tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37537910583342204602024-03-13T15:44:33.856-05:00my blessed lifeLora @ my blessed lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579408092425311320noreply@blogger.comBlogger1649125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753791058334220460.post-76396390538429267332020-03-26T15:19:00.000-05:002020-03-26T15:19:00.535-05:00Welcome!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hello, there!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You may have noticed that it's been quite a long time since I've blogged here. Life has gotten (too) busy and I am just not able to fit it into my routine right now. However, I do not plan to shut down this blog but leave it up and available. So enjoy the recipes, etc. here! And who knows, I may pop back in sometime.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Blessings,<br />Lora</span>Lora @ my blessed lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579408092425311320noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753791058334220460.post-34048146840682883012016-11-24T09:12:00.000-06:002016-11-24T09:12:53.638-06:00Happy Thanksgiving!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here's wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving today! </div>
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I'm looking forward to a lovely day with my family. </div>
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We'll be busy eating too much, talking too loud, and </div>
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just enjoying being together. </div>
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Here's what's on our menu for the day:</div>
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<br />Lora @ my blessed lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579408092425311320noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753791058334220460.post-83598276355258338322016-11-07T07:00:00.000-06:002016-11-07T07:00:31.570-06:00Feeling Thankful<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So it's already November! I absolutely cannot believe how quickly this year has gone by. </div>
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And it's not just an adult thing--my kiddos keep saying the same thing. It makes me a little sad that they feel the years speeding up already. I think it took me a little longer as a child for that to sink in. </div>
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No doubt it's a sign of the busy lives we lead. I sometimes long for quiet days with no appointments or obligations. Days where our time is truly our own and we can take our time doing whatever we want. Reading books, baking cookies, taking walks....</div>
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As homeschoolers, we do have much more control over our time. But it's almost impossible to not be caught up somehow in the busyness of life in 2016. It's a fast-paced world we live in here in the United States.</div>
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Which is perhaps why I feel a deep longing to savor this Thanksgiving season a little bit more this year. It just seems that focusing on the gifts in my life is more important than ever. With so much dissatisfaction in our nation, so much entitlement pervading our lives, so much complaining everywhere you listen, it leaves a bad 'taste' in one's soul if one lets it.</div>
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I believe the remedy for this sickness is gratefulness. </div>
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So, my friend, don't rush past this season of thankfulness (which should really be all year round). Instead let it invade your life. Take a few moments every day to stop and think of all of your blessings--all of the gifts in your life. It's so easy to take these for granted. I'm so guilty of that. I don't want to be guilty of it anymore. </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">So in the morning I will brew my coffee, light my 'honey pumpkin' candle, and sit down for some quite time with God to start my day. Hopefully I'll pause during my day to remember to be thankful. Thankful for my children--even when they're pushing all my buttons. Thankful for laundry, for dirty dishes, for a house to clean up. Then, as the day comes to a close, I want to pause once again with my children and add another leaf to our garland. Leaves with verses of thanksgiving. And hear what they're precious hearts are thankful for. </span></div>
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<br />Lora @ my blessed lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579408092425311320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753791058334220460.post-77862229954469380972016-07-15T13:30:00.000-05:002016-07-15T13:30:05.595-05:00A Teen's Guide to the 5 Love Languages: a review & a giveaway!<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Anyone else have a newly-turned teenager in their homes? Our daughter just turned 13 back in March and we are entering new territory.<br />
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Not bad territory, mind you. Just new and different. I keep having to remind myself that it's time to begin allowing more freedoms <i>and</i> giving more responsibilities. <br />
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We are also in the throes of much angst. Brought on by a million hormones, I'm sure. In all of that, I am constantly reminding myself to speak my daughter's love language. <br />
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I am a big fan of Gary Chapman's books <i>The Five Love Languages</i> and <i>The Five Love Languages of Children</i>. They are chock-full of so much wisdom! I even keep a little poster on my fridge of how to practically live out the love languages with your family. </div>
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This new book, co-authored by Gary Chapman and Paige Haley Drygas, is <b><i>A Teen's Guide to the 5 Love Languages</i></b>. I love the subtitle: <i>How to Understand Yourself and Improve All Your Relationships</i>.<br />
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I wish I could have read this book when I was a teenager. I probably would have been easier to live with..ha<br />
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This book covers the 5 love languages, of course: Words, Time, Gifts, Service, and Touch. It also has chapters dealing with family, anger, apologies, and a Q&A chapter with Gary himself.<br />
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Throughout the chapters are text boxes that include various relationship tips--very helpful ones, I might add--and relationship warnings. And at the very end of the book there is a love languages profile, just in case you aren't sure what yours is.<br />
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Overall, I was very impressed with this book--as I have been with Gary's other books on the 5 love languages. He really gets right to the heart of relationship matters and give such amazing practical advice on loving one another. I am always so convicted and inspired by the principles he lays out. I believe this book will be incredibly beneficial to my daughter (and my son in another couple of years).<br />
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You can find this book on <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/languages-understand-yourself-improve-relationships-about/gary-chapman/9780802414359/pd/414350?product_redirect=1&Ntt=414350&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP">Christianbook.com</a> or on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Teens-Guide-Love-Languages-Relationships-ebook/dp/B0188DJF2Y/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1468605984&sr=1-1&keywords=a+teen%27s+guide+to+the+5+love+languages#nav-subnav">Amazon</a> for around $9. It is also available for Kindle as well.<br />
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<b><i>And about that giveaway mentioned in the title of this post....</i></b><br />
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Side Door Communications is offering a <b>free copy </b>of this book to one of my readers! Just enter using the option below.<br />
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<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="6c06af863" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/6c06af863/" id="rcwidget_hlh8ya4z" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
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<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
<i>Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of this book by Side Door Communications at no charge in exchange for my honest opinion. No other compensation was received and all thoughts expressed are my own.</i><br />
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Lora @ my blessed lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579408092425311320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753791058334220460.post-74077891972729552042016-06-28T09:55:00.000-05:002016-06-28T09:55:11.201-05:00One Way I Refresh During the Summer as a Homeschool Mom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As our homeschool takes some time off this summer, my mind almost never stops thinking of and planning ahead for the upcoming school year. This is probably because I'm Type A and an obsessive planner...lol</div>
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Whatever the reason, I do enjoy this season of planning. </div>
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But I also need to be refreshed as a homeschool mom. Homeschooling can be incredibly exhausting and all-consuming. It's not easy and it's a lot of responsibility. And I take that very seriously when I am researching curriculum and planning toward the next school year. So also taking some time to rejuvenate and refocus myself is very important. </div>
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How do I do this? </div>
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Each summer I take some time to read something inspiring and motivating that speaks to me as a homeschool mom. Some of my fave reads from past years--that I have nearby on my shelf and refer to often--are <i><b>Educating the Wholehearted Child, The Well-Trained Mind, The Charlotte Mason Companion, A Thomas Jefferson Education,</b></i> and<b> </b><i><b>Dumbing Us Down</b>.</i> </div>
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This summer I am reading <i><a href="http://amongstlovelythings.com/tfr-online-book-club/" target="_blank"><b>Teaching from Rest</b></a> </i>by Sarah Mackenzie ...and I am <b>LOVING</b> it. It is just what I need right now. I also downloaded the companion journal guide (and had it spiral bound at OfficeMax very cheaply). It might not be completely necessary but I am appreciating it very much and it definitely helps you 'flesh-out' the key thoughts from the sections of the book. </div>
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Also available to go along with the reading of this book are three Periscope recordings--one for each section of the book--that are really good! Sarah is great on-camera, very relate-able and adorable, too. </div>
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I am not finished with the book yet because I am not rushing through but trying to take time for notes and journaling <span style="font-size: x-small;">...<i>and</i> because we are in the midst of VBS here-ha!</span> It's also sometimes hard to find a quiet place and time to read (note: the above photo was taken one day when I was able to escape to my kiddos' treehouse). But I am thoroughly enjoying my time in this book.</div>
