Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed

by Issac Watts


Alas! and did my Saviour bleed, and did my Sovereign die?
Would He devote that sacred head for such a worm as I?

Was it for crimes that I had done He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! grace unknown! and love beyond degree!

Well might the sun in darkness hide, and shut His glories in,
When Christ, the Mighty maker, died for man, the creature’s sins.

Thy body slain, sweet Jesus, Thine - and bathed in its own blood -
While the firm mark of Wrath Divine His soul in anguish stood.

Thus might I hide my blushing face while his dear Cross appears;
Dissolved my heart in thankfulness, and melt mine eyes to tears.

But drops of grief can ne’er repay the debt of love I woe;
Here, Lord, I give myself away- ‘til all that I can do.

What Did You Expect?

We were very blessed to get to attend a Paul Tripp Marriage Conference last Fall and all I can say is WOW!  The Lord has really given this man a gift in being able to drive it home.  He is honest, FUNNY and biblically sound.  He is a Pastor/Counselor in Philly.  Many of you have probably heard of his brother Tedd Tripp who wrote Shepherding A Child's Heart & Instructing A Child's Heart.

At the conference I purchased the What Did You Expect? CD's.  I am so glad I did, because I have to hear something several times to really let it sink in and be able to apply it to my world.  I think I have mentioned before that I try to listen to different messages in the evening when the kids go up to bed.  I usually listen while I am tidying the house, wiping tables, and folding laundry.  It is a great way to multi task.

Anyway, back to the CD's.  It has been a real eye opener to hear what the Lord has shown him in regards to marriages and relationships.  He helps you to uncover why problems in marriage exist.  I think what will forever stick with me is him saying, that we (ourselves) are the biggest problem in our marriage.  Because we are all sinners we seek to please ourselves and not others.  I have really gleaned alot from his messages, now i just need to get the application part down.

I think I have become a Paul Tripp Book collector too!  : )  He has written some real goodies!  The ones I have are:

Broken-Down House

War of Words: Getting to the Heart of Your Communication Struggles (Resources for Changing Lives)

Relationships: A Mess Worth Making

I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.

How to Properly Eat a Donut

Over the weekend we had my nephew over for a sleep over and when my sister came to get him she surprised the kids with donuts.

When Little Bits got his donut, it was on!  Like Donkey Kong, as the hubs says.  Just when you thought you knew how to properly eat a donut you get a lesson from your 22 month old son.

Evedently, manners don't count in donut eating. 

No need for a fork or hands for that matter.

Make sure that you eat all of the chocolate first,

this one I actually already knew.

Taking small bites and chewing your food throughly are obviously not the way to go.  The more you can shove it at one time, the better.

Sharing is always good.  But this time when offering to share a bite of your donut with mom always pull it back instead.  I could almost hear him say, ha ha, tricked ya!

Ah, who cares if you get a little chocolate on your face.

Last but not least, ENJOY!

You Did What With Your Salad Spinner?!!

I am sure that is the question that you will be asking me in just a few moments.  I had seen it on several blogs and on a craft website somewhere.  I thought I would try it some day.  Well, some day was Friday and  the kids LOVED it!  What is IT you ask?  Salad Spinner Art of course. 

I remember when I was a kid having one of those spin art machines, which I loved BTW, but I guess in today's economy moms have been getting more creative.  The next best thing would be a salad spinner.  Here is what we did....

First you take a piece of card stock, your salad spinner and a pencil. 

Trace around the base of the inside piece or colander.  

Next, you are going to cut it out in a circle so that it will fit snugly in the bottom of the salad spinner. 

I did try to use a rectangular piece but it didn't work out so well. 

I did a trial run the night before I let the kids do it, and I found that if you are using acrylic craft paint it works best to water it down just a bit. 

You take drops of paint and go for it.

So that it looks kinda like this.

Or this.

Or maybe even like this one.

 

Then you spin, spin, spin!

I had the kids wait for it to stop spinning on it's own.

Last, check out you new creation! We are going to make a mobile out of ours for the playroom.

