This Parenting Adventure

The time has come...

2010-10-08T10:50:00.000-04:00

The time has come my little friends, to talk of other things...

There was a grand idea in my mind of having this parenting blog, but since I am full force already with my Coupon Makeover blog and teaching coupon classes...I think I have bitten off more than I can chew!

I will be posting in-frequently (kind of been my pattern recently anyway), and I already feel a load coming off my shoulders as I type.

I pray that if anyone else out in bloggy land is feeling the "pressure" of posting, that you take the time to evaluate your time spent, and your family that is around your feet or right outside your office door. Make time for what is most important, and cut out the things that you can't seem to manage.

RECIPE - The ABSOLUTE Best Topping for Hot Dogs!

2010-10-05T13:49:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the Newsom Recipe Box!

I am not going to share with you a sincere recipe today, but a family hot dog secret...shhhh.

The absolute BEST topping for hot dogs is French's Fried Dried Onions. No joke!

Instead of cutting up an onion and having half of it left over in the fridge forever. Use these dried ones as a replacement. Now if you can get your hands on the cheddar ones - you will be in taste bud heaven:)

ALDI has a brand that comes in cheddar and regular in a bag for under $2. I just found these recently and was in love! They last a long time (if you do not allow snacking on them like chips to occur), and you only use a little bit at a time.

So enjoy our Newsom Family hot dog topping secret, and let me know how you like it, ok?

I am linking this to my other site - www.couponmakeover.com - a place where you can learn how to cut your grocery bill up to 75% and even get groceries for FREE!

You can see a plethora of fabulous recipes at
Tasty Tuesday,

Tuesdays at the Table

Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays

Tuesday Tastes

Homemaker Monday

and Raising Homemakers.

FREE - Blue Behemoth Audios (10/4) - The Best of the 2006 Entrepreneurial Bootcamp and The Holy War Chapter 8

2010-10-04T14:47:00.001-04:00

Building Your Team: Biblical Principles for Leading Your Staff

Chapter XIII

The products listed are available for free download today from Blue Behemoth!

Blue Behemoth has FREE downloads every day, most of which come from the Vision Forum catalog/site.

There are so many cd's that I have wanted to get (but haven't had the money), and have been able to get them FREE on Blue Behemoth!!

If you are interested in life changing words on parenting, church issues, femininity, entrepreneurship, children's audio, and tons more...wait around and check Blue Behemoth EVERY DAY for their FREE audios for you and your family.

If you do not already have an account, you will need to create an account to download these items.

Free items change daily, so be sure to check back frequently for updates.

I have found that most of the items overlap daily, meaning that they will be available for 2 days - in case you forget:)

Homeschool Freebie of the Day - All the Year Round: Autumn Nature Reader

2010-10-04T14:44:00.000-04:00

All the Year Round: Autumn Nature Reader (PDF ebook)

"Here's a classic nature reader compiled by Frances L. Strong way back in 1895, filled with engaging stories and poetry about plants, animals and insects as they go through the fall season, preparing for wintertime. Lovely illustrations, gentle text, great for read-alouds & nature study! Highly recommended!"

Go to Homeschool Freebie of the Day to download your FREE copy.
As with every special, it will only be available for a few days after posting (some are only available for THAT DAY ONLY)...so don't miss out!

FREE Christian Audio - Dr. Gary Chapman's Love is a Verb

2010-10-04T11:15:00.000-04:00

Christian Audio has a free download of “Love Is A Verb” by Dr. Gary Chapman for the month of October.

If you have never read his "Five Love Languages" book, it is a helpful tool to understanding what makes people "tick" when it comes to feeling loved. You may be showering someone with gifts when their "love language" is time spent with each other. This book will open your eyes for sure!

Dr. Gary Chapman also has "Five Love Languages" for Teens, Kids, and Pets...just kidding about that last one!

Click here to download your free copy.

(I am linking this post to my Coupon Makeover website - click on over and tell me what you like!)

Family Music Reviews - Celtic Lullaby CD

2010-10-01T13:49:00.000-04:00

I have had this Celtic Lullaby CD by Eden's Bridge since my dd9 was born. We listened to it every night at bedtime when she got home, and we still listen to it today. It has been to the hospital with me for every birth and I would put it on repeat play in the cd player in my hospital room for some ambiance:)

This is a great gift for any expecting mother, mother of little ones, big ones, or anyone who has trouble sleeping!

You can sample listen to all of the songs and even buy them in MP3 format...some of my favorites:

Barocha ,

Coventry Carol ,but I love every one of the songs.

While trying to find this on Amazon to post for you, I saw some other Celtic cd's that would be great for listening to at bedtime.

I love listening to Classical music during the day, but most of the Classical CDs I own will have some up-tempo arrangements on them and that doesn't cause sleepiness for sure! We try and get a good rotation of music in at night, but Celtic Lullabies has definitely been our favorite.

Our family has a ritual of listening to music at bedtime, and finding good cd's for calming the little ones and soothing the soul is a must!

What do you listen to at bedtime?

Homeschool Freebie of the Day - Starting a Micro Business: Creating a Business Plan

2010-10-01T11:04:00.000-04:00

Starting a Micro Business: Creating a Business Plan (PDF ebook)

"Does your teenager (or you, the parent) want to earn some money by starting a micro business, but not sure where to start? Answer: You start by creating a business plan. A business plan will help you anticipate anything that might go wrong. By thinking through issues like who will buy your product and how to reach them, you will save time and money as well as avoid frustration. This ebook, Starting a Micro Business: Creating a Business Plan by Carol Topp, is an excerpt from the Micro Business for Teen book series. It will help you put your thoughts on paper and covers the important issues in starting a micro business such as potential customers, your competition, start up costs, pricing and best of all, offers tips, advice and even examples from teenagers who have started their own micro businesses.

This is a business plan for a micro business, so you won't get bogged down in tons of details or fancy financial projections. It is designed for the teenage micro business owner, although it can be helpful to anyone.

"I wish I had seen the systematic business plan template that you have in the book when i started by businesses in the past"-Noah W., homeschool graduate and micro business owner."

Restaurant.com deals for $1!!!

2010-09-30T08:14:00.000-04:00

I am so excited about this secret that I have been sworn to silence until now...

Restaurant.com is having a 90% off sale!!!

This means that all $25 gift certificates are $1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry for all those exclamation points, but this is a nationwide savings that is just AMAZING.

CLICK ON THE PICTURE ABOVE, and enter the code WOW to receive your savings.

Last year, they ran the same special, and we were able to get 10 or so to give away for prizes at a party.

I have no idea if they will offer this special again before Christmas, but imagine giving a $25 Gift Card to all your family and friends that only cost you a buck each!

Make sure that you read what the limitations are and minimum purchases will be - check out the dinner of the month club for 90% off too.

This is a ONE day event and ends at 11:59pm tonight...so don't miss out:)

(I also have linked this post to my www.couponmakeover.com site)

FREE - Blue Behemoth Audios (9/30) - Landmarks and Liberty and The Weapons of Our Warfare: Beauty

2010-09-30T08:05:00.000-04:00

Landmarks and Liberty: Orientation Night I and II

The Weapons of Our Warfare: Beauty

The products listed are available for free download today from Blue Behemoth!

Blue Behemoth has FREE downloads every day, most of which come from the Vision Forum catalog/site.

There are so many cd's that I have wanted to get (but haven't had the money), and have been able to get them FREE on Blue Behemoth!!

If you do not already have an account, you will need to create an account to download these items.

Free items change daily, so be sure to check back frequently for updates.

I have found that most of the items overlap daily, meaning that they will be available for 2 days - in case you forget:)

Homeschool Freebie of the Day - Around the World: New Zealand Unit Study

2010-09-30T08:03:00.000-04:00

Around the World: New Zealand Unit Study (PDF ebook)

"Ready for a break from your normal homeschool routine so that you can keep learning fresh and exciting? A unit study may be just the thing you and your children need. Why not take a 1 week break from your regular studies and learn about the fascinating country of New Zealand, with this neat New Zealand Unit Study excerpted from Terri Johnson's new ebook, "Around the World". Find out what a “kiwi” is (did you know that there are 3 of them?), who its closest neighbors are, what its name means and what it is like to be home educated on this island chain in the South Pacific. This complete unit study on New Zealand is a great way to give geography some attention in your homeschool and it is chock full of fascinating information, beautiful photos and fun activities to help you and your children learn more about our amazing world and the people living on it."

FREE - Blue Behemoth Audios (9/29) - The Weapons of Our Warfare: Beauty and How The Scots Saved Christendom, Part 1

2010-09-29T16:37:00.000-04:00

The Weapons of Our Warfare: Beauty

How The Scots Saved Christendom, Part 1

The products listed are available for free download today from Blue Behemoth!

Blue Behemoth has FREE downloads every day, most of which come from the Vision Forum catalog/site.

There are so many cd's that I have wanted to get (but haven't had the money), and have been able to get them FREE on Blue Behemoth!!

If you do not already have an account, you will need to create an account to download these items.

Free items change daily, so be sure to check back frequently for updates.

I have found that most of the items overlap daily, meaning that they will be available for 2 days - in case you forget:)

Homeschool Freebie of the Day - Sampler from "HOMESCHOOLING GOD'S GIFTED CHILDREN"

2010-09-29T16:33:00.000-04:00

Sampler from "HOMESCHOOLING GOD'S GIFTED CHILDREN" (PDF ebook)

"Today's resource is this lengthy excerpt from Faithe Thomas' brand new book/ebook (available in both print & PDF formats) on how to know if YOUR child is gifted… and how you can Homeschool him or her. Lots of solid, helpful information and resources in this!"

Save $220 at McDonald's!!!

2010-09-29T10:25:00.003-04:00

I was in High Point NC last night and stopped by McDonald's for some Dollar Menu Delights:)

I saw in the window a picture of the Trick or Treat Coupon Booklets for $1.

I said "Oooo, Oooo, give me 20!!!"

These will give me some MAJOR savings while shopping for the holidays with 4 kiddos:)

You get 12 coupons for $1 - so I paid $20 for $240 worth of food!!!

3 free bags of apple dippers
3 free small cones
3 small apple juice or milk
3 hamburgers

Valid from 11/01/10 - 12/31/10

Call your local McD's to make sure that they have these coupon booklets. If they don't have one in your city, check neighboring cities for these FABULOUS coupon booklets for $1.