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Taking some time in between--or even during--your schooling time to do a little personal study, reflection, and re-focusing can be a huge blessing to you as a homeschool mom and I highly recommend it. </div>
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I'd love to hear what is refreshing to <i>you</i>!</div>
<br />Lora @ my blessed lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579408092425311320noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753791058334220460.post-49525051254576117472016-06-15T12:00:00.000-05:002016-06-15T12:12:41.927-05:00Summer Reading--it's the BEST! Well, summer is in full swing around here.<br />
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School work is completed for 5th and 7th grades, VBS prep has more-than-commenced, vacation anticipation is growing, and there is LOTS of reading happening. <br />
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This is our 3rd summer to do our own family reading program. Yes, we do partake a little in library programs and even some store-sponsored ones, but my kids' favorite (and biggest reading motivator) is the one I put together using internet resources. <br />
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You can read all about the basic program<b> <a href="http://myblessedlife-lora.blogspot.com/2014/06/our-familys-summer-reading-program.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>. This is still the main plan that we follow--hey, it works! <br />
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However, this summer, in an effort to help my kids choose more different types of books (thus not spending the entire summer on one single series--not that it's a terrible thing, just trying to add variety) I have also incorporated this<a href="http://edsnapshots.com/summer-reading-program-2015/#comment-39479" target="_blank"> reading 'map' found here</a>. We aren't using this entire program, just the map which has all different genres and types of books suggested. <br />
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I like to shake things up :) <br />
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And so far, so good. <br />
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I also have my own reading goals for the summer. I love to read and summertime is my time to get lots of it in! <br />
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I am loosely following <a href="http://modernmrsdarcy.com/2016-reading-challenge/" target="_blank">Modern Mrs. Darcy's 2016 Reading Challenge</a>. So far I have 3 boxes checked off. Not too bad.<br />
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We also have a current family read-aloud (we really enjoy those) which is <i>Pollyanna</i>. While I am very familiar with the story via Disney, I have never read the book. So far it's a hit with all of us! <br />
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Before I go, I just have to tell you about my favorite book that I've read lately. I'm still in amazement that I never heard of this book until recently. It is utterly charming and I absolutely ADORE it: <i>Daddy Long-Legs </i>by Jean Webster. My daughter and I have both fallen in love with it and we must share our new love with all of our fellow book-lovers! Let me put it this way, if you love <i>Anne of Green Gables</i> you will also love this book.<br />
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<i><b>I'd love to hear what you're reading this summer!</b></i>Lora @ my blessed lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579408092425311320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753791058334220460.post-25591076011036654842016-06-07T07:00:00.000-05:002016-06-07T07:00:20.597-05:00Planning, Sorting, Purging, Organizing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>It's summertime!</b> And for our family that means a break from schooling for the kids and lots of planning for the next year for me.</div>
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Of course, for me, that is something of a domino effect. Planning means sorting curriculum and books that I already have. Then I have to purge books we no longer need or want to keep. And finally comes the organizing of what's being kept (<i>which is always too much</i>). </div>
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So that's what I've been working on for the past few days. Cleaning off shelves, making piles of books to sell, piles of books and resources to give away, and since I've put this off for so long ...a piles of my kiddos' used-up books that I need to take samples from for their portfolios then dispose of the rest. </div>
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So<i> a lot</i> of piles. </div>
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I am trying to be a bit more ruthless this year with the purging. I have such a tendency to collect lots of great resources, only to put them on a shelf and forget about them all together. And that helps no one, right? I've already found several resources I could have used this past school year but had forgotten that I had them. Bummer. Oh well.</div>
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This summer I also continue the oh-so-belated project that I began last year: school scrapbooks for each of my kids. Thankfully there are only two of them! ha! I figure if I keep plugging away at this rate I can give them as their wedding presents. Just kidding. Sort of. </div>
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I'm not only busy planning for our family's homeschool for the upcoming year but also for our homeschool group. This will be my second year to serve as the co-op director--a job I really enjoyed last year (at least, most of the time...lol). So planning sessions for that and for our homeschool group in general begin this month! Oh, yeah--I have a pile or two of things for those meetings as well ;) </div>
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In the midst of all of this is some summer FUN though! I've written a few reminder words for us on our chalkboard (probably more for me than for the kids). Summer vacation is a <i>good</i> thing!</div>
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<br />Lora @ my blessed lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579408092425311320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753791058334220460.post-42661454705592732882016-06-03T07:00:00.000-05:002016-06-03T09:42:20.915-05:00Expect the Unexpected<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This past weekend we were in <a href="http://www.fortsmith.org/" target="_blank">Fort Smith, Arkansas</a>--the city where I was born and where our children were born. Even though we no longer live there we have lots and lots of extended family and friends in the area and were in town for a couple of family reunions. </div>
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While there we just had to check out the latest project that Fort Smith is doing as part of the revitalization of the downtown riverfront area: <a href="http://www.fortsmith.org/unexpected-project-street-art/" target="_blank">The Unexpected Project</a>. This project is a celebration of street art and they have placed it beautifully all over the downtown area. </div>
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<a href="http://discerningmadness.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">My sister</a>, my daughter, and I had fun on our scavenger hunt of sorts looking for all of these amazing murals! They are just so beautiful and creative! </div>
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The Fort is such an interesting area anyway. It was the border to Indian Territory before Oklahoma became a state in 1907--so not that long ago really. And it was one wild west town back then! If you've seen any version of the movie <i>True Grit</i> ...well, that story takes place in Fort Smith and bordering modern-day Oklahoma and is most likely quite true to how life was at that time. </div>
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If you're near the River Valley area of western Arkansas, a visit to Fort Smith is totally worth it! Of course, we're biased because it's our former hometown, but there are some interesting sites to see there. </div>
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Our top 5 things to recommend to first timers would be:</div>
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<li>the<a href="https://www.nps.gov/fosm/index.htm" target="_blank"> Fort Smith National Historic Site</a> (Judge Parker's courthouse & more)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.fortsmith.org/the-park-at-west-end/" target="_blank">the park at West End</a> (ride a vintage carousel and farris wheel)</li>
<li>the <a href="http://www.rivervalleynaturecenter.com/" target="_blank">Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center</a></li>
<li>the <a href="http://www.fortsmithmuseum.org/" target="_blank">Fort Smith Museum of History</a> (don't miss the soda fountain!)</li>
<li><a href="http://wildthingsfarm.com/" target="_blank">Wild Things Farm</a></li>
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(After they get the<a href="http://www.fortsmith.org/future-home-national-us-marshals-museum/" target="_blank"> US Marshal's museum</a> built, that will be a great attraction, too!). </div>
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Oh--and just for fun, some of our fave restaurants there are:</div>
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<li>Green Papaya (Vietnamese food--best egg rolls ever! Also, try the #18 with beef!)</li>
<li>Las Americas Too (for amazing tacos!)</li>
<li>George's (great burgers and gyros)</li>
<li>Joe's Cantina (great Tex-Mex)</li>
<li>Taliano's (classic Italian--get the manicotti!)</li>
<li>Geno's pizza-by-the-slice (dip your slice in their yummy ranch dressing!)</li>
<li>R Landry's (delicious Cajun food + live music!)</li>
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(Did I mention that we like to eat?)</div>
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<i>(I think this is my fave mural of them all. </i></div>
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<i>It just fits the western spirit of the Fort.)</i></div>
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Lora @ my blessed lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579408092425311320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753791058334220460.post-54900348069418487342016-05-25T09:20:00.000-05:002016-05-25T09:20:05.857-05:00Hello, It's Me Again ...and Welcome, Summer!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DWMDPLZ9XQc/V0SewqqjXAI/AAAAAAAAWd4/C7r6JN7Y3DIga32vwgY_Xk4t8O9k1LGygCLcB/s1600/summer%2Bbanner%2BMay%2B2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DWMDPLZ9XQc/V0SewqqjXAI/AAAAAAAAWd4/C7r6JN7Y3DIga32vwgY_Xk4t8O9k1LGygCLcB/s400/summer%2Bbanner%2BMay%2B2013.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hello, sweet blog friends!</div>
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Are you excited that summer is here? I sure am! Our family is ready for our annual, long break from regular schooling and is looking forward to lots of fun over the next few months. </div>
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I am also happy to be back in blogland! I've missed it a lot and hope to find a better rhythm over the summer--one that is more sustainable for me in this season of life. </div>
