Safe in the Arms of Jesus

by Franny Crosby

Safe in the arms of Jesus, safe on His gentle breast,
There by His love o’ershaded, sweetly my soul shall rest.
Hark! ’tis the voice of angels, borne in a song to me.
Over the fields of glory, over the jasper sea.

Refrain

Safe in the arms of Jesus, safe on His gentle breast
There by His love o’ershaded, sweetly my soul shall rest.

Safe in the arms of Jesus, safe from corroding care,
Safe from the world’s temptations, sin cannot harm me there.
Free from the blight of sorrow, free from my doubts and fears;
Only a few more trials, only a few more tears!

Refrain

Jesus, my heart’s dear refuge, Jesus has died for me;
Firm on the Rock of Ages, ever my trust shall be.
Here let me wait with patience, wait till the night is over;
Wait till I see the morning break on the golden shore.

Refrain

You can listen to the tune to this beautiful song here.

Special Day for the Kids

Somewhere in my inbox a week or two ago I read a post about giving kids a special day each week.  Once I read this I knew I had to incorporate it into our world. 

This past week, I did just that.  On Monday morning I explained to the kids that they would each be getting a "Special Day," each week.  I then explained that they would have special privileges on that day.  Now brace yourselves for some of these privileges, I am warning you up front some of them are pretty lame.  They are however things that are important to my kids. : )

Here's the low down on their special privileges:

• Help Mom with dinner
• Sit next to Dad during dinner
• Be 1st - in the car, to get dessert, to whatever.  I told them they could also be 1st to go to sleep but they weren't real thrilled about that one.
• To go with Mom or Dad.  If one of us runs out somewhere and we decide to take a child with us then the child who's "Special Day" it is can come and can also choose one sibling to come along if they wish.
• I am debating on adding in that they can stay up from an extra 20-30 minutes to spend one on one time with Mom or Dad.  My thought is to play a quick game of Chutes & Ladders, Uno or just chat.

I imagine that we will add a few more things to this as we go along if this "Special Day" thing sticks.  We aren't the only family that try stuff for a week or two and then it's out the window, are we??

My desire is that two wonderful things will come out of the "Special Day."  First, I am hoping to add in some extra one on one time with Mom/Dad and the kids.  The other thought is that having a "Special Day" will alleviate the kids fussing over who gets to what e.v.e.r.y. s.i.n.g.l.e. d.a.y!!  Yes, I admit it, my kids fuss.

So far so good, each of our little people got their "Special Day" this week.  The kids really enjoyed being first, helping with dinner or making dinner and sitting next to their Daddy-o during dinner.  The only problem that I really had was explain to Little Bits that his "Special Day" did NOT last all week long. 

Do you do anything special like this with your kids?  I would love to hear your ideas!

Best of the Best - Easy Lunch Ideas

Lunch is usually the same old thing over in these parts.  We have a few things that we rotate.  Here's our usual lunch fare:

PB&J's or PB&H's (PB & Honey)
Grapes, Crackers and Cheese
Grilled Cheese
Cheese Quesadillas with Salsa & Sour Cream
Mac & Cheese
Hot Dogs & Tater Tots
Homemade Pizza
Ham & Cheese with Crackers
Hot Hot and Cheese
Leftovers

Boring, right?  I am just not a big deal maker out of lunch time or breakfast for that matter.  In saying that, I think we could definitely use a few new lunch ideas, as long as they are simple.  Here are some new ideas that we are going to incorporate into our menu plan....

To say that my kids would eat these would really just be a joke.  I have made the Salad in a Jar salads and they are awesome!  One of the things that prevents me from eating salad sometimes is laziness.  Wow, did I actually say that out loud?!  I just need to remember to make these, they are well worth the few minutes it takes to whip these up.

Have you heard of Muffin Tin Monday?  We did this off and on until my kids started using their muffin tins out back to make mud muffins.  I have been keeping my eye out for new ones at the dollar store so that we can start doing this again.  My kids really did enjoy this, even the older ones. You can find some great Muffin Tin Lunch ideas over at Muffin Tin Mom or Cookie Cutter Lunch.

If your kids love PB like my kids do then this will probably be a winner.  Sliced and Cored Apples, PB, Granola and Chocolate Chips if you dare!

How cool is Peanut Butter & Jelly Sushi!  I think I am going to order extra chopsticks next time we order Chinese food.

I think you could get very creative with this idea.

Sandwich Kabobs would be a neat treat.

