Current DOINGS

Yeah, I am sorry for anyone who regularly reads my blog just for the Monday Current Web Readings. I have been busy with my son JJ and a new diet we will be implementing. It is so beneficial, ALL of us (well, maybe not my husband, but the rest of us) will be starting it. I am really excited and have been doing a LOT of research on it.

It is called the GAPS diet. It is not a diet like most people think of, as in one to lose weight. But diet as in a way/lifestyle of eating. And this one in particular is to heal your gut.

I won't go into a lot of that here as I will be posting a lot (well EVERY thing really) on my other blog where I am talking about my son and his health and allergies. PLEASE know that this is NOT just a diet for people with food allergies but for EVERY ONE. I encourage you to read more about it, and it you want to keep up with what we are learning and doing, you can on my other blog: One Mother's Journey.

SO again, I am sorry, but there are no real links this week (except there is some good stuff I have been learning at my other blog. For now, here is a fun little video I found (as I am ALWAYS trying to understand this area of my life) about HOW to use a knife:

Current Web Readings

This is a GREAT new blog I discovered through another blog. LOL!! :D Every week they have a different themed contest (this coming week is balloons). Every Friday they have a photo fix up challenge (if you do not have Photoshop you can use GIMP - it is a free program that does a LOT of the stuff Photoshop does). Every week they have an inspiration post which either gives you great tips on taking better pictures OR gives you photo editing tips. DEFINITELY worth checking out.

Jar Of Fun
I LOVE this idea!! This idea could be done per season too (change the ideas for the season like a winter one could be make pinecone turkeys, create paper snowflakes, bake cookies for the neighbors). This blog has other great ideas so be sure to check it out.

To The Outskirts
I discovered this blog through her beautiful pictures shared on the Fun For Nothin Flickr group.

Imagine Childhood
Beautiful beautiful blog. I discovered this blog through the blog above.

Homeamde Cloth Napkins
Not just your ordinary ones, but 20 made from a $4 Goodwill twin flat sheet!! YIPPEE!!!

Free Curriculum List
For every subject. This is very well thought out and organized list of links to free curriculum (like Ambleside Online). Well worth your time to check out. You can homeschool for free!

Ebook PDF listing
GREAT collection for free pdf ebooks to help with homeschooling! :D

Bus Songs
There is ajust about every fun kids song you can imagine here! Music and lyrics. AWESOME!!

Current Web Readings

Girlss Simple Openwork Shrug
This ADORABLE pattern would be GREAT to make to go over Easter Dresses! Now I just need the courage to learn to make Easter dresses. :)

How Doing Something Good Can Keep You From Helping Your Children
A REALLY good read.

A Homemade Christmas
This blog is BEAUTIFUL!! And these projects are BEAUTIFUL!! Everything here is just BEAUTIFUL!!!

Japanese Sign For Organic
For those who are shopping at Asian stores and want to know.

HappyBird's Crafting Haven
LOTS of cute ideas here!! WOW!!

Ever Wonder Why Did Indigenous People Had Straight Teeth?
REALLY good read - just a TASTE of what is out there.

Current Web Readings

Video
You have to have a FB account to view this video, but it is really good.

Storybook Woods
I think I have shared this blog here before. It is wonderful! So with Autumn FINALLY here, this blog is sure to have some great posts and beautiful pictures!

Change Your Facebook Privacy Settings to KEEP PRIVATE

Great idea for organizing!
Clever Ideas to Declutter

The Best Camera iPhone app
This is TOTALLY AWESOME!! I read about it first on Scott Kelby's blog (yeah, I know I am no professional photographer, but still like to learn to be the best I can be). I want me an iPhone SO BAD so I can get me this app!!! :D I am thinking of buying it for my hubby for Christmas! :D

Wraps Per Inch
How to determine the weight of yarn if the label does not say or is missing.

Current Web Readings

Homeschooling With A Large Family
I really liked reading this. VERY simple, yet encouraging!!

Creating Contentment
This is a REALLY good post (as is most EVERYTHING on this blog!) that will help your children when "that's not fair!". :D

Candy Cane Hearts
This is SO FUN AND EASY! My soon to be nine year old daughter squealed "so THAT'S how you do it!". Fun fun FUN idea!

Frugal Nourishment
Healthy eating, homeschooling AND MOTH follower! :) I have been having fun reading current and pasts posts on this blog which is now added to the sidebar on the left (Blogs with Heart) :) (Which means it is in my RSS feed reader) :)

Free Download 2009 Spring Garden
GREAT post with link for a free help for when to plant your spring garden. ALSO, take a look around on this blog!! IT IS WONDERFUL!!!

