In the meantime you can head over to The Legacy of Home to read the newest issue of The Christian Home for inspiration.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Answering Machine
Hello, you have reached Briana's blog. She is out sick with the flu. She may return someday this week.
In the meantime you can head over to The Legacy of Home to read the newest issue of The Christian Home for inspiration.
In the meantime you can head over to The Legacy of Home to read the newest issue of The Christian Home for inspiration.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Fit Mommy Friday
No results for the week.
Friday- garden 90 mins
Saturday- garden 90 mins
Sunday- rest
Monday- walk 15 mins,Bwo+, garden 30 mins, intervals
Tuesday- walk 20 mins, strength training
Wednesday- walk 15 mins, interval training
Thursday- walk 30 mins, Bwo+, strength training
I hope you had a healthy week!
TOS Crew Review: Math Rider
Fun for everyone!
Once you download and install Math Rider to your computer you are ready to ride to far away lands as you practice math facts. Your first quest involves riding to Mathlands to gather a special flower which will heal your mother from a grave illness.
During your first quest you will master addition facts. Your horse gallops along until it comes to a barrier which it must jump. Each barrier has a fact to be answered correctly so your horse may jump over it. If you answer incorrectly the fact will be said for you and the barrier will fall so your horse may pass through it. The faster you solve your problems the faster your horse gets to ride! You earn bonus points for correct answers. Each level presents a different mathematical operation. Each level has four levels of difficulty.
You can check your math fact knowledge on a chart which tracks your progress. Before you start a quest or in between quests you can take practice runs to improve your speed. After you pass the master level you earn a castle.
Math Rider was easy to set up and use. I created accounts for four of my students and myself. After I showed the children how to use the program they were able to work on their own. my 7, 9, 11, and 13 year old children used the program. It was challenging enough for the oldest student without being too difficult for the youngest. The program adapts to your ability. My husband even enjoyed playing the game and getting the highest speed with his horse.
The only thing I would add to the program would be combining all of the facts together in a final level.
This program is wonderful for drilling math facts. It is a welcome change from old-fashioned flashcards. Using the game for a few minutes each day would make a nice math warm up to get students into math mode before beginning their lessons. I'm a firm believer in the need for math facts mastery and this is a fun and effective study tool to add to the homeschool, classroom, or homework to achieve that goal. It makes a nice brain workout for older students and adults. Even after my students have mastered their facts I like to challenge them to review and increase recall speed.
To order for $37.00 visit the Math Rider website.
I received a free trial of this program in order to write this review and have shared my honest opinion.
To read the opinions of other TOS Crew members please visit TOS Crew blog.
Once you download and install Math Rider to your computer you are ready to ride to far away lands as you practice math facts. Your first quest involves riding to Mathlands to gather a special flower which will heal your mother from a grave illness.
During your first quest you will master addition facts. Your horse gallops along until it comes to a barrier which it must jump. Each barrier has a fact to be answered correctly so your horse may jump over it. If you answer incorrectly the fact will be said for you and the barrier will fall so your horse may pass through it. The faster you solve your problems the faster your horse gets to ride! You earn bonus points for correct answers. Each level presents a different mathematical operation. Each level has four levels of difficulty.
You can check your math fact knowledge on a chart which tracks your progress. Before you start a quest or in between quests you can take practice runs to improve your speed. After you pass the master level you earn a castle.
Math Rider was easy to set up and use. I created accounts for four of my students and myself. After I showed the children how to use the program they were able to work on their own. my 7, 9, 11, and 13 year old children used the program. It was challenging enough for the oldest student without being too difficult for the youngest. The program adapts to your ability. My husband even enjoyed playing the game and getting the highest speed with his horse.
The only thing I would add to the program would be combining all of the facts together in a final level.
This program is wonderful for drilling math facts. It is a welcome change from old-fashioned flashcards. Using the game for a few minutes each day would make a nice math warm up to get students into math mode before beginning their lessons. I'm a firm believer in the need for math facts mastery and this is a fun and effective study tool to add to the homeschool, classroom, or homework to achieve that goal. It makes a nice brain workout for older students and adults. Even after my students have mastered their facts I like to challenge them to review and increase recall speed.
To order for $37.00 visit the Math Rider website.