 Did I mention that my kids LOVE Peanut Butter and Jelly?  Pretty funny considering I can't stand the smell of PB, eeewwww!  I will definitely be adding this into the lunch rotation.

Wraps or for even more fun make Pinwheels.

Can't go wrong with a simple fruit tray for lunch.  You could even add some crackers and cheese to make it more complete.

Yogurt Parfaits would make a yummy lunch. I know my kids would even love to make these themselves.

Mini Deep Dish Pizzas, made from tortillas!  Oh yeah, I am soo making these!

Chicken & Cheese Quesadillas, these look yummy!

What are you making for lunch?

Low in the Grave He Lay

Words & Music by Robert Lowry

Low in the grave He lay, Jesus my Savior,
Waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord!

Refrain

Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes,
He arose a victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever, with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!

Vainly they watch His bed, Jesus my Savior;

Vainly they seal the dead, Jesus my Lord!

Refrain

Death cannot keep its prey, Jesus my Savior;

He tore the bars away, Jesus my Lord!

Refrain

 

I am so thankful that we have a RISEN Savior!!  I always thought this song was called Up from the Grave He Arose.  You can listen here.

TOS Crew: Write with WORLD

If there is one thing that I had to admit that I have sorta kinda dropped the ball with in our homeschooling, it would be writing.  I am not really worried about it much with my younger kids but I am starting to realize that my 6th grader, the Lil' Chef, needs to be writing more. 

I think it is safe to say that she is a bit reluctant when it comes to writing, so I was doing cart wheels (well almost) when I learned that we were going to be able to review the new writing program, Write with WORLD.

 The Write with WORLD program is a two year program, we were sent the first year's student book and parent/teacher book.

The Write with WORLD program was written for the middle school student.  It was developed by the same education and media professionals that bring us God's World News and World News.  Using their expertise, they set out to train students to become proficient communicators. 

According to their website, this is what Write with WORLD exposes students to:

• reading and critical thinking that develop discernment
• contemporary subjects and professional guidance to pique interest
• flexible exercises to build confidence and skill for using today's new media
• a thoughtful and meaningful Christian worldview 

Let me share with you what is covered in the Write with WORLD student book:

Unit 1

• Lesson 1 - Reading Images and Advertisements
• Lesson 2 - Comparative Reading: Sentences
• Lesson 3 - Comparative Reading : Paragraphs
• Lesson 4 - Developing Critical Readers: Essays

Unit 2

• Lesson 1 -The Paragraph
• Lesson 2 - Composing and Linking Sentences
• Lesson 3 - Creating Focus and Arrangement
• Lesson 4 -Linking Paragraphs: Transitions and Logic

Unit 3

• Lesson 1 -Writing Autobiography: Reporting Facts
• Lesson 2 - Writing Autobiography: Creating Character
• Lesson 3 - Writing Autobiography: Developing Ideas
• Lesson 4 - Writing Autobiography: Composition

Unit 4

• Lesson 1 - Crafting Narratives: Developing a Point of View
• Lesson 2 - Crafting Narratives: Showing Versus Telling
• Lesson 3 - Crafting Narratives: Narrative with a Purpose
• Lesson 4 - Crafting Narratives: Writing a Fictional Narrative

You can view a sample lesson on their website.
Here is what we liked about Write with WORLD:

• I liked that this program makes the student think. 
• We liked that the lessons were laid out in manageable chunks.
• I liked the conversational tone of the book.  I felt is was written to the student.
• While we do have the teacher/parent book, so, far The Lil' Chef has been doing pretty well on her own.  I like that it is a program that she can take the ball and run with.
• The program seems to be very thorough.  The lessons with in the book give good solid tools for writing.
• I like the creative approach that this curriculum uses. 

The only thing that I was not super happy about was the price, Write with WORLD is $95.00 for Year One.  After researching a few well known Junior High/High School writing programs I see that the price is pretty comparable with the others.  The better deal, in my opinion, is to purchase the full curriculum (Year One & Two) for $165.00. 

I do like this writing curriculum and would recommend it.  I plan on continuing this program with the Lil' Chef and will consider using Year Two once we are finished.

The Write with WORLD program that we were given to review is actually a pilot program and will not be available until Summer of 2012.  In addition to the student & teacher books there will also be an online component, which is included in the price of the curriculum. 

Disclaimer: As a member of the TOS Crew, I received this product, at no cost to me, in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are mine.