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Some things that we have planned for this summer are family reunions, summer reading programs, a birthday celebration, vacation Bible school, a Great American Road Trip, maybe even camping--if I can talk my husband into it!</div>
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<i><b>What do you have planned for the summer months? I'd love to hear about your plans!</b></i></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x9FMPCy-es4/V0SfINR60dI/AAAAAAAAWeI/LJO7ODtDiyoPHzQwZ4NkCPWG1L7EGfENQCLcB/s1600/7432ec6a31914f1655cfa53f587bf060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x9FMPCy-es4/V0SfINR60dI/AAAAAAAAWeI/LJO7ODtDiyoPHzQwZ4NkCPWG1L7EGfENQCLcB/s320/7432ec6a31914f1655cfa53f587bf060.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
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Lora @ my blessed lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579408092425311320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753791058334220460.post-51128776159189446192016-01-04T10:20:00.000-06:002016-01-04T10:20:45.084-06:00Could your home use more gratitude?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ka3BTH5R9Kw/VoqZLMVbR7I/AAAAAAAAWZY/fRBaAOkQQqk/s1600/Raising-Grateful-Kids-3D-8002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ka3BTH5R9Kw/VoqZLMVbR7I/AAAAAAAAWZY/fRBaAOkQQqk/s400/Raising-Grateful-Kids-3D-8002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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In case you haven't heard yet about this amazing new book that is about to launch...</div>
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<b><i><a href="http://raisinggratefulkids.com/" target="_blank">Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World </a></i></b>by Kristen Welch (of <a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/" target="_blank">We are THAT Family</a>) is a must-read for parents who are looking for encouragement, inspiration, and creative ideas on how to bring more gratitude into their homes. I know I am one of those parents and I was so excited to be chosen for the launch team for this book. </div>
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<a href="http://raisinggratefulkids.com/" target="_blank">This book</a> is being such a blessing to me, my husband, and, ultimately, our children! Each chapter is filled with godly principles and Scripture and ends with practical application ideas for you to begin putting in place with your family immediately. </div>
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<i><b>Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World</b></i> 'hits the shelves' on January 26th ...but if you pre-order by January 25th you get an amazing Global Family Kit with your book--plus free (domestic) shipping! <a href="http://raisinggratefulkids.com/" target="_blank">Head over here to read more about it.</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UCY_O495FtM/VoqZNvoxrFI/AAAAAAAAWZg/fcl5SrjOEXg/s1600/2016-01-02%2B15.14.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UCY_O495FtM/VoqZNvoxrFI/AAAAAAAAWZg/fcl5SrjOEXg/s400/2016-01-02%2B15.14.53.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">sporting my gratitude bracelet from Mercy House</span></i></div>
Lora @ my blessed lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579408092425311320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753791058334220460.post-35198753821772680022016-01-01T10:30:00.000-06:002016-01-01T10:30:14.161-06:00Happy New Year 2016!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_TvwlMpSlpM/VoaldEG_eUI/AAAAAAAAWZI/8WRoV3ajcek/s1600/happynewyear16.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_TvwlMpSlpM/VoaldEG_eUI/AAAAAAAAWZI/8WRoV3ajcek/s400/happynewyear16.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm excited about this new year! I'm so ready to put last year behind me. <br />
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2015 was just a tough year with lots of challenges. Not that I don't expect challenges in this new year but I am just planning to face them with more grace, more patience, more of reliance on God. Basically just more of God. Without Him I can do nothing!<br />
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<i>My grace is sufficient for you; for my power is made perfect in weakness.</i></div>
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<i>II Corinthians 12:9</i></div>
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Some ways I am taking on the new year's challenges are:<br />
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<li>daily Bible reading ...I'm going back to one of my fave reading plans: the chronological one with the YouVersion Bible app</li>
<li>reading a new-to-be but old devotional for the first time: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1572937718?keywords=oswald%20chambers&qid=1451665626&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1" target="_blank"><i>My Utmost For His Highest</i> by Oswald Chambers</a></li>
<li>beginning my mornings with prayer and coffee--the best way!</li>
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<b><i>How are you beginning your new year?</i></b></div>
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<br />Lora @ my blessed lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579408092425311320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753791058334220460.post-14603453305061794392015-12-21T09:40:00.000-06:002015-12-21T09:40:15.960-06:00Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FrkqPuFQcuE/VnGBtsIXUII/AAAAAAAAWYo/lR_WWp-LUXQ/s1600/christmastrees15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FrkqPuFQcuE/VnGBtsIXUII/AAAAAAAAWYo/lR_WWp-LUXQ/s400/christmastrees15.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Merry Christmas from our house to yours!</span></i></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-54ADMrTN50U/VnGCQyYrJbI/AAAAAAAAWY4/fX9oLFcC1jY/s1600/minitrees2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-54ADMrTN50U/VnGCQyYrJbI/AAAAAAAAWY4/fX9oLFcC1jY/s400/minitrees2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>mini trees</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jwP0sI1Hu80/VnGCPL4DuhI/AAAAAAAAWYw/xmAaTseKO6A/s1600/kidstrees2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jwP0sI1Hu80/VnGCPL4DuhI/AAAAAAAAWYw/xmAaTseKO6A/s400/kidstrees2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>the kiddos' trees</i></div>
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I just realized this morning that I haven't posted here all month! It's been so busy:( </div>
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This week I am slowing it down and focusing on baking <a href="http://myblessedlife-lora.blogspot.com/2011/12/christmas-treats-few-of-my-favorite.html" target="_blank">Christmas goodies</a> with my kiddos.</div>
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I hope that your Christmas season is lovely and that you are finding time to slow down and enjoy it as well. </div>
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Here are a few pictures of our home~it's all decked out for the holidays! I was happy to get it all done early on in the season since I was hosting a couple of parties at our home and have been able to not stress about that but just enjoy.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J1HyilgwojA/VnGBlh8u28I/AAAAAAAAWYY/AVAkQ36RwfA/s1600/dickensvillage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J1HyilgwojA/VnGBlh8u28I/AAAAAAAAWYY/AVAkQ36RwfA/s400/dickensvillage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>our Dickens' village</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KFf_NbJMVX4/VnGBjSkNX2I/AAAAAAAAWYQ/62BL_pFKZec/s1600/learningroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KFf_NbJMVX4/VnGBjSkNX2I/AAAAAAAAWYQ/62BL_pFKZec/s400/learningroom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>the learning room</i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x1xVISUER48/VnGBpmKftTI/AAAAAAAAWYg/p3ZrleLZiJc/s1600/aroundthehouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x1xVISUER48/VnGBpmKftTI/AAAAAAAAWYg/p3ZrleLZiJc/s400/aroundthehouse.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Christmas around the house</i></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hHvleXVD_ZI/VnGBgdA9SFI/AAAAAAAAWYI/VZ70E7--u2I/s1600/masterbedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hHvleXVD_ZI/VnGBgdA9SFI/AAAAAAAAWYI/VZ70E7--u2I/s400/masterbedroom.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
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<i>our master bedroom</i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Holidays to you and yours!</span></b></i></div>
<br />Lora @ my blessed lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579408092425311320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753791058334220460.post-59058626040496901002015-11-30T13:25:00.000-06:002015-11-30T13:29:10.552-06:00What's For Dinner {Nov 30th}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H7n9VJGllOs/Vlyc6F-4XpI/AAAAAAAAWXo/LxHmYZDVEJc/s1600/apples%2B%2BJuly%2B2014%2B%25284%2529edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H7n9VJGllOs/Vlyc6F-4XpI/AAAAAAAAWXo/LxHmYZDVEJc/s400/apples%2B%2BJuly%2B2014%2B%25284%2529edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The trick to not going crazy and eating out too much during the holidays? Stay focused with your meal plans! </div>
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At least that's what I'm telling myself ;)</div>
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So here's what's on our plan for this week:</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Monday:</span></b> <i>dinner at our church (it's a work night ...I'm guessing ...pizza!)</i></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Tuesday: </span></b><i><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/slow-cooker-meatloaf.html" target="_blank">(slow cooker) meatloaf with carrots and potatoes</a></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Wednesday: </span></b> <i>Breakfast-for-Dinner ...eggs, <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/drop-biscuits-and-sausage-gravy/" target="_blank">drop biscuits, and sausage gravy</a></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Thursday:</span></b> <i> <a href="http://www.susanbranch.com/potato-bugs/" target="_blank">'Potato Bugs'</a> with veggies</i></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Friday:</span></b> <i>our church's youth Christmas party at our house ...taco bar!</i></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Saturday:</span></b> <i>sandwiches & snacks</i></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Sunday:</span></b> <i> (slow cooker) roast with carrots, mashed potatoes, gravy, and rolls</i></div>
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What's on your plan this week?</div>
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<img border="0" height="102" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7vZ_McbhgYI/VlyicibCgXI/AAAAAAAAWX4/_WyS81GDAww/s320/MPM-Winter.png" width="320" /></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">This post is linked to<a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2015/11/menu-plan-monday-nov-3015.html" target="_blank"> Menu Plan Monday at I'm an Organizing Junkie</a>.</span></i></div>