I received a free trial of this program in order to write this review and have shared my honest opinion.
To read the opinions of other TOS Crew members please visit TOS Crew blog.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Birthday Season Has Ended!
Isaac's is the last of the six birthdays in our family from December through February. He just turned five and is learning to read.
His favorite color is green so I pulled out some green fabric and streamers.
David our youngest is really good at singing the birthday song and says happy birthday to me almost every day now.
And there's the big Isaac smile. He had a wonderful day.
 |
| The little table of honor. He is holding the prize he won for pinning the tale on the donkey. |
His favorite color is green so I pulled out some green fabric and streamers.
David our youngest is really good at singing the birthday song and says happy birthday to me almost every day now.
 |
| Whoops, I forgot to buy more birthday candles. |
And there's the big Isaac smile. He had a wonderful day.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Spring Cleaning in the Garden and Potager Info.
The weather has been nice here so we spent a few days cleaning up the garden. I worked for three hours Friday and Saturday cleaning up the veggie garden. I raked all the remains of last years garden off the beds and into the paths.
The soil looked nicer than I thought it would. It was moist and light, like a good cake.
As I worked the chickens talked to me begging for anything green I could find. They ended up getting some kale and carrots.
We burned each day and finally got rid of the huge burn pile. I throw the ashes into the compost pile or spread them lightly over the garden beds.
Elijah burned a pile of tumbleweeds for me. Those are some nasty, prickly weeds. He used a stick to pick them up.
Saturday the whole family headed outside to work.
David planted a stick under the grape arbor.
I cleaned out the paths with a shovel and redefined the beds. It looks much better and now I'm looking forward to planting.
While I had the hay bed open for watering I took a couple pictures to share with you.
The spinach is getting ready for harvest. There's a nice green weed.
Out front the rest of the team worked on raking up the fall leaves and sweeping the patio.
Lots of compost materials! We still have a few beds to rake out before the job is finished.
Monday, during our school break, Elijah helped me plant 200 onions. We planted them along the edges of the beds to define the paths. I'm trying to root some lavender so I can have something along the edges that will add interest in the winter. Our recent cold temps. killed my parsley and rosemary since I forgot to cover them. The thyme and lemon balm survived.
I modeled my garden after a potager and I'm dreaming up ways to plant my cool season crops so they add color and pattern to the garden. The idea of a potager is to have a pleasant looking and productive veggie garden. It's a fun way to play at design with living things and can look different every season and year. this is the first year I have not felt the need to redo the layout of my garden.
I designed the potager last year.
Last March we were still digging paths for the potager.
And here it is last April after I planted.
The soil looked nicer than I thought it would. It was moist and light, like a good cake.
As I worked the chickens talked to me begging for anything green I could find. They ended up getting some kale and carrots.
We burned each day and finally got rid of the huge burn pile. I throw the ashes into the compost pile or spread them lightly over the garden beds.
Elijah burned a pile of tumbleweeds for me. Those are some nasty, prickly weeds. He used a stick to pick them up.
Saturday the whole family headed outside to work.
David planted a stick under the grape arbor.
I cleaned out the paths with a shovel and redefined the beds. It looks much better and now I'm looking forward to planting.
While I had the hay bed open for watering I took a couple pictures to share with you.
The spinach is getting ready for harvest. There's a nice green weed.
Out front the rest of the team worked on raking up the fall leaves and sweeping the patio.
Lots of compost materials! We still have a few beds to rake out before the job is finished.
Monday, during our school break, Elijah helped me plant 200 onions. We planted them along the edges of the beds to define the paths. I'm trying to root some lavender so I can have something along the edges that will add interest in the winter. Our recent cold temps. killed my parsley and rosemary since I forgot to cover them. The thyme and lemon balm survived.
I modeled my garden after a potager and I'm dreaming up ways to plant my cool season crops so they add color and pattern to the garden. The idea of a potager is to have a pleasant looking and productive veggie garden. It's a fun way to play at design with living things and can look different every season and year. this is the first year I have not felt the need to redo the layout of my garden.
I designed the potager last year.
Last March we were still digging paths for the potager.
And here it is last April after I planted.
Monday, February 21, 2011
3 Teens in the House
Doesn't that sound like fun? Oh, and they are all of the male type.