Make Dinner Every Day And Like It
Great post about menu planning. So simple and yet, I never thought of it! :)
HTL Like Merchant Ships - I am TOTALLY loving this new blog you shared with us!

100 tips for 2009
100 tips for ways to save money in the upcoming year.

Current Web Readings

Crocheted Sweet Hearts
THESE ARE ADORABLE!!! Imagine making these and then embroidering them with personalized messages "Mommy love you!" "Mommy and Daddy 4 ever!" You could also make several of these and put the letters of the alphabet on them for fun school time with spelling! YOu could even do their name (one letter on each heart) and make garland! Or just make GARLAND! I have been looking for one of these hearts for a long time (at least a FREE pattern). SO THANK YOU!!!

Free Ebook Thriving On Less: Simplifying In A Tough Economy
HT: Junie Moon

Melamine in fish?
Be sure to read the related articles!

Food Industry Challenges That Obama Needs To Address
GREAT video and commentary (text below the video) about how the food in our country contributes to debt and health issues.

Restaurants as well as list of ingredients to look for in order to avoid MSG
I hope that EVERYONE who reads this blog knows about the DANGERS of MSG and how it is hidden in so many foods! We always ask now to see an ingredients list before eating at a restaurant. And a note, while MSG is in the breaded chicken at Chick-Fil-A, the GRILLED chicken at the time of this post does NOT have MSG in it. You can request grilled chicken nuggets in the kids meals. LOVE Chick-Fil-A!!

Interview with an Ex-Vaccine maker
This is EYE OPENING! Just supports why we have chosen not to vaccinate. You MUST be informed and make an INFORMED decision about whether or not to vaccinate your children.

Agave Nectar, Not As Good As We Thought
I was introduced to agave nectar through the raw food movement as an alternative sweetener that did not raise blood sugar levels like honey did. We bought the "raw" form and used it and we loved it. Then a few weeks ago, I read on the herbal forum I am on about how it is no better than corn syrup. It shook me up, but I continued to use agave nectar. This article linked to here is the second article I have read about how it is not as natural of a food as we thought. In fact, I often used agave nectar to replace corn syrup in recipes. After reading the article, I can now see why I was able to. Very interesting (and short) read.

Current Web Readings

The Most Delicious Way To Eat An Oreo
While we don't eat Oreos very often anymore (those things are SOOOOOOO BAD for you), this is how I have eaten mine since an accidental discovery when I was 12 years old. But I had always done it by hand (very VERY messy, but so worth it!) ! LOVE the knife idea! Also, the keys she mentions are MUSTS: it MUST be an Oreo - I have tried all the other versions and it just DOESN'T work the same; you must wait until there are no more bubbles. Bubbles?? What am I talking about?? Click, only if you dare!! (Warning: if you have made any resolutions about eating healthy or losing weight in the new year avoid the temptation to click. Once you eat Oreos this way, there is no going back!!!!!) :D
HT: Ship Full O' Pirates

Some GREAT ideas for traveling with lots of littles:
Part 1
Part 2

Soup Parties
What a GREAT idea!! Reminds me of stone soup! :)

With my children's reaction to dairy, I have been researching how to make my own ghee. Ghee is a lactose and casein free version of butter. It is super healthy for you AND has a higher smoking point than regular butter. The only BAD thing to doing it at home, is that you have to be VERY VERY VERY careful to remove ALL the milk solids in order to ensure that it is TRULY lactose and casein free. Clarified butter should be almost clear with a yellow tint - see throughish - until it solidifies. Here are some links:
Video on How To Make Ghee
How To Make Ghee great pictures and a tip about salt on this page
Illustrated Step-by-step on making clarified butter BEAUTIFUL end result
Pictures of Good Ghee

One Thousand Gifts

At a time where most people are reflecting on what they want to change about themselves or things they would have done differently, there are a few who are counting their blessings.

From One Thousand Gifts:
I am seeing things I have never seen before, atuned and aware of this constant, endless stream of gifts from His hand. I am one waking from slumber....from the stupor of indifference and ignorance. I have sight, fresh and keen---the world is new and full of His gifts.

Too often I miss Him, oblivious, blind. I don't see all the good things that He is giving me, gracing me with, brushing my life with. True, He is everywhere, always. But maybe, before The Gift List, I thought of Him as further off, not so close. When I started to see all the things that I love bestowed upon me, I started to see Him as near, present, everywhere, showering me with good things. Seeing the things I love all around me gives me eyes to see that I am loved, that He loves me.