<br />Lora @ my blessed lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579408092425311320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753791058334220460.post-15730782434090174882015-11-26T08:00:00.000-06:002015-11-26T08:00:07.415-06:00Happy Thanksgiving!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wteGCatHVKQ/VlVHmTcr_iI/AAAAAAAAWXY/XgXFw30uqoQ/s1600/e66e3c3f6d5c3587f538bf1febdaf99b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wteGCatHVKQ/VlVHmTcr_iI/AAAAAAAAWXY/XgXFw30uqoQ/s640/e66e3c3f6d5c3587f538bf1febdaf99b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Here's wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving Day </b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>with your family!</b></span></i></div>
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<br />Lora @ my blessed lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579408092425311320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753791058334220460.post-5444995995280943532015-11-25T08:00:00.000-06:002015-11-25T08:00:03.605-06:00From My Bookshelf...<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So ... I know that I've really fallen off the blogging world lately. I hate that because I miss being here. But life has been happening at break-neck speed lately and I've just been hanging on! It happens like that sometimes, ya know. </div>
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But I'm popping in to say "hi" today and share about some books I've read recently. </div>
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Some of you may remember that I posted <a href="http://myblessedlife-lora.blogspot.com/2015/06/my-personal-2015-summer-reading-list.html" target="_blank">my personal summer reading list</a>. You know ...way back in the<i> summer</i>. I did pretty good with that. Summer is my favorite reading time. I got in 8 out of 13 on my list. Still knocking a few out. Some I've just decided to postpone until ...maybe <i>next</i> summer;)</div>
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There are a couple of books I'd like to share with you today. You may have already heard of them. You might have actually read them. If not though, you just might want to check these out. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W8PniZt_Nxw/VgLyD_aBznI/AAAAAAAAWU8/SaD_4BvHbmQ/s1600/_225_350_Book.1552.cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W8PniZt_Nxw/VgLyD_aBznI/AAAAAAAAWU8/SaD_4BvHbmQ/s400/_225_350_Book.1552.cover.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
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The first one that I wanted to tell you guys about, that was like a nice, cool drink of water on a hot day, was <i>Soul Friends</i> by Dr. Leslie Parrott. </div>
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I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The chapters were short, so insightful, and very inspiring, leaving me with new thoughts to ponder. </div>
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Leslie divides her book into four sections: quest, calling, crisis, and communion. Each quadrant progresses into the next--sort of stages in our lives, if you will. In each section's chapters Leslie shares snapshots of her and her family's lives and snapshots of people who have directly--or indirectly--impacted her life. </div>
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I absolutely loved these! Each one brought insight, challenges, questions, and, sometimes, soul-searching. Which is exactly what they are designed to do. And at the end of each one there are 'soul souvenirs' where Leslie asks her readers a couple of questions. Questions that are well-thought out and created to help you meditate on the biblical principles and nuggets tucked into each passage. </div>
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Like I said: a cool drink of water on a hot day. Very good stuff. This is not a deep, theological Bible study, even though there are a lot of deep, theological thoughts tucked in here. It is a great book to read a chapter in each day during your personal quiet time, however. That is what I did through this past summer and it was perfect. </div>
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More recently I've had the opportunity to read <i>For the Love</i> by Jen Hatmaker. Whew. What breath of fresh air! </div>
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I had an international trip scheduled the last week of October so I had saved this book for reading on my flights. I'm pretty sure I nearly made a scene a few times I was laughing so hard. I was travelling with my sister and she just kept looking at me all like "what in the world is wrong with you?!". </div>
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Jen is just so funny. I mean she is seriously gifted with humor. </div>
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Don't get me wrong. This book deals with some serious and even heavy topics. But she just seasons it with such grace and humor that it helps the big pill of hard truth go down a tad easier. </div>
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Plus she has several sections that spin-off of Jimmy Fallon's 'Thank You' notes. Enough said on that ...I'm already laughing again. </div>
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Jen also has four parts to her book:</div>
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<li style="text-align: left;">Your Very Own Self </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">All These People Who Live in Your House</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Friends, Neighbors, Strangers, and Enemies</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Church, Church People, Not-Church People, and God</li>
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I think all of those speak clearly as to what they are about. </div>
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This was my first time to read one of Jen's books. I've some of her blog posts and about her before but I really enjoyed finally sitting down with one of her books and getting a glimpse of her heart. She really, truly loves Jesus and it shows. </div>
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So there you have it: a couple of great book recommendations for you to add to your own reading list! You won't regret it!</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: Both of these books were provided to me free of charge from Book Look Bloggers in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion. No other compensation was given and all thoughts expressed here are my own. </span></i></div>
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<br />Lora @ my blessed lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579408092425311320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753791058334220460.post-28913378341258221822015-11-11T06:00:00.000-06:002015-11-11T06:00:18.453-06:00The CEB Student Bible {a review}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s3JfVRu1728/Vjzo8p-m2xI/AAAAAAAAWVo/hesbx5Y5l9I/s1600/2015-11-06%2B12.26.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s3JfVRu1728/Vjzo8p-m2xI/AAAAAAAAWVo/hesbx5Y5l9I/s400/2015-11-06%2B12.26.47.jpg" width="301" /></a></div>
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I have to say, I was excited when I was recently given the chance to review a copy of <b><i>The CEB Student Bible</i></b>. My husband and I had been discussing getting a new Bible for our daughter. She is twelve now and in 7th grade. Her current Bible was given to her when she first was learning to read in kindergarten and she was really ready for a Bible with more study helps geared toward her age. Because we had liked the <a href="http://myblessedlife-lora.blogspot.com/2012/10/abingdon-press-review.html" target="_blank">CEB Deep Blue Bible that we got for our son</a> we felt that this one was definitely worth exploring. </div>
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This student Bible is written in the Common English translation, which is great for younger readers as it makes the text easier to understand. It's target audience is ages 13 and up. It includes prayers and notes written by students, for students. Various ministers and Bible scholars have also contributed more than 400 articles, discussion questions, and activities designed to engage students with the Scriptures. All good concepts.</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">However, after reading through some of the notes and commentary throughout this Bible I don't believe it's the version for our family. We are a conservative Christian family. And while we are not a "King James Version Only" kind of family--there are some other great translations out there with easier-to-understand and even sometimes better-translated English--we do not believe it is right to add to the Scriptures in any way, or to take away from them and I feel that this translation does take some liberties in that area that I am not comfortable with. </span></div>
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Many of the notes throughout this Bible are very good and encourage good lines of thought for students. However, some do not. They promote a more liberal theology that is currently very popular in our culture--one that my husband and feel do not feel is Biblical nor correct. So this is not a Bible we will continue to use in our home. </div>
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Of course, I am not telling you if you should or should not purchase this version, but I would caution you to explore it carefully before making such an important purchase--as you should do with any version of the Bible you choose to buy. </div>
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<i>Disclosure: I was given a copy of The CEB Student Bible by Sidedoor Communications for the purpose of reviewing it. I did not receive any other compensation and the thoughts and opinions expressed here are completely my own. </i></div>
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Lora @ my blessed lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579408092425311320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753791058334220460.post-19496289024695681222015-09-28T09:42:00.004-05:002015-09-28T09:59:00.062-05:00What's For Dinner {Sept 28th}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0-WQb0JqY6g/VeSlsPuKGGI/AAAAAAAAWUk/mN0k5F5rchk/s1600/apples%2B%2BJuly%2B2014%2B%25284%2529edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0-WQb0JqY6g/VeSlsPuKGGI/AAAAAAAAWUk/mN0k5F5rchk/s400/apples%2B%2BJuly%2B2014%2B%25284%2529edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Monday, y'all!</span></i></b><br />
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You know what that means for me ....menu planning for the week!<br />
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And, yes, even though I've been terribly lax in posting my meal plans lately, I have actually still been making them. My weeks just go so much better when I have a plan:)<br />
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And since we've started school again I've come to the conclusion that I <i>must</i> use my slow cooker on Tuesdays (piano lesson day) and Fridays (co-op day) right now ...or my family will forever be doomed to some horrible fast food on those evenings. I'm just usually too tired/busy/all of the above to make my plan happen on those nights if I wait too long. <br />
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So... slow cooker to the rescue!<br />