Nathan cut his hair the night before his birthday so he could look good in his photos.
Uh, oh!
The younger children bought gifts from my stockpile so he had a nice stack of presents to open.
He looked happy about this book. I might have to borrow it from him.
And now the adventure really begins!
Hey, the new issue of The Christian Home is up! Go check it out for lots of inspiration.
If you are interested in writing for the next issue click below.
Nathan cut his hair the night before his birthday so he could look good in his photos.
 |
| Why, yes, I did run out of candles and had to use matches. |
The younger children bought gifts from my stockpile so he had a nice stack of presents to open.
He looked happy about this book. I might have to borrow it from him.
And now the adventure really begins!
Hey, the new issue of The Christian Home is up! Go check it out for lots of inspiration.
If you are interested in writing for the next issue click below.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Modesty for Little Girls and Young Ladies
I'm going to share a few things I have learned about keeping my little girls covered when they wear dresses or skirts. A little girl is going to sit and play like a little girl not a young lady so you need to make sure her modesty will be intact whether she climbs a tree, sits in a grocery cart cross legged, or rolls around on the floor to play. My girls have to wear bike shorts or bloomers under their dresses or skirts which makes my job as their modesty adviser easier. I will still remind them to pull their dress into place as they sit down but it is not worrisome if I don't notice right away.
My oldest daughter is long and thin so I have to make sure I buy shorts that are longer and have thinner legs. For the last two years Bermuda shorts have been back in style so buying summer clothes has been easier than usual. If I can't find longer shorts I will just make lots of cute skirts and dresses instead. I don't usually let them wear tank tops but if I do they have to have wide straps and I make sure they won't gape open at the neck or arm or slip out of place. For swimming I buy a regular one piece and have them wear board shorts over the suit. I have found this to be the easiest and most budget friendly solution. As they get older they can probably switch to wearing a swim skirt over the suit.
I like to buy bike shorts when they are on sale at the end of summer to use as bloomers under dresses. I also make bloomers for them in matching fabric when I sew a dress or skirt. I have found a pattern printed by McCall's that I like. It has long bloomers which I shorten to be a few inches above the knee. They are cute and feminine.
Sometimes it is hard to find dresses long enough for my oldest daughter. If I buy them a size or two larger then they will be long enough for her. I do have to assess the style of dress if I'm buying a larger size so that the sleeveless top doesn't gape open or the neck doesn't hang too low. Sometimes she can wear a t-shirt underneath or I can add a ruffle to the hem to make them work. The more fitted styles in a larger size work well for her since she is so thin but I'm not sure if my younger daughter will be able to wear them later because she is of an average size.
My husband requested when my oldest daughter was a toddler that I keep her skirt length just below the knee or longer. I think that is a nice length for girls because it is easier to stay covered while they are climbing onto a chair or running around. I think it is important to teach girls to sit and act in a ladylike manner but they also need to be able to play without worrying about adjusting their clothes constantly. My daughters actually like wearing long skirts and dresses. They think they are "fancy".
As I'm training my girls to grow into young ladies I try to keep a light, fun attitude about fashion. I let my daughters help choose fabrics when I sew for them and keep their color and style preferences in mind when shopping for clothes. I show them how to make something work by altering it or wearing something under it so they don't feel they are surrounded by rules but are more focused on creative solutions to fashion. As they grow older I want them to have clothes that they enjoy wearing but to think of others when they choose what to wear each day.
This article is being submitted to The Christian Home. You can learn more about the new online magazine by clicking on the picture below.
 |
| Jumpers are usually made in longer lengths. |
My oldest daughter is long and thin so I have to make sure I buy shorts that are longer and have thinner legs. For the last two years Bermuda shorts have been back in style so buying summer clothes has been easier than usual. If I can't find longer shorts I will just make lots of cute skirts and dresses instead. I don't usually let them wear tank tops but if I do they have to have wide straps and I make sure they won't gape open at the neck or arm or slip out of place. For swimming I buy a regular one piece and have them wear board shorts over the suit. I have found this to be the easiest and most budget friendly solution. As they get older they can probably switch to wearing a swim skirt over the suit.