I do encourage you to Holy Experience.

Here are a few from mine:
#1 The smile on my beloved's face.
#2 The sun setting over the mountains.
#3 White snowflakes that always remind me my sins, though they were like scarlet, are as white as snow.
#4 How ticklish my 5 year old, and how she always lets me tickle her.
#5 The word "Mommy" and how it stirs my heart.
#6 Hymns.
#7 My beloved's gentle hands.
#8 Growing a life inside me.
#9 Nursing that life.
#10 The smell of fresh air.

Salvation Has Come To This House

AA, our near 9yr old dd prayed on Christmas Eve to accept Jesus as her Lord and Savior. I think she had always been that way, but I think that this was just the public display for her. None the less, she has been taking this very seriously, and talks now about God has changed her. She remembers vividly what the pastor said about how we can be tempted and I ask your prayers that she will not be tempted now that she has made this public declaration.

This could not have come at a more special time, because on Christmas morning, she was given a new Bible, her very own. Yes, it is purple, her favorite color. Yes, it sparkles and has gems on it. YES, it is a princess Bible. But it is a good one too.

Today she opened it up to read to me and decided she wanted to start with Job.

Job? REALLY God? Don't You want to lead her to start with something more powerful and life changing like any of the letters from Paul, or maybe the Gospel of John?? ANYTHING but Job.

But Job it was to be. And soon I would find out why. After she read the first chapter, I talked to her about finding her OWN personal application (whereas before hand Momma would always talk about the application). I told her how wherever we are in life, God can tell us something different in the Bible, even if it is the same verse, we can get something different out of it each time we read it. What was her personal application from what she read today?

Her answer: To be praise and love God even if He takes everything away from me.

OK sweetie. But what if one of your sisters breaks something of yours? Would you still praise God by being kind and loving to your sisters??

Her answer: Yes, now that I have God in my heart.

Not two minutes later, she was put to the test. She had generously loaned her new wooden doll she got for Christmas to her 5yr old sister (MM) who is sick, to help her feel better. And it broke. AA was SO SAD. But she did not get angry. I talked to her about how sometimes, when we read something in the Bible, we will be tested to see if we are going to be true to follow through with the personal application. I was so proud of her for following through. And thankfully, Daddy said he would be able to fix the doll good as new!

Previously I would have heard yelling and screaming and blaming and crying. Today, I did hear sadness, but I heard love and forgiveness and praises to God as well. I am so thankful to God!

There is a GREAT free sermon by one of my favorite preachers, Dr. S.M. Davis that deals with answering children's questions about salvation. I HIGHLY suggest you go and listen to it (you can also download it to your computer but right clicking "Save As"). This link was sent to me by Dr. Davis (you can join his email list) as a Christmas present, so I am not sure how long the link will be available. Just a little encouragement to get it while you can.

(Side note: As I am writing this, JJ has gotten himself undressed (still has a diaper on YEAH!), brought his baby into the cradle, covered him up with a blanket and is now rocking the baby sining "Rock A Bye Baby". I LOVE IT!)

Current Web Readings

Cast Iron info
This site has GREAT info on caring for and using cast iron. There is even info AND a video about how to cook eggs in cast iron!!! AND THEY DON'T STICK!!! :)

Ringlets in Long hair:
Curl Hair
Bun and Hair Ringlets
Bobby Pins and Rags

Winter Composting

50 Must Read Blogs for the Conscientious Organic Shopper (this blog is liberal, just a warning).

Buy Nothing Christmas - Gift Ideas
While I have not had a chance to review the WHOLE site, what I have seen so far, I really like!!

What Would You Like To Give
Looking for a last minute gift idea that keeps on giving? This is a WONDERFUL idea!

How TO Eat Better And Avoid The Industrial Diet, by MIchael Pollan
This is an author you will want to read every one of his books. Do a search on You Tube for him and watch and learn some good stuff. And this article is just as good!

Today's Doings

I have been sick in bed today. This meant that the children watched educational and "Jesus" videos. AA also read the Bible to us. And they all had time to play on the computer, "something educational and not just fun please" I asked them. I am so glad my girls understand sign language, because my voice was nil for most of the day.

This allowed me to spend several hours on the computer doing research and learning from a sweet friend of mine who is an encyclopedia of knowledge (and is so kind to answer all my questions, even when it is the bazillionth time I have asked it)!

