausting! So glad to have my mom's help in all of this! We had OODDLES of tomatoes this year! We've canned tomato soup and salsa and juice, nearly 100 quarts, I'm sure. Of course, there's all the onions and peppers that go into it as well. I'm grateful for how well my pepper plants and tomato plants grew this year! And there's more to come!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hkd5x20_Yyo/TnUAlmUg88I/AAAAAAAAB_8/Ylfl6bdkKuc/s1600/canning+0911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hkd5x20_Yyo/TnUAlmUg88I/AAAAAAAAB_8/Ylfl6bdkKuc/s640/canning+0911.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>We live in an area surrounded by orchards--apples, cherries, pears, peaches, plums, nectarines, apricots, you name it! We've canned a bushel of pears and nectarines and I froze up a bushel of peaches. I hope that's enough--another friend with the same size family canned 5 bushels of peaches! That's a lot of work! Add to all this harvesting is trying to start school at home at the same time! By the end of the week, all was done, but boy was it busy! One night, my mom and I were in the kitchen still cooking away at 10 pm!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ugqb-VoUXBo/TnUAoSfzzdI/AAAAAAAACAA/Cw3LVyg72Vk/s1600/090711+pears.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ugqb-VoUXBo/TnUAoSfzzdI/AAAAAAAACAA/Cw3LVyg72Vk/s640/090711+pears.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>Some people don't like to mess with pears, but everybody in my house loves them! So juicy!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BzK7SwST1_Y/TnUAqXGpLeI/AAAAAAAACAE/wryaNwJUREM/s1600/090711+pears2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BzK7SwST1_Y/TnUAqXGpLeI/AAAAAAAACAE/wryaNwJUREM/s640/090711+pears2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Along with all of this, I've been baking homemade bread and cooking up some Venison Barley Stew--just perfect on cool fall days! Homemade oatmeal, pancakes and muffins for breakfast (all from scratch) to see how I could prepare food more frugally & more healthfully for my family--too bad they're not all a hit with the youngsters! But I love it when I hear, "Mama, you're the best! You make the best pancakes ever!"<br />
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I've even been making my own yogurt, successfully, (after a few not so successful batches) and I think it tastes fabuloso!!! Not nearly as tangy/sour as the store's plain yogurt. I love eating it with some fresh fruit or homemade granola. Again, the kids don't think so much of it, but I think if I blend it with some of our frozen fruit, and add a little sweetener, they'll like it better.<br />
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<img align="left" src="http://i925.photobucket.com/albums/ad93/tjbeggs/signature.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07910073537485271665noreply@blogger.com0