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Here's what's on the plan for our dinners this week:<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Monday:</span></b> (a sort of clean-out-the-fridge-of-leftovers night)<i> pinto beans, corn, green beans w/new potatoes</i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> ...and if that doesn't look like it'll be enough</span><i> ...sauerkraut and wieners.</i> <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Tuesday:</span></b> (slow cooker)<i><a href="http://www.ourtableforseven.com/2012/10/crock-pot-honey-garlic-chicken.html" target="_blank"> honey-garlic chicken sandwiches</a> w/fried potatoes</i><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Wednesday:</span></b><i> <a href="http://myblessedlife-lora.blogspot.com/2008/01/italian-night.html" target="_blank">homemade pizza</a></i><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Thursday:</span></b> <a href="http://myblessedlife-lora.blogspot.com/2009/03/remembering-my-grandmas-kitchen.html" target="_blank"><i>chicken & dumplings</i></a><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Friday:</span></b> (slow cooker)<i><a href="http://www.theperfectpantry.com/2012/03/recipe-for-slow-cooker-vegetarian-chipotle-baked-beans.html" target="_blank"> baked beans</a> w/sausage rolls</i><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Saturday:</span></b><i><a href="http://myblessedlife-lora.blogspot.com/2014/02/tasty-tuesdays-slow-cooker-sloppy-joes.html" target="_blank"> sloppy joes</a></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">This post is linked to <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2015/09/menu-plan-monday-sept-2815.html" target="_blank">Menu Plan Monday at I'm an Organizing Junkie</a>.</span></i></div>
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<i><br /></i>Lora @ my blessed lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579408092425311320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753791058334220460.post-40140216547763366992015-08-19T11:15:00.000-05:002015-08-19T11:17:29.287-05:00Our {home}school Curriculum Plans for '15-'16 {5th & 7th grades}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WT3svRfBU7Q/VdO8jEveYUI/AAAAAAAAWT0/H-eXk_-pgr4/s1600/15-16curriculum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WT3svRfBU7Q/VdO8jEveYUI/AAAAAAAAWT0/H-eXk_-pgr4/s320/15-16curriculum.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love this time of year! Having our curriculum plan for the coming school year ...and reading about others' plans is always exciting to me. I've gotten some great educational leads by checking out what others are using. Today I'm sharing our choices for the '15/'16 school year. <br />
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<b>For The Princess...</b><br />
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...who is now....gasp!...a <i><b>7th grader</b></i>! That means we've been truly homeschooling now for at least 8 years. Wow. That sounds like I'm a veteran, but really I learn new things every year. And now that we're moving into secondary education I've got a lot more to learn about. <br />
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<b>Bible Study & Christian Character:</b><br />
~<a href="https://answersingenesis.org/store/product/pilgrims-progress-all-one-curriculum/" target="_blank">The Pilgrim's Progress curriculum</a><br />
~<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Our-24-Family-Ways-Devotional/dp/1888692154/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1439998598&sr=8-1&keywords=our+24+family+ways" target="_blank">Our 24 Family Ways</a><br />
~<a href="http://www.childtrainingbible.com/" target="_blank">Child Training Bible</a><br />
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<b>Math:</b><br />
~<a href="http://teachingtextbooks.com/" target="_blank">Teaching Textbooks 7</a> (primary)<br />
~<a href="http://lifeoffredmath.com/" target="_blank">Life of Fred</a> (supplemental)<br />
~<a href="https://www.khanacademy.org/" target="_blank">Khan Academy </a>(supplemental)<br />
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<b>Language Arts:</b><br />
~<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_7_30?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=learning+language+arts+through+literature+green&sprefix=learning+language+arts+through+literature+green%2Caps%2C203" target="_blank">Learning Language Arts Through Literature Green</a> (grammar)<br />
~<a href="http://schoolhouseteachers.com/">SchoolhouseTeachers.com</a> (spelling/vocabulary)<br />
~<a href="http://www.totallanguageplus.com/" target="_blank">Total Language Plus </a>focus guides (literature/vocabulary)<br />
~<a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Ntt=getty+dubay&N=0&Ntk=keywords&action=Search&Ne=0&event=ESRCG&nav_search=1&cms=1" target="_blank">Getty-Dubay Italics</a> (handwriting)<br />
~Various weekly writing assignments<br />
~Keyboarding<br />
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<b>Foreign Language:</b><br />
~<a href="http://schoolhouseteachers.com/">SchoolhouseTeachers.com</a> (Spanish)<br />
~<a href="http://www.mangolanguages.com/libraries/" target="_blank">Mango</a> (Spanish)<br />
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<b>History & Geography:</b><br />
~{finishing}<a href="http://www.christianbook.com/audio-vol-4-modern-story-world/susan-bauer/9781933339030/pd/339039?event=ESRCG" target="_blank">Story of the World 4</a><br />
~<a href="http://ourjourneywestward.com/kentucky-unit-study-2/" target="_blank">Kentucky state history</a><br />
~World geography (beginning with Africa)<br />
~Current Events using <a href="http://teen.wng.org/" target="_blank">WORLD magazine</a> and <a href="http://www.cnn.com/studentnews/" target="_blank">CNN Student News</a><br />
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<b>Science:</b><br />
~<a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Ntt=christian+kids+explore+chemistry&N=0&Ntk=keywords&action=Search&Ne=0&event=ESRCG&nav_search=1&cms=1" target="_blank">Christian Kids Explore Chemistry</a><br />
~Biology labs with our co-op<br />
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<b>Health & PE:</b><br />
~<a href="http://schoolhouseteachers.com/">SchoolhouseTeachers.com</a> (Health 101)<br />
~PE class with our co-op<br />
~Various activities with our family<br />
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<b>Music:</b><br />
~Piano lessons (from a local teacher)<br />
~Guitar lessons (with <a href="http://schoolhouseteachers.com/">SchoolhouseTeachers.com</a> and local tutor)<br />
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<b>Art:</b><br />
~Various artist studies using multiple resources (books, art flash cards, online lessons, etc)<br />
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<b>Clubs, Etc:</b><br />
~Book Club (with local homeschool friends)<br />
~Yearbook Club (with our local homeschool group)<br />
~4H<br />
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Whew...that looks like a lot to me! But I know that not everything will be done every day. And that there will actually even be more that isn't listed here but that adds to her education. <br />
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Now for <b>Mr. B</b>! He's going into <b><i>5th grade </i></b>this year. <br />
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Unbelievable! Seems like he should still be so little. So proud of how he is progressing!<br />
<br />
<b>Bible Study & Christian Character:</b><br />
~<a href="https://answersingenesis.org/store/product/pilgrims-progress-all-one-curriculum/" target="_blank">The Pilgrim's Progress curriculum</a><br />
~<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Our-24-Family-Ways-Devotional/dp/1888692154/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1439998598&sr=8-1&keywords=our+24+family+ways" target="_blank">Our 24 Family Ways</a><br />
~<a href="http://www.childtrainingbible.com/" target="_blank">Child Training Bible</a><br />
~<a href="http://grapevinestudies.com/" target="_blank">Grapevine Studies</a> (Old Testament)<br />
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<b>Math:</b><br />
~<a href="http://teachingtextbooks.com/" target="_blank">Teaching Textbooks 5 </a>(primary)<br />
~<a href="http://lifeoffredmath.com/" target="_blank">Life of Fred</a> (supplemental)<br />
~<a href="https://www.khanacademy.org/" target="_blank">Khan Academy</a> (supplemental)<br />
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<b>Language Arts:</b><br />
~<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Easy-Grammar-Grade-Student-Workbook/dp/0936981458/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1439998793&sr=8-1&keywords=easy+grammar" target="_blank">Easy Grammar 5</a> (grammar)<br />
~<a href="http://www.totallanguageplus.com/" target="_blank">Total Language Plus</a> (literature/vocabulary/spelling)<br />
~<a href="http://spellingcity.com/">SpellingCity.com</a><br />
~<a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Ntt=getty+dubay&N=0&Ntk=keywords&action=Search&Ne=0&event=ESRCG&nav_search=1&cms=1" target="_blank">Getty-Dubay Italics</a> (handwriting)<br />
~Various writing exercises<br />
~Keyboarding<br />
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<b>Foreign Language:</b><br />
~<a href="http://schoolhouseteachers.com/">SchoolhouseTeachers.com</a> (Spanish)<br />
~<a href="http://www.mangolanguages.com/libraries/" target="_blank">Mango</a> (Spanish)<br />
<br />
<b>History & Geography:</b><br />
~{finishing} <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/audio-vol-4-modern-story-world/susan-bauer/9781933339030/pd/339039?event=ESRCG" target="_blank">Story of the World 4</a><br />
~<a href="http://ourjourneywestward.com/kentucky-unit-study-2/" target="_blank">Kentucky state history</a><br />
~<a href="http://www.christianbook.com/galloping-geography-learners-updated-revised-edition/loree-pettit/9781931397650/pd/397650?product_redirect=1&Ntt=397650&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP" target="_blank">Galloping the Globe</a> (geography)<br />
~Current Events using <a href="http://kids.wng.org/" target="_blank">WORLD magazine</a> and <a href="http://www.cnn.com/studentnews/" target="_blank">CNN Student News</a><br />
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<b>Science:</b><br />
~<a href="http://www.christianbook.com/animals-sixth-exploring-creation-with-zoology/jeannie-fulbright/9781932012859/pd/337013?event=ESRCQ" target="_blank">Apologia Zoology III--Land Animals</a><br />
~Entomology with our co-op<br />
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<b>PE:</b><br />
~Class with our co-op<br />
~Various activities with our family<br />
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<b>Music:</b><br />
~Piano lessons (from a local teacher)<br />
<br />
<b>Art:</b><br />
~Various artist studies using multiple resources (books, art flash cards, online lessons, etc)<br />
<br />
<b>Clubs, Etc: </b><br />
~Lego Club (<a href="http://currclick.com/">Currclick.com</a>)<br />
~4H<br />
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And, of course, there will be more things not listed here that are a part of his total education this year, but basically that's our game plan. I'm so glad to have it all down in writing!<br />
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Now to get busy with lesson plans before our start date of September 8th!<br />
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<i><b>How about you? If you are a homeschooler, do you have your plan ready to go? Have you started school yet? If you're a public schooler, have your children started back yet? </b></i><br />