Let me know if any local Wendy's or Burger King have the booklets, ok?

~~~$$$~~~$$$~~~$$$~~~

I am linking this post to my other site Coupon Makeover

and to Raising Homemakers, Works for Me Wednesday,
and Wordful Wednesday...because everyone loves to save money:)

FREE - Blue Behemoth Audios (9/28) - How The Scots Saved Christendom, Part 1 and (JP) Moose

2010-09-28T10:14:00.000-04:00

How The Scots Saved Christendom, Part 1

Moose

The products listed are available for free download today from Blue Behemoth!

Blue Behemoth has FREE downloads every day, most of which come from the Vision Forum catalog/site.

There are so many cd's that I have wanted to get (but haven't had the money), and have been able to get them FREE on Blue Behemoth!!

If you do not already have an account, you will need to create an account to download these items.

Free items change daily, so be sure to check back frequently for updates.

I have found that most of the items overlap daily, meaning that they will be available for 2 days - in case you forget:)

Homeschool Freebie of the Day - TAMING THE "HOMESCHOOL INFORMATION OVERLOAD" MONSTER!

2010-09-28T10:13:00.000-04:00

TAMING THE "HOMESCHOOL INFORMATION OVERLOAD" MONSTER (PDF ebook)

"Information overload is a factor of life. At times we all get tired and stressed, and either stall out or stray from our plans due to too much information. But it isn’t enough to just know what causes information overload. You must actively guard yourself from it, and take strategic steps toward taming it and getting back on track as soon as possible. In this report, discover practical strategies for dealing with "homeschool information overload" and learn how to free up more of your precious time for what is really important in your life. MUST reading for every online homeschool mom!"

I really like this ebook!

FREE - Blue Behemoth Audios (9/27) - How to Draft a 200 Year Plan and (JP) Moose

2010-09-27T14:01:00.001-04:00

How to Draft a 200 Year Plan, Part I - a DEFINITE MUST HAVE!!!

Moose

The products listed are available for free download today from Blue Behemoth!

Blue Behemoth has FREE downloads every day, most of which come from the Vision Forum catalog/site.

There are so many cd's that I have wanted to get (but haven't had the money), and have been able to get them FREE on Blue Behemoth!!

If you do not already have an account, you will need to create an account to download these items.

Free items change daily, so be sure to check back frequently for updates.

I have found that most of the items overlap daily, meaning that they will be available for 2 days - in case you forget:)

Homeschool Freebie of the Day - Homeschool Radio Shows

2010-09-27T13:55:00.000-04:00

"After an extended hiatus, our sister site HomeschoolRadioShows.com is back and better than ever. New look. New format. And LOTS more great "Living Books for the Ears"!

This week you can listen to these audio programs:"

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
The Story of Glass
Cinderella
The Railway Children
The Prince and the Pauper
Pinnochio
Gossamer Wump
…& more!

We LOVE the audio programs we have bought (or gotten FREE) through out the years from Homeschool Radio Shows. Out of the FREE ones listed today, we have enjoyed The Railway Children and Pinnochio the best.

Family Movie Review - The World of Richard Scarry Videos

2010-09-24T18:55:00.000-04:00

My favorite Richard Scarry video is "Richard Scarry's Best Sing-A-Long Mother Goose Video!"

From Amazon: "A great way to introduce or underscore the value of Mother Goose, this video uses a simple story about Huckle Cat's search for his missing friend Lowly Worm as a platform for enjoying the famous rhymes. While his mother sings lullabies, Huck wishes on a star that he could find Lowly soon, a wish that carries over into his subsequent dream of traveling through Mother Gooseland. There he meets familiar characters--Old King Cole, Little Miss Muffett, Little Bo Peep--who sing their own rhymes. It's Old King Cole who sends Huck directly to Mother Goose for help. This is a good video for assorted ages. Toddlers are easily enchanted by the cadence and rhymes of Mother Goose material, while the 2-to-5-year-old set can enjoy the story, too. The rest of us can appreciate the wonderfully busy animation and the touching tale of a boy's search for his friend." --Tom Keogh

If you can find a copy at a thrift or consignment store, good luck! A USED DVD is $40!!! I wanted to upgrade our VHS, but I think I will wait a bit:)

I found The Best ABC Video and The Best Counting Video DVD's for $1 each at a yard sale this summer.

This clip is from The Best Learning Songs Video by Richard Scarry. I LOVE this song and we had a VHS tape which I re-wound countless times to write the words down and memorize to sing to the children.

Homeschool Freebie of the Day - The Big Brownies Cookbook

2010-09-24T18:31:00.000-04:00

The Big Brownies Cookbook (PDF ebook)

"Question: What can you say about a cookbook that has over 230 delicious, mouth watering, chewy brownie recipes of
every kind imaginable, including…

peppermint brownies
double-decker brownies
pumpkin brownies
peanut butter brownies
cappuccino brownies
toffee brownies
raspberry brownies
cream cheese bwornies
orange brownies
spinach brownies… and many, many more?

Answer: "YUMMMM! Where's the download link?""

FREE Blue Behemoth Audio (9/24) - In Defense of Jamestown & American History Part 1 and (JP) The Horsehoe Crab

2010-09-24T18:29:00.000-04:00

In Defense of Jamestown & American History Part 1

Jonathan Park: Horseshoe Crab

The products listed are available for free download today from Blue Behemoth!

Blue Behemoth has FREE downloads every day, most of which come from the Vision Forum catalog/site.

There are so many cd's that I have wanted to get (but haven't had the money), and have been able to get them FREE on Blue Behemoth!!

If you do not already have an account, you will need to create an account to download these items.

Free items change daily, so be sure to check back frequently for updates.

I have found that most of the items overlap daily, meaning that they will be available for 2 days - in case you forget:)

FREE Blue Behemoth Audio (9/23) - The History of the Hebrew Nation and (JP) The Horsehoe Crab

2010-09-23T20:38:00.000-04:00

The History of the Hebrew Nation Part 1

Horseshoe Crab

The products listed are available for free download today from Blue Behemoth!

Blue Behemoth has FREE downloads every day, most of which come from the Vision Forum catalog/site.

There are so many cd's that I have wanted to get (but haven't had the money), and have been able to get them FREE on Blue Behemoth!!

If you do not already have an account, you will need to create an account to download these items.

Free items change daily, so be sure to check back frequently for updates.

I have found that most of the items overlap daily, meaning that they will be available for 2 days - in case you forget:)

Homeschool Freebie of the Day - G. A. Henty's The Tiger of Mysore

2010-09-23T20:32:00.000-04:00

G. A. Henty's The Tiger of Mysore (mp3 audiobook & PDF ebook)

"Today we have this very well done, complete and unabridged audiobook reading of this excellent Henty historical adventure. During the Indian war with Tippoo Saib, 15 year old Dick Holland and his mother set out from England to find and rescue his father, shipwrecked 6 years earlier, and believed to be held prisoner by the 'Tiger of Mysore'. Great historical adventure, well read by Mike Harris."

RECIPE - Icing Poke Cake

2010-09-22T12:39:00.000-04:00

I cannot stand eating regular cake in the form of a simple sheet cake or cupcake.

I almost always fix my cake mixes by making cookies or double-layered cakes. If I make cupcakes, there HAS to be something in the middle to add some pizazz for my taste buds:)

In other words, the icing to cake ratio needs to be in balance!

I just got some cake mix REALLY cheap at Harris Teeter this week because of SUPER DOUBLES (see my other website www.couponmakeover.com for more details), and I was in the mood to bake with the children this morning.

So if you look in the Newsom Recipe Box today, you will find a recipe for Icing Poke Cake...

ICING POKE CAKE

1 cake mix baked in a 13x9 as directed on box (don't forget to save those box tops for your local school or home school organization!)

1 can of frosting melted in a bowl for 1-2 minutes.

1 large serving fork used to "poke" holes in the cake when ready.

Bake the cake. Heat the icing. Poke the holes.

Pour the icing on the cake and ENJOY an exquisitely warm dessert that will delight those taste buds!

Cover and refrigerate (if there is any left) and be surprised at how nice it taste when cold:)

We used Butter Yellow Cake mix and Milk Chocolate icing...but imagine the possibilities with Orange Supreme and Cream Cheese icing, or Butter Pecan with Coconut Pecan icing. YUMMO!

You can see a plethora of fabulous recipes at
Tasty Tuesday,

Tuesdays at the Table

Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays

Tuesday Tastes

Homemaker Monday

and Raising Homemakers.

Homeschool Freebie of the Day - French Phonology Audio Lesson

2010-09-22T11:24:00.000-04:00

French Phonology Audio Lesson (MP3 audio & PDF guide)

"From our brand new audio curriculum, Step by Step FRENCH, comes this half hour MP3 audio excerpt from the full length "Introduction to French Phonology" course, The Phonology course emphasizes proper pronunciation, inflection, and intonation of French sounds and words, and is just one of the FOUR complete French language audio courses included on this new computer DVD. This course is very precisely structured and presents very small bits of information in sequential order, and may be used along with or prior to Basic French, depending on your learning style. (If you have an analytical or left-brain oriented student, they might enjoy this one more than the regular language program. If you want to check out a sample of the "Basic French" course, check out the curriculum page.)"

FREE - Blue Behemoth Audios (9/22)

2010-09-22T11:22:00.000-04:00

Have you heard of Bluebehemoth.com?

Blue Behemoth is a sister site to Vision Forum.

From the site:

"BlueBehemoth.com's vision is as big as its name: to provide a large-scale, cost-effective download venue for customers of all ages, featuring trustworthy, downloadable audio and video content for the Christian family."

On BlueBehemoth.com, enjoy a wide selection of excellent download media, including:

Music
Feature Films
Film Shorts
Audio Books
Audio Dramas
Sermons
And more!

"Every item for sale on BlueBehemoth.com is carefully reviewed to ensure that its content conforms to high standards of excellence—both in professional quality and biblical propriety. While each family must ultimately determine what is acceptable and worthwhile listening and viewing material in its own home, we strive to make this review process easier for parents by vetting each potential BlueBehemoth.com product prior to approving it for sale."