I like to buy bike shorts when they are on sale at the end of summer to use as bloomers under dresses. I also make bloomers for them in matching fabric when I sew a dress or skirt. I have found a pattern printed by McCall's that I like. It has long bloomers which I shorten to be a few inches above the knee. They are cute and feminine.
 |
| I added a little length to these skirts when I cut them out. Check the final measurements listed on the pattern envelope and measure your daughter to see where the hem will end up so you can lengthen as needed. |
Sometimes it is hard to find dresses long enough for my oldest daughter. If I buy them a size or two larger then they will be long enough for her. I do have to assess the style of dress if I'm buying a larger size so that the sleeveless top doesn't gape open or the neck doesn't hang too low. Sometimes she can wear a t-shirt underneath or I can add a ruffle to the hem to make them work. The more fitted styles in a larger size work well for her since she is so thin but I'm not sure if my younger daughter will be able to wear them later because she is of an average size.
My husband requested when my oldest daughter was a toddler that I keep her skirt length just below the knee or longer. I think that is a nice length for girls because it is easier to stay covered while they are climbing onto a chair or running around. I think it is important to teach girls to sit and act in a ladylike manner but they also need to be able to play without worrying about adjusting their clothes constantly. My daughters actually like wearing long skirts and dresses. They think they are "fancy".
As I'm training my girls to grow into young ladies I try to keep a light, fun attitude about fashion. I let my daughters help choose fabrics when I sew for them and keep their color and style preferences in mind when shopping for clothes. I show them how to make something work by altering it or wearing something under it so they don't feel they are surrounded by rules but are more focused on creative solutions to fashion. As they grow older I want them to have clothes that they enjoy wearing but to think of others when they choose what to wear each day.
This article is being submitted to The Christian Home. You can learn more about the new online magazine by clicking on the picture below.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
And The Winner Is
Mrs. Taffy! She won The Life Ready Woman book.
I hope you all are having an excellent weekend. We have been working in the yard and garden all morning. It's nice to see the soil beneath all the leaves and dead plants. Happy weekend!
I hope you all are having an excellent weekend. We have been working in the yard and garden all morning. It's nice to see the soil beneath all the leaves and dead plants. Happy weekend!
Friday, February 18, 2011
Fit Mommy Friday
I got back to my regular exercise routine this week. I gained two pounds but I hope they were from the weightlifting I did. I lost 1.25 inches from my pecs, upper and lower thighs but I gained .25 in each of my upper arms. That is most likely from getting back to my push-up and pull up routine. I still can't do a pull up or even half of one but I can hang for a longer amount of time and pull my knees up to my waist twice while I'm hanging there.
Exercise Log;
Friday-walk 30
Saturday-walk 60
Sunday-rest
Monday-strength training
Tuesday-walk 30, BWO+
Wednesday-garden 30, strength
Thursday-intervals, walk 30
How did your week go?
Life Ready Woman Review and Giveaway
***I am giving away a copy of this book. Click here to enter.***
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Life for the modern woman is so different from the life her grandmother led. She has many choices, maybe even too many! All of those choices bring stress to her life. This book shows the modern woman how to handle all of the choices. It teaches you how to choose what to do with your life and about the different phases in each woman's life. The authors walk you through a way to judge each choice that is backed up by the Bible.
Life Ready Woman starts out by exploring the Biblical definitions of womanhood, marriage, and family. Once you understand those terms and what God expects from you you have a foundation to build your life upon.
I think this book offers wisdom to women of different ages and life stages. There is a lot of info covered in this book and it will take me some time to process everything.
Life Ready Woman did give me confidence that I have chosen the right things for the stage of life I am living. It did show me that I can and probably should make some changes in order to manage my time better. For example, even though I'm home with my children all day I should carve out some time to play with them or some time when I can talk to them and spend time with them instead of constantly trying to get things done.
I received a free copy of this book in order to write this review which is my own opinion.
In celebration of Shaunti Feldhahn’s Life Ready Woman
, MomLife Today is giving away 2 Weekend To Remember Gift Packs and much more!
Weekend To Remember Get-Aways offer marriage-changing principles that you can take home and apply to your daily lives to strengthen your marriage. Whether you are newly engaged or have been married for 50 years, you will find value in the tools provided at the getaway.