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<br />Lora @ my blessed lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579408092425311320noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753791058334220460.post-80738809788424123812015-08-17T17:00:00.000-05:002015-08-17T17:09:57.091-05:00Back to Routine: What's for Dinner {Aug 17th}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-leWfsPTf8i4/VdHjqYH3T6I/AAAAAAAAWS8/oeXj3UL5j5c/s1600/apples%2B%2BJuly%2B2014%2B%25284%2529edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-leWfsPTf8i4/VdHjqYH3T6I/AAAAAAAAWS8/oeXj3UL5j5c/s400/apples%2B%2BJuly%2B2014%2B%25284%2529edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I don't know about you but this time of the year I always begin to long for the routine that fall brings. I thoroughly enjoy summertime and the fun, spontaneity, and flexibility that it brings. But the planner in me loves the routine of fall: regular meal plans, morning routines, bedtime routines ...my children--especially my son--really do much better with routine. <br />
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While I have kept up menu planning through much of the summer, I haven't been posting it here and often I fail to do it if I'm not posting it. So in the spirit of 'back to routine', I'm back to posting 'what's for dinner'.<br />
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Here's what we're having this week:<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Monday:</span></b> <a href="http://myblessedlife-lora.blogspot.com/2014/01/relish-review.html" target="_blank">Cheesy Stuffed Shells</a> (from the freezer) with Salad and Bread<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Tuesday: </span></b> Beans (in the crockpot) and <a href="http://myblessedlife-lora.blogspot.com/2008/09/comfort-food.html" target="_blank">Buttermilk Cornbread</a><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Wednesday:</span></b> Grilled Hot Dogs, Creamed Corn, <a href="http://myblessedlife-lora.blogspot.com/2011/05/baked-beans-other-great-holiday-weekend.html" target="_blank">Baked Beans</a><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Thursday: </span></b> Stuffed Peppers (maybe <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2012/09/santa-fe-turkey-stuffed-peppers.html" target="_blank">these</a>)<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Friday:</span></b> yet-to-be-decided<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Saturday:</span></b> Snacks & Leftovers (a bit of a fridge clean-out!)<br />
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Ah ....now I feel better knowing the plan! ;)<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SfkDIU_Nqwg/VdJbNM4zX-I/AAAAAAAAWTM/UXiFdZE7PUg/s1600/mpm-chalkboard.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SfkDIU_Nqwg/VdJbNM4zX-I/AAAAAAAAWTM/UXiFdZE7PUg/s200/mpm-chalkboard.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">This post is linked to <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/2015/08/menu-plan-monday-aug-1715.html" target="_blank">Menu Plan Monday at I'm an Organizing Junkie</a>.</span></i></div>
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<br />Lora @ my blessed lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579408092425311320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753791058334220460.post-73333494500712378472015-07-23T15:15:00.000-05:002015-07-23T15:15:00.047-05:00A Mid-Summer "hello!"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bzYNhWJCjJo/VbFIz9KRqyI/AAAAAAAAWSA/pjoH7q5dm30/s1600/at%2Bthe%2Bballgame%2B%2BJuly%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bzYNhWJCjJo/VbFIz9KRqyI/AAAAAAAAWSA/pjoH7q5dm30/s400/at%2Bthe%2Bballgame%2B%2BJuly%2B2015.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Is your summer flying by as quickly as ours is?! I am kind of sad that it's already almost the end of July. It has been such a busy summer for us that there hasn't been much relaxing getting done. <br />
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However, this week has slowed down for us quite a bit {thank goodness!!} and the schedule doesn't look too terribly bad through the end of August. I think that we even have a real vacation in there somewhere!<br />
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Anyway, I thought I'd post a little update on what we've been up to this summer so far.<br />
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<b>Reading:</b><br />
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My <a href="http://myblessedlife-lora.blogspot.com/2015/06/my-personal-2015-summer-reading-list.html" target="_blank">personal reading list for this summer</a> is clicking right along. So far I've read:<br />
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<li><i>Just RISE UP!</i> by Sarah Francis Martin {motivating and inspiring}</li>
<li><i>Life of Pi</i> by Yann Martel {captivating story, twist in end really got me}</li>
<li><i>Seven Dials Mystery</i> by Agatha Christie {loved ...as I love <i>all</i> of her books}</li>
<li><i>Crooked House</i> by Agatha Christie</li>
<li><i>Ordeal by Innocence</i> by Agatha Christie</li>
<li><i>Miss Marple, the Complete Short Stories</i> by Agatha Christie</li>
<li><i>The Book Thief</i> by Markus Zusak {good story, interesting narrative}</li>
<li><i>Soul Friends</i> by Dr. Leslie Parrot {very refreshing ...review coming soon}</li>
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Right now I am currently reading <i>Dumbing Us Down</i> by John Taylor Gatto--excellent read so far! And I am deviating from <a href="http://myblessedlife-lora.blogspot.com/2015/06/my-personal-2015-summer-reading-list.html" target="_blank">my original summer list</a> and reading the second <i>Anne</i> book: <i>Anne of Avonlea</i>. </div>
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The kiddos are doing well with<a href="http://myblessedlife-lora.blogspot.com/2015/06/my-kids-summer-reading-challenge-15.html" target="_blank"> their summer reading challenge </a>although their momentum has died down a bit. So far Mr. B has earned a total of $13.55 for his total pages read, plus numerous coupons and even a golden ticket. The Princess has earned $31.61, plus quite a few coupons and several golden tickets. And they're both still reading away! Very proud of them! At the end of the summer I'll try to remember to post all of the books they've read. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YYAWwew3leU/VbFIneCXPYI/AAAAAAAAWRw/B1eXDXKGFLo/s1600/at%2Bthe%2Bcreation%2Bmuseum%2BJune%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YYAWwew3leU/VbFIneCXPYI/AAAAAAAAWRw/B1eXDXKGFLo/s400/at%2Bthe%2Bcreation%2Bmuseum%2BJune%2B2015.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>at the Creation Museum</i></div>
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<b>Travel:</b></div>
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In June we took an overnight trip to visit the <a href="http://myblessedlife-lora.blogspot.com/2015/06/a-birthday-visit-to-discovery-park-of.html" target="_blank">Discovery Park of America</a>. That was totally worth the trip~a great place to visit! Later in June we took a church youth trip to the Cincinnati area and spent a day at the Creation Museum and a day at Kings Island. We had a great time! We don't have any other trips planned until next month. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GyNbzkkTeCU/VbFIsmVhH1I/AAAAAAAAWR4/7J_7k_ERMVc/s1600/at%2BKings%2BIsland%2B%2BJune%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="373" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GyNbzkkTeCU/VbFIsmVhH1I/AAAAAAAAWR4/7J_7k_ERMVc/s400/at%2BKings%2BIsland%2B%2BJune%2B2015.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>at Kings Island</i></div>
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<b>Family Fun:</b></div>
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At the beginning of the summer we made our annual '<i>Summer Fun List</i>' with all of the things we think would be fun to do this summer--although we know we probably won't be able to do them all. </div>
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So far we have:</div>
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<li>gone to see 'Inside Out' at the drive-in theater</li>
<li>gone to several ballgames to see the regional collegiate league play</li>
<li>gone geocaching (SO much fun!)</li>
<li>had a sleepover or two</li>
<li>had a blast at family VBS at our church</li>
<li>'Camp Nana'--where the kiddos spent a couple of days straight with my mom and did lots of fun stuff, like science kit experiments</li>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eGA3slyYmM0/VbFI5jH0dOI/AAAAAAAAWSI/zqFbkL81CZg/s1600/VBS%2B2015%2B%25287%2529%2Bedit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eGA3slyYmM0/VbFI5jH0dOI/AAAAAAAAWSI/zqFbkL81CZg/s400/VBS%2B2015%2B%25287%2529%2Bedit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And that's what we've been up to lately. </div>
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<b>What about <i>you</i>? I'd love to hear how your summer is going!</b></div>
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Lora @ my blessed lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579408092425311320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753791058334220460.post-66761680335337868062015-06-19T08:10:00.000-05:002016-07-04T09:45:53.532-05:00Our Family Picnics: the Good, the Bad, and the Windy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>From the archives.</i></div>
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<i>This was originally published on June 27, 2013.</i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(just yesterday here in Kentucky)</span></i></div>
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<b>Family picnics</b>: these words may bring various visions to our minds depending on our families. For my family these words bring visions of fried chicken, potato salad, <a href="http://myblessedlife-lora.blogspot.com/2011/05/baked-beans-other-great-holiday-weekend.html" target="_blank">baked beans</a>, mac & cheese, pickles, olives, deviled eggs....mmmmmm Yes, as long as I can remember this has been my mom's standard picnic fare.<br />
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We ate A LOT of picnics when I was growing up. My family owned a camper and traveled quite extensively when I was very young. We hit every state park and national park that we could find for picnics. And my mom would even whip up the a fore mentioned menu in our camper--amazing! <br />
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I've been hungry for one of those picnics recently and just yesterday my mom was gracious enough to make it happen <span style="font-size: x-small;">(see top photo!)</span>. She fried up the chicken and made her world's-best-potato-salad, I baked some beans and made the deviled eggs and we all packed up and headed to a local park. The summer weather even cooperated and we had a nice cool breeze and some shade! It was a perfect picnic day! <br />
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Which made me and my family begin to reminisce about other picnics we'd been on through the years--some not so perfect, but oh-so-memorable! <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IsfriShCHlU/UcxXxXp3w8I/AAAAAAAATac/5G7c0O08Cpw/s821/Port+Shepstone+SA++July+88edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IsfriShCHlU/UcxXxXp3w8I/AAAAAAAATac/5G7c0O08Cpw/s400/Port+Shepstone+SA++July+88edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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There was the summer we were in South Africa. I was sixteen and fell in love with that beautiful country. We made some wonderful friends there, too, and one day they took us on a beach picnic. That was my first time to picnic on the beach (that I can remember) and it was amazing! The men in our group all headed out to the large rocks on the beach's edge with their fishing poles while the ladies continued preparing the side dishes for our meal. Eventually the men came back with loads of fish, which we promptly cooked over coals and proceeded to dig into one of my most memorable meals. </div>