The tea I mentioned yesterday worked SO WELL on JJ. There is also a runny nose cure that really worked too. It has been WONDERFUL! The runny nose cure was more palatable than the decoction. I will now be keeping sage on in stock in my pantry!

We are watching a fun Christmas movie, The Bishop's Wife (old time black and white original, not the remake) tonight for our pizza (well, tonight it was soup because of all the illness here) movie night.

I have forgotten to have the girls start grateful/thanksgiving journals. I really want them to start that, and I want to start that myself too.
So because I am truly thankful, three things I am thankful for:
My children's health. Even though they get sick every now and then, they have always gotten better. Some children have deadly diseases that have no cure.
My friend, Brenda who is an inspiration and encouragement to me.
My mom. I miss her so much. I love her so much. And I am so very thankful for all she has done for and continues to do for me and my family.

Hidden Freebie on Behemoth

I am so LOVING Behemoth by Vision Forum! I found a hidden freebie on there. In addition to the daily freebie, there is a FREE MOVIE!

When you goto the main page, after loging in (it is free to join, but you do have to give your credit card info - I have been a member for over a month now and have never been charged as long as I am getting freebies), click on MOVIES (it is on the left hand side).

There you will see a movie called WILDER CAVE for a price of $0.00. When you add it to your cart, it will say FREE in your cart!! :) It is a pretty big download, and I have NOT seen the movie yet. But I love the books written by the director.

ENJOY!!

Current Web Readings

Abundance Out Of Simplicity
A wonderful post on Christmas. I really like this idea. HT: Like Merchant Ships

Doing Your Husband Good Day 2
I have truly been enjoying this series. But I did want to comment on something said in the beginning of this post. I LOVE how she points out that it is not for us to look to our husband to lighten our load, but to take it to the Lord and allow Him to lighten it for us. BEAUTIFULLY put!!!

Jesse Tree
I was amazed to hear my beloved talking about this idea as if it was his own. LOL! Honestly he does come up with the BEST ideas. Unfortunately, sometimes, someone else had already come up with it first. So next year we might be doing a Jesse Tree! :) This is one of the best articles with LOTS of links, from a blog I just happen to love! (Please be in prayer for Monica and her family, she has recently found out her father has cancer.)

Current Web Readings

Kids Gardening
GREAT newsletter and site with great ideas for kids and gardening.

Chica and Jo
If you LOVE crafts and tips you will love this site. I need to stop reading past issues and just DO some of this AWESOME stuff!

Paper Weaving Tutorial
Who knew weaved paper could be so pretty!

How Would Jesus Teach
An awesome post on how to use the example of Jesus in our homeschoolin

Every Day Learning LInks
for the young and old alike. This is a GREAT list of links!!!

Buddying
OK, so the first part of this post kinda grossed me out (I cannot stand broken bones EEK!), and I almost skipped over the post. BUT I AM SO GLAD I DIDN'T!! This post is amazing! I LOVE how God uses our children to teach us!!

Crayon Tinting Your Embroidery
OH MY GOODNESS WHAT A GREAT IDEA!!!! HT: Whip Up

Showing Growth
Oh the idea of this little girl in 16 years makes me want to cry (happy beautiful tears of course). What a WONDERFUL way to capture the memory of your little girl growing up.

Current Web Readings

Muffin Tin Monday
OMGoodness I LOVE THIS IDEA!! DOn't have the money for a bento box? NO PROBLEM! Use a MUFFIN TIN!! Check out al these creative ways to use muffin tins to make fun fun for the kids (hey, for Mom too! This looks fun to ME)! :D

Build A Bear Muffin Tin
This is a GREAT rainy day activity!!

Newspaper Hats
These are not your typical newspaper hats. THESE ARE SO CUTE AND GIRLY!!!

Pie In A Jar

Magnifying Glass Art
Oh I am gonna HAVE to try this next summer!!

Knitting Nancy
This is a GREAT project to help a child who wants to knit, but can't.

Mini Caramel Apples
What a GREAT idea for a Harvest Party (or even Thanksgiving party).

Zipploc Baggie Ice Cream
This is just TOO FUN! I can see this becoming a monthly thing during the summer, and then when the kids have kids of their own, passing it onto their kiddos with fond memories. Now I just need to see if it can be done vegan. :)

Folding Cube
This is a GREAT idea for gifts! HT: Chasing Cheerios

Current Web Readings

Toddler Activity Bags
What a GREAT idea!!! Thanks to Like Merchant Ships!!!