~~~***~~~***~~~***~~~

Blue Behemoth has FREE downloads every day, most of which come from the Vision Forum catalog/site.

There are so many cd's that I have wanted to get (but haven't had the money), and have been able to get them FREE on Blue Behemoth!!

I am not getting paid for my thoughts, nor do I make any money off of you downloading these FREE audios:)

"The products listed below are available for free download today!

If you do not already have an account, you will need to create an account to download these items.

Free items change daily, so be sure to check back frequently for updates."

I have found that most of the items overlap daily, meaning that they will be available for 2 days - in case you forget:)

The Explorers Society: Part I

The History of the Hebrew Nation Part 1

FREE - Blue Behemoth Audios (9/21)

2010-09-21T12:57:00.000-04:00

Have you heard of Bluebehemoth.com?

Blue Behemoth is a sister site to Vision Forum.

From the site:

On BlueBehemoth.com, enjoy a wide selection of excellent download media, including:

Music
Feature Films
Film Shorts
Audio Books
Audio Dramas
Sermons
And more!

~~~***~~~***~~~***~~~

Blue Behemoth has FREE downloads every day, most of which come from the Vision Forum catalog/site.

There are so many cd's that I have wanted to get (but haven't had the money), and have been able to get them FREE on Blue Behemoth!!

I am not getting paid for my thoughts, nor do I make any money off of you downloading these FREE audios:)

"The products listed below are available for free download today!

If you do not already have an account, you will need to create an account to download these items.

Free items change daily, so be sure to check back frequently for updates."

I have found that most of the items overlap daily, meaning that they will be available for 2 days - in case you forget:)

What the Bible Says about Scorn and Mockery

The Explorers Society: Part I

Homeschool Freebie of the Day - Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss

2010-09-21T12:54:00.000-04:00

Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss (Unabridged MP3 Audiobook)

"How dreadfully old I am getting! Sixteen!" Thus begins the lifelong diary of young Katherine as she pours out her hopes, dreams, and spiritual journey on the pages of her dear, old journal. Whimsical and charming Katherine is engagingly candid about her character flaws and her desire to know God. As you listen to her share her heart through these journal entries, you will be amazed and delighted by the depth of her character and the womanly wisdom and godliness she develops over the years. From the agonies of being a teenager to the delicate balancing act between being a wife/mother/daughter/neighbor, it is easy to relate to Katherine's triumphs and trials whether you are 16 or 60. Listen to her unforgettable story set in the early 1800's as you are encouraged to "step heavenward," and don't be surprised if you find yourself recommending it to all of your friends and family!

This is the unabridged version of this wonderful classic book, with a great new reading by Theresa Downey, just published at Librivox.org, and far superior to earlier versions. If you've never read or heard this story before, do yourself and your young ladies a favor and download it today!"

There is also a BONUS to go along with this program!!!

Wholesome Childhood - Our Home Kindergarten

2010-09-20T14:00:00.001-04:00

"OUR HOME KINDERGARTEN curriculum, is on sale through tonight!

This classic full year curriculum by V. M. Hillyer (author of "A Child's History of the World") has been revised and expanded for today's homeschooler, and is ON SALE at a SUPER LOW price until midnight tonight!"

Sometimes the folks at Wholesome Childhood will have some FABULOUS deals that you just don't want to pass up on - THIS is one of them.

If you use Veritas Press, and our familiar with "A Child's History of the World", you should look into this program. I purchased it today for this RIDICULOUS price, and look forward to using it with my children.

*********

"Specifically, this manual gives you 140+ daily lessons and "hands on" activities to do with your child, giving you a day-by-day sequence and structure to your kindergarten time.

These daily "hands on" activities and projects don't have a thing to do with computers or video, or any high tech gizmos. (You can decide how to use all that stuff yourself.) Instead, these are designed to help your child work through a proven, progessive series of constructive projects that will teach them concrete and abstract concepts (form, color, motion, size, direction, number, etc.) and help develop their learning & motor skills. In short, your child will be taught to do things, and to "learn by doing"."

AHHHHH...I almost forgot, there are some extra specials if you order before midnight - no, not a set of Ginsu knives:)

THREE GREAT ACTIVITY GUIDES:
32 Ways to Keep the Kids Occupied
Rainy Day Activities for Kids
The Critter Construction Kit.

And you know what? They don't even pay me for doing this, LOL!

(I am also posting this at my Coupon Makeover site)

Homeschool Freebie of the Day - The Nursery Lesson Book

2010-09-20T13:49:00.000-04:00

The Nursery Lesson Book (PDF ebook)

"Today we have this vintage guide for teaching young children, with 50 lessons combining simple & progressive instruction in reading, CURSIVE writing, arithmetic, drawing and singing. Fully illustrated, with songs included. Good, basic, easy-to-use material for little learners!"

FREE - Blue Behemoth Audios (9/20)

2010-09-20T13:48:00.000-04:00

Have you heard of Bluebehemoth.com?

Blue Behemoth is a sister site to Vision Forum.

From the site:

On BlueBehemoth.com, enjoy a wide selection of excellent download media, including:

Music
Feature Films
Film Shorts
Audio Books
Audio Dramas
Sermons
And more!

~~~***~~~***~~~***~~~

Blue Behemoth has FREE downloads every day, most of which come from the Vision Forum catalog/site.

There are so many cd's that I have wanted to get (but haven't had the money), and have been able to get them FREE on Blue Behemoth!!

I am not getting paid for my thoughts, nor do I make any money off of you downloading these FREE audios:)

"The products listed below are available for free download today!

If you do not already have an account, you will need to create an account to download these items.

Free items change daily, so be sure to check back frequently for updates."

I have found that most of the items overlap daily, meaning that they will be available for 2 days - in case you forget:)

"What the Bible Says about Scorn and Mockery"

"From Jamestown to Jubilee, Part 4"

Last week was CrAzY!

2010-09-20T13:45:00.000-04:00

Last week was a little crazy for me to post because I was on vacation with my family at the beach.

I, of course, did not want to announce to the world that I would be away from my home for 5 days...

I had originally planned on posting as usual, but the internet access was an issue and my laptop was not being very cooperative!!!

I will be posting SOON about frugal vacations and share with you our experience - which will be humorous to say the least:)

All in all, we had a marvelous vacation with my family and parents.

FREE - Blue Behemoth Audios (9/13)

2010-09-13T08:42:00.000-04:00

Have you heard of Bluebehemoth.com?

Blue Behemoth is a sister site to Vision Forum.

From the site:

On BlueBehemoth.com, enjoy a wide selection of excellent download media, including:

Music
Feature Films
Film Shorts
Audio Books
Audio Dramas
Sermons
And more!

~~~***~~~***~~~***~~~

Blue Behemoth has FREE downloads every day, most of which come from the Vision Forum catalog/site.

There are so many cd's that I have wanted to get (but haven't had the money), and have been able to get them FREE on Blue Behemoth!!

I am not getting paid for my thoughts, nor do I make any money off of you downloading these FREE audios:)

"The products listed below are available for free download today!

If you do not already have an account, you will need to create an account to download these items.

Free items change daily, so be sure to check back frequently for updates."

I have found that most of the items overlap daily, meaning that they will be available for 2 days - in case you forget:)

Homeschool Freebie of the Day - Beginning Plants Unit Study

2010-09-13T08:38:00.000-04:00

"Beginning Plants" Unit Study by Susan Kilbride (PDF ebook) – Today we feature this excellent unit study chapter on plants, from the brand new book Science Unit Studies for Homeschoolers and Teachers by Susan Kilbride.

Susan says of her new book: "If you are a homeschooler or teacher who is looking for fun ideas on how to teach science, then this book is for you! Its hands-on approach is designed to capture student’s interest and promote a love of science and learning. The first ten chapters are for younger children ages 4-7, while the second ten chapters are for children ages 8-13. Each chapter is filled with fun science activities that teach a particular science concept. The activities are designed to use common household items, so you won’t need to buy lots of expensive scientific equipment or chemicals. This book is sure to get your kids loving science!"

If you like today's sample Unit Study, you can see more about the complete book, available both in printed or PDF editions at Amazon or I-Universe.

Go to Homeschool Freebie of the Day to download your FREE copy.

As with every special, it will only be available for a few days after posting (some are only available for THAT DAY ONLY)...so don't miss out!

Duggars in Bondage?

2010-09-10T11:41:00.000-04:00

I found this article today on Jill Stanek's website, and had to share!

We have watched the Duggars on DVD and been inspired in many ways...I will do a complete post on that later.

"Over at Big Journalism, Charlie Richards, creator of the Christian video series, Life at the Pond, writes an insightful post on his experience meeting the 19 Duggar kids, particularly the 3 oldest girls:

In prepping a children’s program where I’d be recording all the Duggars from TLC’s 19 Kids and Counting, I read a lot about this family on the Internet.
Boy was that unhelpful.

I wanted to make sure I got their characters right while scripting the dialogue for an episode of Life at the Pond….

But there was one common theme… The Duggar children are captives in their own home….

[Dad] Jim Bob [Duggar] was kind enough to invite my entire family into his home. We ended up spending parts of 3 days there, and I can tell you first hand, this is no ordinary family.

You won’t find a television in their giant living room. The Internet is greatly restricted. The girls’ room (9 of 10 sleep in 1 room – the only exception is temporary, newborn Josie) didn’t have Hanna Montana or boy band or vampire posters or anything like it.

Lady Gaga did not make the cut.

The most prevalent thing on the walls of the Duggar house are family pictures and scripture. So, yes, you could say quite accurately popular culture was shielded by the walls literally built by the Duggar family.

Funny thing is, people tend to assume a child not immersed in popular culture is a child missing from reality. In some cases, that is true. Not the Duggars.

My wife and I spent considerable time talking to the 3 teenage girls, Jill, Jessa and Jinger. They are sharp, fun and informed. They know what’s going on out there. But it isn’t at all a part of their every day life. And, to the shock and dismay of so many, they’re okay with that.

While, admittedly, I admire the Duggars for much of what they do, I didn’t expect what I saw in these 3 girls. The world has yet to beat them into submission. They don’t watch the Disney Channel, so they’ve yet to learn that adults are buffoons and parents are embarrassing. They don’t listen to the local rock station, so they’ve yet do discover life is supposed to be one promiscuous event followed by another. They don’t attend public school, so they’ve yet to learn teenage girls are required to be filled with angst and riddled with insecurities.

As we spoke to the 3 of them, one word kept jumping out at me: Freedom. These girls were experiencing freedom teenagers rarely taste. Completely free to be themselves.

The exact opposite of the words so often used by media folk to describe the 19 kids.
While many times teenagers can’t wait to get away from adults, these 3 were anxious to engage in conversation. And they were delightful. All of the Duggars were.

And here’s another thing that springs from the Duggar house throughout the day: Humor. The TLC show captures some of that, but I was surprised by the amount of laughter and joking in that home.

Again, it goes back to freedom. While the left reflexively assumes it’s a world of “don’t do that” leading to a house of misery, reality is quite the opposite.

As the Duggar family proves."

Duggars in bondage?...think again. This family continues to prove to the nations that we, as Christians, are aliens and strangers to this world and all its entanglements (or at least we should be!).

Hebrews 11:13

1 Peter 2:11

FREE - Blue Behemoth Audios (9/10)

2010-09-10T11:27:00.000-04:00

Have you heard of Bluebehemoth.com?

Blue Behemoth is a sister site to Vision Forum.

From the site:

On BlueBehemoth.com, enjoy a wide selection of excellent download media, including:

Music
Feature Films
Film Shorts
Audio Books
Audio Dramas
Sermons
And more!