TOS Crew: TruthQuest History

We were blessed with another great product from the TOS Crew.  We received TrustQuest History - Middle Ages (500-1400), written by Michelle Miller to review.

TruthQuest History is a literature based history guide.  This guide was a little different then I was used to.  I am used to having my lessons planned out, with do this today and that tomorrow.  TruthQuest History is not written in this format, but in a manner that gives complete flexability to the homeschool mama. 

After first glancing at the Middle Ages manual that we received, I wasn't quite sure I was going to like it, because it wasn't all planned out for me.  To my pleasant surprise, it ened up being one of the very things that I liked best about TruthQuest History.  With out having a plan layed out before me, I had the freedom to do my own thing.  I ended up really liking this.    I didn't feel obligated to things we weren't interested in. 

Another goody about the TruthQuest History guides are the wonderful booklist lists.  What Homeschool Mom doesn't like book lists, right?  All I could say is W.O.W!!!  The booklists are great!  With the book lists in place, all the hard work has already been done for me.  FYI: I did not in any way feel like, "Oh, no!  I have to read all of these books." It was more like "Oh, boy!  Look at all these great books I get to CHOOSE from!"   I liked taht this is a pick and choose curriculum.

I appreciated the introduction that the author gives for each new topic and that it is in a conversational tone.  The authors style of writing is very engaging and not at all boring.  It was nice to have a launching pad to send us off from.  It gave us a clue about what we are going to be studying and possibly how in depth we wanted to dig on a particular subject. 

The TruthQuest History Guides, in my opinion, are geared towards students in grades K-12.  The books listed each have the reader's suggested age listed.  I thought there was a pretty good mix of books at each grade level.  I am, however, not quite sure that I would purchase this history guide for a child in 2 grade or under but would definilty include them if there was an older sibling.  If I only had younger chidlren I would consider the American History Guides for Younger Students.

While there are writing exercises and a few activities included in this guide, I really wish there had been more hands on project suggestions. 

If you are looking for a history guide that is God centered and gives you the freedom to run your own show then TruthQuest would be a very good fit for you.  If you are used to having everything laid out for you day by day, this might take a little getting used to but I don't think it would disapoint you.  It didn't me. 

There are several TruthQuest History Guides available for purchase, ranging in price from $18.00 - $34.95 (available in PDF or Spiral Bound Book):

• American History for Younger Students I
• American History for Younger Students II
• American History for Younger Students III
• Beginnings
• Ancient Greece
• Ancient Rome
• Middle Ages
• Renesance, Reformation, Exploration
• Age of Revolution I
• Age of Revolution II
• Age of Revolution III

I am sure I am not the only Crew Member that loved TruthQuest History!  Check out what other members are saying here.

Disclaimer: As a member of the TOS Crew, I received this product, at no cost to me, in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are mine.

Taco Topped Potatoes

I think it is safe to say that I am a lover of Mexican Food!  I am sure you have seen me mention the Taco Bake that I frequently make, right? 

We eat tacos, like most families eat pizza, pretty much once a week.  To put a spin on it and for it doesn't get too boring, if one could ever really get tired of taco, I will do Taco Topped Potatoes.  I hope it sounds easy, because it really is.

Here is what you need:

• Potatoes - I usually use 1 per person if I am doing baking potatoes, 2 if I am doing red potatoes
• 1 lb of Ground Beef or Turkey
• 1 Packet of Taco Seasoning
• Fixin's - Lettuce, Chopped Tomatoes, Shredded Cheese, Sour Cream, Avocado, Olives, Salsa,Whatever you'd normally eat on a Taco

I will usually cut up my potatoes and boil them, or I will stick them in the crock pot early in the day.

I brown my meat, drain and add my Taco Seasoning with a little bit of water.

Next I set out all of our fixing's for the family.

I will put a little pile of potatoes on everyones plate and let them add their goodies.  I usually serve it with a cooked veggie like mixed veggies or broccoli. 

ENJOY!

The Lord Is

by Pat Sczebel, Bob Kauflin/ Sovereign grace Music

The depths of Your grace who can measure
You fully supply all I need
You restore my weary soul again and again
And lead me in Your righteousness and peace

You’re with me through every dark valley
There’s nothing that I have to fear
You are there to comfort me again and again
Protecting me, assuring me You’re near

The Lord is
The Lord is my shepherd
The Lord is
The Lord is my shepherd
I shall not want

You gave Your own life for my ransom
So I could rejoice at Your side
You have shown Your faithfulness again and again
There’s nothing good that You will not provide

I will dwell in Your house
All the days of my life
I will dwell in Your house
All the days of my life

Saturday Solutions: Kid Friendly Laundry Center

I can not take credit for this fabulous idea.  It was my 11 year old, The Lil' Chef, that came up with it.  We already had the laundry center.  I believe one day I was complaining sharing about how I would just love to get my dear children to sort their clothes, even the little boys.  Out came this great idea....

