Enter The Alpha-Phonics Drawing Now....

Alpha-Phonics is having a drawing for some great resources for homeschooling families or additional resources for education. I have used Alpha-Phonics for about 6 months now and it is amazing for the kids. Head on over to enter. http://bit.ly/YqOeQe

Candlelight Service At Home...

With all the craziness of the holidays and with 8 kids we have decided to start doing our candlelight service at home.  Typically we would be chasing our smaller kids around trying to keep them quiet during the service at church.  Doing this service at home makes for a more relaxed atmosphere and the children see m to take in more of what is said.  We light 3 candles one for my Mom, one for my Son Tyler and the other is for all others who have passed before us. Some versus we use during the service are:

Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Luke 1:35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy–the Son of God. Matthew 1:23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).

Soon To Come Our Two Week Adventures Of Road Schooling

What will you be doing over the Thanksgiving Holiday?  We are taking a trip to Arizona to my nieces wedding and spending Thanksgiving with my family.  Road trips when you home school does not mean no school we just improvise using all worksheets and building our learning lessons around the states we will be in and absorb all we can.  No matter what your doing or where you are at, when you home school you are schooling in the non traditional setting 24/7.  Soon to come updates on our adventures of Road Schooling!

My Reason For Homeschooling And Being A Stay At Home Mom.

If you ever have any doubt about wanting to be a stay at home mom or homeschooling just look to the bible. The Lord will guide you in his wisdom. I am so glad that 2 1/2 years ago I decided to home school pulling my kids from the public system was the best descion I have ever made. There is no peer pressure no picking up attitudes from friends and the exposure to outside influences that are truly unnecessary in this world. Here is some wisdom from the lord....


Proverbs 22:6 ,”Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it.”


You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” Deuteronomy 6:5-6 ESV

Saving Money With Homemade Laundry Detergent

Having alot of children creates alot of laundry about 35 loads per week, since we are on such a tight budget we make our own laundry detergent it costs approx. $3.50 every 2 months for laundry detergent. Below is the receipe. Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap- Front or top load machine- best value 4 Cups hot tap water 1 Fels-Naptha soap bar 1 Cup Washing Soda ½ Cup Borax - Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted. -Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken. -Stir and fill a used, clean, laundry soap dispenser half full with soap and then fill rest of way with water. Shake before each use. (will gel) -Optional: You can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per 2 gallons. Add once soap has cooled. Ideas: lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil. -Yield: Liquid soap recipe makes 10 gallons. -Top Load Machine- 5/8 Cup per load (Approx. 180 loads) -Front Load Machines- ¼ Cup per load (Approx. 640 loads)

Another Great Coupon Deal...

 

I have to share my  latest coupon deal.  Maruchan Yakisoba Noodles.  I got 20 packages for .28 cents each.  With a large family like mine every deal you can find helps.  You can look up current deals at the store you shop at,  http://thekrazycouponlady.com/ . You can slowly build a stockpile of items by watching for the deals.

LEARNING TO LISTEN TO GOD!!

I think one of the hardest things I have had to learn is to listen to God it should be one of the easiest, our human nature is to want things now and follow the trend.  I have really been trying hard to just give it to God and follow his direction and have noticed since I have been working on this everything seems to fall into place, from homeschooling to our finances and my patience.  It is an amazing experience that is also a work in progress because I am human. Proverbs 3:5 says we must trust the Lord with all our heart.  One thing that has been the hardest to learn is that all comes in Gods time not mine.  God's word never address an unanswered prayer.  God may not answer prayers when I would like but trusting in him that he knows whats best and will answer them in his time not mine.  I continue to have faith and trust in him all my needs.

Heb. 11:1 tells us what faith is.

”Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

LATEST COUPON HAUL...AND I MADE MONEY ON IT...

So this is my latest coupon haul I got all this for free and my coupons were 12 dollars more then the items so I got an additional 12 dollars off my other items that I did not have coupons for ;).

TRUSTING GOD... DURING FAMILY CRISIS

As you can see I have not posted anything in a while.  I have been dealing with extended family issues that has literally brought me to my knees praying to God for the Wisdom and Patience to help all of us get through this difficult time.  While I don't want to disclose what has happened as I don't want anyone to be judged... We are in a situation that I NEVER thought our family would be in dealing with issues you think only happen to other people...Drugs...CPS...etc. Ugggg just when you think that these issues would never happen to your family.  While this is not in my household the issues surrounding what has happened has taken a drastic toll emotionally, I have had to put off homeschooling an additional 2 weeks as I am not prepared mentally nor physically.  God has definitely been the one carrying me through this. I will continue to trust GOD and his wisdom to help the family where I can during this time.