~~~***~~~***~~~***~~~

Blue Behemoth has FREE downloads every day, most of which come from the Vision Forum catalog/site.

There are so many cd's that I have wanted to get (but haven't had the money), and have been able to get them FREE on Blue Behemoth!!

I am not getting paid for my thoughts, nor do I make any money off of you downloading these FREE audios:)

"The products listed below are available for free download today!

If you do not already have an account, you will need to create an account to download these items.

Free items change daily, so be sure to check back frequently for updates."

I have found that most of the items overlap daily, meaning that they will be available for 2 days - in case you forget:)

Homeschool Freebie of the Day - The Bee People

2010-09-10T11:23:00.000-04:00

The Bee People by Margaret Warner Morley (PDF ebook)

"Today's resource is this delightful 1899 "Living Book" about bees, written by the author of "Little Travelers" and "Seed Babies", volumes which we have featured here in the past. Wonderfully easy to read and highly inviting to young readers, the chapters read almost like a storybook, and include Bees & Flowers, How a Bee Sees & Flies, Honeybees, How and Why Bees make Honey & Honeycombs, Queen Bees, Bee Facts & Fancies, and much more. Includes Questions for Review at the end of the book. This is a great nature study book your kids will love."

Go to Homeschool Freebie of the Day to download your FREE copy.

As with every special, it will only be available for a few days after posting (some are only available for THAT DAY ONLY)...so don't miss out!

FREE - Blue Behemoth Audios (9/9)

2010-09-09T12:49:00.000-04:00

Have you heard of Bluebehemoth.com?

Blue Behemoth is a sister site to Vision Forum.

From the site:

On BlueBehemoth.com, enjoy a wide selection of excellent download media, including:

Music
Feature Films
Film Shorts
Audio Books
Audio Dramas
Sermons
And more!

~~~***~~~***~~~***~~~

Blue Behemoth has FREE downloads every day, most of which come from the Vision Forum catalog/site.

There are so many cd's that I have wanted to get (but haven't had the money), and have been able to get them FREE on Blue Behemoth!!

I am not getting paid for my thoughts, nor do I make any money off of you downloading these FREE audios:)

"The products listed below are available for free download today!

If you do not already have an account, you will need to create an account to download these items.

Free items change daily, so be sure to check back frequently for updates."

Homeschool Freebie of the Day - Cool Science Experiment Videos

2010-09-09T12:26:00.000-04:00

Ready for a little "hands on" experimentation and science fun? Then check out today's resource, a way cool page of fun assortment of 12 science videos. Enjoy these… and have fun conducting a few experiments yourself!

Go to Homeschool Freebie of the Day to download your FREE copy.

As with every special, it will only be available for a few days after posting (some are only available for THAT DAY ONLY)...so don't miss out!

Homeschool Freebie of the Day - Stitchery For Girls – A Five Year Course

2010-09-08T10:13:00.000-04:00

Stitchery For Girls – A Five Year Course (PDF)

"This classic curriculum was originally written in 1911 as a five year course in hand sewing and stitchery for girls in rural schools and for home instruction. Obviously, there's no electric sewing machines mentioned here at all… but all the basic instructions, exercises and learning projects in this book are still a great way to teach hand sewing step-by-step today. We know it is pretty much a lost art, but there is some great instruction here! Lots of good advice to the teacher on how to instill good habits into their students as they progress through these projects over the years. Check it out and learn to sew… exactly the same way great-grandma did back when she went to school!"

Go to Homeschool Freebie of the Day to download your FREE copy.

As with every special, it will only be available for a few days after posting (some are only available for THAT DAY ONLY)...so don't miss out!

Homeschool Freebie of the Day - FRONT PORCH ATTITUDE – Lessons Learned from a Lifetime by Chris Sutton

2010-09-07T16:09:00.000-04:00

FRONT PORCH ATTITUDE – Lessons Learned from a Lifetime by Chris Sutton(PDF) – "Here's some great reading just for YOU over this Labor Day break. We enjoyed this so little ebook of stories so much, we purchased the rights to it… just so we could include it here. You'll love these warm and wise stories of life in the slow lane, which will remind you of the fleeting treasures we often take for granted. Just read and enjoy!"

Go to Homeschool Freebie of the Day to download your FREE copy.

As with every special, it will only be available for a few days after posting (some are only available for THAT DAY ONLY)...so don't miss out!

Homeschool Freebie of the Day - Betty Crocker's Cookbook for Boys and Girls

2010-09-07T16:07:00.000-04:00

Betty Crocker's Cookbook for Boys and Girls (PDF ebook) – "Today's resource is a PDF version of this GREAT cookbook for your young chefs from 1957, which includes a huge selection of simple recipes for salads, breads, main dishes, desserts, and snacks! Along with the recipes there are tons of helpful information pages on how to plan out your meals, preparing for company, measuring & mixing, using cooking utensils, manners in the kitchen, cooking tips, cleaning up, and related practical advice — just about all you'd need to teach a course in home economics whilst at the same time fixing some yummy snacks and goodies. Highly recommended!"

Go to Homeschool Freebie of the Day to download your FREE copy.

As with every special, it will only be available for a few days after posting (some are only available for THAT DAY ONLY)...so don't miss out!

Homeschool Freebie of the Day - Frugal Family Fun Activities

2010-09-03T11:02:00.000-04:00

Our Favorite Frugal Family Fun Activities – Volume One: At Home! (PDF ebook)

"Entertaining the family doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. (You can save those to buy gasoline.) There are all sorts of creative ways for the family to have fun, be together, and spend little if any money. All it takes is a little resourcefulness, creativity, an open mind and a young heart. After all, nothing’s better than laughing with your family, and laughs are free.

Here in Volume One we here a great collection of “real life” ideas for fun, frugal activities for the family – when you want to have a fun evening or afternoon AT HOME. (Thanks to all who contributed ideas!) Read through this fun compilation, take an idea and run with it, add your own tweaks and twists, and create some memorable family times together. Enjoy!"

Go to Homeschool Freebie of the Day to download your FREE copy.

As with every special, it will only be available for a few days after posting (some are only available for THAT DAY ONLY)...so don't miss out!

I'm still here

2010-09-03T11:00:00.000-04:00

Busy, busy week and LIFE! I don't know if I will be continuing to post every day...but stay tuned:)

I am trying to get on a better "blogging" schedule, so bare with me.

Friday Blog Parties

2010-08-27T13:22:00.005-04:00

Blog Parties are a great way to meet new blogging friends and these are the blogs that I have linked to today!

If you have come from a visit from one of these links...leave me a comment and let me know that you were here.

I would love to check out your blog as well:)

Educational Movie Review - Leap Frog

2010-08-27T13:21:00.001-04:00

Since this is the beginning of the school year, I thought I would do an educational movie review.

Leap Frog DVD's are an amazing resource for the younger children. They teach phonics, putting phrases and sounds together to make words, special "silent" sounds, reading your words to sound like a story, and a math circus with simple adding and subtracting concepts!

This would be a wonderful addition to your family dvd library.

We received as a Christmas gift for all the children one year the 5 pack of LeapFrog dvds:

LeapFrog: Letter Factory

LeapFrog: Talking Words Factory

LeapFrog: Talking Words Factory II: The Code Word Caper

LeapFrog: Learn to Read at the Storybook Factory

LeapFrog: Math Circus

I just saw a new video called LeapFrog: Math Adventure to the Moon that will definitely be on our list to get soon!

Grace (dd9) - "I like The Code Word Caper because of all the machines and what they do to the letters."

William (ds7) - "The Math one is my favorite because of all the fun things at the circus."

Nathanael (ds4) - "I want the SPACE one!"

Abigail (dd2) - "A, B, C, D, E, F, G...."

(I am linking this article to Raising Homemakers)

Homeschool Freebie of the Day - Wonder Stories in Silhouette

2010-08-27T12:48:00.000-04:00

"Finally this week we feature a fun little collection of children's storybooks all illustrated with silhouettes. Enjoy these classic fairy tales, rhymes and wonder stories, and perhaps even inspire your kids to draw and create their own silhouette creations!"

Go to Homeschool Freebie of the Day to download your FREE copy.

As with every special, it will only be available for a few days after posting (some are only available for THAT DAY ONLY)...so don't miss out!

Homeschool Freebie of the Day - Natural Oddities, Volume 3

2010-08-26T17:36:00.000-04:00

Natural Oddities: Volume THREE (PDF ebook)

"Woohoo! Today we reature this THIRD great collection of these classic cartoons by Gus Mager depicting odd, unusual and sometimes just plain weird aspects of the flora and the fauna in the world around us -- "Natural Oddities". Strange but true facts about nature that fascinate young and old readers alike! Kids love this series... don't miss it!"

Go to Homeschool Freebie of the Day to download your FREE copy.

As with every special, it will only be available for a few days after posting (some are only available for THAT DAY ONLY)...so don't miss out!

Tip of the Week - Mosquito Bite Relief

2010-08-26T08:53:00.002-04:00

Those darn mosquitoes can cause a heap of itching, and they seem to be out ALL the time here in the south!

Mosquito Bite Relief is cheap and easy when you use a home remedy.

Wet a side of BAR soap, and generously coat the itchy area. Let dry, and VOILA! No more itch!

Homeschool Freebie of the Day - Leaves and Flowers

2010-08-25T13:59:00.000-04:00

Leaves & Flowers (PDF ebook)

"Today's resource is this great vintage book of short nature studies on plants for young readers. Engagingly written, fully illustrated, and perfect for late summer and fall outdoor exploring & learning!"

Go to Homeschool Freebie of the Day to download your FREE copy.

As with every special, it will only be available for a few days after posting (some are only available for THAT DAY ONLY)...so don't miss out!

Homeschool - Reading to Siblings

2010-08-25T13:01:00.001-04:00

It is so important to schedule reading time in the homeschool day!

Whether it is individual reading or storytime with mom/dad, this is a crucial building block in the life of your child.

We have planned this year for the older children to have reading time with the younger.

This has already been a success the first few days we have tried it!

Grace (dd9) reads to Nathanael (ds4), and William (ds7) reads to Abigail (dd2).

The books that Abigail wants read are easy for William.

Nathanael needs to be held captive with longer books, so that is when Grace steps in.

This gives all the children a chance to bond, and practice reading with flair to their younger siblings.

I hope you will incorporate sibling reading time into your day - it works wonders!

(I am linking this article to Raising Homemakers and Works for Me Wednesday,
and Wordful Wednesday.)

Homeschool Freebie of the Day - Our Children in Heaven

2010-08-24T14:12:00.001-04:00

I LOVE Homeschool Freebie of the Day and will start featuring them on this website. They have amazing offers for families whether you homeschool or not!

Here is today's feature - most specials are only available for a few days, but this one will always be available through request.

Our Children In Heaven by James Maple, revised by Jim Erskine (PDF ebook) – Originally published in 1890, this completely forgotten little book by Dr. James Maple has truly been lost for decades. (There is a different book with the same title available other places online, but in our opinion this volume is far superior.) Its pages contain a well-spring of comfort for all who have lost loved ones, little or old, to death. When we discovered it on the dusty shelf of an antique shop (the owner did not even know he had it), we knew that we had to make it available to hurting families again. It is our hope that you will find these messages a sweet balm for aching hearts.

From the Preface:

CHILDREN are as a ray of sunshine in our homes, bringing joy and gladness. They come as angels of innocence and beauty, awakening new thoughts, kindling holier feelings, leading us to a higher and better life. A home without children, to me, is like heaven without angels; but our dear ones are not safe from the hand of disease and death. Truly the poet sings:

…there is no flock, however watched and tended
But one dead lamb is there.
There is no fireside, howsoever defended,
But has one vacant chair!

What a difference the death of a child makes in our hearts and homes. How it changes the tone of our thoughts and takes the warmth and beauty out of life.

How the little children love us, and no traces
Linger of that smiling angel band.
Gone, forever gone, and in their places
Weary men and anxious women stand.

The sermons embraced in this little book were written and preached at different and distant periods in a ministry of forty-five years, to comfort sorrowing parents who were mourning the loss of their dear little ones by the hand of death. They are now given to the public with the hope that they may be a comfort to many bleeding hearts.

NOTE: This book has been substantially edited and revised by Jim Erskine, and is copyrighted. Please do not redistribute or pass along to others, but instead please send folks here to obtain a copy. After today, this book will be available at OurChildrenInHeaven.com – still free, but you must register for it through our email system there. Thank you for respecting our rights in this matter.

RECIPE - Celebration Pancakes

2010-08-24T13:53:00.001-04:00

With school starting soon, it is nice to plan a special breakfast for the kiddos.

We love to make homemade pancakes, and add a little something extra...

So welcome to this week's Newsom Recipe Box!

We call these Celebration Pancakes:

Mix pancake batter according to directions

Butter pan and pour in batter

THEN add special ingredients to the top side of the pancake batter (ie. sprinkles or chocolate chips)

Wait until bubbly then flip, the toppings will melt into the pancake

We have Celebration Pancakes for ANY reason that suits us, whether it be the first day of school, it's raining outside, or we saw a beautiful butterfly!

Make your day special by fixing up some homemade pancakes. Make them tiny or humongous big, your kids will love it!

We get our pancake mix for under $2 at ALDI.

(and use about half the box in one morning for the 5 of us)

The sprinkles are sold at the Dollar Tree for $1.

Chocolate Chips are under $2 at ALDI.

(and you only use a handful)

So for this breakfast, we really spend less than $3 for all of us to eat like kings and queens:)

Let me know if you try it!

You can see a plethora of fabulous recipes at

Tasty Tuesday,

Tuesdays at the Table

Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays

Tuesday Tastes

Homemaker Monday

and 4 Moms

Starting Homeschool with a BANG!

2010-08-23T18:11:00.003-04:00