WARNING: Just to let you know, this can be a little messy.  Buts it's LOTS OF FUN!

For other great tutorials, check out Smockity Frock's Tutorial Tuesday.  While your there you can congratulate her on her adorable new baby girl!

Have You Ever Met The Little Man in the Map?

We just finished reading The Little Man in the Map, and one thing I can tell you for sure is that I really wish we had it when we were studying US History.  I know that there are songs, games and little rhythms to help remember the states but I have never seen anything like this book.  Did you know that there are 5 states on the map that really look like a little man with a hat and boots?!  MIM (The Little Man in the Map) as he is called, actually gives you clues, to help you not only remember the names of the all 50 states but their shape and location too!  The author, E. Andrew Martonyi, really had his creative juices flowing when he penned this book.

All the kids really enjoyed it, but the Lil' Chef (9yo) was glued to it.  She wanted to help me read so we ended up taking turns reading.  We read and giggled and read and giggled some more.  The clues for each state are really cute!  I think our favorite one shows one state honking MIM's nose! 

The Little Man in the Map is an excellent new way for kids (and adults) to learn US Geography.  Yes, I also learned a thing or two.  I was amazed how much the kids had remembered in just a short time.  This is a book that we will definitely keep going back to, it really makes learning fun!

Please check out the video and see how The Little Man in the Map makes the states come alive!


The Little Man in the Map can be purchased from Schoolside Press for $19.95, the author will even autograph it for you.

Menu Plan Monday

I guess since school is pretty much over for us I am getting back in the mood to cook.  Which is probably good, right?! 

Computer Girl has been having tummy trouble and I am really starting to wonder if she is becoming lactose intolerant.  I of course have this thought after I had planned my menu and wrote my grocery list.  So, for this week I am just going to leave the milk and cheese out of her food to see how she does. 

Here is what we are eating this week at the LSG house:

Monday
Lunch: Fruit, Cheese & Yogurt
Dinner: Baked Ziti w/ Salad

Tuesday
Lunch: Turkey & Cheese w/ Fruit
Dinner: Oven Fried Chicken Legs w/ Sweet Potato Wedges & Broccoli

Wednesday
Lunch: Mac & Dogs & Fruit
Dinner: Rosie's Hot Chicken Chowder (from Sue Gregg's Soups & Muffins CB)

Thursday
Lunch: Cheese Melts w/ sour cream & Fruit
Dinner: Breakfast Night - Eggs, Apple Cinnamon Pancakes, Bacon & Fruit

Friday
Lunch: PB & J's w/ Carrot Sticks & Fruit
Dinner:  Homemade Pizza

Saturday
Lunch: Fruit, Cheese & Yogurt
Dinner: Deep Dish Taco Squares (I am replacing the beef with ground turkey and using TJ's alternative to Bisquick)

Sunday
Lunch: Joe's Organic O's (TJ's version of Spaghetti O's)
Dinner: Feta & Bacon Stuffed Chicken w/ Onion Mashed Potatoes & Spinach

Jesus Messiah

by Chris Tomlin

He became sin
Who knew no sin
That we might become His Righteousness
He humbled himself and carried the cross
Love so amazing
Love so amazing

Chorus:
Jesus Messiah
Name above all names
Blessed Redeemer
Emmanuel
The rescue for sinners
The ransom from Heaven
Jesus Messiah
Lord of all

His body the bread
His blood the wine
Broken and poured out all for love
The whole earth trembled
And the veil was torn
Love so amazing
Love so amazing, yeah

Chorus:
Jesus Messiah
Name above all names
Blessed Redeemer


Emmanuel
The rescue for sinners
The ransom from Heaven
Jesus Messiah
Lord of all

All our hope is in You
All our hope is in You
All the glory to You, God
The light of the world


Chorus:
Jesus Messiah
Name above all names
Blessed Redeemer
Emmanuel
The rescue for sinners
The ransom from Heaven
Jesus Messiah
Lord of all

Random Dozen

Just for Fun!  I thought I'd do the Random Dozen.





