Tonights dinner

I had my oldest daughter clean and slice about 8 very large russet potatoes. I made up a sauce with some gluten-free flour, butter, milk, season salt, dried onions, pepper and a couple tsp. of corn starch to help thicken. Once this was nice and thick I added a generous handful of shredded cheese and some chopped up canadian bacon. Then, in my crock pot, I layered the potatoes, sauce and more cheese till all was gone. I'm afraid I stuffed too much into my crock pot as it is bubbling over. With our potato au gratin, we will have salad. If this doesn't look like it will be enough for my crew of 8, we'll add some cheese scones from the local bakery. Earlier today, I made some gluten-free chocolate banana bread. I adapted it from a recipe that uses sour cream. It sounded good and actually tastes ok.... but its too gooey! I kept baking it and baking it, but its just not working out. Bummer! Perhaps I'll try it with regular flour another time.

How do you handle discouragment?

I'm afraid I don't handle it very well. I know I get easily discouraged. There are things that I do that help, like reading more of God's Word, praying more, asking hubby to pray, journaling and making sure that I am taking care of myself with more sleep and healthier eating. But there are times that depression is knocking on my door. I must continue to fight, have hope and believe. Sometimes it takes time....

New school year

It's a season for changes in our household. In a nutshell, we are moving, changing some of our curriculum this year and our oldest is going off to Bible college.

I knew the day would come that she would leave, but now it's staring me in the face 15 days away. I am so excited for her, I really think she needs to go but it's so final. I am very proud of her and can't wait to see what God has in store for her there.

For our homeschool this year, we are trying out Chrisitan Light Education. We haven't used this before, but I'm thinking it will be a good fit. Everyone will be using CLE Reading and L.A with some Soc. Studies text and Science as a spine. The boys will continue with FIAR, they're first year using beyond. Our highschool girl will use CLE like the boys, Apologia Science, Abeka History, Sue Gregg's cooking unit, typing and I don't know what else.

I am very excited about our new house that God has blessed us with. There are 2 bathrooms!! Also, a garage, big backyard, and 300 sq. ft. more than what we have. Yay! It is also set up much better, rooms at one end with living room and kitchen at the other.
I just wish I could click my heals together and be moved and unpacked already.

Another birthday is coming upon me, we will be in the midst of our move. Then S will be turning 16 soon after.

God is good.

A Give-away

Not that I have so many people reading my blog as I hardly ever post!
I am telling you all about a giveaway and to check out one of my new favorite blogs to read.

www.organizedhomemakingforchrist.blogspot.com

Just go check her out and leave her a comment on what post you like most.

I have enjoyed all of them but have narrowed it down to 3 fav. posts. Check them out:

May 30th, a week in my kitchen. Her dh is on this one and I just love how he praises her!

Mar. 29th Homemaking in my home,

May 9th Barnes Homestead

She is such an encourager to all.

FIAR

FIAR is Five In A Row children's curriculum, and it is wonderful!! I have used it off and on for 6 yrs. It is literature based and so easy to implement. I still love the Biblical Principle Approach to homeschooling and life, but homeschooling complete BPA is not possible right now. We incorporate BP in our Bible and life, but we are a Charlotte Mason-ish mix. FIAR fits perfectly for the elementary years to early jr. high.

We are currently rowing The Tale Of Petter Rabbit, in volume 2. Mrs. Lambert pulls out so many learning opportunities in all subjects, all you have to do is add math and phonics. We do add other language arts subjects as the children get older. This really is a complete curriculum, you don't need to add more.
FIAR also sells some Fold and Learns (lapbook) to go along with some of the books. This has enhanced our studies greatly and made teaching for me even easier. It is not overwhelming like some of the other lapbooks I have purchased.
Well, I am off to read to my children and have some fun learning =)

I turned 34 yesterday, praise be to God. My children blessed me so much.

Our church had a wonderful service in the redwoods with lunch afterwards. When I stepped out of the van, dh dropped me off in front, I could smell the beautiful air!! What a difference and how lovely it was =) That is where I would like to live. But, I am content to live in our rental and who knows what God has for us later.

We officially start school a week from today. I will be spending this week organizing and decluttering our school area, the dining room. The whole house needs to be gone through, but I can only do what I can do. My health has been limiting me more than usual these past 5 months.

We have always filled for our own private school affidavit, but this year we signed up under an ind. private christian school. I am looking forward to field trips and optional Friday classes for the children. There is also this kind of dread in me, I feel in bondage already and we have not even started. We will see how this goes. I need help with high school transcripts, credits and such and this will help us.

Bible time..

Psalm 33:20 tells us "We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield."

It is so very important for us to read and memorize God's Word, it is the absolute Truth. He is faithful to His Word and gives us strength.

Believe that his Word is Truth, believe in His promises.

For at least one thing each day, be thankful, even if it seems small.

Do not give up, have faith. Hebrew 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11 is about faith. There are many scriptures on faith.

Boy, do I struggle with this almost daily. Living with a chronic illness, taking care of 6 children, homeschooling and being in my early 30's with my hubby is difficult. Some days I wonder what on earth am I doing, or trying to do? But I don't have to wonder! God knows, he has a perfect plan and I just need to rest in Him, read His Word, believe, be thankful and have faith.

When it comes down to it, only what is eternal really matters.