Don’t miss this opportunity to receive a conference registration for you and your spouse … and more! MomLife Today will be randomly selecting NINE lucky recipients to receive one of these great gifts:
<
Life for the modern woman is so different from the life her grandmother led. She has many choices, maybe even too many! All of those choices bring stress to her life. This book shows the modern woman how to handle all of the choices. It teaches you how to choose what to do with your life and about the different phases in each woman's life. The authors walk you through a way to judge each choice that is backed up by the Bible.
Life Ready Woman starts out by exploring the Biblical definitions of womanhood, marriage, and family. Once you understand those terms and what God expects from you you have a foundation to build your life upon.
I think this book offers wisdom to women of different ages and life stages. There is a lot of info covered in this book and it will take me some time to process everything.
Life Ready Woman did give me confidence that I have chosen the right things for the stage of life I am living. It did show me that I can and probably should make some changes in order to manage my time better. For example, even though I'm home with my children all day I should carve out some time to play with them or some time when I can talk to them and spend time with them instead of constantly trying to get things done.
I received a free copy of this book in order to write this review which is my own opinion.
In celebration of Shaunti Feldhahn’s Life Ready Woman
, MomLife Today is giving away 2 Weekend To Remember Gift Packs and much more!Not only, is MomLife Today helping promote Life Ready Woman, but they are thrilled to announce that Shaunti will be joining MomLife Today as a regular contributor!!!
Weekend To Remember Get-Aways offer marriage-changing principles that you can take home and apply to your daily lives to strengthen your marriage. Whether you are newly engaged or have been married for 50 years, you will find value in the tools provided at the getaway.
Don’t miss this opportunity to receive a conference registration for you and your spouse … and more! MomLife Today will be randomly selecting NINE lucky recipients to receive one of these great gifts:
- 2 Weekend To Remember Get Away conference registrations for two. $259 value each pair (Two couples will receive this.)
- 2 Life Ready Woman DVD packs. $149 value each (Two different people will receive this gift.)
- 5 The Life Ready Woman books. (Book will go to 5 people.)
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Not Sweet Sixteen Anymore
Jacob is back to his usual self now that he is 17. He never was very sweet. I don't know why he couldn't take a year off to be nice for a change.
He has a funny way of interacting with me. He likes to say things like, "Mom, you're whack" when he walks into the room. I answer, "I love you too!". He is a pretty good guy, just likes to get a response out of people.
For example, he likes to call his older brother, who is now a half inch shorter than he is, his big brother. He never called him that before he was taller.
I think next time he says I'm whack I'll show him my love by having him clean the bathroom!
He has a funny way of interacting with me. He likes to say things like, "Mom, you're whack" when he walks into the room. I answer, "I love you too!". He is a pretty good guy, just likes to get a response out of people.
For example, he likes to call his older brother, who is now a half inch shorter than he is, his big brother. He never called him that before he was taller.
I think next time he says I'm whack I'll show him my love by having him clean the bathroom!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Something Every Marriage Needs
A secure and locking bedroom door! We had a pocket door like the one pictured below for our bedroom door. It did not lock and wasn't staying on its tracks.
So, hubby bought a door and installed it in our bedroom with help from our oldest son. That unfinished space in the wall is where there was a lovely fold out ironing board. I'm still deciding whether we should finish it with shelves or make it part of the wall. You know how I am about making decisions.
The drywall dust mess was worth it. It is so nice to be able to go into my room and lock the world out!
We do have some nice trim up now and a doorknob but I'm too lazy to go take some more pics.
Oh, and don't worry we don't keep the door locked all night.
***Remember to enter my giveaway for The Life Ready Woman book.***
 |
| This is our bathroom door. |
So, hubby bought a door and installed it in our bedroom with help from our oldest son. That unfinished space in the wall is where there was a lovely fold out ironing board. I'm still deciding whether we should finish it with shelves or make it part of the wall. You know how I am about making decisions.
 |
| There's Caleb, he took his tricycle apart with his bare hands when he was two and a half. |
The drywall dust mess was worth it. It is so nice to be able to go into my room and lock the world out!
 |
| Hannah, my mechanical girl, she took her training wheels off her bike by herself when she was four. |
We do have some nice trim up now and a doorknob but I'm too lazy to go take some more pics.
Oh, and don't worry we don't keep the door locked all night.
***Remember to enter my giveaway for The Life Ready Woman book.***
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