1. What is one really fast, know-by-heart "go-to" meal to fix in a pinch?
It would have to be Chicken w/ Cream Cheese OR Feta and Bacon, which I serve over brown rice with a veggie.

2. What is one item you won't leave home without. (Purse and license do not count.)
My Cell.

3. Where is one place you never tire of visiting?
The Beach

4. Share one factoid of your family's history.
No one is getting wrote up in History books to my knowledge.  Can't really think of anything.

5. Complete this sentence: "Once upon a time I ...."
wanted to me a lawyer.

6. If you could win a one year's supply of anything, what would it be?
Panda All Natural Soft Licorice Chews, Raspberry flavor only please!  I have convinced myself that because they are "all natural" they are good for me.

7. "One quirky thing you may not know about me is ...."
This is a pet peeve of sorts.  You know those dust jackets on books to help them stay nice or look fancy or whatever.  Well, I can't stand them!  They drive me a little nuts to be honest.  I actually throw them away.  Weird, right?

8. You have one dollar in your pocket. What will you buy?
Can I hope I find a quarter and then buy some of those yummy Panda Licorice Chews? 

9. "One thing that always makes me laugh is ...."
My husband, even when he is getting on my last nerve, as husbands can do sometimes, he still makes me crack up. 

10. What is one thing you could do today to help yourself reach a personal goal?
One of my goals is that my children have a firm foundation of God's Word and that they have a personal relationship with Christ.  While I can't make the relationship happen I can be washing them in the Word each day.  Does that count?

11. What is one thing you could do today to bless someone else?
I could  take my neighbor a meal, she has been sick.


12. What is one thing you're looking forward to soon?
Summer Time!  Hangin' poolside, hopefully taking the RV and hitting the road.

Saturday Solutions: Non Toxic MultiPurpose Cleaner

Over here at the LSG house I try real hard to not bring in funkie chemicals.  I try to use all natural, non toxic cleaners whenever possible.  I like to lighten the chemical load for our family and keep our lungs nice and healthly, beings that the Lord only gave us two of them.

For several years now, I have been using white vinegar on my kitchen floors.  It does a fabulous job of getting up all the gook and grime that 4 kids and 3 dogs seem to leave behind.  Some people do not like the smell of vinegar, I persoanlly love it!  For me it brings back memories from when I was a kid at the beach eatting crabs, of course dipped in vinegar!   Anyway, for those of you that don't like the smell, it really doesn't linger that long. 

A few months back a friend of mine shared another vinegar tip with me.  Did you know that you can take an empty spray bottle and fill it 50/50 with white vinegar and water and use it on mirrors and glass!  Yes, on MIRRORS and GLASS!   With NO STREAKS!  I thought that was definitly a wonderful tip.  I now use my vinegar mix for my kitchen table, counters, stove, appliance fronts, bathrooms, mirrors and glass!

Scramble Squares Product Review & Give A Way!

As a family that loves puzzles, I can say that Scramble Squares are by far the coolest and most challenging puzzles we have ever done.  With only 9 pieces, one would think no problem, right?  WRONG!  The hubs is likened to a puzzle master and let me just tell ya he couldn't figure it out and still hasn't. 

I believe the words "this is simple" actually flowed from his mouth as he first sat down.  "Hey Honey, how is that puzzle coming along?"

I came across Scramble Squares when I searching online and I found AblePlay.org.  Able Play is a company that reviews products that are user friendly for children with learning and physical disabilities.  They have a rating system that rates products based on the special needs that some children have.  Many of the toys on the Able Play website would be great for workboxes.  That was just my thought for the Scramble Squares. I know this will be a great puzzle to keep Alpha Boy happy and content while I am working with one of my other children.  The Scramble Squares are great for critical thinking too!

Scramble Squares are recommended for ages 4-104, I think that covers everyone, right?!  There are 140 Scramble Square to choose from.  They have everything from Roosters to Rodeos.  The Lil' Chef got the Ice Cream you Scream puzzle.  Computer Girl got horses.  Alpha Boy got Dinosaurs.  The hubs got Football.  I got Sea Shells.  We also got Noah's Ark, Frogs and Insects.  Please do not ask which one is our favorite because they are all really great! 