Black Flag Coupons Are Back...

Here is the link to order Black Flag coupons...Fly swatters and Fly tape is a .03 cents money maker at Walmart.http://www.couponsthingsbydede.com/Black_Flag_Excludes_Outd_1_00_1_Clipped_Coupons_p/blackf_496_n1r.htm

Enter To Win Prizes

a Rafflecopter giveaway

WINNER OF THE SOAP GIVEAWAY....

The winner of the handmade soap giveaway is entry #29 Amanda. Please check your email for instructions. Thank you to everyone who entered. And keep checking my site for more soap Giveaways.

It's Time For A Handmade Soap Giveaway....

My Handmade soaps are made with natural ingrediants. Handmade soaps give your skin the care it deserves by gently cleansing and locking in moisture. My Soaps create a Spa-like Luxury, A fragrant, handmade bar of soap is a simple indulgence that fosters a feeling of relaxation as well as the ever important feeling of being pampered. No need to worry about all the detergents and chemicals put in store bought soap that cause skin irritation. Jump right in to check out free Homeschool resources, Couponing, Living on a Budget. Thanks for coming over and Entering. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Handmade Soaps Are Ready!

I still have handmade soaps available... Blueberry Butter and Lava Soaps are now ready along with Energy, Tahitian Vanilla, Honey Oatmeal, Pure, Bamboo and Sleigh Ride.  Handmade soaps have NO detergents or added chemicals.  Made with oils of Olive, Coconut, Palm and Castor. Blueberry Butter and Lava have Shea and Cocoa Butter added. Bars are $3.00 each plus shipping.

Free Canvas Print....Great Deal

Here is a great deal on a FREE canvas print..You just pay shipping.  I ordered my sons senior picture (that my sister-in-law took).  An awesome deal below is a picture of my sons canvas print...Love it.

http://canvaspeople.com/canvas-discount?utm_source=HO_CP&utm_medium=Affil&utm_term=7798&utm_content=93&utm_campaign=0714

A Day In The Life of Our Homeschool

This is a typical day in our homeschool....We usually start around 8:30 take a break at 11:00 and back at 12:00 until 2:00... As long as all their work and chores are done they have the day to themselves.

We work on Bible, Health, Science and History as a group and they do their independent work with Language Arts, Math, Writing and Spelling. Except for the little ones that I work one on one with.

Teaching Children Chores

I have found a cute fun way to help teach the kids their daily chores, thank you to Connie at Smockityfrocks.com for the idea. Using paint chip cards for chores has made it easy to get the kids motivated and to know what is expected of them for their daily chores.  No it is not done perfect I'm not looking for perfection but teaching them that life is work and we should just embrace it.  Do I get the daily complaining and whining of course I do but I just remind them the sooner we get chores done the sooner it is play time.  Most of the chores are done in the afternoon after we are done with our studies however they do have morning routines like making their bed. I want my children to contribute along with all the members of the house and want to help each other out now when they are younger and when they are on their own. God has given us these wonderful blessings and it is up to us to teach them.

Perfect... :)

Wall Photos

By: Great Homeschool Conventions

Here are some great Easter activites for the kids...From freehomeschooldeals.com


http://www.freehomeschooldeals.com/free-activities-for-resurrection-weekend/

Soaps Are Ready Hurry Before They Are Gone...

Hurry before they are gone. Soaps are ready taking orders. Energy,Tahitian Vanilla,Oatmeal & Honey,Bamboo,Sleigh ride,Pure (no scent). $3.00 per bar. Shipping up to 4 bars is $5.35, 6 bars $8.65, for additional bars email me a for a price quote I ship priority mail as this seems to be the cheapest.

Psalm 139:13-16

Psalm 139:13-16 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you,when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depthsof the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of

them,the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

WINNERS OF THE SOAP GIVEAWAY....

I have chosen 3 winners of the soap giveaway. The first winner will get 3 bars of soap the second and third will get 2 bars.

FIRST WINNER IS "HAUGH FAMILY"

SECOND WINNER IS "EMTGIRL"

THIRD WINNER IS "ANNA"

PLEASE SEND ME YOUR ADDRESS VIA MY EMAIL AT busymom1210@msn.com and I will get your soaps in the mail...