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It was delicious: fresh fish and Indian food on the beach! I don't even really remember exactly what I ate (besides the fresh fish), but the experience is etched into my memory forever. It was a wonderful day. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uFidZYSkz_k/UcxXyFJHDcI/AAAAAAAATak/dJFEWvshcTA/s801/New+Mexico+June+89edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uFidZYSkz_k/UcxXyFJHDcI/AAAAAAAATak/dJFEWvshcTA/s400/New+Mexico+June+89edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then there was the summer immediately following my high school graduation when my parents took my sister <span style="font-size: x-small;">(pictured above)</span> and me on our first trip out West. Even though we were no longer traveling with a camper, we still packed our cooler full of picnic supplies (sandwiches this time around) and looked for those state parks or roadside parks (in a pinch) where we could stretch our road-trippin' legs and have some lunch. </div>
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This particular day we had stopped at a rest area. There were lots of other travelers picnicking there, too, and we were enjoying our meal on that lovely day ...when all of a sudden we noticed a state trooper pull in and begin stopping at each picnickers' table. And each time he drove away from a table, they immediately packed up and began to get in their car to leave. Strange...we wondered. Then he came to our table, with the news that there was an armed and dangerous escaped convict on the loose in that area and we should get in our car and leave. Which we did. Immediately. We weren't into any hostage situations that day. </div>
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Since then we have laughed about how quickly we all packed up and left because in retrospect, apparently, escaped convicts crashing your picnic is so funny. And, of course, it's one of our most memorable picnics to this day.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t_gpzF8ym8Q/UcxX09GBrNI/AAAAAAAATas/IaGe4M-AcAE/s874/Colorado+June+91edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t_gpzF8ym8Q/UcxX09GBrNI/AAAAAAAATas/IaGe4M-AcAE/s400/Colorado+June+91edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A couple of summers later we were taking another trip out West and had lots of picnics along the way. It was so lovely picnicking in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains or under towering Sequoia trees.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uITR9zdC8mU/UcxX2qQGZcI/AAAAAAAATa8/Y8siSwRgpGw/s919/Kauai+HI++June+93edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uITR9zdC8mU/UcxX2qQGZcI/AAAAAAAATa8/Y8siSwRgpGw/s400/Kauai+HI++June+93edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Just a couple of more years later we had the opportunity to travel to Hawaii, where we rented a car and bought a disposable cooler for those inevitable picnics. This has become such a tradition with my family (and has saved us much money in the long run: picnicking once a day, eating out once). </div>
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You might remember that I mentioned the word 'windy' in the title of this post. Well, that was especially for this picnic <span style="font-size: x-small;">(above)</span> in Washington state. We affectionately refer to this picnic in our family as THE picnic. As you can see in the above photo there are<b> no</b> smiles that day. This place, chosen by my father, was so ridiculously windy that a picnic was completely out of the question. But we tried it anyway. It ended in a huge family argument and disaster. But we will definitely<i> never</i> forget it! haha</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D185jz_OQ8Q/UcxX4mOiZOI/AAAAAAAATbE/oC2iHSzFmiE/s1074/Capulin+Volcano+June+01edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D185jz_OQ8Q/UcxX4mOiZOI/AAAAAAAATbE/oC2iHSzFmiE/s400/Capulin+Volcano+June+01edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Within a few more years, I had gotten married. But that didn't mean our family vacations and family picnics were over. No, a whole new round of memories were just beginning. We picnicked in the West, the East, the mountains, the beach ...making even more memories.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hj_5rFWVeF0/UcxX5mBNUTI/AAAAAAAATbM/_LT_wAHx_ck/s975/Gettysburg+June+02edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hj_5rFWVeF0/UcxX5mBNUTI/AAAAAAAATbM/_LT_wAHx_ck/s400/Gettysburg+June+02edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6Nbyr5nCXY/UcxX7CkILCI/AAAAAAAATbU/yqZDQ9WjDJI/s1049/Smoky+Mtns.+June+04edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6Nbyr5nCXY/UcxX7CkILCI/AAAAAAAATbU/yqZDQ9WjDJI/s400/Smoky+Mtns.+June+04edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Finally our littles came along and we had a new generation to introduce to family picnics. They didn't care if there was fried chicken or not, but any kind of yummy snack would do. And at that time in life I sure didn't have time to make one of those huge picnic meals. Thankfully picnics can also consist of box lunches from Heavenly Ham or takeout from Subway, even whatever you can throw together from your kitchen pantry. </div>
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It's really about just making it happen, getting outside, going exploring, finding a new park, and spending time with your family where there aren't ever any good cell phone signals. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fH2b5Drol3o/UcxX9pfv4jI/AAAAAAAATbc/IlJ7SZrKUho/s993/Joe+Wheeler+St.+Park+Aug+06edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fH2b5Drol3o/UcxX9pfv4jI/AAAAAAAATbc/IlJ7SZrKUho/s400/Joe+Wheeler+St.+Park+Aug+06edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TzwmA-rivec/UcxX-xaDfQI/AAAAAAAATbk/j139XvWrpI8/s1033/Florence,+AL++Feb+07edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TzwmA-rivec/UcxX-xaDfQI/AAAAAAAATbk/j139XvWrpI8/s400/Florence,+AL++Feb+07edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Family picnics have always been a fun and special time for me. They can even be healing. One of the first things that my husband and I did one year after going through a particularly traumatizing event in our lives was to visit my parents and sister and go on a full-fledged-fried-chicken-kind-of-picnic. It was a very hard time in our lives, but spending time with family, eating soul-comforting foods in the fresh outdoors was soothing to my soul. I'll never forget that picnic either. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IMrxa_tN2eg/UcxjIiWauhI/AAAAAAAATcA/Dv6EjGyB-90/s1178/Lake+Ft.+Smith+2008edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IMrxa_tN2eg/UcxjIiWauhI/AAAAAAAATcA/Dv6EjGyB-90/s400/Lake+Ft.+Smith+2008edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So as I looked back through my photo albums (and scanned in all of these old pictures to share with you), I've realized what a lovely heritage my parents have given me in the ability to appreciate the simple things in life. Family picnics may not sounds like a big deal or even fun to you (they can be <i>a lot</i> of work), but they are a special family tradition with us and I hold them dear to my heart. When we sit around telling funny family stories, it's amazing to me how many of those revolve around a time at a picnic table at some park somewhere. </div>
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So grab yourself a plastic tablecloth, some Cokes, and some takeout sandwiches (or, by all means, do the whole fried chicken menu--it's the best!), jump in your car and head to your local park to create some special family memories this summer! I highly recommend it!</div>
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<br />Lora @ my blessed lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579408092425311320noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753791058334220460.post-39436729693429144402015-06-16T06:00:00.000-05:002015-06-16T06:00:00.516-05:00Summer Scrapbooking Goals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here I go again with my summer school scrapboooking goals! Last year I failed miserably and got nothing accomplished other than ordering a few photos. This year I am much more determined ...and I have a <i><b>plan</b></i>! :) Anyone who knows me knows that I <i>love</i> to have a plan! </div>
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My plan is to get one grade for one kiddo done each week this summer. For instance, the first week of June I was scheduled to do The Princess' K5 pages. This past I was scheduled to do Mr. B's K5 pages. This week will be The Princess' 1st grade pages ...and so on, back and forth, until I'm current. </div>
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OK. I admit, I'm a week behind already. </div>
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BUT I did get The Princess' K5 pages completed!! Whoo hoo!! And I'm planning to make up some time this week and maybe get back on my schedule :) </div>
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I think once I get into a good rhythm I'll start moving more quickly. Can't wait to be totally caught up!! </div>
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A word to the wise: don't do what I've done and get 7 years behind. </div>
<br />Lora @ my blessed lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579408092425311320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753791058334220460.post-59344434343218860822015-06-15T06:00:00.000-05:002015-06-15T09:14:08.231-05:00My Personal {2015} Summer Reading List<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So last week I shared <a href="http://myblessedlife-lora.blogspot.com/2015/06/my-kids-summer-reading-challenge-15.html" target="_blank">my kiddos' summer reading plan </a>but today I thought I'd share my own summer reading goals with you.<br />
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I'm afraid that my stack of books for this summer is a bit ambitious but I'm going to give it my best shot! <br />
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Here they are:<br />