After an afternoon at the beach the girls pulled out the Sea Shells puzzle.

Not only are these good for workboxes, I thought because the age range is so wide that these would be great to just have on hand for a last minute gift.  Scramble Squares can be purchased for only $9.95 plus s&h. 

Now for some great news!  b. dazzle, the company that has created Scramble Squares, has graciously offered to host a give a way for one Scramble Square Puzzle (of your choice) to 5 of my readers.  What a Blessing!  Please DO NOT FORGET to leave me your email address so that I may contact you if you are a winner. 

Oh, so close!

I am going to run the contest until June 1st.  Here are the ways that you can enter.  Please leave a seperate comment for each way that you enter.

• If you are a Follower or Subscriber of LSG please leave me a comment.
• If you have become a new Follower or Subscriber please tell me how you heard about this giveaway.
• If you blog about this contest please come back and leave me a link to you post.
• Go check out Scramble Squares and tell me which puzzle you would like to Win! 
• Facebook or Twitter about this giveaway and leave me a comment to let me know about it.
  I spoke with the owner/creator of Scramble Squares this evening and I told her we haven't been able to solve one yet.  I then asked her if we were normal?  She assured me that we were!

Pasta a la Whatevers in the Fridge

Bottom line is I needed to feed my crew tonight and I really had no plan.  We were supposed to order pizza tonight, but we did that last night.  The hubs was going to make waffles - yuk! 

I grabbed a few handfuls of the veggies in my fridge and this is what I came up with...

asparagus

squash

zucchini

onion (half of one to be exact)

a pack of mushrooms

I put them on by bar pan and coated them with olive oil.  A few shakes of salt, pepper and oregano.  In the oven until they were cooked but not over done.  Maybe 20-25 minutes.  Then I added a large can of diced tomatoes with the juice to the other veggies.  I chopped up some Sweet Italian Chicken Sausages and threw them in.  Last but not least, I added about a 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese. 

To be honest my crew is very picky!  When one of my girls, I am not going to name names, saw the food she said "What smells so gross?!"  My response with a nice smile was "Oh darling, that is your dinner."

I really couldn't believe it but EVERYONE LOVED IT!  My sweet, wonderful, darling nephew said "Aunt Brandi, what is this?  It is really good!"  I am thinking, Thank You Lord!.  I think after that is when my kids chimed in with yeah mom, it is really good. 

TOS Homeschool Crew

I am VERY excited to announce that I am going to be sailing with The Old Schoolhouse Crew for their 2010 - 2011 voyage!  I am very thankful for the opportunity to review products for them with my family.  I can't wait to get started!

Re-Introducing

When I started the blog the kids and I thought it would be a cute idea to "name" them after nursery rhyme characters but I have decided to "rename" them in a more personal way.

This is Lil' Chef.  She is 9 years old and LOVES to cook and bake anything and everything.  On most days she is the one that blesses us with breakfast.  While I am drinking my coffee in the morning, Lil' Chef is busy making breakfast for her siblings and her self.  Her favorite thing to make is waffles, and it is not unusual for her to create a work of art out of them.  Just this morning they had waffle faces with blueberry eyes and strawberry eyelashes.  

Lil' Chef hard at work, she was making chocolate covered pretzels.

I am going to call my 6 year old Computer Girl, because she loves the computer!  She really enjoys playing learning games, making computer paper dolls and playing with her WebKinz!  She has been know to babysit, make a meal and ski all on this very laptop.  I am sure that she dreams of, one day, having her very own bloggy blog and Facebook account just like her mommy : )

Computer Girl is pretending to eat a worm to gross her little brother out.  Yum-yum!

This young man is Alpha Boy!  We call him Alpha Boy because like most almost 4 year olds he is learning his letters.  He enjoys playing games with the different letters, watching the Leapfrog Letter Factory videos and reading books that focus on a particular letter.  I am sometimes amazed how many letter sounds he already knows just from the watching the Letter Factory and from playing with Mom.