Please do not judge us by our drawing skills or the piles of laundry.  We simply took a black sharpie drew on each of the three bags.  Here is what we drew:

Whites - T-Shirt, Socks, Undies and Light Pants

Darks - Dark Shirt, Jeans

Towels - Towels, Washcloths

Brass Chandelier Makeover

I have had  great love for black spray paint lately.  If you follow me on Facebook, then you will realize that these pictures are from several months ago.  I have had a problem with getting my pictures onto my computer for blog posts and I just have a hard time time doing blog posts with out pictures, it just doesn't seem right for some reason. 

Anywho, I had been keeping my eyes peeled for a chandelier at yardsales for a while and then one glorious day one appeared.  It appeared not at a yardsale but in my inbox.  Someone had posted a very plain, standard, brass chandelier FOR FREE on Freecycle.  Yes, please!  I will take it!

So there I was with a plain, builders grade chandelier, from the 90's maybe, and a can of black spray paint.  This is where my love for black spray paint began. 

I removed the white plastic candle looking things from the chandelier and got started.

(Excuse the fall leaves from 6 months ago)

This was my first rodeo with painting a chandelier but it didn't take long to figure out that this project would work out a lot better if the thing was actually hanging as I sprayed it. 

I am on a pretty busy road and I am sure that I got at least a few chuckles from cars driving by watching the crazy lady with the can of black spray paint. Oh well, such is life.

Two coats later and with the help of my handy husband there it was.  The glass votives came with the chandelier but I decided they would either get broken, I mentioned I have 3 and 5 year old boys right, or they would just be one more thing to dust. So...

off they went.  I think that the little berry candle rings and no glass votives go better with my primitive country look, don't you think? 

I used Krylon Spray Paint, BTW, and it has held up just fine over the last 6 months or so.

Do we have any other spray paint lovers? 

Homemade White Castle Sliders

I have never had a true White Castle slider but from all the hype, I am guessing they are pretty good.  I found this super easy recipe one day from over on Smockity Frocks, it quickly became a family favorite.  This is one of the few meals that my family would eat every single week. 

First, I sprayed my 9x13 dish with my handy dandy olive oil spray.

Then, I mix up 2lbs of Ground Beef  along with salt, pepper and about 1/2 of chopped onions.  I believe the original recipe calls for onion powder but I prefer the real deal.

Next, I simply press the meat mixture into the pan and bake at 400degrees for about 20-25 minutes.

Add a few slices of cheese and stick the pan back in to melt for just a few minutes.

Cut'em like you would cut brownies. 

Plate them up.  With whatever fixin's you want, ketchup, mustard, pickles, mayo. 

Aren't they just adorable?!

ENJOY!

Blessing and Honor and Glory and Power

Words by Horatius Bonar, 1866

Blessing and honor and glory and power,
Wisdom and riches and strength evermore
Give ye to Him who our battle hath won
Whose are the kingdom, the crown, and the throne.

Into the heav’n of the heav’ns hath He gone,
Sitteth He now in the joy of the throne,
Weareth He now of the kingdom the crown,
Singeth He now the new song with His own.

Soundeth the heaven of the heavens with His name;
Ringeth the earth with His glory and fame;
Ocean and mountain, stream, forest, and flower
Echo His praises and tell of His power.

Past are the darkness, the storm, and the war,
Come is the radiance, that sparkles afar,
Breaketh the gleam of the day without end,
Riseth the Sun that shall never descend.

Ever ascendeth the song and the joy;
Ever descendeth the love from on high;
Blessing and honor and glory and praise,
This is the theme of the hymns that we raise.

Life of all life, and true Light of all light,
Star of the dawning unchangingly bright,
Sun of the Salem whose light is the Lamb,
Theme of the ever new, ever glad psalm!

Give we the glory and praise to the Lamb;
Take we the robe and the harp and the palm;
Sing we the song of the Lamb that was slain,
Dying in weakness, but rising to reign.


We sang this today in church.  It is such a great hymn, I wanted to share.  You can listen to the tune here.