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<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Just-RISE-UP-InScribed-Collection-ebook/dp/B00KQ2G5DS/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1434239431&sr=1-1&keywords=just+rise+up" target="_blank"><i><b>Just RISE UP! </b></i> by Sarah Francis Martin:</a> this is the book I'm going through with my church ladies for our summer Bible study. I'm loving it! Inspiring and challenging!</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Life-Pi-Yann-Martel-ebook/dp/B0070Y46UY/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1434239455&sr=1-1&keywords=life+of+pi" target="_blank"><i><b>Life of Pi</b></i> by Yann Martel</a>: I actually just finished this one this week. It was such a good book ...and then the twist at the end really got me. I have continued to think about it all week after finishing it. Now I want to watch the movie. </li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Murder-Manor-Mystery-Innocence-Classics/dp/073943828X/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1434239488&sr=1-2&keywords=murder+at+the+manor+agatha+christie" target="_blank"><b><i>Murder at the Manor</i></b> by Agatha Christie</a>: this is actually 3-books-in-1: <i><b>The Seven Dials Mystery</b></i>, <i><b>Crooked House,</b></i> and<i><b> Ordeal By Innocence</b></i>. I'm currently reading <i>The Seven Dials Mystery</i> and thoroughly enjoying it. Christie is one of my very fave mystery writers!</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Miss-Marple-Complete-Collection-Mysteries/dp/0062073710/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1434239539&sr=1-1&keywords=miss+marple+the+complete+short+stories+agatha+christie" target="_blank"><i><b>Miss Marple, The Complete Short Stories </b></i>by Agatha Christie</a>: can't wait to read these! Her short stories are always wonderful--perfect for wrapping one up at night before going to sleep:)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Book-Thief-Markus-Zusak-ebook/dp/B000XUBFE2/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1434239567&sr=1-1&keywords=the+book+thief" target="_blank"><i><b>The Book Thief</b></i> by Markus Zusak</a>: I've heard such good things about this book, really looking forward to it.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lord-Rings-One-J-R-R-Tolkien-ebook/dp/B007978OY6/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1434239588&sr=1-1&keywords=the+lord+of+the+rings" target="_blank"><i><b>The Lord of the Rings</b></i> trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien:</a> I can't believe I've never read these yet, but this summer that will change! I adore <i>The Hobbit</i> and I've seen all the movies (not that they follow the books...) so I'm excited to read the trilogy.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kings-General-Daphne-du-Maurier-ebook/dp/B00GR5MZEG/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1434239637&sr=1-1&keywords=the+kings+general+by+daphne+du+maurier+1946" target="_blank"><i><b>The King's General </b></i>by Daphne DuMaurier:</a> her book Rebecca is one of my all-time favorite books so I'm looking forward to reading more of her books.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/House-Strand-Daphne-du-Maurier-ebook/dp/B00GR5MZHS/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1434239665&sr=1-1&keywords=the+house+on+the+strand+by+daphne+du+maurier" target="_blank"><i><b>The House on the Strand</b></i> by Daphne DuMaurier</a>: a time-travel story, should be interesting</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Glass-Blowers-Daphne-du-Maurier-ebook/dp/B00GR5MZH8/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1434239693&sr=1-2&keywords=the+glass+blowers+by+daphne+du+maurier" target="_blank"><b><i>The Glass Blowers</i></b> by Daphne DuMaurier</a>: another DuMaurier read that I know nothing about.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dumbing-Down-Curriculum-Compulsory-Schooling-ebook/dp/B0097CYWW4/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1434239719&sr=1-1&keywords=dumbing+us+down" target="_blank"><i><b>Dumbing Us Down </b></i>by John Taylor Gatto</a>: this has been on my Amazon wish list for a while now and I finally decided to order it.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/How-Teach-Your-Children-Shakespeare-ebook/dp/B00AP2VTI0/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1434239741&sr=1-1&keywords=how+to+teach+your+children+shakespeare+by+ken+ludwig" target="_blank"><i><b>How to Teach Your Children Shakespeare</b></i> by Ken Ludwig:</a> I've read the intro on this and am already loving it so much. Can't wait to dig in!</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Soul-Friends-Every-Woman-Needs-ebook/dp/B00L0SZJCA/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1434239760&sr=1-1&keywords=soul+friends" target="_blank"><i><b>Soul Friends</b></i> by Dr. Leslie Parrott</a>: recommended to me by a trusted friend.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Own-Your-Life-Intention-Generous-ebook/dp/B00LPQOJWI/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1434239779&sr=1-1&keywords=own+your+life" target="_blank"><i><b>Own Your Life</b></i> by Sally Clarkson</a>: I've skimmed this one and I always love her books, so I can't wait to go back and dig in deeper with this one.</li>
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...and there you have it! A challenging but exciting stack to read one (or two) at a time (I often am reading one fiction and one non-fiction at the same time--am I the only one?).</div>
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<i><b>What are you reading this summer? I'd love to know!</b></i></div>
Lora @ my blessed lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579408092425311320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753791058334220460.post-84352426609134886782015-06-12T07:00:00.000-05:002015-06-12T07:00:12.556-05:00A Birthday & a Visit to Discovery Park of America<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This week has been full and fun!! We began Mr. B's 10th birthday celebration on Sunday (a day early) with our special meal out with my parents and sister (my parents are so awesome to take us all out on each birthday!). Mr. B picked Chili's this year. </div>
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On his actual birthday, Monday, he opened his gifts here at home. Then we went to Chick-Fil-A for lunch (his total fave!) where we also enjoyed a birthday cookie cake. Yes, celebrations around here involve LOTS of good food! :)</div>
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Then Monday evening we drove to Union City, TN to spend the night and visit the <a href="http://www.discoveryparkofamerica.com/" target="_blank">Discovery Park of America </a>on Tuesday. The whole family went and we had SO much fun!! </div>
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If you have never heard of the Discovery Park of America it could be because it's practically brand new! It's been open only about a year and a half. It's located in a small town about 3 hours west of Nashville but it is well worth the drive! And the ticket prices are incredibly reasonable for a museum/park of this size.</div>
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This place is massive!! It offers <a href="http://www.discoveryparkofamerica.com/exhibits/discovery-center/childrens-exploration/" target="_blank">state-of-the-art exhibits</a> in so many areas: Energy, Enlightenment, Military, Native Americans, Natural History, Regional History, Space, Science, & Technology, Transportation, and Children's Exploration. And that's just what's inside!!</div>
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Outdoors there are <a href="http://www.discoveryparkofamerica.com/exhibits/the-grounds/the-settlement/" target="_blank">50 more acres to explore</a>! There is a substantial 1880's settlement, a huge barn showcasing historic farm equipment, a mill ridge that includes a grist mill, blacksmith shop, and a one-room schoolhouse. There is Freedom Square that depicts a typical main street in American in the early 1900's. The depot is a replica of a station in the 1800's plus vintage train cars to explore. And the chapel is over 100 years old and has been relocated to the grounds. They also have lovely gardens to walk through. </div>
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Our whole family thoroughly enjoyed visiting here! It was so nice to have indoor (read: air conditioned) spaces to explore in between walking around outside (read: rather warm summer day). When you go, I definitely recommend planning to spend the entire day. There is just <i>so</i> much to see! They have a fairly reasonably-priced <a href="http://www.discoveryparkofamerica.com/visit/cafe-gift-shop/" target="_blank">cafe</a> on the grounds so you can just take your lunch break there if you'd like (we did and enjoyed it). </div>
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They also have special exhibits that cost a bit extra, such as the earthquake simulator, the starship theater, and the observation tower. We only purchased tickets for the earthquake simulator and it was definitely worth it. You go inside a round room with a 180-degree screen where they tell the story of the New Madrid fault in this region and you get to experience what being in an earthquake might feel like. (Having been in a few earthquakes myself, the simulation wasn't very realistic but the film was definitely worth it).</div>
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All in all, it was just a lovely day! So if you live anywhere near western Tennessee or you're passing through the area, this place is a must stop!! You will not be disappointed, I promise. </div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: I received nothing in exchange for this "review" of the Discovery Park. We just liked it that much :) </span></i> </div>
<br />Lora @ my blessed lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579408092425311320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3753791058334220460.post-91453818355463468182015-06-10T07:00:00.000-05:002015-06-10T07:00:06.152-05:00My Kids' Summer Reading Challenge '15<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Summer break is in full swing around here and we are at it again with our <b>Summer Reading Program</b>! <a href="http://myblessedlife-lora.blogspot.com/2014/06/our-familys-summer-reading-program.html" target="_blank">Last summer</a> I decided to develop a little system all of our own and it was a big hit--so much so they couldn't wait to begin again this summer. <div>
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It's really simple: </div>
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<li>They get to fill in a spot on their <a href="http://blog.chickabug.com/2012/05/free-printable-summer-reading-game-for-kids.html" target="_blank">reading bingo charts</a> each time they read for 25 minutes (yes, I upped the time by 5 minutes this year).</li>
<li>Every time they bingo they earn a <a href="http://blog.chickabug.com/2012/05/free-printable-summer-reading-game-for-kids.html" target="_blank">coupon </a>(things like: choose your fave dinner, buy one thing at the dollar store, go bowling, a family bike ride... primarily these are free experiences or very cheap treats).</li>
<li>When they black-out their bingo chart they get to pick a <a href="http://blog.chickabug.com/2012/05/free-printable-summer-reading-game-for-kids.html" target="_blank">golden ticket</a> (these are things like: $10 at Books-A-Million, something from 5Below, a trip to our local froyo place... things that cost a bit more but not too much either)</li>
<li>Every week they get paid .01 per page of every book that they've finished during that week and recorded in their <a href="http://kimshavatt.blogspot.com/2013/05/reading-log-printable.html" target="_blank">reading log</a>.</li>
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<a href="http://myblessedlife-lora.blogspot.com/2014/06/our-familys-summer-reading-program.html" target="_blank">(you can read more about it here)</a></div>
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<i><b>And</b></i> I've added one more thing this summer: they have a <a href="http://cherigamble.com/2014/05/23/summer-bible-reading-plan-for-children/" target="_blank">summer Bible reading guide</a> that they must keep up with in order to earn their money for books read. </div>
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So far they are little, reading maniacs and I'm nearly $20 poorer after the first week of the program! But I'm all about reading and I'm so happy they love it, too.</div>
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<b><i>I'd love to hear what you do to encourage your kiddos to read through the summer...</i></b></div>
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Lora @ my blessed lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05579408092425311320noreply@blogger.com0