Science of Cooking
OH HOW FUN!!! HT: Large Family Mothering

Math Worksheet generator
HT: Large Family Mothering

Help For The Overwhelmed
This was so helpful. I printed out the "checklist" of priorities and plan on using it! I also plan on asking Brian more to help me with what to do, especially when I become overwhelmed. I know that when I am doing what HE has asked of me, and not what I think I need to do or what **I** want to do, then my life is more peaceful. GREAT reminder Crystal! Thanks!!! :D

Crash
This post explains exactly as I feel and I hope I live - in a way that glorifies Christ without bringing others down. A good read.

How to Make and Use a Floor Loom
How cool is this!!! OH MAN! I want to do this RIGHT NOW!!! :) What a GREAT winter project though! How fun to sit by a warming fire and do this?!?!

Boredom Buster and Part 2
This is a GREAT idea for long car trips too!!

Current Web Readings

Periodic Table Videos
WAY cool!!!

Homemaking by Pamela Lancaster

Family-Centered Training After High School

Is The Shorter Catechism Worthwhile?

Felt Board Tutorial

Under Loving Command
Child training according to Scripture.

Pillowcase Backpacks
I LOVE finding new ways to use pillowcases! SO do a lot of others because I get more hits on this blog for my pillowcase dresses

Make Your Own Journals from Your Own Photos
I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE THESE!!! I am going to TRY to make at least one, but would LOVE to make these as Christmas gifts this year. AND what a GREAT way to put your Christmas letter out so it can be read al year?!?! Make the front and back cover pictures with captions about your past year?!?! GREAT gift for the grandparents who don't get to see enough of their grandkids. LOVE this!!!

Making Sticky Notepad Covers
Another cute gift idea

Cute Video

My children and I love this video.


If you want to listen to more songs and/or buy their CD, you can here.

Does the family look familiar? They should! :) They are Jewel's family from Eyes of Wonder

Current Web Readings

Family Fun Doll House
Made entirely of household items you prolly already have!!! This is SUCH A GREAT IDEA!!!

Clothespin World
Links all about making clothespin dolls. Would be GREAT for the house above! ALSO, image what a great gift it would be to put together a kit for your daughter to make her own! Include all the supplies and directions!

Clothespin Butterflies
MUCH simpler and easier to make for younger children. But SO BEAUTIFUL! I can imagine a room decorated with these!!!

Tutorials from Craft Pudding
These are GREAT! I especially love the button cover one!!!

Vintage Paper Dolls

Making Boxers From Old Pillowcases
Video and tutorial!

No Knead Dutch Oven Bread
YUMMO!!! There is a video too!!

Loving Notebooking

Praiseworthy Things
This blog is one I came across when the owner commented on my blog. This is a BEAUTIFUL blog and one I have added to my RSS Feed Reader!!! :)

Current Web Readings

Felt Garland
I LOVE LOVE LOVE ideas that use up little bits of this and that. This is a GRETA way to use up little bits of left over felt and embroidery floss/cross-stitch thread. Start NOW so you can be done in time for Christmas! This would be so FUN to make in front of a warm crackling fire (yes, it is cold enough here to get the fireplace going). :)

Tote-able Towel
This is THE BEST and EASIEST toteable towel pattern I have seen! A GREAT gift (can you tell I am looking for the last bits of Christmas gifts to make for this year?? LOL!!)!!

Five Stones Game
I LOVE Junie Moon's site! And she has put up the CUTEST example (with links to directions and instructions on how to play).

Sewing Blogs
As if I did not have enough time on my hands to read the over 2000 blogs I have in my feed reader, I find THE ULTIMATE LIST of sewing blogs. OH THE JOY!! So pretty, so many tutorials!

Change a Tank Top to a Onsie
This is a GREAT way to reuse and recycle!! Especially those hand me downs! HT: My Half of the Brain

Sew Accurate Seams
Seam guide to tape to your sewing machine to help you have PERFECT SEAMS! If you sew, you need this. Period. And it's FREE! HT: My Half of the Brain

Waterfall Card
This is so cool! HT: Suzical

Just Tutes
I was pretty sure I had shared this before, even RSS feeded it, but I must have lost it. This blog has several FREE patterns for cute CUTE things. I came here for her peasant blouse and stayed for all the other GREAT stuff she has!!!

Esther
WONDERFUL and Biblical insights into this wonderful woman and her life!