Every year we start our first day of homeschooling with a BIG party!

There is an opening speech by the headmaster of St. George Academy to welcome the new students;) Then the teacher of this one-room-school-house (me) shares a few subjects that will be covered during the new year, amidst "HUZZAH'S!" and clapping in the medieval way.

We take a break to enjoy a medieval dance that we learned the year before, while dressed in our medieval attire, of course!

Since we use the Classical Method, we study history and Bible chronologically. We use Veritas Press cards for these subjects and add on with other books on the time period we are studying that year.

We briefly talk about each subject for the year and give out the new school books to each child along with other "goodies" as well.

There is always a special meal and fun activities to boot...

For example, last year we were covering Ancient Egypt. I had found some fabulous books on the subject throughout the past year at yard sales and thrift shops. I gave those to them on the opening day of school and we spent loads of time looking through those books...oh, what fun!

Then the children wrapped their "mummy" in toilet paper!

William (ds7) had to get in the action too.

Think of a way to make your first day of homeschool EXTRA special. Whether it is a special meal, a dance, gifts, or a play...what will you do to make this day a wonderful memory for your children?

Family Movie Review - Prince of Egypt

2010-08-20T17:50:00.000-04:00

I love to have the children watch movies that bring the Bible to life in a respectful way.

The Dreamworks movie Prince of Egypt does just that!

The songs in the movie are top notch..."Through Heaven's Eyes" is one of my favorites, a lively tune sung by Jethro, Moses's soon-to-be father-in-law talking about how we are part of the grand design.

[Jethro]
A single thread in a tapestry
Through its color brightly shine
Can never see its purpose
In the pattern of the grand design

And the stone that sits on the very top
Of the mountain's mighty face
Does it think it's more important
Than the stones that form the base?

So how can you see what your life is worth
Or where your value lies?
You can never see through the eyes of man
You must look at your life

Look at your life through heaven's eyes
Lai-la-lai...

A lake of gold in the desert sand
Is less than a cool fresh spring
And to one lost sheep, a shepherd boy
Is greater than the richest king
If a man lose ev'rything he owns
Has he truly lost his worth?
Or is it the beginning
Of a new and brighter birth?

So how do you measure the worth of a man
In wealth or strength or size?
In how much he gained or how much he gave?
The answer will come
The answer will come to him who tries
To look at his life through heaven's eyes

And that's why we share all we have with you
Though there's little to be found
When all you've got is nothing
There's a lot to go around

No life can escape being blown about
By the winds of change and chance
And though you never know all the steps
You must learn to join the dance
You must learn to join the dance
Lai-la-lai...

So how do you judge what a man is worth
By what he builds or buys?
You can never see with your eyes on earth
Look through heaven's eyes
Look at your life
Look at your life
Look at your life through heaven's eyes

In Egypt, the hieroglyphics come to life, telling part of the story. The plagues are powerfully portrayed and the scene of the Red Sea parting and the Israelites walking through is utterly amazing...lightning flashes and you see the shadow of a whale looming on one side!

The one flaw, as with most Moses stories is the Pharaoh that Moses demands to "let my people go", is called Pharoah Rameses. But he could not have been the Pharaoh of the Exodus. Here is a great article that I found on biblehistory.net. (you should definitely check it out)

So it took about half an hour to explain to the children when we were studying Ancient Egypt and Moses in homeschool at St. George Academy, that it was NOT Rameses, but most likely Amenotep III that was the Pharoah in the Moses story! (Rameses lived over 100 years later)

This is a definite cartoon Bible movie that should be on your family viewing list!

Product Description on Amazon

THE RETELLING OF THE STORY OF MOSES. SET IN A BASKET ALONG THE RIVER BY HIS DESPERATE MOTHER, MOSES IS FOUND BY THE QUEEN AND RAISED AS BROTHER TO RAMSES, HEIR TO THE THRONE. BUT WHEN AN ADULT MOSES LEARNS OF HIS HERITAGE, HE FINDS HIMSELF FLEEING FROM THE CITY ONLY TO BE CALLED ON BY GOD TO LEAD HIS PEOPLE.

Grace (dd9) - "I love the songs and the scene with the burning bush."

William (ds7) - "It helps me remember the Bible stories."

Friday Blog Parties

2010-08-20T12:22:00.000-04:00

Blog Parties are a great way to meet new blogging friends and these are the blogs that I have linked to today!

If you have come from a visit from one of these links...leave me a comment and let me know that you were here.

I would love to check out your blog as well:)

Tip of the Week - Multiplying Money

2010-08-19T10:32:00.000-04:00

Do you have a little kiddo that spends their money as soon as they get it?

Someone who is an impulse shopper and needs to learn how to save up for bigger things?

Here is a little tip that I learned from John at LF:

Let's say your child has $4 to spend when you go into the Dollar Store.

Tell them that however much money they come out of the store with, you will match it.

So if they spend $3 and have $1 left, you will give them another $1 (their money has multiplied to $2).

If they don't spend anything, they will be matched the $4 and now they will have $8! They can see their money multiply right in front of them!!!

If you do this a few times, they will hopefully catch on, and you might be broke:)

But think of the lessons they will learn at a young age of how to manage their money, and not to be an impulse shopper.

Luke 12:42 "And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household,..."

Picaboo - FREE Classic Photo Book (up to $39.99)

2010-08-18T12:31:00.000-04:00

Get a free Classic photo book at Picaboo! Use code FREEBK through August 31, 2010.

You can choose from these fabulous books:

20-page Large Classic photo book (up to $39.99)

20-page Classic Leather photo book (up to $39.99)

or 20-page Classic Custom photo book (up to $39.99)

This coupon is for first-time Picaboo customers only.

Taxes and shipping charges are additional.

I have never used this program, but it looks really easy. Now to decide who to get one for!!! This would be a great gift for grandparents...I just wish that we have already been to the beach to have new photos:)

I could always do my own photo shoot in the back yard! I love to use Picnik to edit my pictures. What free software do you use?

RECIPE - Homemade Curly Fries

2010-08-17T14:44:00.003-04:00

Welcome to the Newsom Recipe Box.

Here at Newsom Hall we have a Friday night tradition...
if it's Friday, it's FRYday!

We have homemade fries every weekend combined with something on the grill.

We live in the south, so we even grill in the winter time too:)

Making homemade fries can be a "royal pain" unless you have the right equipment.

My absolute must have is called the Presto Tater Twister - here is the original commercial from You Tube:

When you cut a whole potato, the spirals can be extremely long. I break mine into smaller pieces, and I take the inner spirals out of the larger spiral pieces.

The other great thing...my children can do the fries! The key is putting pressure on the Tater Twister so that the fries come out thicker.

My second "must-have" for homemade fries is the Presto DualDaddy Electric Deep Fryer.

I take out the separator so that it is just one large deep fryer.

I have tried the regular FryDaddy, and it took me FOREVER to cook enough fries for 6 people!

I tried cooking on the stove, and grease splattered down the sides of the pot and almost caught the kitchen on fire!!!

I am on my second Presto DualDaddy, and will never be without one:)

Put your potatoes in gently to reduce splatter, and not too many at a time or the oil will bubble over. Stir and break up potatoes occasionally (like when you cook macaroni and cheese). My batches take about 8-10 minutes to cook.

After you cook your fries, have a large bowl lined with paper towels/napkins ready to soak up the excess grease.

THE KEY to a great french fry is in the seasoning.

I get my potatoes at ALDI - $3.99 for 10lbs. and all my seasonings from the Dollar Tree:

"Newsom Special Seasoning"

FIRST, I sprinkle onion powder, then flip fries.

SECOND, I sprinkle garlic salt, then flip fries.

THIRD, I sprinkle a little garlic pepper, then flip fries.

Can you say "taste-bud-heaven"?

I hope some homemade curly fries with the "Newsom Special Seasoning" is in your near future.

Let me know how you like it!

Consider creating your own tradition with your children on Friday nights...what will yours be?

You can see a plethora of fabulous recipes at
Tasty Tuesday,

Tuesdays at the Table

Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays

Tuesday Tastes

Homemaker Monday

and Raising Homemakers

Happy Birthday - Abigail Christiana

2010-08-16T21:22:00.000-04:00

Today is my smallest blessing, Abigail Christiana's birthday (this picture is from last October).

She has been on this earth for 2 summers, and talks more than any just-turned-2 year old that I have ever seen!

She is truly "the joy of her father", just as her name means. She always brings laughter and amusement when she is in the room.

She eats her green beans first and asks for more - I wish her siblings would follow her example in that:)

I love to hear every word that comes out of her mouth, she has her own sweet little ways that she says everything...oh, how they grow all too fast.

Hold on to those babies, they soon start to crawl, then walk, then run.

Before too long, it will be time to officially start school!

Cherish EVERY SINGLE MOMENT, and never tire of disciplining and shaping your children to the people they will become. We are now shaping our great-grandchildren! The things that we teach to our children, will be passed on to the next generation, and to many generations after us....think on these things.

Family Movie Review - Swiss Family Robinson

2010-08-13T15:43:00.001-04:00

We had Swiss Family Robinson on VHS, then got the Vault Edition DVD a few years ago. We love to look at the special features on ALL our DVD's. So many hidden gems are within!

After you have seen the movie close to 20 times, it is great to watch it with the commentary. You will learn so many new things about the movie, characters, and the making of it.

Swiss Family Robinson is an exciting adventure that has no scary parts for young viewers.

The boys are real boys, and the girls are girls.

It shows how resourceful they are when learning to live off the land.

The older brothers get in a few scuffles. Over what?...a girl.

If you haven't seen this movie in a while, it's time to pick it up for your next Family Movie Night!

"One of Disney's biggest and most fondly remembered hits, the spectacular screen version of the literary classic SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON is full of breathtaking South Seas scenery, hundreds of exotic animals, and treacherous pirates. This heroic tale chronicles the courageous exploits of the Robinson family after they are shipwrecked on a deserted island. Using teamwork and ingenuity, they skillfully overcome the obstacles of nature and transform their new home into a "civilized" community. But the ultimate challenge lies ahead when a band of cutthroat pirates threaten to destroy the Robinson's Makeshift paradise. Capture the thrills, romance, and fun of this unforgettable Disney film!"

I mean, what child wouldn't love to live in a tree house?

Grace (dd9) - Favorite scenes: when they are having the Christmas dance and the part at the end with the pirates and the coconut bombs! Ka -BOOM!

William (ds7) - Favorite scenes: living in the tree house and when they are swinging from the vines!

Consignment Mommies - Sales this weekend (8/14)

2010-08-13T13:33:00.002-04:00

Do you LOVE consignment sales?

Usually churches will have 50% off most items on Saturday.

So this means I don't even tempt myself by going on Friday:)

To see the consignment sales in your area, visit www.consignmentmommies.com.

Tip of the Week - Toilet Paper, Over or Under?

2010-08-12T21:39:00.001-04:00

Which way do you have your toilet paper? Over or under?

I have ALWAYS put my toilet paper over. If hubby puts it on the other way, I change it.

I received a tip today that will change my habits (thanks Michelle!).

I have a few little ones around the house that use way too much toilet paper. Only a few times have I seen them doing this...

It is so much easier to waste paper if you spin it down. So try it the other way. Pulling it from the back could save toilet paper.

You could also decide on a certain number of squares that are reasonable to use for your younger kids that use a wad, when they should be using 4 squares:)

Which way do you have your toilet paper roll?

Meteor Shower Memory Making

2010-08-11T21:11:00.002-04:00

What a good way to spend a late evening -
watching some of God's handiwork in the form of a fabulous Meteor shower!

We are going to grab a blanket, some pillows, mosquito spray (yea, they love us way too much), the Bible and Narnia for some pre-reading.

The Perseids Meteor Shower happens every August with its peak in the wee hours of August 12th and 13th of 2010.

Here is some info from Wikipedia:

"The stream of debris is called the Perseid cloud and stretches along the orbit of the comet Swift-Tuttle. The cloud consists of particles ejected by the comet as it travels on its 130-year orbit. Most of the dust in the cloud today is around a thousand years old. However, there is also a relatively young filament of dust in the stream that was pulled off the comet in 1862."