Thank you to everyone who came over and checked out the site...!

Soaps Are Ready

Soaps are now ready. I'm taking orders. Please message me or comment below. Thanks

ENTER TO WIN HOMEMADE SOAP GIVEAWAY..ENDS MARCH 29th

I am offering a giveaway of 3 bars of soap for anyone who comments to this post. You can also check out my Facebook page's Angel Wings Soap and Angel Wings Homeschool. Drawing will be held March 29th. Winner will be posted to this site and Soap will be shipped on the 30th. Thanks for looking and Good Luck.

Soap will be ready March 30th.....

Angel Wings Soap

Soaps will be ready March 30th. Energy,Tahitian Vanilla,Oatmeal & Honey,Bamboo,Sleigh ride,Pure (no scent). $3.00 per bar. Shipping up to 4 bars is $5.35, 6 bars $8.65, for additional bars email me a for a price quote I ship priority mail as this seems to be the cheapest. Invoices are sent via Paypal

Energy: A stimulating blend of Citrus, including Grapefruit, Lemon and Lime, with hints of fresh Cucumber and Jasmine, and a touch of Pineapple, Blackberry and Champagne.

Vanilla, Tahitian:, luscious smelling coconuts are the main note in this blend, followed by some supporting notes of Orange, Lily, Roses and of course, Vanilla. 

Oatmeal, Milk and Honey: Blended with utmost care, this is the perfect melding of three fabulous scents. Fine ground oatmeal has a exfoliation property and it will adhere to what is irritating your skin. Thereby can be washed away with the soap

Sleigh Ride: With a top note of Orange, followed by a middle note of Green Apple and winding down to peppermint and cloves, this scent is so fantastic. 

Fresh Bamboo: The clean scent reminds us of crisp jungle leaves in a damp rainforest. Imagine the smell of wild Bamboo stalks, crisp Aloe and Jasmine Petals with base notes of Vetivert and soft musk mixed together in a refreshing blend

Pure:  No scents or dyes..

Children Are A Blessing Even The Ones We Lost... Psalm 139:13-16

As we come up on the 2 year anniversary of Tyler's death I remember, "Children are a blessing from the Lord even the ones we have lost leave their imprint on our hearts forever..."

Psalm 139:13-16 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you,when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

SNEAK PEAK AT MY HOMEMADE SOAP COMING IN MARCH

Here is a sneak peak at my homemade soap, this will be ready at the end of March.. Below is Energy soap.

Here Is Some Great Insight To Start Off Your Week.....

Posted by Lisa Nielsen on Feb 7, 2012 in Blog, Education, Family & Parenting, Lifestyle

I’ve been a public school educator and administrator for more than a decade, so you may be surprised that when parents ask for my advice about education, I often suggest they allow their children to leave school. Education reform is happening today, but it’s slow and often ineffective. Parents need to do what is in the best interest of their children, right now.
For some this means working hard with a school to adapt to meet a child’s needs. But many schools are rigid and don’t believe students are entitled to a customized learning experience. For these parents the best option is often to leave school behind and empower children with the freedom to learn what they want in the way that is best for them.
Here are the twelve most compelling reasons for leaving school behind if your child is not finding success and happiness there.

1. Learning is customized not standardized

• In school learning is standardized to what someone else says is best.

• At home learning is customized to what the child and parent feel is best.

2. Associate with those you enjoy rather than those who share your birth year

• In school students are grouped by date of manufacture.
• At home children can choose to be with those whose company they enjoy.

3. Freedom to learn with their tools

• In school students are often banned from using they tools they love to learn with — such as a cell phone.
• At home children can learn with the tools they choose. For many children technology open doors that schools slam shut.

4. Socialize with those who share your passions not just your zip code

• In school students have little opportunity to socialize and even when they do it is generally confined to those with whom they’ve been grouped with by year and geography.
• At home children have the opportunity to socialize and make global connections with others of any age who share their talents, passions, and interests.

5. Real life measures are better than bubble tests

• In school we measure students success with bubble tests and response to prompts.
• At home we measure success by what children accomplish that matters to them. Some teens like Leah Miller have developed their own personal success plan (see hers here). She sets her goals and then assesses her success in meeting them.

6. Don’t just read about doing stuff. Do stuff!

• In school students are forced to sit at desks all day reading and answering questions about stuff other people do.
• At home children don’t need to spend their time reading and writing about what other people do. They can go do stuff.