Alpha Boy with his best buddies, Chestnut and Oreo!

Last but not least is Little Bits.  I could have called him the Little Climber, but I am going with Little Bits.  I have been calling him this almost from the beginning because has always been a little guy.  He is finally starting to catch up a little, but he is still my Little Bits! 

I love when me children are independent.  Little Bits was having Art Class all by his little self!

Day at the Museum (Full Screen Edition)

This past weekend we, as a family went downtown to the Natural History Museum in Washington, DC.  It was a blessing for the hubs to be with us because usually our museum type trips are during the week when he is working. 

Checkin' out the butterflies.

Hey Dum-Dum, we got gum-gum!

We had up finished our MFW curriculum a few weeks ago so I let each of the kids pick a topic to study for the next 3 weeks as we finished up our core stuff (reading, riting and rithmetic).   My 3 year old, of course chose dinosaurs!  So, after our week long study I thought it would be appropriate to go see some dinosaur bones.  The kids really enjoyed the 'hall of dinosaurs."  Beings that we had just studied dinos, I was able to discuss facts and falsehoods with them and see how much they had really learned.  I have to say it was a blessing to hear how much they had retained.  They remembered alot of the different dino's names, they of course know that dino's were part of God's Creation and they didn't evolve over millions of years.

My son love the T Rex!

The Triceratops is my favorite dino!

I was kind of concerned about taking the kids into a secular museum that does not value the truth of God's word even a little bit, but it was a good opportunity to discuss what God's word says.  We skipped the evolution halls because quite frankly I don't think I could have stomached all the pictures of apes turning into men.  Umm, Excuse me Mr. Scientist, but if we evolved from apes, why are there still apes???

Anyway, on to the rest of our day.  We got to see oodles and oodles of birds, which we all loved.  We saw lots of butterflies, sea creatures, a coral reef and the mammals hall which had a newer modern style.  Personally, I liked the good old animals in their natural habitats better, the hubs always says that I am old before my time, I guess he is right.  We were there for a little less than two hours because we had to rush back to the van to pay the meter, they only give you 2 hours and the last time I was in DC to do the museums I got 2, yes 2, $50 parking tickets.  The hubs was adamant that we not let that happen again.

The Hall of Birds was neat, we all really enjoyed this exhibit.

These were TV screens in the floor, which was part of the mammals exhibit.

The cheetah and his lunch.

They did have some pretty cool interactive stuff that the kids really enjoyed.

Checkin' out the mama Kangaroo's pouch.  They remembered what a marsupial was, yay!

A mini coral reef.

No thanks!

The butterfly hatchery.  They have a really cool butterfly garden which we did last Spring. 

                                              

We decided that it was to far to walk back so we decided that we would pack it up and drive over to the Air and Space Museum.  Well, as we were driving we decided to go to the Lincoln Memorial, none of us had ever been.  Honest Abe is my oldest daughter's FAVORITE President, she is like a walking Lincoln Fact Book.  So, she was super excited to say the least.   After circling around 3 times we finally found a parking spot and off we went. 

Like little ducks following their paw. 

This was taken with the Lincoln Memorial behind me looking out at the Washington Monument.

We got to hear a recording of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s, I Have A Dream speech.

The Lincoln Memorial was very cool, to stand there and read "Four Score and Seven Years Ago..." was a WOW!  The statue is huge!  After, watching the Night at the Museum II, I couldn't help but think he might hop up and start chatting it up with us : )

The Gettysburg Address.  This picture doesn't do it justice, this wall is HUGE!

Honest Abe.  My daughter reminded me at this point that he was the tallest President ever.  : )

This was inside the Lincoln Memorial.

Close to where we had parked, there was a very large statue of Albert Einstein.  The kids of course wanted so badly to climb all over it but instead I made them smile purdy for the camera!

Hey Einstein! 

If ever in DC, definitely check out the Smithsonian Museums, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument.  I think next time we are going to check out the Spy Museum.