Did you get that? The meteor shower that we will see over the next few days are from 1862 or maybe even 1,000 years ago!!!

Also from www.meteorblog.com:

"I find that the times leading up to the peak in the morning are always stronger. For some of you the peak times will occur when it is light outside, so my best advice is to look in the morning of August 12th, a few hours before dawn and then again in the evening of August 12th into the morning of August 13th. There are some good things going for viewing the Perseids Meteor Shower in the morning of August 12th. One in particular is that the Constellation Perseus (the radiant located in the northeast for most of us) will be at it’s highest in the sky just before dawn and the moon will be a small crescent shape. The best part about viewing in the morning of August 12th is that, if for some reason, you don’t see as many meteors as you would like, you’ll have a another chance later in the evening to have a second go round at viewing."

We will be having some Star Crunch Little Debbie Snacks and don't forget some Moon Pies!

We drew some meteors and shooting stars with chalk on some construction paper today,

and watched the Magic School Bus - Space Adventures (which you can see HERE on Amazon).

There are so many things that you can talk to your children about this amazing occurrence.

From www.biblegateway.com,

In the Creation Story:

Genesis 1:16
And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.

God's Promise to Abraham:

Genesis 15:5
And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.

Genesis 22:17
That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;

Psalm 147:4
He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names.

Birth of Narnia by Paula Novak

You can talk about C.S. Lewis's The Magician's Nephew. Read Chapter 8, The Fight at the Lampost. See the creation of Narnia. It is just a few pages long...move in a few pages in Chapter 9 and you will find how the lamppost arrives in Narnia.

I found this piece on Into the Wardrobe,

"Lewis continues to draw from Biblical creation images as he describes the introduction of light into Narnia. The singing stars are the first things the children see in Narnia, and Lewis again uses the character of Digory to establish a connection between the text and a youthful reader: "If you had seen and heard it, as Digory did, you have felt quite certain that it was the stars themselves which were singing," (Lewis, 1988, p.93-94). Genesis, on the other hand, automatically appeals to adult sensibilities when describing the stars, relating them to such "grown-up" concerns as the calendar: "Let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years, and them be lights in the expanse of the sky..." (Gen 1:14-15). The singing stars image that Lewis draws from here is located in Job 38:7. Comparing these two passages, it is evident that Lewis chose to convey his creation story using the Biblical images that are not only easier for children to understand, but also easier for children to appreciate and enjoy."

In Prince Caspian, Chapter 4, Doctor Cornelius is showing Caspian the stars.

In The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, Chapter 14, Caspian, Edmund and Lucy meet a "retired star".

And if you have read The Last Battle before tonight (and ONLY if!), then turn to Chapter 14, and bring the tissue box!

This night is a memory maker for your family, sleep late tomorrow, be amazed at God's creation, and treasure it. Your children definitely will:)

(I am linking this post to Raising Homemakers)

Thrifty Adventures - Charming Charlie Jewelry Store HEAVEN!

2010-08-09T15:39:00.001-04:00

Have you ever been in a Charming Charlie Jewelry Store before? It is definitely candy for the eyes and easy on the pocketbook. All jewelry is set up by color, some by style (like crosses). It took me an hour to get through the whole store - big costume jewelry is definitely my weakness. But what REALLY took me the longest was when I got back to the CLEARANCE section.

Although most of these will have only a few more weeks of wear this year, they will help me accessorize to the max for next spring and summer!

This piece with all the beads and flowers, I wore on Sunday. My almost 2yr.old daughter Abigail could not be quiet in church while sitting in my lap. She kept pointing and saying "nim-enims" and "gwum balls"!

All clearance items were 75% off the already marked down prices. So I paid $2.50 for the bigger necklace sets, and $1-$1.50 for the others.

If you can see everything in the picture, I paid $15.35 for ALL of these fun pieces!!! A few will be gifts...hope they aren't reading:)

Check HERE for a Charming Charlie location in your area - and get ready to have your heart "pitter-patter" when you walk in the door!

So do you have a "thrifty adventure" that you would like to share?

If you do not have a blog to show us your pictures, link to your Facebook - just make sure that the pics are for "everyone" to view;)

Please mention that you are linking to this site, so that everyone can come back and see more "thrifty adventures"; also, take a minute to visit Rhoda at Today's Thrifty Treasures!

Family Movie Review - Darby O'Gill and the Little People

2010-08-06T15:55:00.002-04:00

This is one of our all-time favorite family movies!

The 50's were some of the best Disney live-action movies we have ever seen.

Darby O'Gill and the Little People debuted in 1959.

Pictures from Started by a Mouse

"The Wishing Song" has spurred many fun rants in our house, and this is a St. Patrick's Day must-have. (even if it is just to watch the "Fox Chase" fiddle rant by Darby while you are dancing around the coffee table and doing an Irish jig!)

Pictures from Started by a Mouse

There are a few intense scenes for younger viewers with a banshee and the Costa Bower (the death coach) coming for someone who is dying. But they are surrounded by so much fun and liveliness it is soon forgotten.

You will be amazed at the visual effects of the leprechauns, and make sure you see the special features...one of Walt's favorites!

Here is the description found on Amazon.com and on the back of the DVD:

"Take a wee bit of ancient folklore, mix in some spectacular special effects and a magical cast (including Sean Connery) -- and you've got one of the most enchanting fantasies of all time! A frisky old storyteller named Darby O'Gill is desperately seeking the proverbial pot of gold. There's just one tiny thing standing in his way: a 21-inch leprechaun named King Brian. In order to get the gold, Darby must match his wits against the shrewd little trickster -- which proves no small task, indeed! Fall under the spell of DARBY O'GILL AND THE LITTLE PEOPLE for a fun-filled evening of magic, mirth, and nonstop shenanigans"

Grace (dd9) - "It makes me happy, it's funny, and it has adventure. I REALLY love it!"

William (ds7) - "Yea, I like it. It's funny and it's neat. I like the "Fox Chase" the best!"

I will leave you with a song sung by Sean Connery in the movie:

Oh, she is my dear, my darlin' one / Her eyes so sparklin', full of fun / No other, no other / Can match the likes of her.

She's my dear, my darlin' one / My smilin' and beguilin' one / I love the ground she walks upon / My pretty Irish girl.

Tip of the Week - Breastfeeding Benefits

2010-08-05T10:54:00.003-04:00

This is World Breastfeeding Week and I wanted to give some encouragement to those moms that are considering breastfeeding or are in the midst of it.

I breastfed my 4 children at least 18 months and up to 20 months before they weaned themselves.

My Tip about breastfeeding is this - if you are at the 3 month mark with your baby, you will see an increase in feedings (almost as bad as a newborn eating every 2 hours) and will wonder if you may not have enough milk and need to supplement or go strait to a bottle.

The strait answer...NO! Your baby is going through a growing spurt and needs extra nourishment. Don't give up on your superpower:) You make milk for that baby that will help him/her and you in so many ways.

So my advice, stick with it. The feedings will level out in a few weeks or less, and you will be glad that you continued breastfeeding your infant.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!

Here is an article from AskDrSears.com:

BREASTFEEDING BENEFITS FROM TOP TO BOTTOM

Breastfeeding is good for every part of baby's body--from the brain to the diaper area. Here's a list:

Brain. Higher IQ in breastfed children. Cholesterol and other types of fat in human milk support the growth of nerve tissue.
Eyes. Visual acuity is higher in babies fed human milk.
Ears. Breastfed babies get fewer ear infections.
Mouth. Less need for orthodontics in children breastfed more than a year. Improved muscle development of face from suckling at the breast. Subtle changes in the taste of human milk prepare babies to accept a variety of solid foods.
Throat. Children who are breastfed are less likely to require tonsillectomies.
Respiratory system. Evidence shows that breastfed babies have fewer and less severe upper respiratory infections, less wheezing, less pneumonia and less influenza.
Heart and circulatory system. Evidence suggests that breastfed children may have lower cholesterol as adults. Heart rates are lower in breastfed infants.
Digestive system. Less diarrhea, fewer gastrointestinal infections in babies who are breastfeeding. Six months or more of exclusive breastfeeding reduces risk of food allergies. Also, less risk of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in adulthood.
Immune system. Breastfed babies respond better to vaccinations. Human milk helps to mature baby's own immune system. Breastfeeding decreases the risk of childhood cancer.
Endocrine system. Reduced risk of getting diabetes.
Kidneys. With less salt and less protein, human milk is easier on a baby's kidneys.
Appendix. Children with acute appendicitis are less likely to have been breastfed.
Urinary tract. Fewer infections in breastfed infants.
Joints and muscles. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is less common in children who were breastfed.
Skin. Less allergic eczema in breastfed infants.
Growth. Breastfed babies are leaner at one year of age and less likely to be obese later in life.
Bowels. Less constipation. Stools of breastfed babies have a less-offensive odor.

And more seriously, breast feeding protects mothers and their children from cancer! Says the American Institute for Cancer Research HERE.

"Experts at the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) recommend that new mothers breastfeed their children for at least the first six months. They cite convincing evidence that this practice offers cancer protection to both mother and child.

According to AICR, new mothers can directly lower their own risk of both pre- and post-menopausal breast cancer by breastfeeding. And children who are breastfed are less likely to become overweight or obese, which in turn lowers their risk of several common cancers that have now been convincingly linked to excess body fat."

WOW! What an amazing gift that God has given women in breastfeeding their babies:)

I have a sister site called Coupon Makeover - Do you Love FREE groceries?
I have included a list of Breastfeeding Freebies...so go check it out HERE!

I also found this on Raising Olives - visit uddercovers.com today or tomorrow, pick out the cover (or gift set) of your choice and type breastfeeding into the promo code box. It will take $32 off of your order total, so all you pay is $9.95 shipping.
If you’re not currently breastfeeding this would make a nice baby shower gift. Hurry, because some of the fabrics are already back ordered.

p.s. I found great t-shirts with the milk/superpower logo all over the web - my favorite is from Cafe Press HERE.

ABC Prayers

2010-08-04T19:29:00.002-04:00

Do you ever have difficulty trying to teach your children how to pray?

We have found a unique way to teach our children their alphabet, praying, and art all in one!

This special event is called ABC Prayers or Alphabet Prayers.

We do this during the day as part of our Homeschool after our lunchtime, but you can alter it to fit your needs.

Start off by brainstorming for the letter of the day – we started the first day with A (of course) then the next day was B, the next C… you get the picture.

When we brainstorm for that letter, we will use B for an example. Each child (and Mommy) picks a thing that we are thankful for, and a person (past or present) to pray for or thank God for their Godly influence in history.

Here is the list for the Letter B that we did:

Brittany/Birthdays

Bach/Bible

Benjamin/Buzz Lightyear

Babies/Breakfast

After we all pray for our chosen items, we go to the table and draw a picture in our own notebooks of the items we prayed for. The little ones may need Mommy to draw it, and then they can color it in.

This notebook will be something that the children will be able to look back on throughout the years, and you will have created a memory that could last a lifetime:)

So this is our ABC Prayers Tutorial. I hope that it will bless your family in its efforts to be more thankful in the days ahead.

Let me know if you decide to use it in your family!

(I am linking this article to Raising Homemakers and Works for Me Wednesday,
and Wordful Wednesday.)

RECIPE - Loony Lips

2010-08-03T12:53:00.001-04:00

Welcome to the Newsom Recipe Box.

Today I am going to share one of our favorite healthy snacks.

This is a great after school treat (or ANY time of the day!) - we call it "Loony Lips".

We substitute some raisins in place of marshmallows for a "need to go to the dentist" look.

See the official recipe HERE...but it is pretty easy if you have an apple slicer.

"Loony Lips"

*Slice the apple

*Spread Peanut Butter on one slice then press another slice of apple on top

*Open slightly to place marshmallows or raisins inside

*Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar on top

*Enjoy:)

Let me know how you like it!

You can see a plethora of fabulous recipes at
Tasty Tuesday

Tuesdays at the Table

Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays!

Thrifty Adventures - A Medival Mace Comes Home

2010-08-02T15:43:00.001-04:00

Last month I was at a yard sale about 2 miles from my house, they had some items for sale in their garage from which I found 2 lounging camp chairs for $2-3 dollars (we've needed these for a long time). But I spotted on the garage wall, a plaque of sorts that was medieval with 2 swords crossed in the middle. She had to call her husband out to see if he would part with it, and yes he did...for $3!

The only thing is that the middle piece was missing. Oh well, it still looked great with all of our medieval decor.

You see, we love the medieval time period, and besides one tapestry that my husband got me for my birthday one year, I have found all of my MANY medieval decorations at yard sales and thrift shops!

Well, at least 3 weeks after this sale, I was at another yard sale (about 15 miles away) and spotted something that made my mouth drop and my heart soar.

THE MISSING PIECE TO MY MEDIEVAL PLAQUE!!!

I picked it up, it had the same red fabric and tabs as the swords! I asked the older man, "Does this go with any other piece?" He then said, "Two years ago I sold the piece that this goes to at a YARD SALE we had that year, I couldn't find the piece then, but figured I would put it out today, it's $1".

He then commences to tell me about how the piece was made in Mexico and had swords that crossed in the front. I told him that I had bought THAT piece from a guy at a yard sale a few weeks before!

Doesn't God have a sense of humor in orchestrating these little events?

I am utterly amazed at my find...a medieval mace comes home at last:)

So do you have a "thrifty adventure" that you would like to share?

If you do not have a blog to show us your pictures, link to your Facebook - just make sure that the pics are for "everyone" to view;)

Please mention that you are linking to this site, so that everyone can come back and see more "thrifty adventures"; also, take a minute to visit Rhoda at Today's Thrifty Treasures!

Family Movie Review - The Storykeepers

2010-07-30T13:21:00.002-04:00

Are you absolutely sick of the filth that is being produced for our children to watch and fill their minds with these days?

Philippians 4:8 (King James Version)

" ⁸Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

What can you do as a parent to encourage your children to "think on these things"?

Finding good programs to watch can be difficult. We are very particular when it comes to mind entertainment, and the kids have a "scissors club" that Daddy has started recently (more on that later).

Every week I will be featuring a video from our collection.

This week it is The Storykeepers by Focus on the Family.(Zonderkidz and Goodtimes DVD)

This 13 DVD collection is one that you can watch over and over. Each individual DVD is 30 minutes long and will help the stories of Jesus and the early church come alive in your child's mind and heart.

"The year is A.D. 64, and in Rome, the church faces fierce persecution. Driven into hiding, Christians gather wherever it is safe, and together they brave the Emperor Nero's fury. At secret meetings they learn about Jesus of Nazareth...And their faith prospers, thanks to Helena, and their family of young orphans: Anna, Zakkai the Zealot, Justin, Marcus, and Cyrus, a young street juggler, keep the stories of Jesus alive in ...the Storykeepers"

This collection would also be a helpful resource if you are learning about Rome or the early Christians as well.

Let me know if you have this collection and what you think of it - any other questions, please feel free to ask!

(I am linking this article to A Silly Little Sparrow)

Tip of the Week - Pizza Cutter and Pancakes

2010-07-29T13:28:00.000-04:00

Having 4 little mouths to feed is a daunting tasks when they are all chirping for their morning meal.

An easy way to get pancakes on the table and ready to devour can take less time if you use a pizza cutter.

Whip that pizza cutter out and cut those pancakes in a flash!

I cut my pancakes in half first, then put the halves on top of each other. Start making cuts to make as many triangles as possible and then pour syrup on last...how do you cut your pancakes?

Do you have a tip that I can feature?

Email me at thisparentingadventure @ gmail.com (remove spaces).

Full Name Tragedy

2010-07-28T07:50:00.043-04:00

Clip art courtesy http://etc.usf.edu/clipart

How do your children know their full names?

You say it when they get in trouble, right?

He spilled cheerios all over the floor: "Thomas Freeman Watson!"

She left the hose out in the driveway and the handle got run over and crushed: "Brittany Ray Newsom!"

How much time did you spend deciding on that middle name? You may have spent months doing research on meanings of names, saying them over and over to hear how the first and middle sounded together, maybe looking into family genealogy, and even making sure that it didn't spell a bad acronym!

But now, to use that child's precious full name - the name that you gave him on the day of his birth - only when he gets in trouble? Well, that's a tragedy.

But what do you do about it?

One thing I have done since my children were infants is to use their full names when saying "good night" to them.

So I will say, "I love you, Victoria Grace Newsom."

And she will say, "I love you, Mommy Newsom."

Then we will say any other good night words, and I say a prayer for that specific child.

Speaking your child's full name in a positive way, and as a regular ritual, such as before she goes to bed, gives comfort and confidence in who she is as a child in your special little family.

So start a new tradition...lose the full name tragedy, and embrace some new good night words:)

(I am linking this article to Raising Homemakers.)

RECIPE - Garlic Butter

2010-07-27T13:43:00.003-04:00

picture from www.finecooking.com

What goes good on bread, corn on the cob, potatoes and more? BUTTER!!!

But not just any butter, homemade garlic butter that is to DIE for:)

Newsom Homemade Garlic Butter

...don't let me deceive you, I do NOT make my own butter, and it's not REAL butter - it is the fake stuff in a tub:)...

You will need:
A container to store extra special butter
Minced Garlic *
Garlic Pepper *
Garlic Salt *
Onion Powder *
Parsley Flakes *
And don't forget your fake butter:)

Real butter will work as well, just soften to mix

Everything with an * can be bought at the Dollar Tree!

Just mix a little of everything into the butter with a fork and let sit in the fridge for a few hours to absorb the flavors. But you know what, I have made some on the spot to use, and it still taste amazing!!!

You say, well Angela, how much do I really need to mix in with the butter?

For an 8 ounce measurement of butter, I would use 1 tbsp. of minced garlic, and 3 shakes of everything else (maybe an extra shake of parsley).

Let me know how you like it!

You can see a plethora of fabulous recipes at

Tasty Tuesday

Tuesdays at the Table

Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays!

Thrifty Adventures - Chairs, a table, and a new love

2010-07-26T08:22:00.001-04:00

So, I have a new love. I didn't really know that I loved him so much until this weekend.

His name?

Craig.

You see, he has a "list".

It is amazing what people price for items they put on this Craig's List...some are overpriced, many are great deals, and a few times you will be AMAZED at the treasures that await you when you visit his amazing list.

This week a friend gave us a 150 year old family table that they had no room for. It needs to be painted or refinished on the top, but we LOVE items with a history.

If you think about it, their ancestors were eating at this table during the Civil War! (I still have to find out if they were fighting for the North or South...)

We have a large table in our rectangular dining room, but if we want to have anyone over to eat, it becomes a little crowded with our family of 6 + guests. So I now have one L-O-N-G table, putting them both together (a little mismatched, but I am thinking of a way to remedy that without using a table cloth), but not enough chairs.

I quickly checked on Craig's List and found someone selling 6 chairs AND a table for $30...gulp...did I just hit the jackpot?

I called, confirmed, and picked them up on Saturday. They are worn for wear, but I am planning on painting them. I will post before and after pics when I get them finished. They are sturdy high back chairs with some scroll work on the back - absolutely BEAUTIFUL!

The table? Didn't need the table, but a family member does, so it works out well.

Finding deals is so exhilarating, isn't it?

So do you have a "thrifty adventure" that you would like to share? If you do not have a blog to show us your pictures, link to your Facebook - just make sure that the pics are for "everyone" to view;)

Please mention that you are linking to this site by copying this word HERE, so that everyone can come back and see more "thrifty adventures" or visit Rhoda at Today's Thrifty Treasures!

Abigail Christiana Newsom - Blessing 4

2010-07-23T12:34:00.000-04:00

Abigail Christiana Newsom is almost 2. Born in August.

She talks up a storm and can say anything - gotta be a girl thing:).

She loves books and music.

Her favorite songs are Bless you and Keep you (The Lord Bless You and Keep You), Twinkle Twinkle Little Tar, and Daddy Bunting (Bye Baby Bunting).

We are working with her on obeying first time.

Nathanael Caedmon Charles Newsom - Blessing 3

2010-07-23T12:31:00.000-04:00

Nathanael Caedmon Charles Newsom is 4 and was a late talker. Born in May.

Now, of course, we can't get him to be quiet for even a minute!

He loves to use adjectives when speaking, and is hilarious even if he doesn't mean to be:)

He loves puppets, cars and the color orange.

Nate has become a very good frog catcher like his big brother William.

We are working with him on choosing to be happy instead of whining.

William Alfred Alexander Newsom - Blessing 2

2010-07-22T15:55:00.003-04:00

William Alfred Alexander Newsom is my 7 year old. Born in July.

He loves to play knights, swords, and "tickle monster".

He loves to collect treasures and trinkets of all kinds.

William loves his back to be scratched and always wants someone to play with him.

We are working with him on sharing - and he is getting MUCH better about it!

Victoria "Grace" Newsom - Blessing 1

2010-07-21T23:51:00.001-04:00

Victoria Grace Newsom is 9, we call her Grace. Born in December.
She is her daddy’s girl and is just like him in so many ways.

She absolutely loves to read, if you can’t find her, she is in a corner somewhere reading a book.
Grace has a wonderful imagination that delights people of all ages.
She has a tender heart for those that are elderly and the little ones.
We are working with her on having a good attitude in all things.

Chad - The Daddy

2010-07-20T23:12:00.000-04:00

William Chad Newsom, my husband, is an amazing man that has written a few books, lots of articles, poems, and stories. See his website in progress called Talking of Dragons - Home Education and Cultural Renewal.

He has also written for Veritas Press for their Omnibus (High School Curriculum) and taught for their programs as well. He longs to be a full time writer, but works a regular job to pay the bills:)

He amazes me with his musical ability, and he writes music...for our family. I love it when he gets out the guitar for us to all sing along on Jamie Soles songs, or plays on the piano in the dining room after dinner.

We love historical places and movies. We have been together for 20 years (as of 2010) and been married for 17 years. God is making a great leader out of him, and he is shepherding our family down some amazing paths. Chad is a life-long learner whose one desire is to serve God in being faithful and true. I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for our little family at Newsom Hall!

Angela - The Mommy

2010-07-10T21:17:00.000-04:00

Mommy Newsom, or so I am called in the evening at bedtime. “I love you Mommy Newsom” they each say in turn as I tuck them in. My name is Angela and I have 4 little blessings that I call my own.

I teach Coupon Makeover Classes. What’s that? I show people how to cut their grocery bill 75% and even get groceries for FREE. It is an amazing opportunity to share this “coupon knowledge” that has changed the lives (and pantries!) of so many people. May God be praised for the work that is being done. Check it out on www.couponmakeover.com.

I love to do crafty things like “one-stroke” painting and trying to sew. I am addicted to yard sale-ing and have a long list of waiting projects.

Most importantly, I homeschool our children - so in the minds of some people I may be a "saint" or "super mom"...but no, it's just me. I am trying to do what I feel the Lord has called us to do as a family.

I encourage you to keep an open mind if all these views that I recommend in my writings seem daunting. No one is perfect and we are all trying to do the best we can on this parenting adventure!

More about me to come later…now on to my family!

We are glad you stopped by!

2010-06-27T16:42:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Newsom Hall - this is a place for following this parenting adventure of the Newsom Family in "Raising Maidens of Virtue and Knights of Honor".

We are a Christian Homeschooling Family of 4 blessings, and not perfect by ANY means!

This is a spot for us to share our mayhem, mishaps, and musings.

We are not the average lot, and may ruffle a few feathers with our views, but feel free to ask us questions and disagree. It is a journey of learning and we do not claim to know it all:)

Enjoy visiting Newsom Hall - come back soon!