7. Travel when you want

• In school they tell you when to go on vacation and families hop off to crowded destinations together.
• At home families can decide when travelling works best for them and also get better rates.

8. You are more than a number

• In school the only things students have to show for their work are numbers and graphs known as report cards, transcripts, or data reports.
• At home children often put together meaningful portfolios that can be reflected upon and powerfully capture and celebrate learning. This can be done at school, but it rarely happens as little time is left for assessment and reflection after testing and test prep.

9. Do work you value

• In school students do work someone else wants for someone else’s purpose.
• At home children can engage in meaningful work for reasons they determine are important.

10. Independence is valued over dependence

• In school students are dependent on others to tell them what to do and when. They spend their time as compliant workers and are discouraged from questioning authority.
• At home children are encouraged to explore, discover, and develop their own passions and talents and given the freedom to work deeply in these areas. They know how to learn independently because they are interested, not because they are told to do something.

11. You don’t have to waste learning time with standardized tests

• In school students and their teachers are spending a large percentage of their time preparing for tests and testing even though test have little to no role in real life. My last test was more than a decade ago. How about you?
• At home children have the freedom to enjoy learning without the burden or stress of testing. Although many children and parents have been trained to believe testing is a necessary evil in school kids who have the freedom to learn without testing are doing just fine and exploring their passions as grown unschooler Kate Fridkis explains in her article that reveals how we can learn successfully without testing.

12. No more meaningless worksheets and reports

• In school students often complain they are forced to do meaningless worksheets and reports that have no real purpose or audience. In fact these worksheets and reports often actually suck the joy out of learning. Think about it. When was the last time you read a great book and thought, “Wow! I want to write a report or fill in a worksheet.”
• At home children can do work that matters and has meaning. If they read a book they love they can hop online and discuss it with other people who’ve read it or publish a review for Amazon. If they want to learn something they have an unfiltered world of resources (inaccessible in many schools) at their fingertips to do so.
Parents of Generation Z have woken up and realized that the industrial model school’s of today are preparing their children for a world that no longer exists. They know that those who receive outdated, classroom-based instruction will end up with the rest of the young people Occupying Wall Street and beyond.
However, there is another option! Home educating families are onto something. The children of these families will grow up as adults who know how to take ownership of their learning and their lives. They will be empowered with the ability to attain satisfaction and success in life and career.
What are your thoughts on the current public education system? Does homeschooling sound appealing to you?











http://12most.com/2012/02/07/compelling-reasons-to-homeschool-children/

Bonhoeffer: "In the sight of God there is no life that is not worth living." ♥

May God stir our hearts to defend ALL life, from conception to natural death! I... spoke with a dear friend who is a leader in the homeschool community today. She quoted Bonhoeffer: "In the sight of God there is no life that is not worth living."

AMEN!See More

By: The Busy Homeschool Mom

I Can Only Imagine.....

I Can Only Imagine

What an Awesome pick me up....If your having a not so good day click below...
http://youtu.be/7XaYXEPfGFs

Homeschool Kids can go to Harvard...

Beyond popular belief our homeschooled kids can get into Harvard!!


http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2012/01/26/how-my-child-went-from-home-school-to-harvard-and-yours-can-too/

Save Money Making Your Own Baby Wipes....

Homemade Baby Wipes

1 roll of paper towels-I use Bounty Basics. 

2 Tbs baby wash (I like the lavender wash)

2Tbs baby oil

2 Cups of water

2 containers 2 put the baby wipes in-I use round empty ice cream buckets with lids.

(Bounty usually costs $1.00 per roll and I find coupons first they are usually .25 cents off making the rolls .75 cents each)

Cut the roll of paper towel in half. I use an electric knife for this. Put the half rolls f paper towels in the ice cream buckets.

Boil the water, baby wash, and baby oil. After it boils, pour over the wipes. I pour it evenly over each side and then down the middle so that the cardboard tube is moist. Once the cardboard is soft and pliable I pull it out and throw it away.

Wipes are ready to use.

Thrift Store Shopping For School Books

In need of books to fill in the gaps of your home school?  By utilizing your local thrift store to pick up books can save a ton of money. I have come across a lot of great educational books from the Civil War, Space, Kids Atlas, I could go on and on, but the saving are incredible I paid anywhere from .25 cents to .75 cents per book. My bookcase pictured filled with books from the thrift store cost of all the books $30.00 dollars what an awesome deal and we are just beginning. I have to admit my kids get just as excited in the Thrift store getting books as if they were in a department store.